The Demon’s Claim

Odetta's eyes fluttered open, grogginess giving way to panic. She sat up with a start, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings.

Where was she?

Her gaze dropped to her attire - just a bra and panties. She gasped, memories flooding back.

Saskia forcing her to go to the club. Drinks. Cassiano.

Oh God, Cassiano.

Her head throbbed as she recalled snippets of the previous night. Dancing. Laughter. Flirting.

And then, Cassiano's intense gaze, his rough hands, the hunger in his eyes.

Odetta's face burned. What had she done?

She scrambled out of bed, searching for her clothes. A knock on the door broke the silence.

"Odetta?" Cassiano's deep voice sent shivers down her spine.

"Come in," she called, trying to sound calm.

"Morning…." Cassiano's greeting trailed off as his gaze drifted to Odetta's partially clad form, she stood before him, wearing only a black sexy lingerie. His eyes seemed rooted to her chest, his mind momentarily blank.

"What? Nothing you haven't seen before." Her amused voice broke the spell. "What happened last night?"

Cassiano's expression remained neutral, his voice measured. "You had a bit too much to drink. I brought you here to sleep it off."

Odetta's cheeks flushed as memories resurfaced. She had thrown herself at Cassiano, kissing him, teasing him…..

"And?" She pressed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cassiano's gaze held hers, his eyes burning with unspoken desire. "And nothing, Odetta. You were drunk. I didn't take advantage of that."

Her face burned with embarrassment and gratitude. He has resisted her advances, protected her from herself.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Get dressed, Odetta. I'll take you home."

She nodded, still feeling a bit disoriented from the previous night. She put on her club dress, now slightly wrinkled, and slipped on her heels, while Cassiano waited outside.

As she finished dressing, a gentle knock on the door signaled the arrival of maids. They entered with a warm smile, carrying a tray laden with fresh fruit, pastries and steaming coffee.

"Good morning, miss," one of the maid said. "Sir thought you might need some refreshments before leaving."

Odetta's eyes widened at the spread. "Thank you, this is lovely."

Cassiano came in, his eyes crinkling. "Eat something, you must be starving."

She picked up a crossaint, taking a bite. Flaky pastry melted in her mouth, accompanied by rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

As she ate, Cassiano stood by the window, his gaze scanning the city below. The maids discreetly withdrew, leaving them alone.

"Ready?" He asked turning to Odetta.

She nodded, finishing her snack. "Yes, thank you."

With that, they descended to the ground floor, Odetta noticed a sleek black car waiting outside. A driver stood by the door, greeting Cassiano.

He gestured for Odetta to enter. She slid into the backseat, Cassiano following suit.

The driver navigated the city streets while they sat into the backseat. Odetta's gaze

fixed on Cassiano.

His chiseled features, sharp jawline, and piercing blue eyes captivated her. Long lashes framed his gaze, and his midnight hair, combed back, accentuated by his striking profile.

Cassiano's smirk grew, aware of Odetta's admiration. He leaned back, relaxed, his eyes never leaving the road ahead.

Odetta's cheeks flushed, caught staring. She turned away gazing out the window, but her eyes drifted back to Cassiano.

As they pulled up to her mansion, she turned to Cassiano. "Would you like to come in?" Cassiano nodded, following her out of the car.

Inside, Odetta's living room gleamed with elegant, royal-inspired decor. White sofas and armchairs were paired with intricately carved wooden furniture, while crystal chandeliers refracted the sunlight.

Cassiano's gaze roamed the space, taking in the opulent details. "Beautiful," he murmured.

Odetta smiled, pleased. "Thank you. I had it designed myself."

He paused at a vase, tracing the delicate pattern. "You have exquisite taste." His eyes lingered on a stunning portrait above the fireplace. "Your family?" He asked.

Odetta nodded sadly, "yes, they've passed away."

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

In the portrait, Odetta's parents stood elegantly at the back, their gentle smiles radiating warmth. Odetta was the spitting image of her mother, as if they were twins. She had inherited her mother's features: the same tattoo of a moon with some drawings on her write cleavage, dark brown curly hair, hazel eyes, and porcelain skin.

