Chapter 5
ELLA
I glance at my cell phone and begin to panic, when I realize I have ten minutes before I’m supposed to be waiting for him downstairs. He promised me if I wanted to leave, his driver would take me home. Maybe I’m naive, but I believed him.
I apply my red lipstick and toss it in my red clutch.
L made sure I had everything for tonight.
Three sets of lingerie, a red lace halter dress, a purse, and Louboutins that probably cost more than I spent on my car.
The diamond jewelry is making me question if this is only for one night.
Who spends this much on a one night stand?
I take one last look in the mirror, inspecting my smoky eye makeup, before I put on the mask he sent.
It’s gorgeous, with red lining the edges, the rest I’m fairly certain is rose gold, with gems across the top that look suspiciously like diamonds.
If they’re real, I have to wonder if L is in the mob or something. It’s all so much.
I lock my door and head to the elevator as I take a deep breath.
I’m far outside of my comfort zone, and I still am not sure what made me say yes.
I’m not the girl that hooks up. Meeting a strange man, and going to a BDSM club, is not something I’ve ever done.
Elodie once told me I needed to grab life by the balls, and make it my bitch?
Is that what I’m doing? I don’t even know.
Stepping outside, the air is crisp and cool for Vegas. The driver steps out of the parked Cadillac Escalade, and opens the back door with a nod.
“Good evening, Miss Jacobs.”
I smile politely and get into the SUV, immediately feeling L’s eyes on me, so I turn to him with a near gasp.
His mask is like mine, but black and gray without the gems. His eyes, from what I can see, are dark, with a golden hue around the irises. Reaching over, he strokes the back of my hand.
“You’re trembling, sweetheart.”
His voice is deep and smooth, like a decadent caramel.
“I’m nervous,” I admit, immediately feeling stupid. I’m sure he’s used to self-assured women who know what they’re doing.
He motions for me to come closer, and when I do, he places his fingers on my chin, staring into my eyes, his lips lifting into a slight smile.
“Let’s break the ice, shall we?”
The way he stares at me immobilizes me. It’s not fear but desire. Leaning down, he runs his tongue between the seam of my lips, and before I can stop it, a whimper slips out. Placing his hands on either side of my face, he speaks low, causing shivers to roll down my spine.
“So beautiful.”
He presses three soft kisses to my lips before sliding his tongue into my mouth. He caresses mine with his in a slow erotic dance.
He pulls back, strokes his fingers down my cheek, and groans.
“This blush is going to be the death of me, sweetheart.”
L wraps his arm around my waist and holds me close.
“Do you remember the rules, Ella?”
I chew on my bottom lip, as I think back to what he said before.
“When I’m with you, I am not allowed to look at other men. I have to obey you, call you Sir, and use my safe word if I need it.”
Then I remember the one rule I’m not convinced about.
“This is only for tonight. When we say goodbye, there's no drama allowed.”
He nods slowly as I swallow hard.
“There’s no chance of more? I mean-”
I pause to try to gather my thoughts before continuing.
“Are you sure you won’t want to see me again?”
His expression changes from warm to stern in an instant.
“Ella, please hear this loud and clear. This is only for tonight. This is not negotiable. I respect your hard limits, and I need you to respect mine. One night only. Repeats are a fucking hard limit for me.”
I sigh audibly, and he raises an eyebrow.
“Is this going to be a problem? If it is, I can have my driver take you back home.”
I nearly gape at him, showing my surprise.
“It’s fine. I guess it’s a lot of money to spend on one night.”
He shrugs his shoulders.
“It’s only money, Ella. And I have a feeling you’re worth it.”
The car stops, and he asks, “Are we going in, or would you like to go home?”
I roll my eyes and respond, “We are going in. Well, I am.”
He gets out of the vehicle, walks around to my side, and opens the door. Reaching his hand in, he helps me out and waits, as his driver hands him a black bag. I wonder what’s inside, but I don’t ask.