ã€ŠThe CEO Is Obsessed With Meã€‹


 Chapter One Never Have I Ever

    AURELIA

    I threw my head back, my moans constricting against the gag in my mouth as my whole body trembled in painful pleasure. My wrists burned as my arms were bound by a tight rope, banishing any chance of escape.

    I looked up at him as tears welled in my eyes, begging him to put me out of my misery.

    He only smiled, leaning down to roughly grab my chin. ¡°Had enough yet?¡± His husky voice rumbled in my ears, his hot breath fanning against my face as I writhed under his hold. ¡°Or do you want me to punish you more?¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    A normal person would have easily refused, but I was far from normal. I nodded my head slowly, and he smirked.

    I yelped loudly as I felt the whip sh against my most sensitive part, eyes rolling to the back of my head as waves of ecstasy clouded my mind.

    ¡°You fucking slut.¡± He whispered tentatively, and my gaze found his as he settled between my legs, spreading my thighs apart with his sturdy hands. His dark eyes soaked in the sight of my throbbing wet pussy, burning with a desire that managed to make me even wetter. I flinched as he ran two fingers across my entrance slowly, collecting my slick essence between them.

    I watched in awe as he brought his fingers to his lips, his hot gaze never leaving mine as his tongue darted to lick. He sucked on his digits, his eyes fluttering close for a moment as he thoroughly enjoyed the taste of me. The sight was oh so fucking sexy, making me want him more with each passing second.

    I wanted to touch him so badly, to feel that beautiful body carefully sculpted with hard and defined muscles. But I wasn¡¯t allowed that privilege, tonight he had me wrapped around his fingers, subjected to fulfilling his needs and wants alone.

    My eyes squeeze shut as I feel an electrifying sensation on my clit, my scream was muffled by the gag as I tried to close my open legs, but his grip refused me. Amusement danced in his eyes as my breaths became shallow, and sweat coaxed my naked body, highlighting the bite marks littered across my skin. Evidence of his ravenous nature.

    He flipped the taser in his palm, leaning over me as he dragged it along my stomach. I held my breath, my eyes widening in anticipation as he stopped on reaching my breasts.

    ¡°Cry for me, baby.¡± Was his only indication of his next move, and I let out a sharp whimper as electric currents assaulted my hard nipples. Tears roll down my cheeks, and he hums in satisfaction, brushing the side of my face with his knuckles. His thumb circles around my wet cheeks as he leans close, his lips merely inches away from mine.

    ¡°Good girl..¡± he cooed, dragging the gag away from my mouth. Butterflies erupted in my stomach at his praise. ¡°You belong to me, your pain, joy, and pleasure are all mine. Mine and mine alone.¡±

    He seals his deration with a feverish kiss, finally relieving me of what I craved the most. My body had not yet recovered from his onught, but he was less than bothered. With one hard thrust of his hips, I became undone. My sanity shattered the instant he filled me whole.

    ¡°Mine.¡± He growled, his fingers digging into my skin as he continued to mercilessly pound me with sheer strength and force. ¡°Fucking mine!¡±

    How did I end up in such apromising situation you ask?

    Well, it all dates back to one month earlier, and before then, I would have never imagined being in such a position, definitely not with my boss at that.

    But it¡¯s crazy how a simple mistake could drastically change your life¡­..

    One month earlier¡­

    ¡°Cheers!¡±

    A delighted giggle left my lips as I clicked sses with my coworkers. The six of us had gathered to celebrate the sess of a new projectunched under our production team. The bar we chose exuded a cozy ambiance with dimly lit Edison bulbs casting a warm glow over the exposed brick walls. Jazz music floated through the air,plementing the bubbly atmosphere and leisurely chatter.

    ¡°Here¡¯s to more sessful projects!¡± Mrs Juniper, the head designer of our team cheered, puffing her chest with pride as she raised her ss of beer. ¡°And to the best design team there is.¡±

    I pped my hands at her deration, and a round of heartyughter followed.

    ¡°Honestly I don¡¯t think we could have pulled it off without Aurelia,¡± Caspian says as he looks my way, his boyish dimples popping as he winked at me. ¡°Her designs are maddening.¡±

    I flush brightly at hispliment, hiding my smile behind the rim of my cup as I try to cool my heated cheeks with my drink.

    ¡°Well if it weren¡¯t for your expertise in interpreting the patterns then it wouldn¡¯t have amounted to much.¡± I counter with a flirtatious smile, in which he returns wholeheartedly.

    Caspian was the pattern maker in our team, and he specialized in tranting design sketches into patterns, ensuring the proper fit and functionality of garments.

    ¡°Okay let¡¯s not get too ahead of ourselves, I did all the grunt work by getting the materials.¡± Kendal, the textile specialist and most energetic in the group called as he pointed between me and Caspian. ¡°I¡¯m the golden boy of the project.¡± He proimed and I yfully rolled my eyes as he grinned smugly.

    Kendall was a textile and material specialist, his role being to source and evaluate fabrics, trims, and materials for use in designs, staying informed about new trends and sustainable options.

    ¡°Settle down everyone, let¡¯s try and lighten up the mood with a game shall we,¡± Olivia suggests and I narrow my eyes at her curiously as I catch the mischievous glint in her eyes. I wonder what is going through her mind. Olivia was a good friend of mine, and we worked closely together on various projects and fashion lines.

    ¡°What game?¡± Mathew asks, he was mostly quiet and reserved but he was a hard worker and very reliable. He was our trusted sample maker, taking the responsibility of constructing prototypes and samples of designs for review and fitting before they were finalized for production.

    ¡°Never have I ever.¡± She smirked and I choked on my drink. Caspian casts me a worried nce but I reassure him with a small smile.

    Of all the games to pick, why did she have to go for that?

    ¡°Come on Olivia, those types of games are for high school kids, we¡¯re grown men and women.¡± I try my best to act casual as I try to turn the conversation around, but then Kendall jumps in.

    ¡°Nah it doesn¡¯t matter, we¡¯re not that old.¡± He muses, turning to Mrs Juniper for clearance. ¡°Right Mrs. J?¡± he adds, and as we all turned expectantly to the middle-aged woman, I mentally prayed that she would dismiss the proposition. But my hopes are crushed as she hums in agreement, teeth shing in a wide grin as she raises her hand to give a thumbs up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go for it!¡± she exims, clinking her ss with Kendal who pumps his fist in the air in victory.

    ¡°Perfect.¡± Olivia ps, and I swallow thickly as she goes on to exin the rules of the game.

    ¡°It¡¯s simple. Each person takes turns saying something they¡¯ve never done. For example, ¡®Never have I ever traveled to Europe.''¡± she began, her hands moving to expertly mix a concoction of strong alcohol. ¡°If you have done it, you take a drink. But if you haven¡¯t, you¡¯re safe for that round.¡±

    ¡°Got it. Any other rules we need to know?¡± Caspian asks, but Kendall answers for her, almost like they had nned this whole get-up beforehand.

    ¡°Yeah, make sure your statements are interesting and reveal something about yourself. And remember, honesty is key!¡±

    He says, volunteering to kick off the game. ¡°I¡¯ll go first. Never have I ever had sex in the office.¡±

    Trust Kendal to start off with something sexual.

    Everyone gasps as Mrs Juniper takes a drink, and as if sensing the impending questions brewing on the tip of our tongues, she ces a silencing finger over her lips. ¡°Noment.¡± came her yful remark, and I instinctively knew that it would go downhill from here on out.

    Mathew went on next. ¡°Never have I ever touched myself at the thought of a coworker.¡± He says softly, and my eyes widen at the boldness in his words, my pupils widening further as Caspian takes a drink.

    Now I was dying to know who this person was. It could be anyone, and the thought of that leaves a bitter pang of jealousy in my chest.

    ¡°Damn, you dirty bastard.¡± Kendalments as he ruffles Caspian¡¯s hair like a proud father.

    ¡°Never have I had a threesome.¡± Olivia deres, and I blink in surprise as both she and Mathew take a drink. Maybe he wasn¡¯t so innocent after all.

    ¡°Well, that was unexpected.¡± Caspian chuckled, thoughtfully stroking his chin as it was his turn next. ¡°Never have I been in an open rtionship.¡±

    Kendal grins smugly as he takes a drink, finishing it in one gulp.

    And finally, it was my turn. All eyes fixed their attention on me, and I suddenly found theces of my leather boots interesting. I had nothing to say, and I was the only one who hadn¡¯t taken a drink yet.

    But then my phone rang in my pocket and hastily retrieved it, politely regarding everyone with a small smile before excusing myself to pick it up.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry everyone but I have to go,¡± I tell them, internally grateful that I had dodged a stray bullet.

    ¡°Aww, but we were getting to the good part,¡± Kendal whined, but Olivia pped the back of his head to caution him, earning an annoyed re from the tanned male as she waved me goodbye. ¡°See youter Auri.¡±

    ¡°Have a safe trip home, Aurelia.¡± Mrs Juniper bids me farewell, and Matthew graces me with a shy smile.

    I was just about to leave when Caspian offered to drive me home. I couldn¡¯t refuse, thinking that maybe, just maybe¡­tonight was the night I finally gained the courage to take our friendship to a whole other level.

    In simpler terms, I might just getid tonight.

 Chapter Two; Are You a Virgin?

    The drive home was peaceful. I gazed out the window, taking in the scenery of the ever-bustling city as we drove through the night.

    The buildings lining the road blurred past, a soft sigh leaving my lips as the evening breezebed through my curls. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft, ethereal light over thendscape.

    I tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear as I stole a nce at Caspian, the soft glow of the streetlights illuminated his face, highlighting his perfect features. His hair, a tousled mess of dark waves, framed his face perfectly, giving him a slightly unkempt but effortlessly handsome look. His eyes were a striking shade of blue, like the depths of the ocean on a clear day, and they seemed to sparkle with an inner light. His smile was warm and inviting, with a dimple appearing on his left cheek when he grinned. His features were strong yet gentle, creating a captivatingbination that drew me in every time I looked at him.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    My heart skips a beat when he catches me staring, and I whip my head forward, my cheeks bursting into scarlet as I hear his amused chuckle.

    ¡°Get yourself together Aurelia,¡± I mutter to myself, returning my gaze to the window as I anxiously pull my bottom lip between my teeth.

    My apartment buildinges into view, and Caspian parks his car in the driveway. ¡°Thank you.¡± I began with a genuine smile, breaking the silence and he dismissed me with a casual wave of his hand. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, what are friends for?¡±

    I felt an ache in my chest as he tagged me as his friend, and although I was ttered, I wanted more. I took a deep breath, nervously fidgeting with the hem of my sweater as Caspian turned off the car engine. ¡°Um, Caspian, would you¡­ uh, like toe in for a bit?¡± I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    He turned to me, his eyebrows raised in surprise. ¡°Sure, if you need anything. What¡¯s up?¡±

    My heart raced as panic gripped me. ¡°Oh, I, uh, just needed you to check one of my pipes. It¡¯s been acting up, and, um, you¡¯re good with that sort of thing, right?¡± I blurted out, mentally kicking myself for my awkwardness.

    Caspian chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Sure, I can take a look.¡±

    As we entered my apartment, my nerves threatened to overwhelm me. I led Caspian to the bathroom, where the troublesome pipe awaited inspection. As he got to work, I tried to muster up the courage to confess my feelings, but each time I opened my mouth, my words failed me.

    After a few minutes, Caspian straightened up and turned to me with a grin. ¡°Well, good news, there¡¯s nothing wrong with the pipe. Seems like it just needed a little tightening.¡±

    My heart sank, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. ¡°Oh, um, great. Thanks for checking.¡±

    Caspian chuckled, patting my shoulder. ¡°No problem. So, anything else you need?¡±

    The gears in my head begin to spin as I desperately searched for a way to salvage the situation. ¡°Uh, well, we could, um, watch a movie or something? I mean, if you¡¯re not in a hurry,¡± I stammered, my voice trailing off uncertainly.

    Caspian smiled, amusement dancing in his eyes. ¡°As tempting as that sounds, I¡¯ve got an early start tomorrow. Rain check?¡± And with that, he had already shut the window of opportunity, leaving no room for any further advances.

    I forced a smile. ¡°Yeah, of course. Thanks foring over, Caspian.¡±

    He ruffled my hair yfully. ¡°Anytime, Aurelia. Goodnight.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight Caspian,¡± I replied, my voiceing out a little too high as I worked to mask my sadness.

    As he made his way to the door, I watched him go, a mixture of disappointment and relief flooding me. Once he was gone, I copsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands.

    ¡°Well, that couldn¡¯t have gone any worse,¡± I muttered to myself, mentally kicking myself for my missing such a good chance.

    ¡°Fuck !¡± Overwhelmed by frustration, I cursed out loud, not caring if I wake the neighbors groaned into the couch.

    I¡¯m soon greeted by the calming purr of my cat, Chelsea. The Turkish Angora struts towards me in a graceful stride, her tail snaking around my feet as she rubs her nose against my legs. My heart warmed at the cute gesture, and I crouched down to her eye level, earning a satisfied purr as I ran my hands through her shiny white fur.

