Chapter 4
Chapter Four
As the afternoon unfolded, I found myself unwinding around the solarium, lazily going from pool to beach chair.
In between reading my book, my thoughts kept circling back to The Carlton.
The idea of it set my body abuzz, igniting a relentless itch that needed to be scratched.
How would I manage to get there? Should I sneak away tonight?
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, I knew Gabe would be arriving soon to take me to dinner.
I wrapped a soft, blue and white striped towel around my waist, the cotton cool against my skin, and flicked a pair of sunglasses from my head to my face before returning to my luxurious penthouse.
I slid the door open, taking a glance at the mountain of birthday gifts sent to me by the leaders of all the Elysiums across the world.
I used to get more, but the pile slowly diminished year after year.
I guess if you’re not visible, you’re forgotten.
Not to sound conceited, but it’s the least they can do for me after preserving their lives year after year.
I scanned the boxes, disregarding ones with logos depicting fruit or an arrow because I knew there was nothing in either that I wanted. Few corporations survived the apocalypse, but these two did. Go figure.
A few designers sent me exquisitely crafted gifts of men’s couture from their upcoming collection, each piece a testament to their precision and care. I love being ahead of the trends and getting these exclusive gifts, although almost nobody saw me in them.
But now they will, my father promised. We’ll see.
A sharp rap echoed from my door, followed by the satisfying click of the electronic lock retracting.
Gabe walked through the door, a smile playing on his lips, looking more handsome than I’d ever seen.
Usually, I see him in his crisp, starched military uniform, but tonight, he was strikingly different in a smooth, cream-colored suit.
The jacket was open, revealing a stark, white dress shirt underneath, and his cropped pants fit him in all the right places.
A beautifully patterned red-and-white pocket square was tucked over his chest, giving the ensemble a pop of color and added elegance.
His hair was pushed back, with one strand popping out of place across his forehead.
He smiled when he saw me ogling him—I swear my tongue must’ve been hanging out of my mouth.
He held up a crisp pair of black pants and a tuxedo suit, a grin splitting his face. “What do you think about my new uniform?”
“Oh, right, for your ‘promotion.’” I raised my fingers, mimicking air quotes, a silent acknowledgment that little would likely change. If anything, the only difference would be in his uniform.
With a dramatic flourish, Gabe flung the tuxedo onto the couch, then presented a stark white box tied with a black velvet ribbon, its smooth surface gleaming under the light.
The signature packaging was a dead giveaway it was from one of my favorite clothing designers.
With an emphasis on quality over quantity, he limits his yearly output to five shirts, each made from the world’s finest textiles, the richness is evident in every detail.
I only have two of his pieces in my closet…
and I cured the damn pandemic. My breath caught in my throat, but I managed to croak, “For me?”
I tugged gently at the beautiful bow, enjoying the soft, downy feel of the fuzz against my fingertips.
Lifting the top of the box, tears welled in my eyes.
I was speechless at the garment’s beauty.
A silk-collared shirt sat inside, light as a feather and folded to perfection.
The soft sheen of its dark fabric caught the light.
I traced the hand-stitched lace, its threads cool and delicate against my skin, and each of the almost-invisible marble buttons was tiny a masterpiece on the richly textured shirt.
It was a captivating blend of masculine and feminine aesthetics, punctuated by a subtle hint of edge. Perfect.
Nestled atop the shirt was a small box, containing a stunning silver chain bracelet. “Gabe, you didn’t have to…”
“I wanted to,” he interrupted. “You deserve to look absolutely perfect for your first night out in Elysium, so I contacted your favorite designer to custom-make the shirt to your exact measurements.”
“Thank you,” I breathed as I slid closer to him. Putting one finger on his chest, I seductively flitted my eyelashes, my gaze lingering on his mouth. I bit my lip, a smirk playing on my face as I threaded my fingers beneath the lapel of his jacket. “You look very handsome tonight, too.”
A slow smirk stretched across his lips as his large hands cradled my face, and he pulled me into a tender kiss. As he finished, he gently nibbled on my bottom lip, leaving it flushed and tingling. “We’ll save this for later.”
“We have plans after dinner?” I asked coyly.
His pink tongue grazed his fangs before licking his lips. “We’re not having dessert tonight. There’s no slice of cake that’s sweeter than watching your toes curl in ecstasy and hearing your throat whimper for more.”
His comment brought my mind back to what happened at The Carlton. What happened inside? Would I be safe? I needed more information, especially if I was planning to sneak away. Tonight may be my only chance.
I pulled away, my fingers finding the edge of the damp towel before it slipped from my grasp and fell to the floor.
Without averting my gaze, I watched his expression change from amusement to lust when he noticed my skimpy swimwear.
I slid my thumbs inside the Speedo and smoothly shimmied out of them, leaving me fully exposed to his gaze.
With a gentle touch, I traced my fingers down my body and covered most of my dick, leaving just the base of my shaft visible.
The easiest way to get what you want from a man is to toy with him.
Call me Mattel.
“D-don’t,” Gabe stammered, letting out a long breath. “You’re making me want to suck you.”
As I stepped into the black pants, a coy smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I allowed him to savor the slow, seductive inching over my hips. “Can you help me button them?” I angled my body in just the right way, thrusting my pelvis forward.
Gabe knelt and licked his lips before deftly zipping my pants and securing the button around my waist. “You’re a bad, bad boy, Vinny.”
