Jade could still feel the lingering warmth of Thiago’s lips on hers as they stared at each other in the softly lit hallway. Her heart raced, and her cheeks burned, but as the reality of what she had done hit her, panic set in.
“I—” she stammered, pulling back quickly and taking a step away from him. “I’m so sorry. That… that shouldn’t have happened.”
Thiago’s dark eyes danced with amusement, his lips still curved into that signature smirk of his. He tilted his head, watching her squirm for a moment before replying. “Why are you apologizing?”
Jade blinked at him, flustered. “Because! I kissed you! I—I don’t even know why I did it. I wasn’t thinking. It was a mistake—”
Thiago cut her off with a low chuckle, shoving his hands casually into his pockets as he leaned slightly against the wall. “Relax, Jade. It’s okay. I didn’t exactly push you away, did I?”
That shut her up. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, struggling to find the words. “Well… no, but still…”
He pushed off the wall, stepping closer to her. His eyes softened slightly, though the teasing glint was still there. “No need to overthink it. It’s Paris, remember? It does things to people.”
Jade let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
“Maybe,” Thiago replied, shrugging, his grin growing wider. “But you’re fine. Come on, let’s head back. Enzo’s probably making another round of drinks by now.”
Jade hesitated, still embarrassed, but she knew staying here and stewing about it wouldn’t help. She followed him back through the quiet hallway, her heels clicking softly on the marble floors, her mind spinning the entire way.
Back at the suite, the atmosphere had shifted into something much more relaxed. When Jade and Thiago entered, Enzo and Milan were already in the living room. Enzo had ditched his blazer, lounging on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table. A half-empty bottle of whiskey sat in front of him, and he was swirling a glass lazily in his hand. Milan, on the other hand, sat in the armchair across from him, still looking perfectly composed despite the long day, his shirt sleeves rolled up neatly to his elbows.
“Finally,” Enzo drawled, looking up as they walked in. “We were starting to think you two got lost.”
Thiago smirked but didn’t offer an explanation, dropping onto the couch next to Enzo. Jade shot him a glare before she quietly slipped off her heels and settled into the empty space across from Milan, her nerves still slightly frayed.
“You look like you need a drink,” Enzo said, grinning at her as he poured more whiskey into a glass. “Here.”
Jade hesitated but decided one drink couldn’t hurt. She took the glass he offered, murmuring a quiet “thank you” as she settled back into the plush cushions.
“Long day?” Milan asked, his cool blue eyes studying her closely.
“Yeah,” Jade replied with a faint laugh. “I guess you could say that.”
“It’s not over yet,” Thiago added, grinning as he took a sip of his own drink. “We’re just getting started.”
Jade rolled her eyes. “Of course you’d say that.”
They settled into an easy rhythm, sipping their drinks and sharing casual conversation about everything except business. Jade found herself relaxing more than she expected. It was strange—sitting there with three powerful men who felt untouchable most of the time—yet in this moment, they seemed surprisingly normal. Well, as normal as Milan, Enzo, and Thiago could ever be.
At one point, Enzo leaned forward, a playful gleam in his eyes. “Alright, Jade. Let’s play a little game. We’ll ask you a question, you answer honestly. Simple, right?”
Jade arched an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes at him. “This feels like a trap.”
“Maybe,” Thiago chimed in, grinning. “But it’s a fun trap.”
She sighed, shaking her head. “Fine. Ask away.”
Enzo leaned back, feigning casual interest as he swirled the whiskey in his glass. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
Jade choked on her drink, coughing as her face turned red. “Excuse me?”
Thiago snorted, clearly enjoying her reaction, while Milan shot Enzo a disapproving look. “Was that really necessary?”
“Very necessary,” Enzo replied smoothly, unfazed. “It’s a fair question.” He looked back at Jade expectantly. “Well?”
Jade’s cheeks were still burning, but she cleared her throat and straightened up. “No. I don’t.”
Thiago raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “No boyfriend, huh? I find that hard to believe.”
“Why?” Jade shot back, crossing her arms. “Do I look like I should have one?”
“I’m just saying, someone’s probably kicking himself for letting you go,” Thiago replied with a lazy grin.
“Or someone’s trying to claim her,” Enzo added, smirking.
Jade glared at both of them. “Why do I feel like I’m being interrogated?”
Milan finally spoke, his tone cool and even. “It’s not an interrogation, Jade. They just enjoy getting under people’s skin. Ignore them.”
“Thank you,” Jade replied pointedly, giving Milan a look of gratitude.
“But,” Enzo added, ignoring her, “it’s interesting that someone like you doesn’t have a boyfriend.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, giving him a sharp look.
Enzo just grinned. “Nothing. Just an observation.”
Jade huffed, taking another sip of her whiskey. “Well, for the record, I’m single by choice. I don’t have time for distractions.”
“Right,” Thiago teased, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Because working for us isn’t distracting at all.”
Jade opened her mouth to retort but quickly shut it again, realizing she was only digging herself deeper. “You know what? I’m done with this conversation.”
Enzo laughed, clearly satisfied with having gotten a rise out of her. “Alright, alright. We’ll drop it. For now.”
Milan shook his head, though his lips quirked into a faint smile. “You’re both insufferable.”