Obsession - Erotic love story

Chapter 17

Reece stood in front of his bedroom mirror, adjusting the collar of his tailored black suit. Tonight had to be perfect, and every detail was calculated to ensure that Jasmine would feel as if she were falling into a world where she truly belonged—a world he controlled. This was more than just a dinner; it was the next step in securing her place by his side, permanently.

He checked his watch. It was almost time.

With one last look in the mirror, satisfied with his appearance, Reece stepped out of the bedroom and headed toward the living room where Jasmine was waiting. The soft glow of the evening light filtered through the expansive windows, casting a warm hue over the room. As he entered, his breath caught in his throat for just a second.

There she stood, wearing the soft blue dress she had chosen earlier in the day. It fit her perfectly, accentuating her figure with an effortless elegance. Her hair fell in gentle waves, and her eyes held a glint of nervous excitement.

She looked radiant, more beautiful than he had imagined, and for a brief moment, Reece found himself slightly stunned by her presence.

"You look incredible, Jasmine," he said, his voice lower, a note of genuine admiration creeping through. He extended his arm to her, offering her a smile that was both charming and confident. "Shall we?"

Jasmine blushed, clearly flustered by the compliment, but she smiled shyly and slipped her arm through his. "Thank you, Reece. You look great too."

Together, they descended the private elevator to the lobby, where Vincent was waiting for them by the car. Reece led Jasmine outside, and Vincent opened the door for them with a polite nod.

The drive through the city was quiet but comfortable. Jasmine looked out the window at the bustling streets, and Reece could feel her tension easing. The restaurant they were heading to was one of the most exclusive in the city, a place where only the most powerful and influential dined. And tonight, it was their destination.

When they arrived, the valet opened the door, and Reece stepped out, helping Jasmine from the car. The entrance to the restaurant was understated but elegant, with soft lighting and dark wood accents. As they approached the hostess, Reece didn't even bother checking in. The staff recognized him immediately, and without a word, they were ushered to one of the best tables in the house.

The table was beautifully set, with fine china and candles that flickered in the dim light. Jasmine looked around, her eyes wide with awe at the luxurious surroundings. Reece watched her, pleased with her reaction. Every move tonight was designed to sweep her further into his world, to show her how much better life could be with him.

They settled into their seats, and Reece ordered for both of them—a selection of fine wines and dishes crafted by some of the best chefs in the city. As the waiter left, Reece leaned in slightly, his gaze never leaving hers.

"So," he began, his tone light, "are you enjoying the evening so far?"

Jasmine smiled, her cheeks still slightly flushed. "It's been amazing. I've never been anywhere like this before."

Reece's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Get used to it."

They talked while they waited for their food, the conversation flowing easily. Reece asked about her day, genuinely interested in how she had spent it, while Jasmine shared bits about her shopping and how she had wandered into the bookstore. There was a warmth between them that hadn't been there before, a sense of closeness that was beginning to form.

As the conversation shifted, Jasmine glanced down at the table, her fingers tracing the edge of her wine glass. "I have to work tomorrow," she said softly, almost apologetically.

Reece tilted his head slightly. "Work?"

She nodded. "At the bookstore. I can't afford to miss too many days, especially now."

Reece smiled gently, though the thought of her returning to her simple life didn't sit well with him. Still, he kept his tone easy. "I understand. I have work as well tomorrow. I'll be gone most of the day, but I won't be back until late."

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, elegant key. He held it out to her, his expression unreadable, though there was a quiet intensity in his eyes.

"This is for you," he said simply. "To the penthouse. I want you to feel comfortable while I'm gone."

Jasmine stared at the key, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of nervousness. "Reece, I... I don't know what to say."

"Say yes," he replied smoothly, his voice soft but firm. "You need a place to stay, and this is your home now. There's no need to feel uncomfortable. I trust you."

Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out to take the key, her fingers brushing against his. The gesture was so simple, yet it felt like something monumental had shifted between them. Jasmine looked up at him, her cheeks flushed, but she nodded.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I... I'll take care of it."

Reece smiled, leaning back slightly in his chair. "There's nothing to take care of. Just make yourself at home."

Before either of them could say more, their food arrived—beautifully plated dishes that looked more like art than dinner. The waiter poured more wine, and soon, they were caught up in conversation again, the evening slipping by with ease.

Jasmine found herself more and more at ease as they talked, the tension from earlier melting away. Reece had a way of making her feel special, of making her forget the chaos that had recently overtaken her life. His world was so different from hers—so polished, so perfect—and part of her couldn't help but be drawn to it.

As they finished their meal, Reece paid the bill with a nod to the waiter, not even glancing at the check. Jasmine felt a slight twinge of guilt again—he had done so much for her already—but there was also a quiet thrill in knowing that he was taking care of everything.

The drive back to the penthouse was just as quiet as the drive there, but it was a comfortable silence, filled with unspoken words. Jasmine's mind raced with thoughts of everything that had happened that evening—the dinner, the key, and the way Reece had looked at her all night.

When they finally reached the penthouse, Reece walked her to the door of her guest room, his hand lightly resting on her back as he guided her inside.

"Thank you for tonight," Jasmine said, her voice soft. "It was... incredible."

Reece smiled down at her, his eyes dark with something unreadable. "The pleasure was all mine, Jasmine."

There was a pause, and for a brief moment, she thought he might lean in, close the distance between them. But instead, he took a step back, his voice low and calm. "If you need anything, I'm just down the hall."

Jasmine nodded, feeling her heart race again. "Goodnight, Reece."

"Goodnight."

As she closed the door behind her, Jasmine leaned against it for a moment, her mind spinning. She couldn't deny the connection she felt with Reece, nor the growing sense that she was being pulled deeper into his world—a world that was beginning to feel like her own.

But as she looked down at the key in her hand, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just crossed a line, and there was no going back.