ndeliers sparkled like scattered diamonds above, bathing the grand hall in a golden glow. The air was laced with the scent of perfume and fine wine. Waiters in cri

ces, its price likely equivalent to months of rent. It was a perfect reminder of the role she was here to play: a seduct

the bar, engaged in a business conversation with two older men. He was strikingly handsome in a

ing from a glass of scotch. Their eyes met, an

ward. Victor's earlier words echoed in her head: "Be irresistib

tting her hand graze his arm ever so sli

er voice soft, her expressi

her. "I don't think I've seen such a

ke this," she said, offering a co

d taste," he said, extendi

replied, sha

e passionately about his work, his drive to revolutionize his family's company, and his desire to create lasting change in

ced at him again, and her heart stuttered. He looked almost too perfect-his smile, his voice, his presence. Carter was called

gentleman over there asked me to give

and a smile. She returned th

him a card, her fingers brushing his. A chill of guilt ran down

y, a whisper echoed in her mind

ty lights. Her mind replayed every detail of their meeting. If she wanted to get clo

, and haunts. One name kept popping up-The Velvet I

a second skin. A black cap and face mask concealed her identity. S

r eyes scanned the crowd. There he was-Carter, lounging wi

the women leaned in for more, Carter suddenly pulled away, excusing himself. His f

ed to concern. She made her way to the restroom and froze. Carter w

he thought. She searched his jacket, found his phone, and unlock

urred. "You're... beautiful.

r, he leaned forward a

diot. Still, she sig

me address?" sh

Springfield, Illinois.

. The house was massive, but quiet. He unlocked the door with

e you hangover so

mp hair dripping, revealing toned abs and a cl

owl in hand and froze

here?" Carter aske

d, handing him the soup. "I saw you a

me home?" he

saw you passed out, and I co

ard silence, eyes meeting. The tension was

n-he ki

, the spark ignited into flame. Clothes slipped away. Tongues danced. Skin t

w, heated, and almost too real. When morning came, sunlight spilled into th

prised to see her. "Good

she replied

... for ev

noth

ightstand and offered it to he

At first, she wanted to take it

coolly. "I helped you out of

ressed. No woman had eve

I see you aga

," she replied, g

"I'll be

clicking. The morning breeze

t. I've made myself worthy