Moving Forward

The rhythmic sound of your heels echoed through the dimly lit hallway of the upscale venue as you made your way towards a secluded lounge area, heart racing in anticipation. The event was buzzing with energy—corporate elites, celebrities, and philanthropists all gathered for a soirée of wine, networking, and occasional backroom deals. You hadn't expected to feel this out of place, but the pressure to make progress in the trial had pushed you here, trying to navigate an entirely different world.

You’d come to meet Richard Solano, the renowned entrepreneur with connections to Damian Kane. You hadn’t quite expected to end up here, though. Alone—well, not exactly alone.

Vincent.

His lips pressed against yours with an intensity that had been building since the moment you spotted him earlier in the evening. He was smooth, confident, and all too eager to pull you into the backroom. You barely questioned it. Why would you? He got you into yet another event, and he'd likely get you into many more. This was just the game you had to play, right? A necessary step in the process.

Your thoughts, though, were scattered. A multitude of conflicting emotions clouded your mind as his lips were on yours. The argument with Liam three days ago had hung over you like a storm cloud. There had been no contact since. No resolution. No apology. You hadn’t even thought about it after the last heated exchange. You hadn’t made any effort to apologize, either. You had no idea how to fix it. And that made the absence of his presence feel even more profound.

Sighing against Vincent’s lips as he deepened the kiss, your chest tightened, shifting slightly under the pressure of the C-cup breasts Aphrodite had given you. You still weren’t used to them, their weight and size. Hell, you had to buy new bras just to fit the new size, and now you were keenly aware of the gaping hole in your bank account. The number on your screen had dipped dangerously low to just something like $28 after buying multiple kinds of C-cup bras to replace the ones you had been using. The thought of surviving like this made your stomach twist. How would you make it through the month with no money?

Yet here you were, caught up in a game, unable to escape the tension and sexual frustration gnawing at you.

You hadn’t touched the dildo yet, either. You couldn't, not with Liam possibly awake in the same room. Those doubts were always there, but they were amplified after the argument. Despite the constant urge, the need for release had only gotten worse. The tension between you and Liam was like a pressure cooker, leaving everything else harder to focus on. The thought of actually doing what Aphrodite had wanted you to—blowing Liam voluntarily—still sat in the back of your mind, but you hadn’t had the courage to go through with it yet. Maybe you’d never be able to. The thought of how badly everything had turned out, the argument, the silence... it made your chest burn with anger and guilt at the same time.

But that was all in the back of your mind as you gave in to the physical need before you. Vincent’s lips slid down your jawline, his hand finding its way to your waist, pulling you closer, as if the connection between you was magnetic. You couldn’t deny the way his touch felt. The way his lips felt, smooth and persistent, as they moved to your neck. It wasn’t just necessity—it was good. It felt good. You couldn’t convince yourself otherwise. Even as your body reacted to him, you still kept telling yourself it was just part of the plan. Make inroads toward Richard Solano. That’s all.

The sound of your clothes rustling filled the air as you pulled away, catching your breath, trying to remind yourself of your goal. You glanced around to make sure no one had noticed you two sneaking away from the crowd. The opportunity to catch Richard’s attention was too important to mess up, so you quickly pushed your thoughts away from the frustration building within you.

Your outfit tonight, a delicate balance between elegant and alluring, had been meticulously chosen. You were wearing a soft lavender A-line dress, which flowed loosely over your figure but cinched in at the waist, emphasizing your curves in just the right way. Beneath, a matching pair of nude, high-waisted panties hugged your body, smooth and invisible under the fabric. The bra underneath, the C-cup one you had begrudgingly bought just days before, was light and supportive, the cups gently lifting your chest, still feeling a bit foreign but already more natural than it had a few days ago.

You finished the look with silver strappy heels that clicked gently against the floor as you moved. The perfect balance of elegance and seduction.

For makeup, you’d kept things tasteful but undeniably sexy. A subtle, bronzed glow highlighted your cheekbones, the contour just enough to accentuate your features without being overdone. Your eyes, however, were the focal point—shimmery eyeshadow blending seamlessly with your lashes coated in a touch of mascara. A bit of eyeliner on the upper lash line gave your eyes depth and definition. Your lips, soft and plump, were painted in a rose-toned lipstick that complemented the softness of the rest of your look while still giving it that hint of sultriness. You were ready to allure, but not overdo it.

