Valentina's POV

I looked at her, for the eighth time in less than fifteen minutes. And Luiza still seemed lost in her thoughts. In front of me the Marketing manager explained his new proposals for the beginning of the next year with the aim of making Albuquerque's Industry the best real estate across the Continent. The ideas were incredibly exciting, however seeing Luiza so aerial left me lost. Since we came back from NY she was like this, and for some unknown reason decided not to share, just said that she was on her period. I know what that causes in women, because I am one. So, I just decided to respect and give her space.

- I will leave all the reports for you to analyze calmly. - The boy spoke as he straightened his suit. 

- Sure, it's a great idea, Jared. 

- As soon as you have an answer, if you approved or not, I would be happy to know, ma'am. 

- Don't worry, Miss Campos will take care of scheduling the next meeting for us to make any changes if necessary. 

- Alright, excuse me, Miss Albuquerque. 

The boy stood up and walked towards the exit. Luiza slowly stood up and stared at me, adjusting her small glasses on her face. 

- As soon as you analyze all the boy's reports let me know, I'll call him again. - She said patiently. 

- Of course. 

- Do you need something? 

I took a deep breath and stood up. I walked towards the beverage counter receiving a scolding look from Luiza, who stopped in the exact moment that I served myself some coffee. Lately she's been controlling the amount of Whiskey I drink. According to her that was an exaggeration. And would only let me drink it in special occasions. 

- There we go. - I said with a smile, raising the cup of coffee. 

Luiza smiled and approached. 

- I just want to take care of you. - She said calmly.

I placed the cup on the counter where I leaned slowly. Luiza stood near to the point where I could wrap her waist with my arms, and so I did. 

- Valentina... - She whispered, looking at the door.

- Relax, I'm not going to do anything. I just want to spend some time with you.

I squeezed more Luiza in a comfortable embrace, being able to feel her breathing deeply and relax in my arms. We stayed like this for a few long minutes, that I confess having been wonderful. 

- What do you think of us taking the afternoon off? 

She stared at me with narrowed eyes and opened a smile. 

- Have you noticed that we have a thousand things to solve, baby? 

- I know, but Paul is the manager, despite being somewhat lost he can handle himself for an afternoon. 

- I don't know, Valentina, there are things that only you can solve. 

- Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow, Lu. 

Luiza bit her lip, showing a thoughtful expression. She looked wonderful that morning, which wasn't different from the other days of course. Today she was wearing all black, which looked very good on her, I confess. Tight social pants that highlighted perfectly well the sinuous curves of her body. A turtleneck and long sleeves black sweater. Her hair was loose and straight, falling perfectly well on her back. 

- Come on, we can get out of here and go to "Le Café" to buy some things and then stay in my house, alone watching some movie. 

- Couple program? 

- Of course, despite the craziness of our lives, we are a normal couple, right? 

Luiza smiled. 

- Of course we are, baby. - Luiza said pulling my face for a calm kiss.

In the beginning she just moved her soft and delicate lips on mine, in an innocent affection. But that didn't last very long, since I again squeezed the brunette's body against mine, and in the same instant I felt her small hand land on my neck, where she pulled to deepen our kiss. I felt her sigh when our tongues came into contact with each other. That kissed lasted a few good minutes when she pulled away. 

- We can't risk it, someone might walk in and see us. - She whispered.

- I don't care. - I pulled her again, sealing my lips on hers.

We let go of each other when we heard someone clear their throat behind us, making Luiza frightened.

- Love is beautiful. - Taylor said with a wide smile as she threw her bag on the couch. 

I let out a soft laugh, seeing Luiza blush violently. 

- Oh, Tay! What a pleasure to see you here. I, well... 

- Relax, sister-in-law, you don't need to stay like that. 

- Yeah, Lu, Taylor had already seen the future, and she saw me with you. 

- Exactly! I always knew that Valentina would fall for you. 

- Taylor. - I scolded, which made them laugh.

- Still, you must think that we stay like this all the time here. But it's not true, Valentina sometimes forgets that we are in the company.

- I imagine, my sister is not normal when she's near you. 

Now it was Luiza's turn to laugh, making me stare at Taylor. 

- You can stop now. 

- What? It's true, sis. You have this idiot face around her. - She spoke, pointing at Luiza who shrugged happily. 

