Page 34 of Serena (Shattered Queens #1)

When I thought about tonight, I didn’t know what to expect.

This, in front of me, never crossed my mind, and it’s everything.

When the elevator opened, the scent of fresh flowers invaded my senses.

The rooftop is covered with a variety of colored roses, with candles scattered throughout on the floor.

The full moon and stars help cast light onto the table that’s placed to the right.

In the center, there's a chair with the guitarist from our trip weeks ago. I don’t move, taking everything in.

“Do you like it?”

I look up at him. “Do I like it? I love it,” I tell him because I do. No one has ever done anything like this for me. “Ian, it’s perfect.” He lets out the breath he’s been holding in and takes my hand, guiding me to the table. And the guitarist starts to play.

“I have another surprise for you.” Then I hear her. “Would you like to try a mojito?” I turn to find Ruby, and I can’t help but scream in excitement. I wrap my arms around her. “What are you doing here?”

“Mr. Kayde, eh, I mean, your man, flew me out for your date, and I have an audition at his cousin's bar in a couple of hours. So, how about that mojito?”

“Yes,” I say excitedly. We do our routine, and the mojito, along with the ambiance, is perfect.

I turn to Ian, who’s staring at me. Without hesitation, I place my hands on his face and lean in for a kiss.

It’s soft and tender, expressing what my words can’t.

A waiter shows up and places a variety of fruit with lime and chili powder. I look at Ian.

“The watermelon tasted so good I decided to try other fruit, and now I’m hooked on it.” I don’t miss the jícama that’s placed on the table. He wraps his arm around me, pulling me closer to him, and I let him. Then we sit and enjoy the music.

“How did you know about the roses?” I don’t recall sharing my favorite flower. I’ve always loved roses. In the past couple of years, I’ve used them to help me reduce my anxiety. Their scent helps keep me calm.

“I pay attention to everything about you.” And I know that it’s true.

After dinner, Ruby excuses herself, agreeing to meet for coffee before she heads back home, leaving Ian, me, and the guitarist, whose name is Sergio.

Ian stands and puts his hand out for me.

“Dance with me.” I don’t know if it’s a demand or a question, but it doesn't matter. I wrap my arms around his neck, and he coils his arms around my body, holding me tightly, as if I’m about to run.

“I’m not going to run,” I assure him. “One day at a time,” I remind him. As we dance, I find myself wishing for more nights like this.

I don’t know at what point the guitarist leaves, but Ian and I stay on the rooftop.

I’m standing at the edge, looking at the sky; the stars are so bright.

I feel one arm wrap around my waist while the other moves my hair to the side, allowing him to plant kisses on my neck and behind my ear.

I lean into his hold, moving my head to the side to allow him further access.

“I like it when you kiss me like you need me,” I admit.

He doesn’t ask me about it, and I contemplate sharing, but then I push that thought aside.

“Baby, I need you all the time. I need you now.”

“Then take me.” Tonight, I don’t want to overthink anything. I want to just give in to all these feelings. I know I’ll regret this tomorrow, but what if I don’t? He continues his kisses and moves a hand to my breast.

“I’m going to rip this off you. This top has been teasing me all night.”

“Do it,” I challenge. “But that means I won’t have anything to wear when I leave.” I can feel how hard he is, so I grind my ass on him.

“You’re a brat, you know that?”

“Yes, but you wouldn’t say no to me.” I look at him and bat my eyes.

“Baby, do you want me to fuck you out in the open for everyone to see?”

Do I? I mean, it has been a fantasy of mine, but I never had the courage to do it. “Yes,” I whisper. He groans into my ear, and I feel my pussy clench.

“Take off your jeans but put the heels back on.” I try not to lose my balance as I remove my bottoms and show him my surprise. He mumbles something. “Fuck, Serena, you aren’t wearing underwear.”

“Nope.” I wink.

“Were you expecting to get fucked tonight?”

“Yes, with your dick or your tongue." I’m feeling bold.

“Turn around and look at the stars.”

I’m standing in nothing but heels and a top.

I feel the coolness of a small blade on my shoulder, and without warning, the fabric falls, exposing my breast. He moves the blade to my back.

I flinch when the blade makes contact with my scar, then I feel the blade tug at the back of my top, ripping it down the middle.

My shredded top falls to the floor. Ian stands behind me and says, “You did such a good job, letting the blade caress your skin.” He leans down, planting a kiss on my shoulder.

“You’re my good girl. Look at you standing naked on the rooftop, bare for everyone to see you.

” He moves his hand to my pussy. “So wet. Tell me, baby, have you ever been fucked in public for the world to see?”

“No,” I whimper.

“Do you want to scream my name for everyone to hear?”

“Yes, please.” I’ll beg until he gives me what I want.

“I need you, Mr. Kayde.” As soon as the words come out, I feel the sting of a slap on my ass.

My only response is a moan, so he does it again and again.

Fuck, I’m drenched, but he doesn’t give me what I want.

