Elowen's POV

"That'll be $5,650. How would you like to pay?"

What in the fuck-

My eyes widened as the cashier announced the jaw-dropping total for the items. Her calm voice was the complete opposite of my mind. A staggering sum of money, far beyond what I had expected or could afford. Panic set in as I fumbled to find the right words.

That's 4 months of rent. 

I looked at Zephyr, panicking as he took out his wallet. "I... I can go back and pick something else, something more affordable," I stammered, my voice barely audible over the beeping of the scanner.

I told him I could find something in Zara.

Zephyr, however, glared at me, his patience clearly waning. "You're testing my patience, Elowen. I'm still not happy about how you didn't let me get those diamond earrings," he said in a low, commanding tone that sent shivers down my spine.

No shit. Who buys their assistant diamond earrings? That's ridiculous.

"I told you not to deny what I offer. It seems I need to reinforce that lesson." 

I swallowed hard, nodding nervously, as my body seemed to physically hurt when the cashier swiped the card through the machine. 

Zephyr, unfazed by the hefty bill, effortlessly gathered the shopping bags into his hands, his defined muscles on display owing to the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt. A silent acknowledgment that shopping was just another arena where he dominated effortlessly.

This man certainly knows how to shop. 

My instinct to help kicked in, and I reached out toward the bags, attempting to relieve him of the load. "I can hold the bags, Mr. Tenebris."

He pulled away with a swift motion, his glare intensifying. "Stop troubling yourself with unnecessary things," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My brows furrowed in confusion as I looked at him, a response on the tip of my tongue. "Is that not my job as your assistant-"

His narrowed eyes halted my words, and I quickly shut my mouth, realising I had tested his patience enough today.

"You really need to be taught how to listen," he said, the words rolling off his tongue with a low, authoritative timbre. His voice, already deep, seemed to resonate with an underlying intensity that demanded compliance. 

As he led me out of the shop and towards the awaiting car, Zephyr's commanding presence lingered. He opened the door with a smooth gesture, his hand shielding my head from any potential harm as I settled into the plush seat.

"T-Thank you," I stammered, surprised by the thoughtful gesture, a hint of appreciation forming in my eyes as he kept the bags, stowing them away securely. 

Once settled in the driver's seat, Zephyr looked at me with a raised eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. The amusement in his gaze was evident as he asked, "Need assistance with your seatbelt again, Elowen?"

"N-No."

My cheeks warmed at the playful tease, and I hastily secured the seatbelt, feeling his chuckle resonate as he ignited the engine and steered the car into motion. His mood seemed to have taken a turn for better, forgetting his annoyance from earlier. 

I hope it stays that way.

My eyes couldn't help but stray to Zephyr as he manoeuvred through traffic with a skilful ease that seemed inherent. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing the strength in his muscular arms, a subtle hint of tattoos peeking from beneath. The disheveled strands of his hair gave him a more relaxed appearance, yet there was an undeniable allure to the casual chaos.

How does he always look this good? Will he tell me his skincare routine if I ask?

He suddenly met my gaze, a smirk building on his lips. I looked away, embarrassed that I got caught staring. 

It's not my fault he's so nice to look at. 

Zephyr's smirk only widened as he sensed my embarrassment. "Do you make a habit of staring, Elowen, or is it just reserved for me?" His question hung in the air, and my cheeks flushed as I stammered out an apology, my gaze quickly darting away.

"Uhm I didn't mean- I.... Sorry."

He chuckled lowly, the sound resonating through the car. I swear I head a small 'cute' muttered under his breath. 

As we continued our journey, his demeanor shifted. "Do you need help getting ready for the gala?" he inquired, his tone holding a note of genuine concern. I quickly shook my head, "I have everything I need with me, Mr. Tenebris."

 He nodded in acknowledgment, his focus back on the road.

"Good. We'll head to my penthouse to get ready. It's more convenient than the mansion," he stated matter-of-factly, the plan already decided.

