Tiber stood at Ivy's apartment door that evening, holding two expensively branded bottles of red wine. When the door opened, Ivy greeted him with a seductive smile, dressed in a black satin suit that slid snugly over her shoulders, emphasizing both her inherent appeal as a politician and her irresistible attractiveness.
"Tiber," she said in a low, eager tone, her gaze traveling over the CEO's face before her. "You know how to make a surprise irresistible."
"Think of it as a small celebration," Tiber said, grabbing the bottle of wine in his hand and walking into the exquisite living room. "We have every reason to celebrate our victory tonight."
They sat on the sofa, each with a glass of wine, and talked about the huge government project victory that Tiber now held. As the wine wore off, their talk shifted from formal to playful and flirtatious, with the occasional jest disguised in soft threats.
"And what do you have planned for the next step?" Ivy inquired, lifting an eyebrow. Her eyes were intensely curious, and she smiled as she studied Tiber.
"This victory is only the beginning," he said, Tiber's eyes turning icy. "With your support, we will conquer more... and you know I will not accept failure."
Ivy chuckled, her laugh warm and cruel. "Tiber, you're constantly demanding too much. Do you really need more victories or just a vacation from the routine of the world?"
Tiber looked up at her, and the distance between them seemed to close. "Both," he said simply, her voice barely a whisper. "And maybe I also need someone I can trust... or at least someone who can make me forget for a moment all the treachery out there."
Ivy grinned meaningfully. "Trust? Tiber, we've played this game way too many times to talk about trust. But if it's about escaping, maybe I can help."
They got closer, their words reduced to whispers in a game about more than power and ambition.
Both knew there was more than alliance in this partnership. They spoke in seduction and warning, as if neither wished to appear weak before the other.
Under the flickering lights, Tiber and Ivy became shadows, merging in a game of tension and desire. A temporary togetherness that they know will only deepen their dark alliance of burning ambition.
Ivy takes an abrupt break in their intimacy. Her normally confident countenance alters, as if there is some doubt hidden below her slight smile. She breathes quietly and looks deeply into her wine glass.
"We can't go on like this, Tiber," she remarked abruptly, her voice low but clear. "Nikolai and Cassie are not people to be taken lightly. They have their own methods of eliminating anyone who dares to betray them."
Tiber remained silent for a moment while watching them. Doubts started to arise in his mind. Ivy was correct; their relationship was full of hazards and far from love. It was all a game, a dishonest ruse they devised for their own gain.
"You're right," Tiber said dryly. "We do not even love each other. So, why are we taking such an enormous risk?"
Ivy shrugged, forcing a smile. "Maybe because we're both hungry for glory, and given the circumstances, we don't care how we get there. Still, Tiber, it's just a question of time. This scandal, our game, will not go forever. They will find out eventually."
Tiber paused, his stare keen. In some ways, she realized Ivy was probably correct. Their relationship was built on ambition, not love or trust. But for some reason, he wasn't ready to let go of Ivy.
"We can last longer than you think, Ivy," Tiber said, attempting to persuade himself. "As long as we stay smart and control her every move, there's no reason for us to be afraid."
But Ivy just shook her head slightly. "Unless, of course, they're already in control of this game."
The talk hung in the air, as if suggesting the danger lurking behind each stride. Both were fully aware that the path they had chosen was fraught with thorns, but Tiber and Ivy refused to back down.
Not long after, Ivy fell asleep on Tiber's lap, her face peaceful, as if the defeat and controversy that surrounded her were distant memories. Ivy's thin nightgown displayed her normally alluring silhouette, but now Tiber's look was flat, devoid of desire or need.
He slowly looked up at Ivy, his face distorted as he reflected on Ivy's comments, which continued to plague him. Her comments just now... why did it feel like the wind was bearing a bad omen? Tiber sighed internally as his mind began to wrestle with unpleasant questions.
"What other plans has Nikolai made? Has he gone that far, or is he just waiting for us to off guard?" he asked himself, occasionally looking across at Ivy. "And Cassy... what if she finally decides to seek justice? She knows too much, and that is dangerous."
His eyes returned to Ivy, but this time it seemed different. Being with her provided an unexpected sense of comfort, which Tiber interpreted as a warning of danger. Love, or any desire for a woman, was a weakness in his universe. He knew that. A defect that may be exploited to bring everything down.
"Have you ever wondered, Ivy, what this strange relationship of ours is called?"
After a lengthy quiet, Tiber sighed and delicately carried Ivy's blissfully asleep body onto the bed. He picked up his coat and walked away without saying anything, leaving Ivy in the room with lingering questions.
After leaving Ivy's apartment, Tiber stood for a minute under the night sky, his gaze sharp as if cutting through the darkness. He took out his phone, browsed through his contacts, and selected an all-too-familiar name: Dante.
Dante responded on the first ring with no preface. "Yes, Tiber?"
Tiber took a quick breath before speaking, his voice nearly a whisper yet forceful, full of directives that could not be ignored. "Begin Vanguard Operations."
Dante waited for a while to ensure he had understood correctly. "Vanguard Operations? Are you serious?"
Tiber's gaze remained concentrated and determined. "We'll start right now. I want no margin for error. You know what to do."
Dante responded without hesitation. "Understood. I will handle it properly."
Tiber ended the call, his gaze remaining cool and focused. Everything was in position, and the wheels were moving; nothing could stop him now.
***