The Kensington Private Dining
London 2015 – A Night to Remember
The air inside the suite felt warmer than the cold London night outside. Ruja stood by the large window, the cityscape stretching endlessly before her, the dim lights of the buildings casting soft shadows across her face. Alexander stood not far away, watching her with sharp, calculating eyes.
A soft clink echoed as Ruja set her wine glass on the table. "I'm curious," she murmured, her voice softer than usual, almost a whisper.
Alexander leaned forward slightly, placing his own glass down without breaking eye contact. "Curious about what?"
Ruja slowly turned, her gaze studying Alexander's face as if searching for something. "What is it that you truly want tonight?"
A small, knowing smile curved Alexander's lips. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?"
Ruja stepped closer, her movements graceful yet controlled. As the distance between them shrank, Alexander could catch the faint scent of her perfume—a delicate blend of roses and vanilla, lingering in the air between them.
"No one comes here without a purpose," Alexander continued, his voice lower now, deeper.
Ruja tilted her head slightly, her fingers lightly touching his tie, playing with the edge of the fabric in slow, deliberate motions. "Maybe I just want to know… if you're still the same as before."
Alexander held his breath for a brief moment, feeling the subtle tension building between them. "And what do you think?"
Ruja gave a small smile—not playful, but something deeper, something unreadable. "Maybe you're still too confident."
Alexander chuckled softly. "And maybe you still like playing with fire."
For a moment, they stood there, locked in silence, their gazes holding steady. Seconds passed slowly, as if time itself was giving them a chance to savor the thickening tension.
Then, in a swift but deliberate move, Alexander reached for Ruja's waist, pulling her closer. She didn't resist, didn't step away—instead, she let herself be drawn in, welcoming the way his hands traced her skin, firm yet restrained.
"Are you ready to see just how far this game can go?" Alexander whispered, his breath warm against her skin.
Ruja glanced at his lips for a brief second before giving him a small, knowing smile. "Surprise me."
And the night carried on, the tension growing sharper, like a symphony reaching its climactic peak.
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London, Year 2105 – Lunch with Lord Blackwood
After a long night with Alexander, Ruja woke up a little later than usual. The London sun peeked thinly through the hotel curtains, casting a soft glow across the luxurious suite. Alexander was still asleep beside her, his breathing steady and calm.
Ruja reached for her phone, checking her schedule for the day.
12:30 PM – Lunch with Lord Blackwood, The Kensington Private Dining.
She carefully got out of bed, not wanting to wake Alexander. After a shower and slipping into an elegant navy-blue dress, she ordered an automated car to take her to the designated restaurant.
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12:30 PM – The Kensington Private Dining
Lord Magnus Blackwood was already waiting at the VIP table. The restaurant was quiet, occupied only by a few distinguished guests. He was always impeccably dressed, his suit never wrinkled, and his smile always calculated.
As Ruja arrived, a waiter pulled out a chair for her. Blackwood gave a slight nod in greeting.
Blackwood: "Right on time, as always. That's what I like about you, Ms. Ignatova."
Ruja: "I don't like keeping people waiting, especially someone like you, Lord Blackwood."
Blackwood gave a thin smile, lifting his glass of white wine, swirling it slowly before taking a sip.
Blackwood: "So, Ruja, is there something important you'd like to discuss?"
Ruja placed the napkin on her lap, observing the man in front of her before answering.
Ruja: "Of course. I'd like to know if you still have connections in London's financial sector. I need someone who can assist me with large-scale investments."
Blackwood raised an eyebrow slightly.
Blackwood: "Investments? Interesting. But I'm curious—why not go directly to Alexander? He's more than capable of handling matters like this."
Ruja gave a faint smile, taking a sip of her water before responding.
Ruja: "Alexander and I have a different dynamic. And you know, diversification is key in business."
Blackwood chuckled softly.
Blackwood: "Smart. Always keeping a backup plan. But before I answer, let me ask you one thing… What exactly are you building?"
The waiter arrived with the appetizers, briefly interrupting their conversation. Ruja picked up her fork and then looked at Blackwood with a knowing smile.
Ruja: "Something that, if successful, will change the game. And I want you to be a part of it."
Blackwood remained silent for a moment, then smirked slightly.
Blackwood: "I like surprises, Ruja. Alright, make me interested."
The conversation continued, negotiations growing deeper as their luxurious lunch unfolded.