"Are you going to sleep now?" he asked, his voice low, tinged with an emotion she couldn't quite place.
Saskia glanced back at him, her expression softening slightly. The weariness from the day's events was beginning to catch up with her, and all she wanted was to collapse into the comfort of her bed. "Of course. It's almost one already. I'm tired, you know."
"But I'll be leaving in four hours," Sean reminded her, a note of reluctance in his voice as if he was torn between his duty and his desire to stay with her.
She rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a hint of tenderness in her tone.
"If you don't want to sleep, then just watch me sleep. My whole body is sore from this afternoon, and the after-party was exhausting. I need my beauty sleep now. I still have to meet with Director Liu tomorrow for my next movie project."
Sean clicked his tongue in mild frustration, but his concern for her well-being outweighed his frustration. "Then sleep. I won't wake you when I leave."
Saskia paused at the door to her bedroom, turning to face him with a soft smile. She stepped closer, her hands resting lightly on his chest as she leaned in to press a quick, tender kiss to his lips.
"Just call me when you arrive in T country. You know I always answer your calls, no matter how busy I am, right?"
Sean's arms wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her closer as if he could hold onto this moment forever.
"It's not like I can do anything to stop you," he murmured, his voice tinged with resignation.
But there was also a deep, unspoken connection between them, one that transcended words. He tilted his head down and captured her lips in a deep, lingering kiss, pouring into it all the emotions he kept carefully hidden beneath his stoic exterior.
Saskia allowed herself to melt into the kiss, her hands sliding up to cup his face, fingers tracing the strong lines of his jaw.
For a brief moment, she let herself forget about the complexities of her plans, the dangers that lay ahead, and the tension that constantly simmered between them. In this moment, there was only Sean and the comfort his presence brought her.
But as the kiss ended, reality came rushing back, and she pulled away gently, her eyes meeting his with a mix of affection and resolve. "Go to sleep, Sean. I'll see you when you get back."
The bedroom was a haven of tranquility and luxury. Soft, ambient lighting cast a warm glow over the room, highlighting the sumptuous king-sized bed adorned with silk sheets and plush pillows. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a mesmerizing view of the city's nightscape, with curtains drawn partially to allow the twinkling lights to seep in.
Saskia let out a content sigh as she began to remove her jewelry, placing each piece carefully on the ornate dresser. Her mind wandered briefly to the upcoming days and the intricate plans she had set into motion.
Seducing Aziel was no small feat, and the stakes were higher than ever. He was not just any man; he was a powerful figure with resources and influence that could tip the balance in her favor if she played her cards right.
She was playing a dangerous game, one that required every ounce of her cunning and determination. But she was no stranger to danger; in fact, she thrived on it.
Walking into the adjacent en-suite bathroom, she was greeted by the inviting sight of a large, marble bathtub already filled with steaming, scented water—a thoughtful preparation by the attentive hotel staff.
She shed her dress, letting it pool elegantly on the heated floor before slipping into the soothing bath. The warm water enveloped her, easing the tension from her muscles and allowing her mind to strategize with clarity.
As she soaked, images of Aziel flashed through her mind. Gaining his trust and affection required a delicate balance of allure and authenticity. She couldn't afford any missteps, especially with Sean's ever-watchful gaze and possessive nature lurking in the background.
Closing her eyes, she envisioned the upcoming gala where she would cross paths with Aziel again. She mentally selected the perfect dress, rehearsed charming yet enigmatic conversation starters, and considered every possible scenario that could unfold.
Her training and experience had prepared her for such manipulations, but there was always an element of unpredictability when emotions were involved.
After what felt like hours, Saskia emerged from the bath, her skin flushed and rejuvenated. She wrapped herself in a plush, monogrammed robe and padded back into the bedroom, where she found Sean sitting on the edge of the bed, with a contemplative expression on his face.
"I thought you left," she remarked, slightly surprised but not displeased by his presence.
He looked up, his eyes reflecting a softness that he rarely showed to anyone else. "I wanted to say goodnight properly," he replied, standing up to meet her.
She approached him slowly, the distance between them closing as the ambient sounds of the city hushed into the background. Sean reached out, cupping her face gently in his hands as he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.
"Be careful, Saskia," he murmured, his voice tinged with a hint of worry that he seldom allowed himself to express. "The world we're in... it's full of dangers, seen and unseen."
She placed her hand over his, her eyes conveying strength and reassurance. "I know how to take care of myself, Sean. I always have."
He searched her gaze for a moment longer before nodding reluctantly. "I just don't want anything to happen to you."
A soft smile graced her lips as she leaned up to kiss him softly. "Nothing will. Now go, and get some sleep."
He chuckled, stepping back and releasing her reluctantly. "Alright, alright. Sleep well."
As Sean exited the room, Saskia watched him go, a myriad of emotions swirling within her. Their relationship was a complicated tapestry woven with threads of power, desire, and unspoken vulnerabilities. But she knew that to achieve her goals, she needed to keep her focus sharp and her heart guarded.
As she changed into her nightgown and slipped into the cool, crisp sheets of her bed, Saskia couldn't help but sigh in comfort. Seems like she would have to be careful, more careful than she had ever been. But just the thought of outmaneuvering both Aziel and Sean brought a thrill of excitement that she hadn't felt in a long time.
Saskia's eyes fluttered shut as sleep began to claim her. The last thing she heard was the soft sound of the door to the suite closing as Sean finally left her side to retire to his own room. She knew he would leave quietly in the early hours, slipping away like a shadow. And when she woke, she would be alone, free to continue with her plans.
Tomorrow was a new day, and Saskia was ready for whatever it would bring.