Chapter 8: Masquerade Deceptions
Scene 1: Morning Temptations
Sunlight streamed through the grand windows, golden rays falling upon Valentina's face, coaxing her from her slumber. Her long lashes fluttered as she blinked awake, momentarily disoriented. She was on the sofa.
Stretching lazily, she rubbed her temples when a faint splashing sound caught her attention. Water.
Her brows furrowed. Curious, she followed the sound toward the pool area, her bare feet padding softly against the cool marble floor. As she reached the glass doors and stepped outside, her breath caught.
Raul was emerging from the pool.
Water clung to his sculpted form, trailing down his toned chest and rock-hard abs. The morning sun illuminated every ridge and contour, making his wet skin glisten. His dark, damp hair fell over his forehead before he ran his fingers through it, slicking it back effortlessly. Dressed in nothing but low-hanging black swimming shorts, he was a masterpiece of temptation—unapologetically confident and stunningly lethal.
Valentina felt her throat run dry. Damn.
Raul's sharp eyes locked onto her, an amused smirk playing on his lips as he strode toward her.
Her heart stuttered.
He kept coming closer.
She instinctively took a step back, then another, her breath faltering. His movements were slow, calculated, teasing. The intensity in the air grew thick, suffocating.
She could barely think as he leaned in, his face just inches from hers.
Her lashes fluttered shut, anticipation coiling in her stomach.
Then—
Raul: ( smirking)"Chill, baby. I was just here for the towel," Raul's deep, mocking voice snapped her out of it.
Her eyes flew open in mortification, only to see him casually reaching past her for the towel on the lounge chair.
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
She scowled, turning away with a huff. Valentina: "He's crazy".
But his low chuckle sent shivers down her spine.
Raul: "I can hear you, darling. I'm not crazy… but I'm definitely driving you crazy."
She gasped, whipping her head toward him, but he was already walking away, that damn smirk still plastered on his face.
Infuriating man.
Fuming, she followed him into his room, where he stood in front of a massive walk-in wardrobe filled with an array of men's party wear. He casually picked a few outfits, but she snatched them out of his hands.
Valentina: "Nah, not this one—too bland. And this one? Ugh, no way."
She flipped through the options herself, before finally pulling out a sleek maroon shirt with a black blazer.
Valentina: "Here. This one's perfect. Wear this."
Raul cocked his head, studying her. Then, taking the clothes from her hands, he smirked.
Raul: (Teasingly) "Just as you wish, ma'am."
She straightened, masking her sudden nervousness.
Valentina: "Be ready by 6 PM. Sharp."
And with that, she walked out, the finality in her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
---
Scene 2:The Grand Entrance – 6 PM
Raul stood in the living room, waiting.
He had followed her instructions to the letter.
Dressed in a deep maroon shirt—two buttons undone at the collar—paired with a tailored black blazer, he exuded effortless charm and undeniable authority. The polished sheen of his Louboutin shoes complemented the Rolex watch resting on his wrist. His hair was styled in a textured quiff with a faded undercut, sharp yet refined.
He adjusted his cufflinks when he heard soft footsteps descending the stairs.
He turned.
And there she was.
Valentina.
A goddess draped in emerald satin.
The one-shoulder gown cascaded elegantly over her curves, hugging her in all the right places. The asymmetric neckline emphasized her collarbones, while the ruched bodice and daring thigh-high slit added just the right amount of allure. Her minimal yet luxurious double-layered jewelry gleamed against her skin—the second layer teasingly dipping just above her cleavage. A Cartier bracelet graced her wrist, paired with a vintage 14k solid gold emerald-cut ring.
Her YSL heels clicked against the floor as she descended with effortless grace, her half-up, half-down wavy bob styled into a twisted crown. The beaded evening Hermes clutch rested in her delicate hand. Bold crimson lipstick accentuated her lips, smoky eyeshadow deepening her gaze.
Raul was speechless.
For the first time, words failed him.
Raul: ( Stunned almost melting away) "Gorgeous," he murmured, his voice raw, unable to tear his eyes away.
She stopped in front of him, taking in his appearance with an unreadable expression before tilting her head.
Valentina: ( Reluctantly) "Hmm. You look nice. Perfect."
Snapping out of the trance, Raul's smirk returned.
Raul: "Only nice?"
Dodging off his words She arched a brow.
Valentina: "Follow me."
---
The Getaway – Choosing Their Rides
They entered the garage, where an impressive fleet of luxury cars awaited.
Valentina gestured toward them.
Valentina : "Pick any car you want to drive tonight."
Raul didn't hesitate. Within a second, he strode toward the black G-Wagon, running his fingers over its sleek exterior.
Raul: "I had my eyes on this ever since I first saw this garage," he admitted, eyes gleaming.
Valentina chuckled, amused, before tossing him the keys.
Valentina : "Then it's yours for tonight."
Then, without another word, she slipped into her midnight violet Pagani Zonda 760.
Both engines roared to life.
As they sped toward their destination, drifting through the streets like phantoms of the night.
The destination: The most luxurious mafia banquet hall "The Victor's Sapphire".
Raul's voice came through the earpiece.
Raul: "Raul transmitting."
Valentina smirked.
Valentina : "I hear you. Remember the plan?"
Raul: "Roger, ma'am!" He sounded far too enthusiastic.
Then, softer, as if the weight of what lay ahead settled between them, she murmured—
Valentina: "Take care."
He softly yet concerned replies
Raul: " You too".
They both part ways into the party .
What are they up to?!
Whose party is it?!
What is the plan about?!
Will they succeed?!
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