Elias grabbed her hand and dragged her inside an exclusive residential building that Lynsandra had been to before. There were a few people inside, greeted by staff the moment they saw him, curiosity flickering in their eyes upon seeing whose hand he was holding and leading.

But that didn’t bother Lynsandra.

Instead, she kept her eyes solely on his back, letting his hand guide her to the lift.

As they got closer, one of the lifts was about to close. Elias reached out to stop it from closing, pausing as he gazed at the three people inside.

"Sir Elias?" one of the staff inside the lift called, only to be met with a cold response.

"Out."

"Huh?"

"Get out," he said, tipping his head slightly, causing confusion to spread across their faces. But as ordered, they scrambled out of the lift before Elias walked in with her.

All they could do was furrow their brows tighter as they watched Elias pull her inside, confining her in the corner of the lift. The three staff members who had stepped out stood there wide-eyed, flustered at the scene unfolding before them.

As the lift doors slid closed, all they could see was Elias’s back—his arm propped against the wall beside her, his head lowered. When the doors fully shut, they looked at each other in utter shock.

"What did we just... see?"

*

*

*

As if he didn’t want others to see her, Elias dragged her into the lift and spun her, cornering her. One arm rested slightly above her head, the other gripping the handle near her waist.

Elias lowered his head until it was level with hers, his eyes scanning every pore of her face as if etching every inch of her into his memory. Yet even when their faces were close enough to feel each other’s breath, he said nothing. Did nothing.

He just stared.

Lynsandra secretly bit her lip as she studied him back. He was always honest with his thoughts and heart, but right now, she couldn’t read him. Of course, she knew what he wanted. She could tell that much. But she had expected him to ravage her the instant they were alone.

"Hey."

Suddenly, he spoke, snapping her out of her thoughts. Her brows rose as she hummed in response.

"Once this lift stops, there’s no going back," he said. "I’m not letting you go, and we’ll have sex."

She blinked a few times before replying flatly, "You didn’t have to say that out loud. You’re making me a little embarrassed."

Of course, she knew.

"I didn’t come here with you not knowing that," she added. "I’m not that naive."

His breath paused for a moment, and before he knew it, he hung his head low. His hand touched his forehead, unable to hide the blush spreading across his face.

Damn it, he thought, unsure whether he was frustrated with Draven—who was currently howling in celebration—or with her bluntness. He was doing his best to hold back, to give her time to change her mind, a moment to think about her decision.

However, it seemed that was unnecessary.

When he lifted his eyes and met hers, his throat bobbed as he swallowed.

Slowly, he leaned in and tilted his head slightly. Before his lips met hers, he paused for a second. She was not resisting or stopping him, but instead kept her gaze on him.

The moment she closed her eyes, she stood on her toes and pressed her lips against his. His brows twitched as his body tensed, watching her draw her head back slightly.

"You..." he murmured, his hand leaving the railing and falling to her back as he pulled her closer.

This time, he didn’t give her time she didn’t need. Instead, he claimed her lips, inhaling her breath as if it were his lifeline.

It was neither their first nor their second kiss, but each one—including this—was distinct. If the first had been aggressive and the second sweet, this one was a mix of both.

As his mouth began to move against hers, his hold on her back tightened. Lynsandra found herself raising her arms and wrapping them around his neck.

Elias kept his eyes partially open, studying her as she responded. He watched her eyes slowly shut—something she hadn’t done during their first two kisses. Once they fully closed, his hand on her back tightened further, pulling her closer.

His heart raced so loudly he could hear it echoing in his ears. His body felt feverish, his pulse quickening with every flick of his tongue against hers. Each movement of her mouth against his sent a shiver down his spine, making his blood burn with excitement.

"Lynsandra," he whispered against her lips, holding her tightly with one arm.

Her frame was small, delicate enough that it felt like she might break if he held her too recklessly. His body trembled as he tried to restrain himself, but to no avail.

The longer their mouths stayed joined, their tongues moving in a breathless rhythm, the more his rationality faded. The longer her hands lingered on his skin, the more willing her movements became, and the more he wanted.

And just for tonight, he wanted to be greedy.

Just for tonight, he wanted to be selfish.

Just for tonight, he wanted to believe she was entirely his... and he was entirely hers.

Just mine.

DING!

As soon as the lift rang, Lynsandra bit his lip before pulling away. She panted softly, her face flushed as if she had had one drink too many. Her hand rested against his chest as she looked up to meet his gaze.

When their eyes met, all she saw was overflowing desire swirling within them.

"The door," she whispered between faint gasps.

Without another word, he took her hand and pulled her out. Every step toward the presidential suite made her heart race as she kept her eyes on his back. Even just staring at him, she could feel his determination.

A part of her felt her entire nervous system tremble as she realized this was the last moment she could change her mind.

He had given her plenty of chances.

But... she felt certain this was not something she would regret.

Soon, they reached his door. He unlocked it quickly and yanked it open, pulling her inside. Kicking it shut behind them, Elias backed her against the entryway wall and kissed her more intensely while she instinctively reached for his jacket, tugging it down his sleeve.