- VALKYRIE –
The way to a man's heart is his stomach, another way to his heart is through his bed. But one of the surest ways of catching a man's attention on a first glance is the allure. An elegant sexual appeal and that is what I am going for tonight.
"Valkyrie SK." I say to the security standing in front of the hall. I know that look anywhere. He's stunned I'm here. After that backlash, everyone probably expects me not to make an appearance and be cuddled under a blanket in my room but I won't fold. Not when I'm innocent. And not when there is an opportunity to exact my revenge. He steps aside, pushing the door open for me. I flash him a smirk then waltz in.
Just as expected, this place smells like luxury. The hall is massive with a royal louvre interior. From the live opera band to the banquet servers and the elite company within, you know this is just the kind of crowd you'd expect to see in an event hosted by the world's most influential tycoon.
"Ah, Valkyrie, fancy meeting you here." The poised voice of a female resounds in my ears as a lady walk in front of me, spreading her arms slightly apart. I hear the hidden mock in her tone. Rich people and underhand greetings are way too common.
I fake a smile. "Nice to meet you too, Adora." I lean forward and exchange side to side kisses with her without body contact. This lady made that remark on the news about me, 'Being loose in marriage should be frowned on'.
"You got an invite? I half expected you not to be in gatherings so soon."
"You of all people should know one can't make it to such gatherings without invitations. And why won't I be here?" There are barely genuine friendships in my line of living. Everyone sees each other as a competition. Call us friendly benefactors.
Adora smiles. "True, why won't you. Enjoy the drinks. It's one of the many pure things here." I want to jab her cheeks with my hand.
"I shall." My lips form a line as she leaves me. Everyone in this room knows. I doubt anyone present is willing to interact with me so I won't even bother. I am not here for them anyway.
And if he knows too? He may not want to spare someone with a disreputable reputation a glance. Plus, you're married to his son. My conscience reminds.
I have no answer to the first question, but Alessandro's father did not come for his son's wedding. They don't share a relationship so he probably does not know of me. And Alessandro and I are practically divorced. We both just need to sign the papers, I respond to myself.
I run my eyes across the room, waiting to sight Alario.
What man isn't present in his own hosted exclusive event?
A man who answers to no one. I swallow. A man I must have.
Murmurs raise in the hall. There is only one person who can get the elite talking this much all at once. Who can keep them waiting and anticipating an arrival. The one man who even the rich try to impress. And there is no doubt that this man has entered the room. I turn around slightly. Walking in through the entrance is him. Alario Morietti with men in suit behind him.
Alario is tall with a frame that consumes the room. His shoulders are broad and his physique makes clothes look sexy. He's got this aura around him that passes a point without a word. His jaw? Chiseled to perfection. His hair? Styled to perfection, not a single strand out of place. There is something about the subtle hints of grey his hair has that makes him look sophisticated. And his face, his most desirable aspect outside his body is devastatingly gorgeous. He's like a god amongst men, striking, dominant, possessive. And powerful.
And he's here tonight. Announced as the world's most suitable bachelor, searching for a companion. A companion that will be me. Now the question is, do I approach him as Valkyrie Steven Kings, or just a random woman?
"Valkyrie. A pleasure seeing you here." Darts my attention from my thoughts. I have been cornered. He knows who I am.
I turn around to face him. Christ! He's way more handsome up close. "Mister Morietti." I word, my words hang in my throat. I did not expect him to approach me, I did not expect him to know me at all. "I am honoured to be spotted." My voice is low and throaty. Bold too for someone who is going through a heartbreak.
A deep chuckle leaves his mouth. That has my heart racing. This man's lips has me wanting to taste him. And have him tasting me. "It's impossible not to."
I raise a brow, keeping my chin up. "Is that from a respectful perspective or a skinder?"
Alario holds his hand out. I look at it before placing my palm in his. He lowers his head to place a gentle kiss, his thumb stroking the back of my palm. "What do you think?"
Respectful perspective.
"I'd rather we talk alone." I lace my eyes at the men behind him. He signals them to go. They do.
"What do you deem important to single me out from the crowd?" By crowd, he means his men.
I curl my lips. "I hear you're looking for a bride." His eyes darken. I do not know this man other than what I have read about him in the media so I do not know his preferences in women. I am about to find out. "Why the sudden need to remarry?" I ask, maintaining a bold font. He stretches his hand out, gesturing we walk and talk and I follow by his side.
"When you reach an age like mine, you begin to want more than wealth." He says.
"Companionship." I voice. He looks me in the eyes, a glint in his gaze or I am just mistaken.
"Life begins to feel way too short."
I grin. "So companionship with the excitement. Someone who can get your spark on. Someone only you can have. Who can keep your bed warm as well as your life. Someone who needs you yet doesn't make it her whole personality."
Alario has been silent.
"Someone feisty enough to stand on her own and take care of herself. Possibly be a challenge you'd very much like to conquer. Dominate yet submit to."
His silence makes me keep going.
"Someone who can spoil herself yet would like to be spoiled. Someone smart and witty enough to keep you on your toes. Someone you will be proud to take to gatherings. And be sure she can handle herself alone. The spine to your body."
Alario grins. "Who are you suggesting?"
I look him in the eye while I say this, letting him know I am not dabbling. "Me."
"You need me, Alario. I don't want your money but I sure love being spoiled. I have all the wits and achievements women my age don't have. You never have to worry about me and I know how to keep your nights very warm."
"And what's in it for you?" That's not an objection. He might be buying my speech.
I get to carry your last name. I get to use your influence and power for my benefit to destroy my enemies but I won't say that. A half grin forms on my face. "Expectantly, a lot of sex and a man who shares my mindset. You're self made, I am too. Our lives are similar, it's a stunning match." I move closer to him, setting my face close to his. I can feel his breath fan my face. My hand prowls his suit, feeling his concealed, muscled chest. He doesn't push me away. He must see the potential and want this too.
"Tempting." Alario finally mutters. His hand grips mine, stopping me from touching him. "I have to ask you one thing."
Since my hand is caged, I use my leg instead, placing it between his legs. I am throwing myself at him but I don't care, I've got nothing else to lose. "Go ahead. Ask."
"Did you come here just to meet me?"
My breath hitch for a second. "Would that be a bad thing?" I respond, my voice husky. His finger circles a portion of the skin on my hand.
"I do not know you. We're strangers, Valkyrie."
"We can change that. Not like either of us have anything to lose." A hand holds my waist and pulls me to him, pressing my body against his. "So why deny me, sir?"
"Valkyrie," His tone is provocative. The way he calls my name sends heat to my core. "Don't you think we have much to discuss? Privately. To ensure we match as well as you think."
The kind of talking he wants involves less words and more action.
"My car or yours?" I breath.
"I own the building." My eyes widen. "I have a penthouse above."