I shrugged my shoulders as I dropped the bracelet into his palm.
“I always thought I was your good boy?” A smirk played on his lips at the name he called me in the bedroom.
He clicked the bracelet’s clasp into place, and I knew I had him where I wanted to get more information.
“Tell me more about what’s happening at The Carlton tonight. ”
He held the bracelet around my wrist, but at my question, his grip tightened around my arm. “The Carlton is dangerous, don’t even think of it because you shouldn’t know. It’s not a place for someone like you.”
“Someone like me?” I snidely said. “What does that mean?” In all honesty, I knew what he meant—The Carlton was a club which doubled as a sex party, attracting anyone who needed to escape their mundane existence. Someone like me. “I think the sleaziness and danger make it all the more exciting.”
Gabe’s voice got stern. “It’s outside of Elysium. You’re not going there, and that’s final!” His hands threw my wrist away, and a glint of anger flashed in his eyes. “The Carlton cannot compare to what I have planned for you after dinner.”
I reached one arm to the back of his head, his dark hair entwining around my fingers like vines as I kissed his neck. His nose extracted a quiet moan, and his hand never left mine.
He pushed back abruptly. “Stop distracting me, we have to go. Our reservations are coming soon.”
“Lemme put on the shirt, I promise I’ll be quick.
” Ripping the shirt from his grasp, I dashed away, my heartbeat pounding in my ears as I scrambled into my room and slammed the door.
Standing in front of a full-length mirror, I slung the shirt over my messy black hair and around my shoulders.
The fabric was heaven on my skin; it felt luxurious.
I fastened each button slowly, taking in the details of the garment, then stepped back to admire the meticulous craftsmanship, the way it draped perfectly, and the rich texture of the fabric against my body.
Hints of white skin peeked through the delicate lace, creating alluring layers of depth and texture.
Flicking some light mascara on my eyelashes, I gave myself a small fangless smile. I looked like a badass. I felt like a badass.
Butterflies were frantically flying through my body. I couldn’t believe I was actually leaving my floor for the first time in sixty-five years. It almost seemed like I was in a dream, and at any second, I’d wake up.
Taking one last look in the mirror at my impeccable look, I met Gabe in the hallway of closed shops and cafés that were made for me.
He swiped his keycard and pressed a button, a small white ring illuminating the downward-pointing arrow.
As the doors opened, I watched as Gabe tucked the card into the front pocket of his suit.
Once the doors reopened, a wave of anxiety reached me.
This was the first time in sixty-five years I was leaving my floor.
What if it wasn’t as magical as I hyped it up to be in my mind?
Stepping out of the elevator, my head swiveled constantly, and the pit in my stomach disappeared.
Vibrant colors and sounds within Elysium surrounded me as we walked toward the restaurant, a symphony of sights and sounds assaulting my senses.
Passing London-style pubs, we noticed the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from French cafés and bookstores with shelves overflowing with books, just like in a movie.
I almost forgot there was so much more than what was on my floor.
Toys, games, and even non-designer clothing had their own storefronts.
I guess fast fashion hadn’t died with everything else. Gross.
People bustled along the walkways, the rhythmic shuffle of their feet a steady drumbeat against the floor.
Confined to my floor for years, seeing the same faces daily, I was amazed by the surprising diversity of those around me—their laughter, the way they moved, all subtle differences that set each one apart.
They had their own identities. As we walked by, so many people caught me staring, their faces scrunching up in confusion and suspicion as they likely wondered what was wrong with me.
Every time I saw someone’s confused face, I realized I’d been looking for too long.
If I were being honest, I kind of expected all eyes to be on me.
Maybe if I’d gotten out sooner, I’d be seeing the reactions I expected, but after being hidden away for sixty-five years, maybe they all forgot about me?
They must not know who maintains their survival. Could they all be living in ignorance?
“You’re quiet,” Gabe said, his eyes darting back and forth. “Could it be that you’re…shy?”
Hearing the unusually light and teasing tone in his voice calmed me, a welcome change from his usual demeanor. Although he’s not working right now, I knew he was on high alert. “Never,” I answered. “There’s just so much to see down here!”
A laugh escaped from his throat. “Believe me, it’s much better upstairs. You’ll find out soon enough once you’re able to be down here more.”
I didn’t exactly know what he meant, but Gabe slipped his hand into my palm, our fingers interlocking as he expertly navigated through the labyrinthine Elysium.
A large open area overlooked different levels of the safehold spread before us.
Lush vines and emerald leaves cascaded from the high ceilings, forming a vibrant, living curtain that filled the space.
I’d always wanted a garden but never thought it would survive.
A thin waterfall, sounding like a gentle shower, rained through the leaves, cascading into a moss-covered basin below.
The scent of damp earth rested in the air, a lush, wild feeling that gave the perception of truly being outside.
I half expected to see the flash of vibrant plumage or hear the whoops of monkeys as they swung down from the thick, tangled foliage.
“Go to the right.”
Turning my head to where Gabe pointed, I saw a long hallway filled with shops, their colorful signs, and the murmur of shoppers filling the air with a lively buzz.
At the end, a large neon sign pulsed with a bright, white light, its lettering a stark contrast against the darkness, like a beacon in the night.
The letters looped into one another, like a messy scrawl to spell one singular word: SMOKE.