04

TWO YEARS LATER

DANIEL 

The shrill ring of my fucking cell phone shatters the tranquility of the room, rousing me from my slumber with a jolt of confusion. 

Shit.

Groggily, I fumble for the device, shielding my face with a pillow, only to realize it is not mine. As the scent of an alluring perfume fills my senses, I am instantly wide awake, my curiosity piqued.

With a mischievous grin playing on my lips, I took a moment to bask in the lingering aroma, allowing it to electrify my senses and awaken my weary mind. 

My eyes fixate on the pillow, still clutching it in my hand, desperate for answers.

"Who are you?" I mutter aloud, my mind a whirlwind of fragmented memories. My back being scratched. Toes curling against the sheet. Blond hair splayed across the pillow...

The remnants of a wild night of drinking taunt me, leaving me grappling with the hazy recollections of an enigmatic woman.

'I found myself between her legs, and the intensity of her gaze made it clear that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Her eyes, an endless expanse of blue, drew me in like deep pools, and I couldn't help but feel that she would drown in them if she took the plunge.

My hand rested delicately on her neck, my fingers tracing the softness of her skin, savoring every sensation. The air grew heavy with our breaths, evolving into fevered pants. 

Our hearts raced in sync, mirroring the growing heat between us. Beads of sweat formed on her glistening skin, the thin fabric of her dress serving as a mere veil over her enticing curves.

Her head tilted back slightly, a gesture that accentuated her confident demeanor. From below, she looked at me with an undeniable knowingness, fully aware of the power she held over me.

"You desire me," she claimed, her voice a tantalizing whisper, showcasing her sassy confidence.

"No," I retorted, trying to resist the pull she exerted on me.

"You do," she teased, dragging her tongue across her bottom lip, fully aware of the effect she had on me.

Her rosy lips beckoned me, tempting me to abandon all my principles and give in to the alluring force between us.

"You've never wanted a woman as much as you want me right now."

I studied her, and beneath her seductive allure, I could discern the traits of Medusa — a woman skilled in manipulation, seduction, and unbridled lust. Her seemingly sweet demeanor hid the devilish nature that lurked within.

She pointed between us, and I followed her gaze. We were intertwined, locked in a passionate embrace. Her legs wrapped around my waist, her supple breasts pressed against my chest. A finger traced my bottom lip as her eyes fixated on my mouth.

She was pushing me to break the rules, begging me to relinquish my gentle touch.

Fuck yes. I wanted her. I craved her.

"You want me?" she repeated the question, her voice dripping with desire.

In that moment, I realized the truth. We were mirror images, both concealing our true selves and the desires that burned within us. Teasing was our favorite game, a dance of seduction and temptation.

I withdrew my hand from her neck, my touch leaving a reddish mark as evidence of our fervent encounter. 

God help her boyfriend, if she had one. 

Placing both hands beside her on the table, I asserted my dominance, testing the strength of the wood to ensure it would hold us. Our lips hovered inches apart, and I could practically taste the sweetness that emanated from her.

With a swift motion, she lunged forward, our bodies brushing against each other. The soft, intoxicating scent enveloped me, causing me to momentarily close my eyes. 

This woman was a seductive fire, her awareness of her own allure only intensifying the flame she ignited within me. Her waist was slender, her stomach flat. Her breasts and buttocks possessed an enticing curve, while her legs were both sleek and soft against me.

"Take off your clothes," I commanded, my voice filled with authority.

Parting her lips, she seemed poised to respond, but no words escaped. There was a certain expression on her face, an anticipation that transcended mere teasing. She was eager, willing to accept any challenge thrown her way.

Would she tell me "no"?

Would she deny any challenge?

No, this girl is not like that. She can handle it all!'

Scanning the room, a sly grin curled on my lips as I pondered the mystery woman who had rocked my world. There was something intriguing about her, something that had ignited a fire inside me. 

Slowly, I threw off the rumpled sheets and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my bare feet touching the plush carpet. The scent hung in the air, enveloping me like a cloak of seduction, fueling my curiosity and desire.

My phone vibrates once more, snapping me back to reality. I scan the room until I spot it lying amidst the scattered clothes on the floor. 

As I retrieve my belongings, my fingers brush against a delicate handkerchief, a scarf-like fabric that exudes the same tantalizing fragrance as the pillow. Her scent. 

But who is she?

Examining the soft cloth in my hand, I strain to recall the fragments of our encounter. A chance encounter at the bar, her fiery hair cascading around her as she expressed her desire for a night of passion. The memories tantalize, but her face eludes me, a victim of my intoxicated state.

Fuck.

How will I find you, my Cinderella?

Reluctantly, I answer the persistent phone call, rolling my eyes at the intrusion. "Daniel Banks," I answer, my voice laced with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

"Mr. Banks, good morning," Dylan, my publicist, greets me on the other end of the line.

"What's happened, Dylan?" I inquire, bracing myself for the bad news.

"Perhaps it would be best to discuss it in person. I am currently at your office," he responds cautiously.

Sighing, I acknowledge the inevitability of my responsibilities. "I'll be there in twenty minutes," I declare before ending the call.

Swiftly, I wear my crumpled clothes. Adjusting my collar with a final touch of finesse, I ran a hand through my tousled hair.

As I prepare to leave the room, my gaze is drawn to the bedside table. Intrigued, I approach, my eyes scanning the note left behind.

"Thanks for the night," I read aloud, a mischievous smile spreading across my lips. 

Cinderella, it seems, has turned the fucking tables and left a provocative trail of intrigue in her wake.

With a quick glance to ensure I had left no detail overlooked, I stepped out of the hotel room. The world was my playground, and I was about to leave my mark. 

Cinderella, no matter the cost, I will find you!

Game on.