Mine to Claim

2020 (Part 1)

New York City

2020

Coletta

Opening my eyes, I groaned in frustration. That stupid dream again. For five years, my mind has not been able to forget the words that man had spoken to me. The arrogance and confidence in which he said them. I hated that it turned me on so much and that whenever my thoughts turned to him my treacherous body instantly became wet for him.

Looking at my phone, I noted I had two hours to get ready. I had several contracts to go over and edit and a whole other long lists of to-do’s to get done today. Today marked five years and my heart couldn’t help but pick up at the thought that Dimitri would keep his word. Of course he hadn’t reached out once in those five years so who the hell was I kidding. My anger flared. I didn’t need to be hung up on some arrogant asshole who only led women on. He was all any women ever talked about these days. The magazines always had an annual article about how he was a business tycoon and also the most elegible bachlor.

Walking to my bathroom, I glanced in the mirror taking in my reflection. I saw a woman with curves in all the right places, full breasts with pierced n*****s that could be outlined in my sleeping tank. Brown hair with caramel and blond highlights that was pulled up in a messy bun. Ocean blue eyes, full lips and cheeks, and a spattering of freckles on golden tanned skin. Yeah, I felt pretty confident with who I was as a woman. So why was I still hung up on this man? That’s it! Tonight I would look for a fun one night stand at the masqerade event happening at the infamous Manhatten mansion. Julieta was putting on a spectacular fundraiser for families of labor workers in need. She did one annually, and it just so happened to fall on today’s date.

No! I told myself no more thoughts of that man. Putting on my getting ready playlist, I hopped into the shower. It didn’t take long to do my routine and soon enough I was dressing in high waisted black slacks and a light blue button up blouse. It was sleevless and allowed for me to stay cool as spring was beginning to get warm in New York. After finishing my hair and make up, I grabbed my documents and purse before heading out the front door. I lived in a comfortable two room condo not far from the main building of Mozentano Empire. Often I could either walk 15 minutes to get there, grab a taxi, or take some other means of transportation such as the subway.

I always wore tennis shoes when I walked and later switched in my heels once getting into my office. This is what I opted to do today. The wind teased tendrils of my hair as I began my journey. Cars drove by and the hustle and bustle of New York came alive the closer I got to work. When I finally made it to the first block that the massive building occupied, I could see my reflection in the glossy mirror-like windows in my peripheal. Reaching the row of glass doors that led into the lobby, I grabbed the gold handle and pulled. A rush of cool air met me as I stepped through.

I waved good morning to the front desk girls who always seemed to be ready and willing to do their work. That was the other thing I appreciated about how my father ran a business. The culture he created and maintained was always one where everyone was appreciated for what they contributed. Because of that, employee turn over was extremely low.

“Hey! Wait up!” I heard a familiar melodic voice shout behind me. I paused to give the woman who was rushing to meet me a huge grin. Kate Rodgers was a blond bombshell with a personality to match and was my best friend.

“What has you in a rush?” I teased. She stuck her tongue out at me and then gave me the biggest grin.

“Your sister is an event planning queen. She has had us running around all morning getting last minute details ready for tonight’s fundraiser.” She sounded exasperated yet excited at the same time. Julieta was indeed a queen in her own right. Her expectations for her department were harsh and no nonsense but because of that, s**t got done. That was what mattered when it came to keeping this business running. And even though there was occasional complaining, every one of her employees loved her.

“I’m super excited. I have had my whole outfit planned for months now and tonight I hope it brings a little bit of good luck if you know what I mean.”

Kate pressed the button for the elevator and the moment one came and opened it’s metal doors we stepped inside.

“You’re wanting to get laid tonight? Wait…isn’t today the five year anniversary of what that Vlaskestivichi guy vowed to claim you as his?” I rolled my eyes at her question because I knew she was teasing me. She knew all about the events that day becasue she was the first person I had immediately ran to and shared my raging emotions with.

“He hasn’t contacted me once in five years and as I told him, he can’t just claim my body when he hasn’t even tried to claim my heart.”

“But you’re going to try and get laid tonight and that guy won’t obviously have claim to your heart?” I shot her a glare and she threw her hands up in defense. “I’m just saying. A man can claim a woman’s body without ever needing to claim her heart.” I hated when she was right. I just wanted something to be angry at the jerk who had so boldly claimed he would pretty much own me in every way possible.

“Anyway, since he hasn’t tried anything in five years, I plan on trying to get him out of my head by having a little fun.” I was no angel by any means and I did enjoy s*x every now an then. I wasn’t shy about my body and who I was as a woman and I appreciated whenever my friend joined in on the antics.

“Well, then you have to be on the lookout for a man for me as well,” she demanded and I chuckled.

“Sure thing.” The elevator opened and she got off on her floor.

“I’ll see you later tonight then!” As the doors closed, I smiled to myself. Tonight was going to be lots of fun.