Gabriel grabs my hand and leads me to the kitchen, motioning for me to sit at the breakfast bar. He goes to the fridge, giving me the first chance to take in his apartment. It’s moderately sized, and much less grand than I imagined it would be. I half expected to see a butler walking around a mansion this morning when I envisioned it.
Everything is black. Black leather couches, black walls, and shiny black floors. In the living room, I notice all the furnishings seem to have sharp edges. I can’t really see how any of it could be comfortable. There are no family photos, and the only artwork that hangs is a few large printed photos of cityscapes.
On the opposite wall, there is floor to ceiling glass which showcases an outdoor balcony with a private spa overlooking the city below. It’s the only detail of the apartment I really like. The space just seems so sterile and cold, like an office building rather than a home. I wonder idly if this reflects Gabriel’s personality as well. On the outside, he does seem somewhat cold, but I know on at least a couple of occasions I’ve seen a glimpse of another side to him.
But I, better than anyone, should know not to judge a book by its cover. There are probably a whole lot of reasons Gabriel is the way he is, and it isn’t my place to make assumptions. Still, a small part of me hopes that I will see more of his real personality… the one he hides away from the world.
Gabriel interrupts my thoughts when he reappears with two Mimosas, setting one on the breakfast bar in front of me. “A little hair of the dog.”
I take a small sip first, unsure if more alcohol is what I really want after this morning. But the taste is light and surprisingly refreshing, and I find it to be exactly what I need. He watches me approvingly as I drink, leaving his own drink untouched.
“You want me, Victoria,” he states in a matter of fact tone, getting straight down to business.
“Excuse me?” I shoot him a look of annoyance. What a cocky bastard.
“Well, it’s true, you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t. There’s no need for either of us to play coy. I want you too, very much, and I will make no show of hiding it.”
“Glad to see your ego is still in check,” I retort sarcastically.
I take another long pull of my cool drink, feeling like I’m going to need it for this conversation. I really shouldn’t be surprised by his attitude anymore. Yep, this apartment is definitely a reflection of his personality.
“The thing is,” he continues. “I want to be clear what this is between us. I fuck, and that’s it. You said the other day that I could have my pick of women, and it’s true. If you want sweet words and pillow talk after, then you’ve come to the wrong place.”
I can’t believe he just said that. Is this his pathetic attempt to win me over? By telling me he could get any woman he wanted? I’m already stewing up something venomous in reply, but he interrupts me before I can even open my mouth.
“I’ve never had to have this conversation with anyone before.” He runs an anxious hand through his hair. “The women I date, they are usually well aware of what I expect beforehand. But I just feel it’s important that I’m honest with you upfront, giving you the chance to run now if you want.” His voice becomes strained, and he actually looks nervous. “But, I really don’t want you to run.”
I still can’t get over his earlier comment, and although it may be childish, I decide to have a jab at him anyway. Consequences be damned.
“Well,” I snap, “if you have your pick of women, then why don’t you just fuck them and save yourself the trouble.”
“Victoria, please, just hear me out. I want you. I can’t tell you in any other way than I already have. It’s that simple. But after you hear what I have to say, you may not want me.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. Okay, I need to focus. What exactly is he trying to tell me?
“Well, just lay it all out for me then,” I reply as calmly as my voice allows me to. “I’m not a damn child, Gabriel. Just tell me whatever it is. I’m sure I can handle it.”
“You’ve had a small taste of me. But I want there to be more.” His voice is filled with longing, and somewhere deep inside of me my own muscles seem to respond.
“First, I want to be clear,” he says distantly. “When you’re with me, I’m in control Victoria, not you. I need you to understand that. There is no other way. I will be rough with you, and I will do what I please until you tell me to stop. And once you tell me to stop, this thing between us ends… for good. Understand?”
I can’t help it. The sick, twisted part of me is enthralled by what he’s telling me. He wants to control me. To dominate me. And all I can think about is him standing over me naked, bossing me around. I can feel my face flushing at the very idea of it, my panties soaking with sudden arousal. The demons that live deep inside of me are rearing their ugly heads, screaming let’s totally do this! Meanwhile, logical me is shaking her head, asking how I always manage to get myself into these messes.