Colette leaned back in her chair, her sharp blue eyes scanning the reports laid out before her. Her soldiers stood at attention around the room, delivering updates on their control over legitimate businesses. Restaurants, clubs, and even small retail stores—all seamlessly integrated into her criminal empire. These enterprises provided clean fronts for laundering money and extending her influence into the heart of local communities.
"So far, everything is running smoothly, boss," one of her lieutenants reported. "No major issues, and all our businesses are paying their dues."
Colette's claws tapped rhythmically on the polished surface of her desk. "Good. For once, I don't have to clean up someone else's mess. Keep it that way."
The soldiers exchanged wary glances, their relief palpable. It wasn't often that Colette was in a neutral mood, and none of them wanted to be the one to ruin it.
Before the meeting could wrap up, the door opened, and Raize stepped inside. The dark elf underboss carried her usual composed demeanor, but there was an edge of urgency in her violet eyes.
"Boss," Raize said, inclining her head slightly. "We've got a situation."
Colette raised an eyebrow, her tail flicking behind her. "What now?"
"It's the mall," Raize began, her voice calm but firm. "They're refusing to pay us. They claim they can't 'justify the expense.'"
Colette's expression darkened, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop slightly. "Is that so?"
Raize nodded. "They've ignored our usual warnings. It's time to send a stronger message."
A slow, predatory smile spread across Colette's lips. "Very well. Break the managers' kneecaps and elbows. Make it clear that their refusal is unacceptable."
Raize smirked, her respect for Colette's ruthless efficiency evident. "Understood, boss. I'll handle it personally."
As Raize turned to leave, Colette leaned back in her chair, her claws steepled under her chin. Her mind began to wander, drifting away from business and toward something far more personal.
Once the room emptied and Colette was alone, a different thought filled her head. Valentine's Day was coming up, and while she typically dismissed such holidays as frivolous, this year was different. This year, she had Kent.
A faint blush crept across her cheeks as she leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. "What do I even get him?" she muttered to herself. "He's so simple. He doesn't care about expensive gifts or extravagant gestures…"
She tapped her claws on the desk, her mind racing. Jewelry? No, she'd already given him that. A new car? He barely drove the ones she'd bought him. What did Kent truly want?
The answer came to her suddenly, and a soft smile spread across her lips. Chocolate. He'll make me chocolate, and we'll spend the day together cuddling.
Her heart fluttered at the thought, and her tough, icy demeanor melted away for a moment as she imagined Kent's warm embrace and his flustered reactions to her teasing.
The sound of the door opening snapped her out of her reverie. She looked up to see a few soldiers and capos entering with reports, their expressions neutral as they prepared to brief her.
But they stopped short when they saw her expression. Her usually sharp, intimidating gaze was soft, and her cheeks were faintly pink. She wasn't scowling or issuing commands—instead, she looked… dreamy.
"Boss?" one of the soldiers asked hesitantly.
Colette's eyes snapped back into focus, and her smirk returned instantly, though the faint blush lingered. "What is it?" she asked, her voice regaining its edge.
The soldier hesitated, exchanging a glance with one of the capos. "Uh, just here to give you the latest report…"
Colette waved them over, her composure fully restored. As they handed her the documents, the soldiers couldn't help but exchange nervous glances. They'd never seen their boss look anything less than invincible, let alone… vulnerable.
But one thing was clear to everyone in the room: when it came to Kent, Colette was a completely different person.
As the day went on, Colette couldn't shake the anticipation building inside her. She'd faced enemies, managed empires, and survived the unimaginable, but the thought of Valentine's Day with Kent left her flustered in a way nothing else could.
For once, she didn't care if her soldiers noticed. Let them be shocked. Kent was her everything, and she wasn't afraid to show it.
Valentine's Day arrived, and Colette had taken full control of the plans. Kent barely had time to question where they were going before he found himself being whisked away to one of the city's most exclusive spas. The towering, luxurious building was renowned for its opulence, privacy, and unmatched services. Colette had, of course, ensured they'd have the best accommodations available.
As they entered the spa, Kent couldn't help but feel a little out of place. The serene atmosphere and calming scents of lavender and eucalyptus seemed almost at odds with Colette's commanding presence.
"You didn't have to go this far," Kent said as they were escorted to a private suite.
Colette smirked, her tail swishing behind her as she walked ahead of him. "It's Valentine's Day, darling. You deserve the best, and I intend to spoil you."
Their private suite was breathtaking. It featured a large, steaming hot spring surrounded by smooth stones, plush lounge chairs, and a series of massage tables with soft, warm lighting. The steam rose gently from the water, creating an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.
Colette wasted no time. She removed her robe, revealing her stunning, curvaceous figure. Her blue-and-white scales glimmered under the soft light, and her toned yet feminine frame left Kent momentarily speechless.
"You're staring," Colette teased, her sharp blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
Kent quickly averted his gaze, his face turning bright red. "I-I wasn't—"
"Relax," she said, stepping into the water with a contented sigh. "I don't mind. In fact, I like it when you admire me."
Kent hesitated for a moment before joining her, wrapping a towel around his waist as he eased into the steaming water. The heat was soothing, and for a moment, he allowed himself to relax.
But Colette had other plans.
She moved closer to him, her hips swaying slightly as she waded through the water. Sitting down beside him, she wrapped her thick tail around his waist, pulling him closer.
"You're not getting away from me today," she said with a playful grin.
"Not that I was planning to," Kent replied, though his cheeks burned as she leaned into him.
Colette pressed her naked hips against his towel-covered lap, her body brushing against his with deliberate teasing. "You're so shy, Kent. It's adorable."
"Colette…" he mumbled, his face impossibly red as he tried to look anywhere but at her.
She laughed softly, resting her head on his shoulder. "You're too easy to fluster, darling. That's why I enjoy teasing you so much."
The two of them soaked in the hot spring together, Colette occasionally brushing her thigh against his leg or shifting just enough to keep him flustered. She relished his reactions, finding them endlessly entertaining.
After a while, she shifted positions, pulling him closer until his head was resting on her lap. Her thighs, warm and soft, cradled him as she ran her claws gently through his hair.
"Comfy?" she asked, her voice softer now.
Kent nodded, his eyes half-closed. "Yeah… This is nice."
Colette smiled, her expression unusually tender as she gazed down at him. The steam from the hot spring rose around them, enveloping them in a cocoon of warmth and intimacy.
For a while, they simply stayed like that, enjoying the quiet and each other's company. For Colette, it was a rare moment of vulnerability, a chance to show Kent just how much he meant to her. And for Kent, it was a reminder of the softer side of the fierce, possessive dragoness he loved.
As the day came to an end, Colette couldn't help but feel that this was one of their best Valentine's Days yet. No gifts, no grand gestures—just the two of them, together, exactly where they belonged.