Chapter 16

As their eyes met, Spencer’s words seemed to echo in the quiet kitchen. But Adam, leaning against the door frame with a casual ease that only heightened the tension, simply raised a smirking eyebrow at her, as if to silently ask, Isn’t there already someone between the two of you?
Melanie stiffened, her fingers curling against Spencer’s chest as she attempted to push him away. “Let go of me,” she said, her voice firm despite the sudden dryness in her throat.
Spencer, however, didn’t seem to hear her—or perhaps he chose not to. Instead, he tightened his hold, his warm breath ghosting over her skin as he turned his head and nuzzled into the hollow of her neck.
Melanie’s breath hitched, but it wasn’t because of Spencer’s touch. It was because Adam was still watching.
His gaze was unreadable, but something about it sent a sharp thrill down her spine. He wasn’t just looking at them—he was assessing them. Studying the way Spencer held her.
And then Spencer whispered her name.
Adam’s expression darkened.
The change was subtle but undeniable. His smirk faded, and his stance shifted ever so slightly, the easy amusement in his eyes giving way to something else. Something sharper.
Melanie should have said something—warned Spencer that they weren’t alone—but her voice was caught somewhere between her throat and her pounding heart. And before she could force the words out, Adam was already moving.
With deliberate, measured silent steps, he crossed the room, his presence commanding enough to send a shiver down her spine. By the time Spencer seemed to realize that something had changed, it was too late.
Adam was standing right next to them.
“Don’t you people have a bedroom?”
His deep voice was laced with amusement and it shattered whatever haze Spencer had been in.
Spencer jolted as if he’d been burned. He practically jumped away from Melanie, his grip loosening so suddenly that she lost her balance.
A startled gasp escaped her as she teetered backward.
In a flash, Adam’s hand shot out, catching her with an ease that was almost infuriating. His palm rested against the small of her back, the warmth of his touch searing through the fabric of her dress.
Melanie froze.
The moment stretched.
Then, just as she was about to pull away, she felt it—a quick, subtle pinch at her waist.
Her breath hitched, and she jerked away as if burned.
Adam didn’t react. At least, not visibly. But there was a knowing glint in his eyes that told her he had definitely meant to do that.
Melanie’s heart was pounding in her chest as she hurriedly reached for Spencer’s arm, gripping it tighter than necessary. “Let’s go back,” she said, her voice coming out sharper than intended.
She needed to get out of here. Away from the smirk tugging at Adam’s lips.
But Spencer wasn’t done. His stance remained firm, his glare sharp as he locked eyes with Adam, wanting to confront him.
“Do you really think delaying my appointment by a year changes anything?” he spat, his voice edged with irritation. “It means nothing to me. Melanie and I are one—so whether it’s now or later, I will
Adam let out a quiet chuckle, rolling his shoulders in a lazy shrug as he strolled toward the refrigerator. He moved with an infuriating ease, as if Spencer’s anger didn’t so much as graze him.
From inside, he pulled out a plate with a slice of cake, examining it with an amused smirk before holding it up.
“If you and Melanie are truly one…” he mused, slicing into the cake with a small spoon. “Then why are you the one after that position?” He lifted a brow, his tone dripping with mock curiosity. “Why not let her keep it?”
He took a slow bite, savoring the dessert before giving Spencer a knowing look.
“You see, Spencer, not everything in life is a cake that can be handed to you on a silver platter by your wife.” He licked the edge of the spoon before continuing, “You should be careful. If you’re not paying attention… someone might steal your cake.”
Spencer’s patience snapped.
“I don’t give a damn about your cake metaphors or your pathetic mind games!” he barked, fists clenching at his sides. “You were thrown out of this house a long time ago, Adam. You shouldn’t have come back!” His chest rose and fell with fury as he took a step closer. “But since you have… don’t get too comfortable. Because I will throw you out again.”
With that, he spun around and stormed out of the kitchen, his footsteps echoing down the hall. Silence followed.
Melanie exhaled slowly, realizing just how tense her body had become during their exchang and was about to move away. But before she could gather her thoughts, Adam turned his gaze to her.
He started walking toward her, a slow, deliberate pace that sent a shiver down her spine.
“Hmm…” He hummed thoughtfully, twirling the spoon between his fingers. “This mango cake is delicious. Absolutely divine.” His lips curved into a smirk. “I personally finished the entire thing.”
Melanie swallowed as he came closer, stopping just inches from her.
“The chef who made this…” He tilted his head, his gaze flicking to her hands before locking onto her eyes. “I’d love to kiss her hands in gratitude.”
Her breath hitched. It was the cake she had made yesterday for Spencer.
Adam then glanced down at the last remaining bite on his spoon. He raised it between them, his voice dipping into something softer, silkier.
“Would you like a taste of temptation?”
As if under a spell, Melanie found herself leaning forward. Her lips parted as she took the last bite from his spoon, feeling a peculiar heat as she kept her eyes locked on his.
His eyes darkened then, his smirk fading into something far more dangerous.