    ¡°Tonight wasn¡¯t the night Chelsea,¡± I tell her solemnly, and as if sensing my sadness, Chelsea tilts her head to the side, her blue eyes shining with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯m going to die a virgin at this rate.¡±

    After a long well-needed bath, I sat in the darkness of my bedroom. Chelsea slept peacefully in the corner of my desk, her breathing soft and calm.

    My hands soothe her fur as I go through my current designs, the light emitting from myptop screen illuminating my features. Working served as a perfection distraction for me to forget my worries, if not I would continue to wallow in self pity at my failed attempt to kick things of with my crush.

    Now I was dressed in myfy pajamas, my curly ginger hair wrung into a messy bun on top of my head. The loose tendrils framed my face as I pressed a thoughtful finger over my lips, my gray pupils thinning at the small message box that had just popped up on my screen.

    Out of sheer curiosity, I clicked on it and a new tab opened, causing my brows to furrow in confusion as I read through its content.

    My attention was immediately drawn to the question that disyed on the screen

    ¡°Are you a virgin?¡±

    *If yes; then would you like to y a game?*

 Chapter Three; The Sex Bucket List

    It was a survey site, and the optionsid out had me cursing at the universe at the cruel irony of it.

    The siteid out sexual-rted questions, and the reward for each survey was to determine your sexual preferences, kinks, and so on.

    It was a painful reminder of my patheticpse in that aspect. As a child, I was never deemed beautiful. I was a chubby kid with ming auburn hair of unruly curls and freckles scattered across my cheeks, but puberty kicked inte and bloomed when I had just graduated high school. My body had taken a shape I was finally proud of; a slender waist, full breasts, and even fuller hips, and although I caught the attention of many onlookers while going to college, I barely socialized with anyone.

    I had strictly focused on graduating at the top of my ss, wanting nothing more than to pursue my dream job as a fashion designer. Now I work for the best fashion brand in the country, getting paid in six zeroes and in a luxury penthouse.

    Some would say I had won in life, but everything I had achieved so far came with a price, and the price of my sess was my dreary sex life.

    I¡¯m a freaking twenty-eight-year-old virgin for crying out loud!

    This was the main reason the game of ¡®Never have I ever¡¯ bothered me. Because never have I ever done shit.

    But I had fantasies, wild fantasies that were far from normal, and these abnormal thoughts were fueled by the shelf of slutty books adorning the wall of my room. I also watched porn, preparing myself for the golden hour. I didn¡¯t want to be seen as inexperienced, but the painful truth was that I had no courage whatsoever to pursue my fantasies, and this was proven by my many failed attempts to bag one man. Caspian.

    ¡°Oh well, what harm would it do?¡± I said with a shrug of my shoulders, taking a sip of my can of soda as I began answering the questions. After thirty long minutes of rather intrusive questions, Ipleted the survey and submitted it to God knows who.

    But it didn¡¯t end there, an icon resembling a wrapped birthday present appeared next, and it was tagged as a reward for my cooperation.

    With a soft sigh, I clicked the eye-catching box, taking another long sip of my drink as I waited for it to load.

    ¡°Oh,¡± I eximed softly, my eyes sweeping over the document file. It was a bucket list. A sex bucket list,piled from my answers from the survey. ¡°That¡¯s interesting.¡± it also had a section for me to edit and add potential ¡®candidates¡¯ that I want to explore them with.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I contemted my thoughts before typing in Caspian¡¯s name first, along with one other man who had undeniably caught my attention. His name was Luke Graham, my boss and the CEO of thepany I worked for. I only saw him in passing, but even from a distance, his beauty could be described as out worldly. His mere presence always made the women at work swoon, each and every one of them ready to throw their panties his way.

    I also added a certain celebrity just for the sake of it. He was a popr actor who charmed his audience with his smile and talent. But he also seemed like someone who would be ruthless in bed, his sex scenes in movies never failed to make my pussy throb with want, now that was real God-given talent. I think his name was Ezekiel Sterling.

    After typing in the names, I looked over the list with a satisfied smirk and finished my drink with onest gulp. It wasn¡¯t like anyone else was going to see it, and the chances of me actually pulling it off were low. But it was fun to see that the things on the list were bold and daring, two attributes that were a far cry from reality.

    I was neither bold nor daring.

    Just horny and delusional.

    Very delusional.

    Chelsea meowed, pulling me from my train of thought. She stretched her limbs with a silent yawn, her paws nonchntly brushing against the keypads of myptop as she leaped into my arms, purring loudly as if to reprimand me for staying upte.

    ¡°Okay okay, I¡¯ll go to bed, your highness.¡± I heed to her cuteness, brushing my cheeks against her stubby nose before rising to my feet.

    I return my gaze to myptop screen, but the list had disappeared.

    ¡°Aww shit, I wanted to save it,¡± I muttered under my breath, shoulders sagging in disappointment, but I soon dismissed the thought as I cradled Chelsea in my arms and shut down the device. The Turkish Angora cat jumps in excitement as she spots her well-made cat bed at the foot of my queen-sized bed. I smiled fondly at her before throwing myself into the lush softness of my nkets.

    Staring absentmindedly at the ceiling, I go over the events of the day. If things had gone differently I would have spent a sexy night with Caspian, cuddled under these very same bedsheets. I had wanted to ask him to join me inside for a little chat, but he seemed more out of reach than ever, maybe he had someone else in mind. Or maybe I was just in over my head.

    The heavy feeling of loneliness began to creep in like a slithering predator, and I let my eyes flutter close before it had the opportunity to consume me whole.

    One of these days, if the universe deemed it fit, I might be able to turn my fantasies into reality.

    My phone buzzed on the headstand of my bed, but I paid no mind to it, already falling into a deep slumber, my body giving out to exhaustion.

    The screen of my phone glowed in the darkness.

    ¡°Message sessfully posted.¡±

 Chapter Four; Why are They Staring

    The next morning I¡¯m woken up by a wetness on my cheeks, cracking my eyes open to find Chelsea licking my face thoughtfully.

    ¡°Good morning, Your Highness.¡± I greet her with a bright smile, my handsbing through the silky tendrils of her shiny fur.

    Chelsea meowed in contentment, jumping off the bed and strutting out of the door in a graceful sweep, seeing as she¡¯d fulfilled her goal of disrupting my sleep. I giggled lightly as I watched her go, Chelsea always gave the impression of a guardian taking care of her underlings.

    I let out a soft yawn, imitating my cat as I stretched my limbs. There was nothing like a good night¡¯s rest, my senses felt refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

    ¡°I have a good feeling about today,¡± I say to no one in particr as I slide out of my nket and swing my legs off the bed with a delighted hum. My eyes roamed to my wall clock and I paled visibly, my smile going stiff as the peace I had felt earlier quickly dissipated into thin air.

    It was a few minutes past eight. Not seven, the time I usually get up for work.

    I whipped my head to the rm clock sitting on the headstand just to make sure, and my eyes round in shock.

    I had missed my rm, and now I was twenty minutes away from beingte to work.

    Now I understood why Chelsea had stepped in, damn she really was a guardian angel.

    ¡°Oh shit!¡± I cursed under my breath as I sprung to my feet, sprinting to the bathroom to get ready.

    I was out of breath by the time I rushed out of my apartment building, and a string of curses left my lips. I quickly ate my deration of today being a good day. The roads were jam-packed with heavy traffic and several lines of waiting cars that stretched over to the highway that led to my workce. It was rush hour, and the ever-busy streets of New York were definitely not to be reckoned with, and I was out of luck.

    My phone kept ringing in my purse but I hadn¡¯t gotten the chance to attend to it yet. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, I arrived at work.

    I gulped my spit as the sleek ss and steel facade of the building soared above me, its modern design cutting a sharp contrast against the sky. The reflective surface shimmered in the sunlight, giving the impression of a building reaching for the future. Despite feeling small in its shadow, I quickly regained myposure, straightening my posture as I walked through the revolving door.

    I couldn¡¯t help but notice the looming stares and pointed gazes that hovered over me like an ominous dark cloud, so I wondered if I had made a clothing malfunction in my hurry to get dressed.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I looked down at myself, but I couldn¡¯t find any mistakes in my outfit. My tailored navy blue pants hugged my legs perfectly, elongating them and giving me a confident stride. Paired with a crisp white button-down shirt, tucked in just right, and a slim ck belt cinching my waist, I felt ready to conquer the day. A sleek silver watch adorned my wrist, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble. Completing the look, my ck leather pumps clicked against the floor with each step, echoing as I avoided the stares with hasty steps.

    As I reached up to adjust my hair, I remembered the effort I had put into styling it. My reddish curls cascaded down my back in soft waves, adding a touch of whimsy to my appearance. A few strands framed my face, giving me a slightly tousled but still put-together look. The style was neat and professional, framing my face elegantly.

    Maybe it was all in my head.

    But as I stood outside the elevator, my ears perked as a group of women strolled past me, whispering discreetly to each other.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that her?¡±

    ¡°The one who made the post.¡±

    ¡°Yes it¡¯s her, she¡¯s bold, isn¡¯t she? Making such a deration on thepany¡¯s tform.¡±

    I pretend not to hear them, shifting ufortably in my spot as I nce anxiously at my watch.

    Post? What post?

    The elevator doors slide open, and I quickly hurry inside. But it was no different, I felt even more suffocated in the cramped space.

    Everyone eyed me with contempt, some with disgust, and others with surprise. It was a whirlwind of emotions I could hardlyprehend.

    I lowered my head under the scrutiny of their gazes, my grip tightening on the strap of my handbag as I mentally counted the seconds that passed.

    Why were they staring?

    Why the hell were they looking at me like that?!

 Chapter Five; Please donéˆ¥æª› fire me

    I scurried out the door the moment I arrived at my department floor, sweat gathering at my temples as my breaths fell short.

    My hands trembled at my sides, my steps faltering as my heartbeat drummed in my ears.

    Oh no, this is the absolute worst time to have a panic attack.

    ¡°Aurelia!¡± I raised my gaze to find Caspian¡¯s soft eyes looking down at me in concern. He held onto my shoulders firmly, and it was only then I realized that I had zoned out for a moment.

    I must have bumped into him unintentionally, but still, I was really d to see him.

    Heaving out a sigh of relief, I lean on his broad shoulders. Caspian goes rigid against me, and my stomach churns painfully when he carefully pulls away, putting a foot¡¯s distance between us as he clears his throat.

    Hurt shes in my eyes as he looks off to the side, his whole demeanor distant.

    Not him too?

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± He asks in an unusually formal tone, but I don¡¯t question him. I straightened up, squaring my shoulders as my hands moved to smooth the non-existent creases on my skirt.

    I forced a smile, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I answered him, the lie leaving a sour taste on my tongue.

    Caspian nods curtly, not sparing me another nce as he continues on his way along the hall. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth as my throat worked, and with a newfound determination to find out just what the fuck was going on, I stormed towards my team¡¯s studio.

    The scent of new fabrics tickled my nostrils as I arrived at the studio, filling me with a brief sense of serenity. The room was a symphony of creativity, with racks of luxurious fabrics in every shade and texture imaginable.

    Design sketches adorned the walls, each one a glimpse into the creative process that brought our collections to life. Mannequins stood proudly, draped in thetest designs, their forms a testament to the artistry of our designers. My colleagues bustled about, none of them had yet to sense my presence as they focused on their individual tasks.

    Kendall was carefully inspecting a bolt of fabric, his trained eye discerning its quality and potential. Matthew was busy at work at a nearby table, his hands deftly shaping a new prototype. Olivia engaged in a deep conversation with Kendall, probably discussing the finer details of a new design. Mrs Juniper wasn¡¯t at her workspace, and I didn¡¯t bother looking for Caspian.

    ¡°Good morning everyone.¡± I ventured, my voice straining with farce delight. They all looked my way and I don¡¯t miss how they each shared wary side nces on my arrival, undoubtedly confirming my suspicions.

    They definitely know something I don¡¯t, hell the whole damn building knows. And somehow I remained clueless.

    ¡°Okay, can someone tell me why everyone¡¯s staring at me like I have crap on my head?¡± I snapped, desperate for answers and fed up with the awkward treatment.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Kendal broke the silence first, and Olivia cast him a warning re which he casually dismissed with an eye roll.

    ¡°It¡¯s obviously because of what you posted on thepany¡¯s tform.¡±

    This again? I thought deliriously, it was the same topic thosedies were whispering about earlier.

    But the fact remained that I didn¡¯t post anything.

    ¡°What post?¡± I questioned, and they all shared puzzled looks.

    ¡°Have you checked your phone today, Auri?¡± Olivia asks softly, and I shake my head.

    ¡°Well, I advise you do,¡± Mathew adds gently, and I hesitate for a bit before reaching into my bag to retrieve the device.

    Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw next.

    ¡°Oh no.¡± My hand pped against my mouth, the color draining from my cheeks as my pupils dted in horror. ¡°Oh no no no no.¡±

    This can¡¯t be happening¡­

    Why¡­. why is the sex bucket list on thepany¡¯s forum website?

