Chapter 67 ~ I can think of something

Chapter 67 ~ I can think of something
ADRIAN

Luca pulled into the underground parking lot and killed the engine. The moment the car stopped, I turned to him.

“Go check if everything’s running smooth at the venue,” I said. “I don’t want surprises tonight.”

Luca raised a brow. “You sure? You’ll be fine without me holding your hand?”

I gave him a look that shut him up fast.

“Leave the keys,” I added, already stepping out of the car.

He tossed them my way, and I caught them midair.

“I’ll call if anything goes wrong,” he muttered, climbing out of the driver’s seat. “Try not to scare her to death while I’m gone.”

I ignored the little shit and turned to Ella, opened her door, and reached out my hand. 

“Come with me.”

She slid her hand into mine without hesitation, her brows slightly furrowed. 

“Where are we going?”

I didn't answer right away. Just kept walking, leading her through the lot toward a nearby row of highly exclusive boutiques.

“What are we doing here?” she asked again, her breath slightly short as she struggled to match my pace.

“We need to buy you something,” I said without slowing down. “A dress.”

“Oh,” she exhaled, surprised but not resisting.

She probably thought I meant for the engagement party tonight and it made me want to smile. I couldn’t wait to see her reaction when she saw what I had in mind. 

I stopped in front of a discreet storefront with no window display, just a sleek black door and a gold plaque with an embossed name called, “Velvet Sin”.

Ella froze.

Her fingers twitched in my grip as she looked up at the sign.

“This… doesn’t look like a dress shop,” she murmured.

“It’s not,” I said, pulling her through the door.

The scent of leather and faint jasmine filled the space as the door clicked shut behind us.

The lights were low, warm and dim, casting shadows across the plush red walls and glass cases. Rows of lingerie lined one side, and an entire wall was dedicated to things that sparkled… and others that didn’t.

Ella stiffened beside me, her eyes darting toward a display of silk ropes, jeweled plugs, and items she probably couldn’t name.

“A-Adrian,” she whispered, her voice trembling just enough for me to notice. “What are we doing here?”

I leaned down, brushing my lips near her ear.

“You’re going to pick something. Something I’ll take off you… very, very slowly.”

She pulled back slightly to look at me, her cheeks flushed, and lips parted in stunned silence.

“Unless you want me to choose for you,” I added, with one brow raised.

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. 

“Are you serious?”

“I don’t joke when it comes to you.”

She opened her mouth to say something but closed it again without a word but I felt the tremble in her fingers as she walked beside me deeper into the store.

My little angel had no idea what she was in for.

And tonight, I intended to unwrap every layer of innocence she had left.

I let her explore for a few seconds, silently watching as her eyes moved from one daring set of lace to the next, her expression caught somewhere between curiosity and panic. Her hand lingered near a delicate corset made of sheer red silk and lace.

Just Perfect.

I reached above her and pulled it down myself. It was a bold red piece with thin straps and a barely-there thong to match. I held it up between us.

“This one,” I said firmly. “Red suits you.”

She looked like she wanted to argue. Her lips parted, then shut again. Her cheeks were glowing, and I could feel the heat radiating off her.

“I–I don’t even know how to wear something like that,” she murmured.

“I’ll help you,” I said darkly. “If you make me.”

She lowered her gaze as I handed the lingerie to the saleswoman, who had the sense to keep her mouth shut and her eyes down.

“Oh,” I added, turning toward a display beside the glass counter. “And that.”

I pointed to a sleek, remote-controlled vibrator.

Ella choked on air. “Adrian-”

“Looks like my spit fire isn't as innocent as she looks. You even know what a vibrator looks like?” I teased watching her eyes widen as she looked left and right hoping no one heard me.

“Stop being vulgar. You know-” She hissed.

“You’ll wear this tonight,” I said calmly, cutting off whatever innocent protest was about to come out of her mouth. “With the lingerie. Under the dress we’re going to get next.”

Her mouth opened again in stunned silence, but no sound came out.

I leaned close. “If you want, I can even turn it on during the party and see how long you'll last.”

Her face turned crimson, as she bit her lip. I've never been as jealous as I am of her teeth right now.

Fuck. 

This girl doesn’t even realize what she does to me.

The saleswoman packed the items quickly and handed me the bag with shaking hands.

I turned to Ella. “Come with me.”

I guided her back outside without another word, locking her soft hand in mine as we moved across the lot and toward a second boutique. This one, however, was glossy, elegant and dripping with old money.

They knew who I was the second I stepped inside, and the staff rushed to my attention.

“Mr. Moretti. It's a pleasure to have you here.”

“My fiancée needs a dress.” I responded.

“Is there anything you have in mind?” The lady asked Ella.

“Anything nice.” She responded, biting her lip. Something she does when she's nervous. 

Not knowing it drives me insane.

“Of course Miss, the private area is right this way!”