Chapter Nine

The car ride to Elias's mansion was a blur. Scarlett's heart raced with anticipation, her thoughts scattered as she tried to make sense of everything that had been unfolding between them. The air between her and Elias was charged, thick with the weight of unspoken words.

When they finally arrived at his home a sprawling, modern mansion on the outskirts of the city Scarlett felt an inexplicable pull in her chest. The place exuded wealth, power, and something darker beneath the surface. Elias stepped out of the car first, his tall frame silhouetted against the dim lights of the driveway. He reached for her hand, guiding her toward the entrance with an almost possessive grip.

Inside, the house was just as imposing. Polished floors, glass walls, and minimalist decor everything screamed wealth. But it was Elias's presence that dominated the space, the intensity of his gaze like a magnet pulling her closer.

"Make yourself comfortable," he said softly, leading her into the living room. "I'll be right back."

Scarlett nodded, though she wasn't sure if she was comfortable with anything. Her mind was a whirlwind, and her body seemed to be betraying her as the proximity to Elias sent heat flooding through her veins.

A few moments later, Elias returned, holding two glasses of red wine. He handed her one and sat down next to her, close enough that their thighs brushed. She could smell his cologne, feel the heat radiating off him, and the tension between them grew unbearable.

"Scarlett," he murmured, his voice low and rough. "I've wanted this from the first moment I saw you."

Her breath caught at the rawness in his voice. Her heart raced, and before she could respond, Elias leaned in, his lips capturing hers with a fierceness that took her by surprise.

The kiss was urgent, desperate, like they had both been waiting for this moment far too long. Scarlett's hands found their way to his chest, the hard muscles beneath his shirt making her heart beat faster. His lips trailed down her neck, sending shivers down her spine as she tilted her head back to give him more access. The tension was electric, building to a point where she could hardly breathe.

Elias's hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against each other. Scarlett gasped as she felt the unmistakable bulge of his arousal press against her. A surge of desire flooded her, and without thinking, she reached up to tangle her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss.

"Scarlett," he whispered against her lips, his breath ragged. "Are you sure?"

It took her a moment to answer, her mind clouded with need, her body betraying her once more. "Yes," she breathed. "I want you."

With a low growl, Elias stood up and held out his hand to her. She took it, allowing him to lead her down a long hallway to his bedroom. The room was bathed in soft, ambient light, and the king-sized bed looked impossibly inviting. Scarlett's pulse quickened as Elias gently pushed her back onto the bed, hovering above her.

He paused, looking down at her with a gaze that was both tender and filled with hunger. "I need you, Scarlett," he rasped, his voice hoarse with desire.

"I'm here," she whispered, her voice shaky with anticipation.

Without another word, Elias lowered himself onto her, his lips claiming hers once more. His hands roamed her body, and Scarlett responded instinctively, her own hands moving to unbutton his shirt, the fabric sliding off his shoulders. She felt the heat of his skin beneath her fingertips, and everything inside her screamed for more.

Their kiss deepened, a slow, searing dance of lips and tongues, as Elias moved to explore her neck, his teeth grazing her skin. Scarlett arched against him, a gasp escaping her lips as the sensation of his mouth against her skin sent waves of pleasure through her body.

Elias's hands moved lower, unzipping her dress with practiced ease, the cool air hitting her skin as the fabric fell away. She was bare beneath him, her heart pounding in her chest as she met his gaze. His eyes darkened with lust as he took in the sight of her, his breath quickening.

"You're perfect," he whispered, his voice thick with desire. "God, Scarlett..."

Before she could respond, Elias claimed her lips once again, his hands tracing the curves of her body with urgency. Scarlett's world spun as he kissed her with a ferocity that left her breathless, his body pressing against hers, a heat building between them.

And then, without warning, Elias entered her, slowly at first, as if giving her time to adjust to the overwhelming sensation. Scarlett gasped, her body trembling beneath him, but the pleasure soon overwhelmed her, and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him deeper. Their movements were rhythmic, the air thick with passion as they lost themselves in each other.

Every touch, every kiss, every movement was an explosion of sensation, and Scarlett's world narrowed to just the two of them. There was nothing else, no past or future, just the raw connection they shared in that moment.

As they finally reached the peak of their passion, Elias whispered her name, his voice hoarse with pleasure. And as the world around them spun to a halt, Scarlett realized that she was no longer in control. She had given herself to him completely, her heart and soul laid bare beneath his touch.