i-Spy | A Stalker Romance

Chapter 39: The Great Betrayal

Stella's P.O.V.

Navigating the dimly lit auction room, I moved with purpose, weaving through the sea of faces masked in intrigue and power. The soft murmur of conversation mingled with the clinking of glasses, creating an almost hypnotic backdrop. My target was clear: Marco Alvarez.

As I glided through the room, I made a calculated misstep, my heel catching slightly on the edge of a nearby rug. The stumble was subtle but effective—my ankle twisted just enough to cause a slight falter in my stride. I caught myself with a practiced hand on a nearby table, my drink falling off the edge and shattering to pieces sending a shrill sound across the room.

The movement was just enough to draw the attention of those around me. Marco's gaze snapped to me, his dark eyes narrowing with sharp interest. He watched as I regained my balance, my fingers brushing the edge of the table for support. My expression, initially feigned embarrassment, quickly transformed into a delicate smile, as if the stumble was nothing more than a playful accident.

The flurry of attention I had caused spread quickly through the crowd, and Marco, with his commanding presence, was drawn irresistibly. His eyes held a predatory gleam as they fixed on me, his curiosity piqued by the carefully orchestrated stumble that had made me the center of attention.

Enough to give Kairo the chance to sneak and gain myself the attention of Marco.

As I straightened myself, brushing off the slight dishevelment with a casual flick of my hand, I met Marco's gaze. His dark eyes were locked onto me, their intensity making my pulse quicken. I gave him a sheepish smile, one that was equal parts innocent and calculating.

"Excuse me," I said, masking the sound with an accent and letting a hint of playful apology creep into my voice. "It seems I've caused a bit of a stir."

Please don't recognize me. Please don't recognize me. Please don't recognize me.

Marco's lips curled into a slow, appreciative smile. "Not at all. I must say, you've managed to capture everyone's attention effortlessly."

I took a step closer, consoling my thoughts, my body language suggesting a mix of confidence and curiosity. "Well, it wasn't exactly my intention, but I suppose I can't be blamed for drawing the eye of someone as distinguished as yourself."

His gaze roamed over me, lingering on my dress and the way it accentuated my figure. "And I must say, the universe has clearly aligned to bring us together tonight. Tell me, how did you come to be such a... captivating presence at this event?"

You're a mystery... an enigma... And I happen to love solving such enigmas.
I shunned the voices in my head and focused on my role. I was not a prey. I was not a pawn. I was the huntress. 

I let a soft laugh escape my lips, the sound both flirtatious and inviting. "A captivating presence? That's quite the compliment. I suppose it's just my way of making the most of an evening."

Marco's eyes glinted with interest as he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. "Ah, so you're here to make the evening memorable. I like that. And what, pray tell, are your plans for the rest of the night?"

I tilted my head, allowing a teasing smile to play on my lips. "I'm more inclined to let the night unfold as it wills. Although, I must admit, your company seems like an excellent way to start."

His eyes sparkled with amusement as he took a step closer, his gaze lingering on my lips. "Is that so? I have to say, I'm quite enchanted."

I let my fingers lightly graze his arm, a touch both intimate and deliberate. "I hope I can keep you that way." I crafted my voice deliberately into a seductive purr of a lover.