THE TEMPTRESS

||Invidious||

•STEPHANIE•

I carefully stepped out of the car, making sure not to mess up my dress. The silky fabric spilled out as I emerged, and all eyes turned my way.

I'd miraculously found the perfect dress at the last minute—a dark green, sultry evening gown with a sweetheart neckline, a daring high side slit, and a laced-up back.

My hair hung straight, pinned back on the sides behind my ears, cascading down like a thick, luxurious blanket. I'd even managed to discreetly cover up my healing wound with a couple of band-aids, blending them with my skin tone using concealer.

Clutch in hand, I strolled into the hotel. Kaden had insisted we arrive together, but I preferred to make my own grand entrance.

I entered the lobby area and followed the line of people heading down a clear hallway and I walked into the immense room where the party was being held, and my breath caught in my throat at the sheer opulence surrounding me.

The entire space seemed to glitter with a thousand points of light, reflecting off chandeliers that dripped with crystals from the high ceiling.

The walls were adorned with lavish tapestries, and the floor, covered in plush, velvety carpet, felt like a cloud beneath my feet.

Rich decorations adorned every corner, from ornate vases overflowing with exotic flowers to golden statues that gleamed in the soft glow of the ambient lighting.

The air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly cut flowers and the subtle scent of expensive perfumes, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

Around the room, elegantly dressed people mingled, their laughter and chatter creating a melodious hum in the background.

Men in tailored tuxedos and women in flowing gowns moved gracefully, their outfits shimmering in the light.

Champagne glasses clinked as people toasted to their success and happiness, their smiles almost as genuine as the diamonds that adorned their fingers.

I stood there, momentarily awestruck by the grandeur of it all, feeling like an outsider in a world of extravagance and privilege.

But here, nobody knew who I was. Still, as soon as I walked in, all eyes turned my way, and my heart skipped a nervous beat.

I hesitated near the entrance, scanning the crowd for Kaden and his friends. Unfortunately, my gaze locked onto a pair of familiar dark eyes across the room.

A shiver ran down my spine when our eyes met. Luca's gaze traveled slowly down my body before returning to my face. There was no smile, no reaction—just a cold, emotionless stare, like a fucking soul snatcher.

Suddenly, an arm wrapped around my waist, and I instinctively tensed up. I almost twisted away, ready to break the stranger's grip, until I realized it was just Kaden.

He stood beside me, looking incredibly handsome in a black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, and paired with dark suit pants. His curly hair was perfectly styled, and a silver chain hung around his neck. He tore his eyes away from the crowd, shifting his gaze to meet mine.

His eyes stayed locked on mine for just a few seconds before drifting down to my dress. The intensity of his gaze sent warmth rippling through my skin, leaving a trail of fire, until his eyes settled back on my face.

"Like what you see?" I teased him, a playful grin on my lips.

"I love it, but too bad it'll end up in shreds by the end of the night," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes that sent a thrill through me.