BURNING HOT

CHAPTER 21

AMOUR, you went for weeks without calling me or your dad this time. Thank goodness I already have a grandson who checks up on me," Ila almost rolled her eyes at her mother's exaggeration. She had spoken with her just the day before on some business matters, and her mother knew that well, but she understood what her mother meant.

"You also have your favorite child with you and tons of people at the estate," Ila pointed out. Her family was a big one, and though not all were related by blood.

"I know Grace must have spilled the beans about everything going on if Sky hasn't. Mom, please, I need your words of wisdom right about now." She heard her mother's soft chuckle at the other end of the call.

"Grace told me this morning that you would call. She told me you wouldn't let her sleep either." Ila had inherited a lot of genes from her mom her mother's hypnotizing allure, from the luscious hair to the intense amber eyes and the voice. They shared a compelling voice.

"Grace has a big mouth," Ila knew she sounded less than mature, but she was tired and just needed to vent a bit, and who better than her mother.

"Amour, I won't mention my countless warnings all through the years. But now you have a second chance to make yourself happy. Why are you being reluctant?" Ila looked at the reports she had been going through after the board meeting this morning. In less than an hour, Al would be sending the location for their lunch.

"Mama, don't you think it's crazy I can't decide between two men?"

"All that matters is what you want, ma chérie. If you love the two of them, tell them and see if they're ready to share you. Though you have a tough one with those two Alpha males, the only thing that matters is what they're willing to do to be with you."

"I know about Sam's intentions; we promised to try every way possible to work this out, but Al..." She knew what she felt for him, but had he ever seen more between them?

"That's why you need to go and talk with him. Try to get answers to some really difficult questions. Things you don't want to say, you've got to say. Be honest with yourself and always put yourself first, Ila. The only way the three of you will have a beautiful future depends on your happiness."

Her mother had also taught her to prioritize her desires and happiness when it came to men; that was the only way she would find happiness.

"Thanks, Mom," she said, wishing her mom was there to share a hug with her.

"The minute Dymka finds out that you're the one on the phone, he will get jealous and want to keep talking to you."

"You're the one who spoiled Dad first; we only followed in your footsteps." Her mother's laugh from the other end of the phone was like a melodic note that wrapped around her heart.

"By the way, I've been holding on to tell you about the ball. You will have to go in my place; Dymka won't let me travel. I'm going to convince Mael to go too." Ila almost forgot about the ball. Her mother was from a French royal family, and they always invited her mom to events even after she married a Russian Mafia boss.

"You can send the invite to my email; I'll check the details and see if I can go, Mom," she told her mom, moving the phone to her other ear as her office phone started ringing.

"I already sent it. I think that's my cue to get off the phone. Have a nice date today, baby. Love you, baby," the line went off, and she immediately picked up the other phone.

"Miss Grace has been waiting for you on the top floor," Kitty reported.

"Why would she go there when I'm here?" Ila asked as she arranged the reports she had gone through away from the bigger bunch she hadn't reviewed.

"She demanded you meet her there when I suggested she wait here."

"Thanks. Apart from these reports, we should be wrapping up with the workload, right?" She had been working extra hard so she could go for a few months' vacation and break.

"Except for the social invites you have piled up in your email. We are meeting up with the schedule just fine," Kitty reported. Ila knew she didn't choose her secretary wrong. The girl was on another level of smart, and sometimes it put her in lots of trouble. Kitty had worked with some very bad men and had almost lost her life.

"I'll be leaving for lunch and won't be coming back to the office," Ila informed her.

"I'll sort out the functions and dates and let Dean know about your schedules."

"Sure," Ila dropped the phone and stood up, putting a few things in her bag. She would normally be spending this time immersed in work all day and end up spending the night at her penthouse on the top floor with the team but instead she was going for a lunch date.

Ila examined herself in the mirror once more, her gaze then shifting to Grace. "This feels a bit excessive," she remarked, checking the time on the digital clock mounted on the room's wall.

"You've made me so late that I might have to ask him to cancel," she added, not merely as an excuse to linger but because Grace had genuinely delayed her. By the time Ila had gotten to the apartment, Grace was already waiting, accompanied by her two stylists who always seemed to have opposing ideas.