- Can I know what you are doing here? - I asked walking over to my desk. 

Taylor let out a laugh upon realizing the abrupt change of subject. 

- I'm going to my desk, anything call me, Miss Albuquerque. - Luiza spoke in a formal tone. 

- Alright, Lu. - I said before she left. 

- So, I came to choose an apartment to live, I want to come back to Miami. 

I frowned in the direction of my sister who looked at me calmly.

- Are you okay? Since when do you want to live here?

- Since forever, you know that I live in LA because of our parents, but now I want to live here.

- And they let you? 

- I'm of age, Albuquerque.

- Oh, ok! - I said raising my arms in a sign of surrender - And what do you want from me?

- I want you to take me to see a nice apartment on the coast. Today. 

- Precisely today?

- Yes, I know that you don't have any meetings today. I asked Luiza yesterday. 

- Stop plotting with Luiza. 

Taylor let out a chuckle and sat in front of me.

- She's my sister-in-law, and she loves me. I have that right.

- No, you don't. - I huffed - I can ask Alfredo, or Vero to take you.

- Valentina, I want you to take me. You know that this is important to me. What's the reason for you not wanting to go?

- I was going to go out with Luiza. 

Taylor rolled her eyes in a tedious way. 

- Don't you two get tired? You spend the entire day stuck together. 

I let out a soft laugh, taking a sip of my coffee. 

- I don't, now her, I don't know. 

- Come on, Valen, you can see Luiza tonight. 

I sighed heavily and nodded. Taylor clapped her hands excitedly and stood up. 

- We'll have lunch together and spend the afternoon looking for apartments! 

The younger one didn't even give me time to answer, when she left the office hopping.

- Taylor left pretty happy. - I heard Luiza comment with a wide smile upon entering my office.

I sighed. 

- She wants me to go with her to look for apartments.

- And why that face?

The brunette approached, wrapping my neck with her arms.

- I'll have to spend the afternoon with her, and we had already planned to spend it together. - I said sulkily

- Don't stay like this, Valen, we can sleep together tonight. What do you think? 

- Really? 

- Of course, we'll do whatever you want.

- I find the idea wonderful. I'll wait for you in my house. 

- Okay, baby. I'll go as soon as I leave my rehearsal in "Imperium". 

 I rolled my eyes at the remembrance that she still danced in that place. I wondered every day when it would be the happy day that she would leave that place. 

- Don't make that face, we already talked about it. 

- I'm not doing anything. When you get out of there, call me. 

- I will. 

----- 

It must have been the fourth apartment that we were looking at that afternoon. And Taylor didn't decide on any. We were now in a penthouse, in the coastal area of Miami. The apartment was very sophisticated and broad, with a very youthful appearance. It fit perfectly well with the style of my younger sister. 

- Not wanting to be annoying, but already being, I can't believe that you didn't like this one. 

- I'm still analyzing, Valentina. Everything has to be in perfect harmony for my decoration. 

- And it takes that long?

- Of course! - She huffed angrily - I know that for you the style of the apartment doesn't matter, but for me it does. I'm going to live alone for the first time.

- It does matter to me, I have mine and its very tasteful. - I let out quickly. 

- I know, but we have different styles. Your apartment is sophisticated and luxurious, you like bright and dark colors mixed. Everything very modern and robotic, but I prefer things more rustic and less exaggerated. 

I smiled seeing the younger one analyze every room in a thorough way. Taylor has always been an independent girl, never needed help for anything. Perhaps this is a feature of our family.

- So, did you like this one? - Vero asked smiling upon entering the room where we were.

I had to drag my best friend to accompany me in that hard task.

- She's still analyzing. - I whispered. 

Vero arched her eyebrows and smiled.

- I think that this one is great! 

- Finally! - I raised my hands up high making them both laugh. 

After Taylor receiving all the paperwork and sign everything correctly, we decided to go to "Le Café" that afternoon to celebrate my sister's new apartment. According to her, she would throw a big inauguration party for her new house, in which she would invite everyone to appreciate it.

- It can be a perfect occasion for you to announce your relationship with Luiza to our parents. 

- But don't they already know? - Vero asked confused. 

- Not officially. - Taylor answered. 

