Chapter 5 — Meeting 2

Auracio

I descend the stairs with calculated slowness, my Italian loafers resonating slightly on the marble of the hall. John Smith is waiting for me in the limousine, ready to take me to dinner before our visit to the club. The sun has given way to a warm and electric night, perfect for business... and pleasures.

I get into the vehicle and find John comfortably settled, one arm draped around two stunning creatures. Women sculpted for temptation.

— Well rested? he asks, handing me a glass already filled with aged cognac.

— Good, thank you, I say as I settle across from him.

He gestures to the two women on either side of him.

— Let me introduce you to my current mistresses. Apryl and Britani.

— Good evening, sir, they say in unison, with honeyed voices.

— Good evening, beautiful, I reply with a charming smile.

John continues with a wink:

— And so you won’t be alone tonight, I’ve found two more wonders who are just waiting for you.

He points out a blonde with striking green eyes and a fiery redhead. Two faces, two bodies, two promises of hell.

— Megs and Tisha.

— Nice to meet you, says the blonde with a sweet voice.

— Likewise, I respond, taking each of their hands to place a light kiss on them.

— You’re delicious, whispers Tisha as she moves a little closer.

— We’ll take good care of you, murmurs Megs, her hand brushing against my thigh.

I smile with satisfaction.

— I’m delighted to hear that.

John instructs the driver to start. The limousine speeds through the illuminated streets of the city. Twenty minutes later, we arrive at the restaurant. A discreet yet luxurious establishment with an impeccable reputation. We are escorted to a table away from curious eyes. The girls naturally take their places beside us. My guards, meanwhile, sit at another table a few meters away.

— Do you trust me for the meal? John asks.

— Surprise me, I say, relaxed.

— Then it will be a light coleslaw with cranberries as a starter, American-style spare ribs for the main course, and homemade pancakes for dessert.

He places the order with the waiter, adding a Château Mouton Rothschild from Pauillac. A refined wine. One of the best in the world. The waiter discreetly slips away.

During the meal, the conversations flow smoothly. The girls' laughter glides like honey, and the wine softens the contours of the world. Yet, something inside me stirs. A tension I do not yet understand.

After more than an hour, we leave the restaurant for the club.

As soon as we cross the entrance, the sound engulfs us. The club is packed, the energy is vibrant. We head straight up to the VIP+ level, reserved for the elite, where only the powerful can breathe. Two bottles of champagne are already waiting on the table. A waitress hurriedly uncorks them. The bubbles burst forth, the sweet scent of luxury takes over.

We toast.

— To flourishing business, says John.

I raise my glass.

— And to conquest, I add, already thinking about another hunt.

I bring the crystal to my lips. The first sip is not yet swallowed when my eyes catch a vision. She is there. Sitting a few meters away, slightly withdrawn. A goddess. An apparition. My heart skips a beat.

Damn.

Never in my life have I seen a woman like this. And God knows I’ve seen the most beautiful. But her? She is... above all. A celestial creature disguised as a mortal. Brunette, but with eyes of such a clear blue that they seem unreal. A pure sky blue, hypnotizing, almost insulting. And that contrast, my God… That contrast is a punch to the chest.

I remain frozen.

John glances at me, intrigued.

— Are you okay?

I barely nod my head.

— I just saw the most beautiful woman I’ve ever encountered. Right behind you. And I want her.

He slowly turns around, scanning the room. Then his eyes stop. On her. He stands there, motionless, staring at her for what feels like an eternity.

— Magnificent, he finally murmurs.

Five minutes. Five damn minutes of looking at her like a predator. And I feel the anger rising. She is mine. Not his. Mine.

— Ladies, we’re going up to my office. Drink up, we won’t be long, he tells the girls.

He stands and signals for me to follow.

In the private office, he calls a guard and points to a surveillance screen. He indicates her with his finger.

— Bring her up to VIP+ number 2. Give her whatever she wants. The house is treating.

But what does he think he’s doing? I never asked for her to be offered anything. I hope he doesn’t plan to seduce her. That he doesn’t attempt anything. Because she is mine. Only mine. He better understand that right away.

— Regarding the contract, I want it to be indefinite. No renegotiation possible, I want total security.

John smiles.

— You know well that in this kind of business, prices fluctuate. It’s the law of the market: rarity, availability, fluctuation. The contract can be permanent, but not the rates.

— I’m counting on you to do me a favor… as a friend.

— Of course. You are my guest.

— Very well. Once the payment is validated, delivery can take place. Warehouse "Marge," to the south.

— Perfect. I’ll pass the message.

I give instructions to my right-hand man. Yet, my mind is elsewhere. She is already consuming me. I want to approach her. Breathe her in. Touch her. Possess her.

And then what? Maybe this fire will extinguish. Maybe I’ll find my peace again. But for now, I am a prisoner of that gaze. I hate what I feel. I hate losing control.

I’m going to fuck her. And then I’ll forget her.

John

The meeting is coming to an end. My men confirm that the delivery is on schedule. But let’s be honest: my thoughts were elsewhere. On her.

That woman my friend spotted. That woman with such clear, pure eyes that they pinned me in place. She hasn’t done anything, said nothing. And yet, I am chained.

He saw her first. But he isn’t the only one who noticed her.

She exudes something… a tension between innocence and sin. She is a trap, a living fantasy. And I am already falling.

I know that if I move too quickly, I’ll lose Auracio. He could flare up. So I hold back. For now.

But I will have her.

When he returns to his country, I will find her. I will approach her.

In the meantime, the current girls will be thanked. As always. A payout, a non-disclosure agreement, and the promise that they will be fine if they don’t talk. If they break the rules? They disappear. No one takes that risk.

We head back down to the VIP lounge. She is there. Even more beautiful up close.

I extend my hand toward her with a perfectly measured smile.

— Good evening, my goddesses. I’m John. And this is my friend Auracio. And what do you call yourself?

She shakes my hand. Her palm is soft, sensual. Skin made for caresses. For my caresses.

And as she responds, my heart skips a beat. I don’t have her yet, but I know I will do everything to make her mine.