Chapter 26

The sun was setting as the Bugatti Veyron pulled up at the Woolworth Tower Residences. Rebecca marveled at the remaining golden rays of the sun as it dipped below the tips of the great tower, casting a warm orange glow in everything below.

 It took her a moment to realize that she was not at the Silverman residence. She tapped Tony’s shoulder, “Tony, why are we here?”

 Tony chuckled, “Ms. Grey, Mr. Silverman is waiting for you at the penthouse. Level 54. Off you go.”

 Just how many properties does this guy own? Rebecca wondered as a young bellboy opened the car door for her. She stepped out, shielding her eyes from the rays of the sun and swung her backpack on her shoulder. The bellboy smiled politely at her and gestured for her to follow him into the lobby.

 She did and walked into a private residential lobby and was greeted with an extraordinary, coffered ceiling that had been skillfully restored and relocated from the late Frank W. Woolworth’s private office. Rebecca had only heard of its grand design but had never once set foot in this place, it took her breath away. She was a sucker for interior designs.

 Beneath her laid an exquisitely detailed marble floor and all around her were maple-paneled walls, giving the place a charming and vintage look. A jolly-looking middle-aged female staff stood behind the custom wood-crafted concierge desk in front of her.

 “This way, Ms. Grey,” she stepped out from behind her desk and guided Rebecca towards a beautifully crafted glass and bronze elevator.

 Rebecca sucked in her breath, she hated elevators but this one would give her a full view of everything that was going on outside. The view would undoubtedly help with her claustrophobia.

 I like this elevator…she thought with a smile and stepped in after the female staff. It was a high-speed elevator and in no time, they were on the 54th floor. It was the first time Rebecca had wished for a longer ride on the elevator. She would have enjoyed marveling at the sight of the streets of New York on the way up.

As the elevator door opened, she was greeted by a generously proportioned living room with oversized windows which offered a cinematic view of the surrounding cityscape and waterways. That certainly made up for the lack of viewing in the elevator.

 Rebecca stepped out of the elevator and the staff bid her goodbye. The elevator door closed, and she was now alone.

 No matter, this place was stunning! There was a black grand baby piano in the middle of the cream carpeted floor. Rebecca took off her sneakers and allowed her feet to sink into the white fluffy carpet.

This feels good! she felt like a little schoolgirl again. She dropped her backpack and headed straight to the adjoining TV room, but there was no one there. Instead, jazz music could be heard over the stereo system, making her wanting to break into a slow dance. She was giddy with excitement.

Get a hold of yourself, Rebecca Grey! You need to talk some sense to William about the cover-up and ask him about the rose, she smacked her head, willing herself to be more sensible. She hated feeling like a fish out of water.

“William? Where are you?” she called out. By now the sun had fully set and the first twilight was appearing outside the window.

 “In the kitchen…come,” she heard his voice. She left the TV room and walked into an all-white marbled kitchen with polished timber flooring. In the middle of the kitchen laid the island table and William was standing behind it, helping himself to a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

 “Hello,” he said with a smile, “You’re here.”

If the place was stunning, then William took her breath away. It was obvious that he had just showered. He had on an emerald bathrobe and his damp hair was slicked back. Rebecca caught a glimpse of his tanned board chest under the robe and felt her cheeks flushed. She looked away awkwardly, wondering if he was naked underneath.

There was a mischievous glint in his eyes “Hungry?”

You mean for you? she wanted to say but all she managed was a little squeak, “Not really…”

 William laughed at her and motioned for her to come.

 Rebecca sucked in her breath, hoping William did not notice how nervous she was. Cautiously, she walked over to the island, stopping at the opposite end of where he stood. She did not trust herself to be in close vicinity with him, she was afraid she would give in to her desires, and start ripping his robe off.

 William scooped a small spoonful of ice cream and popped it into his mouth, closing his eyes, savoring the taste. Rebecca swore to herself that if William had been a model in an ice cream ad, Rebecca would buy a truckload of the ice cream.

“Come over here, it’s rum and raisin,” William had opened his eyes and patted at the empty seat next to him.

 She had to talk to him, before her hormones got the better of her, “William, I need to ask you something.”

 He nodded, not answering her, spooning another scoop of ice cream into his mouth, sensually licking the spoon.

 Why on earth does he have to look so sexy right now? “The last murder case has not been solved yet.”

 “That’s not a question.”

 “Why are you covering it up?”

 “Isn’t it obvious?”

“But it’s not right. The public has the right to know. Your staff have the right to know…”

 “Rebecca,” William put his spoon down and walked over to where she stood, carrying the little tub of ice cream with him. He looked at her with his piercing black eyes and placed his large hands on her petite shoulder giving them a rub with his index fingers. The rub was very sensual, and it aroused her.

“Trust me. I have it under control,” he cupped her chin in his hand and lifted her head to meet his gaze. She could smell the rum in his breath. The ice cream must have been very tasty.

“Silverman Corp is safe. I won’t put my staffs’ lives in jeopardy.”

His voice was sincere as it was authoritative, she began to doubt herself. Surely she could trust him, after all, he would be a fool to risk the lives of his staff. Wouldn’t he?

Rebecca hated herself for being so easily swayed. She had come to talk some sense into William and here she was, lapping up his every word!

“But…” she tried to speak but was caught by surprise when William lifted her by the waist and sat her on the top of the kitchen island. The marbled top was cold against her thighs, and it sent a tingling sensation up her body causing her nipples to instantly harden. Her period was due soon and her breasts were usually extra tender swollen at this time. She felt a lump on her throat as William started to tug at her hair playfully. They were at the same eye level now.

 “You know you lost the game during the gala?” he teased, twirling her hair around his finger.

“On the contrary, I managed to get a full interview with the senator...In fact, he…”

 “Hush…” William silenced her with a kiss on the lips, catching her by surprise and before she could protest, he pinned both her hands behind her back.

“I’m going to set your world ablaze,” he smiled and leaned over her shoulders, reaching for a dry kitchen cloth that lay next to the sink. Rebecca squirmed uncomfortably, suddenly realizing what he was about to do.

“William what are you…mmph!” he kissed her again, more forcefully this time, forcing his tongue into her mouth, exploring every corner of her as he bound her hands with the kitchen cloth.

 Then he leaned back suddenly, leaving her open-mouthed. William smiled wickedly, “You lost Rebecca, I do recall you trying to take the vibrator out.”

She was breathing hard now, unsure whether the thunderous beating of her heart was due to fear or lust. He was done tying her hands now and was blocking her from sliding down the table with his own body.

 She shook her head, her body trembling, “William, this isn’t funny…”

 “Oh, but I’m serious. For losing the game, you’ll be mine the whole night through.”