Chapter 59 - Pride and Possession (1/2)

”I see everyone agrees this gown looked divine,” Olivia mused, wiggling her brows towards Eli. ”Of course, as expected from the House of Eli.”

She waved the gown up in the air, the skirt swayed and rustled on the wooden floor before she found her way towards her bedroom to try it on.

For years, Eli filled her wardrobe with his creations, from simple ensembles to evening gowns and this piece was by far one that screamed 'Olivia'. She knew the size would fit her like a glove for Eli knew her measurements well even with his eyes closed but she wanted to see for herself if the gown would speak to her while she's wearing it.

In the living room, Eli took a sip of his tea, his face full of arrogance over the success of sleepless nights sketching and wandering around the metro for inspiration.

Ever since he started his brand, he concentrated on minimalist designs. Less is more, they said. So House of Eli focused on the wearer rather than the bling of the piece. Perhaps it was one of the reasons why Olivia would always wear whatever he sends her way that after some time she became his lifetime muse and ultimately creating pieces for strong independent women like Olivia.

Inside the en suite, Olivia tried the gown on in the bathroom while Maxen tied his shoes as he sat on the edge of the bed.

The pitter-patter of footsteps on the wooden floor stole Maxen's attention, lifting his head whilst his hands tug the shoelaces.

”How do I look, Your Highness?” She twirled and crossed one leg over to curtsy while a goofy smile painted her face. She knew Maxen would go nuts once he sees her.

True to her intuition, facing her, Maxen clipped his chin and raised a brow over the high slit that revealed her caramel t.h.i.g.h.

He dropped the shoelaces in his hands and gave her a once over with his arms crossed over his c.h.e.s.t, nodding and drinking her image and form.

The air of sophistication swirled around her, and he knew how she would spellbind any soul who would lay their eyes on her. Maxen brushed his thick brows to relieve himself from his raging dark thoughts that haze his mind.

Although Olivia looked smoking hot that he wanted to rip the gown off her, Maxen knew which one to prioritize and that was to question if she's serious about her gown. They once fought about her style preference and he didn't want to have the same argument ever.

Entranced, Maxen stood up and ran his free finger under the strap of the corset top that hugged her frame which gave her bust a good lift, itching to tug it off. And after mustering up the last ounce of his tolerance, he took a sharp breath, exhaling through his mouth.

”You're wearing a green gown. What more if you're wearing a red one? I might have to put a leash on you or something.”

”Ha! The person who needs a leash in this room is not me but you. Need I remind you of what happened in the elevator?”

”Oooh. Would you mind narrating what transpired in the lift? You see, I tend to forget irrelevant things,” Maxen countered as he caged Olivia in his embrace and kissed her temple. ”And I should be the one reeking with jealousy, not you. Look how seductive you are.”

”You know what? You are right. The girl in your arms is my only competition, Max.”