The ride was tense, their earlier passion simmering beneath the surface. Roman's hand remained in hers, his thumb tracing circles on her palm in a comforting gesture.

When they arrived, the penthouse was warm and inviting. Roman led her into his private suite, the walls lined with bookshelves and the floor covered in plush carpet. The king-sized bed beckoned, but he steered her towards the large walk-in closet. "Baby, your man is one the best designers in the business," he says, hugging her from behind and whispering against her neck.."Your body will be adorned with the most luxurious fabrics, and you will wear them well." Alyzs giggles a bit.

"Roman? When did you become my man?" she chuckled. "I became you man months ago in my mind, honestly." "Tonight, though, is when the deal was sealed," peppering soft kisses on her neck and ear and slowly walking her to the bathroom. "Once I buried my dick inside you, and you blessed me with your sweet nectar, you became my woman Alyzs" "Do you have an issue with that? You better tell me now, love," he said, full of confidence.

Her eyes searched his, and she realized she didn't have an issue with it at all. She liked the sound of it, the possessiveness in his voice making her stomach flutter. "No, sir," she murmured, her voice filled with the same hunger reflected in his eyes.

The bathroom was a sanctuary of marble and chrome; he began running the tub with steaming water and scented with lavender bubbles. "Let's clean up," he said, his voice a gentle command.

Roman got in first and held a hand for her to get in; Alyzs sank into the tub, the water enveloping her in a warm embrace. Roman positioned her comfortably between his legs, and his hands gentle as he washed her body, the soap slipping over her curves and into the crevices of her skin. She leaned back against him, her head resting on his shoulder, as he lathered her up, his touch soothing the tension from their earlier encounter.

Once they finished, he helped her out of the tub, wrapping her in a soft, fluffy towel. He held her close, her wet skin pressing against his, their hearts beating in sync. "You know," he murmured into her hair, "I've wanted this for a long time." Her voice is soft. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I honestly thought you had someone, and I didn't think you'd be interested," he admitted, his expression vulnerable for the first time that night. "But now that I know, I am all in." "I go after what I want, Alyzs; I secure it. And I want you in my life, my company, and now. I want you in my bed," he said gently. "Again, if you do not want this, you must let me know now."

" Roman, I have wanted you from the moment I saw you two and a half years ago. I've never felt this way about anyone," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped back, holding her at arm's length, and looked into her eyes with a seriousness she hadn't seen before. "what we did tonight isn't just a one-time thing; I want you to understand that." "We are together. l am your man," he said, chuckling. "Say it," he said firmly. "You, Roman Dubois, are my man," She said with sass. "Damn right, I am," a glint of adoration in his eyes as he stared into hers.

Her heart fluttered. She fully understood what he wanted; he made it more than apparent, and she felt the same way. With a deep breath, he said, " I understand, and I want you too, baby." She said with a coy smile, "Okay, then it's settled," he said, pulling her back in and planting a soft kiss on her lips.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Aliyah, Roman's daughter, walked in, her eyes widening at seeing them. "Dad?" she called out, her voice filled with confusion.

Roman cursed under his breath, tightening his grip on Alyzs. "It's okay," Alyzs whispered, gently pushing him away. I'll handle it."

She stepped out of the bathroom, the towel clutched to her chest, a serene smile on her face. "Hi, Aliyah," she said, her voice calm. "Your dad and I were just discussing work."

Aliyah looked from her to Roman, her gaze sharp. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Everything's fine," Roman said, stepping out behind her, a towel around his waist. "We had a bit of an accident with some fabrics, that's all."

Aliyah nodded, her gaze lingering on them both before she turned and left. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.

When they were alone again, Roman sighed, his arms sliding around Alyzs's waist. "We'll have to be more careful," he murmured, his voice filled with regret.

But Alyzs's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Or we could just not bother hiding it from her or anyone else," she said, her voice low and seductive.

Roman's gaze darkened, his arms tightening around her. "You're a brave woman, Alyzs," he said, his voice a low growl. "But you have no idea what you're asking for." "Once the paparazzi catch wind of us, they'll hound you. Every move you make, every outfit you wear, every smile you give will be dissected and analyzed."

He paused, his expression serious. "They'll follow you to work, the gym, and your apartment. They'll camp outside your door, waiting for a glimpse of us together." He sighed, his eyes meeting hers. "And when they do, it'll be a feeding frenzy."

Alyzs's heart raced as she listened to him, their situation sinking in. "Roman, I can handle it." "I know you can love," he said with a sly grin.

Roman's expression softened, his thumb tracing her lower lip. "Can I kiss you?" he leaned in and placed a slow, lingering kiss on my lips. It made her shudder.

