*Click*
Brandon spun around at the sudden click.
Elise had somehow snuck into the room undetected, the door now firmly locked behind her.
The air crackled with tension, thick enough to cut with a knife.
Her stilettos struck the polished marble floor like a predator's claws as she stalked toward Brandon, each deliberate step echoing with unmistakable purpose and intensity.
Her piercing gaze locked onto his, a primal hunger burning in her eyes that sent an electric jolt straight to his core.
Brandon felt his breath catch in his throat, a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirling in his gut.
"Wha—"
He began, his usually quick wit failing him in the face of this unexpected encounter.
Before he could utter another sound or even process what was happening, Elise was on him, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. The scent of her expensive perfume enveloped him, clouding his senses and short-circuiting his thoughts.
Her lips crashed against his with the force of a tidal wave, passionate and demanding. It wasn't just a kiss; it was a declaration, a claiming, a release of years of pent-up desire that left them both breathless and reeling.
"Nghh~"
Brandon's hands instinctively gripped her waist as she launched herself into his arms, her legs wrapping around his hips.
Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss.
Brandon's senses were overwhelmed, drowning in the sudden influx of sensations.
The heat of her body pressed against his, her curves fitting perfectly into his hands.
The taste of her, sweet and intoxicating, like a forbidden fruit.
"Mhmmm~"
The sound of her moans, soft and needy, vibrating against his lips.
Brandon's hands slid down to cup her butt, lifting her against him. His tongue darted into her mouth, tangling with hers in a fierce, hungry dance.
Elise's kiss grew more insistent, her teeth grazing his lower lip, drawing out a low groan from deep within him. Her nails raked through his hair, sending shivers down his spine.
He could feel her heat, her desire, pressing against him, threatening to consume them both.
The room around them blurred, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of the moment.
Her scent, her touch, her taste—it was all-consuming, a wildfire burning through him, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.
Brandon swung Elise onto the bed, her body bouncing softly against the plush mattress. She landed on her back, her blonde hair fanning out around her like a halo.
Brandon stood over her, his breath ragged as he grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it off in one swift motion, revealing his chiseled, lean torso.
Elise's cheeks reddened, her gaze trailing over his muscular frame.
She lay there, her chest heaving, her ample chest barely contained by her bikini top.
He leaned forward, his muscular arms flexing as his hands planted on either side of her, his body poised like a predator ready to devour its prey. The mattress dipped under his weight, bringing him tantalizingly close to Elise's soft curves.
His stormy grey eyes locked onto hers, a primal hunger burning within them. Brandon's breath came in short, ragged bursts, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure she could hear it.
But just as he was about to close the distance between them, Elise stopped him.
She pressed a single, delicate finger to his lips, the gentle touch sending shivers down his spine.
"Wait,"
She whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of their heavy breathing.
Her blue eyes, usually so cold and distant, now sparkled with a mix of desire and uncertainty.
"W-we shouldn't," Elise continued, her finger still resting on his lips.
"I want our first time to be special."
Brandon paused, his body taut with anticipation.
He sulked in his mind,
'Ugh… A mega yacht isn't special enough?'
Elise pushed him gently, creating some space between them. She sat up, her eyes flashing a soft determination mixed with a subtle longing and regret.
Brandon sat back on the bed, running a hand through his tousled hair.
Elise covered chest with her scarf, her cheeks flushed red.
"I-I just needed to get that off my chest d-don't overthink it."
Brandon nodded, still catching his breath.
Elise met his gaze, her eyes a mix of vulnerability and determination.
"Look, I understand how things work in our world. It's... complicated."
Brandon raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Elise's voice trembled slightly, betraying the emotion behind her carefully chosen words.
"You're a Blackstone and for men at your level, it's not realistic to expect them..."
Elise paused, choosing her words carefully.
"To be a one-woman man."
He opened his mouth to protest, but she held up a hand.
"Let me finish. I'm not saying I like it, but I get it. The pressure, the expectations, the temptations. It's part of the life we lead."
Brandon frowned.
"Elise, I—"
"No, listen," she interrupted, her voice soft but firm.
"I don't want you to feel pressured. What just happened... Was just... a spur of the moment."
Elise's gaze darted away from Brandon's. A faint blush crept across her cheeks, softening her usually composed demeanor.
"I just..." she started, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I didn't want your block headedness to get in our way anymore."
Brandon's eyes widened, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He leaned in, gently brushing a lock of Elise's blonde fringe behind her ear. His fingers lingered, tracing the curve of her jawline.
"Look, I'm not gonna pretend I'm an exception," Brandon paused, his gaze softening slightly.
"But, you should already understand what or who it takes to bear the Blackstone name, there aren't many in our league…"
Their eyes met, and he felt a jolt of electricity course through him.
"Plus, we're young," he murmured, his voice low and husky.
"There's no need to rush—"
In a heartbeat, Brandon's hand slid to the back of Elise's head, tangling in her silky hair. He pulled her close, crushing his lips against hers in a searing kiss.
"Nghh~"
Elise gasped, her body melting into his embrace.
Their tongues danced, tasting, exploring. Heat bloomed between them, threatening to consume them both.
Brandon broke the kiss, both of them panting. His eyes blazed with an intensity that made Elise's breath catch.
"I'll wait till you're ready, but from this moment on, you're mine" he declared, his voice rough with passion.
Elise's breath hitched, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. She swallowed hard, trying to regain her composure.
"Y-You w-wish," she retorted, but her voice lacked its usual bite.
She stood on shaky legs, wrapping her scarf around her waist.
With one last glance at Brandon, she made her way to the door, her steps unsteady.
Elise reached for the door handle, her fingers trembling slightly. As she pulled it open, she found herself face-to-face with Pierre, his hand raised mid-knock.
Pierre stood frozen, his eyes comically wide as they darted between Elise and Brandon.
His jaw worked soundlessly, like a fish out of water.
The scene before him seemed to short-circuit his brain, leaving him gaping in stunned disbelief.
Elise shot him a venomous glare, but panic quickly overtook her features. Without a word, she bolted past Pierre, fleeing down the hallway.
Pierre remained rooted to the spot, his gaze now locked on Brandon.
"Y-YOU... y-you... s-she... the TWO OF YOU?!"
He sputtered, his voice rising with each word.
Brandon sprang into action.
He grabbed Pierre's arm, yanking him into the room and slamming the door shut.
"Keep it down," he hissed.
"Nothing happened!"
As Brandon pulled his white T-shirt over his head, he added casually, "We just kissed."
"YOU KISSED?!" Pierre shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.
Brandon's hand shot out, clamping over Pierre's mouth.
"This stays between us, comprende?"
Pierre shook his head vigorously, letting out muffled groans through Brandon's hand. His eyes bulged, clearly struggling with the weight of this secret.
Brandon's expression turned serious, his voice low and intense.
"We're both bear powerful names and responsibility. A relationship between us comes with implications beyond our imaginations. This is serious. No one can know, especially when there isn't anything concrete yet. Are we understood?"