- Here it is, girls. - Gerald spoke serving us with Cappuccino and hot chocolate. And some croissant portions. 

- Thank you very much, Gerald! - I smiled. 

- I'm sorry to intrude on the subject, but I couldn't help to hear that Valentina is dating. Is that right? 

- That's the end of the world, right Gerald? - Vero spoke excited, resting her hand on the man's arm beside us.

They let out a soft laugh, and I shook my head.

- I'm just a little surprised. You are always so closed, sweetie. Can I know who it is?

- Closed is what she's not anymore, not near Luiza. - Taylor said, earning a laugh from Vero and a reproachful look from me.

- Luiza? Oh! Luiza Campos, the lady who accompanied you the last time, right?

- Yes, that's the one, Gerald.

- I always knew that she would be your companion, since the first day I saw you two together.

I stared at the man who stared at me with a serene expression.

- When was that? - Vero asked.

- It's been a while, I saw them here eating croissant and drinking hot chocolate.

- Oh, Gerald, we didn't even know each other right at that time. 

- Still, sweetie, I'm an old man and I've lived for a long time, I can recognize the sparkle in someone's eyes. And I saw that sparkle in both your eyes.

- Awww, that's so beautiful! - Taylor whispered sentimentally. 

- God, don't start with love, Gerald! 

We let out a laugh when we heard Veronica speak. 

- Vero is traumatized. - I said laughing. 

- You should open your eyes, Veronica, your love is really close to you now. 

- Uncle G, you know who my love is. And she's no longer here in Miami. 

- Are you sure? - The man asked. 

We stayed in silence, until Gerald smiled as he wiped his hands on the small cloth that was over his shoulder. 

- Enjoy the coffee, girls, and don't miss the opportunity that life gives us. - He spoke before leaving. 

Vero looked at me confused, and took a big gulp of her Cappuccino. 

- What did he mean by that? I'm a little scared.

- Relax, just open your eyes.

- Did Lucy come back? - Taylor whispered, making Veronica automatically choke on the hot liquid.

- Jesus Christ! - I exclaimed helping Veronica. 

- Don't say that not even kidding. - She said with wide eyes. 

- What? That would be nice! 

- Let's change the subject, ok? Lucy is in the past. 

- Let's pretend we believe that. - Taylor spoke earning a soft laugh from me.

We stayed about an hour in the "Le Café", just talking and having a good laugh. It was nice to have those moments in the middle of my troubled life. We paid the bill and exchanged a few hugs with Gerald who always treated us perfectly well, he was like a close relative, a sort of counselor uncle or grandpa. He always had the right words for all the moments. We left the coffee shop between good laughs when we bumped with Alfredo. 

- Wow, girls! Leaving now that we arrived? - The man spoke smiling, holding tranquilly Dinah's hand.

- We were there for quite some time. Hello, Miss Jane. 

- Hello, Miss Albuquerque. - She spoke politely. 

- You glued on Dinah and now you don't want anything else, huh Alfredo? 

Vero always teases too much, I thought. Dinah let out a laugh and hugged Alfredo with a happy smile. They were a beautiful couple. 

- They make a cute couple, don't you think Vero? - Taylor spoke as if she read my thoughts. 

- Yes, I completely agree! 

- Thank you, girls! You know, right? I was lucky. 

- Thanks to me that presented her to you. - I let out in a relaxed way. 

- Thank you for that. Are you sure that you don't want to sit with us? 

- I am. I just wanted to talk for an instant with you, Miss Jane. 

Dinah nodded and walked beside me, distancing ourselves a little more from the others. 

- Is there a problem, Miss Albuquerque?

I took a deep breath and stared at the woman in front of me.

- I'm not sure, I wanted you to tell me. - I said, leaving a confused countenance in the woman. 

- I didn't understand, ma'am.

- Dinah, I'll be pretty straightforward. I hope you don't take this the wrong way.

She stood still, just waiting for me to speak. I looked behind seeing Alfredo alongside the girls in a good laugh, and then I stared at Dinah again.

- You know that I love your friend, right? 

- Yes, I think that you proved that many times.

- So, precisely for that. I know her very well, and I know that she has some problem. Luiza is too distant, lately she looks lost and distracted. I know that you are her friend, but I need you to help me.

- How can I help you?

