Velia could barely hold back her drowsiness as the car finally came to a stop. She, who had almost fallen asleep, suddenly felt refreshed and turned her head. They had arrived at a towering building that appeared incredibly grand.
“Let’s go,” Lucas’s voice coincided with the opening car door. They got out and quickly entered.
A security guard welcomed their arrival. He smiled and greeted them. Unfortunately, Lucas did not receive a similar response. The same went for the unassuming receptionist. In fact, the man only nodded briefly and continued walking towards the elevator.
The elevator carried Lucas and Velia away from the lobby. As they ascended floor after floor, the journey was enveloped in silence.
It did not take long for the elevator doors to open. Lucas and Velia arrived at their destination floor, and they walked along the corridor.
There was only one door on that floor. The sole place they were headed to, and Lucas said, “Remember this passcode, Ve.”
Velia blinked, slightly confused, but reflexively remembered the sequence of numbers Lucas entered on the door lock.
The door opened. They entered, and the sight that greeted Velia made her stop in her tracks.
Velia’s eyes wandered, observing her surroundings, and her growing curiosity manifested in her expression. “What is this, Luc?”
Lucas approached Velia. “What? What do you mean?”
Turning and looking at him, Velia explained her meaning. “This isn’t a hotel.”
Indeed, it was not a hotel as Velia had assumed when Lucas picked her up. Instead, it was a luxurious apartment that was their destination at that moment.
“Of course not.”
Shaking his head faintly, Lucas closed the distance and stopped right in front of Velia. His hand reached out to grasp her waist.
Velia did not resist. She allowed her body to be pulled into Lucas’s embrace.
“I don’t want to go through the hassle of checking in every time I want to meet you. It’s not efficient at all.”
No, that did not answer Velia’s confusion at all.
“Then?”
Lucas’s hand moved again, briefly caressing the curve of Velia’s waist.
“Initially, I thought I could come to your place and then go straight home. But…”
Lucas let out a long breath. He looked at Velia with a resigned gaze, slightly trembling.
“… your living conditions are so dreadful.”
That was enough for Velia to understand. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising that Lucas had made all the arrangements.
“So, I decided to give you this apartment.”
Naturally, Lucas’s words shocked Velia.
“What?”
Lucas grinned. Velia’s astonishment caught his attention. His hand rose and gently stroked Velia’s cheek, right where a blush appeared.
“I’ve already told you, Ve. We can’t always go to a hotel, and I have no intention of visiting you in that rental place. So, this is the middle ground.”
It sounded reasonable and logical; two traits associated with Lucas. However, Velia saw things differently.
Velia was not foolish. It was not difficult for her to guess that the apartment was not an affordable dwelling. Especially with everything inside it, her suspicions were undoubtedly correct.
Named The Grandiose Plaza, according to rumors, it was the most expensive apartment located in Ashford City. The Grandiose Plaza capitalized on its prime location in the center of economic activities. It was not only close to office buildings but also to shopping centers, businesses, and government institutions.
Regarding the facilities, The Grandiose Plaza was no joke. They clearly understood that the comfort and security of residents were of utmost importance. Therefore, everything was provided in a satisfying manner.
Private elevators, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, direct access to shopping centers, and 24-hour security systems were just a few of the available amenities. The priority was maintaining the residents’s privacy, and it was well taken care of.
In terms of catering to consumer instincts, The Grandiose Plaza also offered spa treatments, restaurants, and refreshing gardens. Everything was meticulously arranged and attended to, guaranteeing a satisfying living experience.
“You can’t be serious.”
Velia’s disbelief created a faint furrow on Lucas’s forehead. He responded with a decisive question.
“Have I ever been unserious? When have I ever played around?”
Velia remained silent, acknowledging the valid answer. That was never.
“You’re insane, Luc.”
A tickling sensation formed at the corner of Lucas’s lips. “Why insane? This is a sensible decision. Ah! I almost forgot to tell you. You don’t have to live in that rental place anymore.”
“So, you mean I’ll live here?”
“Exactly,” nodded Lucas. “So, what do you think of this place?”
Velia could not respond. Her tongue felt heavy, and it took her at least five seconds to speak. And even then, it was a question she posed, accompanied by a puzzled look in her eyes.
“Why are you doing this, Luc?”
Lucas gazed at Velia as he replied, “I’m doing it because I want to. Hmm, you don’t think I did it because I still love you, right?”
It was not just Lucas’s gaze, but the question itself succeeded in taking Velia’s breath away. She froze. However, she did not freeze to the point where Lucas shook his head with a teasing expression.
“Of course not.”
Velia’s heart seemed to stop beating. The redness on her cheeks intensified. She seemed darkened by the shame she could not bear.
“I just want to take care of mine.”
