Page 61 of Dark Seduction

"Now," Lev shifts gears, still all business but with an undercurrent of support just for me. "There's still the matter of your pieces, Dalia. What would you like to do?"

I chew on the inside of my cheek for a second, mulling it over. "I'd like them back but I did make them to be sold, after all."

Lev's eyes light up with an idea. "How about this," he offers, turning back to Claude, "you keep these pieces here and sell them. You’ll get a finder’s fee of five percent for each sale."

Claude groans again, sounding like he's swallowed something sour. I have to press my lips tightly together to stop from laughing out loud.

Lev looks Claude square in the eye. "No funny business," he warns. "I’ll be keeping an eye on you to make sure you’re playing straight."

"Of course," Claude responds, a little too quickly.

Vanya returns, grinning a bit. "The staff was more than happy with the cash.”

"People always are," Lev replies as he stands, a hint of dry humor in his voice. He picks up the bag of jewelry we're taking with us. "Thank you for the private showing, Mr. Pascal," he says to Claude politely.

Stepping outside, I feel like I'm floating, the laughter and lightness between Lev, Vanya, and me making everything seem a little brighter.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’ve won.

Chapter 26

Lev

Iwake up to the sight of Dalia next to me, her breathing even and calm as she sleeps.

It’s a view that never fails to stir something deep inside me. The morning light spills across her bare skin, highlighted beneath the thin sheets.

I find myself thinking about the fun we had last night.

The way her hair fanned out on the pillow, the soft moans that filled the room, and the warmth of her touch flash through my mind, vivid and stirring. The joyous smile on her face as I slipped the engagement ring on her finger.

Part of me is tempted to wake her, to relive those moments, but I resist. She looks so peaceful, and I decide she needs the rest. Besides, today isn’t a day for lingering in bed—there’s too much to handle, and I can't afford to start late.

Quietly, I slip out from under the sheets, careful not to disturb her. I take a quick shower, letting the hot water stream down my body and wake me up fully.

Thoughts of what's on my agenda for the day begin to crowd my mind. The issues from yesterday haven’t disappeared; they’ve just been temporarily compartmentalized.

I step out of the shower and dry off. Choosing my clothes for the day, I opt for something sharp yet practical—a well-fitted suit that's comfortable enough for a day that could stretch long into the night.

As I’m buttoning up my shirt, a voice floats from the bed, teasing and warm.

“Looking good, handsome.”

I turn to see Dalia propped up on her elbows, her chocolate-brown hair tousled around her face in a way that sends my heart racing, a playful smile on her lips. I can't help but grin back and walk over to her.

"Were you watching me this whole time?"

She laughs lightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Maybe a little. There’s something sexy about watching you get dressed, almost as sexy as watching you getundressed.”

Climbing onto the bed, I lean in close. "Be careful, I have ways of dealing with spies," I tease, playing along with the flirtatious mood.

“Oh? Is that right?”

“That’s right,” I affirm as I gently pull down the sheet, revealing her perfect, round breasts. The sight stirs me, and I lean down, kissing her softly at first then more insistently, my lips and tongue worshipping her skin, eliciting soft moans from her sweet lips.

Her sounds only fuel my desire, and I find myself getting lost in the moment. The feel of her warm skin, the taste of her, is intoxicating. I move down her body, kissing and licking every inch of her, savoring the way she responds to my touch.

"You know, watching you get dressed isn't the only thing I enjoy," she whispers, her voice breathy and filled with need.