"Our journey begins in two days," Daniel began, his voice returning to its serious but didactic tone. "We will fly toDubaiFirst. It's a strategic hub for many of my 'businesses,' and the prince's invitation is an important formality. It's a place of extremes, luxury, and global influence. You'll see how wealth can shape landscapes and destinies.
He took her hand, tracing gentle circles with his thumb.After Dubai, as we discussed, we're going to Japan. It will be an opportunity for you to reconnect with your roots and for your parents to meet me in a more familiar environment, away from the glitz of the Middle East. Then we'll see where the wind takes us. The world is our home now, Elara."
Elara nodded, excitement growing.And what do you do... what do I tell them?she asked, her voice a little hesitant. She knew the truth about Daniel's operations was too dangerous and complex to reveal.
Daniel looked her in the eyes, seriousness now dominating his expression.You'll say I'm a philanthropist, Elara."The word came out with a slight sarcasm, but also with a grain of truth. "Tell them I'm a successful businessman with global investments in technology, energy, and security. And since we're going to Dubai and they're going to meet the prince, add thatI also do business in Saudi Arabia. This explains my presence there and my connection with important figures."
He paused, watching her reaction. Elara frowned slightly, absorbing the information. Philanthropist, global entrepreneur, dealings with Saudi Arabia. It was a convincing facade, a sophisticated veil that hid the true nature of his endeavors.
"Don't lie about the donations, because I really do make them," Daniel continued. "Say that my philanthropic work is discreet, focused on global humanitarian causes, mainly in conflict areas, through organizations likeMSFand toRed Cross. This will give context to your new purpose without revealing the darker... details."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.And of course, there's no need to mention the security teams, the exact nature of my "business," or the heavy weapons. To her parents, I'm just Daniel, an influential businessman who loves their daughter and wants her to be happy."A slight smile played on his lips."It's a role I can play, I think."
Elara chuckled softly, but nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation. "Understood. Philanthropist. Global business, including Saudi Arabia. And a man who loves their daughter." She repeated the words, memorizing the narrative. "They'll love knowing you support humanitarian causes. My mother has always been very committed to that."
"Exactly," Daniel said, satisfied. He stood up, pulling her to her feet as well. "Now, let's choose something for you to shine with tonight. Something that will make them proud of you and... intrigued by me." He winked, a silent invitation to the game of appearances he mastered so well.
Elara let herself be led by his arm, her eyes roaming over the hanging evening gowns, the sparkling jewels in the glass display cases. She was entering a new kind of stage, where the characters were more complex and the stakes much higher. But with Daniel by her side, she felt she could play any role, face any truth. The night promised to be the prelude to an extraordinary journey, where luxury intertwined with purpose, and love with danger.
With Daniel's Hollywood decision still fresh in their minds, and family dinner just hours away, they headed for the bath. The bathroom was a sanctuary of polished marble and glass, with a deep soaking tub that promised deep relaxation and a shower with multiple jets that cascaded like a private waterfall. Steam began to fill the space, fogging the mirrors and creating an intimate atmosphere.
But this would be no ordinary bath. As the warm water began to embrace their bodies, the tension of decision and the anticipation of the family reunion transformed into a palpable energy between them. Daniel pulled her close, their wet bodies sliding against each other. The scent of expensive soap and the natural scent of Elara's skin mingled in the humid air.
He lifted her with surprising ease, her legs instinctively finding their way around his waist. Her skin was soft and warm beneath his hands as he pulled her against him. The sound of the water hitting the shower floor was the only noise besides his own sighs.
Daniel thrust into her slowly, every inch of his body finding her intimacy. He felt the contraction, her immediate response, the way her body tightened against his, enveloping him. He began a slow, measured rhythm, thrusting into her there, against the cool shower wall, which contrasted with the growing heat between them. Time vanished. Half an hour could have felt like a minute or an eternity.
