Chapter 4

Elena's POV

He finally turned his gaze toward me.

I'd never seen eyes like his before—predatory, intense, assessing me with a calculating coldness that made my skin prickle. He didn't look entirely... human. Fear crept up my spine, but desperation kept me rooted to the spot.

"I didn't catch what you said. Repeat it." His voice carried no emotion, just pure authority wrapped in a command that seemed impossible to disobey.

I found myself complying automatically, the words leaving my lips before I could reconsider: "Would you be willing to pay for my services?"

Understanding flickered across his face, and I knew exactly what he thought I was offering. He believed I was a sex worker, standing in the rain, desperate for a client.

If I had any other option—any other way out—I would never have let this misunderstanding continue. But faced with becoming Elder Ambrose's personal blood bag, this seemed like the lesser evil.

Silence filled the air between us, heavy and charged. Rain continued to soak through my already drenched clothes, my body trembling with both cold and fear. He studied me for what felt like eternity, his expression unreadable.

Finally, he spoke a single word: "Get in."

I slid into the back seat, water dripping from my hair and clothes onto the pristine leather interior. Felix, the driver, looked like he wanted to protest, but something about his employer's overwhelming presence silenced him. Without a word, he pulled away from the curb and drove through the rain-slicked streets.

None of us spoke. I hugged myself, trying to stop shivering, acutely aware of the stranger beside me who had just agreed to... what, exactly? I wasn't even sure what I was offering anymore.

We pulled up to a hotel.

The staff seemed to recognize him immediately. "Good evening, Mr. Lucchesi," the receptionist greeted with a respectful nod. "Your usual suite is ready."

Lucchesi. The name meant nothing to me, but the deference in the staff's manner told me everything I needed to know. Anyone who could afford long-term residence in this hotel could certainly pay what I needed to escape Elaine's clutches.

We rode the elevator in silence to the top floor. The hallway was plush and silent, thick carpet muffling our footsteps. He stopped at a door, swiped a keycard, and pushed it open. When I hesitated at the threshold, he turned back to look at me.

"Why aren't you coming in?" he asked, his tone suggesting mild curiosity rather than impatience.

"I'm afraid," I admitted, the honesty surprising even myself.

He released the door handle, turning to face me fully. "Afraid of what? Of what's about to happen?" The interest in his eyes dimmed slightly. "If you haven't made up your mind, you can leave. I prefer women who know what they want."

The thought of losing this opportunity, my only chance to avoid Elder Ambrose, sent panic shooting through me. I stepped into the suite without another word.

He tossed me a fluffy white towel from a nearby rack.

"Go shower. "

The bathroom was a marvel of marble and glass, with a shower large enough for three people. I turned the water as hot as I could stand, desperate to wash away the cold and the fear and the humiliation of the day. Would this hot water cleanse away all my bad luck? Could this strange encounter be a fresh start? I wasn't sure.

I had no idea what would happen next. Sex, obviously—that's what he was expecting. But I'd never actually done it before. My relationship with Ethan had never progressed that far, despite his pressure.

I'd always imagined my first time would be romantic. The man would love me, kiss me gently, touch me until I was ready for him. Now I was about to lose my virginity to a stranger for money.

But what choice did I have?

I wrapped myself in a plush hotel towel, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My body had always been good—toned, curvy in the right places, the kind that turned heads. Was that why Lucchesi had agreed to this arrangement? He probably thought I was experienced, wild, unable to find clients any other way in this storm.

If only he knew I was a virgin with no idea how to please a man.

"You've been in there a long time," his voice called from beyond the door, cutting through my thoughts.

"I'm sorry," I replied, clutching the towel tighter around me as I stepped out into the suite.

He sat in a leather armchair, his jacket removed and sleeves rolled up, revealing powerful forearms. His eyes traveled briefly to my chest, then back to my face.

"Take it off," he commanded, his voice low and firm.