He stood up, pacing the room as he continued. "The red carpets, the interviews, the endless traveling... it's a life of constant scrutiny. Months at a time spent in hotel rooms, away from everything familiar." He stopped, his eyes searching hers. "Can you handle that?" "Yes," Alyzs said.

His expression grew heated at her words, his hands sliding down to cup her breasts. "You're mine," he murmured, his mouth finding hers again. "And I'll protect you, no matter what."

Their kiss grew more urgent, their bodies entwining as if trying to become one. Roman's hand slid down her body, finding her still-wet pussy. He stroked her gently, his thumb circling her clit as his other hand found her nipple, rolling it between his fingers.

Alyzs moaned, her body responding to his touch. She could feel herself getting wetter, her desire for him growing with every passing second. "Wait, Roman." We need to speak with Aliyah first.

Roman paused, his hand still on her breast. "that can wait, baby," he asked, his voice gruff with need.

"We can't just ignore her," Alyzs said, pushing away from him gently. "We need to tell her the truth, Roman."

He sighed, his frustration evident. "okay," he said, releasing her. "

They found Aliyah in the living room, her eyes glued to her phone. She looked up as they approached, her expression wary. "Is everything okay?" she asked again, her voice tentative. Roman took a deep breath, his hand finding Alyzs's. "Yes, everything's fine," he said, his voice firm. "But we need to talk."

They sat down on the couch, and Alyzs took a deep breath. "Aliyah, your dad and I have feelings for each other," she began, her voice steady. "We know it might be a bit of a surprise, but we want you to know that we care about each other."

Aliyah's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my Gah," she whispered. "I knew it." "You knew?" Roman asked, his eyebrows shooting up.

"Yeah," she said, her cheeks flushing. "Anyone who isn't blind can see that you both have always had a 'thing' for each other, and you two were just.. literally naked. Seriously? Wrapped in towels? I know y'all are 'doin' it. She said teasingly.

"Aliyah!" Roman said.

Alyzs couldn't help but laugh, the tension in the room dissipating slightly. "Well, now you know Aliyah," Alyzs said, squeezing Aliyah's hand. "We don't want to hide it from you."

Aliyah looked at them both, her expression unreadable. "So... you are together-together?" she asked, her voice small.

"Yes," Roman said, his gaze never leaving Alyzs's. "We want this to work." Alyzs's heart swelled with love for him.

Aliyah nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Okay," she said, her voice shaky. "As long as you're both happy... good," Aliyah said with a smile. I'm glad you chose Alyzs dad. It's time you had a real girlfriend," Aliyah said with sass. "My thoughts exactly, Liyah," Roman said, chuckling, staring at Alyzs with warmth in his gaze.

But as the night grew late and Aliyah retreated to her room, Roman couldn't shake the feeling that there was something she wasn't saying. He turned to Alyzs, his eyes searching hers. "Is she okay with this?" he asked, his voice low.

Alyzs nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I think so," she said. "But we should talk to her again tomorrow when she's had time to process everything."

They decided to wait until the following day to discuss their relationship with Aliyah further. As they climbed into bed, their bodies entwined, Roman's mind raced with thoughts of the future.

The next day, Roman sat Aliyah down in the living room, his expression serious. "Liyah, I want you to know that no matter what happens between Alyzs and me, this is your home," he said, his voice firm. "Your life won't change."

Her eyes searched his, and she nodded. "But why aren't you on campus?" he asked the question hanging in the air. "Is there something going on that you're not telling me?"

Aliyah sighed, her shoulders slumping. "There's just a lot of pressure," she admitted. "The classes, I needed a break."

Roman's eyes narrowed, his father instincts kicking in. "are you sure that's it?" he demanded, his voice sharper than he intended. "Yes, Dad," Aliyah said with a whine. "I'm just tired, Dad." Roman softened with love for his daughter. He would do everything in his power to keep her safe and happy.

"Take the rest of the week off," he told Aliyah, his voice firm but gentle. "You need some time to figure things out." "Then you get back to it, deal?" "Deal," Aliyah said with a smile.

Alyzs nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with understanding. "We'll be here for you, Liyah," she said softly. "And if you ever need to talk, I'm just a phone call away."

The penthouse was alive with the scent of fresh coffee. Alyzs emerged from the bathroom, her hair wrapped in a waterproof bonnette. Roman had selected an outfit for her, a sleek grey pantsuit with the thinnest plaid print she'd ever seen; the cut was tapered above the ankle red camisole peeking out from beneath the blazer, stiletto booties that met the hem of the pants and bulky diamond stud earrings. "these look real" Alyzs whispered out loud, as she held them up to the light. The clothes were impeccably tailored, the fabrics luxurious to the touch. She picked up the lingerie that was lying next to the outfit, "this is clearly for him," she said with amusement in her voice; the red lace was so soft it slipped through her fingers.

