His Perfect Temptation

Chapter 13

Ignacio’s pov

As Rodrigo approached, I could sense anxiety, desperation, and a hint of fear emanating from him.

His eyes kept drifting back and forth between Alfredo and me.

His heart probably skipped a beat as he took in Alfredo's confrontational gaze.

His hands trembled slightly as he extended one of them towards Alfredo, attempting to appear confident. "Ignacio, Alfredo, good evening," he stammered.

The heavy silence that followed his greeting was amusing.

"What the hell do you want, Rodrigo?" Alfredo yelled, ignoring his handshake.

I watched Rodrigo's face run pale, he took back his stretch-forth hand as he stepped back, nearly colliding with a nearby chair. His fear was obvious and I found myself wondering what could have driven him to approach us in the first place.

Why he had come here? What did he hope to achieve? Cause I know damned well, this wasn't any damned coincidence.

"I...I just wanted to discuss a business proposition with Igancio," he stammered once again, his voice nearly felt a whisper.

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, intrigued. What could Rodrigo possibly have to offer that would be worth risking my wrath?

Rodrigo took a deep breath like he knew he only had one chance and he had to present it well. "I heard about the upcoming auction for Smith and Co, I know how much you want to land near it. I was thinking...maybe we could partner up...and...I don't know...make a joint bid or something and get the whole company."

I leaned back in my chair, my eyes never leaving Rodrigo's face, I was fighting the urge to laugh at his face, I already knew about the auction, and the fact he thought he was going to come in as a hero was amusing. "Go on ?" I whispered, trying to know how far he had planned this.

Rodrigo nodded. "I know it's not enough, Ignacio. But...I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right again between us"

Alfredo chuckled. "You're not even in the same league as Ignacio, you're not worth much. You think a joint bid would make up for sleeping with ......"

I held up a hand, silencing Alfredo. "What makes you think I will accept a proposal with you" I asked with a straight face.

"Business is the business to you Ignacio and I know I can't make up for what I did but you guys don't understand...Maliya...she seduced me. She came onto me, and I couldn't resist." He admitted, but his eyes focused more on Alfredo like he was trying to get him on his side than convince me.

"Really" I muttered

"Women are whores, Ignacio. They're always causing trouble, coming between men. We're the ones who matter, not them. We have been allies and friends from God knows when women come and go " he paused reciting Alfredo's favorite phrase " We are the trio, Ignacio, Rodrigo, and Alfredo!!!" He screamed excitedly like he was winning us over.

"I couldn't agree more, Rodrigo," Alfredo screamed back

Rodrigo's face lit up with joy. "See, Alfredo gets it! We're the ones who should be in control, not them"

Alfredo couldn't control his sarcastic laugh. "Oh, yeah. Because nothing says 'control' like blaming a woman for your own mistakes." He mocked.

But Rodrigo was too far gone to notice Alfredo's sarcasm. "Alfredo you're a true friend. I knew I could count on you." He paused and he finally gazed at me.

"Ignacio, women are not important you could even sleep with my wife to make us even."

With that, I delivered the punch to Rodrigo's jaw. "Rodrigo," I growled. " Listen up, you piece of s**t, the next time you approach me, You'll Be Sorry." I threatened.

"You are a fool, Rodrigo. Poor Bianca. She married a fool like you " Alfredo spat.

With that, Alfredo and I turned and walked out of the restaurant, leaving Rodrigo to nurse his wounded jaw.

.......

As I walked towards my car, I couldn't help but feel a bit amused by what had just happened a few minutes ago at the auction. Rodrigo's attempts to outsmart me were indeed laughable, the fact he showed up, only meant he truly had no idea that I was no longer his friend.

I do not joke with business, something he should have understood, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at outmaneuvered him.

I glanced over at Maliya, who was standing beside me, looking anxious. I could sense the panic in her eyes as she wondered how she would get home. Despite my animosity towards her, I couldn't bring myself to leave her stranded. "Come on," I said gruffly, gesturing towards the car.

A few minutes later we were in front of my house with rain pouring heavily "You can wait out the rain inside." I said to her.

As we head into the house, drenched in rainwater, I remember Igancio's words of getting a repeated action, I found myself picking up my phone as a way to brush away such thoughts when I saw Marisol had left three voicemails.

I was about to ignore it, a little side was curious about what she had to say. I made my way towards the kitchen and played the first message.

Marisol's trembling voice filled the air.

"Igancio...good evening," she voiced shaking. "Carlos called...he said you wanted full custody of Aria...please, Igancio, she's also my daughter...I can't......." Her voice trailed off as I cut off the message, not interested in hearing more.

Just then, the maid appeared at the kitchen door. "Hello, Mr. Ramirez. Should I serve dinner?" she asked.

I hesitated for a moment before responding. "Actually, I think it's a bit late for dinner, don't you? But ask our guest if she's hungry."

As the maid opened the door, Maliya stumbled in, if I didn't know better I would think she was listening in.

When I gaze towards her face, she looked like a drowned rat, her hair plastered to her face, her clothes clinging to her body. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement at her drenched appearance.

"Ah, perfect timing," I said, gesturing to the maid. "Our guest is here. Ask her if she'd like dinner."

Maliya's eyes opened up as she took in the surroundings of my kitchen. She looked like a fish out of water, and I found myself enjoying her discomfort.

The maid turned to Maliya. "Would you like dinner, miss?"

Maliya hesitated, her eyes darting to me before responding. "I...I don't know. What time is it?"

"Probably 2 am," I replied, my eyes never leaving hers. "But don't worry, I'm sure you're famished"

Maliya instantly shook her head. "No, thank you. I'm not hungry." She declined.

I was surprised by her refusal. "Suit yourself," I said, turning to the maid. "You can leave us now."

The maid nodded, handing Maliya a towel. "Here, miss. You might want to dry off."

As the maid left, I turned my attention back to Maliya. I couldn't help but wonder why she had refused dinner. She looked hungry and I knew she had to be famished after the long night.

"The guest room is right in front of mine," I said, gesturing towards the stairs. "You should change into something dry."

She agreed with her eyes avoiding mine as we made our way towards the stairs.

As we climbed, her wet heel slipped on the step and she stumbled.

I reacted with instincts, catching her just in time by the waist and pulling her close.

For a moment, we were frozen in time, her chest pressed against mine.

I could feel her breath racing along with mine, and suddenly, I was hit with a flashback of our night together.

The scent of her skin, her touch, and her taste came flooding back, and I felt a surge of desire course through my veins.

I Want her.