“I’m not afraid, but I always ask for permission. You of course can touch me how you please. May I touch you?”

After asking the question, Kaiser couldn’t help but stare at the girl in front of him. Her fox-shaped eyes were narrowed as she stared at him seductively, and she bit her lower lip as she approached him. As she got closer to him, he could smell a sweet scent from her and feel the warmth of her body.

She was now so close to him that only a couple of inches separated the two of them. Close enough for him to touch, but he held back and asked again, “Valentina, may I touch you?” he could hear the hoarseness in his throat and a growl that threatened to come out.

She tilted her head in observation before gracing him with a wicked smile, “No way. Keep your hands off.” Saying that, she closed the gap as she ran her hands down his chest, following the lines of his suit. Her slender fingers traced down his arms, and up his chest before coming back down and dipping dangerously low down his abdomen. Kaiser held his body as still as he could, even though her touch wanted to send tremors through his body.

As she continued feeling up his body as much as she wanted, he gave her a warning.

“Wicked woman. You’re playing with fire.”

“Weren’t you the one who said I can touch you as much as I want? Besides you started it. You kissed me first” she retorted, looking up at him and pouting.

“You can kiss me back in return.”

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

“Yes.” He didn’t deny it. He wanted this beautiful, playful girl who was toying around with his body.

Seemingly stunned at his response, she paused. He took advantage and pressed close to her, backing her into the wall without touching her and locked her in his arms.

“I’ve said it before, and you seem to think I'm joking. I want you. Touch me however you want, play with me, toy with me. It’s only driving up my interest in you. Valentina, as long as you don’t tell me to stop, I’ll keep pursuing you until I understand what it is I want with you. There’s no rush. We have four months to figure it out.” Kaiser laughed and brought his face down, so they were eye to eye, “But for now, yes, I want a kiss. Will you give me a kiss?”

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As Kaiser stood back up, Valentina stared up at the gray eyes that had darkened with emotion. She had wanted to playfully get a rise out of Kaiser for toying with her and instead lost track of things and let the atmosphere between them get heated.

Although she was locked within his arms, she knew if she moved a little and were to leave, he would release her without touching her. Because she hadn’t given him permission to. She wasn’t a child and knew what she had been doing to him had heated him up, and yet he continued being respectful. Seeing him almost begging her for a kiss she decided to break the resolution she had made less than an hour ago. At least a little bit.

She slowly reached her hand out for his tie and after wrapping it around her hands slowly used it to pull him closer to her. He came along willingly.

“You can't touch me.” She whispered to him.

“I won’t until you tell me to.” He promised.

Hearing his words, Valentina gently reached up with one hand and cupped his head. As she sank a hand into his thick hair, the fingers of her other hand rested lightly on his lips.

Feeling his intense stare, she quickly said, “Close your eyes.” With no hesitation, Kaiser quickly shut his eyes.

Valentina took the moment to examine his face. Long dark lashes cast a shadow on his high cheekbones. Full eyebrows, full soft lips, and stubble coming in, he was beautiful. As he hung his head while closing his eyes, Valentina wrapped both hands around his neck. Bringing herself closer to him, she could smell his cologne. Like warm amber and leather, it smelled luxurious and cozy. As she pressed her body close to his, she got on her tiptoes, traced her lips on the side of his face, and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Feeling his body tighten, she quickly let go and separated herself from him.

“Only on the cheek?” Kaiser asked in a disappointed manner. He had opened his eyes and was staring at her.

Fighting down the blush that threatened to cover her face, Valentina pointed at him “You better behave yourself or next time I’ll give you something permanent that’ll really embarrass you.” I’ll leave hickeys all over your neck and you won’t be able to go out without a turtleneck, she threatened him with her eyes.

Seemingly understanding her silent threat, Kaiser made as if to kiss her finger causing her to pull it back quickly. Smirking at her, he winked as he said “Mark me up, baby. I look forward to it.”

As she rolled her eyes, Kaiser laughed before holding out his hand. Valentina glanced at it cautiously before gingerly taking it. He grasped her delicate hands in his before slowly walking her to her room. As she entered her door, Kaiser suddenly spoke up.

“Valentina, I hope I didn’t make you feel uncomfortable. Regardless of whatever is between us, I hope you continue to stay and continue interacting with Luca for the duration of our contract. That comes first before anything else.”

“Of course. I completely agree.” Valentina agreed while nodding.

“However, I enjoyed our activities tonight and hope to get closer to you in the future so that you can, what did you say, ‘Give me something permanent that will really embarrass me’.” Watching the girl in front of him turn a charming shade of red caused Kaiser to laugh. He had been laughing a lot around her.

“Are you open to that? I promise not to interfere with your work. To take it at your pace. To stop the moment, I make you uncomfortable. And not expose you to my family politics. I just want to get to know you better and I feel like you want to do the same. Is that okay?”

“Yes.” The reply was mumbled as she covered her face in embarrassment, but Kaiser heard it as clear as day.

“Excellent. Good night Valentina. Although I won’t be able to sleep, I wish you sweet dreams.” Kaiser whispered sweetly.

“Good night Kaiser. You deserve to stay awake all night.” Valentina stuck her tongue out before closing her room door.

Of course, she wasn’t able to sleep until much later as well.