Page 18 of Pretty When She Breaks

The elevator gave a melodic chime as we reached our destination, and the door opened to reveal the Duchess Suite.

I stepped out of the elevator and found myself face-to-face with the Crimson Duchess herself.

Holy deuce.

Definitely no photoshop needed for her to look absolutely stunning. She took my breath away as her hooded eyes met mine.

She had glossy blonde hair that tumbled down her back, and a crimson dress hugged her curves. Her dress exposed smooth, creamy skin. She wore glittering earrings and a heavy necklace with black gems that brushed the tops of her breasts. Her large eyes locked onto mine as she smiled. They were a storm, an indescribable color somewhere between blue and grey.

Yes, I was 100% picturing her in that bathtub right now.

“Good evening, Mr. Seo. I’m the Crimson Duchess, and welcome to my suite.”

Her voice was sweet, with a slight edge of smokiness.

Then her scent hit me.

Roses and vanilla. Rich and heady, like a forgotten garden at night, with a warm, inviting sweetness.

I’d never experienced anything like it.

It was like a star suddenly appearing in a group of cold, empty planets. Sparking sudden warmth, pulling everything into motion, lighting up the entire system with brilliance.

The instinct to pull her close, to dip my nose to her neck and drink in that scent, hit me like a truck, and I swayed as I just managed to resist. Other parts of my body were harder toshut down, and they’d woken up to drink in this stunning omega. I shifted and adjusted my pants as my mind caught up with the implications of what I’d just realized.

Scent match.

Holy double deuce.

“Pleasure to meet you,” I said, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to it. “And please call me Ocean.”

Perhaps that was a mistake. Now that I was closer, her scent completely surrounded me.

I hesitated as I realized there was something strange about it, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what. I pushed the thought aside, raising my eyes to look at her.

As her luminous eyes met mine, I gave her a warm smile.

Her cheeks flushed a bit, and I felt a bit giddy with happiness.

Was she feeling what I was? Ready to find somewhere a lot more private so we could get to know each other better? To explore this scent match?

Though—Oh. I’d worn scent blockers tonight, so she would have no idea we were a scent match yet. Should I tell her?

“Ocean, then. I’ve heard good things about you,” she said, taking my arm and leading me inside.

“You have?” I asked, surprised.

She gave me an indulgent smile. “Of course. Jag was impressed with you. Most people would have taken that money and ditched, but not Ocean Seo.”

Her head tilted to the side, and I was high on the sound of my name on her lips. Appreciation was shining in her eyes, making my soul glow.

“Oh, well, that’s not what I’m about,” I said, and she squeezed my arm.

“Humble and honest. Here…” She indicated a seat in the secluded booth she’d led me to. I was hypnotized by the way the light shimmered through the waves of her hair as she looked back at me.

I thanked her as I sat down and was delighted when she slid in beside me, giving me a smile. “Can I get you a drink?” I asked, and she laughed, leaning closer.

“I think I’m supposed to ask you that,” she replied in a whisper, her fingers trailing along my sleeve, as if she couldn’t help herself.