"So what will it be, Temptress?"
He asked, his voice slightly echoing throughout the office. His hand was on my neck, not strangling me but rather testing me on my abilities. A Temptress is known for fulfilling their desires - and I always got my way into people.
This time however, I felt my temper being tested with my affiliate at a rate I could not calculate.
I smirked, locking eyes with him.
Me: That's dangerous. You are handing yourself over to me.
He nodded in agreement, this time, leaning against the desk. In my years existing as a Temptress, I haven't came across anyone like him. I chuckled, shaking my head.
Me: Don't push me Damien. I hate people who waste my time. I have a family to get to.
He fell silent, like contemplating what I said. His grip on my neck tightened a bit. My words were having an impact on him.
Me: I'm a Temptress Damien..
Damien: You mean I have a chance?
Me: No.
Expecting his grip to grip even more, his grip on my neck quickly loosened, a chuckle coming out of his mouth. I turned around to face him and he leaned in dangerously close, our noses touching.
Damien: Your words are intoxicating, is that your poison?
Me: You asked for it Damien; you are messing with the wrong person here.
I tilted my head.
Me: (Smirking) Back down if you are scared.
8 HOURS EALIER
Damien: Delighted to meet you, Miss Luna.
I nodded, as I took Damien Morris' hand in a handshake, one that was too long to be called a handshake.
Me: Likewise.
The business meeting commenced and after an hour of convincing from everyone in his office - including Damien himself - I agreed to partnering up with them. Under my father's direction of course.
Damien: Thank you.
Damien said with a smile that got me intrigued. Damien Morris... interesting.
Smiles never do a thing to me - nor to my emotions. I am never swayed by anyone, no matter how cunning they are - or maybe because I am a Temptress.
I led them out of the conference room and watched them as they left. I turned to Kira.
Me: Do a background check on Damien Morris.
Kira: Yes ma'am.
*Phone buzz*
I reached out of my pocket to see an incoming call from my father. He is the one who left me with this business after I completed high school. Since then, I have been taking care of the company. But 'the company' meant also taking care of family members as well, which I did not agree to doing.
Me: What is it this time...
---ON A CALL---
Me: Hi dad.
Dad: Luna. How did the meeting go? I hope you didn't make their work difficult.
Me: I just did my job.
Dad: Guess that's a no.
Me: Everything went well. I decided to partner up with Damien and his company. I mean we are already affiliates, no?
Dad: Good. I want you to meet someone.
Me: Someone? Who?
Dad: Alvres.
Me: You mean another business affiliate Alvrez?
Dad: He's not just any man Luna. Take it seriously, he is a well-known business man. He could help you. I can talk to him and-
Me: I don't have time for that. I have no interest in men. I have a daughter.
Dad: Then I have no choice but to give the shares to your younger sister, Nikita.
Me: Is this about me going out with Alvres, or romance in general?
Dad: How long will you stay married to work? Or Kesia?
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head in the process.
Me: Kesia is my daughter, dad. If she's such a problem, you can put Nikita on the next person to take over and it's a win.
Dad: That's not the point Luna.
Me: This is me being practical.
Kira gave me a small nudge. She whispered in my ear, "Be kind to Mr. Bel."
I sighed.
Me: Fine. Okay dad. I- (forbid me) I will go out with Alvres. I am not promising anything.
Dad: Finally. That wasn't difficult right?
Me: But if he does not meet my criteria, I will not hear about him further, okay?
Dad: ... Fine.
---END OF CALL---
I shook my head, then dropped the call. I turned to look at Kira, who looks as equally identical to me when it comes to expressions, it's like looking at my own reflection. like she was ready to run away with just a glare.
Me: Have you eaten?
I asked, which took her by surprise.
Kira: No, ma'am. I am looking into the person you asked me to check on. He's clean... for now.
For the first time, I gave her a curt smile.
Me: Thank you. How about you go eat lunch? I am letting you go early.
She looked at me, eyes widened.
Kira: Are you sure ma'am? What if you need help-
Returning back to my usual self.
Me: Go before I change my mind.
Kira: I will always be at your assistance.
I shook my head.
Me: I'm letting you go for today. I'm going to check on Kesia.
Kira: Thank you ma'am!
She walked to the elevators while I stood with my arms folded. Kira is my quiet secretary. She always gets the job done and plays no games. The only person who can get through me is her. It's never that I allow her; her judgement would have proven beneficial at that moment.
Checking my phone one last time before packing it away, I walked to the second elevator that went to the parking lot underground, where I received a phone call from Alvrez.
---ON A CALL---
Me: Alvrez.
Alvrez: Luna. Wondering where you are right now.
Me: I am heading home to check on my daughter.
Alvrez: When will you be free?
Me: Not today.
Alvrez: Then can we meet tomorrow for lunch?
Me: Okay.
Alvrez: The Hards restaurant. 11 o'clock.
Me: See you then.
---END OF CALL---
* * *
Hours later, since I last picked Kesia from pre-school and spent the rest of the afternoon with her, she was already asleep when I left to return back to the office. Officially knocking off for the day, I opened my office door to see him.
Me: Damien?
I called his name.
Damien: Luna.
He replied casually.
Damien: CEO, mother... is there anything you can't do?
Me: Flattery won't get you anyway. I want to go home to see my daughter.
Locking the office, I walked past Damien, heading to the elevators. As soon as we got inside, I immediately got down to business.
Me: I was thinking of your request Morris.
Damien: Oh? And?
Me: I don't need saving.
Part of being a Temptress also meant one's lifespan is reduced by a year for every desire fulfilled. Damien thinks he could get me by just saying that.
Damien: Would never make you feel that way.
He looked at me with a smile.
Damien: I just can't help it - it's been my darkest desire.
Me: To do what?
Damien: To make myself yours.
He leaned close. I did the same too.
Me: (Whispering) Try harder. You've barely scratched the surface.
The elevator opened, revealing a dimly, well-lit basement lot where a few cars were packed. Leaving Damien alone, I walked out, not bothering to give Damien Morris a glance.