Serving Mr. Serrano

At Your Service

My lips parted as I inhaled, bringing that piercing gaze to my face. He stared, expression neutral, waiting for me to crack or bend or fall apart beneath the intensity of that look.

Surprisingly, I don't.

I stared back at him, letting my gaze sweep over the large body folded in the leather chair. Legs spread casually, one elbow propped on the armrest, his chin resting on his knuckles. His right hand was placed intentionally on his thigh, finger tapping on the sleek material of his slacks.

And I was just standing there. Arms at my sides, resting most of my weight on my right leg, the left bent and peeking through the slit of my dress.

We regarded each other for long minutes, sizing each other up as we did so. It was obvious why he was here, what he wanted from me. And from what I knew, I'd only have tonight with him because Dominic Serrano is not the kind of man who commits.

He didn't date, though he was always photographed with some actress or businesswoman or heiress on his arm. None of them ever lasted longer than a night, though.

Or at least, that's what the tabloids and gossip magazines said.

It was impossible not to follow the stories. The man practically ran the province of Tunyi and his ties to The Seven made him terrifyingly interesting. We all knew what kind of man he was, and the s**t he did for a living. And despite that sizzling moment we'd shared in his house, I still couldn't believe he was there, right in front of me.

He watched me watch him, and something briefly flashed across his features, but it was gone before I could examine it too closely. A single finger, thick and tattooed, was lifted and moved in a slow, circular motion, silently commanding. I did as instructed, and turned around so he could see the rest of me. When I faced him again, his eyes were ablaze with need.

"You don't seem very surprised to see me. "

The deep timbre of his voice caused goosebumps all over my skin, and I shivered despite the heat coursing through my veins. f**k, even my toes curled instinctively in my shoes. If he could get a reaction like this from simply speaking…

"I was hoping I'd see you again," I admitted, clasping my hands behind my back.

"And why is that?"

"For the very same reason that you've come… here."

He didn't respond to that. His eyes were locked on the cleavage above the cowl neckline of my dress.

"What is that reason?" he quizzed, tilting his head to the side.

Instead of responding, I let my gaze sweep over his body with an arched eyebrow and a soft smile. He returned it with a small grin of his own and leaned back in his seat.

"I looked through your file. You're quite young."

"I guess so, but that's what most of our clients prefer. I'm sure you do as well."

A nod. "Very true. Flexible?"

"Prerequisite for the job."

"Tolerance for pain?"

"Very high."

Mr. Serrano arches a brow.

"You looked through my file, so you know I cater to LPM's S&M clients. I wouldn't have chosen that department if I wasn't getting something out of it."

"So you enjoy it? The pain they inflict on you?"

"I prefer it. Pain makes the pleasure all the sweeter."

He doesn't seem surprised, more curious. "'Whips, paddles, pinching'…"

"'Biting, slapping, choking'…"

"'Clamps, edge play, hair pulling'…"

"'Bondage, blindfolds, role-play'. Just a few of my favourite things," I finished, with a small smile.

He leaned forward just a fraction, and if I hadn't been staring so closely at him, I would definitely have missed it.

"I wouldn't have guessed. You don't look very experienced," he mentioned, curiously. "If I hadn't seen you knock a man out with your bare hands, I'd describe you as… innocent. Untrained."

I frowned at that. Nobody has ever called me innocent before in my life. But I guess, compared to him, I was like a fart in a hurricane. "Maybe even fragile?" I joined in, adding to his little adjective cocktail.

He lifted a brow, as if asking if I could blame him for thinking that in the first place.

"Look, just because I look a little "innocent", doesn't mean I can't do my job," I argued, propping my hands on my hips, forgetting for a second who I was talking to.

He reminded me with a condescending arch of his brow, his gaze lowering to my hips before meeting mine in a glare.

Very few things scared me, honestly. I had grown up around dangerous people, so most of the men I encountered didn't frighten me in the least, but Dominic Serrano was nothing like them. He was a titan among men, ethereal and dangerous and tempting.

They paled in comparison to him.

My hands dropped from their perch on my hips, but I fought to keep my gaze locked on his, even though it was really, really hard.

Yup. Fart in a hurricane.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down. I shouldn't be letting him rile me up like this. Regardless of how scary the man was, he was here. He wouldn't have come all the way here if he wasn't genuinely interested in me.

"You came all the way here for a reason. You must have your reasons. Perhaps I can give you what you want. What you need."

His eyes narrowed slightly at the word "need", but he doesn't say anything for a while. Mr. Serrano's gaze swepy over me one more time before he rose to his full height. Two, slow, measured steps brought him into my personal space.

