Chapter 19 Love at First Sight
"And if I don't keep my promise?"
The question hung between us in the Bentley's leather-scented interior, dangerous as a loaded gun. I should've felt terrified—Ethan Bennett was essentially threatening to renege on our two-year agreement—but instead, I found myself almost laughing.
"You will," I said with surprising confidence, meeting his ice-blue gaze.
"How can you be so sure?" His fingers tightened imperceptibly on the steering wheel.
I didn't argue further. I knew Ethan would keep his word, not from honor, but practicality. Two years was plenty of time for a man like him to grow bored. His interest wasn't love—it was the thrill of acquisition, the rush of taking something Blake wanted. Once he possessed me completely, the challenge would evaporate.
His cold, calculated control told me everything. He wasn't a man consumed by passion but by possession. And possessions, eventually, lose their shine.
I stared out the window at the passing Los Angeles skyline, something shifting inside me. Maybe instead of fighting this arrangement, I could use it. For two years, I'd have access to Ethan's resources, connections, and knowledge. I could learn skills I'd never afford otherwise—like swimming and riding—and position myself for a better future.
---
The next morning, I selected the pale blue silk nightgown Ethan had purchased for me—the one his eyes had lingered on when he'd first shown me the wardrobe. I let it float around my thighs as I descended the marble staircase to the breakfast room.
Ethan sat reading the financial section, coffee steaming beside him. When he looked up, surprise flickered across his features—a rare crack in his composure that I carefully noted.
I slid into the chair beside him rather than across the table, letting my shoulder brush his. "Good morning. Sleep well?"
He set down his newspaper, studying me with the intensity of a scientist observing an unexpected reaction. "You're different today."
I reached for the coffee pot, pouring myself a cup before answering. "I've been thinking..." I let my voice soften, "If we're going to spend two years together, why not make them pleasant?"
His eyebrow arched slightly. "Indeed." His gaze dropped to where the silk clung to my collarbone. "Oh, your new phone arrived. Walter will pick it up this afternoon."
"Thank you." I leaned forward and, summoning my courage, pressed a light kiss to his jawline.
His reaction was immediate—a sharp intake of breath, his hand finding my waist, eyes darkening to midnight. "What else would you like?" His voice roughened. "Bags? Clothes? Jewelry? Would you prefer to shop yourself, or shall I have things brought to you?"
---
Three days later, we entered Christie's auction house, my arm tucked into Ethan's. I'd chosen a champagne-colored dress that whispered money without shouting it.
Staff members practically genuflected as Ethan approached. They led us to front-row VIP seats, offering champagne that Ethan declined with a curt shake of his head.
"Why are we here?" I whispered.
"I thought you might appreciate something from this collection." His smile held secrets.
The auctioneer unveiled a pair of deep red earrings that caught fire under the lights. "Lot 42: Exceptional unheated pigeon-blood ruby earrings, 5.8 carats each, Mogok mines of Burma. Starting bid: five million dollars."
I nearly choked. Ethan casually raised his paddle.
"Six million from Mr. Bennett."
Another bidder countered. Ethan didn't hesitate: "Eight million."
The bidding escalated rapidly, each increment more obscene than the last. When it reached eighteen million, competitors began dropping out. At twenty million, Ethan secured the earrings without changing expression.
"That's... too expensive," I whispered, genuinely stunned.
"Nothing is too expensive for you," he replied matter-of-factly.
After the auction, a jewelry designer approached with sketches. "As requested, sir, we'll redesign the settings to better suit Miss Reed's ear shape."
My hands trembled as I accepted the velvet box. "I'll lose them. They're too valuable."
"Lose them, and I'll buy more," Ethan said casually. "Bored of them, and we'll find something else."
He proceeded to order six different diamond necklaces, four pairs of earrings, and multiple bracelets with the same indifference someone might show when buying coffee.
---
A week later, I brought Ethan his preferred black coffee in the study.
"Alexander Fuller is hosting a gathering at his club Saturday," he said without looking up from his documents. "I want you there with me."
"You want me... at your friend's party?" I paused, surprised. "With your social circle?"
"Is that strange?" His lips curved upward. "You are my woman."
I set down the coffee cup carefully. "I'm worried I won't fit in."
"If I say you fit in, no one will question it." He pulled me closer, until I stood between his knees.
"I don't know how to behave around your friends."
"You'll shine," he said, his thumb tracing my lower lip. "Your presence makes me look good."
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In the Bentley en route to the party Saturday night, I touched the ruby earrings adorning my ears, feeling their weight—both physical and symbolic.
"They suit you," Ethan said, eyes on the road.
At a red light, he turned to me. "Olivia."
"Yes?" I met his gaze.
"I've never been impulsive for anyone or anything. You're the exception."
The intensity in his eyes made me uncomfortable. "Actually, I've been wondering... have we met before?"
The light turned green. Ethan returned his attention to driving. "Do you really want to know?"
"Yes."
His fingers tightened on the steering wheel. "The first time I saw you was at the Beverly Hills Hotel. On your eighteenth birthday." His voice dropped lower. "I saw you several times after that."
Another red light. He turned to me, a predatory smile playing on his lips. "If I told you it was love at first sight, would you believe me?"
My heart pounded. "How did you see me when I never saw you?"