Bab 8: Opposite effect

The music faded, marking the conclusion of their dance. Abigail wasn't ready to depart the dance floor just yet, not without receiving an answer to her question. However, the man had already led her away.

Mr. Qinn then guided her toward a grand staircase, and together, they ascended the steps. Proceeding along a corridor, they continued until they reached a pair of large doors that swung open to reveal an open-air garden. The garden was a beautiful sight to behold. The flowers were in full bloom, an assortment of different types and colors, and the petals seemed to be glowing from the moonlight. But that wasn't all. The view from where they stood was magnificent. The lights of the skyscrapers and the lights of the city below were spread out in front of them like a bright painted canvas.

The man walked towards the railing and leaned on it, facing her. She finally realized that the man was wearing a vintage, classic black suit. She had been so focused on his face until then that she didn't even notice his clothes. As she looked at him standing there, she couldn't help but gape at him. His clothes looked like they were made for him. His black jacket hugged his broad shoulders perfectly and showed off his well-built physique. He had the look of an immortal god who came down to Earth just to show these measly humans what perfection looked like.

When he removed his mask, he looked at her with those same probing eyes.

Abigail lifted her hands and remove her mask as well.

She looked at him as she slowly put it down. The man was silent, but his eyes glued on her face.

Bathed in moonlight, Abi moved closer to him. The silver accents on her dress glistened, her doe-like black eyes shimmered, and her long, silky black hair swayed behind her slender and delicate figure.

The man's gaze remained fixed on her, as if he were unable to pry his eyes away.

"Mr. Qinn, you still haven't answered my question." Abigail broke the silence.

"I'll tell you once you pass the test."

Abi blinked in surprise. She had assumed that she had managed to catch his attention, considering he hadn't shifted his gaze from her until now.

Speechless, she just stood there, unmoving, when a subtle curve formed at the corner of Mr. Qinn's lips. Then, he shifted, drawing nearer and inclining toward her. He lowered himself until his lips were almost touching her ear.

"Indeed, you've proven yourself well. You certainly exceeded my expectations," he whispered. His breath touched her skin, electrocuting her nerves that she almost forgot to breathe. His voice seemed to have some sort of magic as it lingered in her ear.

The realization that she had been mistaken in assuming that she was still unattractive to him stirred Abi's stunned nerves. However, the smile that had been on the brink of her lips faded swiftly upon hearing his next words.

"But not yet, you still haven't passed the test," he said.

"Uhm... What do you mean?"

"There's still one last test that you need to pass."

"One last... test?"

He nodded, his eyes searching hers carefully.

"Okay, tell me what it is, then." she said, looking intent and determined. Her seemingly unwavering decisiveness made him narrow his eyes.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

For a brief moment, the man remained still, a quiet presence. In the next second, he gently tugged her toward an elevator, whisking her to the hotel's highest floor. An air of silence enveloped them, and Abi felt her heart begin to race uncontrollably. They then stepped into a presidential suite. The walls were adorned with long, thick velvet curtains that shielded the windows, keeping all traces of light at bay. The expansive lounge area was adorned with exquisite furnishings—tables, chairs, and lounges of the finest quality. A bar occupied one corner, stocked with bottles of premium alcohol, while the bedroom occupied the opposite end.

The man came to a stop just in front of her, leaving the door open as he released her hand. Another stretch of silence hovered between them, his figure poised as though awaiting for her to do something.

When Abi gently shut the door closed behind her, the man finally pivot around. A faint, incredulous smile played on his lips as their eyes met.

He extended his arms, bracing against the doorframe, effectively trapping her within. His gaze bore into hers, and he dangled the keycard before her eyes. "I'll leave this here," he stated, placing the keycard on the table right beside the door. "You're free to go whenever you change your mind," he added, a wicked smile gracing his features once more.

Abi resisted the urge to gulp, aware that he was at it again, clearly attempting to sway her decision. But oddly, what he was doing only fueled her determination further. Despite his efforts to dissuade her, his actions only seemed to elicit the opposite response from her.

So she didn't talk back this time. She was already here. No matter what challenges he put in front of her, from here on out, she would no longer change her mind.

Raising his hand, Mr. Qinn delicately caressed her cheek with the back of his veiny fingers.

"Are you scared?" he whispered.

"No."

Abigail's incredibly quick response caused the man to chuckle. He cast a final glance at her before he seized her hand and led her toward the bedroom.