He smelled as good as you'd expect. A rich, subtle scent that slowly began to overwhelm all my senses, wrapping me in its musky embrace. He looked down at me as if he knew how uncomfortable he made me feel and that glint in his eyes told me that he liked that.

Enjoyed it, even.

"What is it exactly that you think I need?" he demanded, his voice low, intimate.

He was just as affected by my presence as I was by his. He wanted me, I knew that from the way he was looking at me. I could recognise hunger in a man's eyes as well as anyone. And Mr. Serrano was ravenous.

"Well," I began, letting my own gaze sweep over him appraisingly. "A wealthy, infamous man like you… It must be difficult to find the time or space to just relax and let loose, even if it is just for a few minutes. You don't trust anyone in case you're betrayed, which explains why you've f****d almost every woman in the country, and discarded them just as quickly."

Amusement shone in his dark eyes, and the corner of his lips quirk subtly.

"But at the end of the day, you crave peace just as much as any one of us. You crave an outlet for all that built-up tension, the rage… the unhappiness. You want to be able to let go without worrying about someone fearing or betraying you."

His expression darkened with that emotion again, but he hastily blinked it away. His stare was unnerving, as if he were trying to see into the very depths of my soul.

"You're not scared of me?" he asked, a drop of surprise in his voice.

"Oh, I'm absolutely terrified. My heart is pounding so hard in my chest, I'm worried you might hear it."

A slight tilt of his head.

"You're not exactly famous for your warm temperament and caring nature, Mr. Serrano."

Amusement again, as we both recalled how he'd treated me on his birthday. "And yet here you are, able to meet my gaze despite that fear. Some would call that stupidity."

"Bravery is more accurate, I think."

Another sweep of my body. "My interest has been piqued, despite your moxie. Or perhaps, because of it. There's something alluring about a woman with spirit, who doesn't frighten easily."

The words were out before I could stop them.

"I imagine the idea of making a woman like me bend to your will must be quite exciting."

He licked his lips, as though the idea was very tempting indeed. Against my better judgement, my gaze dropped to his mouth and I briefly considered what it would feel like to have those lips on me. That same, thick, tattooed finger under my chin, tilting my head back so I'm forced to look at him.

"So you're offering to be my peace? An outlet for the rage?" he repeated, getting back on track. I noticed how he doesn't touch on the unhappiness bit, but I keep that to myself.

I said, "I'm offering you my body. If having your way with me will be an outlet for your rage, and you can find peace between my legs, then that's a bonus for you."

A slow, wicked smile spread across his face, and my p***y wept, dampening the crotch of my lace underwear.

"I think I'm going to like f*****g you very much, Eden."

"You'll be a welcome change to the older, less attractive clients I'm used to."

He smirked. "And here I thought you liked your job."

"I don't. But someone has to do it."

His eyes twinkled with genuine delight, and his thumb gently caressed my chin.

"Would you like to go upstairs, to one of the playrooms?"

He lowered his finger from my chin, trailing it over my collarbone and the valley between my t**s. For a second, I thought I saw regret in his eyes.

"Unfortunately, I have a packed afternoon, but I'll move some things around and fit you into my schedule tonight. That is," he teased, his hand dropping to my thigh, easing the slit of my dress open. "If you can fit me."

His finger trailed a path up my thigh, and the delicate touch sent live sparks throughout my body, but it's when his finger carefully teased at the waistband of my lace underwear that I had to swallow.

Everywhere he touched, burned like I'd been scorched with a hot poker. What had been mere desire before was quickly growing into a mind-numbing lust.

"At this point, I'd agree to anything you suggest."

Something I'd said to scores of clients before but I'd never meant it until this moment.

"I'll have one of my men hand you the necessary paperwork in a few minutes. Read it thoroughly, and call me if you have any questions. If you agree with all my terms, he can pick you up here at nine in the evening. Use this time to get ready. Make sure you look good for me."

He stepped away then, taking his warmth and intensity with him. The smile was gone in the next second, and he turned around, walking quietly to the door on the other side of the room.

"Mr. Serrano?"

He paused, glanced over his shoulder at me.

"Yes, pet?"

"Is there anything you'd prefer I wear?"

He thought for a bit, then urged, "Impress me."

***

It wasn't easy impressing a man like Dominic Serrano. I had absolutely no idea what he wanted me to wear. I was hoping I'd get a clue from the thick-ass stack of paperwork his guard left with me, but there were no specifics.