Their incessant arguing often consumed precious time, and they rarely considered Ila's input. Nevertheless, the end result was always show-stopping.

"Don't fret about it. John is ready with the chopper waiting to whisk you away. Al will still be waiting patiently for you," Grace reassured her. "Besides, it's not like he has a choice. He's not asking just anyone out on a date."

"Enough chit-chat. Make sure you get those two out of my apartment as soon as possible before they drain my bar - and that includes you."

"Quit being such a bossy diva and go enjoy your date already Mami," Grace retorted, snatching Ila's bag and guiding her to the elevator.

"Fine, but let them know I'm deducting from their pay for every glass," Ila threatened, earning only a chuckle from Grace before the elevator doors sealed shut. Thanks to her best friend, what was supposed to be a lunch date was now turning into dinner, and she hadn't planned for such an effort.

When she reached the helipad, the chopper was already running. Dylan stood ready to assist her aboard, and as she settled into her seat, John lifted them off the building. The weather was exceptionally pleasant that evening, and as she glanced toward the sun, she knew it would set in a matter of minutes. Watching the sunset would be delightful.

"I haven't heard from Sam all day. He said he might return early," she mentioned, her anticipation and anxiety evident.

"He had some additional business," Dylan replied curtly, signaling his reluctance to discuss Sam's whereabouts. He would answer if pressed, but she refrained. Sam had made it clear that they would always be honest with her, even if they preferred to keep certain things from her. She needed to be sure she wanted to hear the unvarnished truth.

Grace and her stylists had already taken countless pictures, and Ila knew they wouldn't keep their promise not to post them. "Have Kitty or Dean wipe all the pictures they took today. I can't afford any more impromptu press conferences to ruin my vacation plans this year."

Although Grace knew better, those two couldn't resist admiring their flawless work and sharing it on social media.

As the helicopter touched down steadily on the rooftop, Ila peered down, her thoughts already drifting to Sam's absence. He had hardly left her side in the past six years, and she had gotten away with many things when he was around. But when he had entrusted her security to Dylan, his cousin, she found herself under constant surveillance.

As Al waited for Ila at the door of the roof top, his heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of her making her entrance from the chopper. She was an absolute vision, the epitome of refined beauty and luxury.

Her hair, cascading in soft waves down her back, was a lustrous shade of chestnut, shimmering under the subtle glow of the sun. It framed her face perfectly, drawing attention to her captivating amber eyes that sparkled with a hint of mischief. Those eyes held a certain allure, a promise of enchanting conversation yet to come.

Ila's lips, painted a deep, sultry shade of red, seemed to invite Al's gaze. They curved into a beguiling smile that could disarm even the most stoic of hearts. Her skin was flawless, with a radiant glow that spoke of meticulous skincare routines and an overall aura of confidence.

Diamonds adorned her ears, catching the light with every subtle turn of her head. The earrings dangled gracefully, accentuating the delicate curve of her neck. Around her neck, a diamond pendant nestled in the hollow of her throat, casting a mesmerizing shimmer over her cleavage.

Her dress, oh, that dress was nothing short of breathtaking. It clung to her curves in all the right places, the luxurious fabric draped like a second skin. The plunging neckline revealed just enough to tease without giving away too much. The bodice was intricately embellished with delicate lace and sequins drawing the eye to her slender waist and toned abs and emphasizing her hourglass figure.

The gown flowed effortlessly to the floor, pooling around her feet in a cascade of midnight blue silk. The high slit on the side exposed her toned leg, adding a dash of sensuality. Every step she took with that cane of hers towards him was a graceful dance, a mesmerizing play of silk and skin.

Her choice of attire was both bold and sophisticated, exuding confidence. It was as if the dress had been designed specifically for her, accentuating her natural beauty and charisma and he wouldn't be surprised if it designed for her.

Her two bodyguards were not far behind her, the two men moved like her shadow but their imposing present only added to the picture perfect scene. She was going to be his at the end of the night.

