"If I can have everyone's attention please."

Quieting down, everyone's attention went to the stage where Bryce Murillo was at the podium with a glass of champagne in his hand, and his wife to his right.

"Thank you. This will only take a moment. I know you all have no desire to hear your boss tonight at the holiday party."

Laughter could be heard throughout the large ballroom rented out at the four seasons hotel downtown.

"I just wanted to thank you all. Because of your hard work, dedication, and creativity, we are now ranked as one of the top five companies for 2022!"

Cheers could be heard throughout the crowd. Raquel smiled from her seat near the bar as her father continued to thank his employees and his family.

"Because of all of your dedication, I have given everyone surprise gifts on your way out. No need to thank me, but I will say that if you all put in your time request early, you should have no problem going."

Everyone was confused until he spoke.

"Courtesy of one of our many donors, you've all been given two round-trip tickets to an exclusive resort in one of twenty locations around the world. it's the least I can do for all my hard-workers."

At that, everyone began to celebrate in earnest. Bryce laughed at something his wife said, which caused Raquel to beam at their PDA. She loved how her parents were very much in love twenty years later. Speaking of love, she turned to her left, expecting her fiancé to agree, when she caught him on his phone.

Again.

"Yeah, Rene. But if the house refuses to budge, we'll never-hold on, I can't hear you, I'm not getting any reception." Pulling the phone away from his ear, he smiled sheepishly at being caught by Raquel.

"I'm sorry, baby. I have to take this."

Sighing, Raquel shook her head.

"Alberto. We've been here all night, and you haven't asked me to dance, or even commented on my father's speech. We need to-"

"I'm sorry, Raquel. But this is important. I thought you understood that."

"I do, but-" Leaning over, he kissed her cheek.

"Thank you. I'll be right back." Raquel sighed as she watched his retreating back. She was starting to wonder if they would even get out of their current stage. She wanted more. Even the sex had been lacking. Waving the bar tender over, she asked for another cosmopolitan. Screw what everyone said. They were delicious, and fruity. Just the pick me up she needed.

"Your father's generosity knows no bounds."

"Yes. He's always been of the mindset of being kind to others, and the golden rule. I think that's why he is so successful. I'm sorry, but have we met?"

Smiling, Sergio reached forward and gently grabbed her right hand. He saw the hideous ring on her left finger and chose to ignore it. Instead of shaking it, he lifted it to his lips and gently kissed it, causing a shiver to run through her.

"Not formally, no. We've been to similar events such as this. I'm Sergio Marquina." Raquel heard of Mr. Marquina. A very successful businessman. Very private too. The only thing anyone known about him is that he has a brother and sister, and is an uncle to his brother's children. Other than that, the man is a poster child for squeaky-clean business entrepreneur.

"Lovely to meet the man. I'm Raquel Murillo."

"Duly noted. I take it your husband is around here, somewhere?"

Raquel snorted at that.

"He's not my husband. Fiancé actually. And no. the senator is on the phone, as usual." Deciding to snoop a bit, she asked off-handedly, "Is your wife here?" Smirking, he leaned closer, signaling the bartender for another glass of champagne.

"I have no wife, or girlfriend. And no boyfriend either," he said the last part with a grimace, which caused Raquel to giggle. He enjoyed her laugh.

"Hey! I'll have you know, my sister said that I needed to lead with answering those three questions. While building my business, I hadn't been on a date in years, so my family all assumed I was in the closet. I had to physically proclaim my heterosexuality before they backed off. My mom, who's a doctor, even brought home pamphlets explaining the health dangers of keeping things too secretive."

At that, Raquel burst into laughter. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she turned in her chair fully facing the man while she was trying to calm herself, Sergio's eyes were sweeping her lush body. She had curves in all the right places, and the bandage black dress that stopped mid-thigh, and heels were doing something to him.

I need those legs wrapped around me, Sergio thought. He was pulled from his thoughts by Raquel's sigh.

"Are you here to see my father?"

"Actually, I came by to make a donation. I think what he's doing is admirable. Making sure third world countries have access to water. I don't think anyone should go to bed hungry or thirsty."

Raquel gazed into his eyes as he spoke passionately about helping others. She was with Alberto, and even he didn't show the same enthusiasm about helping others. He was about the power though.

"I do too. Actually, my father was thinking of starting an organization just for that. He wants me to lead it."

Studying her face, Sergio tilted his head a bit before leaning closer.

"That's not what you want to do though, is it?"

Feeling that the man was too close, Raquel sat back.

"Excuse me?"

"What do you want to do, Raquel? Not what your fiancé, or your father wants. What do you want?"

Biting her lip, she glanced around the room, before lowering her voice.

"Paint."

Surprised, Sergio took the drink which the bar tender sat in front of him.

"Really?"

Nodding enthusiastically, Raquel spoke.
"I paint in my spare time. While in college, I took painting as an extra-curricular. I loved it so much that I minored in it. I take painting classes in Mercer Island once a week. My instructor wants me to start putting some of my work out, but I don't know."

If Sergio thought she was beautiful when she smiled, it was nothing compared to how she was when she spoke of her true passion: art. Placing his hand on her wrist, Sergio spoke lowly.

"You should do that, Raquel. Full-time. Do what you know is in you to do."

Whispering back, Raquel spoke quickly.

"I've never told anyone that. Any of this actually."

"It'll be our little secret."

Raquel knew this was falling into dangerous territory, but she found that she didn't want to. This man was making her feel more alive, than her own fiancé did. And she'd only known Sergio for all of ten minutes. Standing, she squeezed his hand once before smiling.

"Well Sergio, keeper of my secrets Marquina. I better head up front. I'm sure my father wants to speak with me."

Before she could leave, Sergio squeezed her hand, and pulled her closer. The room was so packed, no one was paying them any attention.
"Sergio. What are you-"

"Come with me."

Heart racing, Raquel shook her head, even as her heart was screaming at her to go.

What are you waiting around here for? GET OUT OF HERE!

Silently, telling her inner voice to chill, Raquel cleared her throat.

"I can't."

"Why not?" he asked.

Laughing in disbelief, she held up her hand.

"Because I'm engaged to be married, that's why."

Smirking, he stepped closer.

"Raquel. It ain't over til' it's over."

Swallowing, Raquel took another step back. She wanted to so bad, but she knew that was dangerous. And reckless.

"Goodbye Sergio. Thank you for the conversation." And with that, Raquel disappeared into the crowd, trying to move away from the man who made her want things she shouldn't.

Oh no, Raquel. This is only the beginning.