The limo pulled up to an impressive gate, revealing a magnificent house adorned with beautiful lights that illuminated the entire compound. As the gates opened, the driver steered inside, bringing the car to a stop in front of the house. Asmodeus, the driver, stepped out and opened the door for Nicholas, who exited the vehicle.
"Go in, she awaits you," said Asmodeus, pointing towards the house before he returned to the limo and drove off. Nicholas made his way towards the front door, which opened to reveal a butler, an older gentleman of shorter stature, who warmly greeted him.
"Welcome, sir. We have been expecting you. Please, come with me," the butler said, leading the way into the house.
The main room was breathtaking, featuring a grand chandelier that illuminated the exquisite designs and patterns adorning the walls. Numerous unsettling artworks hung on the walls, depicting torment, darkness, suffering, and pain in various troubling forms. Nicholas found them both unsettling and captivating. The house felt like a museum. Eventually, they arrived at a door, and the butler opened it, revealing Luci seated on a chaise lounge chair. As soon as the door opened, she rose elegantly.
Luci wore a shimmering red sequin gown that accentuated her slender yet curvy silhouette. Her dark brown skin glowed as the lights bounced off its smooth surface. The room boasted a grand fireplace, a table with two vintage Victorian chairs, and a black chaise lounge chair. In one corner stood a red grand piano.
"Nicholas, welcome. I'm glad you made it," greeted Luci. She turned to the departing butler and added, "Thank you, Ornias," as he bowed and left.
"The pleasure is all mine. Your home is lovely, and you look beautiful," Nicholas replied, presenting the flowers he had bought for her.
"Why, thank you, kind sir. Please, have a seat with me," Luci invited warmly.
She graciously accepted the bouquet, placing the flowers in a vase before leading him to the table with two chairs. Nicholas pulled out the chair for Luci, and she gracefully took her seat.
"I guess gentlemen are not a dying breed after all," Luci remarked with a smile, observing Nicholas as he sat opposite her.
A champagne bottle stood on the table. Luci pointed to it and asked, "Do you indulge in alcohol?"
"I do," Nicholas replied.
As Luci reached for the bottle, Nicholas stopped her and took it from her. "Let me," he offered, opening it and pouring the drink into their wine glasses.
"A toast to not running you over this morning," Luci said playfully, a smile adorning her face.
"Cheers, I'll drink to that," Nicholas responded as their glasses clinked together.
"Are you Italian, Nicholas? Your accent and the last name Palmieri lead me to assume so," Luci inquired.
"You're right; I am Italian," Nicholas confirmed.
"So, tell me about yourself, Nicholas. What brought you to America? And what do you do for a living?" Luci asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I'm a writer. I wanted to share my gift with the world," Nicholas revealed.
"And did you?" Luci inquired further.
"Did I what?" Nicholas asked, momentarily lost in thought. Every word she spoke seemed like an alluring invitation. Her full lips were enticing, and he was captivated by her in a way he had never experienced before. This woman awakened desires within him, exciting him in ways that surpassed any previous lovers.
"Share your gifts with the world?" Luci clarified, smiling at him.
"I try to. Currently, I'm working on publishing my book," Nicholas replied, regaining his composure and attempting not to reveal his overwhelming desire for Luci too obviously.
"Hmm, I look forward to reading it," Luci responded.
"What about you, Luci? I've never heard of you before. Are you new to town?" Nicholas asked, genuinely curious.
"Yes, I am. I've only been here for a few weeks," Luci disclosed.
"What brings you to town?" Nicholas inquired.
"I'm here in search of truth and a second chance at redemption," Luci revealed.
"Interesting," Nicholas remarked, intrigued by her enigmatic answer.
He found himself unable to divert his gaze from her. She was undeniably captivating. Emerald earrings adorned her ears, matching the choker neckpiece around her slender neck. Her envy-inducing red gown clung to her body, accentuating her curves and offering a tantalizing view of her firm breasts. Her hair, styled in beautiful finger waves, complemented her well-defined bone structure and high cheekbones. Her ebony skin glowed like liquid chocolate, enticing him with an irresistible desire to taste her. But it was her forest green eyes that held him spellbound. They shimmered like precious jewels, the most exquisite sight he had ever beheld. In that moment, he couldn't help but wonder if she had a partner, a boyfriend, or even a husband.
"Are you in town by yourself? A woman as lovely as you must surely have a husband or a partner," he inquired, hoping for a favorable response.
"No, no husband or partner. I am divorced and have been on my own for a while now," she replied.
Relief washed over him upon hearing that she was single. His eyes scanned the room and settled on a painting hanging on the wall.
"May I?" Nicholas asked, pointing towards the artwork.
"Sure," Luci granted permission, her attention still captivated by his presence.