Aurora’s Pov
Karen was really nice. I introduced myself, and she gave me the warmest smile. She looked like a supermodel, tall, curvy, and absolutely stunning. Honestly, she could probably get any guy she wanted.
We talked for a while, and I was starting to feel more relaxed. She had this way of making you feel comfortable, even in a room full of strangers.
“Are you new in town?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
“I don’t live here,” I said. “I’m here on a business trip with my boss.”
The word “boss” made me smile a little. If only she knew what had been going on between us.
“Your boss?” she repeated, her eyes narrowing like she was trying to figure me out.
“Yes,” I said quickly, trying to keep my expression neutral.
She gave me a strange look but didn’t say anything else. “It was really nice meeting you, Aurora,” she said after a moment. “I have to go now.”
“It was nice meeting you too,” I said, genuinely meaning it.
She handed me a card and gave me a quick hug before walking off.
As soon as she left, I felt the stares again. They weren’t just glances; they were cold, calculating looks from some of the women. And then there were the men-some of them looking at me like I was a piece of meat. It made me feel exposed, like I didn’t belong here.
Where was Ryan?
I pulled my phone out of my purse, ready to call him, but before I could dial, his voice came out of nowhere.
“Missing me already?”
I jumped, my heart racing. “Why do you always sneak up on me?” I asked, clutching my chest.
He just smiled, clearly amused. “Sorry. Let’s go meet the others.”
He held out his arm for me, and I hesitated for a second before linking mine with his. The warmth of his touch helped steady me, and we walked together toward a large round table in the middle of the room.
Heads turned as we passed, and I could feel their eyes on us. Ryan didn’t seem to notice, or maybe he just didn’t care. He nodded politely at a few people, but his focus stayed on me.
When we reached the table, he pulled out a chair for me before sitting down. I couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly commanding he looked, even in a simple suit.
Dinner was served not long after. The smell alone was enough to make my mouth water, and I had to stop myself from digging in too quickly. I glanced around, half-expecting to see Craig lurking somewhere, but thankfully, he was nowhere in sight.
Clyde, one of Ryan’s associates, made a toast, and everyone raised their glasses before diving into their meals. He was funny-surprisingly funny, and I found myself laughing at almost everything he said.
But every time I glanced at Ryan, I caught him staring at me. His eyes held this intensity that made my heart race, and I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on my food.
After dinner, the conversations continued. I mostly listened, laughing when appropriate, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Ryan’s eyes were still on me.
Then, my phone buzzed.
I glanced down and saw a message from Ryan.
*Ryan: Do you find him attractive?
I frowned, confused.
*Aurora: Who?
The reply came almost instantly.
*Ryan: Clyde. I see you laughing at his jokes. Is he that funny?
Was he… jealous?
Before I could respond, another message popped up.
*Ryan: Follow me.
He stood up without a word, and within seconds, he was gone.
I stared after him, my heart pounding. Then I noticed how quiet the room had gotten. Everyone was watching me now.
I felt my cheeks heat up. “Um… I’ll be right back,” I stammered before quickly getting up and following him out.
I couldn’t find Ryan anymore, I started looking for him in the crowd. Suddenly Ryan’s hand gently grasped my elbow, guiding me away from the main gathering.
We weaved through the crowd, our bodies brushing against each other intentionally, igniting a spark with each touch. My heart raced as she played along, feigning interest in a nearby sculpture while Ryan’s hand trailed along her bare arm, sending shivers down her spine.
He took me to a secluded corner, hidden from the prying eyes of our colleagues. The room’s warm glow bathed them in a sensual light, creating an intimate atmosphere. Without a word, Ryan pulled Aurora closer, his breath mingling with hers.
“Aurora,” he called my name.
“Yes?” I answered, breathing heavily.
“Can I kiss you?” he asked, his eyes never leaving mine.
I could see the hunger in his eyes. He wants me.
I wanted him too, but what are we doing? I don’t know him. But I can’t resist him.