I nodded, already feeling exhausted at the thought of the tiring evening awaiting us. My shoulders drooped slightly, a sigh escaping my lips. Glancing out of the car window, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery as my eyes gradually closed, surrendering to the embrace of sleep. The rhythmic hum of the car became a lullaby, gently lulling my senses into a peaceful realm, momentarily escaping the whirlwind of the day.

Just going to close my eyes for a few minutes.

___

My eyes trailed down my form as I looked at the humongous mirror propped on the wall in front of me. Checking every single detail, I made sure nothing was out place and that I looked perfect, well, as perfect as I could. 

Zephyr is going to look like a king, he always does and I don't want to embarrass him.

Ebony curls cascaded down to my back, elegantly styled into soft waves that framed my face. The silk black dress I wore draped gracefully, featuring a cowl neck that teased with subtle cleavage. With one shoulder daringly bare, the dress caressed my figure, descending into a flowing silhouette, accentuated by a seductive slit for my right leg. 

I have to be careful not to flash anyone.

Completing the ensemble, my steps were accentuated by sleek black stilettos, each step accompanied by the distinctive click of the red-bottomed heels. In my hands, a Dior clutch added a touch of sophistication.

Looking at the time, I realised I still have 15 minutes to go. I took a seat on the bed, opening my tablet, checking the list of everyone Zephyr needs to greet today. I looked at the pictures and name, their descriptions, making sure I had everyone memorised. 

My mind slowly shifted as I looked outside the window, the penthouse having a stunning view of the city skyline. 

I remembered waking up in Zephyr's arms as he strolled into the penthouse. Confusion etched my features, and in my dazed state, I uttered, "Is this a dream?" A low chuckle vibrated through his chest as he held me close, and, dismissing it as a dream, I drifted back to sleep.

It was not. Reality had hit me like a splash of cold water when I woke up again. It turned out my boss had carried me up to his penthouse, the reason being my impromptu nap during work hours. Heat rushed to my cheeks in embarrassment. 

I had woken up feeling like I was on clouds, as an old woman stood in front of me, telling me it's time to get ready for the gala. Confused, I looked around the luxurious room, my brain not comprehending what was going on. 'The car, the gala, shopping, me in Zephyr's arms...?' My eyes widened as I sat up on the bed, looking at the kind-looking lady. 

"How did I get here?"

"Zephyr carried you here. Please let me know if you need anything else. I've already gotten you lunch. Zephyr has asked you to eat first before you do anything else." With that, she had left me to panic on my own as I pretty much drowned in embarrassment. 

Glancing at the clock once more, I realised I had only five minutes left. Swiftly organising all my belongings into my tote bag, I looked around the room, making sure everything was the way it was. I stepped outside, allowing myself to appreciate the beautiful penthouse. 

The penthouse exuded an air of minimalistic opulence, where sleek and dark furnishings seamlessly blended with the expansive, airy space. The color palette, dominated by deep shades of charcoal and midnight blue, resonated with sophistication. Plush, velvety textures adorned the furniture, inviting a sense of luxury. Large, strategically placed windows allowed the city lights to cascade into the room, creating a mesmerising interplay of shadows and glimmers.

The interior designer certainly knows how to do his job well.

I sank into the plush cushions of the living room couch, the luxurious fabric cradling me. Pulling out my tablet, I delved into the routine of replying to emails. The soft glow of the device cast a warm hue on my face as I focused on composing a response. The hum of the city below provided a distant soundtrack, creating an ambiance of solitude within the opulent penthouse.

As my fingers danced over the tablet's surface, a peculiar sensation gripped me. A tingling feeling crept over my skin, and an unshakable awareness settled in my chest. It was as if an unseen gaze bore into me, making all my nerves tingle with warmth.

I'm being watched.

I hesitated, my eyes flicking up from the tablet's screen to survey the room. The subdued lighting played tricks with the shadows, creating a sense of mystery. It was then that I noticed Zephyr standing there, a silhouette against the dimness, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on me. 

