The Aslanovs were good at hiding in plain sight. I knew this would be hard, but this was nearly impossible. No, I berate myself, love hard, and live for the difficult. Tonight will be no different; I will find her.
They were all beautiful women with legs for days and smiles that could steal hearts. There were two of them that seemed slightly out of place. They weren’t as tall and slender as the rest. They were slim but curvy, the kind of women I liked.
One of the young women looked at me, and our eyes locked. With her black hair and pale skin, she appeared to be glowing. Her bright emerald green eyes felt like they were penetrating my soul, as if she could see right into me.
Something about her pulled at me like I was a fish caught on a hook. The red dress she wore, combined with the smokiness of the room, made her seem mischievous. It was like looking at a bright red apple. One that was so irresistible, you just had to have a bite. But I felt sure it was poison.
The room felt hotter with every breath I took. The air thickened with an unnamed substance. My fingers trembled slightly against the rim of the glass. I couldn’t tell if this was all due to the anticipation or frustration.
Everything around me faded into a blur of sound and movement. Voices seemed muffled, the lights dimmer. My focus narrowed and locked onto her. The forbidden allure drew me like the earth's gravity.
I knew I shouldn’t want her, but a monster inside me had awoken and was hungry. My logic had taken a back seat, I was no longer driving this machine. I couldn’t get a grip on myself. My mind was blank for a moment, and my body a slave. My mouth watered as my desire to take a bite grew.
This had never happened to me before. The feelings were so intense. I couldn’t stop it or control it. The feelings surging through my body were so electrifying that I was almost caught off guard. I raised my glass and took a swallow of beer without looking away.
I was hoping the alcohol would take some of the desire away. I let it slide down my throat without thinking. It felt like it was burning as it went down. I realized nothing was going to take this hunger away.
The craving to bite into this poisonous apple was overwhelming. It’s a temptation, a snake I couldn’t catch. With every breath, it only grew stronger. I tried my best to push it out, but the desire was relentless. Pulling me in like a black hole. I couldn’t peel my eyes from hers.
Staring into her mysterious green eyes, I felt captivated. I couldn’t pull away. If not for my mission, I would be on that hot young thing like a tiger in heat, making her scream out my name. But then she smiled, and not only did her face light up, but the entire room appeared brighter.
The strength in her green eyes was mesmerizing. Her skin glowed under the soft light above the table. I found myself struggling to control my emotions as I smiled at her. Then it struck me, she was my way in.
She’d be the pawn I used to set my plan in motion. The perfect distraction to lead me to the Aslanov sister I seek. Everything about her screamed innocence, easy to manipulate. I smiled wider as I lifted my glass in her direction. I offered a sly wink, which she returned with a smile.
Caught in my web, and she didn’t even know it. Every glance, touch, and word I shared tonight was part of the plan. She wouldn’t even see me coming. My mind raced as it mappedout the new plans. This was the perfect start to get to my end game.
I would seduce this primal beauty. Then, I would get her to share some information with me. The information I needed, I would find with her. This offered me a way in, a sudden twist to my night, but a good one. I was looking forward to seeing how this would play out.
Chapter 2 - Clara
I swallowed hard as the stranger started coming my way. The gorgeous-looking man had been making eye contact for the last minute, making me nervous. Yet, I was intrigued by him. It felt like those sparkling blue eyes were pulling me to the depths of the ocean.
The white suit he wore sat like a glove on his muscular body. Each muscle is highlighted to perfection. I blinked a couple of times. I was sure it was a dream. His dark blond hair was messy but suited him. It looked like it was styled in that way..
He looked like a life-size doll, maybe a Ken doll. Everything about him screamed too good to be true. There was a good boy look to him, but a bad boy vibe I couldn’t ignore. It was that vibe that drove me up the walls.
There was no denying the chemistry between us. Just looking at him lit up my body like a Christmas tree on steroids. Glancing back at the bathroom, I hoped my friends would return soon. But in the back of my mind, I was also hoping they didn’t.
I wanted the stranger to come close and whisper in my ear. I scanned his handsome face as he stopped on the other side of the table. He glanced around, cleared his throat, and spoke softly. “Hi, there. Are you alone?” His voice was so deep and hot that I felt a shiver run down my spine.
He knew I wasn’t alone. He had to have seen me talking to my friends when he entered. His smile was inviting and comforting in a way. Coupled with his voice, he was practically irresistible. His posture spoke of confidence and grandeur.
Shifting in my seat, I tried to hide the impending hunger for him. I clutched the sides of the chair in an effort tokeep myself grounded. I felt like pouncing on him right there. Grinning, I glanced back again before answering. “No, I’m not, but I’m sure you know that.”
His smile lit up his eyes as he replied. “I know.” His voice was smooth as honey as he leaned closer. “I saw your friends. But you are alone at this moment, aren’t you?”
I felt the warmth spreading across my cheeks. I was glad the lighting was low as I didn’t want him to notice the sudden glow I felt my body giving off.. It was unlike me to blush so easily. Sitting up, I reached out my hand as I spoke. “Okay, you have me there. I’m Cleo, and you are?” I wasn’t about to give him my real name until I knew it was safe to do so.
He softly took my hand. Instead of shaking it, he laid a tender kiss on it without breaking eye contact. I felt a shiver run through me as my body tingled. He looked so delicious. “Iosif, my lady,” he whispered.
I watched in silence as he pulled out the chair across from me and sat down. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the waiter. Lifting my hand, I waved him closer. I spoke without breaking eye contact. “A beer for the gentleman and another Manhattan for me, please.”
It was impossible to divert my eyes, even though I wanted to. My tongue seemed to be moving at its own will, as I found myself licking my lips.
“Thank you, but I’ll get my own drink,” Iosif said, sitting back in his chair. He had a cool smirk, making his lips more tempting.
“Well,” I huffed under my breath. “You are now seated at my table. Here, I do the ordering. So, unless you’re leaving, I get this round.”