- Tell me if you know something. Well, she doesn't tell me, she says that she's just with her head full. But I need to know, so that I can help her.

Dinah sighed and stared at me calmly.

- Valentina, if you allow me to call you like this. Luiza is a very private person, despite the open smile and sweet way. And yes, I noticed that she's distant, that there's something going on. But I don't know anything yet. I've tried to ask and received the same answers as you. 

- I know that you are best friends, Dinah, but don't lie to me. - I spoke calmly. 

- I'm not, I swear that I'm telling the truth. And even if I did know, Valentina, I can't share something that she confided to me. I would share if it were a matter life or death, of course. But look, your relationship is fortifying, and I see in Luiza how much she's relying on you. Be patient with her. 

- I can't be patient knowing that something is happening. 

- I already noticed. But whatever is happening, you need to wait for her to tell. Even if it's something silly. 

- The worst of all is that I have no idea what it is. 

- Much less me, but I'll try to talk to her. 

- Do that. 

Dinah nodded and smiled. 

- Let's go, Dinah? - Alfredo shouted from the back. 

I took a deep breath. 

- Thank you anyways. 

- You don't have to thank me, I'm here to help.

Having something hidden from my knowledge left me in pure agony. It was as if something was out of my control, out of my field of vision. And to me, controlling and possessive that was the end. But for some reason, for Luiza I controlled my instincts, in a way that I never thought I could. Perhaps she was the only piece that would dismantle the wall that took me so much time to build.

Luiza's POV

I closed my eyes letting the slow and sensual beats guide my body. It was amazing how the music took over me, a kind of hypnosis that tamed me in an indescribable way. In those situations I felt completely strong and powerful, as if the power of seduction blinded me. There, I was only Karla Estrabao, a stripper who had as a goal to leave everyone fallen at her feet.

- That, dear, lean more your back backwards. - The choreographer said calmly, laying one hand on the middle of my back.

I obeyed his order, continuing with the dance. It was just a rehearsal, that week I would have only one show. Candece wanted to impress some important businessmen that would throw a bachelor party on Saturday. And according to her, I would have to give my very best. I confess that as soon as I got there I wasn't with the slightest mood for all that, lately my head was a complete mess with ideas that I never expected to have. Everything seemed illogical, but deep down something told me that it was real. 

- You are always wonderful. - The blond boy said smiling at me. 

I continued my dance in the pole, moving my body in the most sensual way I could. Modesty aside that was already easy for me, who practiced for so many years. But everything became even easier when we had a target, in this case, a customer. And for me, in all these years, only one person made me explore all my power of seduction. And that person was none other than Valentina Albuquerque. 

I smiled involuntarily when the owner of that pair of green eyes invaded my thoughts stealthily. It was incredible our connection, our gazes and the power that drew us to each other. I always gave myself more when I danced for her, I always seduced more when I had her eyes laden with lust on me. Perhaps Valentina was the access button to my most wicked and wildest side. 

In slow and perfectly calculated steps I walked to the center of the stage, stopping a little ahead of the pole. Being aware of the looks lost in lust on me. I smirked, and walked around the pole, while unbuttoning the black coat I was wearing. I let my eyes wander through the crowd in search of her. I circled the pole one last time and stopped in front of everyone, when automatically my eyes landed on her. Valentina was there, sitting right in the middle with a smirk on her lips, as soon as she noticed that I was staring at her, she raised her glass of Whiskey and winked. 

I bit my lip and smiled, slowly taking off the coat so that everyone, or rather, she could enjoy every bit of what she would see. I moved my body slowly from one side to the other according to the rhythm that the music dictated. And when the coat fell completely to the ground, the euphoria began. The men in the front row let out words of lust and desire. But I didn't even listen, I was too focused on Valentina, who was watching me like the first time. 

I turned my back to her, bringing my hand to the small object that tied my hair and pulled it out, releasing the wavy locks on my back. I knew how much she loved my hair that way, disheveled and wild. I turned my face to the side to have a partial view of Valentina that had her eyes focused on me as she took another sip of her drink. I smiled and started to move in a purely sensual way, swaying my hips slowly as my body lowered to the ground. 

