Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Avah's pov

A loud, persistent ringing pulled me from the depths of sleep. I groaned, shifting slightly under the covers, my limbs still heavy from exhaustion. Blindly, I reached around for my phone, fingers fumbling until they finally wrapped around the device.

Pressing the screen, I brought it to my ear without opening my eyes. "Hello?" My voice was hoarse, thick with sleep.

"Ms. Avah, it's Sally," my assistant’s voice came through, urgent but still professional. "I'm so sorry for calling so early, but we have a VIP client at the boutique, and they’re insisting on speaking only with the owner. They refuse to discuss anything with the staff."

I sighed, rubbing my temple as I tried to shake off the lingering haze of sleep. "Do we know who it is?"

"They haven’t given us a name, but they came in with an entourage, and they’re asking about our exclusive designs. It seems like someone important."

That caught my attention. VIP clients meant big sales and even bigger opportunities. "Alright, Sally, I’ll be there soon. Just keep them entertained until I arrive."

"Understood. See you soon, Ms. Avah."

The call ended, and I let out a deep sigh before cracking my eyes open. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I turned my head slightly to check the time..2PM

I had slept longer than I expected, but then again, last night, or rather, the early morning had been… intense. My body still felt like it was humming from Roman’s touch, the ghost of his hands and lips lingering on my skin.

Speaking of Roman…

I shifted slightly and turned my head, finding his side of the bed empty. But his presence still lingered. The faint scent of his cologne on the sheets, the slight warmth in the space where he had been.

I stretched, biting back a small smile. There was no time to reminisce, business came first.

I threw the covers off, ready to stand. But the moment I moved, a sharp pain shot through my waist, and my legs felt like jelly beneath me. I gasped, gripping the edge of the bed for support.

What the hell did Roman do to me?

Heat crept up my neck as memories from the early morning flooded back. His hands gripping my hips, his mouth leaving a trail of fire on my skin, the way he moved against me until I could barely think. I groaned, pressing my palm to my face.

I had no time for this.

Gritting my teeth, I pushed through the soreness and made my way to the bathroom. The warm spray of the shower was a relief, but every time my hands glided over my skin, I remembered where Roman’s lips had been. Where his fingers had traced. Where his mouth had lingered for far too long.

I bit my lip, closing my eyes as the water cascaded down my body. There wasn’t a single part of me he hadn’t touched. He had kissed, worshipped, and claimed me in ways I hadn’t even imagined before.

Damn him.

Shaking off the thoughts, I forced myself to focus. I needed to get dressed and head to the boutique. I could deal with the aftermath of Roman’s… thoroughness later.

For now, I had a VIP client to handle.

I dressed quickly, not putting much thought into it; just a pair of jeans and a simple top. It was already afternoon, and I was running late.

When I stepped outside, the bright sunlight made me squint. Marcel was already waiting by the car, standing tall and composed as always. Without a word, he opened the door for me.

"Afternoon, ma'am," he greeted.

I nodded and slid into the seat. The moment the door shut, Marcel started driving smoothly toward my boutique.

Leaning back, I let out a quiet breath. My body still felt exhausted from this morning, but there was no time to dwell on it. Work awaited.

When I arrived at the store, the first thing I noticed was the swarm of bodyguards stationed outside. This wasn’t just an important client, they had to be someone with serious wealth and influence.

Wasting no time, I pushed through the doors, only to be met with a sight that made my blood boil.

One of my workers was on the floor, her hands trembling as she tried to clean up the spilled coffee. But that wasn’t what sent rage coursing through me.

Cassandra’s sharp stiletto heel was pressing down on Sally’s hand.

Sally’s face was twisted in pain, but no one in the room moved to help her.

And then I noticed the other woman. She stood with her back to me, poised and unaffected, as if the scene before her was nothing more than an inconvenience.

My fury exploded.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” I screamed, storming forward.

Without hesitation, I kicked Cassandra’s heel away from Sally’s hand.

Cassandra let out a sharp gasp as she stumbled slightly, yanking her foot away from Sally’s hand. Sally whimpered, cradling her hand against her chest, her eyes wide with shock and pain.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I snapped, my anger bubbling over. “She’s my assistant, not your damn doormat!”

Cassandra turned to me, her face twisted in irritation, but before she could say a word, the other woman in the room finally turned around.

The moment our eyes met, my stomach dropped.

She was beautiful; tall, elegant, and poised in a way that screamed wealth. Platinum blonde straight hair framed her sharp, delicate features, and her deep red lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile.

Even before she spoke, I knew who she was.

Selene.