Sexy Stranger

Marina's POV

Once we were inside, I finally got a good look at him. He was tall, lean, with dark hair that fell just enough to brush his intense eyes. High cheekbones, a sharp jaw, and a presence that radiated both danger and control.

“Lucian’s rescue service is ready and waiting,” he said.

“Catalina,” I whispered, my heart still racing. “My name is… Catalina? Who are you with?”

“Just a bartender,” he said, calm, almost casual. “Adrian told me to wait here and help get a girl out.”

If Adrian set this up, Lucian was part of the plan. I thought it through quickly. “Then let’s not stand here chit-chatting. Let’s move.”

We charged into the waiting elevator.

“Yes, ma’am. I like a woman who takes charge,” he said, a faint grin in his voice.

“Where are you taking me?”

“I’m not sure if I’m allowed to tell you,” he said, pressing the button. The elevator shuddered, lights flickering as it began moving down.

“The elevator’s on emergency power,” he explained. “Someone cut the main lines.”

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Just a waiter,” he said. “Adrian pulled me aside. His boss had a favor for me. If I did it, I’d be rewarded.”

I studied him. Vale always had a plan. Why this man? He scanned me from head to toe, eyes sharp.

“Weird party,” he said, nodding at the costumes around us.

“This isn’t S&M gear. It’s just for fun,” I replied, a teasing edge in my voice.

“Care to educate me?” he asked, voice low, eyes glinting. “I like being taught by beautiful women.”

I let my gaze roam over him, imagining the possibilities. Fun, clever, capable. When we are safe, I’d see what he could do.

“Focus,” I said, steel in my voice. “Lucian. Focus.”

He snapped to attention. I sauntered over and placed my hand over his on the elevator button. “Do you have to keep your finger on the button for it to work?”

“Yes,” he said. “It requires someone who knows what they’re doing. Press the wrong button, nothing happens.”

“Then your first lesson,” I said, pressing slightly, “is to stay focused on the task. I like a man who knows what he’s supposed to do.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied.

The elevator finally hit the bottom. Gunfire echoed faintly from the garage above. He grabbed my hand and we ran to a car.

“This is a nice car for a waiter,” I said, eyes wide.

“Oh, it’s not mine,” he said, flashing a set of keys. “Finders keepers.”

He started the engine, pushing the car through smoke and chaos, every movement precise.

“We aren’t in the clear yet. I think someone’s on our trail,” he said.

“I have an idea,” I said, opening the glove compartment. A large gun spilled out.

“How did you know?” he asked, impressed.

“This city is full of gangsters. I’d be surprised if there wasn’t one in here,” I said, checking the gun and loading it.

“I’ll hold us steady. Try to take out the tires on the car behind us,” he instructed.

I fired, and the tires blew. The pursuing car skidded and spun off the road.

“You’re impressive,” I said, breathless.

“You’re worth impressing,” he said, voice low, confident.

“Is that so?” I asked. “Anything else impressive I should know about?”

“Let’s just say I’m very good with my hands,” he said, a glint in his eyes.

I smirked, thinking of the possibilities, but focused. “Focus, Lucian.”

We pulled up to a small apartment building far from downtown. He guided me inside, the space small, intimate, and devoid of personality.

“This must be one of Vale’s safe houses,” I murmured. Relief washed over me.

“Very well spotted,” he said. His presence sent familiar vibrations through me. “It’s a fool who underestimates you, princess.”

He moved in front of me, getting into a defensive stance. “You don’t want to underestimate me either. Are you one of Lacroix’s assassins?”

Vale stepped forward, a crooked smile on his face. “What a good puppy you are. I wish there was time to house train you, but today has other plans.”

“Lucian, this is Vale,” I said, heart hammering. “Victor Lacroix just crashed the party.”

“I’ve heard of you,” Lucian said, fists still raised. “You own the sex club in nature territory. You own people.”

“Velour is more than a club,” Vale said, eyes on me, mischievous. “I do not own people. People serve me. There’s a difference.”

He leaned closer, eyes twinkling. “Do you remember your safe word?”

The word slipped from my lips before I could think.

 “Red.”

Vale's mouth curved, though his eyes stayed sharp. “Good. You remember. Now show Lucian how well you serve me, princess. That costume has served its purpose. Take it off.”

My heart pounded. He was the only man who had ever dominated me, the only one I trusted in this twisted dance. He would never push me past what I could bear. That had always been our rhythm, his control and my surrender. But this time, something inside me locked up.

“No,” I said, my voice steady.

For a breath, silence stretched. Then his smile vanished. His tone dropped to ice. “I would love to bend you over my knee and punish you for that little display of defiance. But that will be for later. Now… strip.” His eyes burned, cold and unyielding.

Heat rushed through me, fear and need twisting together. My body moved before my mind could stop it. In moments, the costume lay at my feet. I forced myself to meet his gaze, bare and exposed. “Better?”

“Much,” he said softly, with a cruel satisfaction.

Across the room, Lucian shifted. His voice cracked as he tried to muster anger. “I don’t know what the hell this is, but you can’t just order someone to take off their clothes.” He tried to glare, but his jaw trembled, his head turning slightly as though the sight of me burned his eyes.

“Lucian,” I whispered.

“No,” Vale cut in, his command like a whip. “I want you to be silent.”

Confusion coiled in my chest. Why silence me now? Why when Lucian was watching? But the way Vale's gaze pinned me left no room for doubt. I nodded once, and his smile returned, dark and victorious.