    ¡°Shit.¡± Kendal gaped, his expression shifting into worry ¡°She really didn¡¯t know.¡±, but I could hardly hear him over the ringing in my ears.

    ¡°Aurelia.¡± I stiffen in my spot as Mrs. Juniper walks into the room, the older woman offers me a sympathetic smile, but I can easily sense the uneasiness hiding behind it.

    I instinctively dreaded the words that would leave her lips next.

    ¡°The CEO called for you.¡±

    My heart skips a dozen beats.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    The CEO, Mr Luke Graham¡­the name of one of the men I had boldly ced on the list.

    I gulped my spit, my grip on my phone tightening.

    Only one thought came to mind at that moment.

    I¡¯m so screwed.

    ***

    The walk to my doom was very silent. I trailed behind the petite secretary who led me down the grand hall leading to his office, my gaze darting about therge space as my heart raced with fear.

    I had never been on the CEO¡¯s floor, because before today I had no reason to interact with him. And I desperately wished it was in different circumstances. I¡¯ve heard rumors saying he was ruthless and unforgiving, and that the people that worked closely with him walked on eggshells every day.

    Just like I was doing right now.

    But it was toote to escape, I was already on the chopping board, and the knife was only minutes away fromnding on my neck.

    We reach the double doors of the office, and the secretary presses the inte button to inform him of my arrival. She gives me a curt nod before turning on her heels, leaving me to face my ill fate alone.

    I inhale sharply through my nostrils, bracing myself as I push the doors open. I enter the office with careful steps, feeling a wave of calmness wash over me as I took in the air suffused with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, making me forget about my nerves for a brief moment.

    The office screamed of wealth, sophistication, and luxury. The walls, adorned with framed fashion sketches and top magazine covers, exude creativity and elegance.

    Gleaming marble floors stretch out beneath my feet, leading towards a grandiose desk crafted from polished ebony, adorned with gold ents. Behind it, a high-backed leather chairmands attention, fit for a fashion monarch.

    The room is bathed in soft, diffused light emanating from crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the plush furnishings. Velvet chaise lounges and silk-upholstered armchairs beckoned invitingly, promisingfort and opulence.

    In one corner, a meticulously curated disy showcases exquisite designer essories and haute couture pieces, each meticulously arranged like precious works of art.

    As my eyes take in the scene, I can¡¯t help but be swept away by the sheer magnificence of this modern-day pce of fashion. It was mesmerizing, enchanting even.

    ¡°You seem like you¡¯re having fun.¡±

    I jolted in my spot, snapping out my daze as I whipped my head towards the direction of the voice, and for the hundredth time today, I was left utterly speechless.

    There he was, his silhouette cutting a striking figure against the backdrop of his opulent office. His shoulder-length dark hair cascaded in silky waves, framing his angr face with an air of untamed allure. Each strand seemed to catch the light, adding depth to the rich hues of his hair.

    His features are like something out of a painting ¨C chiseled and captivating, with an air of mystery that only serves to heighten his allure. My lips part in awe as I take in his striking appearance, but instead of reciprocating the admiration, his eyes narrow with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

    With arms casually crossed over his broad chest, he exuded an aura of quiet confidence and undeniable charm. His heterochromatic eyes, one a piercing shade of icy blue and the other a deep, mesmerizing green, held a captivating contrast that seemed to draw me in like a moth to a me.

    I find myself momentarily transfixed by the sharpness of his gaze, unable to look away as he stares at me with an unsettling focus. It¡¯s as if he¡¯s peering into the depths of my soul, unraveling my every thought and emotion with just a single nce.

    At what appeared to be six feet two inches tall, hemanded the space effortlessly, his tall frame entuated by a lean yet muscr build honed from years of disciplined fitness.

    I brace myself as he pushes off the wall, every movement he made was deliberate, each step exuding a grace and poise that spoke of innate athleticism.

    Despite the brewing storm of anger in his eyes, there¡¯s an undeniable maism about him, drawing me in despite the tension that stretched like a tightrope between us.

    His gaze lowered, slowly, and almost seductively, soaking in my form from head to toe. I blinked back to reality as he scoffed at me.

    On impulse, I fell to my knees, keeping my head low as I steeled my courage.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t fire me!¡± I beg desperately, mentally scolding myself for gawking at him like a peasant.

    But I couldn¡¯t help but be mesmerized by the intricate details of his appearance. From the faint stubble lining his chiseled jaw to the subtle flex of his toned arms beneath the fabric of his tailored suit, every aspect of him seemed to exude a raw maism that left me spellbound.

    All the few glimpses I¡¯ve got of him these past few years of working couldn¡¯t even amount to the sheer amount of beauty he exuded from up close.

    ¡°Please,¡± I add breathlessly, my voice trembling at the thought of losing the job I¡¯d worked so hard to secure. It was my lifelong dream to be a fashion designer, and now that I¡¯ve finally achieved it, I wasn¡¯t going to let it go so easily.

 Youéˆ¥æª’l Eat Your Words

    ¡°What exactly are you sorry for?¡± He began, and my throat worked as his designer shoes came into my line of sight. I couldn¡¯t dare raise my head to look at him, I might just break into tears, and irritate him more.

    But Oh his voice, His voice, when he finally spoke, was like a melody weaving through the air ¨C smooth, velvety, andmanding attention without effort. Each word dripped with a rich timbre, resonating with a captivating depth that made my insides churn with an unfamiliar emotion.

    There was a hint of gravel in his tone, adding a rugged edge to its otherwise smooth texture, like sandpaper against silk. It carried a subtle undertone of authority, a reminder of the power and confidence thaty beneath his ice-cold exterior.

    ¡°Are you sorry for disrespecting me? or turning me into aughing stock?¡± he adds in a dangerously low tone, and I feel his heated gaze bore holes into the back of my skull.

    When I don¡¯t answer, he stomps his feet impatiently against the marble floor. I flinch as I hold back a whimper, already on the verge of tears.

    ¡°Answer me!¡± He demands, his tone bursting with a twinge of annoyance that left my knees weak with anxiety. But unfortunately, my brain failed to deliver a coherent answer. So I did the one thing I knew how to do best.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything you tell me to.¡± I continued to plead, my voice barely audible against how loudly my heart was beating. ¡°Just please let me keep my job.¡±

    A beat of silence passed, and I waited with bated breath, silently praying he didn¡¯t call security to throw me out.

    I¡¯m caught off guard when he grabs a fist full of my hair, and I hiss in pain as he forces my head up with a hard tug.

    Tears rolled down my cheeks as I looked up at him helplessly, and my pathetic sight seemed to amuse him as his lips split into a devious smirk at my expense.

    ¡°Anything?¡± He raises a brow, and I try to nod but his tight grip on me does not allow it.

    ¡°Yes.¡± I finally say. ¡°Anything.¡±

    ¡°Let me ask you something first.¡± He began softly, and I blinked repeatedly when I caught sight of his free hand moving to unbuckle the straps of his belt.

    What the hell?

    ¡°Why did you rank me as number three?¡±

    What?

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± I trailed off, watching closely as he unzipped his trousers next. My gaze trailed to the evident bulge as I unconsciously wet my lips.

    Damn, every part of this man was sculpted into divine perfection.

    Luke Graham pulled on my hair tighter, and I let out a sharp cry as he roughly grabbed my chin. He crouches down to my eye level, anger zing in his heterochromatic eyes.

    ¡°How the hell did you rank me below a fucking employee.¡± He rasped, his statement invoking a sudden realization that hit me like a hard brick.

    This man¡­was more enraged about the fact that I had ranked him below Caspian on my list, rather than the fact that it was leaked for all eyes to see.

    And of all the things to direct his anger at, that was what annoyed him the most?

    Oh, why does that make my pussy throb?

    ¡°No reason.¡± I knew my answer would piss him off even more, but I don¡¯t know where the sudden boldness that washed over me came from. I was ying with dangerous fire and was very much aware this me could burn me, and still ¡°I felt he¡¯ll be better.¡± I had a craving need to be burned.

    In reality, staying on my knees, in this position, with this beautiful man in front of me, stirred something deep within the depths of my aching soul, a mix of feelings I had believed were non-existent.

    Want, desire¡­..

    Lust

    I loved the way his eyes stormed with a whirlwind of emotions, my own eyes lowering seductively as I chose to push him once more.

    ¡°There was an empty slot and I needed to fill it with anyone that came to¡±

    My words are stolen as he sprung to his feet and shoves his dick in my mouth with one powerful thrust of his hips.

    ¡°By the time I¡¯m done with you.¡± He began, chuckling darkly as he looked down at me struggling against the girth of his length.

    ¡°You¡¯ll eat your words.¡±

    ¡°Mmph!¡± Tears stung my eyes as his hard length slid down my throat in one powerful thrust. My hands pressed against his thighs, seeking relief from the pressure, but his grip on my hair tightened, keeping me in ce. Pain shot through my scalp, yet instead of wincing, I moaned shamelessly, the sound slipping out before I could stop it.

    Damn, why did that feel so good?

    ¡°You like that?¡± Amusementced his tone, followed by a low groan rumbling in his chest.

    In response, I wrapped my tongue around the tip of his dick, catching him off guard. I refused to let him have all the control, and pride swelled in my chest as I felt him twitch in my mouth. It was as if I were possessed; my body moved on its own, sumbing to the intoxicating pleasure pulsing through my veins.

    He was so hard, big, and damn hot. I had to breathe through my nose to avoid suffocating, saliva dripping from my lips as his movements grew faster. He gave me no chance to catch my breath as he continued to thrust mercilessly. I could feel my mascara fading along with the tears running down my cheeks.

    ¡°Ahh¡­ fuck yes,¡± he moaned, and suddenly, it became my favorite sound. I raised my gaze to watch him, peering through myshes just in time to see him throw his head back, mouth agape, and eyes squeezed shut.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Oh, that sight did things to me.

    I was the one making him feel this way, and the mere thought of it made me clench my thighs as desire pulsed through me.

    It was strange, this rush of new feelings and sensations hitting me all at once. I felt like a teenager who¡¯d just tasted hard drugs, insanely high on the pleasure it brought me.

    It was addictive, thrilling, and I wanted more.

    Feeling bold, I wrapped my hand around the base of his shaft, and he sucked in a sharp breath as I squeezed lightly. I began to run my hands over the parts of him that couldn¡¯t fit into my mouth, matching my pace with the speed of his thrusts.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right,¡± he praised me, and my heart fluttered. ¡°Take my cock like the needy bitch you are.¡±

    Such a filthy mouth on such a beautiful face. It was a dangerousbination, making my pussy throb painfully against myce panties.

    The way his voice deepened with need was like music to my ears, and here I thought he couldn¡¯t get any sexier.

    I had a sudden urge to make him moan my name with that voice of his. Just the thought of it sent tantalizing shivers up my spine, settling between my legs and exploding into a pool of slick wetness.

    When he pushed my head hard against him, forcing me to take all of him in, my gag reflex kicked in, and I almost choked. I was grateful I had skipped breakfast this morning; otherwise, I would have spilled my guts right then and there.

    He held me there for a few seconds, watching me lose my breath against him as his dick constricted against the walls of my throat.

    Theck of oxygen made me dizzy, and I began to feel lightheaded, but this man only chuckled darkly in sick satisfaction.

    He was enjoying this to the fullest, and why the hell was that so attractive to me?

    I never knew I had a thing for sadists.

    I felt him swell in my mouth, and I looked up at him, my bloodshot eyes pleading as they met his intense stare. He didn¡¯t look away, and a whimper crawled up my throat as his free hand roughly grabbed my jaw. He raised my chin higher and pulled out abruptly, giving me a chance to suck air into my dry lungs. But my relief was short-lived. I let out a needy whine as he pped his dick against my cheek, sessfully gaining my attention as he jerked my head up again with a sharp tug of my hair.

    ¡°Open your mouth,¡± he grunted, his hands working to finish what he¡¯d started. ¡°Now.¡±

    I obediently followed his orders, opening my mouth and even sticking out my tongue.

    I couldn¡¯t help it; I was desperate to taste him.

    ¡°Fucking slut.¡± The insult only aroused me more, and that seductive smirk on his face only made it worse.

    He huffed out a breath as his hands slid back and forth over his member. I couldn¡¯t look away as I watched him pleasure himself to release. I just stared in awe, my lips spread open wide and ready.

    My heart drummed against my ears as I waited.

    ¡°Arggh!¡± He let out a feral growl as he finally reached his peak. Creamy white liquid shot out from his tip and right into my mouth, and my eyes fluttered closed as I relished in his taste.

    Salty. Thick. Warm.

    So damn delicious.

    I couldn¡¯t believe I¡¯d been missing out on this all this while.

    My eyes fluttered closed as he continued to feed me with his seed.

    ¡°Hmmm.¡± I swallowed without hesitation, a satisfied moan vibrating in my chest as my tongue darted out to lick my lips, collecting the drops of sperm that had strayed there. I was oblivious to his lingering gaze; I couldn¡¯t see the unhinged grin that painted his lips in that split second.

