Page 36 of Tangled Roses

I press deeper, my own heat coating my fingers, and as I increase the pressure, I stare deep into the memory of his eyes.

Arman Romanov.

So strong, so powerful, and so off limits. I could have let him fuck me, but then he would be done. He would have what he wants but I’ve only just started. I want to prolong this for as long as possible because for the first time in my life, I want something more than air. I want this experience and I wasn’t kidding. He is part of that deal and I wonder if I would feel the same if it was another man standing in his place.

My body shudders as I come apart by my own hand. His image dancing deliciously before my eyes.

Arman.

His parents got that right. He is a man, a bona fide, power crazy, tyrant of a man, with a soft center that he is trying so hard to disguise.

He could have sacrificed me to the dogs back there at the house and watched them fuck me along with the other women. He could have insisted on taking charge back in the bedroom, but he let me control what happened and I love him for that.

As my heartbeat lessens and reality swims into focus, I head to the shower with the brightest smile on my face. This is the day Gabrielle Adams died. Ellie Adams stepped forward and trampled her into dust and life had better be ready for me because whatever happens next, I’ll be okay. Even if I leave and find myself back on the streets looking for work, I’ll be okay. I don’t need anyone because I’ve got myself, so watch out world, I’m coming for you.

He’s gone.

When I finish in the shower and head back into the room, Arman isn’t there. It’s as if nobody was here in the first place except for my dress that is still lying where it fell. The sheets are smooth and the air is calm. It’s almost as if it never happened and I’m confused. What happens now? Is he angry?

It’s late, so late, but what do I do? Crawl into his bed and sleep off what may have been a bad decision.

Do I go in search of him? Am I even welcome here anymore?

My earlier euphoria is fading as uncertainty creeps in.

I decide to dress and I do it quickly. I can’t take anything for granted and maybe he’s angry with me. I thanked him and walked away, not even considering how he felt, and if a man did that to me, I would be mortified.

I am such a fool. Why am I such a jerk? Of course, he’s angry. I used him. It was obvious and now he’s angry.

My heart beats fast as I head off in search of him. Tiptoeing through the silent penthouse that isn’t dissimilar to the house I first woke up in.

He likes white. Black and white, actually. He dresses in black and his attitude matches that, but he craves the light. Cleanliness, anonymity perhaps, a blank canvas on which to wreak havoc I expect.

The harder I search, the more anxious I get. Has he left me here alone and if so, what now?

The final door I come to leads to the staircase and as I climb the white marble steps, my heart beats with anticipation.

What will I find at the top of this stairwell?

I find another door and as I push through it, the cold fingers of the nighttime darkness claw at my skin. Cooling, bracing and awakening. My sense are on high alert as the breeze calms my heated skin and causes me to shiver in my barely there dress.

I venture on to the roof terrace. Only a glass barrier separating me from possible death. It wraps around this apartment building along with meticulous planting and soft lighting. I pass comfortable seating areas and an outdoor kitchen. A hot tub bubbles away beside an infinity pool that is lit electric blue. The distant sound of the city below proves I’m still alive at least and somewhere down there ordinary life goes on.

My life is far from ordinary now and I can’t believe so much has happened in such a short space of time.

As I round the next corner, I see him. Fully dressed and gazing over the city by the edge, only the glow of a cigarette evidence that he is breathing.

“Arman.”

My voice is soft, hesitant even, and a low whisper reaches my ears.

“Go to bed, Ellie.”

“But–”

“You need your sleep. I suggest you grab it while you can.”

“But–” I take a deep breath. “What about you? Will you, um, be, joining–”