Zephyr's presence loomed over the room like a powerful force, an undeniable aura of dominance emanating from him. The dim lighting accentuated the sharp angles of his features, casting intriguing shadows that only added to the allure he exuded.

His eyes, darker than the surrounding shadows, were fixated on me. Unyielding. Penetrating. My breath hitched, caught off guard by the intensity of his gaze. In that moment, I felt like prey under the scrutiny of a predator, a realisation that sent a shiver down my spine.

A gasp escaped my lips, a physical manifestation of my surprise, as his eyes seemed to revel in my reaction. The darkness in his gaze deepened, conveying a silent satisfaction at my vulnerability. It was a moment frozen in time, where the air thickened with unspoken tension.

My throat tightened with a gulp, a small, involuntary gesture that didn't escape Zephyr's perceptive eyes. A barely noticeable smirk curved his lips, an acknowledgment of the effect he had on me, as if relishing in it.

The subtle ping of my tablet disrupted the charged ambiance, momentarily diverting my attention. As I glanced down, a notification adorned the screen, signaling a reply to one of my emails. Swiftly navigating through the digital exchange, I stored the tablet into my tote bag.

Upon standing, I found myself face to face with Zephyr, his sudden proximity surprising me.

When did he even move? I didn't hear a thing. 

My eyes traveled the length of him, absorbing the meticulous details that composed the striking image before me. Zephyr was clad in a black silk three-piece suit, a perfect complement to my own dress. The fabric clung to him in all the right places, accentuating the powerful physique beneath.

Black, I had always believed, possessed a unique allure on everyone. However, witnessing Zephyr in this particular ensemble felt like witnessing a revelation. The monochromatic masterpiece transformed him into an otherworldly figure—a king amidst the opulence of his world.

His hair, impeccably styled, added a touch of rugged sophistication. A watch adorned his wrist, catching the ambient light as it gleamed subtly. The top buttons of his shirt remained undone, revealing a hint of his sculpted chest, a deliberate choice that exuded an air of nonchalant authority. Broad shoulders and strong arms only accentuated the powerful aura he emanated.

My breath hitched as I took him in, top to bottom. He looked nothing short of regal, a potent blend of strength and elegance that left me momentarily breathless.

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the resonant timber of Zephyr's voice, a low murmur that reverberated around us. "You look absolutely stunning, Elowen."

A delicate warmth diffused across my cheeks at the compliment. I met his gaze, finding the intensity in his eyes both disarming and mesmerizing. 'Is it fair for him to compliment someone else when he looks like that?' I thought as he extended his hand, waiting for me to take it. 

I grabbed it hesitantly, a genuine smile adorning my lips in response to the compliment, an acknowledgment of his words.

Zephyr guided us towards the exit of the penthouse, as he spoke over the phone. 

"Yes, we're coming down now. Have the car ready near the back gate." 

He concludes the call, his gaze shifting to me, a subtle smirk curving his lips. "I hope you had a good nap, Ms. Nocturne. It's going to be a long night."

I avert my eyes, forgetting about the event that took place earlier. 

"I-um I'm so sorry about that, Mr. Tenebris. That was so unprofessional. I swear it won't happen again."

As I stumble through my apology, his face exudes amusement, his frame subtly quivering with suppressed laughter. I look at him, eyes narrowing, not understanding the reason behind his mirth. 

As we step into the elevator, Zephyr's hand rests on the small of my back, a subtle yet possessive guide. The elevator begins its descent, and I finds herself lost in a flurry of thoughts, my senses flustered by the warmth of his touch. Amidst the anticipation of the night ahead, I feel a sigh build up, thinking about the upcoming evening. 

How will I survive the rest of the night if he's already got me feeling like this?

____

for some this reason, this chapter took forever to write and i'm not even really sure why. anyway, i hope you enjoy it! please like and comment :)