    He crouched down to my level and grabbed my face with both hands, and I didn¡¯t mind that they¡¯d been used to pleasure himself just a few seconds ago.

    My eyes popped open, and I gulped at the way his expression darkened in an instant.

    ¡°Clean yourself up and get out.¡±

 Chapter Seven; Fate is a bitch

    In the end, I received a two-week suspension for what happened. Regrettably, I wouldn¡¯t get to feature in the officialunch of the new fashion line my team developed. As much as it pained me because my designs were the most formidable pieces in the project, I was d I didn¡¯t lose my job.

    ¡°Take my cock like the needy bitch you are.¡±

    I squeezed my eyes shut as a shiver ran up my spine, and I almost dropped Chelsea¡¯s can of food as the vivid image shed through my mind.

    It had been two weeks, but it felt like it happened yesterday.

    Chelsea meowed, her tail brushing my feet to get my attention. I blinked back to reality and shook my head, almost as if to shake the memory off.

    But I couldn¡¯t forget it; I mean, how could I just brush it off?

    I had given my boss a freaking blowjob, ultimately crossing one of the activities on the list.

    Give a blowjob. Check.

    But I had never expected toplete it with Luke Graham.

    My cheeks heated up as I flopped against the couch and squealed into my pillow. Chelsea leisurely ate her meal while I reyed the sound of his moans over and over in my head.

    His touch burned me, leaving scars that were not seen but there.

    His voice, his scent, his taste¡­ They all left a heavy impression on me, one that made me fantasize about more scenarios.

    Like him taking me against thatvish desk of his.

    It was shameless of me to think of him that way, but I couldn¡¯t get over how he was more annoyed about his rank on the list than being on the list itself.

    It made me wonder what could be going through his mind. Did he like what had happened between us? Was he also thinking about how I made him feel?

    Probably not.

    That man was hotter than hell, and I¡¯m sure he had a ton of women flocking after him. And by the way he coldly kicked me out of his office without hesitation, I had thought he wasn¡¯t satisfied with me.

    It was my first time doing such a thing, and I was no more than a rookie who studied X-rated videos for preparation.

    But his reaction proved me wrong in so many ways. He enjoyed it, at least that¡¯s what I hoped.

    ¡°I¡¯m going crazy,¡± I said to no one in particr. The house was empty, and I hadn¡¯t bothered to leave since my suspension.

    I busied myself with designing, and my living room was littered with drawing paper left and right. I had taken a break to refresh my mind because it kept wandering off to dirty ces and I couldn¡¯t sketch a single thing.

    I opted to watch a movie, and the moment that tinum TV sprang to life, Ezekiel Sterling¡¯s charming smile was on disy.

    He was one of the candidates on the list and the most inessible one at that. But if by chance our paths do cross, I wonder how it¡¯ll feel to finally meet him.

    Although the chances of that happening were close to nothing.

    ***

    I was back at work, and as I made my way through therge halls, I was relieved to see that I was no longer the center of attention. Everyone had moved on with their lives, or maybe they had too much work on their tes to care, either way, it worked in my favor.

    Now I stood in front of the elevator, my heart thumping hard against my chest as I prepared myself to face my colleagues. They would surely want to get the full gist of things, but that wasn¡¯t what I was worried about.

    It was Caspian. I feared our friendship might have taken a heavy blow from the incident.

    He must think I¡¯m a perverted freak, which was somehow true, but I didn¡¯t want him to know that.

    It was too embarrassing.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    I also thought about the CEO, but I was sure he wouldn¡¯t pay much mind to me; he was a busy man. He must have forgotten about the whole thing.

    But then the elevator doors slid open, and my heart skipped a beat.

    Caspian stood alone in the small space, and I mentally cursed at my fate as I walked in.

    I had expected him to get off, but he stayed behind. Caspian was staring intently at me, but I couldn¡¯t bear to look him in the eye, so I settled my gaze on my vintage boots.

    But then after we reached the second floor, he broke the silence.

    ¡°Aurelia.¡± His voice came out a whisper, and I was taken aback by the heavy emotion that strung along with it.

    I looked up at him, a gasp escaping my lips as he suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Caspian¡¯s arms snaked around my waist as he buried his face in the crook of my neck, and my cheeks burst into scarlet when I felt his bulge press against my abdomen.

    ¡°Caspian.¡± I called out his name because nothing else came to mind, and he responded by pulling back, his eyes smoldering with intensity.

    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you.¡± He breathed out, resting his forehead against mine. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much, Auri.¡±

    I did not know it was possible for my heart to do a backflip, but it certainly did a triple flip as I nestled into his arms.

    Caspian was holding me. If this was a dream, then I better be in eternal slumber.

    ¡°I missed you too,¡± I said meekly, my gaze flickering to his plump pink lips. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t want to see me,¡± I added, and Caspian shook his head gently as one hand slid from my waist to my face. He caressed my cheek, and I leaned into his touch.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know how to react to everything,¡± he confessed, his thumb wandering to my bottom lip as he brushed against it softly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t believe you wanted me like that¡­ like the way I want you.¡±

    Oh Lord. He wants me? How long has he felt this way?

    ¡°Really?¡± I blurted out, wide-eyed and shocked, but happiness tingled in my chest and spread throughout my body.

    ¡°Remember, ¡®Never have I ever touched myself at the thought of a coworker,''¡± he said with a seductive smirk. ¡°You¡¯re the coworker, Aureli¡±

    I didn¡¯t wait for him to finish before I pressed my lips against his, swallowing his words.

    Caspian kissed me back with doubled passion, and I let out a soft moan as he grabbed a handful of my ass and squeezed.

    He could take me right here, and I wouldn¡¯t mind.

    We were so lost in the moment, so much that we didn¡¯t hear the indicating ding as we reached the next floor, neither did we notice that the elevator doors had slid open once more.

    Someone cleared their throat, and only then did we jerk away from each other.

    My blood ran cold as I saw who stood on the other side of the door, his eyes narrowed and his lips twisted into a displeased frown.

    It was the CEO.

    Fate was really a bitch.

 Chapter Eight: Elevator Ride

    This couldn¡¯t be a coincidence, right? I had heard the CEO had his own private elevator, so why would he settle for the general one?

    Or was this just one big scheme concocted by the universe to screw me over?!

    ¡°Good day, sir,¡± Caspian broke the awkward silence with a nervous greeting, but the CEO didn¡¯t spare him a nce; he was looking at me.

    Oh, Lord, he¡¯s looking at me!

    We had already reached our departmental floor, so Caspian politely smiled at the cold man and hurried out of the elevator to make way for him.

    I trailed behind Caspian, keeping my head as low as possible to avoid his lingering stare. But my efforts were thrown out the window when, at thest moment, he caught my wrist and pulled me back.

    Caspian whipped his head toward us, his mouth open in shock, but it was already toote.

    The doors closed, leaving me alone with him.

    Again.

    I held my breath as he whirled me around and pinned me against the wall in the next second. His grip on my hands tightened as he drew them high above my head, his heterochromatic eyes burning with an emotion that shook me to my bones.

    Jealousy.

    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± he asked, his face merely inches away from mine. His voice was dangerously low, and it was obvious from his tone that he was visibly annoyed, but I was yet to understand why.

    ¡°G-Good morning, sir,¡± I stuttered, unable to look away; he was so close. It had been two weeks since Ist saw him, but damn, he never failed to take my breath away. How can one man be so handsome?Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Today he wore a sharply tailored ck suit that entuated his muscr frame, with a crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the top, giving him a dangerously seductive aura.

    I was shamelessly ogling him, and I swallowed thickly when my eyes trailed to his crotch. I wet my lips subconsciously, and his gaze lowered to them for a moment before flickering back to my face.

    ¡°Did you like it?¡± he suddenly asked, and I snapped back to reality.

    ¡°Huh?¡± I blurted out, and he scoffed at me.

    ¡°Did you like kissing that guy?¡± he added, and I didn¡¯t miss the spite with which he referred to Caspian. Did he already know that he was the one I ranked first on the list? Was that the reason he was so pissed?

    I fell silent, my heart thumping loudly against my chest as I thought back to my kiss with Caspian. Caspian¡¯s lips were soft, and he tasted of a sweet mix of strawberry and mint. It onlysted for a moment, but I couldn¡¯t deny that I loved it.

    ¡°Yes,¡± I meekly answered, my voiceing out in a whisper.

    I winced slightly as his grip on me tightened, his eyes darkening as he leaned in close.

    ¡°Wrong answer,¡± he growled, and my eyes widened as his lips mmed against mine.

    An electrifying jolt shot through my veins as he thrust his tongue into my mouth, unwavering and impulsive. His tongue explored the corners of my mouth, leaving no room for me to catch my breath as he angled his head to deepen the kiss.

    Unlike my kiss with Caspian, this was more rushed and ten times hotter. I felt butterflies with Caspian, but the CEO made me feel like I was under an open me.

    He tasted of ck coffee and cinnamon, and I couldn¡¯t hold back the moan that bubbled in my chest as he kissed me with a raw passion that made my knees weak.

    Wetness pooled at my core, and I squeezed my legs together to ease the building sensation, but he was one step ahead of me. He parted my legs with his knee, and I pulled back from the kiss in a jolt to let out a sharp yelp.

    I had worn a tight-fitting red dress that hugged my curves, and his knee pressed directly against my core, making me shiver with want as he increased the pressure.

    ¡°You really piss me off,¡± he rasped, his lips trailing to my neck. I let out a shaky breath as he continued to tease me with his knee, making me squirm against him as my whole body trembled. ¡°I try to ignore it, but I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t you take responsibility?¡± he whispered tentatively, his tongue sliding against the my skin. I shivered, catching a hint of a smirk on his lips before he abruptly pulled away.

    My legs gave out on me, and I slid to the floor, my breathing shallow and heavy. I watched him turn on his heels as the elevator door opened on cue.

    He left, without looking back, and my mouth parted in awe as his retreating figure disappeared along the grand hallway.

    What the hell just happened?

 Chapter Nine; Confessions

    ¡°Aurelia!¡± With a jolt, I snapped back to reality, identally pricking my finger with a bobby pin. ¡°Ouch!¡± I eximed, cursing under my breath as I raised my gaze to see Olivia towering over me, concern etched on her face.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for startling you,¡± she apologized, her gaze lingering on my bleeding thumb. ¡°But I¡¯ve been calling your name for the past five minutes and you didn¡¯t respond,¡± she added carefully, eyeing me with curiosity as I tended to the wound. I used a little piece of worn-out cloth to stop the bleeding.

    ¡°Are you okay, Auri?¡± Olivia asked worriedly, and I pondered her question.

    No, I¡¯m not okay.

    Far from it, even.

    I was still reeling from the shock of what happened earlier, wondering to myself if I hadn¡¯t just imagined it all. From Caspian¡¯s deration, followed by our kiss, it was all too much for me to take. But what really lingered in my mind was the CEO¡¯s aggravation.

    And that hot, feverish kiss we shared.

    ¡°You really piss me off, you know.¡±

    Thest thing I needed was to be on his bad side, but that man had a really strange way of expressing his anger. I could still feel the warmth of his lips on mine, and the intoxicating scent of his cologne danced in the air around me even when he was nowhere near.

    ¡°Earth to Aurelia,¡± Olivia snapped her fingers in front of my face, pulling me from my train of thoughts, and I realized that I had zoned out again.

    ¡°Jeez, where¡¯s your head at today, woman?¡± That was Kendall, busy inspecting some materials at his workspace, while Mathew shifted his attention from hisptop to me. I took it as his own way of showing concern because he normally kept to himself.

    ¡°You totally missed the cements of the fabrics,¡± Kendall pointed out, nodding towards the mannequin I was working on. He was right; I had tried to adjust the fabrics to match the design in my sketchbook, but it was distorted in the worst way possible.

    It looked like a ragged sack of potatoes inparison to the dress I had in mind.

    ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m sorry,¡± I mumbled, frustration biting at my nerve ends as I massaged my temples with my fingers.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not feeling well, Aurelia, then you can clock out early,¡± Mrs. Juniper chimed in, but I dismissed her with a forced smile.

    ¡°No, I couldn¡¯t do that, not when the g preparations are underway,¡± I reasoned, but they all still held wary expressions. ¡°Seriously, guys, I¡¯m fine,¡± I insisted, letting out a light chuckle to ease the tension in the room.

    The g was an annual event held in the middle of the year; it was thepany¡¯s founding anniversary, celebrated in a grand andvish way. But what made it special was the luxurious fashion show held during the event. Each year, each department rotated the role of organizing a fashion show to showcase a collection of fresh designs in ordance with the theme of the g.

    The individual designers were also given recognition for their work, and the overall best design was awarded a tinum award of excellence. This was a huge deal because the g was covered by top media stations, serving as the perfect opportunity to gain exposure and poprity.

    It was a night of mor and prestige, and this year was our department¡¯s chance to step into the limelight.

    Everyone was so busy since it was just a week away. I had already missed so much during my suspension, and I didn¡¯t want to fall behind while everyone was making progress.

