Seducing Mr. Solis

CHAPTER FIVE

The next few weeks were a lesson in tricking someone, though Hunter Solis thought it was just a fast-moving romance. To Svetlana, every date was a job, and every laugh was a move in a game he didn't even know they were playing. she was making him depend on her, acting like the only person who didn't want his money.

"You're late," Svetlana said with a playful but firm voice. She was waiting outside her building in a simple silk shirt and pants. She looked classy and kind, nothing like the dangerous woman from the first night.

Hunter pulled his silver Ferrari to the curb with a guilty smile. "Traffic was terrible, and I had to take a call from my father. Do you forgive me?"

He got out of the car holding a bunch of rare roses that were so dark red they looked almost black—the color of dried blood. Svetlana saw the dark meaning in the gift, but she smiled and took them anyway.

"I guess so," she said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. She smelled his expensive cologne and a hint of alcohol. It was only two in the afternoon, and Hunter was already starting to fall apart. They had only been dating for three weeks.

"Where are we going?" she asked as they got into the car.

"I have a surprise," Hunter said happily. "No crowds today. Just a private afternoon at the Solis vineyard. The view is amazing."

The vineyard. Svetlana’s heart beat hard. It was a Solis property. She was finally getting close to his family’s inner circle.

During the drive, Hunter talked and talked. He complained about his father’s business partners and how much he hated the "boring" parts of the family business. Svetlana listened patiently. She asked smart questions and acted like a perfect, supportive partner.

"You're the only one who really listens to me," Hunter said, squeezing her hand. "Everyone else just wants a favor or money."

"Maybe it's because I don't care about your family name, Hunter," she lied. "I care about the man behind it."

Hunter looked at her with so much love that for a second, Svetlana realized how easy it was to break someone. He was trusting her completely, not knowing she was his enemy.

The vineyard was beautiful, with green plants covering the hills under the sun. They sat on a private stone porch with a bottle of wine.

"My father hates this place," Hunter said. "He says it’s a waste of time. He only keeps it because it makes the brand look good."

"He sounds like a very serious man," Svetlana said, trying to learn more.

"Serious? He’s a machine," Hunter said bitterly. "He has no feelings. When I was a kid, if I didn't get perfect grades, he wouldn't talk to me for a month. He looked at me like I was a broken tool."

Svetlana took a sip of wine. "That must have been lonely."

"It was terrible. That’s why I go to clubs. At least there, people look at me like I'm the king." He looked into her eyes. "But with you, I don't have to be a king. I just feel... seen."

This was the moment. Svetlana took his hand. "You can just be yourself with me, Hunter. I like the man, not the name."

She leaned in and kissed him for a long time. Hunter kissed her back desperately. He was addicted to her now. She was his escape from his father’s cold shadow.

As the sun went down, Hunter became quiet and nervous.

"Svetlana," he said, clearing his throat. "I know it’s only been a few weeks. But I’ve never felt this way before. You’ve changed me. I want to be a better man for you."

Svetlana stayed calm, but her mind was racing. Is he doing this already?

"You are enough for me, Hunter," she whispered.

"No, I'm not. But I could be with you." He pulled a small box from his pocket but didn't open it yet. "I want to show my father I can be serious. I want him to meet the woman who finally changed my life."

Svetlana acted shocked. "Hunter... we just met. What are you saying?"

"I don't want to live in that big house without you. I want you to be a Solis."

He opened the box. Inside was a huge diamond ring that cost more than many people's lives.

"Marry me, Svetlana. Come live at my family's estate. Let's start our life together."

Svetlana looked at the ring and then at Hunter’s face. Inside, she was cold and calculating. Her plan was working faster than she thought. Once she was in that house, Theron Solis would be right there.

She let a fake tear fall and made her lip shake.

"I... I don't know what to say," she whispered.

"Say yes," Hunter begged. "Help me be the man I should be."

Svetlana took a breath and nodded. "Yes, Hunter. I’ll marry you."

He shouted with joy, picked her up, and spun her around. He was laughing and crying. He was the happiest man alive.

Svetlana rested her head on his shoulder. Her eyes were hard and dry. The fake romance had worked. The next step was the wedding, and then, she would be in the "lion's den."

"I can't wait for you to meet him," Hunter whispered. "He’s going to be so surprised."

"Oh, I'm sure he will be," Svetlana thought with a dark smile. "He has no idea who is coming to dinner."