chapter twelve (Elara's pov)

It had been a couple of days since they had signed the contract. Killian messaged her to come to his mansion for a talk.

Elara had always known that Killian Hayes was powerful and wealthy. He has the kind of wealth that could power generations, the type that would forever be whispered through bloodlines and leave legacies in its wake, but nothing has prepared her for the awe she felt stepping into his mansion.

From the moment she drove through the enormous iron gates, she was met with a spectacular view. The mansion itself stood tall in its glory— an architectural masterpiece with sleek modern finishes and classic traditional elements all blended seamlessly.

The building screamed wealth and power. The driveway was long and paved with a Blackstone polished to perfection. On either side of the driveway stood towering stone sculptures and flower hedges.

“He must love art.” She muttered.

A breathtaking fountain stood in the center of the driveway, its water cascading like a waterfall adding tranquility to the environment. The water was so clean that it looked like something gotten from the best spring in the world as it seemed to glow under the rays of the sun and the perfectly placed lights around it.

The land of the mansion stretched for miles far beyond what her eyes could see. She also spotted guards dressed in black and armed to the teeth on patrol around.

Parking her car, she walked up to the giant wooden double doors at the entrance to the home. She barely had time to admire the intricate carvings on it before the doors swung open, revealing a butler dressed in a perfectly ironed and tailored suit.

“Ms. Beckett, welcome.” He said with a slight bow. “Mr. Hayes is currently occupied but he asked me to give you a tour and get you comfortable before your meeting.”

Elara nodded, still struggling to take in all that was around her. Yes, she was a billionaire as well and came from a wealthy home but stepping into the home of Killian Hayes was like stepping into an entirely different world far from what she was used to.

The butler— whose name she was yet to know— stepped aside, letting her in. His house smelled amazing,the scent of leather, mahogany, whiskey, cedarwood and a faint underlining of eucalyptus and clean linen all blended together perfectly.

There were also diffusers around. Elara closed her eyes and took a deep breath, something about the smell of his home sent a shiver down her spine as her mind flashed back to that day in his office.

Opening her eyes, she took a look at the interior and it was just as impressive as the exterior. High ceilings with chandeliers made of crystals, the walls were lined with priceless artworks that she had seen being auctioned at ridiculous prices on the internet, the floors were made of polished marble tiles that she could see her reflection.

Every detail screamed luxury that only a man like Killian could afford.

She followed the butler as he led her through a series of hallways, they passed through the formal dining room which was large enough to seat twenty five people, a wine cellar which was enclosed by a glass, a library that looked like something out of a movie and smelled like old books and mahogany.

They continued the tour and went through a sunken lounge with floor to ceiling windows which overlooked the expensive and large garden with an amazing infinity pool. She paused, monetarily taken away by the view. She saw a wide range of flowers that she would love to spend hours looking at.

“Ms. Beckett,” the butler called out, pulling her out of her daydream. “Shall we continue?”

“Yeah.” Casting one last look out the window, she turns and continues on her tour with the butler.

“Mr. Hayes’ private quarters are in this wing” the butler said, motioning towards a separate hallway. “Would you like to see the—”

A door creaked open somewhere behind making both she and the butler turn toward the sound.

Elara’s breath hitched.

Killian emerged from behind the door that she quickly remembered was the private home gym. A white towel was draped over his shoulders, his body glistened with sweat and water as he drank from a bottle. She watched as his throat bobbed with each swallow, eyes following a trickle that escaped from his mouth and went down his body.

Her eyes were met with the site of his shirtless body.

Dear God.

It was a sight to behold. She had always known he was attractive—his tailored suits did little to hide the powerful slim build underneath. But this? This was something else. His torso was sculpted to perfection— muscles carved into sharp abs with ridges that looked lickable. The water continued to trickle down his body until it got to his happy trail then the waistband of his dark sweatpants which hung dangerously low on his hips.

Her eyes snapped back up before she could get lost in the obvious print of his member on his sweatpants.

His jet black hair was tousled as usual, his jaw was sharp as ever— so sharp she was certain it could cut glass.

Elara's entire body flushed with heat as she continued to admire him.

For the first time in years, she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time.

His piercing grey eyes met her and a slow, dangerous smirk tugged at the corners of his lips which told her he had seen her obvious ogling.

"Like what you see?" he asked, his voice thick with amusement.

She looked away, her eyes suddenly finding the ceiling to be very interesting as she cleared her throat, willing her face to return to its normal color. "Oh, please. I've seen better."

He chuckled, a deep and low sound that sounded too good to her ears as he wiped his face with his towel. “Liar.”

She scowled at him, crossing her arms trying to look unaffected by his nudity. The butler, ever the professional, cleared his throat.

“Shall I continue the tour, sir?”