One hand starts to rub circles on my clit while the other moves to my breasts, pinching my nipples.

“Please, Ian, I need you inside me,” I beg.

“I love hearing you beg.” He spreads my legs wide and bends me over the rooftop.

My breasts are on display for everyone to see below.

If he weren’t holding me, I think I would fall over.

“I got you, baby” is the only thing I hear before he impales me with his cock.

He’s so deep, and his thrusts are so rough; it’s just what I needed.

“Look at all those glass windows, Serena. All those people can see you getting fucked on the rooftop. All my neighbors are going to hear you scream my name. Give them a show, baby.” And I do.

I’m so consumed by lust that I don't care how loud my moans are.

I scream his name, begging for more. He pulls me up to his chest.

“When did you take off your shirt?” He bites my shoulder while one of his hands applies pressure to my throat. Fuck, I love when he does that. His other hand slaps my pussy, and he tightens the one around my throat.

“Look up at the moon and stars. Millions look to the heavens to worship their deity. I only worship you, my queen, Mi Reina.”

I can’t take it. His words, his hand around my throat applying more pressure, while his other hand goes back and forth between pinching and slapping my pussy. It’s heaven. There is a rhythm to his movements, and I can’t hold back any longer. “Ian, I need to come.”

“Come, Mi Reina.”

I scream his name as my pussy clenches around his cock, and he follows. I feel him empty himself inside me. When he finally pulls out, he doesn’t let go of me. Instead, he lifts me into his arms and carries me to the elevator, naked except for my heels.

“Wait, people are going to see me.”

“No, this is my private elevator. With the exception of me fucking you on the rooftop, no one else gets to see you naked.”

Ian carries me to his penthouse, which takes up an entire floor.

Seriously, who needs all this space, and who is his interior designer?

There’s no warmth here. It’s very cold, and I don’t mean the temperature.

There is the standard furniture: a couch, a side table, and even a mounted television, but it’s all so dark.

There are a couple of pictures on the hanging shelf by the modern fireplace, but other than that, I wouldn’t think anyone lived here.

“This is your place?” I ask, trying not to sound judgmental.

“Yes, but I don’t spend much time here. Usually, I’m in my office.”

“You need some color.” He’s still carrying me.

“Maybe you can help with that?” he says nonchalantly while gripping me tighter.

“Do you have any clothes I can borrow? And please don’t tell me you have clothes that were left behind by women on your list.” Just the thought of it makes me want to puke, but I don’t tell him that. He may think that I care. Serena, you do care.

He turns left into a long hall and enters his bedroom, which isn’t very different from the living room.

This man sure loves dark colors. The colors in this room are dark blues and grays.

This is worse than a hotel room; the only pictures on the wall are art, and knowing Ian, they’re expensive pieces.

We enter the walk-in closet, which is every girl's dream; it’s bigger than my bedroom.

Suits are neatly hung up and organized by color scheme, as are his button-ups.

There is a casual section with his jeans and T-shirts, which have become my favorite things for him to wear, but what catches my eye is the glass display shelves in the center of the room.

He gently places me on my feet; I don’t miss the heat of his stare on my naked body as I make my way to the shelves.

There are rows of knives on display. They range in size, but they are all pocketknives. Brown leather, metallics, carved handles, so many options. I look up and find he’s already watching me. “Did your grandfather give you all these?”

“Most of them. I added the more modern designs. He preferred handcrafted ones, like the one I gave you.” He walks over and opens the case, picking up a smaller knife with a silver handle.

He puts it into my hand; it weighs a bit more because it’s metal.

It’s silver with detailed vines on the handle, along with the engraved initials IGK.

“This was his favorite. My grandmother gave it to him as an anniversary gift. They didn’t have a lot of money, so she worked extra hours at the bakery and saved up. ”

“What do the initials stand for?”

“My grandfather's name was Ian Gabriel Kayde. We’re named after him.”

“Ian, it’s stunning. It’s hard to believe something that looks this beautiful can do so much damage.”

“Most lethal things are.” He caresses my cheeks with the back of his hand. I feel the heat of his touch.

He walks to a different section of the closet, and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. In front of me is an entire wardrobe: shoes, jeans, dresses, and they’re all in my size. I turn to him. “Ian, what is this?”

“This is for you. I want you to have clothes here. My plan is for you to move in, but for now, you come and go as you please. The bathroom is full of your favorite makeup brands and other essentials.”

“Ian, this is crazy. I’m not moving in.”

“Yes, you will eventually, even if I have to lock you up here.”

“No, I’m not, and I don’t need you to buy me anything. I can afford these things myself.” I know I’m being stubborn, but I don’t want to give him the idea that I need him for his money.

“Baby, I know you don’t need me. Making money is your career, but I want to treat you.”

“You’re impossible.” I sigh in frustration.

“I’m glad you’re finally realizing it.” He leans in and kisses my lips. It’s playful.

“Now, put some clothes on and let's go outside. The firepit is waiting.”