Page 48 of A Deal in Darkness
Almost. Just not quite.
Enzo's nostrils flare as he stares like a man on the verge of losing control. He knows I'm teetering on the edge of surrender and although he's desperate for me to give in, he's determined that I'll do this on my own. It'll be more satisfying that way and he'll delight in knowing that there was at least a little choice.
He's as controlling as he is attractive, and his dominance is without mercy. He'll want to deepen my submission and he'll keep pushing until he has me utterly under his control. The thought of being that powerless—that selfless—ought to terrify me, especially when it's a demon holding all the power.
But an inconvenient ripple of pleasure plunges through me, reminding me how much I enjoy the way this makes me feel.
“Out.” I exhale and soften. “We could talk while we're out doing whatever it is we're doing.”
Enzo nods, and the tension melts away. “Apologize.”
My stomach tightens as he makes me apologize for being a brat and shouting and sulking. He strokes my face when it's over, tells me to get dressed and leaves me to get on with it.
I shower, using large amounts of the expensive wash to cover up his smell. I find a comfortable pair of beige trousers and pair it with a loose vest and cashmere cardigan, emerging looking like the picture of laid-back elegance.
Enzo stares as I walk down the stairs, holding the sling-back shoes in one hand and gripping the banister in the other.
“Beautiful,” he says, offering me his hand to balance on as I put the shoes on.
I wobble in the heels, taking a few moments to find my balance. I'm three inches taller but still considerably shorter than Enzo, and the man towers over me, pressing his point.
“When you're ready, Adi.”
“Where are we going, Enzo?”
His smile is confident and relaxed, almost fooling me into thinking he's laid back and gentle. “I thought an afternoon shopping followed by some drinks might be a pleasant thing to do.”
I nod and let him lead me into the garden. “At some point, we are going to do something other than shop and fuck, right?”
Enzo laughs and the riotous sound echoes around us. He twirls me around, lifting me off my feet as we spiral through the courtyard, leaving me dizzy and shrieking at him.
He finally puts me down and leads me to the waiting car. The driver opens the door this time and I get in, sliding across so he can get in next to me.
We drive off and Enzo smirks.
“What's so funny?”
“You're getting used to this,” he replies. “Quickly. Are you excited about work?”
I nod and risk a worried glance at Enzo. Part of what makes me so excited is that it'll be time away from him, and although he must know this, I don't want to risk making him angry.
“Good. Do you need anything else for it? A laptop perhaps?”
I shrug and stare out the window, wondering what it'll cost me.
“Adi, do you need a laptop?”
“You threw the last one away,” I complain. “With all my photos and university work on it. I doubt that means anything to you, but it means something to me.”
He grabs my hand and squeezes it. Gently. “I had my staff remove your files first. They're safe, sweet girl. But it was far too easy to gain access to and if you want or need a laptop, I'll get you one. One that's safe.”
“With a program on it that tracks everything I do?”
His face lights with amusement. “Naturally. I want to know if you're watching or reading porn.” He waits until I blush. “We can try all those things out, baby.”
I roll my eyes and he shakes his head, leaning across and planting a tender kiss on my cheek.
“We can try anything you'd like, Adi. You'll find I'm willing to let you explore all your fantasies. With me. For me.”
