Horny

Aria.

With my tray finally empty, I set it down and mustered up the courage to sneak away from the bustling activity. I headed down one of the hallways, my heart pounding with every step. The server's uniform turned out to be a blessing in disguise. No one batted an eye as I passed more bodyguards standing sentinel outside various doors.

As I went, I made up ridiculous scenarios in my head for what could be hidden behind each one. It was a stupid game, but right then, I needed something to distract me from completely freaking out.

By door number five, I was getting good at it. "Oh, that must be the room where Axel keeps his collection of exotic stuffed animals," I muttered under my breath, stifling a nervous giggle as I strode past yet another imposing door.

I'd been discreetly exploring the hallways and peeking into rooms for what felt like hours, but so far, I'd been unable to determine which rooms belonged to Axel. Time was running out, and my frustration grew with each passing moment. I needed to plant these microchips, but how was I supposed to figure out which rooms were the right ones?

In the back of my mind, the image of my brother's battered face spurred me on. I had to do this for him. Failure was not an option.

As I snuck down another hallway, I suddenly heard footsteps approaching. My heart leaped into my throat. I quickly ducked into a nearby room, holding my breath and praying that it was just another server or guest. The footsteps grew louder, and then I heard the stern voice of the catering manager.

"Has anyone seen the new girl? She's been gone for far too long."

I flattened myself against the wall, my heart thundering. If she caught me, it was all over. The seconds dragged on like hours as I waited, barely daring to breathe. Finally, the footsteps receded, and I exhaled in relief. That was too close for comfort.

Just as I started to slip out of the room, her voice pierced the air, freezing me in my tracks.

"There you are! What on earth do you think you're doing?" she demanded, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Fuck my life.

My heart lurched, and I quickly concocted a feeble excuse. "I, um, I got lost trying to find the bathroom."

She scowled, clearly unimpressed, but didn't press the issue. Instead, she handed me a tray laden with vodka glasses. "Take this to the main hall. And try not to get lost again."

As I accepted the tray, I seethed inwardly. This turd of a woman! So high and mighty, acting like some snooty queen. But I swallowed my irritation, my focus on the pain in my feet, as I tried not to drop the tray. Balancing it carefully, I made my way back to the main hall, inwardly cursing that I was back to square one.

Shit, shit, shit!

The gossiping women's words from earlier echoed in my head as I moved through the crowd. Axel Yakov, the man everyone seemed to desire, the dangerous ex-con who held so much power. And here I was, stumbling around his mansion like an idiot, no closer to completing my mission than when I'd started.

I distributed drinks mechanically, my mind racing. There had to be a way to find Axel's room. Maybe I could trick someone into telling me? But who? And how could I ask without arousing suspicion?

As I pondered my options, I overheard a snippet of conversation that made me pause.

"Did you hear? Axel's got a new security system installed in his private wing. Facial recognition, voice activation, the works. Talk about paranoid!"

My ears perked up. A private wing? That had to be where his bedroom was. But where was this wing, and how could I possibly get past that kind of security?

I casually drifted closer to the chatting guests, pretending to arrange glasses on my tray while I eavesdropped.

"Well, can you blame him?" another guest replied. "After what happened with that last girl who tried to spy on him? I heard he had her shipped off to Siberia or something."

A chill ran down my spine. What the hell had Viktor gotten me into? I knew the stakes were high, but hearing about Axel's ruthlessness firsthand made it all too real.

I moved away from the conversation, my mind whirling. A private wing with top-notch security. It made sense, but it also made my job a hell of a lot harder. How was I supposed to plant these microchips if I couldn't even get near the place?

As I continued to circulate through the party, I kept my eyes peeled for any sign of this private wing. A guarded staircase, a restricted hallway, anything that might give me a clue. But the mansion was a maze, and every time I thought I might be onto something, I hit another dead end.

The night wore on, and I could feel time slipping away. The party wouldn't last forever, and once it was over, my chance would be gone. I had to find a way, and fast.

In a moment of desperation, I approached one of the security guards, plastering on my most charming smile. "Excuse me," I said, trying to sound casual, "I'm supposed to deliver these drinks to Mr. Yakov's private lounge, but I'm new and I've gotten turned around. Could you point me in the right direction?"

The guard's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Nice try, sweetheart. But Mr. Yakov's private areas are off-limits to staff. If he wants drinks, he'll send for them himself."

I laughed nervously, backpedaling. "Oh, of course! Silly me. I must have misunderstood the instructions. Thanks anyway!"

I hurried away, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Smooth, Aria. Real smooth. Now I'd probably drawn attention to myself. I needed to be more careful.

As I retreated to a quiet corner to regroup, I couldn't help but think about the women I'd overheard earlier, gossiping about Axel. They'd painted a picture of a man who was dangerous, yes, but also irresistibly alluring. A man who could make you forget all your troubles with just one look.

I shook my head, trying to clear it of those thoughts. I couldn't afford to get distracted by fantasies. Axel Yakov was my target, nothing more. I had a job to do, and my brother's life depended on it.

