Chapter 42
Forty-two
The last week before the third challenge, Orion enters my apartment with a solemn look on his face.
“Now what?”
“The Kosmos unexpectedly is hosting a ball this week. They pulled me aside to tell me how much they were looking forward to speaking with you. Any reason that may be, Zellie?”
I feel the color drain from my face. Do these people find out everything? How? Are they spying on us? “I may have had a brief outburst recently.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me?”
“I didn’t think it was a big deal!”
“Any outward display of opposition towards them is a big deal, Zi!” Orion rubs his temple. “I swear to the stars I did not think you would cause me this much stress.”
“Oh, lighten up, Riri. I merely shared my opinion.”
“Lighten up?” Orion laughs, but the sound isn’t funny at all. He pinches his nose—does he regret being my sponsor yet? The internal damage I’ve caused him at this point is irrevocable. “You’re supposed to be flying under their radar.”
“My temper got the best of me.”
“Again.”
“Again,” I repeat, picking at my nail bed.
“You’re lucky your temper is one of your most redeeming qualities.”
When I look up, I see admiration shining in his eyes. At least he’s not mad at me… for now. “There are so, so many to pick from, aren’t there?”
I flip my hair, letting my braid hit him in the face as I pass out the door.
I’m a work in progress; what can I say?
“Remind me again why I’m shopping with you?” Leo’s hand is laced in mine as I peruse rack after rack of elegant dresses. He’s always touching me. This man is conditioning me to rely on his touch… and I’m almost positive it’s working.
“Because I need a dress for this ball. Should I ask Lenny to come instead? Maybe Orion?” He’s also so easy to rile. I love getting a rise out of him.
“I don’t fucking think so.”
I gasp. The dress calls to me; I swear.
Simple, slinky, and black, the dress features thin straps and snaking cutouts that weave up the side from just below the hip to right under the breast. I need it.
I grab it in my size and head towards the fitting room.
The material hugs my body and kisses the ground, with a slit in the thigh allowing my legs to move.
A sly grin forms as I take in the dress in the mirror.
It’s seductive and bold, while somehow remaining understated.
The complete opposite of the dress they picked for me when I first arrived.
This dress embodies who I am and the metamorphosis I’ve undergone.
I slide the curtain, revealing myself to Leo.
He stills, his eyes taking their time roaming my body inch by inch. “I will worship you in this.” He takes my hand, kissing my knuckles.
“You worship me, regardless.”
“As I should.” He takes me in once more. “Stunning creature.” I blush, spinning to give a complete look. “Let’s get out of here before I take you in this room.”
“Would that be so bad?” I whisper.
Leo gives me a devilish look, stepping into the room and closing the curtain behind him.
He kneels before me, slowly and sensually pushing the fabric up my thighs.
As he positions one of my legs over his shoulders, he instructs, “Quiet while I make you come, baby. I know how you love to scream for me.”
Then he feasts on me like a man starved.
His fingers dig into my thighs as his tongue works me.
“Leo,” I whimper, threading my fingers in his hair and pushing him deeper into me.
He adds a finger, then works in another, focusing his tongue on my clit with small circular movements.
My orgasm builds until it reaches a breaking point.
“Leo!” I moan, riding his face through the waves. He doesn’t stop until my body softens against him. Then he simply pulls my dress back down, adjusts himself, and kisses me fiercely. “Good girl.”