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Chapter 1

Sophia

I stepped out of the elevator onto the top floor of Nathan's building. The doors opened to reveal a scene straight out of a fairytale - or at least, the kind of fairytale where everyone's rich and tipsy.

Nathan's penthouse was decked out like a botanical garden and had a love child with a Christmas tree lot. Flowers of every color imaginable were crammed into vases, spilling their petals onto polished surfaces. Twinkling lights were strung up everywhere, giving the whole place a dreamy, slightly disorienting glow. I half expected to see a unicorn prancing around, serving hors d'oeuvres.

As I entered, I could feel everyone's eyes turning toward me. My floor-length gown hugged my curves in all the right places, making me feel like a million bucks - which, coincidentally, was probably about what this shindig cost.

"Well, if it isn't Sophia Bennett, blessing us commoners with her company," a voice to my left drawled.

I turned to see Richard, one of Nathan's business associates, giving me an appreciative once-over. "Richard," I nodded, "still practicing that sleazy car salesman routine, I see."

"I thought we were friends."

"Keep dreaming, buddy," I laughed, moving past him to mingle with the other guests.

I snagged a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and took a sip, surveying the room. It was a who's who of New York's elite, all dressed to the nines and pretending they weren't sizing each other up like sharks at a buffet.

"Sophia! Darling!" A shrill voice pierced through the ambient chatter. I turned to see Vivian Holbrook, socialite extraordinaire and professional gossip, barreling towards me.

"Vivian, how lovely to see you," I lied through my teeth.

She air-kissed both my cheeks, leaving a smear of red lipstick I'd have to scrub off later. "You simply must tell me where you got that dress. It's to die for!"

"Oh, this old thing?" I twirled dramatically. "I found it in the back of my closet. Probably picked it up at a yard sale."

Vivian's face underwent a series of expressions that would've put a contortionist to shame. "You're joking, right? Please tell me you're joking."

I winked and moved on, leaving her sputtering in my wake. Sometimes, it was just too easy.

Walking through the crowd, I caught snippets of the hushed, conspiratorial conversations around me.

Stock prices and real estate deals were discussed, of course, but I also overheard whispers of torrid affairs and steamy encounters. The CEO of a major tech firm was apparently having a torrid tryst with his young, beautiful secretary, their illicit rendezvous taking place in the supply closet during board meetings. And the wife of a prominent politician was rumored to be carrying on a passionate, secret love affair with her personal trainer, their bodies intertwined in ecstasy during private "workout" sessions.

The air was thick with the scent of scandal and forbidden desire. It was the usual high-brow, high-stakes world I navigated, where power, wealth, and lust intertwined in a deliciously salacious dance. I smirked as I moved through the crowd, my secrets safely tucked away.

I considered making a break for the balcony when I felt a hand on my lower back. I tensed, ready to deliver a scathing retort and possibly a well-placed elbow when a familiar voice whispered in my ear.

"Meet me in the study in five minutes."

Nathan. My boyfriend and the host of this little soiree. I suppressed a smile and gave a slight nod, watching him disappear into the crowd.

Five minutes later, I slipped away from a mind-numbing conversation about golf and went to Nathan's study. I knocked twice, our secret code and the door opened just enough for me to slip inside.

Nathan was there, looking criminally handsome in his tailored suit. He pulled me close, his hands finding their way to my waist.

"I've been wanting to do this all night," he murmured before kissing my lips, making my toes curl.

When we finally came up for air, I quirked an eyebrow at him. "Missed me that much, huh? It's only been two hours since you last saw me?"

He grinned, that boyish smile that never failed to make my heart skip a beat. "Two hours too long, if you ask me."

"You're such a sap."

"Only for you, babe."

Before I could retort, his lips were on mine again. He backed me up against the wall, the cool surface pressing through the thin fabric of my dress. His kiss deepened, hungry, urging a response from me that I couldn't deny. His hands roved over my body, strong and possessive, and I shivered as they slid under my dress.

His touch was firm and possessive, and I could feel the heat pooling low in my belly, an insistent ache that demanded attention.

His fingers traced lazy patterns up my thigh, edging closer to where I needed him most. I let out a breathy moan.

"I love that sound," he murmured.

I opened my mouth to respond, but all that came out was another moan as his hand slipped between my thighs. His fingers brushed against my pussy, and I arched into his touch, pressing closer, needing more. He teased me, fingers tracing my folds, playing with a maddening slowness that had me whimpering in frustration.

"Nathan," I gasped, my hands clutching his shoulders, nails digging in. "Please…"

"So impatient," he teased, but finally, mercifully, his fingers slipped inside me. I let out a shuddering breath, leaning back against the wall for support as he began to work me over.

The sensation of his fingers curling inside me, finding that perfect spot that made me see stars, was almost too much to bear. I bit my lip to stifle a moan, but he wasn't having it. He leaned in, kissing and nibbling along my neck, making it impossible to stay quiet. His lips and fingers worked in tandem, pushing me higher and higher until I was teetering on the edge.

"Let go, Sophia," he whispered. "I want to hear you."

I shattered around him, my pussy clenching around his fingers as I came with a cry. Waves of pleasure crashed over me, and I clung to him, riding out the aftershocks as he slowly brought me down from my high.

When I finally caught my breath, I looked up at him through half-lidded eyes. "You're nothing but mischief, aren't you?" I breathed.

"My only goal is to satisfy," he smirked.

I swatted his chest lightly. "Consider me very satisfied, then. But we should probably return to the party before someone misses us."

He sighed, reluctantly withdrawing his hand. I watched, mesmerized, as he licked my juices from his fingers, savoring the taste. "You know, you're right. But I have one more request before we rejoin the masses."

"What's that?"

"Stay after the party. We can have some real fun once all these people leave."

"How could I say no to such an enticing offer?"

He leaned in, giving me one last searing kiss before stepping back and straightening his suit. "Good. Now, let's go be charming hosts, shall we?"

I adjusted my dress and smoothed my hair, trying to look like I hadn't just been thoroughly ravished.

We slipped back into the party. Nathan had a way of making me feel alive, desired, and oh-so satisfied.

Vivian caught my eye again, beckoning me over with a wave. "Sophia, darling, you disappeared! I was just telling everyone about your fabulous dress."

"Oh, you know me, Vivian," I winked. "Always flitting around, can't stay in one place long."

She laughed, utterly charmed. "Well, stick around this time. You need to hear about Mackenzie's latest scandal."

As Vivian launched into a juicy recount of someone's indiscretions, I felt Nathan's eyes on me from across the room. His gaze was a promise, and I couldn't wait for the night to end.

But for now, I played the part of the social butterfly, all while my body hummed with the memory of Nathan's touch and the anticipation of what was yet to come.

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