God of Temptation

Chapter 22

⚠️ Explicit content ahead ⚠️

~Ariella~

"Why on earth are we here, Remi?" My curiosity is practically nibbling at my insides.

The building screams wealth, crafted from pristine white stone, just like Remi - expensive, through and through.

"Come on, let's go," Remi swings the car door open with the enthusiasm of a surprise party. What the actual hell?

"Remi, seriously, where are we?" I inquire once again, stepping out of the car. Even if I'm clueless about our location, if it involves spending time alone with him, I'm all in.

"We've graced the premises of..." He checks the apartment name, then looks at me with a grin, "'Lockwood Apartments.'"

"Oh, my stars! Your intellect is truly blinding, Remi. It's giving me major jealousy vibes," I mock him.

Laughter bursts out from Remi, sparking a mischievous fire within me. He cheekily pinches my cheek, saying, "You're so cute, Jailbait. It makes me want to eat you."

It takes everything in me to make eye contact with him and look dead into his eyes.

Realizing I'm not playing along, he straightens up and turns to me, clearing his throat, "God, you're no fun, Jailbait."

Unfazed by his playful accusation, I shoot him an impatient look.

"Gosh, you'll know soon. All you need to do is relax and trust me. Okay?"

Not that I didn't trust him before, but hearing him reassure me hits differently. He takes my hand in his, leading me towards the building.

Reaching the lobby of the apartments, the security of the apartment is top-notch. White marble floors and a huge chandelier hang from the ceiling, making it look all very much high maintenance. The receptionist approaches us, "Good evening, Sir. How can I help you?"

Remi casually pats him on the shoulder, "Nah, man. All cool here."

The receptionist nods and returns to his desk.

"Do they roll out the red carpet for everyone, or do you just happen to be a VIP?" I struck up a conversation.

A smug smile appears on Remi's lips, "I am VIP, ma chérie."

And there it is, the nickname that makes me feel giddy.

"Seriously, Remi," I say, wanting the right information.

"I can't even tease you, woman. Actually dad bought this building a while ago, so technically, it makes me the boss. Since I have to handle the business in the future, he has given me the responsibility to run this building."

All I manage to say is a thoughtful 'huh'. I mean, Remi is so cool.

Remi chuckles, "All you're going to say is a 'huh'? No 'you're doing a good job, Remi'?"

"How many people know about this building being yours?" I changed the topic because I am not going to give him false compliments. Not that it's bad, but I haven't been here long enough to make a judgement.

"Nobody, only you. I actually wanted the opinions of others in this building, so I don't plan on telling them yet."

"And you don't want my opinion?" I ask him.

"I do. That's why I didn't tell you. But you make keeping anything away impossible."

A smile overtakes my lips because I know a secret of Remi and I am the first person he shared with, willingly. It might be insignificant for him or anyone, but for me, everything he has to offer is larger than the world. He is larger than the world. My life, my man, my everything.