Crimson Love (Crimes On Love)

Chapter 2: Dangerous Attraction

Valentina Romero wasn't used to mingling with the rich and powerful. Her world was made of concrete streets and alleyways, where respect was earned through fear and loyalty, not money. But tonight, she was stepping into an entirely different universe—a world draped in velvet, glass, and diamonds. It wasn't where she wanted to be, but business was business.

She adjusted her black blazer, the material much more expensive than anything she was used to wearing. Marco had teased her about it earlier, calling her "fancy" in a way that still made her smile. But this wasn't a party for pleasure. She was there to make a deal, a deal that would put her on the map in the city's upper echelons of power. Tonight, she was selling to one of the wealthiest, most corrupt men in the state—a stepping stone to higher stakes in the drug trade.

The party was held in a massive penthouse overlooking Manhattan, the kind of place she had only seen on TV. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting golden light onto the sea of elegant gowns and tailored suits. Waiters moved silently through the crowd, offering champagne and canapés that looked too delicate to eat. It was all excess, a stark contrast to the street corner where she had been hours before, watching over her crew.

Valentina scanned the room, her eyes sharp and calculating. She spotted Victor Rose—the man she was meeting tonight—on the far side of the ballroom, deep in conversation with another man in a tuxedo. She knew his type: rich, powerful, and utterly untouchable. At least, that's what he liked to think.

But Valentina wasn't interested in his power. She was there for the deal, nothing more.

As she made her way through the crowd, her gaze swept across the room, catching sight of a woman standing by the bar. It was a brief glance, but it stopped her in her tracks. The woman was stunning, her long, dark hair falling in waves over a sleek, silver dress that shimmered under the chandeliers. Her posture was poised, yet there was a subtle tension in her shoulders, as if she didn't quite belong among the glittering crowd.

Valentina shook her head, pulling her attention back to the task at hand. This wasn't the time to get distracted by pretty faces.

She approached Victor, her steps confident but measured. He glanced up as she neared, his eyes cold and calculating. He gave her a slight nod, and without a word, gestured toward a quieter area near the balcony. Valentina followed, feeling the weight of the deal pressing down on her shoulders.

"You have what I asked for?" Victor's voice was low and devoid of emotion as they stepped outside, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the warmth inside.

Valentina slipped a small, unmarked bag from her blazer, holding it discreetly at her side. "It's all there. Purity's high, just like I promised." She kept her voice calm, even though the tension between them was palpable. She knew how these types worked—always waiting for the slightest misstep.

Victor took the bag, examining its contents with practiced care. After a moment, he nodded approvingly, pulling a thick envelope from his jacket and handing it to her. "You've done good business tonight, Romero. But don't think this makes you one of us."

Valentina smirked. "I don't need to be one of you."

As Victor turned to leave, Valentina's attention drifted back to the woman at the bar. She couldn't help it—there was something about her that felt... different. She wasn't like the other guests, who moved with practiced grace and false smiles. This woman looked like she was trying to disappear into the background.

Without realizing it, Valentina found herself walking toward her. The woman noticed her approach, her dark eyes meeting Valentina's in a way that felt almost electric. Valentina stopped in front of her, unsure of what had drawn her here, but unable to turn away.

"You don't look like you're having a good time," Valentina said, her voice low but playful. It was an opening, a way to break the ice.

The woman raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small, guarded smile. "You could say that. These parties are all the same—boring and full of people pretending to be something they're not." Her voice was soft, but there was an edge to it, a hint of frustration that matched the tension in her shoulders.

Valentina nodded. "Yeah, I'm not really a fan of these types either."

The woman's eyes flickered with surprise. "You don't seem like the usual crowd. What are you doing here?"

Valentina chuckled, leaning against the bar. "I could ask you the same thing."

There was a brief silence as they studied each other. The woman's gaze was sharp, as though she could see through the carefully crafted facade Valentina wore in places like this. She extended her hand, and Valentina noticed a small tattoo on the inside of her wrist—a diamond.

"Diamond Rose," the woman introduced herself, her smile widening just a fraction.

Valentina hesitated for a split second before taking her hand, the warmth of Diamond's skin sending an unexpected jolt through her. "Valentina Romero."

Diamond's eyes flickered with recognition at the name, but she didn't comment on it. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes. "So, Valentina Romero, what brings you to the land of the rich and soulless?"

Valentina smirked, leaning in a little closer. "Business."

Diamond raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of business?"

"The kind that pays," Valentina said, her voice dropping into something more suggestive, though she didn't reveal any details.

Diamond laughed softly, a sound that made Valentina's heart skip a beat. "Mysterious. I like that."

They stood in silence for a moment, the rest of the party fading into the background as Valentina found herself drawn into Diamond's orbit. There was something magnetic about her, something that pulled Valentina in despite every warning that screamed to stay away.

"Careful," Diamond said quietly, her eyes locking onto Valentina's. "You don't seem like the type to play it safe."

Valentina's smirk deepened. "I'm not. But I have a feeling you aren't either."

The tension between them was thick, the air charged with something Valentina hadn't felt in a long time. She was used to keeping people at arm's length, to protecting herself from the dangers of getting too close. But with Diamond, something was different. She wasn't like the others.

And for the first time in years, Valentina wasn't sure if that was a good thing or the most dangerous thing of all.

As they exchanged a few more playful remarks, Valentina could feel the shift in her. This wasn't just another pretty face at a party—this was something more. And that scared her.

But she wasn't about to back down.

"Maybe we can talk some more, somewhere quieter?" Diamond suggested, her voice soft but filled with a subtle challenge.

Valentina's heart raced as she nodded. "Lead the way."

As they slipped out of the crowded party, disappearing into the night, Valentina knew one thing for sure: her life was about to get a lot more complicated.

And she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.

QUICK AUTHOR NOTE: Plz be aware that the next 3 parts are the same chapter just split into sections so it's not just one long ass chapter lol <3