Chapter 3 – The Claim (18+)

Two nights later, Aria found herself standing in front of the same hotel where the gala had been held. She told herself she was here for work — a last-minute meeting to discuss upcoming events — but deep down, she knew it wasn’t the whole truth.

Part of her had been waiting for him.

And as if he’d heard that unspoken thought, Elias appeared the moment she stepped inside, wearing a charcoal suit that clung to him like sin. His gaze locked on hers, slow and deliberate, like a hunter who’d finally cornered his prey.

“Aria,” he said, his voice smooth, low. “Come with me.”

There was no question in his tone, no hesitation.

She followed him to the private elevator at the end of the hall, her pulse a steady drum in her ears. The doors slid shut, trapping them in a mirrored box. His reflection in the glass was all hard lines and quiet intensity.

Halfway up, he turned to face her.

“I told you I don’t do halfway,” he murmured.

Before she could respond, his hand cupped the side of her neck, and his mouth crashed onto hers. The kiss was fierce, consuming, a sudden flood after days of restraint. She melted into him, her fingers clutching the lapels of his suit as his tongue slid against hers, tasting, claiming.

The elevator dinged, but he didn’t break the kiss until they stepped into the dimly lit penthouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering city below, but Aria barely noticed — all her focus was on the man whose hands were already exploring her body like he owned it.

His jacket hit the floor. Her coat followed. His fingers found the zipper of her dress, pulling it down slowly, deliberately, the sound loud in the charged silence.

“You have no idea,” he whispered against her skin, “how hard it was to wait for this.”

The dress pooled at her feet, leaving her in silk and lace. His eyes darkened as they raked over her, and she felt heat rise in every inch of her body.

He lifted her easily, carrying her to the bed. The city lights spilled across the sheets as he laid her down, his mouth trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along her collarbone, down to the swell of her breasts.

When his hand slid between her thighs, she gasped, arching into his touch. He groaned, his lips brushing her ear. “Already so wet for me…”

There was no more waiting. No more teasing. He claimed her completely, every thrust deep and relentless, his grip on her hips making it clear she wasn’t going anywhere.

By the time he finally let her rest, her body was trembling — not from exhaustion, but from the knowledge that this was only the beginning.

Elias Drake didn’t take women to bed.

He kept them there.

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WARNING : MUST BE AT LEAST 18+ TO READ THIS

Spoilers : His possessiveness starts to show in a more dangerous, controlling way. That’s when the romance turns into obsession.

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