ARIA POV

The man stopped a few steps in front of me.

Close up, he was even more intimidating. He is tall, calm, with broad shoulders. He seems completely in control of himself.

The red lights of the room shone across his face, casting a dark shadows along his jaw. His sleeves were rolled to his forearms, revealing his strong hands, filled with tattoos that looked as if they were used to being obeyed.

He studied me quietly, he wasn't just staring at me, but observing me. Like I was something interesting he had just discovered.

Then he spoke. "First time here." His voice held authority behind it.

It wasn't a question.

My spine straightened immediately, was it really that obvious? I lifted my chin, trying not to look nervous.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Only to someone who knows this place well." He answered with so much confidence.

Something about his, calmness and confidence made my stomach tighten. He extended his hand toward me.

"Adrian."

Just Adrian, no last name.

I hesitated for half a second before placing my hand in his.

His grip was warm and gentle.

The moment our fingers touched, I almost pulled my hand back.

"Aria," I said.

His eyes shifted downward weighing me.

"Aria," he repeated slowly.

The way he said my name made heat creep up the back of my neck. Then his gaze drifted around the room before returning to me again.

"You're watching everything with rapt attention." He said out of the blues.

I frowned. "What does that mean?" I asked.

He tilted his head slightly.

"People who belong here or comes here often don't look that shocked."

I crossed my arms. "Maybe I'm just observant."

A small smile appeared on his lips.

"Maybe."

Then he leaned a little closer, lowering his voice just enough that only I could hear.

"Or maybe you walked into something you don't understand, something strange."

A soft shiver ran down my spine.

I looked away from him and glanced around the room again.

Chains hung from the ceiling. Soft music filled the atmosphere. People moving around us like this place was completely normal to them.

But to me... it still felt unreal, I didn't know a place like this existed.

"What exactly is this place?" I asked quietly.

Adrian followed my gaze calmly. "It's a private club."

"That, I figured."

His expression didn't change.

"It's built on rules, trust, control, submission, and domination."

The last word made something twist in my chest.

Control.

I had lived my entire life under someone else's control. My father decided everything for me, my school, my friends, my schedule. Even the way I dressed at events like tonight.

Adrian continued speaking, his voice calm and composed.

"Nothing happens here unless both people agree to it."

I blinked.

"That's... surprising."

He looked at me.

"Why?"

I shrugged slightly.

"It just doesn't look that way."

His gaze softened slightly, like he understood what I meant.

"Control here is chosen," he said. "Not forced."

That sentence stayed in my mind longer than it should have.

Chosen.

For some reason, that idea fascinated me.

I suddenly remembered something and turned quickly.

"Ashley?"

My eyes searched the room, but she wasn't beside me anymore. I spun around.

"She was just here."

Adrian followed my gaze calmly.

Then he glanced across the room and nodded slightly.

"She left with someone."

My heart jumped. "What?" I gasped in shock.

He looked back at me. "Relax. She's fine."

"You sound very sure," I answered.

"I know the people here." He replied, and the confidence in his voice made it hard to argue.

Still, my chest felt tight. Now, I realised something. I was alone.

Completely alone, with him.

Adrian seemed to notice the change in my expression.

"You're thinking about leaving. You're scared." He said.

I blinked.

"How do you know that?" I question in shock.

"Because part of you seems excited and lightened up," he said calmly. He paused. "... and the other part is terrified."

I let out a nervous laugh. "Maybe you're just guessing," I muttered, trying my best to sound bold.

His dark eyes held mine. "I never guess." He growled.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

The music beat softly around us. People moved through the room, laughing, talking, whispering, smooching, and sexing.

But somehow the space between us felt strangely quiet.

Then Adrian lifted his hand and gestured toward the hallway behind me.

"The exit is that way."

My eyes followed the direction he pointed. Then he gestured deeper into the club.

"Or..." His voice lowered slightly. "You can stay."

My heart began beating faster.

"... and learn why people come here."

I swallowed hard.

For the first time in years, no one was telling me what to do. The choice was right in my hand.

I looked toward the exit again. If I left now, everything would go back to normal.

My father's rules, my father's life, are controlled by him.

Then I looked back at Adrian. Something rebellious sparked inside my chest again.

"What happens if I stay?" I asked quietly.

Adrian studied me for a long moment. Then he reached out and gently took my hand.

My heart skipped a bit.

