Chapter Twenty-Six
G reyson’s driving was a testament to his dominance. He’d again highjacked my brother’s car, with me in it.
We were cutting through the traffic, dodging speeding cars on the freeway, with Greyson pushing the limits, his hands gripping the wheel. He’d insisted I wear his tuxedo jacket to “keep me warm,” but I suspected it was to cover this skimpy red bodice.
His strong arms, revealed by his rolled-up sleeves, flexed and each movement was one of deliberate control, undeniably commanding.
“Call your brother.”
“What do I say?” I pulled my phone out of my bag. “Don’t want to,” I muttered.
“At least text him.”
I threw off a message to Cameron, letting him know I was fine and would call soon.
Cameron sent a thumbs up. It was more about what he didn’t say that made me nervous.
“He sent you, didn’t he?”
Greyson ignored my question. “I’m not expecting to see remorse or anything close to that, but perhaps some self-reflection.”
I shot a look at him, wondering if he’d had his memory wiped, after he’d quite literally encouraged me to play with myself in front of him.
“Maybe you need some reflection, too,” I threw back. “You’re a VIP there.”
“If I hadn’t been there, they would’ve torn you apart.” He lifted his hand as though to silence me. “If they had known who you were…”
I slunk down in my seat, regretting having discussed my motives, having revealed too much already.
After what we’d done back at Pendulum, I had a taste of the kind of pleasure this man could bring, and it left me aching for more. He hadn’t even touched me. But the thought of when, or if he ever did, sent shivers throughout my body.
The intensity of the chemistry between us was nothing short of incredible.
And, if we made love…
But now we were acting like we did in my brother’s kitchen—like strangers, like we were back to square one.
“Are you cold?” He threw me a glance.
“I’m fine.”
“I can turn up the heat.”
That made me smirk. “Tell me more about Pendulum.”
“It doesn’t exist.”
I glared at him.
He responded with a smile. “How about some small talk? Try not to bore me.”
I sat up, and gave him a look that said, “You can’t speak to me like that.”
I tugged on the hem of the bodice. “I have to get this back to my double.”
“It’s a Ravenscar,” he said.
“Means nothing to me.”
“A Dubai prince gave the bodice to Pearl. In fact, you witnessed him worshiping her tonight.”
“That wasn’t Atticus?”
He arched a brow. “No, it wasn’t.”
“Jewel didn’t recognize Pearl?”
“The lights are dim. You have a similar look.”
“Pearl seemed to like everything that happened.”
“Enough on that subject.”
I shrugged. “So, what do you love about being an architect?”
“Now there’s small talk and then there’s—”
“Humor me.”
“Trying to lessen the embarrassment of the last hour?”
“I’m not embarrassed.”
“Really, you just made the worst mistake of your life. I’d expect some level of regret.”
“Why do you think it’s the worst?’
“I have to spell it out?”
I wanted to sink lower in my seat but didn’t. I wasn’t shy about this escapade, I was intrigued. And I’d gotten more intel on Jewel Hadley, so personally, I’d call it a win.
“Now that I know your last name, I want to know more about your work.”
“On or off the record?”
“Off.”
“Not sure I trust you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you’re a journalist, Willa.”
“Why are you like this with me?”
“I’ve been nothing but courteous.”
“You mean curt?”
“Under any other circumstances we’d be friends.”
I glanced his way. “If I wasn’t a Cole?”
“You’re my friend’s baby sister.”
“Less of the baby, if you don’t mind.”
He smirked, and with a teasing voice said, “What if I say…baby?” The word lingered with a playful, sultry edge, as though testing a boundary between us.
“How about no,” I said, hugging my knees, even as my entire being was screaming yes to this man, my flesh shuddering with raw arousal, aching for his touch, a want that caused every part of me to feel electrified.
Again, he glanced over, and it was the way he looked at me knowingly, as though he could sense my serious crush on him.
I was too proud to beg, and yet…
I yearned for everything he would make me feel, everything he could give to me that would fill this emptiness.
“In another life, you’d be mine.”
I froze, thinking there was wriggle room in that statement. “What does that mean?”
“You and I are forbidden, Willa, you know that.”
“Did someone say something?”
“No. I’ve already explained there are things going on in my life that are complicated.”
He was trying to protect me from what happened to his ex. That much was obvious. “Being a Cole doesn’t help, right?”
He gave a nod. “You’re beautiful in a way that scares people. Not me, obviously. You have a mind sharp enough to cut through anything. Your bloodline…it’s history, its power, it’s a profound legacy, it’s intimidating tomost.”
“But?”
“No buts. You’re the woman every man dreams of having, and anyone who gets to claim you will be…lucky.”
Oh, he knew exactly what he was doing, flirting in that effortlessly sensual way, pulling me closer with those devastating looks. His eyes, dark and inviting, left me wondering what it would feel like to truly be his.
“I know why you’re no longer with Hugo.”
That came out of nowhere, and I hated him for shifting this moment away from what we could be. “Why?”
“He knew you’re too good for him. A woman like you is reserved for future presidents. For men in positions of power. Men who own the world.”
“I just want love,” I whispered.
Stillness consumed the moment, my confession sending out a beacon showing my weakness, the kind of words never to be spoken out loud.
As though sensing my unease, he said, “What I love about being an architect is the way it feels weaving dreams into reality. Shaping spaces where people feel safe. Inspiring a balance between what nature offers and what humanity needs. Being part of a creation that invites in the light.”
