Serena
I reached Roman's house wearing a white silk dress adorned with a diamond necklace, the elegant piece resting against my collarbone. My black curls cascading down my back that added to the allure of the attire.
The house was situated in an upscale neighborhood of NYC, looking different than it was at the night of Lexi's party. Every aspect of it exuded opulence and a sense of aristocracy, embodying the heritage of old money.
It seemed Roman was engrossed in conversation with a woman in her late 40s when our eyes unexpectedly met as I approached them. His eyes widened as he took me in, his gaze lingering on my lips, my eyes, and the curve of my hips. I could feel his eyes burning into my skin, and blood rushing to my face. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I tried to remember the last time a man looked at me like that. Oh...wait. Never. Not even Tyler.
After Tyler left me for another woman, I found myself spiraling into a vortex of self-doubt and insecurity. I began to scrutinize my appearance, my behavior, and even my intelligence, desperately searching for the reason behind his abandonment. Was it my looks? My personality? My IQ?
I became consumed by the need to understand why Tyler had chosen another woman over me, endlessly comparing myself to her, convinced that she possessed some intangible quality that I lacked. I was obsessed with identifying her flaws, believing that by doing so, I could somehow justify Tyler's decision.
But this man...this rude and arrogant man...
I couldn't explain it, but his attention, even if it was laced with condescension, made me feel strangely empowered. His gaze, though piercing and often dismissive, ignited a spark of confidence within me.
"Rina, this is Serena Harper, my fiancée." His voice resonated beside me, a subtle touch grazing my back. "And Serena, meet Rina. She'll be capturing our moments for her magazine."
"Nice to meet you, darling." She smiled warmly extending her arm, which I promptly took. We chatted for few more minutes before she excused herself to prepare for the photoshoot.
"Don't be fooled by her warm and cheerful smile." Roman spoke as soon as she left, "She carries a carefully crafted façade to conceal her determination for hunt of a good story." His words struck a chord as I realized her profession gave her the power to unearth secrets. "Be careful around her." After all, she's a journalist.
"Don't worry. I'm mute." I said, motioning to zip my mouth shut.
"That will be good for both of us." he replied, slipping one hand into his pocket.
Rina returned, accompanied by a man carrying a camera and large white sheets. She instructed us to assume various poses, and we complied with her directions. It felt a bit strange getting close, but I couldn't ignore the heat radiating from his body. Every touch sent a sudden jolt through me.
"Serena, sit on his lap." Rina instructed casually. I realised Roman tensed beside me. I didn't want to give her a spicy story by saying a straight 'no'. So I did what she said.
With a deep breath and a resolute heart, I complied with her request, and sat on Roman's lap. The instant our bodies made contact, a surge of heat erupted between us, igniting a trail of sparks that sent shivers down my spine.
His body, initially stiff and unyielding, gradually relaxed beneath me, the warmth of his presence enveloping me like a comforting embrace. His scent, a blend of wood and musk, filled my senses, an intoxicating fragrance.
"Good. Now kiss."
What the hell ? Kiss? In front of everyone? Even if it's just for the show, it's still awkward and uncomfortable doing it in front of strangers.
As if Roman sensed it he said, "My fiancée is not comfortable with doing such stuff in front of strangers." Thank you, Roman. I'd always be your slave for this. "Kissing is intimate, personal. Not something just to amuse others."
"Oh. Don't worry, we won't be looking at you guys." She assured us, "and as for the picture, we'll only use it for the blurred background." She looked at us with suspicion, "and since we're not looking at you it should be easy for you as a couple."
It was damn sure she was looking for a story. But I stood firm to not give her one. It was just a kiss and no one was looking at us.
"Fine." I said.
Roman
I was going to leave a mess in my pants.
Ever since she stepped into my house wearing a perfectly fitted white silk dress, I couldn't shake off a strange feeling in my chest. It was the same sensation I experienced when I made her cry. It was unnerving. I seriously considered consulting a cardiologist.
What if it was a serious medical condition?
I was already struggling to maintain a respectable distance from her when Rina suggested she sit on my lap. That's when I knew I was on the verge of humiliating myself. It would likely provide her with a juicy story.
I'd never experienced arousal solely from looking at a woman. And never did I imagine it would be Serena. It wasn't that she wasn't attractive. In fact, she was angelically beautiful. It was her insufferably spoiled brat persona that I found utterly repugnant.
