The Billionaire's Brat Wants Me

People kept glancing our way long after the music softened and the night started winding down. Some tried to be subtle about it, pretending to laugh at something while sneaking another peek, but I could feel it. The quiet stares. The half-whispered murmurs that followed Val's little conversation with Tasha.

I wasn't surprised. The moment Val—no, Celestia Valentina Moreau—had dropped her full name, the air shifted. That name carried weight, the kind that made people sit straighter and think twice before saying anything else.

By the time we were leaving, I spotted Derrick across the hall, eyes wide and practically sparkling with curiosity. The man looked ready to sprint over. I didn't even give him the chance, I took Val's hand and guided her toward the exit, pretending not to hear his distant, "Bro, wait up!"

I didn't stop walking until we were both in the car, the engine humming softly under the faint sound of Christmas music playing somewhere in the distance.

---

We got back to my place around nine. The drive was quiet... peaceful, even. When we finally stepped inside, she let out a long breath and stretched her arms above her head. "That was…" she started, then let the rest trail off into a small laugh. "Quite a party."

I locked the door behind us and slipped my hands into my pockets. "You don't say," I muttered dryly.

She gave me a guilty, sheepish smile. "They're probably not gonna forget anytime soon, are they?"

I sank into the couch, the exhaustion from the night finally settling in. "Oh, I'm sure your fan club will make sure of that."

Her mouth fell open slightly. "Fan club?"

I smirked. "You basically turned that place into your personal stage. Half the room looked ready to ask for your autograph."

She rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging her lips gave her away. "Look at the bright side," she said as she walked over, tone light and teasing. "Now,Tasha will definitely give you some space."

I looked up at her, one brow raised. "Tasha, huh? I thought it was Ms. Team Leader?"

"She hates the name," she said with a small giggle, leaning on the back of the couch.

I smirked. "And you're never gonna stop using it, are you?"

She pressed a finger to her chin in fake thought, then smiled wide. "Not a chance."

I laughed softly. "Should've guessed."

Val giggled, her laughter light and musical, and then, without warning, she swung a leg over and settled on my lap, facing me. "Do you know you're the best thing that's ever happened to me?" she said suddenly, her tone softer now, almost too sincere for how casually she'd said it.

I blinked, caught off guard. "Wow," I said, trying to play it off, "that's saying a lot. You have a cat that means the world to you."

She laughed, swatting my shoulder. "You're impossible."

"And you're dramatic."

"Romantic," she corrected with a grin, before leaning in to kiss me — slow, deep, and filled with the kind of warmth that made the room feel smaller, safer. When she pulled back, her eyes were gleaming with mischief again.

"So," she said, her voice playful, "what's my new name?"

I frowned slightly. "Your what now?"

"My new name," she repeated, tone teasing but her eyes serious. "You remember Derrick and probably half your office calling me Val tonight?"

"Yeah…" I said carefully.

Her brows rose. "You do remember that only you are supposed to call me that, right?"

I blinked. "But Marina called you Val once. I didn't see you complain then."

She huffed, folding her arms. "That's because I told her not to. After."

"Ah," I said, smirking. "So that's why she switched back to calling you Celestia."

"Exactly." She leaned forward, eyes narrowing slightly. "Now, name."

I tilted my head. "Is it really—"

Her eyes glinted in that dangerous don't-test-me way, and I stopped mid-sentence.

"Okay," I said quickly. "Names. Got any suggestions?"

She hummed, pretending to think, tapping her chin. "Nope. I want you to give me one this time."

I chuckled. "This time? I did last time too."

Her grin widened. "After I practically threatened you with public sexual harassment."

I laughed. "So you do remember that."

"Of course I do," she said, nose scrunching as she pouted dramatically. "Now stop stalling. Nameeee." She tilted her head, widening her eyes like a pleading child.

I sighed, smiling. "Can I think about it?"

She pouted again, lips curving downward.

"I just want to pick something unique," I added quickly, "something that fits. Something… special."

That seemed to soften her expression. She watched me for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But don't take too long."

I smiled, rubbing her hip gently. "Now, can you get off me? My legs are killing me."

Val burst out laughing, kissed me once more, and slid off my lap.

---

It didn't take long before we were both ready for bed. A quick shower later, we slipped under the sheets, the quiet hum of the night wrapping around us. She fell asleep first, like always, her head resting against my chest, one hand curled near my heart.

I lay awake longer, my mind running back through the night.

The way she'd gone from sweet and calm to icy and fearless in seconds. The way she'd said Moreau Dynamics like it was a weapon forged from steel and heritage. The way she'd done it not for herself, but for me.

I rarely saw that side of her, the side that reminded the world she wasn't just Celestia, the soft, brilliant girl who laughed too easily. She was also Valentina Moreau, the woman who could burn down an empire if it meant protecting the man she loved.

But even with all that power behind her name, she still looked at me like I was her world.

I turned my head slightly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She stirred but didn't wake, murmuring something incoherent before settling again.

I smiled faintly.

Somewhere between the steady rhythm of her breathing and the quiet hum of the night, I found myself thinking, not about Tasha, not about the whispers, not even about work — but about that name.

A new name. Something that wasn't just a nickname. Something that described what she meant to me.

And that thought stayed with me, soft and stubborn, as sleep finally claimed me.

---

To be continued...