I just continued, I stood up with my body that rubbed on the pole in which I was holding. In that instant I began the part of my choreography that involved the pole, and I confess that I loved this part. My body had a great easiness to move there, with both my hands I held the stainless bar and suspended my body from the ground, intertwining my legs to let my upper half loose. I stretched one arm slowly, and arched my head back, receiving stacks and more stacks of money. That was literally a rain of power. I moved my body, throwing my legs to the top of the pole, letting my body stay upside down. Slowly I lowered to the ground, walking around the stage with my eyes on her. 

The bright emeralds remained connected on me, her expression of desire impulsed me to instigate more. I held on the pole and wiggled, but wiggled in the most provocative way I could, making me hear the screams of the people in the audience. 

And then I walked to the center of the stage, grabbing the stack of dollars and throwing it to the air. Seeing the bills spread in the air and fall slowly over me. I laid eyes on the man who was stunned and then on Valentina who let out an attractive laugh, I winked at her and threw a kiss. The music was already almost in the end, I continued the choreography accompanying the last beats, swaying towards my woman that was visibly loving all that, when in the last seconds I stood up and stared at everyone present there and behind Valentina, a little further back, I saw her.

- You are always incredible! - I heard a familiar voice, taking me abruptly from my thoughts.

I stopped the choreography and opened my eyes in the direction of the person that stared at me. Oh, no

- What are you doing here? - I asked totally in the defensive.

- Is that any way to treat a customer, Karla? Good Evening to you too. - Keana asked with a wide smile.

I shook my head adjusting my mask. Pressing the small button that turned off the music.

- The presence of customers in rehearsals is not allowed.

I could hear a chuckle as the woman approached me slowly. Making the sound of her heels echo in the vacuum that the music left.

- Normal customers, Miss Estrabao. Category in which I don't fit.

This could not be happening. As if the world wasn't already against me, this still happened. God, what had I done wrong? I took a deep breath, trying to control my mind and push away the nervousness that consumed me.

- Listen here, Keana, I am being very polite to you. But I already made clear that I don't want any type of contact

- With me? Or with all? 

- With all. 

- Valentina doesn't fit that "all", right? 

I took a deep breath, looking at every corner. We were there alone which made me more calmer. I didn't want anyone spreading any damn rumor in the club, I was afraid that it reached the ears of who I most cared about, Valentina. 

- Dammit, what do you want from me? I already told you last time that I don't see customers from here. I don't do that type of work. 

She let out a laugh and shook her head.

- You know very well what I want. Stop running away, don't be an idiot. 

- I'm not running away.

- Oh honey, yes you are. You and I both know you are. - Keana whispered calmly approaching me.

- But you know that you don't need it. - She continued.

We stood close to each other, and she delicately put a lock of my hair behind my ear. I was sweaty due to the exercises and the dance, my breath was panting due to the evident nervousness.

- I don't want any problems for me, so leave me alone. 

- Problems? What problems can I cause you? 

I huffed annoyed and backed away. 

- The worst! - I exclaimed. 

- Is Valentina that possessive? 

- Yes, she is. And I'll not be disrespectful to her. 

- Don't be naïve. Look at me, do you think I want to harm you? - Her defiant smile scared me - I just want your wellbeing, Luizinha. 

I felt my heart falter for long seconds upon hearing that name in her mouth. Oh God, that couldn't get any worse.

Candece's POV

Alexa sat on my lap, holding my hair hard to prolong our kiss. I squeezed her body against mine tightly, forcing her to rub on me. That woman was turning my head, I was totally lost.

- Candece! - Kellen shouted as she walked into my office.

I stood up from the armchair quickly leaving Alexa aside, casting an almost deadly glance at the girl who stared at me happily. 

- What the hell do you think you're doing walking into my office like this?! - I exclaimed angrily. 

Alexa smiled and shrugged as she straightened her clothes.

- I'm sorry, I didn't want to interrupt!

- Shut up, and speak once and for all! - Alexa spoke angrily, getting up and going towards the little bar I had in my office. 

- You will not believe! - She spoke excitedly.

- In what, creature?! 

- Keana is here!

That name made a happy burst inside me, as if it was the best news of my day.

- Where? Are you sure? 

- Yes! She's in the secondary stage, with Karla.

In the same instant I glanced at Alexa who smiled brightly. We were on the same frequency of thoughts. 

- Is there anyone with them? 

- No, they are alone. And apparently they are really close. 

