To His Doorstep

I was never good with emotions or apologizing. But I felt like I owed it to Bentley.

Rodger had stormed off and found his own way home, and I was left to settle into my thoughts about what he said. Bentley and I would never work. He was a gangster, and I helped put men like him away. If he continued, there would come a day that I had to help put him away. But how would I if we were attached?

I got into the backseat of his driver’s SUV and took my phone from my clutch. My finger rested over the call button for his number, but I was hesitant to press send. Rodger’s words were stuck in my head. I wanted to be angry with him for it, but I knew he was right. So, I put my phone away.

To my surprise, though, Bentley’s driver called out to me from behind the wheel and said the words that I so desperately wanted to hear.

“Ma’am, Mr. Thomas is requesting you tonight.”

Butterflies took flight in my gut. I was ecstatic—desperate to be near him. To apologize for bringing Rodger with me and whatever else came with the night being young.

As the sleek SUV bypassed the city streets and cruised onto the highway, I got nervous. I thought we would meet at Bentley’s penthouse, not someplace in the unknown. The highway was miles away from my home and my own car, but I made myself relax because I was sure Bentley wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. I hoped so anyway.

“Where are we going?” I asked the driver.

“The big house.” He replied without taking his eyes off the road. “Not many girls get to come out here. You must be special.”

His voice was deep and creepy, and it made me uneasy. Although what he said should have made me feel special, it didn’t. Not in a good way. I was tense again and considered telling him to pull over and let me out in the middle of nowhere, but that thought quickly vanished when we arrived at an overly large gate that led to the entrance of a gorgeous mansion.

“Wow,” I whispered into the darkness of the SUV. “This looks like something out of a fairytale.”

The driveway was a long, windy road lined with beautifully trimmed trees and yard lights. The grass was greener than I thought grass could be, and the view of the hills was spectacular. When I say his mansion looked like something out of a fairytale, I’m not exaggerating.

“How much does something like this cost?” I asked the driver.

“I can’t even tell you,” he chuckled. “Take your wildest guess and multiply it by one hundred.”

He parked the SUV and got out to open my door. The marble steps that led up to the doorstep of Bentley’s massive home reminded me of the steps Cinderella jetted from when she lost her slipper. As he helped me from my seat, the front door opened, and there stood Bentley. Glaring at me with eyes I couldn't read.

“Oh man, I must be in trouble.” I spoke so that only the driver and I could hear. “You guys aren’t planning to murder me and hide my body somewhere on this compound, are you?”

“You’re funny,” he laughed. “I see why he likes you.”

The driver got back in his SUV while I crept my way to the first step. I was nervous, fearful, and stranded. I had my cellphone to call for help if I decided to make a grand escape. But the closer I got to his doorstep, the more something told me I didn't need to.

“Come up already. I don’t bite,” Bentley said.

I let out a soft chuckle, feeling foolish for being so cautious of him. After all the respect he’d shown me, somehow I knew he wouldn't harm me at all. Someone else, sure. But not me.

“This is a beautiful home,” I said when I finally finished climbing the steps.

He stared at me for a moment before saying anything. There was a peculiar look in his eyes, as if he was trying to telepathically ask me about Rodger.

“You haven't seen anything yet,” he said, taking me by the hand. “Come inside. I’ll show you around.”

The door closed behind us, and I immediately felt engulfed in his flame. Rich and luxurious, but still overpowered, like a damsel in distress who didn’t necessarily want to be saved.

“I feel like I'm in dreamland right now,” I said, looking down at the marble floors that looked like they led to another world.

“I feel that way sometimes too,” he chuckled. “Wait until you see the kitchen. That’s my favorite part of it all.”

The entire first floor held guest bedrooms, fancy living rooms, and a theatre with the large reclining seats. There was even a real concession stand like a real movie theater with snacks, a popcorn machine, and a fountain for drinks.

When we took the elevator to the second floor, we stepped into a large kitchen area that looked like a gourmet restaurant built by Gordon Ramsey himself. I was so impressed, I let the F bomb slip.

“No fucking way.” Wide-eyed and mouth agape, I stepped off the elevator and admired my surroundings. “You’re either the richest man in the world or I've had one too many glasses of champagne tonight.”

He drug me along to show me why the kitchen was his favorite. I was surprised to learn that he loved to cook. I thought the high-tech gadgets and massive amount of space were why he loved it so much, but no. A simple grilltop stove and the glass cabinets that held all of his favorite pots, pans, and fancy plates were the reason for his joy.

“I designed this myself, you know? Well, I had some help with the sketch, but this entire kitchen was my idea.”

“You sure do have an eye for beauty.”

“Yeah,” he nodded and looked me in the eyes. “I guess I do."

I glanced around a while longer, trailing my finger along the cabinets and messing around with the smart fridge. When I made my way back to him, he had two glasses of champagne in hand. His gesture came at the perfect time. Because I needed it to calm my nerves when I extended my apology about Rodger.

“I’m sorry.” I lowered my head while accepting my glass. “About Rodger. I shouldn't have brought him tonight. I just… I didn’t know you would show up, and I didn't want to go out alone. After what happened to Ivy.”

“Hey,” he placed a gentle finger underneath my chin and lifted my head. “You don’t have to apologize. Was I jealous to see you there with him? Yeah. Maybe. But I don't hold it against you. I mean, look where you ended up tonight.”

As he led me to his bedroom, my chastity belt fell off completely, leaving me at his mercy. His smoothness was my weakness. The minute he opened the door to his domain, I felt my soul leave my body and my craving for chocolate take over.

With my glass in hand, I made my move. A deep, passionate tongue kiss that felt so fiery, I almost melted.

“Mmm,” he savored my taste, his eyes still closed after I pulled away. “I accept your apology.”

“Oh yeah?” I held my teeth against my bottom lip. “There’s more where that came from.”