The Demon’s Claim

"Ouchhhhhhh you mad woman!" Saskia winked. "Time to get ready for your date. Let me help, I'll pick out the perfect outfit. No suits for this date or any black outfit!" She teased, rummaging through Odetta's closet.

"Ah-ha!" Saskia exclaimed, holding up a dress. "This one will do."

It was a show-stopping strapless red dress, with fitted bodice, accentuating Odetta's curves. The dress silky fabric hugged her waist, flaring into a flowing, floor-length skirt with a daring thigh-high slit.

"Perfect!" Saskia's eyes sparkled. "This will make Cassisno De Luca's jaw drop!"

Saskia gestures to the elegant dressing mirror, "sit down, Odie. Let me style your hair."

Odetta settled into the velvet chair, watching as Saskia began to work her magic.

"Let your curly hair down," Saskia said, gently unraveling Odetta's updo. "See Odie, your hair is so pretty when it's down. Cassiano can move it to the side and kiss your neck….it's so romantic."

Odetta sighed, shaking her head, "Sas, you're getting ahead of yourself. It's just a dinner date, not a proposal."

Saskia's eyes sparkled mischievously, "oh really? He likes you, Odie. I can feel it, this date is just an excuse to get closer to you. Trust me, he's into you. You'll be married to a De Luca."

Odetta raised an eyebrow, laughing. "Saskiaaaaa, we're not even dating yet! Not even engaged! We just met, and you're already planning my wedding?"

Saskia grinned, unfazed. "Hey, a best friend's gotta keep the faith,right? Besides, I've got a feeling about this one. Cassiano De Luca is the one."

Odetta chuckled, rolling her eyes, "you're impossible Saskia."

As Odetta prepared to leave, a sleek black Rolls-Royce Boat Tail glided to a step outside Odetta's mansion.

Saskia's eyes widened in awe, she was speechless and her voice trembling with excitement, "Odetta, come look….the car!"

Odetta walked towards the window, and her mouth hung open. "I guess Cassisno sent the car for me."

"That's not just any car, Odie…it's a fucking Rolls-Royce Boat Tail! It's fucking rare! Only three of these cars were produce." Saskia said, "girl, you're so lucky…." Her gaze turned mischievous, "Please tell Cassisno to introduce me to one of his family members, a girl or a guy. I'll make them fall in love with me…I'll use the Saskia charm."

Odetta rolled her eyes, giggling. "I'll see you later, babe." She pecked Saskia's cheek, who was still staring at the car outside, awestruck.

The driver, impeccably dressed in a black suit stepped out and approached the door. "Good evening, miss Odetta," he said, his voice polished. "I'm here to take you to Mr. De Luca."

Saskia's voice echoed from the window upstairs in Odetta's bedroom, "oh my gosh, babe, you're being chauffeured in style!"

Odetta, who was downstairs, cringed, knowing the driver had likely heard Saskia's outburst too. She glared upwards, playfully scolding her crazy friend. "Shut up, Sas!"

"Text me updates! And don't forget to breath!" Saskia said winking, "Just keep it real, Odie. If you guys….you know, I want all the juicy details!"

Odetta rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what Saskia was insinuating.

The driver, standing by the open car door, smiled discreetly, his expression professional.

As Odetta settled into the luxurious Rolls Royce, Saskia's voice carried out the window . "Use protection Odie!"

Odetta's face flushed, and she quickly ducked into the car, laughing.

The driver closed the door behind her, his expression still neutral. "Shall we proceed to Mr. De Luca's destination, miss Odetta?"

Odetta smiled, composing herself, "yes please."

….

As the driver stopped in front of the luxurious De Luca hotel in Brooklyn, Odetta's excitement grew. A liveried attendant opened the door, escorting her to a private entrance at the back of the hotel.

Upstairs, Odetta gasped in awe. The room was transformed into a romantic oasis, with soft candlelight, exquisite flower arrangements, and a breathtaking view of Brooklyn.

"Wow," she breathed.

"You like it?" Cassiano's smooth, deep, husky voice whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Startled, Odetta spun around, having not heard his approach. Cassiano stood inches from her, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.

"Not bad," she said, her voice dripping with sass. "You could've done better with the designs, though. Not quite perfect."

Cassiano chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Odetta, always the critic."

He stepped closer, his voice taking on a teasing tone. "But I think you're just trying to hide how impressed you are."

Odetta's smirk faltered for a moment, before she regained her composure. "Maybe."

Cassiano's grin grew wider. "I'll take that as a compliment." He offered his arm, leading her to the beautifully set table. "Shall we dine?"

As they sat down, Odetta couldn't help but notice the impeccable service, the exquisite cuisine, and the thoughtful touches throughout the evening.

"Hmm, the date was okay, but not quite to my taste," her voice laced with nonchalance. "I expected something better. I should get going."

Cassiano's eyes sparked with amusement, his smile hinting at intrigue. "Not impressed, I see."

Odetta shrugged, her expression feigning indifference. "It was nice, but…."

"I like youre honesty, Odetta. Most women would pretend to be swooned." He chucked, his deep voice low and husky.

Odetta raises an eyebrow, "I'm not most women."

Cassisno smiled to himself, as he watched Odetta's different facade. He knew she was playing hard to get. There was a fire in her, a spark that drew him in. She wasn't the submissive kind, not like the women he usually encountered.

Odetta's boldness and confidence only made him more intrigued,

"Let me drop you off, tesoro," (Darling) he said, his voice low and smooth.

As they walked towards the door, Cassiano subtly placed his leg in Odetta's path. She tripped , and he caught her effortlessly.

"I've got you," he whispered, his hands wrapping around her waist.

For a moment, they stood there, locked in a charged silence.

Cassiano felt Odetta's pulse racing, her body tensed against his. He knew she wasn't immune to him.