Nick smiled, his right brow arched in playful defiance as he countered. “Maybe you don’t remember because you never asked. Of course, I trust you. A woman as lovely as you with a successful business and fantastic track record—why wouldn’t I? Everyone speaks so highly of you and your capabilities.”
“Thank you for your kind words and for having faith in me. But I’m quite certain I’ve asked you that question at some point during our time together these past few months,” I replied.
Nick’s voice was low and smooth, laced with intrigue. As he leaned forward, escaping the shadows and letting the soft candlelight illuminate his striking features. He exuded an air of commanding masculinity, clean-shaven, his dark hair meticulously styled, every inch radiating confidence.
“I’m in Paris, in the company of an exquisite woman. Who has filled my head with fantasy and romantic notions of things I haven't entertained in quite some while. Who wouldn’t want to stay here as long as they could? So, what do you want to know, my lady?” he inquired, his gaze flickering with desire as he lightly tapped his fingers against the table—an invitation, a challenge, all rolled into one.
I thought before responding to his question. ‘They say to keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. If he's my enemy, and he very well can be, then being in his company is the right thing, and I shouldn’t feel guilty about it.’ I smiled and attempted to answer his question, but the waiter approached our table and interrupted our conversation.
"Are you ready to place your orders?"
Nick was a smooth operator. He glanced away from me to look up at the waiter. "We'll order our drinks first. I'll have a coffee, and the lady would like a glass of your best red wine," he said, gazing at me.
The waiter responded, "Yes, sir. I'll be back shortly to take your dinner orders."
Nick then slid his hand across the table, taking hold of the hand I had rested there. He gently caressed it with his thumb. I wanted to pull my hand away, but I noticed the prying eyes around us.
I could see in his eyes that I was his target. I didn't want to let my guard down, yet I was curious about his next move. After we had placed our dinner orders, we continued to talk while we waited.
"I bet you didn't know that South Korea is an enchanting haven for romance,” he declared with a gleam of pride in his eyes.
He extolled the rich tapestry of his city, Seoul, sharing its vibrant culture and mouth-watering cuisine, painting a picture that seemed almost alive.
"You simply must visit one day. There’s a treasure trove of sights and experiences waiting for you. The pristine beaches shimmer under the sun, and the museums whisper tales of history from every corner of my country. And let’s not forget—the culinary delights of my beloved city are second to none!"
"Of course," I replied, maintaining a poker face, intrigued by his enthusiasm.
"With a name like Vinerelli, are you sure you’re truly Korean?”
He chuckled, a warm, infectious laughter that danced in the air.
"Ah ha! You're very savvy, and I like that you don’t let anything slip by you. I’m part Italian and part Korean. Trust me; I come by my identity honestly. And if you’re craving authentic pizza, I can whisk you away to Naples," he said lightly, kissing her fingertips like a romantic gesture stolen from the pages of a novel.
Seated at an angle that invited intimacy, I leaned in, my curiosity piqued, feeling my defenses start to melt away.
"You’ve made a strong case; I’ll have to visit one day."
"I promise I’ll ensure your experience is unforgettable." He glanced toward me, his eyes searching for a flicker of approval, gauging my reaction to his enthusiastic offer.I smiled a bit shyly but certainly with pleasure. Nick returned the smile, energized by my reaction. We both engaged in flirty banter that distracted us from the moment's seriousness.
In the middle of our delicious dinner and flirtatious conversation, Nick's cell phone vibrated, signaling a message. Heavy-hearted, he fell into a quiet funk, wishing he could extend our time together.
"Sweetheart, I would love to stay, but something has come up," he said.
"Darn," I replied, sighing. Nick could hear the humor in my voice but couldn't respond because he didn't want to leave.
"It's an emergency of sorts. I don't know where the time went so fast." Nick looked down at his watch.
"But I have to go," he said as he stood up to put on his coat and shawl. He leaned forward and kissed me on the lips.
I grinned at him. "You're such a good guy."
He stared straight ahead, his jaw tightening. "I'm not a good guy. Good guys don't contemplate ways to prolong their time with a woman they shouldn't desire. Good guys, don't imagine that same woman naked."
"Why do you say you're not a good guy?" I asked, sounding amused.
"Because I'm not. We'll continue this conversation later. I'll call you, I promise."
He walked away smiling as I raised my wine glass and winked. I sat there and finished my wine. Just as I was about to leave, my phone rang.
"Are you seated?" Angela asked, pausing for a moment.
"Yes, go ahead, Angelique, and spill it. I'm a big girl; I can handle it."
"Alright. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm about 85% certain. I think the guy you're seeing, Beverly, is the partner of the man you've been searching for. His family fits the profile."
My breath hitched in my throat, a tight knot of unease forming as I stifled the distress bubbling beneath the surface. With a composed facade, I replied in a slightly agitated tone, “Angelique, give me the facts. I can’t navigate through uncertainties.”
The weight of the moment pressed around me. “Men! They are so dastardly! What is Nick up to?”
