Hera narrowed her eyes. "Aren’t you afraid your employees will gossip? They might think you’re abusing your power, and it could cause dissatisfaction. After all, yourpany only hires the best financial strategists and advisors."
"Why? Isn’t your university also among the best of the best?" Luke countered smoothly, his fingers making their way to Hera’s hand resting on the table. He traced a slow path up her arm, then to her shoulder, making her shudder. Her eyshes fluttered as the sensation coursed through her.
Luke’s hands settled on her shoulders, kneading them gently, but instead of relief, Hera felt something else entirely. His touch was deliberately suggestive, making her bite her lower lip as a familiar warmth churned in her stomach.
"B-But I might not be able to focus on working at yourpany," Hera croaked, her voice slightly unsteady. "I still have so many engagements in the entertainment industry and the international race. I can’t just leave all of that behind—not yet."
She was telling the truth. With the storyline already in motion, her priority was to establish herself in the entertainment industry, securing the opportunities that would allow her to steal Alice’s spotlight and rewrite her fate.
That meant putting her internship on hold until next year—until everything settled down. What she hadn’t expected was for Luke to take the initiative and actively seek her out for hispany.
"Well, I can give you some leeway," Luke said, his voice calm but unwavering. "And don’t think for a second that you’re not worthy. I’ve already gauged your understanding of finance during our talks, and I’m sure you’re just aspetent as any of my senior employees. If they feel dissatisfied with you receiving special treatment, then you could always show them what you’re capable of—or..."
He leaned down, his lips brushing the delicate skin of Hera’s earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Or better yet," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin, "just tell them you’re my girlfriend."
Since Hera’s ears were one of her most sensitive spots, she couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp, her eyes fluttering shut.
The sound was subtle, but it ignited something deep inside Luke. What had started as innocent teasing quickly escted.
The moment he heard her moan, something in him snapped. Without thinking, he leaned in and lightly bit her earlobe, sending a tremor through Hera’s body.
"L-Luke..." Hera gasped, gripping the edge of the table for support. Her heart raced as her vision blurred, a soft, cool fabric pressing gently against her eyes.
Luke had blindfolded her with his tie, and in that instant, her every sense was heightened. The anticipation spiraled, her nerves tingling as she bit down on her lip to steady herself.
"Now, why don’t you slowly stand up and make your way to me?" Luke’s voice was smooth, almost hypnotic. It tugged at her, drawing her toward him with an irresistible pull.
Nervousness mixed with excitement coursed through her, and she could feel every fiber of her being on edge, waiting for his next move.
Hera slowly stood up, pushing her chair back, but as she took a couple of steps forward, her feet betrayed her, and she stumbled.
Just as she thought she might crash to the floor, Luke was there, his hand catching her arm while his other hand wrapped securely around her waist. His grip was firm, his touch grounding her.
But Luke couldn’t wait any longer. He pulled her closer, his lips crashing onto hers with the urgency of someone starving.
The kiss was fierce, hungry, and consuming.
Hera’s moans were swallowed by him, leaving her breathless as the passion between them intensified, her pulse racing with each wave of his touch.
"Open your mouth and let me in," Lukemanded. His voice was low, firm—no trace of the usual warmth she was familiar with.
The gentle and warm Luke was gone, reced by a darker, more dominant side that sent a delicious shiver down Hera’s spine. Though she couldn’t see his expression, she could <i>feel</i> the shift in his presence.
Obediently, she parted her lips, and the moment she did, Luke plunged his tongue inside, iming her with an intensity that left her breathless.
His tongue tangled with hers, almost scooping it up as he deepened the kiss, leaving no room for hesitation—only submission to his overpowering desire.
Luke’s hands gripped Hera’s hips, lifting her effortlessly as he carried her to the desk. With a quick, almost predatory motion, he set her down, positioning her firmly on top, his body now positioned between her legs.
The pressure of his bulge against her core made Hera gasp, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck, fingers threading through his hair. She tightened her hold, drawn deeper into the tension between them.
When Luke finally pulled away, giving Hera a moment to catch her breath, his voice dropped into amanding murmur. "Now, Hera... why don’t you take off your clothes—slowly—and show me?" His tone was more of a demand than a request,ced with undeniable authority.
A shiver ran down Hera’s spine at his words. Unlike the others, who were often gentle and tender—even when their passion turned wild—Luke’s dominance awakened something different in her. It wasn’t just arousal; it was a deep, thrilling pull, stirring a subservient femininity she hadn’t realized was there.
Hera’s fingers trembled slightly as she began to unbutton her shirt, each button slipping free with agonizing slowness.
Luke watched her intently, his gaze burning as he took in every movement. His throat tightened, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.
A wave of heat spread through him, the thought ofmanding her, of having her obey his every word, igniting something dark and powerful inside.
His heart pounded violently in his chest, each beat filled with anticipation, as the air between them grew thick with tension.
Hera slowly peeled off her clothes,yer byyer, until she stood before him, d only in her underwear. Luke’s gaze never left her, dark and intense.
"Very good," he said, his voice low andmanding. "Now, why don’t you show me how you pleasure yourself?"