Dimly Lit Room

ELENA'S POV;

"Jessie, let this strike you hard. I don't want you. The thing we had was only for a limited period of time, I never planned on making an 'us'. " I breathed in then looked at Antonio. It appeared Leo had a history to himself too.

"Don't treat me like I'm one cheap prostitute all because I fell for you. It was a confession!"

"And don't rub your feelings on my face like I'm your sugar daddy. I'm not responsible for you." He said.

"You know what? Fuck you, Leonardo!" She said and hung up.

"Why are women so problematic?"

"Probably because they need security and as I've heard just now she ain't getting it from you," Antonio stated.

"Security for what? She should go find it elsewhere." Leo discarded. "We have to get going. She's waiting at the ball." He said and walked out before we followed.

We entered the ball, looking around the dimly lit room. We made our way to the couch at the end of the room and sat, waiting patiently for whoever we were waiting for. Suddenly, my eyes caught a lady who sauntered into the dimly lit room, her eyes scanning the crowd before she spotted us. She made her way over as she walked with so much confidence. Her beauty was literally on another level, it was stunning and alluring while she was dressed in a short black gown.

"So you're finally here."

"Pleasure to see you again too," Leo said and she rolled her eyes before they landed on me. I really didn't know what to do. Her eyes were naturally siren and so when she glanced at me, I nearly shrunk back.

"You must be Elena. Ray mentioned that you're in need of some guidance?" Her voice was laced with confidence as she spoke.

I then eyed her wearily, as my curiosity piqued. "And who might you be?"

"Call me Jessie," she smirked, "the name's synonymous with danger."

Antonio, leaning against the sofa, interjected with a nod. "She's the real deal, Elena. She'll teach you everything you need to know." He was convinced.

My eyes widened, anticipation mingling with nervous excitement. "Alright, Jessie. Show me how to become a femme fatale."

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Jessie leaned in closer. "First, we'll start with the art of seduction." She gestured toward a handsome stranger at the bar. "Go over there, give him a smile and introduce yourself. Engage him in a captivating conversation, but remember, maintain an air of mystery."

"What?" My eyes widened. I'd never approached a man in my life. Didn't even know how to approach a man. Antonio was obviously not pleased with it either but he knew he had to let me do it.

"Well, we have to see how well you can act. You have to be seductively approachable to a man if you really want to be a femme fatale."

"But I..."

"Just go for it. You can do this. Right, Damon?" Leo said and earned a glare from Antonio.

I took a deep breath, summoning my courage. I approached the stranger, while my lips curved into a smile. I should treat it like it was Antonio I was approaching for the first time. I stylishly sat next to him and looked at the bartender who was occupied with mixing the drinks before turning to the stranger beside me, crossing my legs so my dress could go up a little. I knew Antonio was fighting himself so hard from walking over here. But I was able to catch the stranger's attention just by showing off a little skin.

"Hello." I greeted.

He seemed intrigued while I just tried to act innocent pretending he was Antonio. "Well hello, beautiful." His voice was dark I had to admit. How many hot men was I going to be meeting as a femme fatale?

"Call me Elena."

"I'm Max," he replied, his voice filled with intrigue. "What brings a damsel like you here tonight?"

I tilted her head, a playful glint in my eyes. "Just looking for a little excitement," I teased. "You know...it gets a little boring at home sometimes."

"I see... perhaps we could have a little fun don't you think?" He asked and I gave him my best seductive eyes. He was highly intrigued. Then I grinned.

"Oh..I shouldn't." I'm licking. "It's a tempting offer though." I looked at him like I was drinking his handsomeness. Antonio you've really gotten me so crazy over you. I looked away again. "Forgive me, I have to leave now. My dad would probably be looking for me." I tried to step down and acted like I was about to fall but he caught me. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Leo trying to hold Antonio down. I looked into Max's eyes and pretended to look away shyly. "Umm, thank you." I said gently releasing myself from his grip making sure to graze his palm in the process. I stepped down, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"At least can I get your number?" He asked and I turned smiling.

"I wish, but I have a very strict father. He doesn't like me with guys." I stated and he cocked a brow in realization.

"But at least when can I see you again?" He asked and I smiled.

"I'm not certain yet." I sighed and was about to leave when he caught my hand and turned me to him.

"I want you." It was then he looked up and stepped back from me. I turned to see what he saw. "I told you my father is strict." Antonio looked at me with confusion before he understood. Then he gave me a look I only understood before he turned to the guy, very intimidatingly that he had to step back.

"If you fucking touch her again, or if I see you near her, I won't hesitate to cut your balls off." He stated while Max walked away. He did what was good for him. "And you." He looked down at me and I gave him doe eyes. "Never introduce me as your father to anyone." He demanded and I stood on my tiptoes whispering into his ear.

"But I liked it, Daddy. You don't like it when I call you that? Daddy?" I could feel him inhale.

"I must say, you did really good." Jessie and Leo walked up to us. I looked at them and smiled. I really couldn't believe I did that. And Antonio still seemed a bit dazed by what I said. I was proud of myself for that. Jessie nodded approvingly. "You did well, Elena. But remember, a true femme fatale always keeps them guessing. Don't give away too much too soon."

Elena listened intently, absorbing Jessie's words like a sponge. "What's next?"

Jessie's gaze shifted to the dance floor, where a group of men and women were lost in the rhythm. "Now, we master the art of manipulation. Watch closely."

I left Antonio as both me and Jessie made our way to the dance floor, blending seamlessly with the crowd. Jessie gracefully approached a man, her eyes locking onto his. She whispered something in his ear, a hint of seduction in her voice.

I watched, my heart pounding with anticipation. I noticed the man becoming increasingly entranced by Jessie's every word and gesture. I couldn't help but be captivated by Jessie's skilful manipulation.

As the song reached its climax, Jessie subtly guided the man towards the exit, leaving him yearning for more. I followed her every move and found myself completely impressed. She made her way over to me. With a smile, she said.

"Manipulation is control, make them believe what you want them to believe and bend their wills to suit yours," I smirked. "Want to give it a try?"

"Yes, but I know exactly who I'm going to manipulate," I stated and joined on the dance floor staring at Antonio. I knew I was a good dancer in high school before I dropped out. It helped me really keep my mind off things. So I did what I did and removed the noise around me and focused on one person. Every moment my uncle made me have sex with strangers he made sure I seduced them. Well, Antonio didn't know me just yet. I moved to the rhythm of the beat, my eyes on Antonio's. His hands were folded but his eyes darkened as he stared at me. I didn't stop, moving my waist and raking my fingers through my hair. It was getting in the way.

"Someone is playing with fire." I heard Jessie yell. She knew what I was doing. "Feel the thrill, baby don't hold back." I must admit, I liked Jessie already.

I got lost in the beat before I felt a hand grip mine.

"We're going home now." He stated and I couldn't help but grin. I knew I achieved something.