Pain And Pleasure 18+✓

Thirty-four

Adrian keeps the cold treatment even when the car halts at Caesars Palace. He only kissed me hard a while ago, as if he was punishing me, but no word has been said between us afterward.

Is he mad because I hung up on him when we talked on the phone? Damn, he knows how to pique my worries. It's never black or white when it comes to his demeanor—now I know best. He's gray. Always gray.

"Come. Get everything you need," he states crisply, talking about the shopping awaiting me.

He was serious.

The whole place is posh, painted with luxurious gold colors emanating class. Its Roman-style architecture is unduly gorgeous, accented by sculptures and intricate decors from the lobby to the lined-up floors full of designer boutiques. It's the home of Vogue, Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and other elite brands.

Honestly, I've only window-shopped here.

And maybe eat? At least there's no Gucci burger.

"You could've just taken me home and saved yourself this trouble," I tell Adrian.

"It's not your decision to make. I decide how things run this weekend," he declares almost proudly.

Frowning, I grab the door handle and breeze out. It seems like he's in a bad mood today, probably looking for any chance that I may misbehave so he can have the pleasure of spanking me. Right? And maybe whip my ass? Put me in pain?

Not gonna happen.

I let his large hand enclose my wrist until our fingers interlace. A very simple gesture, but it sends butterflies in my stomach. He's holding my hand, walking with me in public as if we're a normal couple.

Except that we're not.

"You swim?" he asks, firm eyes gazing down at me.

"Yeah?" I reply skeptically.

Why is he asking?

"Good. Get a swimsuit, too. I don't want to hear you lack anything when we arrive home." he says, his tone indisputable.

"Okay." I nod and walk along with him, the evening slowly chasing the sun away.

And... home? I brush the thought as quickly as it comes. It's his new home and I'm a guest of his for the weekend. Tone down your excitement, bitch!

The spiral escalator sends out of the lobby and my eyes are stuck on Adrian's side view. Why is he so cold right now? And, Lord knows I can't stand not knowing whether we're good or not.

"Are you okay?" I crack the ice.

He gives me a faint lopsided smile. "I'm more than okay, Arabella. And with so much energy to put you in training."

Excuse me?

"Training?" I'm baffled.

What am I now? A pet?

"Yes. Training." His grip tightens around my fingers and off he leads me toward the Forum shops.

I put my curiosity aside regarding the 'training' and focus on the shopping. I ask him if I can get anything I want and his answer is "Yes, Arabella. Anything".

"Okay." I smile and move.

"Don't forget the evening dress. We have a dinner to attend tomorrow," he informs me.

Another frown flits across my face but I don't press further. Training, dinner, and many other unknowns. What else should I expect? I sigh and I nod at him.

Like any other woman, I take my time picking my stuff. He's paying for them, and I can't say I'm that coy when it comes to him taking care of me now. It feels right, even though it may not be rightly so.