"Then I show you." He whispered, his voice deeper and darker.

My heart pounded in my chest as he turned and began leading me deeper into the club.

The music grew louder, and the lights grew darker.

And as I followed him into only God knows, one thought echoed in my mind.

Maybe tonight would change everything.

Or maybe...

I had just made the most dangerous decision of my life.

Aria POV

Adrian did not rush me. He took his time, which made me feel a little more at ease.

He led me down a narrow hallway covered with black silk curtains. The deeper we walked, the quieter it became. My heels slammed loudly against the floor, and my heart beat fast in my chest each passing seconds.

He stopped in front of a plain wooden door. It looked simple and normal on the outside. He opened it slowly and stepped aside for me to enter.

The room inside was smaller than the main hall. A warm amber lamp glowed in the corner, which lighten up the space gently.

At the center of the room was a wide black leather bench, with a hand cuffs attached to each corner, then at the other end was a longer cuff which caught my attention.

"What is this," I asked pointing to the second cuff, about to walk towards it, but Adrian held my hand stopping me from moving further.

"Spreader bar, itʼs used to cuff the leg."

The mention of that made my clench my leg in anticipation. But I said nothing more.

On the wall were different tools neatly arranged, silk ropes, leather straps, paddles, and a dark flogger. I know all this because Ashley give me books to read on this. I didn't even suspect she was into stuffs like this.

Nothing in there looked violent.

Everything looked carefully placed.

Adrian closed the door behind us. The soft click made the room feel private.

"No pressure," he said calmly. "We stop the moment you say stop. If you say red, everything ends immediately."

I nodded slowly.

"Okay."

"I wonʼt go indepth with you because you seems new to this."

I nodded again.

He stepped closer. I could smell him now, his clean soap, warm skin, and a faint smell of cigarettes.

My body reacted instantly.

My nipples hardened under my dress, and a slow heat spread between my legs.

"Turn around," he said gently.

And I obeyed.

His fingers found the zipper on my dress. He pulled it down bit by bit in a slow and sensual way, his thumb rubbing the nape of my neck, down to my spine in a circular motion. Cool air touched my back as the fabric slid off my shoulders.

The dress fell to the floor.

I stood there in only my black lace panties, bra, and heels.

Without thinking, I crossed my arms over my chest feeling too exposed.

"Arms down," he commanded with a thick voice that made me shiver.

I lowered them instantly.

He walked around me slowly, his eyes moving over my body. Not in a way that made my cringe. More like he was studying and accessing me.

"Beautiful," he said. His eyes focused on my hardened nipple with was now obvious through my lacy bra.

The word made red rush to my cheek, and warmth spread through my stomach.

He guided me toward what I assumed to be a bondage bench.

"Lie down," he said. "Face up." He whispered against my ear. He doesn't sound like the cool Adrian from earlier.

I climbed onto the leather bench. It was slightly warm, and my heart was racing.

He secured the cuffs around my wrists first. The leather was soft and comfortable.

Then he secured my ankles.

My body was open and exposed. I tested the restraints slightly.

They held me in place.

He stood beside me, looking down at me. My boobs in display for him.

"Color?" he asked.

"Purple," I whispered.

He picked up a piece of black silk.

"Blindfold?"

I hesitated, then nodded.

The silk covered my eyes, and darkness filled my vision. Suddenly every small feeling became stronger, the cool air on my skin, the sound of his breathing, the soft movement of the leather.

His fingers brushed lightly across my collarbone.

Then he moved lower, to my chest, then my boobs. He circled one nipple gently through my bra. Leaving a feeling have never experienced before.

I gasped softly.

"Good girl," he murmured.

The praise made heat rush through my body.

He removed my bra slowly with so much expertise. The cool air touched my skin, making me shiver at the sensation.

Then his mouth replaced the cold air.

His lips were warm against my hardened nipple. His tongue moved slowly around me, sending pleasure through my chest.

I arched slightly against the cuffs.

He kissed down my stomach down to my thigh, slowly.

When he slid my panties down my legs, a soft moan escaped my lips.

Now I was completely exposed. His breath brushed my inner thigh.

So close, but not close enough.

"Tell me what you want," he said quietly.

I bit my lip.

"I... I don't know." I said, finding it difficult to understand what I'm craving.

"Yes, you do."

His fingers traced between my thighs, barely touching it.

I whimpered. "Please..."