He'd ticked every single one of my boxes, and even added a few things he was interested in doing with me. And they're all very… interesting. Kinky as hell, which only made me more excited for our evening together.

But nothing about clothing preferences at all.

Or make-up, nails, hair and shoes.

Which obviously meant he didn't care all that much about whatever I would be wearing. His interest lay in what I could do for him.

After I initialled every page and signed on the last two, I handed the guard Dominic's copy of the contract and headed upstairs to give Mona mine. Her eyes bulged in her face when she saw the signature on the last page, and she quickly skimmed through the contract.

"Are you sure about this, cherie?"

"It's just a night, Mona. I'll be alright, mon amour."

She didn't say anything more, just pushed her glasses up her nose and began filing the paperwork. I left her office and hurried downstairs to the stylists' floor where Timothy was rubbing his temples in frustration.

"What's wrong?"

"Just… I work with amateurs," he muttered, turning to look at me. "What are we doing this time?"

He got up, and I followed him into the massive closet. I steered him away from the cocktail dresses and towards the evening gowns, where he arched his brow.

"Why?"

"The reason isn't important. Think modest, but sexy. Innocent, yet laden with promise. I want a dress that's unassuming, but will accentuate my body's curves without making me look cheap."

Timothy smiled. "A challenge, huh? Excellent."

He clapped his hands twice, and I swear his assistants popped out of nowhere. All four of them listened as he relayed my wishes word-for-word, then fan out to find dresses that match the description.

It took almost three hours to decide on a white satin dress with a short train. It ticked all the right boxes, and I stared at my reflection with a grin, pleased with the results. I opted for a pair of small diamond studs instead of dangling earrings, and bold burgundy lipstick for make-up. Anything else would likely be ruined within the first hour anyway.

I left my hair down, curls draped over one shoulder, then slipped into a pair of sandals with jewel-encrusted ankle-straps. A small clutch tied the outfit together, and I couldn't help giving Timothy a kiss on both cheeks before I left.

The car Dominic sent was waiting for me downstairs, and one of the guards helped me into the car before closing my door.

I was so nervous I didn't even glance out the window, or accept the offer of champagne. I fiddled with one of the earrings, pulling at my lobe and biting down on my lip anxiously. Once we arrived at the Weston - a gorgeous residential building that housed some of the city's wealthiest - I am led to the penthouse suite, where a tall guard was waiting for me. I recognised him from that night at Serrano Manor. He led me to a sitting room where Mr. Serrano was waiting, a neutral expression on his face.

He looked up at me, and he smiled - I think. I watched him rise from his chair, and I swallowed when his gaze lingered over my curves. He stalked towards me, slowly he loosening his tie. And although he was moving leisurely, as if he had all the time in the world, there was a degree of urgency in his movements. As if he couldn't wait to tear off this dress and have his way with me.

"Ms. Conteh."

"Mr. Serrano. Impressed?" I asked, gesturing to the dress.

He c****d his head to the side, his eyes narrowing into intense, thin slits.

"Tremendously."

Dominic circled me like a predator does its prey, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce on me. I barely resisted the urge to flush or crumble under his glare, but I straightened my back and breathed.

Finally, he came to a stop behind me, my heart racing when his warm breath tickled my neck.

"Do you remember your safe words?"

I nodded.

Hands on my waist, pulling me closer. His front presses against my back, the warmth of his body fuelling the flame inside me into a raging inferno.

"Use your words when you can, pet."

"Yes, Mr. Serrano. I remember my safe words."

"And what are they?"

"Paprika for 'stop'. Cinnamon for 'slow down'."

He rewarded me with a soft, tender kiss on the back of my neck. I sighed, melting into his body, my eyes drifting shut.

"You read the contract?" he checked, lips trailing towards my ear.

"Yes, Mr. Serrano."

"You know what I want?"

"Yes."

His right hand dropped to my hip, then my thigh, pushing aside the skirt of my dress to cup between my legs. "Yes, what?"

"Yes, Mr. Serrano."

I moaned when his left hand wrapped around my neck, angling my head just enough that he could see my face. Our eyes locked, his intentions burning in his.

"If you are ever uncomfortable or you need me to stop, please do not hesitate to call out your safe words. Do you understand?"

His expression left no room for argument or humour. He had officially stepped into character for the session, and I blinked a few times before responding, stepping into my role as well."Yes, Mr. Serrano."

"Good girl," he praised, pushing aside the crotch of my lace panties to slide a thick finger inside my p***y. I inhaled sharply, melting even further against him. He leaned closer, bit down on my lower lip, pulling it between his teeth just as his phone started vibrating in his pocket. I was surprised when he ignored it, choosing instead to push a second finger inside me.

