Page 38 of Leather & Lace

“Hey, I told you I wanted every part of you,” I say as she rolls her eyes back at me.

“You are sick, Eli. I truly think something demonic lives inside that little brain of yours.” She says while smacking my chest playfully.

“Well, baby girl, I hate to break it to you. But you got just as much pleasure as I did from that demonic shit.” I go to kiss her, and she puts her hand up in protest.

“Oh, hell no. Not until you brush your teeth. I am not a vampire like your ass.” I shake my head and let out a low laugh.

“You know what the best part is now?” I ask as I give her a half grin. “Clean up.” She looks at me with confusion in her eyes, as I pick her up and throw her into the still lake.

She screams as her body hits the water. Once she breaks the water’s surface, I hear mumbled cuss words coming out ofher mouth. “You are a fucking asshole.” Laughing, she sprays water into my direction.

“Awe, but I’m your asshole.” Giving her a wicked smile and a wink, I dropped the rest of my clothes on the dock, diving in and popping up right next to her. Wrapping her legs around my waist, she lets herself float on her back, staring up at the sky.

“This was perfect. Even with all your twisted shit. Also, I am going to need some alcohol wipes to clean my bite mark since you threw me in this dirty water.” She says while smiling and looking at the birds flying high above us.

“I got some in my first aid kit on the bike. So, you can clean that dirty little bite right up.” She pulls herself to me with an annoyed look on her face.

“You know, I swear I will never not be surprised by what comes out of that filthy mouth of yours.” She giggles and lands a sweet kiss on my lips. The cool water surrounds us as we float and hold each other for the rest of the hot and humid day.

CHAPTER 20

BROOKLYN

The annual fall City Governor Masquerade Ball is tonight. I wake up to Eli stroking my hair gently and placing a kiss on my lips. I can smell coffee. I open my eyes to see him smiling down at me, while holding his hand out, handing me a steaming coffee mug. I pull myself up and grab the warm cup with my clammy hands.

“Good morning, baby girl,” he says as he brushes some stray hairs away that have fallen into my eyes. “I will be gone most of the day, mainly up at the nursery, but I am leaving you with my black card to go into the city and pick out something fancy to wear tonight. Feel free to buy whatever you need.” I shake my head at him and smile.

“You know, I will never get used to this. It still feels like too much.” He just grabs my chin and presses his lips to mine, lingering for a moment. Heat picks up between my thighs.

“I told you; it will never be enough, beautiful. I will also be leaving you with the keys to my McLaren, feel free to take Jenny with you. I don’t believe they will be joining us tonight.”

“Why not?” I ask, sitting up quickly. He just pulls on his gray sweater and laughs.

“Well, I believe he is taking her on an overnight date in the city. Plus, he asked her if she would want to join and all she said was she would rather die than to be around old pompous assholes all night.” Pulling up his jeans, he grabbed his black leather jacket.

“That sounds about right,” I say, as I breathe in deeply and let out a small sigh. Eli climbs onto the bed and kisses my cheek.

“So, you ladies can go out and have some fun. Pick out whatever you both like. I am sure Dane has given her full access to whatever she wants as well.” Getting up quickly, he heads to the door. “I love you, and I will see you soon.” Blowing me a kiss, I say it back as he exits the room.

Well, tonight will be the first time I will ever see Eli as an actual CEO. I know this event is held in honor of everyone who donates large amounts of money to the city. Sure, there will be politics about it all and it will be crawling with rich old farts, but to see Eli in a tux and a mask...that will be worth every minute of forced conversations I might have to endure.

Plus, I cannot wait to go dress shopping! I jump out of bed and finish my coffee as I dress for the day. I head downstairs to where I hear Jenny and Dane in a casual conversation about the plans they have for their evening.

“I told you; I don’t like surprises!” I hear Jenny’s voice beam from a few feet away. As I make my way into the clearing, both their heads snap my way. “Good morning, babe! I was told I must take you into the city and get you all dressed up. Oh, and I get to drive the car,” Jenny says, letting out a loud squeal. Dane just smiles and looks back down at his phone. Jenny jumps up and heads upstairs to get ready. Dane looks back at me and whispers.

“I am taking her to Swan Lake tonight. I know she may not be super into the ballet, but I think she will love it.” He gives me a shy smile. “So, please make sure she also gets something nice to wear.” I smile and nod my head.

Jenny and I headed out of the mansion about an hour later. The black McLaren shimmers in the afternoon sun. “Oh, fuck yes, baby!” Jenny says as she skips towards the car. We bothentered the car; The scent that surrounds us is full of Eli, the smoke and cedar musk filling my lungs.

It makes my heart ache and race at the same time. Even just a mere hour away from him seems too long. Turning the car on, Jenny melts into her ebony seat as the engine rumbles and purrs with each thrust of her heel on the gas pedal. “Oh, this is going to be fun!” She whips us out of the driveway, heading down the hill to the main road and out of the large metal gates.

The horsepower was kicking in as we hit the winding country roads. Taking each bending curve is like slicing a sharp knife though soft butter. Eli is going to kill me when he finds out I let crazy Jenny drive his baby.

“Wooo!!” Jenny howls from the driver’s seat as we hit a straight away and lets the car fly. My eyes bulge as I grip my nails into the black leather seat so hard my nail beds are starting to hurt.Looking over to the speedometer it says we are going eighty miles an hour.

“You know girl, I know you are soooo loving this and you are a little daredevil.” She turns her head to me with wild eyes and a plastered sadistic smile on her face. “But please don’t wreck this car or kill us. I will kill you myself if I have to explain to Eli why his car crashed into a ditch or some shit.” She just laughs and lets out a small whine.

“Fine, party pooper.” She slows the car to the speed limit as we continue our way to the dress shop. It takes us about an hour to hit Fall City. The streets are lined with businesses and bustling people. We found a parking spot next to the fancy dress store. Lilly and Lilac Dress Boutique stands before us as we exit the car.

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