"Please what?" He asked softly.

"Touch me." I said, twisting uncontrollably.

"Where?"

My face felt hot. "Between my legs."

He nodded his head grinning from ear to ear. Slowly he slid one finger through my wetness.

circling my clit.

Then stopped.

I whimpered again.

"Patience," he murmured.

Then he slipped two fingers inside me. He moved them slowly at first, pressing down my clit until a burst of pleasure made me cry out.

My body arched.

He moved faster. My breathing became uneven.

He continued with his finger, then he placed his finger with his tongue the pleasure exploded through my body.

I came with a loud cry, my legs shaking and my back arching against the restraints.

He kept going, drawing the pleasure out until I was trembling.

"Please... Adrian... it's too much..."

He finally slowed down. He kissed my thigh gently.

I lay there shaking, trying to catch my breath. He removed the blindfold.

The soft light returned, and his dark eyes were watching me carefully. He unfastened the cuffs.

I thought it was over.

But it wasn't.

He helped me up and gently bent me over the edge of the bench. My chest pressed against the leather while my hips stay up in the air slightly.

His hand slid slowly down my back.

"You're shaking," he said.

"I know." I replied, still shaking at the wave of pleasure.

"Still purple?" he asked.

"Yes."

His hand struck my ass lightly.

I gasped.

Another slap followed. Slightly harder than the previous. He kept on spanking, rubbing, and soothing with his hands.

The sting quickly turned into pleasure, quickly. I moaned enjoying every bit of this.

He continued slowly, building a steady rhythm until warmth spread across my skin.

Then he stopped, kissing my earlobe softly.

I heard the sound of his zipper. A moment later, I felt something urge press against me.

He leaned close to my ear.

"Say yes." He groaned.

"Yes," I whispered. "Please."

With that he entered me slowly. The feeling was deep and amazing.

A broken moan escaped my lips.

He moved roughly into me, holding my hips firmly. One of his hands reached around and touched my clit again.

He moved in a rapid motion, going deeper and faster. With each thrust he spank my ass making me cry louder.

Mintiues later I came hard, my leg shaking uncontrollably.

"A...Adrian," I cried out his name without thinking.

Moments later he followed, pouring his hot release on my back his breath heavy against my neck.

Afterward, he wrapped a soft blanket around me and held me close.

I rested against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

For the first time in years, I felt calm, free.

Alive.

*************************************************

When I woke up later, the room was quiet.

A soft golden light filled the space, coming from the small lamp in the corner. For a moment, I stayed still, trying to remember where I was.

Then the memories of the night slowly returned.

The club.

Adrian.

My lips curved into a small smile as I turned to the side.

But the other half of the bench was empty.

The blanket beside me was cold.

My smile faded instantly.

"Adrian?" I called softly.

My voice sounded strange in the quiet room.

No answer.

I sat up slowly, the blanket slipping down to my lap. My body still felt warm and sore from the night before.

The room looked the same, the leather bench, the dim lamp.The toys neatly hanging on the wall.

But he was gone.

My eyes moved around the room again, searching for clue... just anything.

That was when I noticed the small folded paper on the table beside the bench.

My chest tightened as I reached for it.

For some reason, I hesitated before opening it.

Finally, I unfolded the paper.

The message was short.

__Sometimes we are meant to enjoy pleasure just once, and keep it as memories__.

**A**

I stared at the words for a long moment.

A strange ache formed in my chest. It didn't make sense, I barely knew him.

It had only been one night.

Just a few hours with a man whose last name I didn't even know. Yet it felt like I had know him all my life, my heart broke into multiple pieces.

I slowly folded the note again and placed it back on the table.

Then I stood up and gathered my clothes from the floor with tears in my eyes.

My legs felt weak as I dressed.

When I finally stepped out of the room, the club was still active. With both men and women doing thier things.

Music played softly in the background.

People laughed, talked, and moved through the dim lights like nothing had changed.

I walked through the crowd quietly, keeping my eyes down. No one stopped me, no one seemed to notice me leaving.

When I finally reached the exit, I pushed the door open and stepped outside. I thought about Ashley, but I know she would be fine.

The coo breeze rushed against my skin.

I inhaled deeply, letting the cold air fill my lungs.

For a moment, I stood there on the sidewalk, staring at the dark street ahead.

Then I started walking. I didn't look back at the building behind me.

Tears blurred my vision, but I blinked them away.

