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The call ends and Roman clears his throat, the sound dragging my attention back to him. He looks equally flustered, ruffling his hair and glancing toward the door.
"I should go," he speaks, though his voice holds a hint of regret.
I nod, my heart still racing. "Thank you again, Roman, for everything."
He leans in, pressing a chaste kiss to my forehead. "Anytime, Valentina," he whispers, his breath tickling my ear.
Roman pauses at the door, his silhouette framed by the dim hallway light. He glances back at me, a hint of vulnerability peeking through that otherwise confident veneer. "Can I see you again?"
I'm torn; this is the man I believe to be responsible, or at the very least involved, in my fiancé's death, yet the very same man who's shown kindness to my son and has given me a kiss has rocked my world. It feels like two sides of a coin, a duality that shouldn't coexist but somehow does.
"One more time," he adds, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "One more chance to take you out." His eyes twinkle mischievously, and I can tell he's enjoying the double entendre.
I look at him, trying to decipher the mystery that is Roman. A part of me screams caution, but another part is tempted. The allure of him is intoxicating, and I find it hard to resist. But the mission, the reason I have stepped into his world, comes flooding back.
"Why?" I ask, genuinely curious. "Why do you want to see me again?"
He takes a moment before answering, his gaze sincere. "There's something about you, Valentina. There's a depth, a fire I haven't seen in a long time. I want to know you, truly know you."
I let out a soft laugh. "You make it sound like we're in some epic romance."
Roman steps closer, and for a second, I think he might kiss me again. "Who's to say we're not?"
The room is filled with an electric tension. I take a deep breath, attempting to rein in the whirlwind of emotions inside me.
"Alright," I begin slowly, "one more date."
His face lights up with a victorious smile. "Would I be able to pick you up Friday after lunch?"
“That’s a little early for a date?” I ask, curious.
“I’m full of surprises,” he hints with a mischievous smile. “So Friday afternoon?”
I nod, trying to look nonchalant, but internally, my mind races. This is an opportunity, a way to get Roman alone and vulnerable. And when that moment comes, I’ll be ready to strike. As much as I feel conflicted, I remind myself that I have to stay true to my mission.
"Yes, Friday is fine," I finally respond, my voice betraying none of the inner turmoil I feel.
Roman's grin widens. "Perfect. Until then, Valentina."
And with that, he's gone, leaving me standing in the doorway, a myriad of feelings churning inside. I close the door and lean against it, exhaling deeply. Friday feels like a ticking time bomb, and I'm not sure which way it will explode.
Chapter 9
Roman
The day's light pours through the luxurious curtains of my apartment, heralding what promises to be an unforgettable evening. I should be neck-deep in work, overseeing the acquisition of the new business or handling the strings of investments that diversify my portfolio. But today, there's only one thing—or rather, one person—on my mind: Valentina.
When was the last time a woman made me feel this way? The electric charge between us... the tension is enough to short-circuit the city's power grid. I’m a man used to getting what I want—whether in business or pleasure. Valentina, however, presents a challenge. A delightful, exhilarating challenge.
Pulling out my phone, I decide to give her a hint of what's in store for tonight. As the dial tone hums in my ear, I can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation.
"Hello?" Her voice is as sultry as ever, even if it's tinged with a hint of surprise.
"Valentina," I greet, my voice deliberately smooth and steady. "Do you like Italian?"
A slight pause. "Italian food? I adore it. Why?"
"That's all I needed to know." I grin, even though she can't see it. "And as for why? —where would the fun be if I gave everything away now?"