    My colleagues were kind enough to take on my share of work withoutint while I was away, so I can¡¯t afford to mess up now. This event was a premium golden ticket to fit into thepetitive fashion industry, and I wasn¡¯t ready to risk that.

    But it was easier said than done if only a certain someone would leave my mind so I could actually get some work done.

    Caspian observed me from the sidelines, and I knew he probably had a lot of questions. He had witnessed the CEO dragging me back in such an unprofessional way, and if it were anyone else, rumors would have been circting around the office by now.

    I actively avoided him because I didn¡¯t have the answers to whatever questions might be spinning in his mind. Hell, I was still trying to figure it out myself.

    And trust that it was driving me crazy.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    What I believed was a one-time experience happened again.

    I wished I hated it, but I didn¡¯t, and that was a problem.

    By the end of the day, I was exhausted but grateful that my designs were finallying together. Everyone had already clocked out, but I stayed back to finish up some things, trying to make up for lost time. I straightened up in my seat and stretched my limbs, a yawn escaping my lips as I rolled away the stiffness in my shoulders. My fingertips were dark with pencil charcoal from long hours of sketching and revising dress patterns.

    Every now and then, my mind wandered to the CEO. His actions made me feel like he was toying with me. Maybe he was still angry about the list, but that didn¡¯t exin why he would be jealous of Caspian.

    Luke Graham was the head of one of the top leading fashion brands in the country, and Caspian was just his employee.

    The pieces didn¡¯t click.

    During this mental struggle, I had assumed it was because he saw us kiss, but that didn¡¯t make sense to me either.

    I was no one special to him, definitely not enough to arouse such a strong emotion as jealousy.

    But the CEO had kissed me like I was a long-lost lover, impatient and full of a longing I couldn¡¯t describe.

    I heaved out a tired sigh, my eyes heavy from drowsiness as I nced at the wall clock. It was a few minutes past eight, and thepany doors would close in the next hour.

    I jumped in my seat when a cold sensation stung my cheeks, whipping my head up the next instant to see Caspian¡¯s boyish grin.

    He had pressed a chilled can of soda to my cheek to get my attention, and as my eyes trailed to the beverage, I saw that it was my favorite soda vor, lemon and lime.

    My heart fluttered at this. I was insanely touched by the fact that he remembered such a fleeting detail about me.

    ¡°Thought you might need something to wake up,¡± he stated, and I offered him a grateful smile before reaching out to take a drink.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    We both sat in silence. I relished the refreshing taste of the drink while Caspian watched me with a fond smile on his face. When I caught him staring, I blushed brightly, turning away from him as his amusedughter filled the space around us.

    ¡°Remember when we first met?¡± Caspian started, and I internally cringed at the memory.

    It was my first day as a designer; I was naive, clumsy, and excited. On my way to the studio, I bumped into him in a rush, spilling the lemon and lime soda in my hand all over his vintage shirt. Caspian didn¡¯t care about his shirt and went on to make sure I was alright after taking a heavy fall, his consideration and warm-hearted nature made me fall for him in that moment

    Fast forward to three yearster, we¡¯ve developed a strong friendship overtime. He guided me when I was merely a rookie and made me feel weed in the team. I would always be grateful to him for that.

    ¡°Ughh don¡¯t remind me.¡± I joked, looking down at my can of soda, the condensation slipped to my fingers and wet my palms. ¡°I get second hand embarrassment anytime I think about it.¡±

    Caspian sighs softly as he reaches out to me, his eyes glistening with earnest affection as he gently grasps my chin. He tilts my head to face him, and my heart skipped a beat as I locked my attention on the spots of grey in his blue pupils.

    ¡°I have a confession to make.¡± He proimed, and I unconsciously held my breath.

    I had expected him to ask why I avoided him, or why the CEO acted the way he did, but Caspian took a U-turn, saying something that struck me like a sharp bolt of lightning.

    ¡°I want to ruin our friendship, Auri. We should be lovers instead.¡±

    And as if that wasn¡¯t enough, he goes on to add¡­.

    ¡°Will you give me the honor ofpleting your sex bucket list?¡±

 Chapter Ten; The Gala 1

    Tonight was the night.

    I looked over myself in the mirror, a proud grin spreading across my face as I mentally high-fived myself for a job well done. My dress was perfect in more ways than one, embodying true ss and elegance. Its fabric, a mesmerizing shade of emerald green, caught the light with a subtle shimmer, hinting at the luxury woven into every thread. I had designed it with a yful yet sophisticated thigh-high slit that promised freedom of movement and a touch of daring.

    The bodice hugged the curves of my body in the best way yetfortably, allowing for a silhouette that was both ttering and forgiving. The low sweetheart cut of the upper bodice showed off my cleavage in a daring statement. It was adorned with delicate patterns, not too borate but with enough detail to draw the eye and spark curiosity.

    The sleeves added a whimsical touch, slightly loose and flowing, tapering to a gentle close at the wrists. Around the neckline, a subtle y of lighter green, almost like the first tender leaves of spring, offered a contrast that was both striking and seamlessly integrated into the overall design.

    As I twirled in front of the mirror, the dress seemed toe alive, the slit revealing a hint of leg in a dance of shadow and light, the fabric moving as if it were a part of me.

    I had curled my hair, styling it into a low ponytail with two delicate strands that framed my face, a choice that lent an air of effortless grace and matched the fluidity of the dress. These vibrant curls of ginger caught the light, highlighting various shades of my hair, as if echoing the subtle shimmer of the dress fabric. A few strands were artfully pinned back on one side with a small, emerald-encrusted clip, adding a hint of color and elegance to the outfit.

    For jewelry, I chose pieces that were delicate yet impactful. A pair of gold drop earrings, each adorned with a small, green gemstone that matched the deep emerald of my dress, dangled lightly from my ears. They were simple yet eye-catching, drawing attention without detracting from the overall look. Around my neck, a thin gold chain with a pendant that mirrored the green of the earrings and the clip in my hair rested just above the neckline, subtle enough to blend in yet distinct enough to be noticed.

    Finally, my choice of footwear was a pair of simple, strappy heels in a neutral shade, designed to elongate the leg without stealing the spotlight from the dress. Their minimalistic style ensured that the focus remained on the outfit as a whole, particrly highlighting the daring slit of the dress as I moved.

    I was ready to turn heads at the g.

    My doorbell caught my attention, and I quickly double-checked my makeup before grabbing my purse.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Chelsea was sleeping peacefully in her cat bed, and I crouched down to pet her lustrous fur before leaving.

    ¡°Wish me luck,¡± I whispered to her, straightening up as the bell rang once again. I hurried to the front door and took a deep breath, mentally cheering myself on as I tried my best to brush off the nervousness in my knees.

    ¡°You can do it, Aurelia,¡± I reassured myself, reaching out to open the door. Caspian stood on the other side, and my heart sped up when I met his gaze. His brown eyes shone with admiration as they trailed over my form, and I shyly smiled at him while his lips parted in awe.

    ¡°Dear lord,¡± he breathed out, his handsbing through his hair as he raised his gaze to meet mine. ¡°I have no words.¡±

    I giggled at hispliment, a huge contrast to the internal scream of victory that pulsed through me.

    ¡°Hmm, did I leave the charismatic Caspian speechless?¡± I teased him, and he nodded his head. Caspian let out a low whistle, and I burst intoughter as he used his fingers to make a makeshift camera.

    I struck a sassy pose, and he hollered and cheered me on, pretending to be a photographer taking magazine cover photos.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to need a bodyguard at this point,¡± he mused, and I caught my breath, a smile resting on my face as I gave him a good look.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look too bad yourself.¡±

    Caspian looked even more handsome in that impably tailored charcoal gray suit, the fabric draping over his broad shoulders and trim waist with effortless sophistication. The crisp white shirt peeked out from beneath the jacket, perfectlyplementing the sleekness of his ensemble. His tie, a deep shade of burgundy, added a subtle pop of color that entuated his dashing demeanor.

    As he stood there, a grin ying at the corners of his lips, I knew this night was definitely going to be one to remember.

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, mydy,¡± he said with a courteous bow of his head. ¡°Shall we?¡± Caspian offered me his arm, and I dly took it, happiness bubbling in my chest as we made our way to his SUV.

    During the drive, Caspian yed country music, and we both sang along, our voices syncing in perfect harmony as the evening breeze filled the car. Weughed whenever we missed the lyrics, but we continued still, asionally throwing thoughtful nces at each other along the way. And I couldn¡¯t help but wish this moment wouldst forever.

    No, Caspian and I are not together yet, but that was going to change by the end of this night.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer me now,¡± Caspian pointed out. He took my hand in his, his ocean eyes softer than ever. ¡°I¡¯ll give you time to think about it, and I¡¯ll be expecting your reply at this year¡¯s g.¡±

    His words from that fateful evening at work echoed in my mind, a reminder of the promise of possibilities that awaited us.

    And in the space of one week, my mind was made up.

    I was going to say yes to Caspian.

 Chapter Eleven; The Gala 2

    Finally, we reached the venue of the event, and we were graciously weed by our colleagues.

    The theme of this year¡¯s fashion show was Renaissance, and the party was already in full swing, with various notable personalities and famous designers scattered across the exquisite hall of the venue.

    But as I scanned through the crowd, my eyes subconsciously searched for one person.

    ¡°Looking for someone?¡± Olivia asked from beside me, noticing my wandering gaze. We all sat at a table in our designated section of the hall, each department grouped together, and each table was assigned to a production theme.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± I turned to her, blinking as if I didn¡¯t hear her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been acting weirdtely, you know,¡± Olivia shared her observations as she poured herself a ss of wine. ¡°And don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t notice what¡¯s been going on between you and Caspian,¡± she added with a teasing wiggle of her brow. Olivia raised her ss to her lips, gesturing towards Caspian who was busy engaging in a conversation with Kendall and Mathew. ¡°You two finally make it past the friend zone?¡±

    I blushed at her remark, and she chuckled at my expense. Olivia has always had a keen eye for detail, so there was no use hiding it from her. She always saw right through me.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± I replied with a casual shrug of my shoulders, matching her amusement with a hint of mischief. We both share a knowing look, stifling ourughter at the silent message in the exchange.

    Mrs. Juniper didn¡¯t sit with us; she sat among the other head designers upfront, and as the lights in the hall grew dim, the stage came to life, and the first set of models took the runway.

    Everyone focused their attention on the stage as the show began, but still, my eyes swept through the sea of people, searching for something, or rather, someone.

    I couldn¡¯t catch sight of the CEO anywhere, neither could I fathom why I looked for him.

    Each dress that had graced the stage was a masterpiece in its own right, echoing the Renaissance theme through intricate detailing, choice of fabric, and color palette that paid homage to an era defined by rebirth and beauty.

    But I couldn¡¯t help the rush of emotions that washed over me when the model wearing my dress came to view.

    As the model gracefully stepped onto the runway, the crowd was instantly captivated by the stunning design of the dress I had created, a piece that perfectly married the opulence of the Renaissance with the daring spirit of modern fashion. The bodice, meticulously crafted from rich, sapphire-blue velvet, hugged her form, entuating the natural curves with a gentle, corseted embrace. Intricate golden thread embroidery danced across the fabric, weaving tales of myth and majesty reminiscent of tapestries from the era.

    The sleeves, a masterpiece of their own, billowed in sheer silk, starting from a tightly fitted upper arm before erupting into an extravagant disy of volume and elegance, ending in delicate cuffs that mirrored the intricate patterns of the bodice. The skirt was a spectacle,yers of the same sapphire silk cascading in a waterfall of fabric, each tier edged with goldence, catching the light with every movement, creating a mesmerizing effect that seemed to blend past and present.

    At her waist, a handcrafted leather belt, detailed with Renaissance-era motifs and studded with semi-precious stones, cinched the ensemble, adding an element of power and regality. The model¡¯s hair was styled in an borate updo, adorned with pearls and goldenbs, a nod to the sophistication and grandeur of Renaissance nobility.

    As she moved, the dress seemed to live, breathe, and tell a story of a time when beauty and artistry reigned supreme. The fusion of historical inspiration with contemporary ir made it clear that this wasn¡¯t just a dress; it was a statement, a piece of art that transcended time, leaving the audience in awe and me, its creator, overwhelmed with a sense of pride and aplishment.

    The show ended with splendor, and the audience gave a standing ovation.

    Now it was time to announce the award for the most remarkable design. The hall erupted in hushed whispers and murmurs, specting and wondering who would take the tinum gold honor of recognition home. Some sat stiff in their seats with nervousness, while some boasted of their work with pride.

    I stood somewhere between anxiousness and anxiety, silently praying that my design would be chosen.

    The anticipation in the air was thick, almost as if you could reach out and touch it. My heart melted with warmth when I felt Caspian¡¯s hand interlock with mine under the table. I nced at him, and he shed me a reassuring smile.

    The host took the stage as the envelope was handed to them, a quiet settled over the crowd, a stark contrast to the vibrant disy of creativity that had just unfolded on the runway.

    ¡°The award for the most innovative design goes to¡­¡±

    Please. Please. Please.

