“And the cockiest,” Valentina grumbled before smacking his chest. “Zip it when I’m talking.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Kaiser pretended to zip his mouth shut at her glare.

“You know my career. For me, openly dating is off the table for, I don’t know, at least a couple of years, if not more. I have no plans to be in a relationship and limit the roles or acting opportunities that I accept in the future. And not to brag, but I’m young and pretty, so I’ll probably have a lot of romantic roles. Since I am not at a point in my character where I can be selective in roles I take or even speak up against certain scenes, I don’t think it would be fair to my partner if I had one, and I don’t plan on compromising my career.” Valentina said everything in a rush, hoping that Kaiser would get the hint.

“Is that all? I told you, I don’t mind secretly dating you. And as long as you don’t fall in love with a costar, I don’t care what roles you take. I want you to fulfill all your career goals and wishes. But I also don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to snag you while I can. Besides, I’m very secure in myself, and I’m very confident you won’t find another man as good as me. I’m simply the best.” Kaiser boasted confidently.

As she glared at him again, he mimed, zipping his mouth.

“I think you have a very idealistic view of me since I am a sort of novelty that might wear off once you get bored or find something else to entertain you. You make a lot of sweeping declarations that sound good, but who knows if it can be backed up in the long term.”

“You don’t trust my words?” Kaiser interrupted incredulously, and Valentina clasped her hands over his mouth while making sure to pinch his side.

“I’ve known you for two months? I’m not saying I don’t trust you, but long term? We’ll see. And I’ll be honest with you. You see my family and my background. I don’t know what love is or how to love somebody. I don’t know if I’m capable of falling in love or capable of making somebody love me. And rather than try and mess it up, it’s probably best for me to be alone until I figure all that out. I don’t want to inflict the trauma I haven’t worked through onto someone else. So, to your offer, I will respectfully decline all of the above. At least of now.”

Seeing the sad smile on her face, Kaiser suddenly spun her body around until her back leaned on his chest. He intertwined his fingers with hers and kissed them before wrapping his free arm around her, holding her tight to his body.

“Valentina.”

“Hmmm?”

“Since we’re being honest with each other. I’m not sure how to love someone, either. Don’t be deceived by appearances, I’m usually not an affectionate person. You jokingly called me a demon, but I assure you it’s quite accurate. I’m used to relationships where goods and services are exchanged, and every portion of the relationship is calculated by profits and benefits. I don’t know if I’m capable of loving someone without that.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“But you love Luca.” She reminded him.

“I do. And according to his psychologist, I do a poor job of showing it. I didn’t grow up receiving a lot of affection, and giving it out is even more rare. I don’t know how to display that, how to show that to someone, and how to receive it. But I’m learning, I’m trying to grow and improve, and that’s really all I can do.

I can’t speak much about love or relationships, but I think the main thing is not to put any pressure or allow outside influences in and just take it day by day because that’s what causes a lot of relationships to fail. Although I joke about it, and it’s really not a joke, I do like you and want to date you. I want to get to know you more. I want to get to love you. I want to learn how you like to be loved. And maybe, one day, be blessed with the opportunity to go further than that. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve felt this way about anybody.”

“Since Luca’s mom?” Valentina whispered.

“Yes.”

“What was she like?”

“Her name was Aubrianna, and she was… a handful. She was very vibrant, very loud, very flighty, and could be very selfish. It was her way or the highway in all things, and she quite enjoyed tricking people into doing her bidding. If you think I’m sly, Aubri was ten times worse. She had an infectious laugh and could be extraordinarily rude to anyone regardless of who they were and what status they had and in the same breath, be unbearably kind and give away the very clothes off her back. She knew how to love people and get them to love her back, and she charmed everyone who saw her.” Just like you, Kaiser wanted to say, but he kept quiet and sighed instead.

“She sounds like a lovely person,” Valentina replied quietly. Although she wanted to ask more, she felt it wasn’t the right time or her place to.

“She was. But she’s gone.” Kaiser was silent for a moment before sighing and hugging her tight.

“I know there’s a lot of issues and roadblocks between us. Your career. My past. My family and position. Luca.”

“Luca is NOT an issue.” Valentina interrupted. She wouldn’t allow anyone to insult her little nugget, not even his own father.

“I’m glad you think so. Many women who approach me quite dislike the fact that I have a son that I’ve named as my one and only heir.” Kaiser chuckled before continuing, “But as I told you, I don’t want to miss out on you, and I want to try between us. I would be honored if you would try with me as well.”

“Why me? I’m sure there are plenty of more beautiful women with great family backgrounds who want to jump your bones.”

“Who knows? People like what they like, and I like you.” Kaiser replied before placing a kiss on the side of her head. “What do you think, Valentina? Do you want to try dating? No pressure or titles until you want it. The only thing I ask is if you’re interested in anyone else, please let me know.” So I can bury them alive. Naturally, the last part was said to himself.

“… I’ll try, but no promises.” Although Valentina’s voice was soft, when he heard her words, Kaiser felt himself smiling happily.

“Thank you.” Kaiser softly replied, and as she turned to look at him, her green eyes sparkling with warmth, he captured her lips with his.

Once Kaiser released her, he gave her a sly smile.

“What?” Valentina asked suspiciously.

“You’ll find out soon enough. Continue looking forward to my sincerity. I can’t wait until you say yes to becoming my girlfriend.”

“We’ll see about that. Until then, get out of my room. I have stuff to do.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow, Valentina.” After kissing her cheek once more, Kaiser quickly got up and walked to the door while whistling cheerfully. Seeing him easily agree to leave, she couldn’t help but question him.

“…what are you plotting?”

“Nothing. Did you need me to get you anything this evening? Food? Me? Drinks? Me? I can personally deliver it all to your room.” Kaiser gave her a knowing smirk as her eyes followed him to the door.

Valentina: “……” what was wrong with this man?

“Get out, Kaiser.”

“As you wish. Just Look forward to my sincerity, Valentina. Good night.” After gently blowing her a kiss, he continued whistling as he walked out of her room and gently closed the door behind him.

“What is that man plotting?” Valentina muttered to herself, but when she remembered what she had just been doing, her face turned red, and she couldn’t help but bang her head on the bed in embarrassment.