Chapter 12

ELYRA.

I stood by the window, my fingers trembling as I pulled the curtains apart just enough to see outside. The afternoon was quiet. Too quiet. The afternoon sun shone against the stone driveway, and the tall iron gates stood shut like silent guards. For a moment, I wished they would never open.

I let the curtains fall back into place and leaned my forehead against the cool glass. My reflection stared back at me, and I almost didn’t recognize the girl looking back.

The dress Radiel had sent earlier that afternoon was barely a dress at all. When the package arrived, I was confused. He hadn’t told me he was sending anything. I made the mistake of believing he was bluffing when he said what he said in the morning. 

I was wrong.

The fabric clung to me like a second skin, thin and soft but shameless, exposing my thighs and cleavage for all to see. There was no hiding in this dress.

When I first tried it on, I had stared at myself in the mirror and felt my cheeks burn.

“Does he actually think I’m some kind of… toy?” I had muttered under my breath.

I immediately warned the maids.

“None of you should come close to my room,” I told them firmly, trying to keep my voice steady. “No matter what happens.”

I saw them exchange curious glances.

“Yes, miss,” one of them replied, nodding obediently.

I knew how rumors spread in this house. A single glance at me in this outfit would be enough to spark whispers for months.

I walked away from the window and sat on my bed. My heart wouldn’t calm down. This whole thing was insane. He hadn’t even mentioned roleplay before. I didn’t know he was into such things. And even if he was, did he have to choose something so indecent?

I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling exposed even though I was alone.

Then I heard the sound of the gates opening. My body stiffened instantly. A second later, the familiar roar of his car engine echoed through the quiet night. Radiel.

I rushed back to the window and carefully peeked through the curtains. His sleek black car rolled into the driveway like it owned the world. My breath caught in my throat.

I quickly checked the time on my phone.

10:07 PM. My stomach dropped. We had agreed on eleven.

I stepped away from the window and paced the room. What if he came up now? What if he didn’t even wait when he came in? My heart pounded so loudly I was sure it could be heard outside the door.

But minutes passed, and yet I heard nothing. No footsteps in the hallway. No knock. No twisting doorknob.

I sat back down on the bed, my fingers gripping the sheets tightly. My mind started creating terrible scenarios. 

“Where is he?” I asked myself quietly.

Maybe he was enjoying the thought of me waiting here, dressed like this, embarrassed and anxious.

Suddenly, my phone's alarm and I almost screamed in panic. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest. I fumbled to turn it off, my breathing uneven.

And at that exact moment, I heard the door handle twist, and the door opened slowly.

For a moment, I stared at him. At Radiel.

He leaned against the doorframe for a second, his signature annoying smirk already on his face. His eyes scanned the room lazily then settled on me.

They darkened instantly.

“Well,” he said softly. “Look at you.”

I swallowed hard and quickly looked away. His gaze felt heavy, almost physical, as if it was touching every part of me.

“You’re early,” I muttered.

“I know.”

That smirk widened. He walked closer, unhurried, confident. Each step made my pulse race faster.

“I wanted to see if you’d actually wear it,” he said. “You did.”

“You’re unbelievable,” I snapped, though my voice wasn’t as strong as I wanted it to be. “This is… this is too much.”

He stopped in front of me, tilting his head slightly. “Too much? I think it’s perfect.”

His eyes traveled slowly down my body again, and I felt heat rush to my face. I suddenly wished I could disappear.

I lay down stiffly, closing my eyes.

“Just… do what you want,” I said, barely above a whisper.

There was a short silence.

Then I heard him exhale softly.

“I like it when both sides are interested,” he said calmly. “But tonight…” He paused. “I don’t mind if you’re a little docile.”

Disgust filled me.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I replied, keeping my eyes shut.

I felt the bed dip slightly as he sat beside me. His presence was overwhelming. The air felt thicker, warmer.

He touched my arm gently at first, his fingers tracing slow patterns over my skin. I told myself not to react. Not to give him the satisfaction.

But my body betrayed me.

My breathing began to change and I felt my muscles soften. The tension I had been holding slowly melted under his careful, deliberate movements.

He leaned closer.

“See?” he murmured near my ear. “You’re not as indifferent as you pretend.”

I clenched my jaw.

“Fuck you.”

“Oh, I will, my lady,” he said, growling in my ears. 

I felt disgust wash over me.

His mouth moved slowly, teasingly, never rushing as they explored every part of my body that wasn't covered with  clothing. Every touch of his hands felt intentional, like he was studying my reactions. I hated that I was responding to his touch. That my body was warming under his attention.

“Radiel…” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if it was a warning or a plea.

He chuckled softly.

My heart pounded faster. My fingers gripped the sheets again, but this time for a different reason. I could feel myself getting closer to the edge, my body craving more, wanting him not to stop.

For a moment, I forgot about the humiliation. Forgot about the dress. Forgot about my anger.

I just wanted—

He stopped suddenly. Completely.

The warmth vanished, and the weight beside me shifted.

My eyes flew open.

“What are you doing?” I asked breathlessly, confusion and frustration mixing in my voice.

He stood at the foot of the bed, adjusting his sleeves casually as if nothing had happened and holding back a laugh.

“That,” he said smoothly, “was your punishment.”

“Punishment?” I repeated, sitting up quickly.

He gave me a slow, satisfied smile. “For that little stunt you pulled yesterday. Did you really think I forgot? That I forgave you?”

My face burned with anger.

“You’re insane!”

He laughed. Actually laughed.

“I told you, Elyra,” he said, walking toward the door. “I like it when both sides are interested. You were pretending earlier, right? Let's call that a reminder.”

“You’re cruel,” I shot back.

He paused at the door and looked over his shoulder.

“Maybe,” he admitted. “But maybe next time, you’ll think twice before slapping me again.”

He turned and left, the door closing behind him with a soft click.