" He sure has a knack for this, doesn't he?

"I've never had anyone pick out my clothes before," she admitted, holding the pantsuit.

"Get used to it," Aliyah said with a wink. "At least I won't be the only living doll around here anymore."

They shared a moment of camaraderie, the weight of the previous night's conversation lifting slightly. Aliyah had taken the news of her father's relationship with Alyzs surprisingly well, and their bond had grown stronger.

After getting dressed, Alyzs made her way to the kitchen, where Roman was already dressed for the day, looking every inch the powerful fashion mogul he was. He took one look at her, and his eyes darkened with desire. "You look stunning," he murmured, his voice low and gruff. "Hey Liyah, she needs a selfie, huh?" Roman chuckled

"Thank you," she said, her cheeks flushing. "I feel a bit like a mannequin, though."

"A very sexy mannequin," he corrected, his gaze lingering on her body. "how does that lace feel, baby," he said in a low growl, briefly squeezing her ass" he cursed under his breath, shaking his head. "let's go love" We have a busy day ahead."

Roman and Alyzs stepped out of the penthouse into the early morning air, their outfits blending high-fashion elegance and confidence. The below them painted a canvas of vibrant colors that danced across the sleek exteriors of the buildings.

"Red or silver today?" Roman asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement. His hand rested lightly on the small of Alyzs's back, guiding her to the edge of the balcony where the fleet of sports cars awaited them. The warmth of his touch sent a thrill up her spine, a gentle reminder of their newfound partnership.

Alyzs looked down at the cars, her heart racing. The red one, a Ferrari 488 Pista, gleamed like a freshly picked apple in the city's neon glow. The silver McLaren 720S, on the other hand, had a calm, sophisticated allure that seemed to whisper promises of speed and power. She took a deep breath, her hand tightening around the handle of the red ostrich Birkin that matched her ensemble.

"Red," she said, echoing in the quiet night. Roman nodded, his smile widening. He loved the way she embraced the boldness of their new life together. The keys to the Ferrari jingled in his pocket as he led her down the stairs to the garage, the sound a sweet symphony of anticipation.

The day was already in full swing as they arrived at the office. Models were strutting around in the latest designs, assistants were rushing back and forth, and the sound of sewing machines filled the air. Roman led Alyzs to her desk, his hand lingering on the small of her back before disappearing into his office.

A few minutes later, he emerged, his expression serious. "Alyzs, we are meeting with some new photographers at the Dubois Studio." "I need my laptop from my apartment," she says. Come on, love; I will take you."

The Ferrari engine purred like a kitten as they drove through the city streets. As they approached her neighborhood, Alyzs felt a knot in her stomach. The buildings were older, the sidewalks cracked, and the occasional siren pierced the air. Roman noticed the change in her demeanor but said nothing, his eyes focused on the road.

She hesitated before leaving the car when they pulled to her apartment. "You don't have to come in," she said, her voice small. "It's definitely not a luxury penthouse."

Roman turned to her, his expression unreadable. "I don't care where you live," he said, his voice firm. "What matters is who you are."

They climbed the stairs to her small but cozy apartment. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and the floor was cluttered with fabric swatches and sketches. A single bed was pushed against one wall, neatly made with a blonde faux chinchilla fur blanket thrown over it with metallic decorative pillows. The kitchen was tiny but clean, and the scent of something delicious filled the air.

Roman took it all in, his gaze lingering on the small details that made the space uniquely hers: the potted plants on the windowsill, the collection of vintage dresses hanging from a mirrored mosaic rack in the corner, and rose gold and silver strips of metallic fabric that served as makeshift drapes for her bedroom area. He saw the effort she put into making it a home, the way she had made the most of what she had.

He turned to her, his eyes meeting hers. "Alyzs," he said, his voice gentle. "You have nothing to be ashamed of. You're beautiful, inside and out."

Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she looked away, her eyes misting. "Thank you," she murmured.

He stepped closer, his hand cupping her face. "I mean it," he said, his thumb brushing her cheek. "You're more than enough for me."

Their kiss was sweet and gentle, starkly contrasting to their passionate encounters in the penthouse. It was a promise, a declaration of his feelings for her, untainted by the trappings of wealth and power.

When they broke apart, Alyzs grabbed her laptop, her heart racing. She knew their relationship was moving fast but couldn't help the excitement that bubbled within her. They were about to take the next step, eventually bringing their love into the public eye, and she was ready.