Before them, two girls posed. Odetta around five years old, stood beside another girl, presumably her sister. But this girl didn't resemble Odetta or her mother - or even her father. She was strikingly different with silver hair and piercing green.

Cassiano's gaze lingered on those piercing eyes and silver hair. He had seen them before.

The girl in the portrait appeared around fourteen, but her face looked far from innocent. Her expression was stoic, unlike the rest of the family, who were all smiling,

"Is she your sister?" He asked, his curiosity piqued.

Odetta nodded.

"And your tatto?" Cassisno continued. "Your mother had the same."

"Uhm, I didn't get a tatto done….. I was born with it."

Cassiano's eyes drifted back to the moon tatto with strange writings on Odetta's cleavage, then returned to the portrait. Her mother had the same tatto, giving the uncanny impression that they were the same person.

"This is the only portrait of my family. The only thing that reminds me of them…that I have left."

She paused, collecting her thoughts.

"When they died…I burnt the house down," a dark chuckle escaping her lips. "Saskia's parents took care of me. They were very close to my parents, so Sas and I….we became like sisters….shes more than just my best friend."

A faint smile crossed Odetta's face, but it was laced with sadness.

"Saskia thought me how to…let loose. Smoke, go clubbing…and all that stuff."

She said, her laughter laced with irony. "She introduced me to my first boyfriend…who took my virginity when I was 16….I was so naive. Her parents almost killed her over that." She continued, still chuckling. "She spoiled me shitless. She's a bad bitch and all…but I love her."

Cassiano listened intently, unsure why Odetta was sharing her thoughts intimate details with him.

Her laugher trailed off, and she swiftly changed the subject, "would you like to have coffee?"

"Of course."

"Cream or sugar?"

"Black, please."

She handed Cassiano a steaming cup of coffee. He accepted it, placing it on the table beside him.

Without warning, he reached out and pulled her close, Odetta's heart skipped a bit as she fell onto his lap.

Their lips hovered inches apart, the tension palpable. Her pulse raced.

She closed the gap, pressing her lips to his. Cassiano's response was immediate.

He kissed her back hungrily, his arms wrapping around her. The world around them melted away.

Their lips danced, a fiery passion igniting. Odetta felt lost in his embrace.

His hands grasped Odetta's hips, lifting her onto his lap. She straddled him, their kisses growing more intense.

Odetta's fingers flew to Cassiano's tie, yanking it loose. The silk slid apart, revealing his crisp white shirt. She unbuttoned it, her hands exploring the contours of his chest. Cassiano groaned, his lips devouring hers.

As they broke apart for air, Odetta's eyes locked onto his. Desire flared between them.

Cassiano's hands roamed her thighs, edging under her dress. Odetta's pulse quickened. His fingers traced the edge of her bra, his eyes seeking permission.

"Are you sure?"

Odetta nodded, her voice barely audible.

With gentle care, Cassiano unhooked her bra. The lace slipped away, revealing her soft skin.

His gaze worshiped her, sending shivers down her spine.

Next, he slid her panties down, his touch setting her aflame.

His eyes burned with desire, his voice husky. "You're breathtaking."

He stood, his clothes a stark contrast to her nakedness.

Odetta's hands reached for his belt, unbuckling it.

"Odie, you're home?" Saskia's voice echoed through the hallway. She descended the stairs. But as she turned to the corner, her eyes widened.

Her gaze landed on Odetta and Cassiano, their bodies inches apart, Odetta naked, and her hand resting on Cassiano's belt.

Saskia's face flushed with embarrassment. "I…I am so sorry," she stuttered. Mortification etched on her face, she immediately spun around and ran back upstairs, but not before shouting.

"Get a room, both of you!"

The sound of Saskia's door slamming shut echoed through the silence that followed.

Odetta's cheeks burned with embarrassment, while Cassiano's expression remained calm, though his eyes sparkled with amusement,