Kian Thorne didn't believe in second meetings.
He either saw value the first time, or he didn't bother again.
But Ayla Moretti wasn't just value.
She was volatility wrapped in silk - and he liked dangerous things he couldn't control.
He invited her to a second meeting. Private.
Late evening.
No boardroom.
Just him, her, and a bottle of vintage red on the table.
Because power games always taste better with wine.
---
Ayla entered his penthouse suite with a smile so sweet it could rot teeth.
"You're braver than most, Mr. Thorne," she said, glancing around the luxurious space. "Inviting a stranger into your home. Risky move."
Kian poured the wine without looking at her. "Stranger? You looked me in the eyes and lied flawlessly. That makes you family in my world."
She chuckled, accepting the glass. "Careful. I bite."
"I hope you do," he said coolly, "because I'm tired of women who only scratch."
- Ayla:
"Oh don't worry, darling. I don't scratch. I scar."
He paused, glass halfway to his lips.
This woman was either his biggest mistake or his most thrilling decision.
Maybe both.
---
They sat across from each other, the city glittering beneath them, silence loud with curiosity.
"What's your angle, Ayla?" he asked, voice low.
"What makes you think I have one?"
"Because women like you don't walk into empires unless they plan to own them."
- Ayla:
"I don't walk into empires, Kian. I burn them down and build mine from the ashes."
He stared at her, amused - and just a little turned on.
"You know," he said, "I've crushed CEOs for less attitude than yours".
- Ayla:
"And I've buried men for thinking I was just attitude."
---
Their eyes locked, and something shifted.
Predator met predator.
The air pulsed with challenge.
"You play a dangerous game," Kian said finally.
"So do you," she whispered, leaning in close. "But I play to win."
He smirked, swirling his wine. "And what exactly are you trying to win, Miss Moretti?"
Her eyes flicked to his lips for just a second.
"Not trying, Mr. Thorne. I already have you... curious."
Author note~
Hey dark hearts 💋,
Thank you for diving into Chapter 2 of Venom in Velvet! Ayla and Kian's tangled dance is just beginning - secrets, sparks, and simmering danger await. 🔥🖤
What did you think of this chapter? Let me know in the comments - your reactions keep me going (and plotting 👀). Don't forget to vote if you're loving the vibes! Chapter 3 drop on { Saturday}
Until the next twist,
[snowie_winter] 🕷️...
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