Lured (Team Zero #1) - Rina Kent Page 0,19

upon seeing me. He doesn’t look any older than his forties but his hair is entirely white.

His nameplate reads, ‘David’.

He says in an accent that resembles BBC’s anchors. “How may I help you, Miss?”

I fumble into my small bag for the card then show it to the man. “I’m here to meet Dominic?” I don’t know why it came out as a question.

David doesn’t even flinch. “Your name, please.”

“Camille.”

He nods. “Please follow me.”

That unexplainable pit of jealousy hits me again as I follow David’s measured steps. He didn’t find it odd that someone is coming for Dominic this late which means the latter always had late night visitors. Like certain nameless women.

My temper flares as I stand beside David while he hits the lift’s buttons. I’m so tempted to leave and to hell with Dominic.

“We were expecting you more than thirty minutes ago, Miss.”

I pause my chain of thoughts. “We?”

“Yes.” The man keeps his neutral gaze on the elevator. “Dr Johnson said you will arrive at ten thirty.”

“Dr Johnson is so sure of himself,” I grit out, struggling to remain polite. Dominic was so sure that I would come.

I should blow him off just so he’d learn that not everyone falls at his feet.

“I beg your pardon?” the polite butler asks.

“Nothing.” I wave away. “Tell Dr Johnson to keep his habits to the women he brings here.”

I turn to leave.

“The women?” His brows furrow. “No other woman but you have come to visit Dr Johnson’s residence, Miss. In fact, it’s a miracle he’s at home. He spends all his time at the lab.”

My breath hitches and I almost fall for it. Almost. Dominic’s sociopathic nature almost got me. “Does he tell you to say that to every woman?”

“No, Miss.” His tone is completely serious. “I have no reason to lie.”

The lift dings. The man presses a P button and swipes his card then motions inside. “Please.”

The thought to run away evaporates. I’m more curious to know about Dominic’s place. I can’t believe he actually invited me to his place.

I step into the lift. David stares at me for a second too long in an unreadable expression. I don’t know why it resembles the taxi driver’s stares. It evaporates as fast as it came. I must be imagining things.

David bows as the doors close. “Have a nice evening.”

The lift keeps going up and up and so does my heartbeat. Now that I’m going to be at the same place with Dominic again, I can’t help replaying yesterday. I wonder what he has in store for me today.

The lift dings and it’s kind of haunting in the darkness. I didn’t ask the receptionist which number is Dominic’s flat. I fish for the card, but there isn’t a number on it. When I attempt to go downstairs and ask David, the lift’s doors open fully to reveal a flat – or more like a lounge area with darkish sofas.

It’s one of those lifts that open straight into the flat. How am I supposed to knock in this case?

Maybe Dominic is asleep. How would he know I came over? David didn’t contact him.

My gaze strays over the soft lightening in the lounge area. It has a huge glass wall that overlooks London’s buildings. Just like in the hotel.

The glinting lights in the distance mesmerise me. They’re so far and yet so near. Sort of like Dominic.

Seriously? Will I compare everything to that enigma now?

When the lift’s doors start to close, I step into the flat. Perhaps I should remove my heels to not dirty the carpets.

I’m still contemplating the idea when a shadow looms behind me. I’m about to scream but a strong hand stifles it. My heartbeat quickens with both fear and excitement as hot breaths tickle my ears. “You’re late. How should I punish you?”

Chapter Fourteen

I gasp at the sheer force Dominic is holding me with. Something in my body springs to life just like when he spanked me against that table or when he face fucked me.

This raw feeling is foreign.

Scary.

Thrilling.

I don’t get to think straight. My mind seems to cease working around this man.

With his hand still around my mouth, he pushes me forward. I yelp as I fall against the sofa head first. My dress bunches up to the middle of my thighs. Cool air tickles my scorching skin.

Dominic isn’t done.

He yanks at my zipper so hard, I’m afraid he’ll tear my dress. He pushes the fabric down my arms and to the floor so I’m lying in black