“Are we still going to see Richard?” Vincent asked between kisses, his hands now gently sliding down the back of your dress as he pulled you even closer.

You nodded, pulling away from his lips just enough to speak, even though the only thing you could focus on was the underlying desperation in your body. “Yeah. I just really want to meet Richard. You know why...”

Vincent smirked, his lips curling against your skin as he gave you one last kiss before pulling back slightly. “I'm still surprised you had such an erotic edge to you. You know I’m always here to help you get whatever you need.”

You gave him a soft, lingering smile, masking the growing tension within you. Your mind wasn’t on the kiss anymore, nor was it on Vincent. You had a goal, and as you looked back toward the event hall, you focused on that.

But the lingering frustration from everything still clung to you, and as you braced yourself for what lay ahead with Richard Solano, the bitterness of the argument with Liam and the growing emptiness in your account still sat uneasily in the pit of your stomach.

The trial would continue. You would have to make sure of it.

You and Vincent made your way back towards the hustle and bustle of the main hall. As you made your way through the hallways, Vincent’s arm brushed against yours, his fingers subtly lingering, his breath warm against your ear as he spoke.

“You know, I think you look even better when you’re not trying to hide it,” Vincent purred, his voice low and teasing. “You’re a natural at this whole seductive thing, aren’t you?”

You shot him a small smile, playing along, keeping the mask of casual flirtation firmly in place. It wasn’t genuine, not really, but you needed to play your part. Everything was about the goal now. Damian Kane. You had to make progress, somehow. And Vincent, for all his charm and games, was a tool you could use.

“Maybe,” you said with a soft laugh, tilting your head slightly. “But I’m not the only one who knows how to make someone feel...wanted.”

Vincent chuckled, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth, but you could sense a slight shift. His touch lingered as he leaned closer to whisper, “You want something more, don’t you?”

The flirtatious heat in his voice had your pulse quicken, but you pushed the temptation aside. This was a means to an end. Nothing more.

“Let’s focus on finding Richard first,” you replied coolly, giving him a small, teasing nudge as you pulled away slightly.

“Right, right,” he said with a wink. “I know you’ve got your eyes on the prize.”

When you reached the main hall, you immediately spotted Richard Solano. He was standing at the far side of the room, chatting with a few people, the familiar blend of power and authority in his posture. But before you could make your way toward him, Vincent held out a hand, stopping you.

“Let’s grab a drink first,” he suggested with a sly grin. “Trust me, it’ll help with the conversation. We’ll need to loosen him up, right?”

You frowned, about to protest, but Vincent’s eyes were so persuasive that you relented, if only because you were getting **** to make some real headway. It didn’t hurt that your own nerves were running high. You couldn’t afford to mess this up.

“Fine,” you muttered, letting him lead you to the bar.

The bartender, a young woman with a professional smile, greeted you as you approached. Vincent flashed a grin at her, clearly on familiar terms. “Two Old Fashioneds,” he ordered, his tone smooth, as though he was more accustomed to this environment than you.

You raised an eyebrow at him. “A little fancy, huh?”

He winked. “Just a classic drink for a classic evening.”

You didn’t argue, accepting your drink as he passed it over. The amber liquid felt warm in your hand as you took a sip, the taste of whiskey tingling on your tongue. It wasn’t the drink you’d usually pick, but it had a certain sharpness that helped you focus.

Your eyes wandered back over to Richard as you took another sip. He was already on the move, chatting with another guest, heading toward the door.

“Vincent,” you murmured, your voice already tense. “Let’s go now. He’s leaving.”

Vincent gave you an amused look, but without hesitation, he grabbed your arm lightly and ushered you in the direction of the retreating figure. You pushed through the crowd, trying to ignore the burning tension gnawing at your insides. You had no time to waste.

Just as Richard started to step out the door, you quickened your pace and called out to him. He glanced back at you, his expression a mix of surprise and impatience.

“Mr. Solano,” you said smoothly, using your most charming voice. “I didn’t expect to see you leaving so soon.”

He turned, eyes scanning you for a moment before landing on you with a slight smirk. “Ah, Vincent, right?”

