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I stood in front of the wrought-iron gates, from where I could see the magnificent mansion. My heart raced faster than it had every time I’d been summoned to the principal's office in junior high. I swallowed the fist in my throat.
The last time I was here, things escalated, things I had now buried and decided to never let happen again. My breathing had suddenly become heavy, and I had almost turned to leave when I remembered that I was only here for professional reasons.
As the automatic gates opened, a gentle gust of wind blew across my face, carrying with it the autumn leaves that covered the ground. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears as I approached the front door.
It was seconds before I finally plucked up the courage to press the button and the bell rang. I brushed my sweaty palms over my light coat and looked around to calm my nerves when my eyes fell on a magnificent work of art. A beautiful fountain, carved out of marble.
The fountain rose high into the sky and its intricate details were illuminated by the golden light of the sun. At its center stood the majestic sculpture of a goddess stretching her arms toward the heavens, a symbol of grace and beauty.
How the fuck did I miss this grandeur the last time I was here?
I turned my gaze to the water that cascaded in shimmering streams from the goddess's hands. Each droplet caught the light and scattered it in a dazzling play of colors.
The water danced and swirled as it ran down, forming delicate arcs and spirals that seemed to defy gravity before splashing into the pool below.
The sound of running water cast a spell over me. It was a soothing melody that calmed my soul as I contemplated it. I needed this peace.
The door opened and a housekeeper ushered me in with a courteous smile. She led me to the living room and … there he was. Seeing him standing there my heart seized in my chest. He looked achingly handsome in his dark pants and white shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his sinewy forearms.
His bright green eyes trailed down my body and back up again, the corners of his mouth curling in delicious amusement. He was far too pretty for a man so brutal.
“Hello, Ashley, nice to see you again,” he crooned, making my body hum with his deep timbre. “Thank you for coming.”
Hmm. Why is he being all nice?
I gave him a faint smile and walked toward him, subtly enjoying the nice aroma that filled the air. He obviously knew not only how to make my pussy wet, but also how to make my mouth water.
This was going to be harder than I thought.
“I didn't know your favorite dish, so I made three of mine,” he smiled and led me to a small table.
“Three? Why three?”
“Variety, they say, is the spice of life,” he winked, a wicked glint hushed across his face. My cheeks flushed as I felt his power, this … this stream of testosterone that flowed through him and made me all weak and flustered.
The table was set with meticulous care, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight, which flickered gently against the elegant backdrop of the cozy corner of the room. A crisp white tablecloth adorned the surface, accentuating the gleam of fine china, and polished silverware. In the center of the table stood a bouquet of exquisite roses, their petals glowing a vibrant crimson, adding a touch of romance to the scene.
“What is this?” I asked nonchalantly.
“It's lunch,” he replied, unphased by my arrogance. “Hope you didn't eat before coming.”
I had deliberately chosen a very casual outfit to make myself less conspicuous. I wore my most casual flared dress with a patterned floral collar, my shoes were a pair of flats, and the glasses made me look like a librarian.
“You didn't tell me this was a date; I'd have come prepared.”
Shit! Did I just say that out loud?
His eyes danced in the light and his assessing gaze on me took everything I had not to crumble. Nothing could stop this man on a seductive mission. The butterflies in my stomach broke free, their fluttering making my heart stumble over a beat. He closed the distance between us, gently took off my glasses, and placed them on the table. Then he stepped slowly behind me, and I felt his hand run up my spine. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and a shiver raced down my spine.
God, please help me. Why am I so damn responsive to him?
His fingers ran through my hair, and he untied my ponytail. My wavy locks fell down my back and he stroked it over my left shoulder. He looked at me again.
“There. Much better,” he said with a satisfied smirk. To be honest, I liked the way he looked at me today. He didn't stare at me lustfully, nor did he look at me like an object to be possessed.
What the hell are you up to, Nik?
“Why did you want me to come here? We could have met in a restaurant, couldn't we?” I tried to distract myself and calm my rising emotions.
