Page 8 of Ruthless Touch

Stopping her in front of the mirror, I slide the necklace around her neck and watch as her eyes grow even bigger. I didn’t think it was possible for her to look more beautiful than she did just a few moments ago, but now I’m speechless at how incredible she is standing here.

She softly runs her fingertips over the large diamond hanging between her perfect breasts and smiles. “This is like nothing I’ve ever worn in my life, Gideon.”

I see in her green eyes admiration unlike anything she’s shown me in the entire time she’s lived here with me. Not that I’ve done much to deserve it. I know that, but I can’t help but admit I like when she looks at me like this.

“You’ll be the most beautiful woman at the ball tonight,” I whisper next to her ear as I feel myself begin to get hard.

Aria feels my cock press against her ass and looks at me wide-eyed in the mirror. I’m sure she’s wondered why I never touch her, even as she sleeps naked next to me every night. It’s not that I don’t want to. I just can’t let myself get caught up in her.

“Thank you for this and everything tonight, Gideon.”

Stepping away from her, I turn around and try to contain my desire as I grab the masks off the table. “Sasha says this gold mask will be perfect for your dress.”

The mention of my assistant makes Aria’s expression fall. “Oh? I’m sure it will. She was the one who decided this green dress was perfect,” she says quietly as she takes the mask from my hand.

I fix my mask over the one side of my face it’s made to cover and turn back to see Aria wearing her gold mask that only covers around her eyes. If I could, I’d rip that mask off, along with that green dress, and take her right here wearing only the diamond necklace.

“Time to go,” I say as I take her hand in mine and begin to walk toward the elevator.

“What kind of event is this?” Aria asks, once again sounding happy like she did before I mentioned Sasha.

As the elevator doors close, I give her hand a gentle squeeze. “A very unique one. Just do as I say, and you’ll be fine.”

I expect to hear some complaint from her, but she says nothing. I’d tell her what she was in for once we reach the ballroom, but Cordelia’s parties are better experienced firsthand to understand just what they involve.

Aria’s surprise at seeing naked women with their bodies painted as we enter the ballroom makes me smile. I could have told her, but why ruin the surprise? She’s in for more tonight too.

“Exactly what kind of ball is this?” she whispers in my ear as we walk toward where we’ll watch the festivities for the night.

“The best kind,” I answer with a smile. “Don’t worry. We’re spectators here tonight, assuming you do as I say.”

She tightens her hold on my hand, clearly afraid now. “You’ve said that twice. What does that mean?”

I stop and turn to face her, gently pushing her long hair off her shoulders. “It means do as I say, Aria. Whatever I tell you to do, do it.”

Even behind her mask, the fear in her eyes comes through loud and clear before she quietly says, “You promised you wouldn’t let anyone hurt me. Is that still in force?”

Nodding, I smile. “Yes. I swear I’ll protect you, but all you have to do is obey me tonight.”

Her hand trembles in mine, so I bring it up to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “Don’t worry. I promised you and I live up to my word. Now time to watch.”

Cordelia loves to create the feeling of a Roman orgy for her parties, so they always begin with dozens of beautiful women naked with their bodies painted. I watch Aria’s expression as they parade into the ballroom and take their positions around the room. Tonight, they’re made to look like marble statues, but I’m damn sure I’ve never seen any statue with a body like these women have.

It's erotic and titillating, exactly what Cordelia loves.

Aria turns to look at me and whispers in a voice full of shock, “They have no clothes on.”

With a smile, I nod my head and answer, “You’re right. And this is only the beginning. The host didn’t tell me specifically what these women will be doing, but I don’t imagine they’ll be standing like marble statues all night.”

I see in her eyes this scene arouses her. Good. I like that.

“You keep me cooped up in that penthouse for nearly a month, and tonight for this you bring me out. Why?” Aria asks with utter suspicion in her tone.

“Because I wanted you here with me.”

“Please tell me you aren’t going to make me do something with one of these guests, Gideon.”

She has no idea how off base she is with that request. I don’t want her here because I want some other man to fuck her. I want her here because I want to see if she can handle what comes with my world.

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