Satisfaction radiated from Lucas’s eyes. It seemed arrogant, and he appeared pleased when he saw Velia’s expression.
“Whether you like it or not, you now belong to me,” Lucas said with a heavy voice. His finger played again, stroking Velia’s cheek and running through her hair. “I always take care of everything I own. Preserve it as best as possible. Including you, Ve. Especially because you’re not cheap.”
It was not the first time Velia had been demeaned. At one point in the past, she had received a wad of money thrown right at her face. She had thought that was the most painful form of humiliation. Apparently, it was not.
“I understand what you mean.”
Velia’s body became rigid. Lucas grinned and seemed to enjoy it.
“Come on,” Lucas invited, reaching out for Velia’s hand. “You should see your new place.”
Lucas led Velia around. They explored every room, and even though Velia didn’t like everything, she couldn’t help but be amazed.
“I remember that you enjoy cooking.”
It was the kitchen that truly captivated Velia. Undeniably, all the facilities there managed to widen her eyes.
Lucas knew that. He would never forget that Velia had a passion for cooking. That was why he instructed Vlora to prepare the kitchen as best as possible.
Velia would not be tempted by expensive vases or antique paintings there. Nor would she be impressed by the various crystals adorning the ceilings. But this room would surely capture her attention.
Whether consciously or not, Velia pulled away from Lucas. Her legs had a will of their own. She stepped forward and walked through the kitchen with an appraising gaze.
A four-door refrigerator, an electric oven, and a toaster-those were the three items that immediately caught Velia’s eye. She continued to walk and satisfy her feminine instinct for various kitchen utensils. Complete, modern, and fulfilling every woman’s desire.
Once again, satisfaction emanated from Lucas’s eyes. But this time it was different from before. It was not about inflating his ego but rather about his self-worth as a man.
Lucas approached Velia. He embraced her from behind and whispered softly in her ear.
“I’m waiting for you to use all the equipment in this kitchen.”
Velia was stunned. For a moment, she could not breathe. Lucas’s words touched something inside her.
There was a glimpse of a memory. Involving chocolate cake and a slight rejection. However, a second later, it transformed into laughter full of happiness.
~
“I don’t know if cooking is the right hobby or not. It seems that being with you makes me never feel hungry again.”
“You know what? I love watching you eat. You always smile.”
~
Velia shook her head once. The image vanished and was replaced by the reality in front of her eyes.
“I thought this exceeded our agreement.”
Lucas’s hand toyed with Velia’s stomach. “I’ve already told you that I will take care of what’s mine. This is normal, Ve.”
The fine hairs on the back of Velia’s neck stood up. Lucas’s breath caressed her and created a warmth that made her uneasy.
“This unit is spacious, but you don’t have to do anything. Everything will be cleaned and taken care of for us. The only thing you can do is cook. If you want to, that is. Food is an easy matter; we can just order it.”
Satisfied enough with the kitchen, Lucas invited Velia to visit another room. Next was the workspace.
“I thought I would need it when I stay here.”
Temporarily leaving Velia to fetch something from the desk drawer, Lucas approached again with two cards in his hands. He handed them to her and said, “Take these and use it as you please.”
Velia looked at them with an incredulous gaze. “Luc?”
“50. 000 will be transferred to your account tomorrow, but it doesn’t include these two cards. You can consider them as a gift from me. Use them to take care of yourself and have fun. You surely know, right? I’m not a cruel lover.”
For the umpteenth time, Lucas rendered Velia speechless. She could only stare in astonishment at everything Lucas did.
“So, I hope you always remember. You belong to me, Ve. Don’t let any other man touch you. Moreover, you should know what you have to do.”
There was an implicit warning. Velia could not possibly ignore it.
“You don’t think about deceiving me, do you?” Lucas asked without waiting for Velia’s answer. “Taking my money but not serving me to the best of your abilities?”
Velia forced herself to lift her face. “N-no.”
“Good. At least you should remember who’s helping you.”
Money always makes a difference. Its presence gives power.
Velia had proved it. She would not neglect to implant the fact in her mind that Lucas had power over her. That Lucas owned her.
For that reason, Lucas should not be surprised when Velia’s hands cupped his face. Nor should he be surprised when Velia leaned in to brush Lucas’s lips with a brief kiss.
He should not be surprised. However, reality was quite the opposite.
Lucas blinked. Velia’s eyes slowly opened right in front of him.
“I will always remember.”
Lucas took at least five seconds to regain his composure. He exhaled and forced a smirk to appear on his face.
“There’s one room I haven’t shown you yet.”
It was the bedroom that marked the end of Velia and Lucas’s journey. A room with an elegant and classy ambiance.
“This is our bedroom.”
Velia held her breath. Lucas did not need to explain. The presence of a bed there answered every question.