Elara's lips met his, a hungry kiss that stole the breath from his lungs. Her legs tightened around Daniel's waist, her hands gripping the wet hair at the nape of his neck, surrendering completely to the sensation, almost forgetting about her parents and brother who would soon arrive. The outside world dissolved, leaving only the touch, the warmth, the fusion of their bodies.
Daniel leaned in, his mouth close to her ear, his voice husky with desire and exertion, but with a hint of amusement.Are you enjoying making love to me in the shower? You're nervous too, aren't you?"
Elara shivered, a low moan escaping her lips before she could control it. She squeezed her eyes shut, her head leaning against the cool wall, the hot steam on her face. His question was a mirror to her own soul. Yes, she was nervous about dinner, about the drastic change in her life, about the magnitude of everything Daniel represented. But in that moment, in his arms, all her anxiety transformed into pure euphoria.
She opened her eyes, staring into his, which shone with intensity.Nervous? Maybe a little, yes," she confessed, her voice breathless. "But with you, Daniel, the nervousness turns into... this. Into total surrender. It's like I need you to ground me, to make me feel every fiber of my being."She pulled him into a new kiss, deeper, more urgent, proving that, in the heat of that bath, the only thing that mattered was the connection that united them, dissolving any fear or worry. The surrender was complete, and for Daniel, every contraction of her body was a confirmation that she was his, completely.
Daniel intensified his pace, the heat in the shower seeming to increase with the intensity of his movements. The pleasure consumed them, pushing them to the point of no return. He held her tighter against him, her body trembling in his arms.
"Love, I'm going..." Daniel murmured, his voice almost a growl, husky with desire. His eyes were fixed on hers, wild and burning. "I'm going to feel you in every fiber of my being. I'm almost... almost coming. Will you let me? Will you want me?"
Elara felt her entire body tense in anticipation. Her heart hammered in her chest, echoing Daniel's rapid rhythm. Pleasure was on the brink, an imminent wave that promised to sweep everything away. She arched her back, her head thrown back, her lips parted in an uncontrollable moan. Her fingers tightened on his shoulders, nails lightly scraping against his wet skin.
"Yes, Daniel... yes!" she gasped, her voice a desperate whisper, almost incoherent, but filled with a burning permission. "I want it. I want all of you. Don't stop! Take me... take me completely."
Daniel's gaze grew even more intense, an uncontrollable fire burning in his brown eyes. Her response drove him even deeper, and he possessed her with a primal, wild force, an explosion of pure desire that left them trembling together in the shower. Elara's muffled cry mingled with the sound of the water, and her body arched in her climax, squeezing him in a spasm of mutual pleasure. Daniel felt life surge through him, surrendering himself completely to that visceral connection, feeling every inch of her.
Time stood still. Only their panting breaths filled the space, while the warm water continued to flow over them, washing away the intensity of the moment but leaving the indelible mark of what had happened. They remained embraced, their bodies still trembling slightly, exhausted and satisfied, the silence filled with the resonance of their union. That bath was not just an act of cleansing, but of purification and total surrender, before preparing themselves for the "world" that awaited them.
The orange hues of the sunset faded into the horizon, giving way to a tapestry of stars beginning to dot the night sky. On the rooftop, the lights of New York City twinkled below, a sea of luminous points stretching as far as the eye could see. The mild evening temperature invited a slight coolness, and the infinity pool, once bathed in sunlight, now reflected the subtle glow of underwater lights, resembling a liquid sapphire mirror. The air carried the scent of post-swim ozone and a faint hint of jasmine from the floral arrangements carefully arranged throughout the mansion.
Daniel and Elara had emerged from the bath, their bodies and souls still vibrating with the intensity of their shared passion. She was now in hercloset, a sanctuary ofdesignwith mirrored walls and lighted closets displaying rows of impeccable clothes, custom-made shoes, and luxurious accessories. The air was filled with the soft scent of fine leather and expensive fabrics.