God, it was so disrespectful and humiliating.
Serena's steel blue eyes looked up at me. "Let's get this over with." She closed her eyes as a sign to go ahead and my eyes darted down to her red painted lips before I crashed my lips on her. She first seemed to hesitate but relaxed after a bit, joining me in sync. She tasted like heaven, melting perfectly in my arms. I could've felt the blood rushing down to my lower body. More. I wanted more. I grabbed her neck and deepened the kissed. Hell. I wasn't kissing. I was eating. I groaned under my breath asking for entrance and she soon parted her lips allowing me to slide my tongue in. I could've heard the beat of her heart, racing fast.
"Um..guys. What's taking you so long?" We abruptly pulled apart hearing Rina's voice.
Serena stood up, both of us trying to catch our breath. A blush painted her cheeks as she straightened herself.
"You seem a little flushed," Rina remarked, chuckling, while she reached for her camera to review the pictures. However, her laughter faded as she examined them more closely. "Um, it's fine. Really. Haha," she stammered. "I only asked for a kiss on the cheek, though."
•~•~•
Serena requested a date, and I agreed without much consideration. Later, she mentioned it would help us get to know each other and feel more at ease.
I even went ahead and instructed my secretary to book the entire amusement park as per her request.
I was going to drive her to her apartment but she quickly declined my generous offer. Her response was faster than a cat dodging a bath.
"Dude, you got a lipstick stain on your mouth." Lexi said as I walked in. I quickly wiped it away. "I'm making my signature cocktail. Want some?"
"No thanks." With work awaiting me, the last thing I needed was a potentially lethal cocktail that might prevent me from completing my tasks.
As I settled into my study chair, the weight of pending tasks pressed upon me, especially the urgency of obtaining that man's signature on those documents. Guess, I'd have to send my men to prison to forcefully convince him to sign those documents. I'd get it either by hook or by crook.
Amaryllis was mine.
It's always been mine.
It might be under his name but my mother was the one who built it from her blood and sweat.
I was its rightful owner.
As the clock neared 10 in the evening, I delved into the papers scattered across the table, fully engrossed in my work. A sudden need for a paper clip led me to open the drawer, finding one, only to close it moments later. However, a sudden realization made my gaze shoot up—I had just noticed its absence.
Carefully, I opened the drawer again, only to find the necklace missing.
I searched the entire room, but the necklace was nowhere to be found. The thought struck that someone might have stolen it. Considering the staff, I realized no one had access to my study, not even Lexi. Only a person not aware of my reputation would dare to steal from me.
My most prized possession. The necklace that belonged to my dead mother.
I'd kill them.
I opened my laptop and checked the CCTV footage of the night when Lexi held party. I watched the video frame by frame, paying close attention to everyone who had walked outside my study room. Suddenly, I noticed someone entering the room, their distinctive red hair caught on camera. When their eyes met mine, recognition struck.
Storming out, fury coursed through me. How could she dare?
I saw Lexi in kitchen and he froze when he saw me coming towards him with rage.
Gripping him by the collar, I seethed, "If you ever throw another party here, I swear to god, Lexi, I'll block your fucking credit cards."
"I didn't do anything this time I swear." Lexi said as I released his collar. "What happened? You look pissed."
"One of your friends stole something from me." I told him everything.
"I don't think she could do this." Lexi had guts do deny my allegation. "You're probably mistaken."
"Doesn't matter. I'm going to confront her myself."
•~•~•
I knew where she lived and who she was related to. I didn't care if he'd be there. I'd kill him too if that meant I'd have my necklace back.
I rang the doorbell to her house and the door was unlocked after few minutes.
"Where is my necklace?" I wasted no time and asked as soon as she opened the door.
"What necklace?" She was trying to look confused. If that's how it's going to be then...
"Don't try to act innocent, Myra. I know you have it. Tell me where it is.." I threatened, "or I'll—,"
"Be careful how you finish that sentence, Roman." His deep, dangerously soft voice came from behind her. No matter how much he tried to hide his true nature behind this soft voice, it couldn't mask the underlying intensity and hint of threat that simmered beneath his words.
Vincenzo Moretti was a true devil in human skin.