Tempting The Alphas

An evening at Lisa's

Rubi

As I descended from the top floor, I felt a sense of pride wash over me as I stepped into the party room. Lisa was mingling with the guests as the event was already underway. Initially, we were supposed to come down together. However, I had to make a few adjustments, mainly to my dress, because Lisa said it was inappropriate. I couldn't help but feel a bit irritated by her comment, as I believed my outfit was perfectly fine. However, I decided to let it go, knowing that tonight was about celebrating and not dwelling on minor disagreements. Despite everything, I appreciated her honesty and knew she had my best interests at heart.

Rummaging through Lisa's closet, I came across a brand new Black Armani strapless corset dress with a high split that I fell in love with. The moment I put it on and paired it with my black stilettos, I knew it was perfect. Lisa suggested I wear my hair in a fancy updo, but I chose a more casual style. To create a sultry look, I wore a natural nude color for my eyes and a bold red lip. It was the perfect outfit, and judging from the looks on everyone's faces, I could not be mad at Lisa.

Walking around the table, I could not believe it was my good fortune to be seated among such an illustrious company. It was thrilling and nerve-wracking for me, especially since I was not indeed a part of their world. Lisa remained by my side throughout most of the evening. The room was filled with laughter and the soft clinking of glasses, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. Elegant chandeliers cast a warm glow over the guests, highlighting the vibrant colors of their attire and the exquisite decorations. A live band played smooth jazz melodies in the background, adding to the sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance of the evening. The servers had just placed plates in front of us when Lisa's father began tapping on his glass as we took our seats.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you all for coming this evening. I am certain you are all hungry, and we will have dinner soon. Nevertheless, before I proceed, I would like to raise a toast to one of the most elite men of our time. Since he has taken over Estelman & Associates, the company has tripled its worth. It should come as no surprise why. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a keen eye for strategic opportunities. Under his guidance, Estelman & Associates expanded into international markets and forged groundbreaking partnerships that have solidified the company's position as a global powerhouse. His innovative approach and commitment to excellence have not only increased profits but have also inspired a new era of growth and success for the entire industry," Mr. Turner remarked as he turned his attention to the dining room doors. "So without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen, Christian Diaz," Mr. Turner exclaimed.

Everyone turned toward the dining room doors, and as they opened, there he was, the most handsome man I'd ever seen. There was something graceful and confident about his movements. An air of quiet confidence about him almost made him seem regal. His brown hair was combed to perfection, complimented by a five-o'clock shadow that enhanced his strong jawline. A powerful aura emanated from him, both intriguing and seductive. I watched as his eyes scanned the room momentarily before landing on me. I felt my temperature and blood pressure rise as a smirk played on his lips.

'Holy s**t,' I thought, my gaze reverting to the plate in front of me.

"Mr. Turner, thank you for the pleasant introduction," Christian said, patting Mr. Turner on the back before turning to the rest of the table.

"Thank you all for attending this evening. It is always a pleasure to see familiar faces as well as meet new ones," Christian stated, turning his gaze back to me before continuing. "With the acquisition of the family business, the company has achieved new heights. As we prepare for the upcoming expansion, I am excited to work alongside each of you to ensure our continued success. I am also eager to discover where else we can go. Nevertheless, tonight we feast and party; the real fun begins tomorrow," Christian concluded as he grabbed a glass of champagne from the table and lifted it into the air. The room erupted in applause, and I couldn't help but feel admiration and curiosity about this enigmatic man. I watched as Christian undid the button on his black blazer and sat down. I felt my face flush as his eyes met mine, and I quickly looked away.

"You look stunning, Rubi," Lisa said, placing a napkin on her lap.

"Thank you, and so do you," I replied while enjoying a bite of the grilled chicken I had in front of me.

"Well, what do you think?" she asked as she ate.

"About?" I asked, furrowing my brows in confusion.

"The food, silly," Lisa giggled.

As I glanced at her, I caught a glimpse of Christian, his serious gaze fixed on me.

"Well, it's delicious, but I'm sure you already knew this," I replied.

