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eutony (m.) the pleasentness of a word's sound

ROSABELLE

We finally arrived at our destination. Emi parked his car in a well-lit parking lot near the venue and turned to face me, a bright, contagious grin lighting up his handsome face. "We're here, Belle," he said, his voice filled with excitement.

I watched in admiration as he exited the SUV and came around to open my door. The cool evening breeze ruffled his dark hair as he extended his hand towards me. I took it with a grateful smile, and with that, I followed him out of the car.

With Emi's warm hand securely holding mine, I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and anticipation. The air was filled with the scent of nearby flowers, and the distant sounds of laughter and music hinted at the lively atmosphere of the evening ahead.

We stood before an imposing building with the words 'Tereshkov's Dine' displayed in bold jade green font above the entrance. The place was adorned with astonishing decor, its exterior decored with remarkable landmarks.

"You're joking," I exclaimed, unable to believe my eyes. The sight was so breathtaking that it felt like a dream. "I'm not, darlin," Emi replied with a chuckle, gently nudging me forward to break my reverie. "We're at Tereshkov's Dine! Dici sul serio, Emi?"

My exhilaration brought me to speak in my mother tongue, which I hadn't even realized until Emi confirmed, "Sì, bellissima. Dico sul serio." His emerald green eyes sparkled with mirth.

He snickered when I became puzzled. I looked up at him, opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. So I closed my mouth, stared unblinking at him.

Only when he gestured for us to enter did I snap out of my trance. His lips held his signature mischievous smile that hinted at more surprises to come.

Man, he is so cunning.

And hot.

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"And?" I sighed dramatically, feigning exasperation. "Where are you taking me next? My bucket list is already complete."

I indulged in another dumpling, or 'pelmeni' as they called it in Russia, savoring the delicious flavors that danced on my taste buds. The squishy texture of the dumpling melted in my mouth, and then I but decided to fix my eyes on Emi's emerald green ones.

His gaze was already placed on mine, unwavering as they quietly observed my reactions instead of indulging in his own dinner. "It is not ," he finally said, his tone teasing and mysterious. I furrowed my brow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

With only two weeks left in Moscow, I had explored all the places I'd dreamed of visiting in Moscow. Among them Tereshkov's Dine was the last item on my checklist.

And as dad couldn't find any access in Vittoria's Venue, I had no way to visit that club. Also, due to his strict instructions and concerns for my safety, venturing beyond Moscow's borders was not an option. The capital itself is dangerous enough for me, other cities would leave me more unprotected.

"We're going to Vittoria's Venue tomorrow, Belle. Get ready for me by nine p.m., yeah?"

What?

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"What?!" Ana exclaimed, mirroring my reaction when I shared the news with her.

Earlier today, I had called Ana, to tell her about Emi's announcement. He'll be taking both of us to to Vittoria's Venue, her dream club.

Last night, I almost choked on my own breath upon hearing what he said. The way I glared him afterward only brought him to laugh hysterically at my absurd expression.

"Girl, you're telling me that your boyfriend is doing us such a big favor?" Ana asked, her words stumbling as she spoke, and I winced at her choice of words, not letting her see the redness that coated my cheeks hearing her calling Emi my boyfriend.

The man was anything but that.

But who said I couldn't wish for it?

"Firstly, he's not my boyfriend," I clarified, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. "And secondly, yes. He told me the same thing last night."

Ana's concern was evident as she continued, "Are you sure he wasn't high or something? He might have intended to say something else and ended up bluffing about it. I wouldn't be able to save myself from the embarrassment of being stood up, let alone save you."

Rolling my eyes, I replied, "Stop being dramatic, Ana. I've known Emi for a while now, and I trust that he won't break his word."

I understood that Ana's remarks were borne out of genuine concern, but they still stung a bit. She had her reservations about Emi, and that was completely her prerogative.

