Adrian turned her with slow, deliberate force, wanting—needing—to see the woman who had toyed with him so effortlessly.
The moment their eyes met, his breath hitched.
Perfect.
Too perfect.
Her beauty was the kind that wasn't meant to exist outside of dreams. Dark waves of hair framed a face that was both delicate and untouchable, her bangs falling just above her long lashes, casting the faintest of shadows over striking grassland-green eyes. Eyes that held deception, mischief, and something else—something wild, untamed.
Her lips—God, those lips—were full, the upper one heavier, more pronounced, making the deep red lipstick she wore look even more sinful. He wanted to know what they would feel like against his own.
His gaze traced downward.
An hourglass figure, wrapped in silk, the dress clinging to her curves like a second skin. The high slit in her gown teased flashes of her toned thigh, the bare skin a contrast to the elegance of her attire.
And then there was the tattoo.
Faint, nearly hidden, resting just above the column of her throat. A single word in dark ink.
Dangerous.
Adrian's lips curled. His fingers grazed the ink, feeling the warmth of her pulse beneath his touch. "Fitting."
Valeria tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering in her gaze. "One of my attributes."
His hand flexed at her waist. "Only one?"
She didn't answer right away. Instead, she let her gaze drop to him now, taking her time, indulging in every inch of his form as if he were something to be studied.
Adrian let her look.
Icy blue eyes locked onto hers, waiting. His dark messy hair, slightly tousled from her earlier theft of his mask, added a certain roughness to his otherwise sharp features—a strong jawline, a straight nose, lips that were full but firm, the kind designed for either harsh words or deep kisses.
Her gaze trailed lower.
He was muscle beneath his tailored suit, a powerful build that was only restrained by the crispness of his clothes. But she didn't just admire his frame—it was the details that held her attention.
The glint of silver piercings in his ears.
The faint shadows of tattoos creeping up his neck, disappearing beneath his collar, leaving just enough to the imagination.
She liked men like him.
Men who looked like trouble.
Men who were trouble.
A slow, knowing smirk curved her lips. "Not bad," she murmured, her finger lazily trailing down the buttons of his shirt, feeling the firm ridges beneath. "Not exactly my type, but…" Her green eyes flickered back up to his. "You might grow on me."
Adrian arched a brow, his smirk deepening. "Liar."
Valeria's lips twitched. She reached up, her knuckles grazing his jawline, feeling the roughness of his stubble beneath her touch. "I'm still deciding."
His hand caught her wrist before she could pull away. His fingers curled around her pulse, thumb grazing the soft skin there. "And what does your decision depend on?"
Valeria leaned in, her lips just shy of his ear. Her breath was warm against his skin. "How well you behave."
Adrian exhaled a quiet laugh, his grip tightening slightly. "I don't behave."
Her lips barely brushed against his ear. "Then I'll have to punish you."
A sharp heat coiled in his gut.
Before he could respond, she moved, stepping back just enough to reach for her mask.
She lifted it slowly, teasingly, holding his gaze as she slid it back into place. The black silk molded to her face, the delicate ribbons disappearing into her dark waves.
And then, without warning, she stepped forward again, her body pressing fully against his.
Adrian inhaled sharply.
Her curves fit perfectly against his frame, her warmth seeping into him, her scent—a mix of spice and temptation—invading his senses.
Her lips hovered just below his ear, her voice nothing more than a seductive whisper.
"You'd look even better beneath me, Adrian"
His body tensed.
Not quite erect, but… close.
Too damn close.
He could feel the amusement radiating off her.
She lingered, her lips just there, barely touching, almost kissing but not quite. She was toying with him.
And fuck if it wasn't working.
Adrian's fingers twitched, his body burning with a mix of frustration and desire.
Then, just as quickly as she'd pressed against him, she pulled away.
She stepped back, her green eyes glittering with mischief.
"Sweet dreams, darling," she purred.
She turned on her heel, her movements slow, deliberate, as if she wanted him to watch.
And watch he did.
The silk of her dress hugged her body, the sway of her hips hypnotic as she walked toward the exit.
At the last moment, just before she melted into the crowd, she glanced over her shoulder.
And winked.
Adrian clenched his jaw, muscles tight with unspent tension. His hands curled into fists at his sides as he forced himself to exhale.
Damn her.
He rolled his shoulders, inhaling deeply as he willed himself back to composure.
His smirk returned, darker this time.
He wasn't done with her.
Not by a long shot.
This game had only just begun.