"That's true, but I still have to ask," she whispered. "Some of Daddy's clients and friends can be very difficult to impress."

I rolled my eyes as I took another bite. "It doesn't matter what they think. You did the best you could, and you should be proud of yourself," I told her.

Suddenly, a deep voice sounded from the other end of the table. "I completely agree, Miss Salvatore," replied Christian, smiling.

I turned to look at Christian, amazed that he knew my name. "I beg your pardon?" I said.

"Unavoidably, I overheard your conversation. Indeed, one should not care what other people think. I certainly do not. In fact, I am aware that most of these people are present because they fear me," he gestured to everyone around the table. Silence followed Christian's words.

I glanced around the table and noticed that everyone was shocked. Refocusing my attention on Christian, I replied, "Pardon me, but the conversation I had with Lisa shouldn't have changed tonight's mood. In fact, complimenting my friend on the food she worked so hard to prepare has nothing to do with why you might think people are not here of their own free will."

A smirk spread across Christian's face as he stared at me. "Are you really convinced that they are here because they wish to be? Many of them have worked for me for many years and are only here because it was mandated," he said, pausing to look at everyone before continuing. "I am aware of all the gossip and the snide comments that they all make and have made tonight. I am confident they will all agree; I am not lying if you ask them." I took a deep breath, locking eyes with Christian.

"Whether they're here out of obligation or not, neither excuses eavesdropping nor arrogance," I said firmly. "Respect isn't a currency to be bought with fear, and perhaps it's time you reflected on why you feel the need to intimidate rather than inspire." Christian's expression shifted from amusement to a sharp, icy glare. "Inspiration is overrated when control is far more effective," he retorted, his voice laced with a hint of menace. The tension in the room was palpable, and I could sense the unease ripple through the guests as they remained silent, unwilling to challenge him further.

"I am not certain how much you believe I know about you or your company. However, I am certain these fine people are here because they respect and value what you have given them. The fact that you speak so little of them speaks volumes about the kind of person you are," I argued.

"Someday, your view will be either my way or theirs, Miss Salvatore," he growled.

"Then I suppose we shall see which approach endures," I replied calmly, refusing to be intimidated by his threats.

As the meal continued, there was silence at the table. After the plates were taken off the table, I rose from my seat and went to the garden for some fresh air. It felt like my body went into overdrive after that small discussion. My mind flooded with thoughts as I sat on the bench; closing my eyes, Storm's voice echoed through my head, "Don't trust him. He may not be who you think."

"How do you know?" I questioned.

"I just have a strange feeling," Storm replied.

"You're scared of Christian Diaz now that you'd rather run and hide?" I laughed.

"Certainly not. As you know, I'm always up for a challenge, but maybe we should sit this one out," Storm sighed.

After considering this for a moment, I nodded. "I've got this under control. Don't be surprised when he comes looking for us," I said as I rose to my feet.

My senses were suddenly flooded with the same aroma of Indonesian Nutmeg, Sichuan Pepper, and pink pepper from earlier. Yet again, as I glanced around, I couldn't find the source of the smell. Shaking my head, I walked back to the party. Christian suddenly appeared in front of me as I approached the door.

"I must say, that was pretty impressive," he exclaimed, looking at me intently. "Christian Diaz," he said, extending his hand to me.

"I aim to please," I said, taking his hand. "It's clear that you already know my name."

"I make it a point to know everyone who will be in my presence, Ms. Rubi," he said, pressing my hand to his lips. I quickly pulled my hand from his and stepped back as a wave of tingles coursed through me. "Tell me, how is it that we've never met before?" he asked, crossing his arms.

"I suppose our paths just haven't crossed until now," I replied, smiling politely. "The world is a large place, and timing is everything. Now, if you'll excuse me," I said, pushing past him.

"Miss Salvatore," Christian said, keeping his back to me as I glanced over my shoulder. "Thank you for joining us tonight. I am sure we will see each other again soon," he concluded before walking away.

'I'm counting on it!' I thought to myself as I walked into the house and started to formulate my plan.