    My grip on Caspian¡¯s hand tightened as I held my breath, each second that passed felt like a century as the host took a pause for dramatic effect.

    ¡°Aurelia Ravenwood!¡±

    The apuse was deafening as the spotlight shifted to our table, and my features lit with a mixture of shock and joy.

    I won¡­

    I won!

    Olivia jumped to hug me, Mathew joined in apuse, and Kendall chanted my name. Caspian pulled me from Olivia¡¯s hold and kissed me, earning an even more excited reaction from the audience.

    And that was when I saw him.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    Luke Graham.

    He had mounted the stage, making his appearance known as he stood beside the host, holding the award in hand.

    ¡°Congrattions, Aurelia,¡± Caspian beamed, but the world faded around me as I met his piercing gaze.

    In that moment, he was all I could see.

    Time seemed to stand still when he smiled.

    His smile came slow, almost taunting, but it didn¡¯t match the look in his eyes. Even from this distance, I could see it.

    It was the same glint he had when I first met him, along with our encounter in the elevator.

    I had thought of it too many times not to recognize the raging emotion in an instant.

    Oh, he was pissed.

    What had I done to anger the CEO now?

    And why¡­ did that make me feel excited?

 Chapter Twelve; Sheéˆ¥æªš Mine

    As I mounted the stage, I tried my best to contain my tears. Mrs. Juniper watched me from where she sat, a proud grin on her face as she gave me a thumbs up, and I humbly acknowledged her with a small nod of my head.

    The CEO turned to me, and a delighted giggle slipped from my lips, a pure innocent sound of happiness that seemed to take him by surprise. Itsted only for a few seconds, and I was too overjoyed to register this subtle reaction. The CEO¡¯s expression was unreadable as he reached out for a handshake before handing me the award, and I could no longer sense the anger that once raged in his eyes.

    I knew it was a basic formality, but as I shook his hand, I felt an unfamiliar emotion swirl in my chest.

    His hand felt smooth and firm against mine, but then a sh of how they felt in my hair reyed in my head. In that split moment, I jerked away from his hold like I had touched hot coal, the memory of his touch scalding me.

    No one else but him seemed to notice my odd reaction, and if he was offended, he didn¡¯t show it.

    The host gave way for me to give my appreciation speech, and as I took the mic, I had nothing else to say but thank you. I thanked my team for their support, I thanked the establishment for giving me this opportunity, andstly, I thanked the CEO for recognizing my talent.

    I didn¡¯t look his way, but I knew he was staring intently at me.

    After receiving the award, the crowd gave another round of apuse, and as I turned to make my way back to my seat, a shiver ran up my spine. I felt his palm ghost over the small of my back. It was a simple gesture, but it made my heart race ten times faster.

    My steps slowed to a stop as the CEO leaned in ever so slightly, a charming smile brimming his features as he kept his attention on the media. He posed for a picture with me for formalities, but under the chaos of the numerous shing cameras, he held me firmly in ce, and I gulped my spit.

    I yed along, mirroring his expression as my grip on my award unconsciously tightened.

    What¡¯s he up to now?

    ¡°Follow me.¡± Was all he said, and I sucked in a sharp breath as he gave his final wave to the media, his touch fading away as he turned briskly on his heels.

    He had disappeared through a secluded entrance that was guarded by two hefty guards, the distinguishable red velvet robe that acted as a barrier between them told me it was a ce meant for VVIPs.

    I nced towards where my friends waited, where Caspian eagerly waited for me and I was torn.

    I couldn¡¯t refuse the CEO, but deep down, I knew the real reason I followed him wasn¡¯t just because I was obligated to, but rather because of something I had yet to discover.

    Something that seemed to override every logical sense of reasoning within me.

    My curiosity was at its peak, and as I approached the entrance of the room, the guards wordlessly let me pass through. I was surprised that they didn¡¯t ask for any identification, and my surprise only increased when I entered the room.

    The VVIP lounge exuded opulence at every turn, avish retreat reserved for the elite few. The room was bathed in soft, golden light, emanating from ornate chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over plush velvet furnishings.

    The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork, expensive paintings from renowned artists adding to the ambiance of sophistication. Rich, dark wood paneling contrasted elegantly with the soft, cream-colored walls, creating a sense of timeless luxury.

    A grand mahogany bar stood in one corner, manned by impably dressed bartenders who expertly crafted cocktails using only the finest spirits and ingredients. Crystal decanters filled with top-shelf liquors sparkled under the ambient lighting, making me wonder about their rich taste.

    Every detail in the lounge spoke of wealth and exclusivity, creating an atmosphere of indulgence and refinement that was reserved for those at the pinnacle of the fashion world. As I stepped further into the room, I couldn¡¯t help but feel awestruck by the sheer extravagance that surrounded me, a world apart from the g¡¯s bustling crowds and noise.

    ¡°Don¡¯t gawk like a peasant.¡±

    I jolted in my spot as the CEO¡¯s velvet voice reached my ears, my body stiffening at his overwhelming presence as he stood behind me. ¡°You¡¯ve earned the right to be here,¡± he adds, and I look down at my award and realize he¡¯s right.

    I really wanted to celebrate with my colleagues, but it was a great opportunity to mingle among the top men and women in fashion.

    But was that really the only reason he called me here?

    ¡°Is that the only reason you called me here sir?¡± I blurted out the question before I could stop myself, and the CEO stepped forward, his brows arched as his lips curled into a hint of a smirk.

    ¡°Why else would you be here?¡± He countered, and my cheeks flushed in embarrassment as his gaze lowered to my cleavage. ¡°Were you expecting something else?¡± his tone was cold, and his heterochromatic eyes gave nothing away as they ran over my body from head to toe.

    Then I realized I had really expected something more, and I mentally scolded myself for the sinful thoughts that had roamed in my mind at that moment.

    I didn¡¯t understand why I was so¡­ disappointed.

    The CEO regarded me in silence as he turned away, and with him not being here, I suddenly felt suffocated by the atmosphere of the lounge.

    I hurriedly caught up to him because I didn¡¯t know what else to do, and he doesn¡¯tin as I trail under his shadow, watching him converse with distinguished designers of our time.

    Luke was absolutely stunning, and only he could manage to make a skirt look so damn good.

    The CEOmanded attention in a refined yet daring ensemble. He wore a tailored charcoal zer, thepels adorned with intricate silver embroidery that hinted at his impable taste. Beneath, a crisp white shirt provided a stark contrast, while a daring velvet crimson skirt, expertly draped and cinched at the waist, added a bold and unexpected twist to his outfit. With each step, the skirt swirled around him, showcasing his confidence and individuality.

    His shoulder-length hair was expertly gathered and styled into a sleek, low bun at the nape of his neck. Each strand was carefully smoothed back, entuating the natural shine and texture of his locks. A few loose tendrils framed his face delicately, adding a touch of softness to the overall look.

    Luke stood out effortlessly, a true embodiment of style and grace amidst the g¡¯s elite.

    He was the man of the hour, and it showed in the way he portrayed himself. This whole event was organized to acknowledge his amazing achievements in the world of fashion; it had only been six years since he founded thepany, but in such a short time, the establishment had grown into the most recognized brand in the world.

    ¡°Luke my boy!¡± A hearty roll ofughter pulled me from my train of thoughts, and I watched with slight shock as a man suddenly swung his arms over the CEO¡¯s shoulder.

    Everyone else had referred to him as Mr. Graham,

    and neither went too close, but this man spoke so casually to him, making me wonder what kind of rtionship they shared.

    The man seemed to be in his mid-fifties, but he still retained his handsomeness to a degree. He was tall and lean, wearing a suit from thetest collection of thepany¡¯s brand. He wore thick sses that shielded glossy eyes, the effects of the rounds of alcohol he must have consumed, and I judged from the diamond earrings dangling from his ears that he was also far up in terms of wealth.

    The CEO rolled his eyes but didn¡¯t pull away, and the man went forward to give an encouraging pat on his back.

    ¡°You¡¯vee so far. One wouldn¡¯t believe one of the most rebellious students of Serenity would be such a fine businessman today.¡±

    My ears perked, my brows furrowing in confusion at the man¡¯s statement.

    Serenity was a top-ss fashion school. The same fashion school I attended.

    The man adjusted his sses on the bridge of his nose, his gaze shifting to my form, and his brows arched in interest.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this beautifuldy?¡± He asked Luke, but his eyes remained on me. I didn¡¯t like how he looked at me, and I felt an ufortable feeling pool in my stomach as his lips split into a lustful grin. ¡°She¡¯s yours for tonight boy?¡±

    Anger boiled within me, my hands tightening into fists at my sides as he eyed me from head to toe, his gaze lingering on my breasts and thighs for a little too long.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Excuse me¡± I was ready to spit fire, but the CEO cut me off.

    ¡°As a matter of fact.¡± He began, and my heart jumped in my chest as his arms snaked possessively around my waist, pulling me into his side.

    ¡°She¡¯s mine.¡±

 Chapter Thirteen; Strip for me

    I anxiously pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as my head lowered to hide the red-hot blush on my cheeks.

    The CEO held me against him so much that I felt the subtle beat of his heart against my exposed back. His breathing was steady, while I held my breath.

    The CEO goes forward to caress my cheeks, leaning down to press a featherlight kiss on the corner of my lips, and I subconsciously lean further into his touch, almost like a reflex action, getting lost in his intoxicating scent of cinnamon and manly essence.

    He was ying with me again, and I could tell by the way his eyes glistened with untold mischief and a glint of amusement.

    Even if it was all an act, I still savored the moment, he was like a daydream-Far-fetched and out of reach, a perfect ensemble of forlorn reverie.

    The man before us still doesn¡¯t look convinced, so he goes further to ask;

    ¡°Is that so? I thought you fancied slimmer girls,¡± he observed, peering at me skeptically through his thick square sses. I scoffed at him, my lips twisting into a bitter scowl as I fought the urge to kick his groin.

    Did this geezer just call me fat?!

    My patience snapped at that moment, and a wave of confidence flooded my blood, causing my lips and body to move on their own.

    ¡°Baby,¡± I began, and the amusement in the CEO¡¯s eyes was reced by slight shock as I turned to face him.

    I lowered my eyes seductively, cing a hand on Luke¡¯s chest, feeling the warmth of his body through the fabric of his shirt. ¡°Do I look like I care what this man thinks?¡± My voice was a purr,ced with a challenge and an undertone of desire that I didn¡¯t know I possessed. I was ying a dangerous game, but the thrill of it was too intoxicating to resist.

    Luke¡¯s response was immediate and protective, his arm wrapping around my waist a bit tighter, pulling me even closer, if that was at all possible. The corner of his lips twitched upwards into a smirk, an unspoken agreement to my bold y. ¡°Not at all,¡± he whispered back, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. ¡°And for the record, I prefer my women with curves that my hands can¡¯t resist but explore.¡±

    It took everything in me to not let my facade fall as he said those words, they effortlessly seared through my chest, reaching toward my core and exploding with slick desire between my legs.

    The man before us shifted ufortably, clearly regretting his words but also too caught up in the palpable tension between the CEO and me to look away.

    ¡°Any more doubts?¡± Luke¡¯s question wasn¡¯t just for the man; it was a challenge to anyone who dared question what we had, even if what we had was asplicated as it was passionate.

    ¡°No, I-I think everything is clear now,¡± the man stammered, regaining hisposure as he cleared his throat awkwardly. He forced a smile, adjusting his sses as if hoping they¡¯d provide some sort of barrier from the scene before him.

    As the man scurried away, I¡¯m taken aback as the CEO¡¯s gaze hardened on me, his hand tracing my jawline. ¡°You infuriate me,¡± he admitted, his toneced with wonder and something deeper, more vulnerable. ¡°So much that I can¡¯t help but want to mark you.¡±

    I swallowed hard, my lips parting in awe at the heavy weight of his deration.

    As the intensity of the moment settled, my boldness began to ebb away, reced by the familiar shyness that always lingered beneath my surface. I attempted to step back, to put some distance between us, to return to the safety of my own shell. But Luke, sensing my retreat, tightened his hold, his voice a whisper of velvet against the turmoil in my mind.

    ¡°Finish what you started,¡± he urged in a low growl, his gaze flickering to his crotch. My eyes trailed toward where he referred to, and a gasp escaped my lips as I spotted the huge bulge under the delicate fabric of his skirt.

    The next moments were a blur, the world around us fading away as he grabbed my hand and guided me through the dimly lit spaces of the exclusive lounge.

    ¡°Where are you taking me to?¡± I asked, panic raging through my voice as I struggled to keep up with his pace.

    I was met with deafening silence, and all I could do was hold my tongue and follow his lead. My eyes widened when we came to a halt in front of a door marked ¡®Private.¡¯ My heart was a chaotic symphony, each beat louder than the next, and I feared he could hear it over the soft jazz music bellowing in the air.

    Once inside the luxurious seclusion of the private room, I let out a yelp as he roughly tossed me against the master bed, the reality of the situation hitting me hard. My award slipped to the floor with a loud thud, and my breath caught in my throat as I watched the CEO shrug out of his zer with aggressive urgency.