Vincent stepped forward, offering a friendly nod. “Hey, Richard. Long time no see. Good to see you again.”

Richard gave a brief but friendly smile in return. “Yeah, it’s been a while. You doing well, Vincent?”

“Can’t complain,” Vincent replied smoothly, his hand casually resting on your lower back. You suppressed a small wince, but kept your focus on Richard.

Richard stopped, his brow furrowing for a moment as he glanced between the two of you. “Vincent. And...?” His eyes landed on you, studying you for a moment.

“Ah, yes, my name’s Luna, nice to meet you,” you said, extending your hand smoothly. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Richard took your hand with a firm but brief shake. “Pleasure.” He seemed distracted, glancing over his shoulder as if trying to get away.

You could tell he wasn’t entirely invested in the conversation. His body language was stiff, his posture tight—he was definitely eager to leave. But you weren’t going to let him go that easily.

As Richard paused, his hand still hovering near the door, you took advantage of the moment, your body subtly shifting to face him as you adjusted your posture. You made sure to lean in just a little more than necessary, your gaze warm, inviting—but sharp enough to catch his attention.

“Richard,” you began, your voice smooth and low, “I have to say, I wasn’t expecting someone as... fascinating as you to be so elusive tonight.”

You gave him a playful smile, one that hinted at just enough mischief to keep him intrigued, but not enough to push him away. You could feel Vincent’s eyes on you, but you didn’t let that distract you. This was about you and Richard right now.

Richard’s lips twitched, almost in a smirk. “I’m sure you get that reaction a lot, but I don’t usually stick around for too long at these things,” he said, glancing down at his phone for a second, though you could tell it was just an excuse.

You mirrored his gaze, but let your eyes linger on him just a touch longer than was strictly polite. “I can imagine. People like you, always in demand, always moving on to the next... big thing.” Your tone was almost teasing, but there was an undercurrent of something more sensual in the way you spoke, the kind of emphasis on words that hinted at more than just casual conversation. You let your lips curl just slightly at the edges. “I can’t blame you, really. It must be exhausting. All those people, all that pressure…”

He chuckled, but there was a hint of something else in his eyes now—something less guarded. He shifted slightly, drawing himself closer to the group, still polite but no longer standing so stiffly. “It’s not all bad. I’m just focused on the work.”

You nodded, but leaned in a little closer, letting the heat of your presence wrap around him like a second skin. “Of course. But even the most driven people need a little... distraction sometimes, don’t they?”

Richard's eyes flicked to yours briefly before he looked away, a faint flush rising on his neck. “I don’t know if I’d call it that,” he said, his tone shifting slightly, clearly aware of the double meaning in your words.

“Is that so?” You cocked your head, your voice lowering to a near whisper. “Because I think everyone deserves a little... indulgence now and then. Don’t you?”

Vincent shifted behind you, but it was almost as if his presence faded in comparison to the way Richard’s gaze lingered on you for just a moment too long. You caught that, of course, but didn’t let the moment slip away. You held his eye contact firmly, letting the silence hang between you just enough to make him wonder what else you might have to say.

Finally, you broke the tension with a small, knowing smile. “I imagine we’ll see each other again soon. I’d like to have more time to talk... get to know you better.”

Richard’s hand moved to adjust his cufflink, a clear sign that he was starting to feel the heat of the conversation. “Maybe. I’ll be at the Green Enterprise Summit in Oakville in a week,” he said quickly, as if trying to divert the conversation back to business.

You leaned in closer, your voice practically dripping with honey. “Oakville, you say? I’ll make sure to clear my schedule,” you purred. “It sounds... promising.”

Richard’s eyes flicked toward Vincent again, but his lips barely curved into a smile as he nodded. “We’ll see if you show up, then.” And with that, he took a step back, his eyes lingering on you one last time before he turned and left the conversation.

You exhaled slowly, holding back the triumph that surged in you. You had gotten the answer you needed—and you had left an impression, one you knew Richard wouldn’t forget.

Turning to Vincent, you gave him a playful smile, as if the whole thing had been a breeze. “That went well, don’t you think?”

Vincent smirked, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “Definitely. I think Richard’s a little more interested in you than he lets on.”

You knew it. But tonight was just the beginning. And you had no intention of stopping until the job was done.