21. Stella
21
STELLA
I step out of Regency, my pocket full of tips. It’d been a good night… but my night is still far from over. I shiver, and it’s not from the cool evening breeze. It’s nerves, pure and simple, swirling through me in response to the decision I’ve made - the decision to go to meet Elio tonight.
I’m not an idiot. I know exactly what’s going to happen. I’m going to sleep with my ex’s dad… and enjoy every second of it.
“Stella!” Isobel calls out, waving me over to where she and a few other girls I work with are standing. “You sure you don’t want to join us for drinks? It’s so rare we all get a chance to spend time together.”
Even if I weren’t meeting with Elio, I wouldn’t have gone. The last time I’d drinken too much alcohol, I’d accidentally sexted the wrong man. Who knows what I’d do next time? “Thanks, but I have other plans tonight,” I reply, forcing a smile.
“Suit yourself. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says with a shrug before disappearing into a car with the others.
I walk to my own car, gripping the keys tightly in my hand. It’s not too late for me to cancel . I look down at my phone, at the text message he’d sent me with his address. I could just not show up…but I think that would just make Elio chase me more.
“ I have this bad habit of getting everything I want, and I’m not willing to make an exception for you. So accept my money or don’t, but I’m going to get what I want, and what I want is you to be screaming my name as I slam into you from behind. You may as well use me too.”
I’d replayed his words over and over again in my head all night. And to think I’d thought his sexts were hot…the man, in person, was something else entirely. Those words had made me wet all night, and if I said I wasn’t curious of what he’d do tonight then that would be a lie.
And besides…I needed the money. And I would sacrifice a little of my self worth if it meant that Leo would be okay.
This is crazy - reckless, even. But something about Elio Lombardi has me completely hooked, even if I would never admit it out loud. His undeniable charisma, the way he can command any room he enters... It’s intoxicating.
“Get a grip, Stella,” I tell myself, sliding into the driver’s seat. The car hums to life, and I take a deep breath before pulling into traffic.
With each mile I cover, the disbelief and nervousness grow stronger. But so does curiosity. What kind of man is Elio really?
I pull up to Elio’s mansion. My breath catches in my throat at the sight of the sprawling estate before me, a testament to his wealth and power. The grandeur and opulence surrounding his home is almost overwhelming, with its intricate stonework, vast gardens, and regal fountains.
What did I expect from a billionaire?
I step out of my car, my heart pounding, and close the door behind me. The gravel crunches beneath my feet as I approach the enormous, dark wood front door before knocking on it. Every inch of me feels alive, nerves buzzing with anticipation.
“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.”