“Yes, kiss me.”
He came forward and in no time, he held my waist, pulled me closer, tracing his fingers on my neck.
Our lips met in a slow, passionate kiss, as if we had all the time in the world.
Ryan’s lips were soft and mine were responsive, parting slightly to welcome Ryan’s tongue.
He explored my mouth with a gentle urgency, tasting the sweetness of me.
I must be sweet, right? I know I am. Aurora focus on the damn moment!! I scolded myself inwardly.
His hands suddenly cupped face, holding me in a tender embrace.
My fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Our tongues danced, a silent communication of desire and longing.
As the kiss intensified, his hands began to wander, tracing the curves of my body.
Oh gosh I love this feeling.
He slid his hands down my back, over the smooth fabric of her gown, and rested them on her shapely hips.
I couldn’t help it, I moaned softly into his mouth, my body arching into his touch.
Breaking away for a moment, Ryan looked at me with the look of why did I stop.
“Ryan, we shouldn’t be doing this,”
I was sounding breathless and we were both breathing heavily and out of breath.
“Why?
“Why? Because we don’t really know each other and I’m not ready to go any further,” I said to him, looking down at my feet.
“It’s okay Aurora, Take all the time you need, we aren’t going anywhere,” he smiled and gave me a peck on my cheek.
After a moment, he held out his arm for me. “Shall we head back to the party?”
I smiled lightly and nodded. “Let’s go.”
****
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of polite conversations and light laughter. Ryan stayed close, but we didn’t say much to each other after what had just happened. It wasn’t awkward, exactly, but there was a tension between us now, a quiet understanding we didn’t yet know how to navigate.
When we finally left the party and got into the car, Ryan surprised me by holding out his hand, palm up, as if asking me to hold it.
I hesitated for a second before sliding my hand into his. His warmth immediately spread through me, and though we didn’t exchange a single word on the drive back, the silence felt… comforting.
*****
Back at the suite, we stepped inside, and Ryan turned to me. “I booked a separate room,” he said, his voice steady, “but I’d rather stay here with you if you don’t mind.”
I felt a flutter in my chest at his words. “I don’t mind,” I said softly.
He nodded, giving me a small smile. “I’ll take a shower in the other room, then. I’ll be back soon.”
“Okay,” I replied, watching as he grabbed a change of clothes and left the suite.
I took my own shower, letting the warm water wash away the tension of the night. By the time I was done and back in my pajamas, Ryan had returned, freshly showered and looking more relaxed.
“I really enjoyed the party,” I said, sitting on the edge of the bed. “And I’m glad Craig wasn’t there.”
Ryan leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “He wouldn’t dare show his face,” he said, his tone sharp. “Not after everything.”
I nodded, grateful for his reassurance. “Still, it felt good to be out, to experience something like that.”
He walked over and sat down next to me, his expression softening. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. That’s the only reason I agreed to go.”
I blinked, surprised. “You went just because of me?”
He shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. “It wasn’t a necessary part of the trip. But I knew you wanted to go, so…”
For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. The gesture meant more to me than I could express.
We talked for a little while longer, mostly about the party and, of course, the kiss. Ryan didn’t push or pry, he simply listened, nodding when I spoke and occasionally offering his own thoughts.
Eventually, the conversation shifted. “We’ll be heading back tomorrow evening,” he said, leaning back against the headboard. “The business here is done, and there’s no reason to stay longer.”
I nodded. “That works for me. I’m pretty tired after everything tonight.”
“Me too,” he admitted with a small chuckle.
We decided to leave the packing for the next day, both too exhausted to do anything else. As I settled into bed, I couldn’t help but glance at Ryan. He looked so at ease, his face relaxed in a way I rarely saw.
“Goodnight, Aurora,” he said softly, turning off the bedside lamp.
“Goodnight, Ryan,” I whispered, letting my eyes close.
Despite the whirlwind of emotions, I felt a sense of peace as sleep began to take over.