She was crystal clear about that.

Smoke from his cigarette blurred the space between them. Then, out of the blue, Leonel looked her way...

And boy, was she a sight. She was drenched and her dress was stuck to her body. She couldn't hide a thing from a guy like him.

Her knees wobbled under his stare.

With a croaky voice, she said, "Hey Mr. Douglas, I need a favor. I figure your wife's onto me, and it's been rough lately. Work's on hold, and my folks aren't exactly rolling in dough. They've supported me through college and all. So I'm begging you... Could you have a word with Mrs. Douglas? Maybe cut me some slack?"

Her eyes all teary as she pleaded.

Leonel just kept staring and took another drag from his cigarette, not saying a word.

His look made her legs turn to jelly.

Then, after a bit, he smirked and said, "You think it's my wife causing you grief? Why not go talk to her yourself, huh?"

Anika was caught off guard.

Most guys could see through women's tricks but would still likely play along. Leonel, though, was a whole different story.

Caught red-handed, Anika's cheeks lit up in embarrassment.

Out of the blue, Leonel leaned in, opening the car door, and in a calm tone, he said, “Hop in."

Once again, Anika was left dumbfounded.

She couldn't wrap her head around it. Did Leonel just invite her in?

It felt like a shift from his previous rejections. And she was pretty sure he understood her intentions. Yet, here he was, opening the door for her... Was he actually open to accepting her?

With cautious steps, Anika entered the car.

She settled into the plush black limo, beside the man she'd admired for so long. Sneaking a peek at the pristine white carpet, catching a whiff of the rich leather, and a hint of Leonel's cologne...

Money and power, they had a way of intoxicating more than any perfume, She yearned for him and was eager to be with him intimately.

"Mr. Douglas?"