Lana Chen
I stood before the towering gates of Volkov Manor, my heart pounding with a mix of dread and determination. The ornate ironwork loomed like a sinister guardian, warning me of the chaos that awaited inside. Alfredo Volkov was everything I detested: a ruthless mafia billionaire, arrogant and infuriatingly handsome. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me.
“Just get through tonight,” I muttered to myself, smoothing the fabric of my fitted black dress. It clung to my curves, the neckline dipping just enough to hint at my figure, while I hoped to project confidence that I didn’t fully feel. I’d poured my heart into planning this gala, and I wouldn’t let Alfredo ruin it.
As I stepped through the gates, a flicker of light danced in my periphery, revealing the splendor within. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses flowed like a seductive melody, drawing me into a world I both craved and despised. I steeled myself and walked toward the entrance, knowing I had to face him.
Inside the Manor
The moment I stepped into the grand foyer, the air buzzed with electricity. The opulence overwhelmed me—gold accents and crystal chandeliers shimmering above—but all I could focus on was him. Alfredo stood at the center of the room, a dark figure cloaked in charm and danger, exuding a magnetism that made my heart race and my pulse quicken.
“Ah, the talented event planner has arrived,” he said, his voice smooth as silk, a smirk curling his lips.
“Don’t flatter yourself, Volkov. I’m here for the charity, not to admire your charming smile,” I shot back, forcing a smirk of my own, but the way his eyes raked over me made my stomach flutter against my better judgment.
“Such fire,” he purred, stepping closer, his gaze lingering on the exposed skin of my collarbone. “I like a woman who knows what she wants.”
“Keep your compliments to yourself,” I retorted, irritation flaring as heat crept up my neck. “You don’t intimidate me.”
“Is that so?” He leaned in, the warmth of his breath brushing against my ear. “Because I could swear you’re a little flushed right now.”
I resisted the urge to shiver, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “Maybe it’s the heat from this ridiculous gala.”
“Or maybe it’s the tension crackling between us,” he countered, his voice low and dangerous, that infuriating smirk never leaving his face.
Setting Up
As I busied myself with last-minute details, I felt his eyes on me, a constant weight that both irritated and excited me. I focused on the guests, ensuring everything was perfect, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Alfredo.
Every time I caught a glimpse of him, his laughter ringing out like a siren’s call, I felt an unwelcome attraction simmering beneath my skin. It was infuriating.
Then, just as I was about to lose myself in the event’s chaos, I turned and found him standing right behind me, a glass of champagne in hand, that damn smile still plastered across his face.
“Need a hand, or are you planning to do everything yourself?” he asked, a challenge lacing his tone.
“Not from you,” I snapped, my irritation boiling over.
“Suit yourself. But it’s going to be quite the evening,” he replied, taking a slow sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Not if you have anything to do with it,” I shot back, stepping away, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest.
But he followed, closing the distance between us. “You think you can handle it all, don’t you? But you might want to remember who really holds the power here.”
“Power? You think throwing money around makes you powerful? It just makes you a coward hiding behind your wealth,” I retorted, my heart racing, anger fueling my words.
“Cowardice isn’t my style, Lana,” he said, his voice a low growl that sent a shiver down my spine. “You should know that by now.”
“Maybe I should just leave,” I suggested, not entirely sure if I was talking about the gala or my own feelings for him.
He stepped closer, invading my space, his breath hot against my skin. “And miss all this fun? I’d think twice about that. You might find yourself enjoying our little games.”
A Dangerous Game
As the night unfolded, the tension simmered, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. Guests mingled, and the air thickened with desire. I directed staff and made sure everything was running smoothly, but my thoughts kept circling back to Alfredo, each glance exchanged laden with unspoken words.
When I spotted him across the room, laughing with a group of influential guests, jealousy and frustration twisted in my gut. The way he commanded attention was infuriating. He was magnetic, and it made my skin tingle.
Then, just as I was adjusting the floral arrangements, he sauntered over, that dangerous grin plastered on his face. “Tell me, are you enjoying the gala, or are you just pretending to care?”
“Why do you always assume the worst?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rapid beating of my heart.
“Because I can see the way you look at me,” he said, leaning in closer, the air between us charged. “You’re intrigued, Lana. Don’t deny it.”
“I’m not intrigued. I’m disgusted,” I shot back, but my voice lacked conviction.
“Are you really?” he challenged, his gaze boring into mine. “Or are you just trying to convince yourself?”
The moment stretched, the world around us fading into a blur. I could feel the heat radiating between us, a dangerous pull that threatened to ignite something I wasn’t ready to acknowledge.
Just as I opened my mouth to respond, the lights flickered, and the atmosphere shifted. The music swelled, and the gala continued around us, but I was lost in the depths of his gaze, trapped in a magnetic pull I both craved and resented.
“Whatever you think you’re doing here, remember this,” he said softly, brushing a stray hair behind my ear. “I’m not the only one who can play a dangerous game.”
And just like that, he turned away, leaving me breathless and reeling. I knew tonight wouldn’t just be about the gala; it would be the beginning of a tumultuous dance with the very man I hated most—Alfredo Volkov.
To Be Continued...
YOU ARE READING
DANGEROUS DESIRES
Romance"You're playing with fire милый" he said shoving his thick length to my throat as I gag
