The Taste of Seduction

Tardy and a bit of shape, Sofia noticed that Marcus was looking lost and disturbed even though he was trying to respond professionally while speaking about the project. Thinking to herself that if she could get him to open up to her, their relationship may gradually become closer and move stepwisely towards the desired intimacy she had in mind.

"You don't seem too good today, why not talk over a relaxing atmosphere tonight, all bills on me and the project can hold on a bit. After All, we do not need to make any changes to it at the moment, it's just having updates about how the project is moving.

Don't tell me no, at least if you consider me a friend," she said persuadingly as she expressed a look of heartache over his appearance and wellbeing.

Marcus couldn't help give a heavy sigh as he agreed since he did need some time to clear his head and some shots in the evening did sound like a good idea at this point.

"Alright, see you by eight tonight then" he said with a smile that seemed to be unhappy and kept his straight face as they exchanged handshakes as they moved out together to deal with other things for the day.

****

Anxiety gripped Marcus as he pondered the significance of Diana's sudden departure. Thoughts swirled in his mind, contemplating the possibility that she needed space or was reconsidering their connection.

He had tried to ask around the neighborhood when returned in the afternoon whether she had been around for some days to which everyone responded in the negative. He knew clearly she might just wanted some space but the silence and distance was killing him gradually, he didn't know what to think.

Later that evening, Marcus found himself standing outside The Palatial Ritzgate, a high tier relaxation sport for the rich in the heart of the city. The pulsating music, colorful lights, and ambience atmosphere greeted him as he stepped inside. The venue exuded an air of relaxation and comfort, a stark contrast to the weight he had been carrying.

He quickly made his way to the private room which she had booked and sent his contact earlier in the evening. He scanned the dimly lit space, searching for Sofia's familiar face among the shadows.

"Marcus, I'm so glad you could make it," Sofia exclaimed, her voice barely audible over the ambient music in the room. "I thought a change of scenery might do us good. Let's have a conversation away from the pressures of work and everyday life."

With a lot on his mind, Marcus did not bother with formality and took a seat opposite her. The dim lighting and the rhythmic beats surrounding them created an atmosphere of intimacy and liberation. He couldn't help but feel a slight shift in his mood as he immersed himself in the vibrant ambiance while taking some shot of liquor to further kill off the strong bitterness in his heart.

Sofia leaned in, her voice a gentle whisper to overcome the music. "Marcus, I can sense that something has been weighing heavily on your mind. You don't have to tell me everything if you're not ready, but I want you to know that I'm here to listen and offer support."

Marcus hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to open up about his struggles. The genuine concern in Sofia's eyes, however, made him desire to unburden his mind for a minute but he reconsidered swiftly after thinking it was never a good idea to tell others about his love life especially for someone who is trying to tempt him.

"I will be fine, it is just some minor truffles that will be fine over a few days" he said in a quiet lonely voice. Noticing an air of loneliness around him, Sofia couldn't help but want to try her luck. Her friends had told her when a man is drunk or down, they might indulge themselves a bit and this would be her entry into his life as she hoped he would have such actions under the atmosphere.

She leaned in closer, her voice tinged with concern and a hint of seduction as her scent wafted into his really sensitive nose. "Marcus, you don't have to face it alone. I can be there for you, offer you all types of comfort and support. We've known each other for a while now, and I've always liked you."

He looked at her, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Sofia, I appreciate your concern, but I'm not in the right frame of mind for anything more than friendship right now," he replied firmly, his tone tinged with sadness.

Sofia's face fell slightly, but she quickly regained her composure, a hint of determination in her eyes. "I understand, Marcus. But just remember, I'm here for you, whenever you need someone to lean on."

Nodding understandingly, a hint of disappointment flickering across her face. "I hope everything works out for you, Marcus. Remember, sometimes taking risks is worth it."

The words suddenly sparked a new idea and hope within him, "can't I just go seeking and let her know my determination and desires. At least taking the risk is better than just waiting on without any idea of what is going on with her" he quietly thought to himself as though he was alone in the room.

Seeing him lost in his thoughts, she suddenly had a feeling this might be related to a woman since he seemed to recognize her approach and didn't seem repulsed by it but he was keeping his distance as though he was trying to make things clear to her and someone else.

A bad feeling rose within her as she gradually felt this seems to be the case the more she thought about it. Just as she looked towards Marcus to ask, she felt some change of emotions in him which she couldn't seem to fathom what brought it.

"Thank you so much, Sofia, you are such a lifesaver," he smiled as he grabbed her into a quick hug silencing what she wanted to say while her mind went blank temporarily with sweetness from being hugged.