I told myself it didn't matter, It had only been one night.

Just a moment, just a memory to hold on to. That was all it was ever meant to be.

I hoped I was wrong, I hoped I would see him again.

And the thought of that scared me more than anything.

ARIA POV

The sunlight slips through my window casting an eerie glow on my face.

I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head.

My body still felt sore and heavy, my muscles ached in a strange but pleasant way that instantly brought back memories of last night.

The club. Adrian.

My eyes opened slowly.

For a moment I just stared at the ceiling, replaying everything in my head. Then the memory of the note hit me again.

Sometimes we are meant to enjoy pleasure just once and keep it as a memory.

I sighed and forced myself out of bed.

"Stupid," I muttered to myself.

Why was I even thinking about him? It had only been one night. I barely even knew the man.

Still... the empty feeling in my chest hadn't disappeared. I shook my head and walked toward the bathroom.

"Forget it, Aria," I told my reflection in the mirror. "He already did. I doubt he still remembers the night we shared."

My mind drifted to my dad, and I hope he won't question my whereabouts.

By the time I came downstairs, the house was already awake.

Our dining room was large, placed beside a window. The polished surface reflected the morning sunlight.

My father sat at the head of the table, reading something on his tablet while drinking his usual black coffee. I looked to the left hoping to see my mother, but she wasn't sitting.

Meaning she wasnʼt back from her trip.

My father didn't look up when I entered.

"You're late," he said calmly.

I grabbed a cup of coffee from the table and sat down.

"Good morning to you too, Dad," I replied sarcastically

He lowered the tablet slightly and looked at me over the rim of his glasses.

"You should learn discipline, Aria. Waking up at noon is not productive." He drawled.

"It's not noon," I said, taking a sip of coffee.

"Ten thirty," he answered.

"Exactly."

He sighed, having just confirmed his disappointment in humanity.

Then he set the tablet down. "I've hired a new driver.

I blinked. "Okay," I responded, surprised as to why I needed that information.

"Our previous driver quit yesterday."

I shrugged uninterested. "That happens," I replied still sipping my coffee.

My father frowned slightly. "You don't seem very interested."

"Why should I be?" I asking getting tired of the back and forth.

"You will be using him daily."

"I used the last one daily too," I replied calmly. "I survived."

He ignored my tone. "He starts today."

"Great," I said, reaching for a piece of toast. Right at that moment, the dining room door opened.

I didn't bother looking up.

I was too busy adding more sugar to my coffee.

My father spoke first. "Ah. Perfect timing."

Something about the tone in his voice made me glance up. And the cup nearly slipped from my hand.

Standing in the doorway was no other person than Adrian.

For a second, my brain refused to accept what my eyes were seeing.

Same tall frame, same calm posture, same dark eyes. Except now he was wearing a clean blue suit, and standing inside my father's house.

My heart beat violently against my chest. I had to hold it to stop it from falling.

No.

That wasn't possible. Adrain doesn't look like someone who would have to drive rich men to survive. He looks rich himself.

Something doesn't add up.

This had to be some kind of nightmare. But Adrian looked completely normal, composed, and professional. Like last night had never happened. He walked into the room slowly and stopped right beside the table.

My father gestured toward him. "Aria, this is your new driver."

I stared at Adrian, unable to speak.

My fingers tightened around the coffee cup.

He looked at me calmly, no surprise or shock on his face. He held a blank look.

Then he bowed his head slightly, in a polite and respectful way.

"Good morning, Miss Bennett."

The words made me froze.

_Miss Bennett._

Like I wasn't the same woman he had held in his arms just a few hours ago. My heart was beating so loudly I was sure everyone in the room could hear it.

But Adrian didn't react. He didn't look nervous or embarrassed.

He didn't look like the man who had spent the night with me. He looked exactly like what my father had introduced him as.

A driver.

My father glanced between us. Oblivious of what was going on.

"You two will be seeing each other often," he said casually.

I swallowed the bile raising in my chest.

Adrian's gaze met mine for a second.

Just one second. But something dangerous flashed in his eyes. Something that reminded me exactly of the man from last night.

Then it disappeared.

His expression returned to calm professionalism driver. My heart was still beating fast.

Different thoughts kept running through my head. And one thing I was sure about was that he wasn't surprised to see me.

Not even a little.

Which meant one thing.

Adrian already knew whose house he was walking into.