- Oh my God, are you kidding?! 

- Are you sure that it's Karla? - Alexa asked. 

- Yes, I'm sure, and I'm not kidding! 

- If you are lying, I'll pull out your hair! 

- Of course not! Come see! Apparently Karla is not that saint. 

I smiled and walked towards the door, noticing Alexa moving quickly towards me.

- You stay! We can't run the risk of Karla seeing you with me. 

- I need to see this, I need to see that that bitch is worthless. 

- Alexa, control yourself. We'll have time to celebrate it.

The woman nodded and asked me not to take long. I walked in careful steps and almost perfectly silent through the dark corridors of "Imperium". The movement was weak, almost null if it wasn't for some cleaning staff walking from one side to the other. 

- Look, there in the back. 

 I narrowed my eyes slowly when I saw them. And it really couldn't be better. Keana was sitting in one of the armchairs while Karla was in front of her leaning against one of the tables. The two seemed to be having a long conversation, which yielded me good thoughts.

- That is wonderful! - I whispered.

The businesswoman looked around, and then in my direction, making me back away a little. Luckily I was able to hide before she or Keana saw me.

- Dammit, be careful, Kellen! They can't see us.

The woman nodded and nestled behind the huge pillar that was there. I stayed a few seconds watching her when Keana Marie stood up and walked over to Karla, making a light caress on her arm that was quickly interrupted by the stripper.

- Stupid! - I exclaimed lowly. 

Keana seemed focused, stared at Karla intensely and she stared at her in a retracted way.

- Keana is wonderful. - Kellen whispered.

- Yes, but take your eyes off her. She was chosen for our stripper.

Kellen huffed angrily and walked away. I smiled amusedly and looked again at both of them, and now Keana made a light caress on Karla's face and she didn't back away. And for an instant I was sure, sure that now no one could go against my plans. Everything would work out. Thanks to Keana.

I came back to my office, seeing Alexa sitting on my armchair with both feet on the glass desk. Savoring a glass of my most expensive Whiskey.

- How did it go there?

I smiled and approached the woman, stealing a kiss from her lips that tasted like alcohol and cherry.

- Karla is falling in the net. 

- Perfect! - Alexa exclaimed getting up from the chair.

- I admit that I underestimated Keana. I didn't know that she was capable of making Karla switch sides so fast. - I said grabbing the glass of Whiskey from the desk, taking a sip of the liquid that went down warming up my whole interior. 

- Keana Marie is a wonderful woman, attractive and very powerful. There's no one who resists her charm. - Alexa spoke calmly walking close to me

- Not even you? - I asked bothered, pulling the woman closer to me.

Alexa opened a devilish and provocative smile.

- That I can't confirm. 

- Don't you dare, Ferrer.

I held her neck firmly, pulling her face to a strong kiss. Feeling her tongue enter my mouth with perfect aggressiveness, moving in sync with mine. When we heard loud knocks on my door, making us pull away.

- Candece?

- I want to talk to you!

I heard Karla's voice from the other side, Alexa in the same instant widened her eyes in my direction.

- Dammit, dammit! - I whispered agonized.

- What do I do? - She asked nervously. 

- Hide! Go, to the bathroom. Only come out from there when I tell you. 

Alexa quickly nodded and ran towards the bathroom. 

- Don't make noise. - I whispered to the woman who just nodded. 

- Candece?! - Karla shouted. 

- I'm going! - I shouted walking towards the door. 

I took a deep breath, bringing my hand to the doorknob in which I turned opening the door. 

- What happened? What desperation is this?I asked, seeing Karla enter my office a little nervous. 

- Karla? 

She turned to face me and took a deep breath. 

- I need to tell you something very important. 

I confess that her expression left me with certain fear. Had she found out everything? God, that not even in dreams. If she really knew what was happening, my whole plan would go down the drain. And all my projects destroyed.

- First calm down, Karla, you seem nervous. 

I said trying to approach, but she backed away quickly. 

- I don't want to calm down, I'm fine! I just need to talk.

- You can talk, sweetie, you know that you can tell me anything. - I said trying to convey total confidence to the girl. 

Karla swallowed hard and stared at me, with mysterious and confused eyes. 

- I want to leave "Imperium", Candece. I don't want to be a stripper anymore.