As they arrived at the Dubois Studio, the buzz of activity was palpable. Models rushed by in various stages of undress, photographers shouted instructions and the sound of camera shutters was a constant background rhythm. Roman led her to a quieter corner where they could focus on the task.

"Alright, love," he said, his voice all business now. "Let's go through these lookbooks for Milan. We need to make sure we're ahead of the game."

Alyzs nodded, her eyes scanning the pages of fabric swatches and sketches. She had always loved the challenge of creating something new, of bringing a designer's vision to life. And now, she could do it with the man she adored.

They worked tirelessly, their heads bent together as they discussed the intricacies of the fall collection. Roman watched her with pride, her passion for fashion shining through in every word she spoke. He knew that she was his perfect partner, both in and out of the bedroom.

The tension in the studio was thick with creativity and ambition. Designers and models mingled, each vying for the next big break. But amidst the chaos, Roman's gaze never strayed from Alyzs. She was his muse, his obsession, and he would do anything to ensure her success.

As the day progressed, the studio grew quieter, the last of the models leaving and the lights dimming. They had been so lost in their work that they hadn't noticed the time passing. Roman's hand reached out, his fingers brushing against hers on the keyboard. "I think we've got enough for today," he murmured.

Her eyes met his, and she knew what he was saying. The desire in his gaze was unmistakable. They had managed to keep their hands to themselves all day, but now the temptation was too much.

He stood up, pulling her to her feet. "Come with me," he said, his voice low and demanding. He led her to the back of the studio, where a velvet curtain was drawn across a section of the room.

Behind the curtain, a makeshift boudoir, a plush velvet chaise lounge, and a few strategically placed lights created an intimate atmosphere. "This is where I come to...think," he said, his voice thick with lust.

Alyzs's eyes widened as she took in the scene. "Is this where you've been imagining me all day?" she asked, her voice teasing.

"Every. Single. Moment," Roman replied, his eyes dark with desire. He stepped closer, his hands moving to her shoulders. "But before we get to that, you need to relax."

He guided her to the chaise lounge, his strong hands kneading the tension from her shoulders. "You've had a long day," he murmured, his voice a gentle command. "Let me take care of you."

He knelt before her, his eyes on hers as he unbuckled the stilettos she had worn all day. She gasped as he peeled them off, her feet feeling lighter than air. He took one foot in his hand, his thumbs pressing into the arch with surprising gentleness. "That feels amazing."

Roman's smile was wicked as he began to massage her toes, his touch sending shivers up her spine. "I know you're used to taking care of everyone else," he said, his voice a low rumble. "But now, it's my turn."

He worked his way up her foot, his touch firm and confident. She could feel the tension in her body melting away with every stroke. "You're so tense," he murmured, his thumbs working circles around her ankle. "Let it go, baby."

Alyzs's eyes remained closed, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She had never experienced a foot massage like this before, the way his touch seemed to reach into her very soul. It was as if he knew exactly what she needed, exactly how to make her feel cherished.

When he finally finished, she opened her eyes to find him watching her, his expression intense. "Now," he said, his voice low. "Let's talk about the future."

Her heart raced as he sat beside her on the chaise, his hand finding hers. "I've been thinking about it all day since we left your place."

Her pulse quickened at his words. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I want you to move in with me," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "I want to wake up to you every morning, to come home to you every night."

Alyzs's mind raced. The penthouse, the luxury, seeing Liyah often

"But what about your reputation?" she asked, her voice filled with doubt.

" my reputation? With you on my arm, it will only boost my reputation, love," he said, his voice firm. "I want you by my side, Alyzs. We have to start building, to prove ourselves right."

Her heart swelled with emotion, and she leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Okay," she whispered. "I'll think about it, okay."

He pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her. "Thank you," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Thank you for giving me this chance."

Alyzs looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It feels like a dream," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Too good to be true."

Roman's expression grew serious as he cupped her face in his hands. "You're not just any woman, Alyzs," he said, his voice firm. "You're a queen, and you deserve the world. And I'm the one who's honored to give it to you."

Her eyes searched his, looking for any sign of doubt or insincerity. But all she saw was love and determination. "But what's the catch, baby?" she asked.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. "The only catch," he murmured, "is that you must accept that you're worthy of it all."

Their kiss grew more profound, their bodies pressed tightly together. She could feel his hardness against her, a reminder of the passion that burned between them. And momentarily, she allowed herself to believe this is now her reality.

As they pulled away, Roman's eyes searched hers. "There's no catch, baby," he said, his voice gentle. "This is just the beginning of us."

Alyzs took a deep breath, her heart racing. She had never felt so cherished, so desired. And she knew that she was ready to take the leap of faith. "Okay," she said, her voice shaky. "I trust you." Now, we can start to explore."