“Stella.” Elio’s voice envelops me like velvet once he opens the door. “You found it.”
“It’s hard to miss.”
“That’s true.” He gestures me inside.
The moment we step inside Elio’s mansion, I’m awe-struck. The foyer is bathed in warm light, casting intricate shadows on the marble floor. Everything is so clean and decorated lovely. Did he do this or did he hire someone? Probably the latter. I doubt a man could make a place look this nice.
“Welcome to my home, Stella.” Elio’s voice is smooth.
“Thank you,” I manage to say, feeling the weight of his presence beside me.
“Can I offer you a glass of wine? It might help calm your nerves,” he suggests.
Can he tell just how nervous I am?
I consider the offer for a moment, but ultimately shake my head. “No, thank you. I’d rather be fully aware tonight.”
“Suit yourself.” He doesn’t hesitate in pouring himself a glass though.
“Your home is incredible, Elio,” I say, unable to keep the admiration from my voice, as I try to take in every detail. I’d thought Anastasia was rich, but this is entirely different. This man probably had more zeros in his account than I could count.
“Thank you,” he replies, a hint of pride coloring his words. “I’ve spent a great deal of time collecting these pieces and designing each room. They’re a reflection of my tastes, my passions.”
“Your passions?” I echo, suddenly curious about what makes this enigmatic man tick. “Like renewable energy and philanthropy?”
“Among other things,” he answers cryptically, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “You’ve done your research on me?”
My cheeks turn bright red. I didn’t want to convey any interest in him, but it looks like I’d already messed that up.
He looks awfully pleased about it though.
Elio’s gaze finds mine, electric and intense. “Stella,” he says, his voice low and smooth, “I’ll be honest with you.”
Whenever a man starts a sentence like that, whatever follows is hardly good. I swallow hard, my heart thudding in my chest as I brace myself for whatever is going to come out of his mouth next.
“From the moment I first saw you, I wanted you. It didn’t matter to me who your ex boyfriend was.” His eyes never leave mine, and it feels as if he’s peering into the depths of my soul. “But when you sent me those pictures, I knew I was going to have you, one way or the other. There was no hope that you would escape me.”
His admission sends shivers down my spine, both thrilling and terrifying me. I’ve never been one to let others dictate my path, but there’s something about Elio that leaves me feeling powerless - in the best possible way.
Escape me.Why does he talk about himself like he’s some kind of monster?
“I’m sorry, Stella,” he continues, a hint of regret tinging his words, “Because I’m not going to change who I am for you. I’m not a gentle man, and tonight, you’re going to get fucked. I need you to accept that now.”
My breath catches in my throat. No man has ever spoken to me this way before. I should want to scream at him, but I don’t. His words create a curiosity in me that I never knew existed.
“Do you understand?” He asks, studying me.
I should turn around and run for the hills. But maybe I don’t want a gentle man. Maybe that’s why Owen and I never had true passion – maybe I need someone like my ex’s dad.
I want him just as he is.
“Yes.”
22
STELLA
“Stella,” he says softly, his voice smooth and captivating. I could get used to the way he says my name like that. “Do you know anything about BDSM?”