Dressed For Power
Selene stirred awake, her breath uneven as she sat up abruptly. For a fleeting moment, she thought she was still in her old bedroom-until reality hit her like a tidal wave. She wasn't home. She wasn't even welcome in her so-called family's house anymore.
Her fingers gripped the silky sheets as the events of the past few days crashed down on her-her father's betrayal, her sister's vicious triumph, and the ultimate humiliation of seeing the man she once loved tangled with the very person who had ruined her life. Then, there was Lucian. The man who had saved her from the edge of despair and offered her something she never thought possible-a second chance.
She sighed and swung her legs off the bed, only to freeze mid-motion.
She had no clothes.
Panic bloomed in her chest. How was she supposed to go to work? She instinctively turned to check if Lucian was still asleep, but his side of the bed was empty.
Just then, a soft creak made her ears perk up. Her gaze darted toward the bathroom door.
And there he was.
Lucian stood in the doorway, steam curling around him like an ethereal veil. He had a towel draped around his neck, using it to rub his damp jet-black hair, while another was loosely wrapped around his waist, hanging dangerously low. Water droplets clung to his sculpted abs, each ridge of his muscles illuminated by the soft morning light. His deep silver eyes locked onto hers, and a knowing smirk tugged at his lips.
Selene's breath hitched.
Lucian tilted his head slightly. "Like what you see, wife?"
She jolted, heat rushing up her neck. "I-I wasn't staring."
Lucian chuckled, stepping forward with an air of amusement. "You sure? You looked like you were admiring something."
Selene averted her eyes, trying to regain composure. She needed to focus. She had a bigger problem at hand.
Lucian, noticing her sudden shift in mood, furrowed his brows. "What's wrong?"
She hesitated before muttering, "I don't have any clothes here."
Lucian's gaze softened for a moment before he grasped her hand gently and led her toward a different door. Selene was taken aback by the warmth of his touch, but she followed without resistance.
When he opened the door, her breath caught in her throat.
The walk-in closet was beyond extravagant. Rows upon rows of designer dresses, tailored suits, shoes, and accessories filled the space. The gleaming shelves displayed handbags, watches, and jewelry that could easily cost more than her entire salary.
The walk-in closet

Her hands hovered over a silk blouse before she turned to him, stunned. "When did you prepare all this?"
Lucian leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed in that effortless way that made him look even more powerful. "Had my assistant handle it."
She narrowed her eyes. "A male assistant?"
Lucian smirked. "Jealous?"
She scoffed. "Not even close."
He chuckled. "Relax. He only arranged the delivery. A professional stylist picked everything."
Selene turned back to the dazzling collection, overwhelmed by the sheer luxury before her. She eventually picked a navy-blue dress-professional yet subtly seductive. The fitted waistline and high slit gave it an elegant but bold look.
She took the dress to the bathroom, relieved to have something suitable. As she slipped it on, she struggled to reach the zipper at the back. No matter how hard she stretched, it wouldn't budge.
A sharp twinge of discomfort shot up her arm. She winced.
Taking a deep breath, she called, "Lucian?"
The door opened almost instantly.
Lucian stepped inside, his expression unreadable at first-until his gaze fell on her.
The air shifted.
Selene stood with her back to him, her dress half-zipped, exposing the smooth expanse of her bare skin. The gentle curve of her spine, her small waist, and the soft swell of her hips were all in perfect view.
Lucian's silver eyes darkened, his breathing turning slightly heavier.
He stepped forward slowly, his large hands grazing the zipper. His fingers brushed against her skin as he grasped it, and Selene shivered.
Then it happened.
As he pulled the zipper up, his fingertips inadvertently traced her spine, sending an unexpected rush of warmth through her. A soft moan escaped her lips before she could stop it.
Lucian's entire body stiffened.
His grip on the zipper faltered as his jaw clenched. His control was slipping, and he knew it.
Selene, oblivious to his turmoil, adjusted the fabric slightly-only for her movement to brush against him.
Lucian groaned lowly, his voice thick with restraint.
Selene turned to face him, wide-eyed. She had felt it-his hardness pressing against her unintentionally. A deep blush spread across her cheeks.
Lucian exhaled sharply, stepping back. "You're dangerous, wife." His voice was hoarse, tinged with something raw.
Selene bit her lip. A wicked idea formed in her mind.
She tilted her head playfully and whispered, "Am I?"
Then, just to test him, she leaned ever so slightly against him.
Lucian's muscles tensed. His hands twitched at his sides as he inhaled sharply.
"Selene," he warned, his voice low and thick with desire.
She smirked, enjoying this newfound power over him. "Something wrong, husband?"
Lucian narrowed his eyes before leaning in until his lips were dangerously close to her ear. "Keep teasing me," he murmured, his voice dark, "and I won't be able to hold back."
A delicious shiver ran down her spine.
Deciding she had played enough, she stepped away, flashing him a mischievous smile before walking toward the door.
Lucian exhaled slowly. "You'll regret this," he muttered under his breath, following after her.
They made their way to the underground garage, where a sleek black luxury car awaited them. Lucian opened the door for her before sliding in beside her.
The atmosphere inside was charged with an unspoken tension, but neither of them addressed it.
As they neared their destination, Selene let out a soft gasp.
A towering skyscraper loomed ahead, its reflective windows gleaming under the morning sun. It was a symbol of dominance, an empire built on power and precision.
But what caught her attention most was the enormous billboard beside it-displaying none other than Lucian himself.
She turned to him, eyes wide. "You're the billionaire everyone talks about?"
Lucian smirked. "You sound surprised."
"I just... I didn't expect this."
He studied her carefully before saying, "Don't be intimidated, Selene."
She met his gaze hesitantly.
"You're my wife now," he continued, his voice unwavering. "That means you don't stand behind me. You stand beside me."
Selene's breath caught.
No one had ever told her that before.
For the first time in a long time, she felt something she thought was lost-strength.
Maybe, just maybe, Lucian wouldn't just be the man who saved her.
Maybe he would be the man who made her stronger.