Victor’s PoVI couldn't believe the neighbors were accusing me of shooting the young lady. I didn't realize that I had gotten shot. Seeing the man with no regard for life, pulling that trigger, possibly killing that woman, did something to me. It was only a few minutes later that I felt something, like hot metal, searing a gaping hole through my flesh. But because of the adrenaline, along with vivid images that will be forever carved into my brain, of actually seeing that girl gunned down, kept me moving. Then seconds later, hearing three more rounds of gunshots go off. I had to run!In flight, I could see people behind cracked doors calling the police. All too many saw me in flight, running away from what turned out to be a horrific crime scene!By the skin of my teeth, I got out of there unnoticed. I dropped down to the ground next to someone's car, using their tires as coverage. I saw the bright searchlight aimed in my direction. The cops are swarming; I stay low to the ground, and
Dynasty returned to the bedroom with a tall, cold glass of water, only to find Victor fast asleep. She let out a huge sigh, smiling. ‘After all that exertion we just did, I guess he is tired. I wonder if it was too soon to give up so much energy? He had to be exhausted and couldn’t stay awake a minute longer. After all, he is still in recovery mode.’ She smiled, thinking. ‘It was the best lovemaking that two people could ever share.’She placed the cold glass of water on the nightstand for him later. She climbed her soft, nude body into bed next to him. Victor lovingly encircled his strong arm around her frame, as she nestled her face against his chest. Her months of morning dreams were a reality and far better than any fantasy could ever be.Dynasty felt empowered, free to explore what was in her heart. She placed her palm on his jaw, gazing at his peaceful face. She brought her lips to his; she felt her body melt against him, wanting him all over again. But she knew he needed his re
"You're so beautiful, inside and out," Victor told her. Dynasty's heart went wild as she thought of this man standing before her. She thought of all the possibilities ahead and didn’t want to be without him. Victor's mouth waters as his eyes take in their fill of her perfect body. "If you don't want to, just say no," Victor said sultrily."I...think..." She hesitated."That's not no."He gave her only a moment to respond before his mouth descended on her taut nipple, ravaging it between his teeth. Her only reply is a loud moan that fills his ears like a sweet song. Victor licks and sucks at one taut nipple, making hard and pebble up. Sending shivers down her body, she surrendered helplessly. His other hand squeezes the other firm tit that filled his large hand perfectly. When he's had his fill of the first one, he showers the other with the same attention. Hearing her soft groans and heavy breathing, surges of passion through his body, as he kisses down her flat stomach and toward he
Dynasty let out a sigh. ‘Thank goodness for the IV hindering him from touching me.” They needed to talk and make sense of what was going on here. Dynasty stood there in the kitchen feeling slightly embarrassed, but still aching for his hands to be all over her body. Dynasty paced back and forth nervously. Victor sat there feeling grateful for all she had done for him. He knew she saved his life because he could have bled to death. His heart was moved, and he wanted to show her his appreciation. The whole time he was unconcious, he thought of her in his subconscious, how he would hold and touch her, the way he did in his dreams. Filled with sexual frustration, Dynasty stood there in the kitchen wanting to ask Victor all kinds of questions about what had happened to him and his strange behavior since he returned home. When she looked up, to her surprise, he was standing in the doorway, with the sheet wrapped around his lower half."Did you see your pajama and robe I left for you on the
Dreams and fantasy helped keep her calm, but also contributed to her wishing to have things the way they were before this happened. Dynasty felt she could end up disappointed later. But some mornings, they only underlined her loneliness. Her deep thoughts were interrupted by his voice, which rumbled. Dynasty froze as her heart tried to take flight and leave her standing there, trembling. She didn't move; she listened.Victor was trying to sit up but struggling. She walked over to the edge of the wall and saw him straining to get up.."Wait, I'll help you."Victor stopped moving, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. He knew her voice somehow, but the familiarity of it... he couldn't work out or clearly remember. Resting on his elbow, he pressed his hand to his temple; he thought it was a dream. Dynasty hurried into the living room to his side, assisting him in sitting up."How are you feeling?" she asked softly.Victor closed his eyes for a few seconds, then opened them. "I feel weak but oka
Victor has been sleeping on the living room floor for two days without waking up. He hasn't been to the bathroom. Something wasn’t right. The narcotics she gave him for pain, she hopes, weren't to potent. Dynasty's eyes stretched. “What if he was captured and they drugged him and he escaped?” Each morning, her mind felt like it was going crazy trying to figure out what happened to him and why he didn’t know who she was when he attacked her. She got up another morning to check on him. Despite her own aching body from tussling with him, she resupplies his IV bag with pain and antibiotic medication for the wound. She examines his injured upper arm and forearm, cleaning and redressing it with fresh gauze.But with each passing day, a level of comfort came. The memory of him holding her close, her heart enjoyed it, and her body must have needed it because her brain held onto how wonderful it felt. Dynasty was reminded of her need for love and nurturing, and how much she missed Victor. D