Yield

Chapter 4

For the first time in months, Laurette decided to check her email, hoping to find more events to attend, and she was lucky.

There it was, the invitation reading:

You have been invited to the Aurelia Gala.

Quick and direct, that's how she knew the invite wasn't written by someone who had enough time on their hands to write a long paragraph.

Maybe this one will actually be interesting.

She made up her mind when she was told by Jamila that Rhodes was going to be there again.

She didn't know why, but seeing Rhodes's name stirred something in her — something she didn't want to name.

She needed a break from work, and this was the time she wanted to go somewhere without her having to put her business mode on.

Laurette wasn't going there wearing too much, so she decided on wearing a deep emerald satin dress that hung below her back and perfectly sat on her curves. The dress hugged her hips and waist, showcasing her shape.

She wore her hair in a low knot, adorning it with a gold cuff. The hairstyles made her high cheekbones and almond eyes protrude. She wore clean, minimal makeup. Making sure to highlight her best assets.

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This time, Laurette decided to make a quiet, less dramatic entrance.

Instead of walking the red carpet, she used the back lot. She entered through a private elevator up to the venue that was hosted.

Inside, there were jazz quartets, champagne towers, and key figures from secondary-tier corporations that filled the room.

From across the room, Rhodes Sterling was present, speaking to a Singaporean investor. He was in a black tux with no tie and his collar undone.

He didn't see her arrive - he felt her.

His eyes were darting through the room to find her, and there she was, standing by the bar. Their eyes locked, and there was no smile or smirk this time. Just heat.

Rhodes finished his drink, excusing himself. Slowly moving through the crowd towards her, exchanging greetings along the way.

Once he finally approached her, he said, "You never do subtle, should I be worried?"

Her eyes lingered on his exposed collar before she answered, " I'm just here for a bit of fun and champagne, but if you're nervous, I can stay longer."

"You look stunning." He murmured, tracing her figure, focusing a few more seconds on her face.

"Are you saying you're attracted?" She tilted her head, intentionally twisting his words.

"I'm always attracted to you, Laurette. Especially now — seeing you less guarded, more real." He stared, a small smile appearing on his lips.

Before she could respond, the jazz number started. "Dance with me." Rhodes didn't make it seem like a request. It was a demand.

Slipping her hand into his, she agreed, Rhodes didn't waste time pulling her closer, their body fit perfectly. His hand slipped lower to her waist. To his surprise, she leaned closer, almost pressing her body against his.

"Still think I need a leash?" Rhodes asked, breaking the silence.

Laurette answered, "No, you just need a reminder of who you're talking to."

Without thinking, he answered. "Then show me." He stared at her. To anyone else, it sounded like a threat. To her, it was an invitation.

After the dance, Laurette joined Zaria at the balcony. "What was all that about?" Zaria started, not letting Laurette get comfortable.

"I don't know, Zaria. It wasn't meant to be like this. I didn't even expect to be so....affected by him. What do I do?"

"I'm about to say some cliché s**t right now, but who cares. Follow your heart, babes. Just go with the flow." Zaria winked, kissing her forehead.

"Good luck." Zaria whispered before disappearing into the crowd.

Laurette didn't take her eyes off her. She watched as she made her way to the champagne tower and grabbed two for herself.

Laurette muttered to herself.

"This b***h is actually gonna leave me here without even giving me a pep talk?".

She brought out her phone, reading a message from Rhodes that read:

"Upstairs."

Laurette never took orders from others, but her body moved without thinking.

She made her way upstairs, deciding on following her heart just like Zaria said.