Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

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I was excited about attending the event as Serina's date.

It was our first date, and I didn't want to disappoint her.

Sure, maybe I went overboard with the size of the bouquet, but no amount of flowers is enough for my Goddess.

I spent seven years away from Serina, working on accumulating wealth and building connections so that I can provide for her, and now that she is finally in front of me, there is no such thing as going overboard for Serina.

For the last five days, I was counting minutes.

The video calls were soothing my impatience, but with limited results as every cell in my body was screaming for Serina's proximity and I buried myself in work as a distraction, like many times before.

Usually, Sergio would fill in a few hours of my day, but now it was different. Since our confrontation at the Piping Vault, Sergio was acting oddly. He didn't come to wake me up, he didn't nag me about anything, and was practically useless at work.

We fought many times before and I never saw Sergio like this, quiet and grumpy.

Is he really so scared of Aldus Mezzanotte or is there something more to it? Based on Serina's description, Aldus is a caring man who went above and beyond to welcome her into his family.

I didn't understand Sergio's behavior, but he was not willing to talk to me, so I gave up on trying. He is a grown man, and he will talk when he is ready. Actually, it was better this way because I didn't want to hear his nagging about how my relationship with Seraphina is a bad idea.

When I reached Serina's apartment, I took a breath of jasmine on a rainy morning with a hint of Japanese wisteria, even though none of those two flowers were part of the massive bouquet I was holding.

Seraphina's existence is a healing balm for my soul.

I buried my face in Serina's neck and inhaled deeply, letting her scent calm my jittery nerves. It was not enough but it was the most I could get at this point as I struggled to control my urges.

I wished to devour her, starting with her lips, but I made that silly promise that I will not initiate kissing and I had to stick to it because this was my time to prove she can trust me.

The meal with Serina was amazing. I was starving, so I would gulp down pretty much anything, but Serina feeding me was the best thing ever.

I was only a few bites in when Serina ran her thumb over my lower lip. I watched her lick that finger and imagined that a specific part of my body is being licked like that.

Damn! She is such a tease!

Every time she shows a hint of confidence, a stormy night that ended with her teeth marks on my neck resurfaces on my mind. Serina believed it was a dream, and she did what she wanted, leaving me with a head full of stirring memories that bring back the mind-blowing flavors of her nipples in my mouth and her moans echo in my head.

I forced myself to focus on the present because Serina was telling me about the event, and I needed to take mental notes because I didn't want to embarrass her.

I knew that there will be a presentation and a cocktail social, but the new item on the agenda was a charity event. It was not related to pharmaceuticals, but it seems that the president of Triamgene has personal connections with the person who is in need of donations.

Serina spoke excitedly about archeologists who found a historical site in the Northern Forest Complex of Myanmar, and I had to ask, "Are you interested to finance their expedition?"

Serina confirmed. "I believe that investing there will be for a good cause."

"It's a charity. You can't call it an investment. Investment is when you give money and get it back with profit." Well, it could be a failed investment as well, but such a thing doesn't exist in my vocabulary.

"It is an investment.", Serina retorted. "Imagine if they find something important about the past that can help us understand from where we came. It might be a monumental piece of history that helps us make better decisions for the future. Not everything can be measured with money."

I admired her enthusiasm, but I had to burst her bubble. "These expeditions are not different than treasure hunts. Statistically speaking, they will not find anything useful. If they find something, it will be a pile of broken pottery or maybe jewelry that will end up in the museum or in the hands of a private collector. The possibility of it being valuable is extremely low, and even if they get any money for what they find, you will not get a cut."

Serina shrugged. "You can be optimistic about it or not. If everyone thought like that, a lot of history would still be underground or hidden in some jungle. Besides, I have savings and I'm not sure what to do with it."

I couldn't believe what she just said. "You don't know what to do with your savings? Did you forget that you are talking with the hottest financial advisor in London?"

Serina's eyes widened as my words sank in.

She shifted in her seat and looked at me coyly. "Mr. Orsini, will you advise me on where to invest my money?"

I didn't see this coming. She is a seductress.

I tried to keep my face straight, but my lips curved into a smile against my will. Traitors.

"It will be my pleasure, Miss Mezzanotte. But the level of my service will depend on how much you are willing to pay for it."

She smirked, obviously pleased with my answer. "I'm sure we can figure out something."

I twisted my body slightly when I felt the pressure in my groin area increasing.

Fuck! I was getting aroused with only this light flirting.

This woman will be the end of me.

I needed to think about something else!

My thoughts drifted to a near future when Serina will come to my company. I will show her around, holding her closely, and proudly announce that I'm officially taken. The tour will end in my office.

I should order a comfy sofa for my office. The one I have currently is not the best option for what I have on my mind to do with Serina.

After finishing the food in front of us, we got ready for the event.

I packed three different suits with the hope that we can wear matching colors. I was happy when I heard that her dress for tonight is black. I've got a suit for that!

Seraphina was stunning.

I couldn't see a single piece of sparkling jewelry on her, yet she dazzled me.

Her black dress covered all her important parts, revealing her arms and legs from knees down. It was appropriate for the business setting and not skin-tight, yet she was still the most alluring woman I laid my eyes on.

Her hair was lifted into a bun, leaving a few strands twisting close to her neck, and I was absolutely smitten.

"You are very handsome…", she said while eyeing my sharp black suit.

I was always confident in my looks, but compared to her, I feared that I'm lacking.

I could already imagine numerous guys throwing lecherous gazes her way and I steeled myself for what's coming.

Part of me wished that we don't go anywhere. Like that, I can have this gorgeous woman only for myself.

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