Beneath the Velvet Sky

Chapter 3: Silent Storms

The calm exterior often hides the fiercest tempests.

Elysia's pulse quickened as Rafael closed the door behind them, the sound of the latch clicking into place loud in the stillness of the room. He moved toward the bar in the corner, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he had all the time in the world. When he returned, there was an ice cube in his hand, glistening in the dim light, his eyes locked on her like a predator's, knowing the effect he had on her.

Elysia's breath hitched as she realized what he intended.

"Rafael..." she began, but her words faltered when he stepped closer, his free hand cupping her chin, tilting her face up so their eyes met. The intensity in his gaze silenced her.

"Trust me," he whispered, his voice low but commanding. "Let go, Elysia. Let me take care of you."

Her heart raced, her instinct to maintain control warring with the overwhelming desire to give in. "I... I don't—" she began, but his lips were on hers before she could finish, firm, demanding, cutting off her words with a kiss that made her forget everything else. She wanted to resist, to hold on to the safety of her barriers, but as his tongue coaxed hers with a deliberate, teasing rhythm, her resolve began to melt.

Rafael pulled back just enough to watch her as he traced the ice cube down her neck, leaving a trail of cold water that made her gasp. The contrast between the chill of the ice and the heat building inside her was too much. He moved slowly, the ice skimming over her collarbone and lower, lingering between the valley of her breasts. Her nipples hardened instantly under the sudden cold.

She pressed weakly against his chest, more out of reflex than true resistance. "Stop," she whispered, her voice trembling, unsure if it was from the cold or the fire stirring deep within her.

"No," he murmured, his tone leaving no room for debate. "You need this. You need to feel, Elysia." He leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. "And I'm going to make sure you do."

Her heart thundered, frustration mixing with the undeniable desire pooling between her legs. As his hand slipped beneath her dress, expertly finding the edge of her lace panties and tugging them down, she let out a ragged breath. Every part of her was screaming for control, but it was slipping through her fingers.

With one firm hand on her shoulder, he guided her backward until her legs hit the bed, and she sank onto the cool sheets, feeling the tension coil inside her. Her protests died in her throat as the ice traced a glistening path along her inner thigh, a jarring contrast to the heat pooling in her core, each droplet of water a teasing reminder of her helplessness under his control She tried to close her legs, instinctively trying to regain control, but Rafael's hands were there, gently but firmly spreading her wide.

"Rafael, please..." she whimpered, her body trembling, torn between her mind's resistance and the need pulsing within her.

His eyes, dark and intense, met hers, filled with a combination of desire and something deeper, something that reached past her physical reactions. "I see the way your body betrays your mind. Let it." he murmured, leaning down to kiss the sensitive skin of her thigh. "You never do. You just don't want to admit how much you need this. How much you need me."

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, the helplessness of her desire overwhelming her. "I hate you," she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. But even as she said the words, they felt hollow, more directed at herself than him.

He smirked, the ice moving higher, grazing where she ached for him most. "No" he whispered softly, his lips brushing against her skin, each word a mix of control and tenderness. You can deny it as long as you like, but I know what you're feeling."

Tremors of desire rippled through her, defying her will as the ice touched her most sensitive spot, her back arching involuntarily, a sob escaping her lips. The cold mingled with the heat of her own arousal, sending a shock of sensation through her. Her fingers clutched at the sheets, whiteknuckled as she tried to fight the pleasure building inside her.

Rafael's hands gripped her hips, holding her firmly in place as he continued his slow, deliberate torture, the ice melting against her heat, droplets of cold water trickling down her thighs. Every nerve in her body felt alive, electric, and despite herself, she wanted more.

Tears of frustration and desire streamed down her face. "Stop..." she begged, though her hips betrayed her, lifting toward him, aching for relief.

He didn't stop, ignoring her pleas, his thumb brushing over her clit as the last of the ice melted completely, leaving only his skilled, relentless touch. Her body bucked against him, torn between escaping the intensity and surrendering to it fully.

"I know you're close," he murmured, his voice rough with his own arousal. "Let go, Elysia. Stop fighting. You're mine."

With one final stroke, her body shattered. Her cries filled the room as the orgasm ripped through her, leaving her breathless and trembling beneath his hands. Tears slipped from her eyes, and she hated herself for how easily he could strip her defenses away. Hated him for knowing her body so well.

Rafael leaned down, brushing her tears away with the gentleness that contrasted sharply with his earlier dominance. "You're mine," he whispered, his voice softer now, almost tender. "Whether you admit it or not."

Elysia didn't answer, her body spent, her emotions raw. Her thoughts warred with her desire to maintain control., but her heart knew the truth. Rafael wasn't just taking her body—he was taking pieces of her soul. No matter how much she fought it, he had a hold on her she couldn't deny.

And that terrified her more than anything.