The silence lingered, honoring his words, honoring the profoundness of who this man was.
Being in his presence felt remarkable.
“You’re very talented.”
“Thank you, Willa. I appreciate that.”
He possessed more than just talent, but saying it that way would seem pretentious, and that wasn’t who he was.
“I’ve been living in New York,” I said, “with no one watching over me. I’ve been fine.”
“Not even him?” He frowned, as though saying Hugo’s name was distasteful now.
“I took care of us both.”
“Did you feel safe?”
I swallowed hard, trying to fathom his words. “I mean, I felt like it was up to me to provide a level of safety.”
“Why you?”
“I had the resources.”
“And safe in other ways?”
“Not sure what you mean?”
“Willa, I’m not talking about financially, I’m referring to when you were intimate.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Your reaction tonight, you were wound up like a coil, like you didn’t know what it was to come that hard.”
“This is very personal.”
“Want me to change the subject?”
“No.”
“Good, because exploring your needs will see them satisfied.”
“It’s hard to ask for something when you don’t know what it is you want.”
“Your need to see more of what went on in that chamber, to keep watching, you’re clearly drawn to our scene.”
No, I was there for work.
But I’d failed to get any evidence that would act as proof other than what I’d witnessed. Even that carried huge implications, but without something substantial to show, writing an article would be challenging. He still had my camera on him.
“Go on, say it.” Greyson took a sharp turn off the freeway.
“What are you expecting me to say?” A jolt of uneasiness slithered up my spine and somehow made its way into my chest, pressing my feelings into an uncomfortable mess.
“You have questions about tonight?”
Anyone would, especially after what I’d witnessed in that great hall—the stark sexuality, the drama, the orgy that had unraveled into something that was exquisite and yet obscene.
“Do you take part?” I asked.
“In the scene?”
I turned in my seat to look at him as he answered.
“I like to watch.” He smirked. “And clearly so do you. We have that one thing in common.”
“One thing?”
“You want to see what is not there,” he said, sadness in his tone.
“I only search out the truth.”
“Any kink you want to share?”
“That’s another personal question.”
“Willa,” he said, glancing at me. “Your brother isn’t the only one who reads micro expressions. I saw your face when you were watching.”
“How do you know?”
“If you are a submissive or a dominatrix?”
My fingernails dug into my palms, as though exploring this subject made me uneasy.
“Well, you could also be a switch.”
“Where you like both?”
“Yes.”
“Are you?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m in control. I orchestrate the fucking. When and where and how.”
“The how?”
“Yes, whether I tie up my sub. Ask them to perform an act in public. Demand they carry out a certain level of vulnerability.”
“You like others to watch you fuck?”
“We talk through their limits. Needs and wants. My focus is on delivering what they like and cranking that up to the maximum level for effect.”
“Effect?”
“Yes. Their pleasure is ultimately what’s important. I get off on providing endless orgasms in a vibrant environment.”
“Meaning what?”
“One where your boundaries are pushed.”
He had used the word your as though he was talking specifically to me. Reacting to his sensual teasing, my body came alive, my imagination set free, causing my clit to ache and my nipples to harden.
“Not just anyone can be a ‘good girl,’” he chided.
“That’s patronizing,” I said bitterly.
“Exhibit A.”
“You don’t think I’m capable of something like that?” I asked, offended. I had a sinking feeling he’d never see me as anything more than a friend’s sister.
“You would certainly be a captivating candidate,” he said huskily. “I’m sure any man or woman would take great pleasure from exploring your intricacies.”
He let that sit with me for a beat, turning to stare at me. “If you ever need an introduction to a dominatrix who can guide you, I’m the man to make it.”
“How would she help me?”
“She’d explore your kinks in a safe place. Perhaps show you around a club.”
“I don’t think I want that.”
Because I wanted it to be him that showed me around.
I didn’t recognize the road. “Where are we?”
“Hollywood Hills.” Greyson steered us up a long winding driveway until we entered a vast clearing. A grand house sat perched on the boundless hill.
“What is this?”
“Thought I’d debrief you, before you head home.”
“Is this your place?”
“Yes. Our conversation isn’t over,” he said, emphasizing his insistence we continue this inside.
Greyson climbed out and came around to my side to open my door. I took his hand and got out of the car.
“What’s this about?” I asked, while walking beside him.
“You and I were intimate, even though there was no touching. After a scenario like that there is a ritual.”
“What kind?”
“Aftercare.”
“For your submissive?”
“Yes, Willa, for the brief period you obeyed, I made you climax. There’s a series of events that follow.”
My jaw almost hit the ground.
It was the way he spoke those words with such casual abandonment.
I had come on command—a trait belonging to a woman who deemed herself a devotee. However, it wouldn’t have taken much.
He rested his palm against my spine, sending a shudder through me as he led
me towards his vast home.
I needed to be his, and I was craving what he’d exposed me to back at Pendulum. What followed promised to be everything.
He was everything.
My heart pined for more intimacy with him.
The exterior of his mansion exudedold Hollywood glamour with a weathered charm, blending Spanish Revival and a detailed art Deco style. The home was nothing like the architectural marvel I expected from him, but more like a monument to a bygone era.
As we stood at the front door, preparing to enter his domain, I realized that everything I thought I knew about this man was wrong.