Page 19 of His to Possess
The elevator doors glided open, and I stepped into a world that took my breath away. The penthouse unfolded before me,a study in opulent minimalism. Every surface gleamed with understated luxury, yet an austere quality lingered, sending a chill down my spine. It was beautiful, but devoid of warmth, much like the man who owned it.
As if summoned by my thoughts, Rex emerged from a hallway. My pulse quickened at the sight of him. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean physique. His steel-gray eyes locked onto mine, and I couldn't help but admire how his dark hair was perfectly styled, not a strand out of place. He was undeniably handsome, but it was the aura of power surrounding him that truly captivated me.
"Welcome, Laurel," he said, his voice smooth and controlled. "I trust you found your way without difficulty?"
I nodded, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "Yes, thank you."
He stepped closer, and I caught a whiff of his expensive cologne. "Excellent. I'm pleased to see you've honored our agreement so promptly. I believe it will be pleasant for us both."
There was an undercurrent of possessiveness in his tone that made me shiver. I reminded myself to stay alert and search for the cracks in his façade.
"Shall we begin the tour?" Rex asked, though it was clear it wasn't a question. He placed a hand on the small of my back, guiding me forward. A small shudder rolled down my body, though I did my best not to let it show. Rationally, I knew this wasn't how I was supposed to react to his proximity, but I simply could not help myself. It was as if my body had a mind of its own, trapped in a pull that urged me closer to him. No matter how dangerous I knew he was.
As we moved through the space, my trained eye couldn't help but marvel at the artwork adorning the walls. I spotted a Rothko, its colors vibrant against the stark white wall, and my fingers itched to examine it up close.
"You have an impressive collection," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. This was a safe topic to discuss, one that I could easily lose myself in.
His lips curled into a slight smile. "I'm glad you approve. I rotate the pieces based on my moods. Art should reflect one's state of mind, don't you agree?"
I filed away this information, sensing it as a key to understanding his psyche. "That's an intriguing approach. Do you find it affects your daily life?"
"Everything in this penthouse influences my daily existence," he replied, his tone sharpening slightly. "Which brings me to an important point. There are strict schedules for the staff here. You'll need to familiarize yourself with them."
As we continued the tour, Rex outlined the various rules and systems in place. It became clear that every aspect of life here was under his meticulous control.
"And lastly," he said, gesturing to a sleek panel on the wall, "this is the hub for our AI system. It manages everything from temperature control to security. You'll have limited access, of course."
I nodded, the reality of my situation sinking in. This high-tech paradise was also my gilded cage. But I was determined to find the weak points, to carve out space for myself within Rex's carefully constructed world. I had to be ready, I never knew when I could use an advantage like that.
Rex's hand on my back guided me down a hallway, his touch light but impossible to ignore. We stopped at a door, and he turned to me with an enigmatic smile.
"This will be your room," he said, pushing the door open.
I stepped inside, and my breath caught. The room was easily three times the size of my apartment bedroom. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a space that screamed luxury. A king-sized bed dominated one wall,its crisp white linens practically glowing. The furniture was all sleek lines and polished surfaces, a far cry from my mismatched, second-hand pieces.
"It's… impressive," I managed. There were a few décor pieces scattered around the place, probably meant to elevate the overall aesthetic and add some style. But instead of making the space feel more welcoming, they gave it the vibe of one of those glossy designer magazines.
Rex nodded, satisfaction evident in his eyes. "I'm glad you approve. You'll find everything you need here."
My gaze landed on the bed, where a dress was laid out. It was a stunning emerald green, reminding me of the one I had worn when we first met, though the fabric was clearly more expensive. Next to it were matching shoes and a delicate silver necklace. Daytime, but glamorous.
"Wear that," Rex said, his tone making it clear this wasn't up for discussion.
I swallowed hard, running my fingers over the fabric. It was beautiful, but the idea of Rex choosing my clothes made me deeply uncomfortable. It was a tangible reminder of the control I had signed over to him.
"Thank you," I said, because what else could I say? "It's lovely."
Rex's lips quirked into a smile. "I look forward to seeing you in it. Once you've changed, I'll show you my collection. I believe there's a certain watercolor you're eager to examine?"
The mention of the potential Turner sent a thrill through me, reminding me why I was here.
"I appreciate you giving me my own space," I said, glancing around the room. It might be a gilded cage, but at least it was mine alone. The thought of sharing quarters with Rex from the start would have been too much.
He nodded, his expression unreadable. "I believe in gradual adjustments. Now, I'll leave you to change. Take your time, but not too much time."
With that, he was gone, closing the door behind him. I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding, sinking onto the edge of the bed. I needed a moment to collect my thoughts and get used to his proximity. I'd more than likely be experiencing a lot of it, and the intensity he radiated took my breath away.
He's just a man, I reminded myself with a small sigh, and that could be used to my advantage. I eyed the dress with reluctance. Its front had a lower cut than I would've liked, but I knew there was no point in protesting.
