Chapter 10: The Calm Before the Storm

The week leading up to my departure was nothing short of indulgent.

Angela and I spent nearly every night together, and each time, we pushed boundaries, exploring every inch of desire between us. She was insatiable, desperate to squeeze every moment of pleasure out of me before I left. I gave her exactly what she needed.

It started in her office.

The thrill of secrecy, of knowing we could get caught at any moment, made it even more intense. She would show up in class the next day, all professional and composed, but beneath that was the woman who had been screaming my name just hours before.

Then there were the nights at her house.

When her husband was away, she invited me over, and we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted. She would cook for me dressed in nothing but a robe, then slowly strip as we ate. One night, we didn't even make it to the bedroom; I took her right there on the dining table, knocking over plates and silverware as she moaned my name.

Angela was addicted.

By the time Friday came, she was already dreading my departure.

"I can't believe you're leaving me for a whole month," she murmured, tracing her nails down my chest as we lay in bed.

"I told you, I have to take care of my family," I lied, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

She sighed. "I just don't know how I'm going to survive without you."

I smirked. "Well, maybe when I come back, I'll make it up to you."

She bit her lip. "You better."

We went one last round that night, slow and deep, like she was trying to memorize every part of me.

By the time I left her place, I was completely drained.

But I wasn't done yet.

Maya.

She had been texting me every day, flirting in a way that was subtle but undeniably enticing.

The night before I was supposed to leave, she finally made a move.

Maya: I'm thinking about visiting you tomorrow. What do you say?

I stared at the message, conflicted. Any other time, I would've said yes. The way things were going, I knew she was close to giving in. But I wasn't about to start something I couldn't finish, I was leaving for a whole month, and I wasn't about to rush this one.

I called her instead.

The moment she picked up, her voice was soft and teasing. "Didn't think you'd actually call."

I chuckled. "I like hearing your voice."

She laughed. "Smooth."

"Listen," I said. "I'd love for you to come over, but I'm actually leaving town for a bit."

She was quiet for a second. "Oh? For how long?"

"A month."

"A month?" she repeated. "Damn. And here I was, finally ready to see if you're as charming in person as you are over text."

I smirked. "I guess you'll just have to wait."

She exhaled dramatically. "Fine. But don't keep me waiting too long."

We talked for a little longer, and by the time we hung up, I knew she was hooked.

I just had to be patient.

But the biggest surprise of the week came the night before I left.

Kira.

I was on my way back to my room when I saw her standing by her door, fumbling with her keys. She glanced at me, then did something unexpected.

She smiled.

Not the usual smirk or sarcastic look she gave me. A real, genuine smile.

I raised a brow. "What's that for?"

She shrugged. "I'm in a good mood."

I leaned against the wall. "What's the occasion?"

She hesitated for a moment, then, to my surprise, pushed her door open and gestured for me to come in.

I wasn't about to question it.

Her room was neat but cozy, with dim lighting that made it feel intimate. She sat on her bed, pulling her legs up, watching me as I looked around.

"I figured," she said slowly, "since you won't stop bothering me, I might as well get to know you properly."

I chuckled. "So you do like me."

She rolled her eyes. "I didn't say that."

But she didn't stop me when I sat next to her.

We talked for hours about random things, childhood memories, our dreams. She wasn't cold or distant like before. She was real, and for the first time, I felt like I was seeing the real Kira.

She still wasn't easy.

She kept her distance, made sure I didn't try anything slick. But the fact that she let me in at all? That was enough.

I was making progress.

And I wasn't about to ruin it by rushing things.

When I finally left her room, I felt something strange, something unfamiliar.

Excitement.

Not just for the chase, but for whatever this was turning into.

The next morning, it was time.

I met up with Sandra at the same café where we had first discussed the deal. She was already waiting, looking as sharp as ever, her red lips curled into a smirk.

"You ready?" she asked.

I nodded. "Tell me everything."

She slid a folder across the table. "All the details are in here. Her name is Isabella DeLuca. She's married to Mayor Vincent DeLuca powerful man, dangerous if crossed. But the wife? She's… a different breed."

I flipped through the folder, scanning the information. Photos, schedules, even a set of instructions on how to reach her without raising suspicion.

"She wants you every night," Sandra continued. "No questions, no attachments. Just pleasure. And in exchange, you get the kind of money that changes lives."

I exhaled slowly. "And the risk?"

Sandra's expression turned serious. "If her husband finds out… let's just say, you wouldn't be the first man to disappear."

I tapped my fingers against the folder. The logical part of me was screaming don't do it. But the thrill, the excitement the danger of it all was too tempting to resist.

I closed the folder and looked at Sandra.

"When do I leave?"

She smirked. "Tomorrow."

And just like that, my next adventure began.