Chapter 8 Manipulations
Lisa's POV
Ever since I got the invitation to be a runway model for BELLE's launching, I became more popular among the models. It was a prestige and honor so I took full advantage of it, of course I had leaked this little information by pretending to unintentionally leave the email displayed on my laptop screen while I excused myself to use the restroom.
I got a ton of attention and I loved it. I have always loved this fame and attention and now, I have chances of being in the list of the most rated models in the world.
My dreams are huge, to become known and influential and this invitation was a passcard to it.
“Are you content with the dress?” Adrian asked, pulling me off my train of thoughts.
“Oh.” I cooed, staring at my reflection in the mirror. “It's beautiful, but it looks simple. I mean, a lot of people are going to be there and if I'll stand out, my dress would go a long way for that to work.” I added coyly.
Adrian's face fell and he looked displeased by this. Since I showed him the email, he has been going to high and lows just to please me and do whatever I want. I am used to being treated specially by him but this time around, it was different.
“I told the designer to make it exactly as you wanted, she charged a high fee for this and it doesn't catch your fancy. “ he spat angrily.
I placed a hand on his chest and gently caressed it, he exhaled and his tone softened. “Does it upset you? I'll have someone else make you a far prettier dress.” He offered.
“You've spent a lot on this one, I'd hate for you to waste your money.” I said, feigning innocence and sadness.
He lifted my chin with his index finger, gently. “Look at me Lisa.” He ordered but I looked the other way. “Lisa, don't you ever insinuate that I am wasting my money, I'll exhaust all my fortune on you if need be and I won't regret it.”
A smirk curled at the corner of my lips, I had him perfectly wrapped around my fingers.
“Thank you for caring for me unconditionally, you've always supported my dreams and passion and I promise to never let you down.” I promised him.
He was satisfied by my response and his hand slid to my waist, holding me closely.
“Do you miss her?” I whispered, provocatively.
“Who?”
“Arielle.”
He fell silent for a moment and pressed his lips together. “You’re here with me, let's focus on that instead.”
He avoided the topic, he always did. It's been almost two months since she died and I felt guilty about her death, partially because she had to donate blood to me the night of her supposed surgery.
“Do you think she might still be alive if I wasn't anemic and needed her blood? The Doctors said she died of a hypovolemic shock.” I muttered, my voice cracking.
“Lisa..”
“It's true Adrian and you know it, it should've been me who's dead and not her, I wasn't there for her at her deathbed when she was in pain, instead, I was receiving the award that should've been hers and she died.” I added, tears welling in my eyes.
Adrian snatched my hand and drew me closer to himself. “She died because she had lost too much fluid, it is not your fault.”
“It was her dream to become a model for BELLE, do you think she'd be upset I'm living her life?” I asked, tears rolling down my cheeks.
He wiped my tears with his thumb and sighed. “You're getting all this attention because you deserve it, it is not your fault she's dead, it's no one's fault, stop thinking of things that will make you sad and focus on your future.”
I nodded my head and placed my head on his chest, bursting into tears. He patted my head and I smiled satisfactorily. The tears were a facade to see if he was still the fool who would say and do anything to please me.
“You have nothing to cry about Lisa, none of it was your fault and you're not alone, you know I'll always be here with you.” He said, soothingly.
“What would I do without you? You care too much for me.” I intoned softly.
“I can never care for you enough, your place in my heart can never be changed.” He reminded me and I smiled, coyly.
He looked me in the yes and slowly placed his lips on mine, kissing me gently, I parted my lips, giving him full access. I loved the feel of his wet lips on mine.
I could feel his hardness pressing against me, his arm slid to my waist, gently caressing my butt. A hand roamed my body freely and he undid the hook of my bra. My body ached for more of his touch, pure passion and lust blazing in his eyes.
He slowly broke the kiss and took a step back.
“Did I do something wrong?” I asked, surprised that he was backing out.
He shook his head, guilt in his eyes. “No, I'm sorry I can't do this, I feel I'm taking advantage of you and you're just not ready for this.” He admitted.
Normally, I'd play along and let him leave but he had aroused my desires and my other means of sexual satisfaction was away on a business trip. One of the things I like about Adrian is how he treats me like a fragile person, afraid a little touch would break me.
“No.” I breathed. “I want this also.” I whispered, seductively, stood on my toes and crashed my lips on his.
A low guttural growl escaped from his throat as I awakened his inner beast. He groped my breast and slid off the gown from my shoulders, his kiss deepened, his husky breath heavy on my nape and I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“The dress.” I cautioned.
He grunted. “I'll pay for it.”
Then he proceeded to yank off the part that hugged my body, stripping me down to my underwear. He paused and marveled at the beauty of my body. I wrapped my legs around his waist, not wanting to give him a chance to let me go.