TING-TONG!

Theodore arrived at exactly eight o'clock in the evening.

Ariana liked that—obedience without needing to be repeated. She opened the door to her apartment herself, because she had deliberately asked her assistant to go home. Tonight was important. And she wanted to welcome her guest personally.

Theodore stood at the doorway, wearing a black satin shirt, slightly open at the top, and trousers that highlighted the curves of his slender hips. His hair was tied back low, as usual. Those eyes stared at Ariana with a confidence that was almost too much to handle. Such a beautiful man—Ariana was nearly driven mad by him!

Ariana tried to resist the urge to pounce on Theodore, no... she needed time.

Ariana said only one word:

“Come in.”

She turned and walked away without looking back. The sound of her stiletto heels echoed on the dark wooden floor. Theodore smiled and followed her inside—without asking, without comment. Just observing.

Ariana’s residence was like her: neat, minimalist, expensive, and cold. In the center of the room, a dining table was set for two. White candles burned low, red wine was poured into two crystal glasses, and soft jazz music played from hidden speakers. Theodore briefly observed all of this before shifting his gaze back to Ariana.

“Sit down,” Ariana said softly.

Theodore sat down without a sound. He watched as Ariana poured wine for him. Ariana was wearing a red dress with a low neckline that revealed her natural curves, leaving Theodore unable to look away. Ariana cleared her throat, drawing Theodore’s gaze to her eyes.

“I want you to drink three sips,” Ariana said, looking directly at him.

Theodore raised his eyebrows.

“Three?”

Ariana leaned in. She stood directly behind Theodore, then leaned down and whispered in his ear, “I like men who know how to follow orders before being given a reason.”

Theodore chuckled, gripped the glass, and took one… two… three sips. Until it was empty, as per the CEO’s instructions.

Ariana returned to her seat and sat with her legs crossed, the deepest part of Ariana seemingly deliberately on display before Theodore. The curve of her breasts was clearly visible, intentionally left exposed, as if saying: you may look, but not touch.

Dinner proceeded normally. Light conversation. Occasional laughter. Until finally Ariana leaned back, staring at Theodore with a gaze that seemed to pierce his mind. Theodore returned Ariana’s gaze, a sweet look that Ariana loved.

“Do you like being controlled?” Ariana asked, wiping her lips with a napkin.

Theodore was silent. He looked at Ariana, then said, "Not controlled. But rather, guided."

Ariana narrowed her eyes. She smiled then sighed.

"Such a gentle choice of words. But yes… it suits you."

"You can’t say I’m gentle," Theodore chuckled.

"What did you say?"

"Of course. You won't know if someone is gentle or not unless you feel it, Miss."

Ariana stood up, walked around the table, and stood beside Theodore. Her fingers traced the line of his satin shirt collar, then stopped at his neck. Ariana pressed her lips to Theodore's ear and spoke.

“I want you to close your eyes, dear.”

Theodore obeyed Ariana’s command. Slowly, the man closed both his eyes.

Ariana leaned in again, whispering once more with her lips pressed against Theodore’s ear.

“And keep them closed until I say otherwise. If you open them… you won’t be able to see me again for a week.”

Theodore simply nodded.

“Alright, Miss.”

Her voice was slightly hoarse with anticipation. Ariana liked that. She took a napkin and slowly tied it around Theodore's head like a blindfold. The man now sat still, his eyes closed, breathing evenly. But Ariana could feel the tension in his body. Ariana never expected that the fantasy she had longed for would now come true.

“Place both hands on your thighs,” Ariana commanded. “Fingers spread. Shoulders relaxed. Calm down; a mother wouldn’t hurt her little kitten.”

Theodore obeyed.

Ariana walked around the chair. Her heels created a rhythm. She then stopped behind Theodore and bent down. Her hands touched the back of his neck, massaging gently. Her thumb pressed the side of his neck, then slowly moved down to his shoulder. Ariana stroked the back of Theodore’s neck toward his ear. Theodore seemed to be holding back his desire, while Ariana’s fingers began to touch Theodore’s arm.

“You know,” Ariana whispered, “I could tear you apart with just words, like my subordinates do. But tonight, I’ll be kind. I’ll torment you in another way.”

Ariana leaned down, kissing the back of Theodore’s neck repeatedly until it turned into a gentle kiss. His body shuddered slightly.

“You can imagine… but you can’t ask,” Ariana continued. “Do you understand?”

Theodore swallowed.

Ariana slipped her fingers from behind, buttoning one button of the man’s shirt upward. However, Ariana deliberately squeezed Theodore’s chest and played with its peak through the shirt he was wearing. Theodore could only regulate his breath and groan, enduring Ariana’s treatment.

“Too exposed. I haven’t allowed anyone to show their chest on my desk.”

Theodore almost smiled, but held back.

Ariana whispered one last sentence before stepping back:

“If you keep silent like this, tomorrow I’ll make you sit under my desk during the board meeting. I’ll make sure your beautiful face is between my legs.”

Theodore let out a short laugh he couldn’t hold back. Ariana leaned in closer, wanting to study Theodore more closely.

“Goodness, you’re so dangerous.”

Ariana removed the cloth from Theodore’s eyes. Theodore slowly blinked, gazing at the beautiful CEO with a seductive, languid expression.

“Eyes open,” Ariana said softly. “And you’ll act as if nothing happened after this. You may touch me… only if I tell you to.”

Theodore’s eyes now looked different. Darker, more fixed. And Ariana realized something:

This man had surrendered. But he was enjoying his surrender.

And that made Ariana want more. She wanted to make Theodore beg Ariana to stop the game.

As the night drew to a close, Ariana escorted Theodore to the door. They didn’t touch each other. They just stood there, staring at each other.

Theodore opened his mouth, as if to speak. But Ariana was faster.

“Don’t say anything. If you speak tonight, I won’t invite you again,” Ariana commanded harshly.

Theodore closed his mouth. He bowed his head. He smiled slightly. One nod… then he took Ariana’s fingers and kissed the back of her hand gently before leaving Ariana’s apartment.

Ariana closed the door slowly. She leaned against it, staring at the glass of wine still on the table. Her heart was pounding wildly, as if she had just faced something amazing. Ariana couldn’t stop smiling.

Her hand touched her own neck, gently wiping away the warmth of his breath that still lingered. She began to imagine another side of Theodore that she hadn’t seen yet, and perhaps tomorrow or the day after, she would enjoy all those dreams.

And in the silence of that grand apartment, Ariana smiled repeatedly for the first time without any reason. Ariana touched the napkin and the glass that had belonged to Theodore, then sighed.

The game had just begun.