However, I felt that her comment had crossed a line. Noticing my change in demeanor, Ana quickly threw her arms around my shoulders and laughed, "Girl, I was just joking! I mean, it's pretty unbelievable to think that someone like him could secure access to a club like Vittoria's Venue, but I appreciate it, really."

Her words still sounded somewhat rude, but I decided to let it go. "He owns many clubs here," I explained, trying to reassure her. "You can't expect him to have no access to Vittoria's Venue."

Ana finally relented, saying, "Okay, girl, fine. I get it."

I was so excited to share the news of our impending visit to Vittoria's Venue with her, and yet, her slandering comments had dampened my mood. I couldn't help but wonder why I let her words get under my skin to such an extent.

After Ana left, I decided to call my dad and inform him of the matter. He was relieved that my wish was finally going to be fulfilled, but his worry and suspicion were unmistakable in his tone.

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With patience, I waited for nightfall, knowing that it would mark the beginning of my unforgettable evening. I had carefully chosen my outfit, opting for a midnight blue dress to match the elegance of the club.

The dress was a deep, enchanting shade of midnight blue, the fabric flowing like liquid silk with a subtle shimmer that caught the light as I moved. Its off-shoulder design added a touch of sophistication, revealing just enough of my collarbone to be alluring but not overly revealing.

Nino's voice broke through my anticipation, and his words brought a wide grin to my face. "Your friend is here."

I fought the urge to rush out of my room, but my steps were still eager and slightly frantic as I reached the entrance of my house. There, I found the most ethereal man standing, exuding an aura of confidence and allure.

Emi wore a perfectly fitted blazer that accentuated his muscular physique. Only the tattoos on his fingers were visible beneath the fabric, and a single piercing adorned his eyebrow, adding to his rugged charm. I stood still, gulping in his demeanor like a woman in thirst.

Emi's gaze embarked on my own appearance, elevating my urge to shy away at the way his eyes burned on my skin, leaving me feeling bare beneath his predatory stare.

Then he came close, almost close enough to touch my frame, but far away from verily touching. I noticed as his hand curled up in a fist, probably holding himself back from any inappropriate contact.

If he only knew.

If he only knew the way I craved his touch.

This was the first time I appeared elegantly before him. And I wanted nothing more than for him to trace his long, slender finger on the each curves of my body.

I had experienced a sexual encounter before once, or maybe twice. But I was, in every sense, a virgin. The concept of intimacy was not foreign to me, but with him, it felt different. His presence had a magnetic quality that ignited a growing temptation to give in to my every illicit thought and let my desires take over me.

"You're looking gorgeous, Rosabelle," he finally said, his voice like a velvet caress that sent shivers down my spine. I tried to suppress the turmoil of emotions his words stirred within me.

"Thank you," I responded coyly, tucking a few loose strands of my hair behind my ear.

It felt as though I was meeting this enigmatic man for the first time.

He grinned mischievously. "Won't you praise me as well, darlin'?" His playful tone returned, but I couldn't help noticing the sensual gleam in his eyes that hinted at the hidden desires.

"Of course, you look incredibly handsome," I laughed slightly before nodding, my cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and longing. "I wouldn't be surprised if some woman tried to swoon you away from me tonight," I remarked jokingly, though I felt a pang of annoyance at my own words.

Why in the world did I add that last part?

Emi's response was a wicked grin, matching my playful gesture. "You wouldn't let them, would you?" he teased, his tone laced with seduction. I nodded, my voice a mere whisper as I admitted, "Yes, you're mine for the night."

I tried hard not to let my cheeks burn with embarrassment at my own bold proclamation. "Oh?" Emi raised an eyebrow, his arms encircling me, and he pulled me closer by my waist.

The proximity was electrifying, and my heart raced as he drew me nearer. Then he murmured something, his lips brushing slightly against my earlobe, sending a shiver of pleasure down my spine.

"Seems like we've got a deal then,"

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TRANSLATIONS:

01. Dici sul serio, Emi? - Are you serious?

02. Sì, bellissima. Dico sul serio. - Yes, beautiful. I'm serious.