Tied to the Billionaire(25)

“Aren’t we being picked up?”

“We’re not going back to the villa. We’re going to my apartment here in town.”

“Oh.” Elena stilled. She felt safe at Henry’s villa. It was a home away from home and she was comfortable there, but Charles’ apartment? That would be different. What if he had it set up like a dungeon? What did he want to do to her there? And what if she didn’t like it? Her breathing sped up and her heart started to race thunderously in her chest. Suddenly being with Charles, this relationship didn’t feel like the best idea anymore. She didn’t know if she could go through with it after all.

Charles stood silently in front of Elena as though he were waiting for her to meet his gaze. “What is it?”

“I don’t—that is, why do we have to go there?”

Charles shrugged. “It’s closer and I have everything we’ll need there.”

Oh God. Elena could hardly breathe as she thought about the implications of that statement. Vivid images of restraints and whips and masks entered her mind, and fear and excitement warred for dominance.

“Need,” she squeaked. “What do you mean? What do we need?”

Charles pursed his lips, his eyebrows drawn together in a frown. “Tell me what’s worrying you, Elena. Talk to me.”

“I don’t know if I can do this,” she blurted. “I don’t know if it’s really me.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Elena searched Charles’ eyes as though the answer to the question would be hidden somewhere in their depths. Was she sure? She didn’t know anything anymore. Everything was moving at such a fast pace and she was struggling to keep up. It felt like she was on a fairground ride with no means to get off. She felt powerless. She knew that was the point, but she wasn’t sure yet if it was a good thing or not.

Charles placed his hands on her arms and smiled comfortingly. “Let me reassure you. I will never hurt you. Anything we do will be consensual and we’ll discuss the parameters before we begin.”

“Parameters?” Elena laughed nervously. “I think that is the least sexy thing you’ve said to me all night.”

“Undoubtedly. But we have to have boundaries—it’s essential. There are many things to consider. We need to know what we’re both comfortable with. What our no-go areas are, our safewords.”

“Safewords?” Elena swallowed hard and started to shake her head. She might have fantasised about toys and spanking, about role-playing or being tied up, but this sounded like a whole other level and one she wasn’t sure she was ready for, or if she would ever be ready.

“What if I don’t like it?” she said, finally voicing her fears. “What if you need more? What if I’m not enough for you?”

“Impossible,” Charles scoffed. “You will always be enough. I’m going to make this good for you, and if there is anything you don’t like, we won’t do it again. I like to be in control, yes, but I’m not sadistic, I assure you. This is all about pleasure. For the both of us.”

Elena could see the truth shining in Charles’ eyes and it calmed her, setting her mind at rest. She knew she could walk away now and forget about everything that had happened between them thus far, or she could see where the attraction between them could go—how far it could develop. If she were to run away from her feelings she suspected she would always regret it. She lifted her chin and met Charles’ expectant gaze.

“I want to do this,” she said, surprised by how steady and sure her voice was. “I’m ready to take things further.”

Charles’ smile was jubilant, the pride and respect in his expression solidifying Elena’s resolve.

“You won’t regret this,” he vowed.



Chapter Seven





Pushing open the door to his condo, Charles flicked on the lights and led Elena into the spacious living room. His heart was racing. Elena might be nervous about what was going to happen between them, but Charles was equally as anxious. Tonight had to be perfect. He suspected their entire future relationship depended on what transpired between them here. Charles already knew that Elena was the woman for him, but he was afraid of scaring her off before she got to know him properly, before she had any idea of how good they could be together. He couldn’t let that happen—wouldn’t let that happen.

Charles could already tell from Elena’s actions so far that she would fit seamlessly into his lifestyle. Elena might not realise it yet, but she was the ultimate submissive, eager to please and so at ease in those moments that she allowed herself to stop thinking so much and give up the control she had so carefully adopted in every part of her life.

“Make yourself at home,” Charles said, sweeping a hand around the large open space. “I’ll pour us some wine.”

Elena nodded politely. “Thank you.”

Charles waited for her to cross the room and take a seat on the corner sofa near the window. When she crossed her legs, her dress riding up her hips, his cock responded instantly, hardening to the point of pain. Even though he’d already come and come hard, he had a feeling no amount of orgasms would be able to satiate his need for this amazing woman.

“Take off your dress,” he instructed. “I want you naked by the time I get back. And don’t even think about touching yourself.” Elena frowned, but stood quickly to remove the dress.