Al couldn't help but feel fortunate to be in the company of such an exquisite woman. She radiated elegance, sensuality, and a magnetic charm that made it impossible for him to look away. As their eyes locked, he knew that this evening would be one to remember, an unforgettable date that's was going to mark the beginning of their future.

As Ila walked towards Al, her heart quickened. He exuded an irresistible aura of power and sophistication that left her breathless.

His jet black hair was flawlessly styled, each strand perfectly in place, giving him an air of untouchable confidence. The rich, glossy sheen of his hair contrasted beautifully with his tanned olive skin, framing his strong, chiseled features. A hint of a five o'clock shadow only added to his rugged charm, making her heart skip a beat.

Al's tailored luxury suit was a masterpiece of craftsmanship and style. The deep charcoal gray fabric clung to his imposing build, emphasizing his broad shoulders and the V shaped taper of his torso. The suit jacket was impeccably fitted, showcasing his trim waist and lending an air of effortless elegance. Subtle embroidery on the lapels hinted at his Italian heritage, a nod to his roots and refined taste. It was so easy to fall in love with him at first sight just like she had 18 years ago.

Beneath the jacket, a crisp white shirt clung to his sculpted physique, the fabric accentuating every sinew of muscle. A silk tie, elegantly knotted, added a touch of refinement to the ensemble, and his cufflinks gleamed with understated grandiosity.

As he approached her, the fine Italian leather of his shoes whispered luxury. They were polished to perfection, completing the ensemble with a touch of sophistication that matched his undeniable presence.

Ila couldn't help but be captivated by the two rings on his strong, capable hands. One was a family crest, an emblem of his heritage and lineage, a symbol of his commitment to his roots. The other was a striking black onyx ring, encrusted with diamonds, a testament to his power and influence in the underworld-a sign that he was a force to be reckoned with. Her brother always wore something similar.

In Al's presence, there was an undeniable magnetism, an air of danger that only added to his allure. She was used to danger and seemed her been from a crime Family only made her surround herself with dangerous men.

He wasn't just a man in a suit; he was a captivating blend of elegance, strength, and enigma a man whose every detail told a story of power, passion, and a life lived on the edge. As Ila gazed at him, she couldn't help but feel that this date was to end pretty soon with his hungry eyes roaming her body.

"You looking breathtaking." He commented before stretch his arm out for her to take.

"Thanks you don't look bad yourself." She smiled and passed her cane to her other hand before taking his waiting arm.

"Yeah I think I cleaned up nicely too." They both chuckled and as Al lead them to the elevator their bodyguards behind them. They waited by the side for them to asses the elevator before the went in and soon the door was opening back.

"I thought you would like to watch the sunset with me, so I told my men to move the preparation to this room." Al lead her to a towering double door that was opened by two of his men by the door. She stopped when she heard one requesting for her bodyguards to stop.

Ila turned took look at Dylan and John's deadly cold expression as they stood unmoving without even acknowledging the men that had tried to stop them. It was good they didn't try touching them too.

"Al I hope you don't mind my men. As long as I'm safe they won't interfere, you'll probably forget there in the room." She said.

Al knew she wasn't asking for permission to allow her men stay with her, she was telling him to ignore their presence. He nodded to Tyler and Lui and they all came stepped in, Rene staying outside by the door.

"You think we're going to get any eating or talking done here?" Ila asked as she took in the breathtaking setting. The room was designed for romance, and every detail was meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of pure opulence luxury.

The centerpiece of the room was a massive, king-sized bed covered in sumptuous silk sheets that seemed to shimmer in the soft, ambient lighting. The pillows were plumped to perfection, inviting her to sink into their cloud-like embrace.

But what truly took Ila's breath away was the floor to ceiling glass wall that stretched the length of the room. It offered an unobstructed, panoramic view of the city's skyline, which was bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. The glass was so clear that it almost felt as if there were no barriers between the room and the outside world.

The room was strategically positioned to capture the best view of the sunset, with plush velvet curtains framing the glass wall, ready to be drawn for privacy when the time was right.

"I asked myself that same question when i laid my eyes on you getting down from the helicopter." Ila looked at him with a smirk before turning her attention to the window.