But as I stood there, feeling lost and overwhelmed, a small part of me couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to meet him face to face. Would he be as captivating as everyone said? Or would I see right through the charm to the ruthless criminal underneath?

I pushed those thoughts aside. It didn't matter. I wasn't here to meet Axel Yakov. I was here to spy on him, to plant those microchips and get the hell out. And I was running out of time to do it.

With renewed determination, I squared my shoulders and headed back into the fray. I'd find a way into that private wing, security system be damned. I had to. For Mikey's sake, and for my own.

As I wove through the crowd, my eyes constantly scanning for any opportunity, I suddenly spotted something that made my heart race. A discreet door, partially hidden behind a large potted plant, with a small keypad next to it. Could this be the entrance to Axel's private wing?

I glanced around, making sure no one was watching, then casually made my way over to the plant. Pretending to adjust my shoe, I leaned down to get a closer look at the keypad. It was definitely high-tech, with a small camera above it that I assumed was for the facial recognition.

My mind raced. Even if this was the right door, how the hell was I supposed to get past it? I didn't have the code, and my face certainly wasn't programmed into the system. But I was so close. I couldn't give up now.

Just as I was considering my options, a commotion broke out on the other side of the room. I turned to see a clearly intoxicated guest arguing loudly with one of the security guards. As everyone's attention was drawn to the scene, I realized this might be my only chance.

My heart was in my throat as I pulled out a microchip from my hair. It wasn't exactly where Viktor had instructed, but close enough. And if I couldn't get into Axel's room, this was the next best option.

Just as I was considering my options, a sharp voice behind me made me jump.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

I turned to see a security guard, my heart stopping. He looked suspiciously, hand on his earpiece as if ready to call for backup.

"I... I was just..." I stammered, my mind blank with panic. This was it. I was caught. Everything was over.

But then, like a gift from the universe, I felt my ankle give way. Those damn heels finally betrayed me completely, and I stumbled forward, crashing into the guard with a yelp of surprise.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, grabbing onto him to steady myself. "These shoes are killing me. I think I twisted my ankle!"

The guard's suspicion turned to annoyance as he helped me straighten up. "You need to be more careful," he growled. "This area is off-limits to staff. Get back to the main hall before I report you."

I nodded meekly, limping away as fast as I could manage. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure everyone could hear it. I'd failed. I couldn't plant the microchips, and now I was more lost than ever.

As I made my way back through the crowded room, I was so lost in my thoughts of failure that I almost didn't notice when I bumped into someone. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was—" My words died in my throat as I looked up and found myself staring into the most piercing blue eyes I'd ever seen.

Pure power. That and danger.

There was no other way to describe it. I stopped dead in my tracks, my mouth hanging open as I took in the sight of him. He was impossibly tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair brushed back from his striking face. His chiseled jawline and full, sensuous lips gave him an almost predatory appearance. But it was his eyes that held me captive, a fathomless ice blue that seemed to suck at my soul.

My breath caught in my throat as I realized he was staring directly at me. His gaze was unrelenting, making my heart race and my skin flush with heat. It was as if his eyes were a tangible force, drawing me in and wrapping around me like a sensual caress.

For fuck's sake Aria, what are you thinking?

I couldn't let myself be swayed by this magnetic stranger. I tore my gaze away and stepped back, offering a glass of vodka from the tray I was still somehow holding. "Would you like a drink, sir?"

He took one, his strong fingers brushing against mine as he did so. The brief contact sent a delicious ripple up my spine, my body responding to his touch with a hunger I'd never known.

As I turned to walk away, I felt his iron grip on my wrist, yanking me back toward him. The possessive gesture caught me off guard, and I felt a spark of anger flicker within me.

What the hell?

Who did he think he was, treating me like some plaything to be toyed with? When he coolly reached for another glass without breaking eye contact, I knew he was messing with me, and I wanted to smack that smug look off his face.

Except the combination of my indignation and the too-small heels I was wearing threw off my balance, and I stumbled forward. As I flailed to regain my footing, I accidentally tipped the tray I was holding, sending the remaining glasses of vodka crashing down onto the man's impeccably tailored suit.

Oh. My. Fuck!

For a moment, we both froze, staring at each other in shock. My mind raced, searching for a witty retort or a clever escape plan, but all I could think was, Great job, genius.

Let's just hope he doesn't have a fondness for impromptu vodka showers.

His astonishing blue eyes flicked from the vodka-soaked mess to my face, and I braced myself for his fury. But instead, he just laughed – laughed in a way that made my toes curl, and my core muscles clench. Laughed in a way that had my nipples poking against the lightweight cotton of my dress. It was a deep, rich sound that totally unnerved me and added an unexpected twist to the situation.

My cheeks flamed with embarrassment and anger, the injustice of the situation washing over me. I had failed my mission, and now, thanks to this infuriating man, I was stuck in the center of a humiliating spectacle.

And on top of it all, I was horny.

***