"f**k, you're so wet," he noted, his lips pressed against mine, almost kissing me. I pushed my ass up against the obvious erection hidden in his slacks.

That smirk again. And just as he started pumping those fingers inside me, the doors to the penthouse opened and the sound of footsteps broke through the s****l spell we were both under.

Dominic stiffened, his eyes drifting closed for a few seconds. When he opened them again, the lust that had been burning there was gone. His fingers pulled out of my p***y and he let go of my neck before turning away from me.

"Yes?"

I adjusted the slit of my dress, pulling myself together and then turning around as well.

"Mr. Serrano, I'm so sorry to interrupt. There's been an incident that requires your immediate attention."

I couldn't see Dominic's face, but something in his expression made them both stop in their tracks. The one who'd just spoken glanced briefly at me, his cobalt blue eyes sweeping over me with a neutral expression. His dark brown hair was combed back, away from his face, his beard neatly trimmed. He was the one who'd almost yanked my hand off for daring to touch Dominic.

The other guard, the one who'd let me in, also peered at me. His eyes were a deep brown, his natural, dark hair and full beard trimmed neatly.

"Two minutes."

Both men turned to leave, their footsteps echoing in the silence until they're gone, the doors closing soundly behind them.

Dominic ran a frustrated hand through his hair and let out a long-suffering sigh before returning his attention to me. He blinked once more, his hand reaching for the delicate curve of my jaw.

"Maybe I should leave-"

"No," he growled, his body tensing. He cuppedthe back of my neck in his large palm, pulling me closer. "Don't leave. Not yet. I… I'll be back."

I nodded once.

Dominic took a step back, then seemed to remember. Slowly, he lifted his wet fingers to his mouth, sliding one into his mouth to slowly suck on it. I gasped, swallowing as my walls squeezed wantonly. Captivated, I watched him lift the other finger, sucking hungrily. When he was done, he licked at both his lips, and groaned like he had just tasted heaven.

"Make yourself comfortable. I won't be long."

He hesitated for a moment, as if reluctant to leave me when I was standing there patiently, waiting to fulfil his every desire. With one last pained look, he turned abruptly, grabbing his tie and jacket from the couch.

When the door closed behind him, I was left alone, still hot and wet and reeling from Dominic's touch, which I could still feel around my neck, inside me. Almost absently, I walked over to the bar area, pouring myself a generous measure of that amazing bourbon of his.

I lifted the glass to my lips, taking a small sip. I marveled at the exquisite, fiery taste of the liquor as it burned its way to my belly. Taking my glass with me, I wandered the room, taking in the impressive literature collection lining the oak shelves. I recognised a few classics, likely first edition from the ancient, fragile wrapping. There were also a few recent releases, all of them ranging from political to fictional thrillers.

I pulled out a popular Stephen King novel and began paging through it. Intrigued by the synopsis, I sat down with the book and my drink and began to read.

I was two glasses down and reading through a particularly terrifying scene when the penthouse door opened. One of Dominic's men walked into the room, approaching slowly when he realised I hadn't yet seen him.

"Ms. Conteh."

I snapped out of my literature-induced trance with a loud gasp. I closed my eyes, clutching a hand to my chest to calm my racing heart. "f**k. You scared the living s**t out of me," I mumbled, swallowing past the lump of fear in my throat.

"I apologise for startling you. My name is James Toure. I'm sorry to inform you that Mr. Serrano had to leave the building quite urgently. He asked me to ensure you arrive home safely."

I squashed the disappointment that bloomed, and closed the novel with a resounding thump. Rising from my seat, I tossed the last of the bourbon down my throat and placed the glass on the table.

"Will he be returning anytime soon?" I asked, looking into his dark brown eyes.

"Of that, I am not certain, miss. He said he would call you to arrange another appointment."

I nodded, understanding. "Well, that can't be helped, can it?"

Taking my purse, I sauntered to the door as he followed behind me. I paused, realising I still had the book in my hand.

"Do you think he'll mind if I borrow this?"

He almost smiled. "Not at all, Ms. Conteh."

The drive back to my building was wonderfully uneventful, and James carefully assisted me out of the car after we arrived.

"Thank you, Mr. Toure. Travel safely."

"Thank you, Ms. Conteh," he acknowledged, nodding politely.

He closed the door, and waited until I was inside the building before he got back in the car. He drove off as the elevator doors closed, and I let out a sigh full of s****l frustration.

Shit. This was going to be a long night.