    Luke¡¯s dominance in the room was unmistakable, his presence filling every corner with a palpable intensity. His approach toward me was measured, each step deliberate, reflecting a confidence that he knew exactly what he was doing.

    ¡°I¡¯m done ying games,¡± he dered, his voice low andpelling. The slight edge ofmand in his tone sent an unexpected thrill through me. ¡°So I¡¯ll be straight with it.¡±

    ¡°Listen up, Aurelia Ravenwood, I¡¯ll help youplete your sex bucket list, and in return, you be my new ything.¡±

    The distance between us vanished as he towered over me, his gaze locked onto mine.

    I blinked once, then twice, my brain working overtime to process his words.

    Did the CEO¡­ just¡­ offer himself to me?

    The air seemed to crackle with electric anticipation that made my heart stop, and I found myself drawn to the idea of surrendering to the moment, of being caught up in his world and the exhrating sense of being utterly his.

    But then Caspian¡¯s face shed in my mind, and I was racked with guilt.

    ¡°I-I¡­¡± I trailed off, my mouth opening and closing as I failed toe up with a coherent response.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I can see the curiosity in your eyes, the desire to push beyond your limits,¡± he continued, his words weaving a seductive promise. ¡°If you choose this, if you choose to be mine, I¡¯ll take you to heights of pleasure you¡¯ve never imagined. But make no mistake, it will be on my terms.¡±

    The thought of being his, of being considered a ything in this intricate dance of power and surrender, strangely didn¡¯t repel me. Instead, it ignited a re of excitement within me. The concept of giving over control, of exploring the boundaries of desire under his guidance, was tantalizing.

    But still, could I really engage in such a dangerous game with my boss? And what about Caspian? I had promised him a reply tonight.

    I made up my mind to say yes to him, but now¡­ I wasn¡¯t so sure anymore.

    In that instant, time seemed to freeze as my mind yed back the events of the weeks that had passed. It was true that I had a soft spot for Caspian, but he wasn¡¯t the one that gued my mind. It wasn¡¯t my kiss with him that I fantasized about every night before going to bed.

    It wasn¡¯t his scent I had memorized.

    It wasn¡¯t his name I called while I pleasured myself, neither did his touch burn me and leave scars.

    It wasn¡¯t Caspian.

    It was the CEO.

    And now the man that had seemed so far out of reach offered himself to me, a rare opportunity to explore my aching needs.

    ¡°I want this,¡± I found myself whispering, surprised by the conviction in my own voice. ¡°Make me yours.¡±

    A smile, sharp and pleased, spread across Luke¡¯s face. ¡°Then we begin,¡± he proimed, his voice a mix of satisfaction and promise. He reached out, his touchmanding yet careful, as if acknowledging the trust I was cing in him.

    ¡°Strip for me.¡±

 Chapter Fourteen; Stay Still

    As themand hung in the charged silence, an electrifying rush of adrenaline surged through my veins, intermingling with the fluttering excitement and apprehension that swirled within me. This mix of emotions was a potent cocktail, thrilling yet terrifying in its intensity.

    The CEO says nothing as he pulled me to my feet and positioned himself on the bed, an invitation in his posture, his legs spread in a confident stance. His eyes, zed with an undeniable lust, were fixed on me, waiting for the spectacle that was about to unfold.

    I have never done this before, but as my trembling fingers reach for the zipper of my dress, I found myself hesitating for a fraction of a second.

    What if he doesn¡¯t like what he sees?

    I had seen this particr scenerio multiple times in movies, and now that I was faced with the vivid experience, I was at loss of what to do. Most importantly, I didn¡¯t want to embarrass myself and end up ruining the mood. This man was someone who had most likely been with a fair share of women, and I was a total novice.

    I had heard seducing a man was a skill that all women possessed, but this particr gift might have flew over my head.

    Anxiety clouded my mind, and I suddenly became self conscious, but the CEO was quick to notice my apprehension.

    ¡°Look at me.¡± He ordered firmly, his tone leaving no room for exnation. I drew in a sharp breath, our eyes locking.

    The CEO¡¯S expression was unreadable as always, and I really wished I knew what was going on in that mind of his.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look away.¡± He warned, and I unconsciously hold my breath as his hands move to unbutton his shirt. I follow his instructions, watching in awe and anticipation as each button came undone, revealing a perfect torso sculpted from hard defined muscles. The soft light of the room yed over his slightly tanned skin, and the pure regal beauty in his appeal exuded a confidence that was well befitting of his nature.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    His eyes bore into mine and I lost my breath for a moment.

    How can one man be so mesmerizing, how could I possibly anyone resist his smoldering gaze, a blend of contrasting colors that made it difficult to divert my eyes.

    ¡°Just like that.¡± he finally said, a soft note of approval in his voice. The reason for his action dawns on me quickly, a sudden realization that the CEO had taken time to show me exactly how it¡¯s done.

    He must have sensed my uneasiness, the fact that he wasn¡¯t put off by my cluelessness caused my heart to clench with an unknown emotion.

    In that moment I decided to stop thinking and let every lingering thought go,pletely surrendering to the pulsing passion that reced the air in my lungs.

    My gaze lowered but remained fixed on him as I finally unzipped my dress, the silence of the room embracing the whispers of the fabric against my skin as it slid off, revealing the curves and contours beneath.

    Luke¡¯s gaze burned into me, intense and unwavering, as he watched with hungerden eyes. His approval was palpable, fueling the newfound confidence coursing through my veins.

    With a soft sigh, the garment pooled at my feet, leaving me standing before him in nothing but my delicate lingerie, bared and vulnerable yet emboldened by the fire in his gaze.

    I felt his eyes tracing every inch of exposed skin, igniting a zing trail of passion that sent tantalizing shivers cascading down my spine. His hunger was primal, raw, and it stirred something primal within me, awakening a hunger of my own.

    With a slow, deliberate motion, I reached behind me to unhook my bra, allowing it to fall away and reveal the fullness of my breasts. The cool air of the room caressed my skin, heightening every sensation as I stood there, exposed and achingly aware of the heat building between us.

    His gaze darkened, swirling with a potent mixture of want and possession as I slipped my panties down my legs, leaving mepletely exposed to his hungry eyes. The air grew dense with tension, charged with an entric energy that pulsed with each heartbeat.

    I stood before him, naked and unashamed, basking in the admiration of his gaze as he drank in every inch of my exposed flesh. The room seemed to shrink around us, closing in on the maic pull between us as we stood on the precipice of something primal and all-consuming.

    ¡°Fuck.¡± With a low growl, Luke closed the distance between us, his hands reaching out to caress the curves of my body with a reverence that sent shivers coursing through me. His touch was electric, igniting a fire that burned with a ferocity I had never known.

    I gasped as he swept me off my feet in an effortlessly show of strength and tossed me on the bed. I fell on my stomach, my back arched and my behind bared to him. I tried to push myself up, but he caught my wrists and wrung my hands behind my back, leaving me defenseless as he pressed me hard against the mattress.

    ¡°Be a good girl for me and stay still.¡±

 Chapter Fifteen: Safe Words

    My heart skips a beat when I feel a tightness around the skin of my wrists, and I wince slightly, trying my best to take a nce at what he is doing. But he holds me in ce, and when I struggle against his grip, he ps my ass.

    Hard.

    ¡°Ah!¡± I yelp, sinking back into the bed as I feel an electrifying feeling course through me, a stinging pain that makes my core slick with juices.

    Damn, that felt good.

    ¡°That¡¯s what you get when you don¡¯t do what I say,¡± he rasps, his voice a deep mix of irritation and smugness. But I wanted him to spank me again, so I fought against his grip once more, and this time he ps my pussy.

    I moan out loud, arching my back further as my eyes roll to the back of my head. I am on cloud nine, and my body eagerly craves the sensations he gives me.

    ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this too much,¡± I hear him say, but his tone holds no annoyance, just fascination. ¡°You¡¯re going to regret disobeying me if you keep that up.¡±

    It is an obvious threat, but I am a fool who loves to tread on dangerous paths.

    ¡°Am I going to get punished?¡± I dare to ask, the idea causing my core to tingle with excitement.

    ¡°Normal people wouldn¡¯t want a punishment,¡± he replies, and soon I realize he has bound my hands together with his belt. The bed creaks loudly as he rises to his feet once more, and I catch a glimpse of him going to pick something up from the floor.

    It is my award, and in that split moment, I don¡¯t know what to expect.

    Luke turns to my line of sight, and time freezes as his lips split into a devilish grin.

    ¡°The safe word is ¡®More.''¡±

    Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.

    The CEO climbs the bed, and I wince as he ps my ass again, the sound echoing throughout the room, entangling with my moans and whimpers.

    And all I wanted was more.

    ¡°Ahh!¡±

    Each p is harder than the next, each one more painful and more pleasurable.

    ¡°More,¡± I moan out loud, and suddenly he stops his onught on me.

    I wait, but after a few minutes pass, nothing still happens.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°CEO?¡± I call out to him, and he hums in acknowledgment.

    My brows furrow in confusion at this, but I don¡¯t know what exactly to say.

    I gasp slightly as he suddenly rolls me toy on my back, pinning my tied hands above my head as he towers over me with a mischievous glint in his dual-colored eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± he asks, feigning innocence as his other hand moves to caress my cheeks. ¡°I said our safe word is ¡®More,¡¯ or do you not know what a safe word means?¡±

    I knew what a safe word means, and it was then I realize he yed a sneaky game with me. Using ¡®More¡¯ as a safe word only meant that he could continue to toy with me, giving me great heights of pleasure and immediately seizing it the moment I demand more.

    I understand it clearly, this is his way of punishment.

    ¡°Can we choose another word?¡± I timidly ask, my voice trembling as he leans closer, his lips merely inches away from mine.

    ¡°Remember we¡¯re doing this on my terms, sweetheart,¡± he coos, his voiceing out in a chilling whisper that makes me gulp down my spit. He holds out the award, and my eyes widen as he drags the golden recognition down my body.

    My lips part as the award ghosts over my entrance, my eyes squeezing shut as he rubs the top of the award against my clit. I jerk under him, overwhelmed by the stimtion, and he chuckles darkly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again,¡± he starts, his eyes zing with a crazed re as his grip on my hands tightens.

    ¡°The safe word is ¡®More.''¡±

    I yelp as he suddenly shoves the award into me with one powerful thrust of his hand, effectively knocking the air out of my lungs as my eyes blur with tears at the sudden rush of pain and.

    The CEO¡¯s lips crash against mine, swallowing my moans as he continues to push the award in and out of me, giving me no chance to adjust as my body convulses under him. The award is shaped like a globe with a medium-sized cylindrical stand that serves as its base. It stretched me wide, mercilessly constricting against my insides, and with each thrust, the pain subsides, being reced by back breaking pleasure.

    I was too lost and disoriented to notice that he had changed our positions, now my back pressed against his chest as heid behind me, twisting my body in a way that has my legs entangled with his, and I can feel his hard erection grinding against my bare ass.

    His free hand trails to my neck, mping against my delicate skin as his tongue darts into my mouth without hesitation, entangling with mine and exploring every inch of me in feverish haste. He tasted like dark coffee and strawberry bubble gum, and his manly scent and essence only gets stronger as he conquers me so effortlessly.

    I could have fainted due to the overwhelm of it all, but his controlled thrusts and his tight grip on my throat provided me with a mix of sensations that brought me to the brink of insanity.

    My walls tightened around the honour in which I was awarded with, one that was meant to be shelved and treasured in my home, but was now used in an erotic and sultry affair with the very same man that presented it to me.

    My orgasmes quick and violent, exploding into a rush of ecstasy and heightened pleasure.

    My legs tense and tremble as I feel my juices slip down my thighs, evidence of my arousal coaxing the award that remained deep within me. Lightheaded, all I can do was sigh softly into the kiss, trying my best to catch up to his pace as my body leaned against him.

    I had barely recovered from the mind-blowing release when the CEO pulls back from the kiss, a string of saliva connecting us as we catch our breath. I meet his eyes with my teary gaze, but his expression is stern and cold.

    ¡°Did I give you permission toe?¡± he asks gruffly, grabbing my jaw roughly as his gaze darkened with raw fury and irritation.

    I look up at him, my mind still fuzzy. I confused, not knowing what I had done wrong, and it seemed my silence only fueled his anger.

    ¡°You really want to get punished, huh?¡± he scoffs, heterochromatic eyes shining with a psychotic gleam that makes my heart race.

    ¡°I was going to go easy on you since it¡¯s your first time¡­¡± he starts, and I pull my bottom lip between my teeth as he pulls out the award from my throbbing pussy, his hand reaching into his pockets to retrieve a small remote. ¡°But fuck that.¡±

    In an instant, he jerks me off the bed, pulling me by my hair and dragging me to the ground. I wince as my scalp burns under his grip, and since my hands are still tied, I fall face t on the floor.

    The CEO lets go of me and uses the remote to reveal a hidden door in the room. He leaves me on the floor and enters the room, only toe back with a mysterious box.