Taking his place behind Velia, Lucas brushed aside her hair. He moved away those dark and gloomy strands to provide the view that Lucas desired. A sight of straight lines running along Velia’s neck.
Velia shivered. Lucas’s breath felt tangible on her nape. She tensed in anticipation, and a wet kiss landed there.
Lucas closed his eyes. His hand descended as his lips continued their exploration along Velia’s neck.
The tip of Lucas’s nose played around, teasing, and tracing the scent on Velia’s skin. He inhaled the gentle aroma as deeply as possible.
“Luc.”
Unable to hold back, Velia uttered Lucas’s name. Her chest rose and fell as Lucas’s hand trailed on her abdomen. Slowly, but surely. His large fingers undid every button, releasing them from their respective holes.
Lucas’s breath grew heavier. He removed the shirt from Velia’s body and tossed it aside.
Lucas gently stroked Velia’s stomach, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
“Move,” he said, guiding his fingers to her back, unhooking her bra, and freeing Velia’s breasts from their support.
“I don’t want to see you wearing clothes like that again, Ve.”
Velia held her breath, frozen in place as Lucas pulled her body closer to his. Her back pressed against his chest, and without warning, Lucas cupped her breasts, squeezing them, eliciting a moan from Velia.
Lucas growled and pushed Velia away, causing her to stumble on shaky legs. They moved toward a room in the bedroom, filled with several wardrobes and their clothing essentials.
Stopping in front of a large mirror, Lucas’s eyes darkened as they focused on Velia’s nipples.
Lucas inhaled deeply, his hand trailing down to Velia’s knee-length skirt and removing her panties as well.
Velia closed her eyes, unable to witness herself standing before the mirror completely exposed, with no fabric covering her body.
“I like seeing this,” Lucas said.
Contrary to Velia’s expectations, Lucas was enamored with her current state, not just because of her nakedness, but also the marks that adorned her skin, visible on her neck, breasts, and even her stomach.
“I like seeing every mark I’ve left on your body,” Lucas continued in a husky voice. “What do you think?”
Velia forced herself to open her eyes, mustering the strength to nod in agreement. She swallowed the bitterness that filled her and replied, “It looks good, Luc.”
Lucas turned his face away, planting a kiss on Velia’s head and burying his face in her hair.
“That’s right, Ve. Just like this.”
Lucas embraced Velia’s stomach, his growls resurfacing, growing heavier. However, instead of expressing them, he said, “I want to spend tonight with you, but there’s work I need to finish.”
“Work?” Velia questioned.
Lucas nodded briefly. He released Velia’s body and walked toward a wardrobe, opening it to reveal a set of sleepwear.
“I’ve spent half the day with you, Ve. I have to make up for it tonight.”
Lucas donned a satin nightgown while Velia stared at the contents of the wardrobe, her eyes widening. There was no need to guess-every piece of clothing inside was meant for her.
“All the clothes and necessities you need are prepared by Vlora. If anything is missing, just let me know.”
Nodding once, Velia found Lucas wearing a satin nightgown on her body.
It felt smooth and incredibly soft. The expensive fabric cascaded perfectly on Velia’s slender figure, enveloping her with a sense of utter perfection.
Lucas pulled away, creating a little distance he needed.
“See? You look stunning.”
Reluctantly, Velia could not help but be amazed by her appearance. The size fit perfectly, and the color matched her skin tone perfectly.
“Thank you.”
“It’s worth what I’m getting,” Lucas whispered. “Now, it seems I have to leave you for a while.”
Velia watched Lucas through the mirror. “Are you going to work right away?”
“Ah,” Lucas exhaled, nodding briefly. “You can rest.”
After planting a kiss on Velia’s head, Lucas left, and for a moment, Velia stood in contemplation.
A minute passed, and Velia’s curiosity suddenly emerged. She opened one of the wardrobes and widened her eyes at the sight of more women’s clothing filling it.
She glanced around the room, taking in the glass cabinet filled with luxurious bags and shoes, along with various other women’s accessories.
Velia’s gaze fell upon another wardrobe of the same size. For some reason, she felt unsettled as she approached it.
She opened the wardrobe, finding it filled with men’s clothing.
Lucas’s clothing? Does that mean he will stay here too?
Velia’s heart raced with fear, causing cold sweat to form on her neck, but she tried to calm herself.
It’s impossible. Lucas is a busy man. He can’t possibly stay here. Maybe it’s just in case he has to spend the night.
Attempting to dismiss the possibility from her mind, Velia left the dressing room and headed to the bed, lying down on her tired body.
She gazed at the ceiling, her mind empty, and a bittersweet smile appeared on her face.
Lucas won’t let me go this time.
Ironically, Velia had to prepare herself for all the consequences. The payment for Lucas’s help.
At least Lucas saved me.
*