The Midnight Dwellers

Chapter 5

Elora stepped out of the car and followed Kieran into the lobby of the building. He pressed the "up" button on the elevator and the two waited. They stepped into the elevator and Kieran pressed the putton for the 45th floor. Elora's stomach churned. She was not a fan of heghts and the thought of being in a contraption suspended by wires and cables as it hurdled up 45 floord was enough to make her light headed.

Suddenly, Kieran placed a hand on the small of her back and Elora immediately felt steaded rather than vaguely nauseous. She smiled weakly up at Kieran who flashed a dazzling, perfect smile back at her.

What does he see in me?

"Stop fidgeting," Kieran said. "We are here."

With that, Elora and Kieran stepped into the most stunning dining room Elora had ever seen. The decor was sleek and minimalistic, but absolutely immaculate. The windows of the restaurant showed and sbolutely breathtaking view of the city skyline, and for a moment, Elora was breathless.

"Wow," she sighed.

"Come," Kieran said, "We have a private room."

A private room?!

Elora follwed Kieran and their waiter to a private room. It was an intimate setting with a small table for two and modern artwork adorning the walls. They took their seats and Elora looked over the menu. The food looked mouthwatering and since Elora had forgone her pizza at lunch, she was absolutely starving.

"Could I please have the maple glazed salmon?" Elora asked the waiter.

"Certainly, ma'am. And for you?" he asked Kieran.

"I'll take the filet mignon. And a glass of pinot noir. Chablis for the Ms. White, please."

The waiter nodded and stepped out of the room. A pregnant pause hung heavily in the air.

"Why did you ask me to come here?" Elora asked quietly.

"Because, as I told you," Kieran said,"you interest me."

"Interest?"

"Yes, interest. Would you prefer a different word. Amaze? Intrigue? Dazzle? Astonish? Dumbfound? Take your pick."

"But why? I mean, look at me! I'm nothing special."

Kieran stood up and swiftly made his way over to Elora, once again taking her chin in his hand.

"You are," he exhaled," beyond special."

Elora gasped. Kieran was so close that she could smell his aftershave. She felt light headed and shook her head.

"You don't believe me," Kieran stated flatly. "Ms. White, you beguile me. Say the word, and I am yours."

An unfamiliar, honeyed heat pooled in Elora's abdomen. She pulled out of Kieran's grasp right as the waiter walked in with their food. It looked delicious and Elora was starving. Even an inexplicably lovestruck tycoon couldn't keep her from digging into her meal. When she'd had her fill Kieran said, "Come back to my apartment."

Elora paled at the request.

"Please," he implored.

Minutes later, the two sped towards a ritzy, wealth neighborhood in the Upper East Side. Elora's hand trembled as she imagined what was to come. She had barely ever kissed someone and now she was on her way to Kieran Sgail's apartment. Who was she kidding? When they arrived, one of Kieran's goons parked the car and Kieran led her to the elevator.

"I live in the penthouse. 50th floor," he muttered.

As they stepped into the elevator, both were silent. The ride was short and when the doors to Kieran's penthouse opened, Elora's jaw dropped. It was beautiful. Elora had never seen such ornate, beautiful decor. She looked over at Kieran who was staring intently at her.

"What?" Elora asked, incredulously.

"f**k," Kieran growled as he closed the space between them and smashed his lips into hers. A fire erupted in Elora's chest as Kieran's lips met hers. Their kiss was hungry and passionate. As their tongues danced together, Elora couldn't help but feel as though they'd done this a thousand time. Kieran tangled his finger into her silken, auburn hair and groaned into her mouth. As abruptly as he intitiated the kiss, he pulled away.

"I can't. I want to, trust me, but I can't," he whispered.

"Why?" asked Elora.

"Because once I start, I don't know if I can stop. Elora, I can't resist you."

"Then don't," said Elora as she took a tentative step towards Kieran. Suddenly, she felt his lips smash into hers gain and his hands tangle into her hair. She heard a low grumble in his chest as he wound his arms around her waist and hoisted her up against the wall. As if on instinct, Elora wrapped her legs around him and deepened the kiss. Kieran pulled away, gasping for air.

"You're sure?" he asked.

"Yes." Elora whispered. "Take me."