As she approached the window, Ila couldn't help but be awed by the sight. The city below was a sea of twinkling lights, and the fading sun painted the sky in a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples. It was a view that whispered of romance and whispered secrets.

"You definitely know how to please a woman" Soft ambient music played in the background, its melodies adding to the sensual ambiance of the room. A gentle breeze rustled the sheer curtains, bringing with it the scent of freshly cut flowers that adorned the room in tasteful arrangements.

The room was bathed in a warm, golden glow from strategically placed floor lamps and soft, concealed LED lights, casting a romantic spell that seemed to make time stand still. The atmosphere was one of pure enchantment, designed to make to steal a woman's heart with every detail thought of.

As Al guided Ila into the opulent dining area, he displayed impeccable manners, ensuring she felt like the queen of the evening. He held her chair, pulling it out with a smooth, practiced motion, allowing her to seat herself comfortably.

His warm smile only made her heart racing as he settled into his own seat opposite her, she felt like teen on her first date. She couldn't stop herself from staring at his tempting lips.

The table was a masterpiece of refinement, adorned with crystal stemware that sparkled in the soft, ambient lighting. Polished silverware gleamed beside delicate porcelain plates, each place setting arranged with precision. A bottle of chilled champagne stood ready in an ice bucket, its golden foil promising effervescence.

With a flourish, Al uncorked the champagne and poured it into two crystal flutes, the liquid effervescence bubbling with anticipation.

He raised his glass, and his eyes locked onto Ila's, his toast a silent promise of the enchanting evening that lay ahead.

After the toast, they turned their gaze toward the panoramic vista. The city below was a sea of twinkling lights, and the fading sun painted the sky in a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples. The view was truly beautiful.

She had forgotten about Dylan and John who must have positioned themselves somewhere out of sight but still very capable of guarding her. It was funny how they had little faith in her protecting herself.

Al's gestures of affection and intimacy continued to deepen the connection between them. She wasn't sure she was going to to asking any questions like her mom suggested this evening because her body was practically getting warmer.

"Would you let me feed you?" Al asked her with a playful glint in his eyes, as he delicately picked up a bite sized canapé from the tray before them. The morsel of food was a symphony of flavors, a tantalizing burst of taste and texture.

His hand, strong and confident, approached her lips, the canapé poised for her to accept. With a teasing smile of her own she parted her lips ever so slightly, accepting the offering.

Al's fingers were warm and slightly calloused, a testament to a life lived on the edge, and their touch sent a shiver of delight down her spine.

"It's delicious" Ila moaned the words as their gazes locked, It was more than just a bite of food; it was a moment of shared intimacy, as Ila savored the exquisite flavors, her teasing nature couldn't help but emerge.

She leaned in slightly, her eyes dancing with mischief, and whispered, "You know, Al, they say a shared canapé is the secret to a perfect date. Let's see if they're right."

"I was relying on it" he answered and heir laughter mingled with the soft, ambient music, a sweet symphony that enveloped them in a cocoon of romance.

Al kept feeding her and each delicate morsel that he fed her became more intimate.

As they savored their dinner and the sun dipped below the horizon, Al and Ila knew that this date was becoming a cherished memory.

"I have one last surprise for you," Al whispered, his eyes fixed on the sparkle in her amber eyes.

Ila's playful smile curled on her lips as she inquired, "What could that possibly be? I thought this evening was already filled with surprises."

Al rose from his seat and took her hand, pulling her gently to her feet. "Well, my dear," he murmured, "Sometimes the best surprises are saved for last."

She chuckled softly, gazing around the room in wonder before her attention returned to him. His strong arms encircled her waist, drawing her closer.

Just as their lips were about to meet in a kiss, the door softly open. Ila's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Sam entering, his presence commanding and intimidating.

Dylan and John with Al'bodyguard Lui and Tyler discreetly exited the room, leaving the three of them alone as she heard the click of the door lock.

"You did ask me to ignore your bodyguards" Al whispered, turning her to face Sam, Ila stood caught between two powerful men, Al's mouth descended on the nape of her neck. Her s*x clenched.

Her pulse jumped. Blood pounded through her c**t. Even her breasts ached. All from that one touch and she couldn't denial Sam's presence only increased her reaction.