THE TEMPTRESS

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•STEPHANIE•

I strolled into the hotel lobby, a bit surprised by the scarce crowd. Given the size and popularity of the place, I expected more activity.

I got a text from Kaden saying he'd be waiting in one of the fifth-floor suites. I went straight to the elevator, pressed the fifth-floor button, and waited for the doors to close. 

Suddenly, a hand thwarted the process. I looked up to see a familiar face - Natalie Walker, part of Kaden's inner circle, the one who occasionally sleeps around with AJ and Kaden.

She joined me inside, leaning against the wall with a look that meant business. Tension suddenly filled the air.

"You're pretty," she remarked. I started to thank her, but she cut in, "But not pretty enough."

I faced her, arms folded. "So, you're Natalie?"

"I'm shocked he had to lower his standards for you. Kaden must be stupid to ditch me for someone like you."

I scoffed. "Someone like me?"

"Exactly like you. You're not that pretty, your hair color looks fake, and there's something deeply disturbing about you that I can't quite put my finger on. Yet."

She inched closer, but I held my ground. 

"You're just jealous that he improved his taste in women. Also having someone he doesn't have to share pussy with one of his friends."

Her anger flared, but I stood firm. 

"You don't know what you're talking about," she spat.

"Oh, I know enough. But you know what they say; used tissues are meant to be thrown away. Not reused."

She laughed sarcastically. 

"Honey, you don't want to get on my bad side. You should be acting nice and asking tips from me on how to satisfy him in every possible way. Men like Kaden are hard to please."

I smirked. "Not with me."

She scoffed, unbelieving. 

"Oh please, in just a few weeks, he'll dump you and come crawling back to my bed because I'm the only one who could make him feel better and knows how to do it well."

"Then has he ever whimpered while you're riding him? Moaned out your name while he's coming? Got on his knees for you and let you be the one in control?"

Silence. 

I stepped back, and leaned against the wall. 

"Yeah, that's what I thought. And you said you could do it better. Which is a lie, but I'll let you get away with the satisfaction by pretending it was a joke."

The elevator reached the fifth floor. I pushed off the wall, gave her a last glance, and smiled. 

"I don't know which one is much easier to laugh at, but nice try. See you around."

I playfully blew her a kiss, walked out, and left her in the elevator, satisfied she didn't follow.

Did she really think she could throw me off by claiming she was better at pleasing Kaden?

Oh, please.

I pleased him once, pretended I liked it, and he became obsessed. Imagine if I actually wanted it to happen.

Kaden would be putty in my hands within seconds.

I tapped lightly on the door to his hotel suite. After a few moments, he opened it, sporting no shirt and just a towel around his waist. He motioned for me to come in, and I entered, careful not to let my eyes linger too long on his bare torso.

"So, what's the plan?" I inquired, facing away and pretending to admire the suite.

He walked over to the table, grabbed a glass of alcohol, and said, "I want to take you out for dinner tonight."

I concealed my surprise with a neutral expression, crossing my arms.

"What's the occasion?"

Approaching me, he stopped a few feet away, his gaze intense. 

"It's a date."

Oh no. No, no, no.

Aware of his growing infatuation, I hadn't anticipated it would escalate to this level, with the intention of making it serious.

He sensed my discomfort and gently touched my hand, causing me to uncross my arms. He locked his fingers around mine.

"I can't stop thinking about you. You're all in my head these days, and I never want it to stop. I know we've only agreed on this casually, but screw that. It's you that I want, and I want this to be real."

My brain suddenly stopped functioning. The weight of the situation paralyzed me, and I had no idea how to respond.

This complication was one I had hoped to avoid. Everything was simpler when it was just about having fun, without the intention of making it real.

Our connection was supposed to be based on lust, nothing more.

But what could I do now that he had become too attached?

This wasn't supposed to happen. None of it was meant to be real. I couldn't let him develop feelings for me; it would only complicate things in the future.

Damn it!

"So, will you go on a date with me tonight, Stephanie?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat and managed a smile.

"Y-yeah... uh, I'd love to."

His face lit up, and he kissed the back of my hand before taking a sip of his drink.

"I already picked out an outfit for you. You can get ready here; we're not going anywhere. I made plans and reservations at this hotel."

Surprised, I withdrew my hand from his.

"Here?" He nodded, placing the glass back on the table.

"The hotel belongs to me."

I brushed off his matter-of-fact tone, feigning excitement.

"Great, can't wait for tonight," I forced out through clenched teeth. He planted a quick kiss on my lips before heading to the bedroom.

I wiped my mouth and turned to glare at the wall.

Screw my life.