His other hand slides around my waist, pulling me even closer. I can feel the heat radiating from his body, igniting a fire within me that I’ve only ever felt one time before — with him, back at his office. My mind races with thoughts of caution, but my body is thrumming with desire.
“Please, Elio...” I whisper, my voice barely audible even to myself. “It isn’t right.”
“Babygirl,” he says with a predatory smile, “There isn’t right and wrong. There’s just desire, and you desire me. Don’t deny yourself.”
I shouldn’t, but I do. And strangely enough, his words make me feel less bad about it.
Still though, as much as I hate Owen now for what he did, isn’t sleeping with his dad a bit much?
This has nothing to do with Owen.
I close my eyes, trying to block out the temptation he presents. But even with my eyes shut, I can still feel his presence – the intoxicating aroma of his cologne, the warmth of his body against mine, and the relentless pull of his desire.
“Stella,” Elio whispers, his breath hot against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
“Please,” I breathe, my voice barely audible even to myself.
But, I don’t even know what I’m begging for…him to stop or keep going?
He tilts my chin up with one hand, forcing me to meet his piercing blue gaze. The world fades away as our lips meet – a desperate, fiery kiss that burns through my very soul. His hands find their way to the small of my back, pulling me closer until there is no space left between us.
I know I shouldn’t give in to him. I know the consequences of doing so will be dire. But as Elio deepens the kiss, tasting me like a man starved, I can’t help but lose myself in the sensation. It’s like touching a live wire, feeling the current surge through every nerve ending in my body. I crave more, wanting nothing more than to drown in this moment with him.
“Stella,” Elio murmurs, his voice thick with longing as he pulls away from the kiss that has my head spinning, “Be mine.”
His lips move to my neck, clouding my thoughts. “And what…um, would that entail?”
“I would take care of you, Stella. Pay off your debts, help you finish nursing school. All I’m asking for in return is a little...companionship.”
“Companionship?” My heart sinks as I realize what he’s really offering. “You mean you want me to be your personal mistress.”
“Is that so bad?” Elio’s voice is smooth and way too persuasive. “You could quit this little job of yours, and I’ll give you all the security in the world. Whatever they’re paying you here, I’ll payyou three times the amount. You just have to be at my beck and call.”
It’s like a bucket of ice cold water has just been poured on me.And to think that I’d been about to give in to him…I’m such an idiot.Hadn’t I learned anything from Owen? I should have known his dad would just be worse.
“Are you serious, Elio?” I demand, anger flaring in my chest, as I push against his chest. “Do you honestly think I would sacrifice my integrity for money?”
“That’s exactly what you’re doing working here.”
All I see is red, as I stab a finger in his chest, ignoring the feel of the strong, hard muscles underneath. “I’m not going to be your sex slave.”
“Stella, don’t be so naïve. People make deals like this all the time. It’s just business.”
“Business?” I repeat incredulously. “This isn’t business, Elio. And what happens when you realize you want this little arrangement to end? I just get tossed to the curb ride…the same thing Owen did to me? I mean, like father, like son right?”
“Don’t compare me to him,” he snaps, his voice growing colder. “I have a little bit of respect.”
I scoff. “You call this respect?”
He stares at me hard. “I would continue to pay you a stipend once our rendezvous ended. Is that what you’re concerned about?”
Are all billionaires this clueless? He could have offered this to any other woman, and I’m sure they would have fallen at his feet,willing to be his mistress without the money, but I’m not one of those women.
“Let me make myself crystal clear,” I say, pushing his hands off my waist and taking a step back. “I am not for sale, Elio.”
I turn on my heel and walk straight out of the door.
18