Chapter 315

Serena's POV

I shivered in the backseat of Kennedy's car despite the heater being turned up to its maximum setting. The Washington winter had a way of seeping into my bones, making me feel like I'd never be warm again. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to contain what little body heat I had left.

"Can we stop somewhere to buy a coat? It's freezing here," I said, my breath forming a small cloud in front of me despite the car's heating system working overtime.

Kennedy glanced at me through the rearview mirror, his eyes appraising me with that familiar mix of interest and condescension I'd grown accustomed to.

"I thought you didn't feel the cold, Serena," he remarked with a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. This was typical Kennedy-he'd do what I asked, but never without making me feel like my request was somehow a personal weakness. He was that kind of man-the type who would fulfill your requests but never anticipate your needs. The epitome of outdated masculinity wrapped in an expensive suit.

"Everyone feels cold in Washington in January," I replied, keeping my voice even. "Even you must own a winter coat."

He chuckled, seeming pleased that he'd gotten under my skin. "There's a shopping center just ahead. We can stop there."

I didn't respond, just stared out the window at the gray sky. Kennedy was a necessary alliance for now, nothing more.

The car pulled up to a massive glass-fronted building. Kennedy handed his keys to the valet with barely a glance at the young man who rushed forward to assist us. I stepped out, the bitter wind instantly cutting through my thin blazer. Benjamin didn't offer his coat or even acknowledge my discomfort as we walked toward the entrance.

"I'll meet you inside," I told him, already walking toward the women's outerwear section. "This won't take long."

The warmth of the store enveloped me as soon as I stepped inside, but it wasn't enough to dispel the chill that had settled into my bones. I made my way quickly to the winter coat section, my eyes scanning the racks for something both warm and suitable. That's when I saw him.

Mateo García. Again.

My heart sank. What twisted fate kept throwing this man into my path? Just yesterday he'd looked at me with such disdain that I'd felt the judgment radiating off him in waves. All because I'd glanced at him a few times-was that such a crime?

Panic rose in my chest as his eyes met mine. I didn't want him thinking I was following him-the very thought was mortifying. Without thinking, I reached for Kennedy's arm and linked mine through it, pressing closer than I normally would have.

Kennedy's reaction was immediate-surprise followed by pleasure. A rare smile softened his usually stern features, and I could feel his posture straightening, as if my touch had somehow validated him.

A mocking smile played at the corner of his lips as his gaze traveled from my face to my hand on Kennedy's arm. The judgment in his eyes was unmistakable, and it made my blood boil.

I tugged Kennedy past Mateo, chin raised, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me uncomfortable.

"I need something warm," I told the sales assistant who approached us.

The woman nodded. "We just received our new designer collection yesterday. I have three options that would be perfect for you."

She disappeared into the back and returned with three coats. They were all beautiful, but one in particular caught my eye-a deep navy puffer with subtle silver accents that would perfectly complement my complexion.

"This one has a matching men's version," the assistant said, looking hopefully at Kennedy. "Would you like to try it on as well, sir?"

"No, that won't be necessary," I cut in before Kennedy could answer. "Just the women's coat, please. I'll take it."

Kennedy stepped forward. "I'll take care of it." He pulled out his wallet and followed the assistant to the register.

I didn't protest. Kennedy had more money than he knew what to do with, and I wasn't above letting him spend some of it on me. It was the least he could do after dragging me to Washington in the dead of winter for his family's boring dinner.

While waiting for Benjamin to return, I slipped on the new coat, savoring its immediate warmth despite the store's heating. I examined my reflection in a nearby mirror, adjusting the collar and smoothing down the front. It fit perfectly, accentuating my waist while still looking sophisticated and warm.

The sound of a fitting room door opening caught my attention. I turned just as Mateo stepped out, and my heart nearly stopped.

He was wearing the men's version of my coat.

"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered under my breath. "Son of a bitch!"

Our eyes met in the mirror, and I could see the contempt in his gaze, as if he thought I'd deliberately chosen this coat to match his. The absurdity of the situation would have been comical if it wasn't so infuriating.

Without breaking eye contact, I yanked the coat off, my movements sharp with anger. To my satisfaction, Mateo did the same, shrugging out of his coat with equal irritation.

We stood there, locked in a silent standoff, neither willing to be the one to back down. Why should I change my choice because of him? I saw the coat first. I liked it. I wanted it. And I wasn't going to let some judgmental stranger dictate my wardrobe choices.

"Is everything okay?" Kennedy's voice broke through my anger as he returned with a shopping bag.

"It's fine," I said curtly, grabbing the coat from where I'd draped it over a nearby rack. "Let's go."

As we walked toward the exit, Kennedy glanced back at Mateo, recognition dawning on his face.

"Isn't that the model from yesterday? The one who looks like Lucas Harrington?"

"He looks nothing like Lucas," I snapped, more harshly than I intended. The suggestion that this arrogant, judgmental man resembled Lucas in any way set my teeth on edge. "If you ever meet both of them, you'll see they have absolutely nothing in common."

Kennedy's eyebrows rose at my vehemence. "You seem rather upset about him. Was he the one who bothered you last night?"

"Yes," I admitted as we stepped out into the cold again.

Kennedy studied my face with newfound interest. "I've never seen anyone get under your skin like this before, Serena. It's... unexpected."

I didn't respond. Back in the car, I remained agitated about our encounter. A strange feeling grew-why did this stranger's attitude affect me so deeply? Why did I react so strongly to him?