NALEDI’S POV
“Didn’t think I’ll see you again.” He said with a pleased smile on his lips.
His canines reminded me of when he dug into my wrist like the demon he was. I fought a cringe and tilted my head to the side, feigning interest.
“I’m sorry, but do you know me?”
Luka blinked, caught off-guard. But he covered that up with a shrug. “I don’t think so. But we could get to know each other.” He took my hands in his. “Getting to know such a beautiful lady like yourself would be an honor.”
I smiled back, shaking my head at his charming self. “My name is Amara Cordel.” I began, “As much as I love the mystic around you, I am not here for leisure. I am here for a serious business.”
My tone was curt and head-hitting. I’d think my sudden coldness would put him off, but I knew him too well. If he sought me out, it only meant two things. He was interested in me, or he was interested in my money.
Not the other way around. Which brought us to the conclusion he couldn’t walk away. No matter how offended or turned on he was by my coldness.
With the smile that played on his lip, I bet it was the latter. Luka was having a kick knowing that he knew me. He’d once met me and I didn’t even know. He would be in for a rude awakening, but I planned to unravel that later on.
First things first.
“Interesting.” He said, taking a sip of wine that appeared too red if you ask me.
Couldn’t hold off his thirst for blood, couldn’t he?
“I beg your indulgence, pray tell. What business do you have to carry out on this beautiful night?”
My eyes met his, and I feigned surprise that he was still talking to me. “I see no reason I should tell you, stranger.” I cocked my brow. “If you haven’t already figured it out, I don’t even know your name.”
Luka looked like a man caught. “My bad. The name is Luka. Luka Donatello.” Now he wore a proud smirk. “The host of this event.”
I let my eyes widen in fake surprise. “Mr Donatello.” I bowed my head and blushed profusely as I spoke most delicately. “Such a pleasure to meet you.”
An air of pride laced the air as he spoke. “Oh no, my love. Call me Luka. I’d hate for my revelation to hinder the progress we’ve made so far.”
I couldn’t help the thought that filled me. “Progress?”
“Yes, my love. Progress.” He finished the drink in his hand, and I fought the urge to spit in his face. “Now about that business,” He said, stretching his hand and urging me to follow him. “You can tell me all about it in a dance.”
I dropped my glass and took his hand. Following him to the dance floor in a heartbeat. We found our space in the middle of the floor and soon I was twirling and dancing with Luka Donatello.
The music forced us into a more intimate position. “You are one beautiful dancer, Amara.” He said, eyes scaling through my neck and down to my cleavage. “And one beautiful woman.”
“Thank you, Luka.” He basically purred at the sound of his name from me. “You complement me beautifully.”
Nothing could go wrong with a timely stroke of his ego. All men were the same. Stroke their ego and they were putty in your hands.
“Do I?” He shot me a look of pure sin.
With one drag, he pressed me flush against him. His eyes were dark and tinted with pure evil. I could feel his boner. He was basically telling me he wanted to fuck me. And in the most animalistic way.
“Of course.” I played along. “It’s an honour to dance with the most powerful man in the room. I consider myself lucky.” I said everything he wanted to hear and by the look on his face, I had scored gold.
“Something tells me you want something from me,” He started, watching me closely. His lips dropped to my neck, and he sucked hard. I felt nothing. “Say it and I might be willing enough to grant your petition. But of course, for a price.”
“Something tells me you know what I want.” I said, slightly touching his neck in a teasing manner. “If I’m not mistaken, half the number of the people in this room want the exact thing.” I let my lips draw close to his ears and whisper, “A part in the new business you plan to launch today.”
Luka led me to a twirl and placed me flush against him. “A woman that knows what she wants.” He brisked, “You are one woman full of surprises. Different. I like different.”
“I think an audience with you will unravel all the things you stand to gain by making me part of your partners. I am willing to invest heavily in your project. If you will have me.”
“What if I decide I don’t need you to invest in the project to be a part of it?” His eyes glistened as he spoke. “What if I want something else?”
His tone was suggestive. I fought the anger that burned in my heart.
“You are a beautiful woman, and you are well off. What if I make you a proposal instead?” My eyes narrowed at his words.
“It’s nothing too tricky.” He shrugged, and an evil glint lit up his eyes. “You might not know this, but there is only one spot available for the taking. And just between the two of us, I’m a bit reluctant to give it out.”
“Why?”
“Because the new trade proved to be much more than I’d expected. And I’ll be a lot better without the hungry hounds getting a taste and spoiling the business.” He raised his brows. “You are a businesswoman. I assume you know what I mean.”
This rascal was fucking predictable. “You’d rather lessen the circle and deepen the profits.”
Excitement coursed through his eyes. “Atta girl. I knew I liked you for something.” I forced in a smile. “Left to me, I’d rather make this a celebratory party. Cut myself some slack and move on. But since I’m quite taken by you, I’ll cut you a deal.”
The atmosphere changed between us as I waited for what I well knew was coming.
“Be my woman and I’ll announce you as partner.” He said with a devilish smirk.