The Taste of Seduction

"Excuse me," the woman said with a charming smile. "I couldn't help but notice your impeccable style and refined taste. You certainly stand out in a crowd."

Marcus, surprised by the unexpected encounter, offered a polite smile. "Thank you. I do love to present myself well."

"Wow, that is the first time I hear a man being so confident in his style, and do you know many ladies find it very attractive, especially when it is from a very handsome man with perfect features," as she surveyed him from the top down with her eyes shining with undisguised admiration.

"You exude an extraordinary level of confidence and style," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection.

"It's not often that I come across a man who is so effortlessly attractive. My apologies for my forwardness. My name is Sophia."

Marcus smiled politely, acknowledging the woman's compliment. "Thank you for your kind words. It's always nice to hear such praise." He glanced at his shopping bags and signaled that he was ready to leave.

Sophia returned his smile, her gaze lingering on his features for a moment longer. Sensing his intention to leave, she quickly added, "Oh, I see you're finished with your shopping. I'm actually heading out as well. Shall we walk together to the car park?" unsure of accepting the woman's invitation, Marcus thought for a moment before agreeing to her invitation. She smiled and led the way.

********

Strolling side by side toward the car park. She continued the conversation as they walked, her curiosity piqued. "By the way, I didn't catch your name."

"It's Marcus," he replied, offering a polite smile. As they walked side by side towards the car park, Sophia couldn't help but inquire further about Marcus's life. "So, Marcus, may I ask what you do for a living? And where do you work?"

Marcus, keeping his answers brief and maintaining a sense of mystery, replied, "I have a diverse background, Sophia. I've been involved in various ventures and pursuits. Currently, I'm exploring opportunities in the real estate industry."

Sophia's eyes sparkled with interest. "Ah, real estate. Fascinating! I happen to be a single heiress with interests in several businesses. In fact, I own three successful enterprises, one of them specializes in luxury fashion, another in high-end spas, and the third in exclusive beauty products."

She reached into her designer handbag and pulled out a sleek business card, presenting it to Marcus.

"Here's my card. If you ever need any connections or assistance in your real estate endeavors, don't hesitate to reach out. And perhaps," she added, a playful insinuating glint in her eyes and gestures, "you could also call me for other reasons. It would be delightful to continue our conversation."

Marcus accepted the card with a polite nod, his expression maintaining a neutral charm. "Thank you, Sophia. I appreciate your generosity. I'll keep your offer in mind."

As they arrived at Sophia's car, she leaned against it, her flirty expression lingering.

"Remember, Marcus, don't be a stranger. Give me a call sometime. I'm sure we could find mutually beneficial ways to support each other." Marcus gave her a small smile, his eyes reflecting polite disinterest. "I will certainly keep that in mind, Sophia. Have a wonderful day."

As soon as he turned around, the entire encounter faded from his mind as he daydreamed of Diana, her style, spiciness, and "chance" opportunities that would happen at the company after he got. He went home, changed, and went for his interview after he was asked to start the following Monday.

*************

As Marcus stepped into the elevator, he pressed the button for his ground floor after leaving the interview room at ABC Properties. He prepared himself for a moment of solitude. However, just as the doors were about to close, he heard a familiar voice echoing through the hallway.

"Wait! Hold the elevator!" Diana's voice called out, filled with urgency and desperation. Marcus quickly reacted, extending his arm to prevent the doors from closing and allowing Diana to slip inside.

Breathing heavily, Diana smiled gratefully at Marcus. "Thank you so much for holding the elevator," she said, her voice slightly shaky as she said between gasps, her eyes conveying a mix of appreciation and relief... "I was in such a rush and thought I would never make it in time."

Marcus nodded, his eyes lingering on her momentarily before diverting his gaze. He could feel the primal hunger within him stirring, drawn to her presence. But he fought against the urge, reminding himself of his promise to control his desires.

Diana felt cold air brush through her body.

"God, why does it have to be this handsome creep," she growled in her mind as she pulled her jacked tighter to her body.

"Shit, he's such a fine specimen of man, a hot body, a height; Oh! What the fuck am i thinking. I must be damn stressed out of my mind," she thought to herself as she vigorously shaked her head as if to throw the thoughts out.

She suddenly shuddered as a thought of Cole catching a grasp of what just passed through her mind.

Curiosity piqued, Marcus decided to strike up a conversation.

"Are you cold, you seem to have been shivering for a while with your face red? Are you okay?" he inquired with a smile on his face that further seemed to creep her out.

"Pervert," she shouted at him in her mind as she felt he was trying to make her out.

Although she felt he was handsome, she remembered their first encounter where she felt stupid for talking to a fool like him even though he looked like a male hunk.

She shifted her position slightly to move away from him as if trying to disappear into the corner of the elevator. Without making a sound, she pulled her jacket tighter and wished for the elevator to reach her floor even faster so she could escape and get her thoughts sorted.

Feeling the awkward air lingering around them, Marcus felt down knowing he was basically a stranger to her and the first encounter between them was not pleasant. Looking at a glimpse of her face however looked so much like Cassandra that he knew he could not give up at this point.