    He sets the box in front of me and crouches down to my eye level, his lips spreading into a smug grin as he gestures toward the open box.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to make a fucking good guinea pig,¡±

    My eyes trail to the box and I unconsciously held my breath as my heart raced with uncertainty and anticipation. The box was filled with things I had only seen in hardcore BDSM sex videos, every item designed to bring painfully pleasurable sensations on the same level with lustful torture.

    I return my gaze to the CEO as he leans forward, grasping my chin lightly as his thumb grazed over my parted lips.

    ¡°And this time¡­.. I¡¯ll have you beg me to let youe.¡±

 Chapter Sixteen; His Obsession

    LUKE¡¯S POV

    I had always thought I was a level headed and calcted man, that nothing could ever rile me up to the point where I acted impulsively or out of character. But everything changed when I met her.

    I was workingte on some designs when the head of our HR department called to inform me that an employee had posted hical content on thepany¡¯s online tform.

    I honestly didn¡¯t care, nor did I want to bother with such frivolous matters. But when the manager mentioned my involvement in the scandal and the potential threat to my reputation, my interest was piqued, leaving me no choice but to see what themotion was all about.

    I certainly didn¡¯t expect to find a sex bucket list on the site, neither did I expect to see my name added as a potential partner forpleting the said list.

    It wasn¡¯t meant to annoy me, the fact that I was ranked as the third candidate on a sex bucket list of a random employee wasn¡¯t enough for my chest to burn with rage.

    It was beneath me, and I should have let HR manage it instead of addressing it myself, but I didn¡¯t.

    No matter how I denied it. It fucking pissed me off.

    So much that I had taken the time to search for herpany profile. Her name was Aurelia Ravenwood, and she was a seasoned designer who had only worked in mypany for three years.

    The fact that she ced her coworker and my employee as first, and a cheap overrated actor above me was humiliating enough, but she went forward to post it publicly to add salt to the wound.

    Yes my pride was hurt, but I should have brushed it off. However, my mind raced, and the more I thought about it, the more irritated I became.

    How dare she rank me lower than them?

    How dare she belittle me in such a way?

    For what reason were those two better than me?!

    With no one to answer these questions, I barely slept that night and vowed to fire her the next day. But first, I wanted to confront her, determined to make her experience ten folds of the humiliation she caused me.

    My ns changed when she finally appeared in front of me, on her knees and begging. Aurelia was undeniably an attractive woman, and I would be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t surprised at her astounding beauty.

    That was made that particr moment even more captivating, and suddenly I was ovee by the urge to hear how she would sound if she begged me to make her mine.

    It was a fleeting thought, and with it, came so much more. There, I found myself thinking back to the contents of her list, a knowing smirk crossing my lips as the perfect revenge formed in my mind.

    It was so unlike me to act in the spur of the moment, my emotions getting the better of me as I sought for a way to patch my bruised ego.

    It was supposed to be my revenge, my pay back, but it ended up bing my own ruin.

    I wasn¡¯t supposed to get addicted to the feeling of my dick in her mouth, I wasn¡¯t supposed to miss how her tongue had desperately wrapped around me, eager to please and satisfy me in the best way she could, neither was I supposed to engrave the image of her tear-stained face, and her sultry expression in my mind.

    The memory of how she salvaged the taste of my seed wasn¡¯t meant to rey in my head over and over again. Her innocent submission wasn¡¯t supposed to make me crave her, imagine her in various positions, moaning only for me.

    Seeing her kiss her coworker shouldn¡¯t have aroused such a foreign emotion like

    jealousy within me, it shouldn¡¯t have driven me to kiss her as well, wanting nothing more than to erase his taste from her mouth and rece with mine. If I hadn¡¯t done that, maybe, I wouldn¡¯t be lost fantasizing over how intoxicating her lips felt, or how hypnotizing her flowery scent was.

    The woman became a real pest as she gued my mind, she was all I could think of, all I could dream of having. So much so that when I tried to be with other women to forget her, their moans made me yearn for hers, and ultimately, I found no pleasure in them

    I only saw Aurelia Ravenwood.

    I only wanted her.

    ¡°I want to ruin our friendship, Auri. We should be lovers instead.¡±

    ¡°Will you give me the honor ofpleting your sex bucket list?¡±

    I had coincidentally heard the deration of the coworker she liked by ident, and the only thing I could feel after was rage.

    Because she was mine to im.

    Mine and only mine.

    At this point, I had stopped wallowing in denial and epted that she was the only one who could quench the insatiable hunger that had been brewing in me for weeks.

    A hunger she had ignited, and I was damned if I wasn¡¯t going to make her take full responsibility for it. If anyone waspleting that list, it was going to be me.

    When I presented the award to her at the g, her innocent smile caught me off guard, brightening up her ethereal features. I felt an unfamiliar emotion stir within me, an urge to see that smile again, as much as I wanted to see her cry as well.

    As she gave a heartwarming speech, I stared intently at her lips, admiring the glossy gleam on them, and as she spoke, I found myself wondering what vour her lip stick was today.

    They tested like cherry thest time we kissed.

    The moment I caught sight of the damned coworker staring at her with affection, all I wanted to do was to pluck out his eyes out. And I didn¡¯t miss how Aurelia took a liking the him as well, but I didn¡¯t let that stop me.

    He wasn¡¯t worth the struggle.

    It didn¡¯t matter, because in the end, I knew she wanted me the most. I could tell how her body reacts the moment I get close, heated gazes we share as we conversed silently.

    The tension between us was evident in our electric stares, and soon it became exciting to watch her cheeks re up whenever I caught her looking my way.

    I didn¡¯t want to im her just yet, I had nned to make her grow needy and desperate for my attention, and it took everything in me not to devour her the moment I saw her in that seductive dress of hers.

    I wanted to be patient.

    I really wanted to be patient.

    But Aurelia¡­

    ¡°Baby,¡±

    The moment she called me that, lowering her eyes at me seductively as she ced her hand on my chest, ¡°Do I look like I care what this man thinks?¡± With her voiceing out in a purr,ced with a challenge and an undertone of desire.

    I snapped.

    A now she was strapped to a stripper pole, her hands bound tight and high above her head. Naked and vulnerable.

    Her legs were spread wide before me, slick eager juices trailing down from her exposed pussy as her chest rose and fell rapidly. Her lips were parted as she fought to steady her breathing, the dim glow of the lights in the pleasure room highlighting the sweat drops on her rosy skin.

    She wore a blindfold, her hard nipples projected forward as she arched her back against the pole, letting out another roll of strangled moans and whimpers.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I had just denied her of her tenth orgasm, and an amused chuckle escapes my lips as she eagerly clenched her tighs together to provide her some kind of friction to release.

    ¡°Easy there.¡± She flinched in pain as my whip shes against her left breast, and I trap my bottom lip between my lips as more tears roll down her cheeks, wetting the blindfold in the process.

    I stood in front of her, a whip in hand and the remote to the vibrator in her pussy in the other.

    ¡°Keep your thighs spread darling.¡± I tell her, and she reluctantly obeys, pressing her lips into a straight line as she anticipated my next move.

    I circled her form, admiring the marks of whipshes that littered her skin, the choked cor around her neck made it difficult for her to speak, but it did nothing to stop the desperate sounds she released.

    Sounds that were nothing but music to my ears.

    Her punishment was simple, each round I would flip a coin to determine if she coulde or not, heads for a yes, and tails for no. And unfortunately for her, she¡¯d been only be getting tails.

    I appeared to be calm and collected, but in reality I was just as needy as she was.

    I abstained from directly touching her as part the punishment, but she wasn¡¯t the only one suffering from this use. The blindfold kept her from seeing just how much I wanted her.

    But I was saving the best forst.

    I loomed behind her, breathing in her scent as I leaned to whisper in her ear, ¡°Will you disobey me again?¡± I asked, and her hair tickled my face as she frantically shook her head.

    I stretch my hand forward, careful not to let my skin touch hers, she shivers as I drag the whip around her mid section, and I hold my breath as the leather material collects the wetness between her legs.

    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking wet.¡± I rasped, my jaw clenching as my grip on the whip tightens.

    I wanted to touch her so bad, but I restrained myself, ignoring the aching throb of my dick straining against my boxers.

    But then, Aurelia let¡¯s out a sharp noise, taking me by surprise as she suddenly jerks her hands against the pole struggling to break free. Her effort was amusing, but I stopped smiling when I saw a drop of blood trail from her wrist.

    The more she struggled, the more the rope bit into her skin, causing blisters to form and break into an open wound.

    ¡°Hey hey hey¡­¡± Worried, I try to keep her still, but she continued to trash against the pole. She grunts violently, and more blood trickled down her hands, causing panic to settle deep within me ¡°Aurelia stop!¡±

    She doesn¡¯t listen. Not knowing what else to do, I quickly untie her her hands. But the moment she¡¯s free, she tackles me to ground. My back hits the cold floor with a hard thud, and I¡¯m taking aback as she straddled my waist.

    ¡°What the hell¡± my words are cut short when her blindfoldes off, revealing the strong mix of emotions that swirled in her grey eyes.

    Frustration, Lust¡­. And anger.

    Aurelia ignores her injury as she raises her hips, her hands moving to pull the vibrator out of her pussy. And I just watch in awe, mesmerized and speechless.

    She tossed the vibrator aside, mming it hard against the floor. ¡°Damn this.¡± She starts, her voice hoarse and shallow. Aurelia¡¯s gaze hardens as she runs her fingers through her hair, brushing them back so I could see her face in full view.

    ¡°Quit fooling around and fuck me already.¡±

 Chapter Seventeen; Do it yourself

    THIRD PERSON POV

    Luke looked up at her, his lips parted, and his gaze glossed with fascination. Aurelia¡¯s demeanor had changed in an instant; gone was the girl who stole shy nces at him every now and then.

    But now, he couldn¡¯t exin why his heart rate suddenly picked up as he met her fiery gaze, one that matched the pulsating intensity brewing between them. Amused at her deration, he decided to tease her a bit. ¡°I¡¯m not fooling around,¡± he started, and Aurelia responded with a roll of her eyes.

    She leaned close, grinding against his erection as her breasts pressed against his hard chest. His jaw clenched as he tried to ignore the feeling of her arousal wetting his clothes, keeping a straight face as she towered over him. Aurelia¡¯s hands snuck to his waist, ghosting over his belt buckle. Her gaze lingered there, her chest rising and falling with acute anticipation.

    ¡°Then fuck me.¡± Her voice was a mere whisper, but her tone wasmanding, making her approach even more captivating.

    Luke had never entertained the thought of being dominated, mostly because most women loved to receive whatever he had to give, and they never once tried to take charge. He stared at Aurelia, contemting, then his lips split into a knowing smirk. He decided to seize the opportunityid out before him, instinctively knowing it was one he was going to thoroughly enjoy.

    Aurelia arched a brow, silently questioning what he found so amusing. ¡°Or are you not up to it, Mr. CEO?¡± She goes on to taunt him, but this only made his smirk grow into a cheeky grin.

    He reached out to her, his hand curling around her neck like fine jewelry. She gasped as he pulled her in with a sharp tug, his lips barely inches away from hers.

    ¡°If you want my dick so bad, then put it in yourself,¡± he said, his tone dark and tempting.

    Aurelia gulped, her confidence waning, but she couldn¡¯t deny the thrill that surged through her. She blinked once, then twice, her eyes widening like a curious child.

    ¡°Really?¡± She blurted out innocently, ¡°I¡­ I can ride you?¡±

    Luke¡¯s hands shifted to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He pressed his lips into a straight line, stifling hisughter at her naivety. Her personality was quick to shift, and it made him want to uncover more sides of her.

    She was too cute.

    ¡°Or are you not up to it, Miss Ravenwood?¡± He threw her statement back to her, and her cheeks flushed brightly in embarrassment. Aurelia averted her gaze from him, already reverting back to her shy self.

    But Luke wasn¡¯t done toying with her.

    ¡°Cold feet?¡± He mused, and her cheeks only deepened in color. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t start what you can¡¯t finish, darling.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­¡± she trailed off, anxiously pulling her bottom lip between her teeth as she hesitantly returned her gaze to him. ¡°I don¡¯t know how.¡± She finally confessed, and this piqued the CEO¡¯s interest.

    ¡°Are you a virgin?¡± He asked curiously, and her silence was enough to answer him; secondster, she nodded in confirmation. It exined why she was so sensitive.

    Luke grasped her chin gently, making sure she didn¡¯t look away as he pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her lips.

    He didn¡¯t really know whatpelled him to do so; maybe it was because the expression she had on her face made him want to keep her all to himself. Wanting nothing more than for her to only look at him in that way. It was a moment of vulnerability that took him by surprise, and before he knew it, he was dropping feather-light kisses on her cheeks next.

    He had never slept with a virgin; to him, he never bothered with them because of theirck of experience, and his normal reaction would be to end whatever was going on without hesitation right this moment.

    But he hesitated, and now he was sure he was in too deep to call it quits.

    Luke was many things, but gentle wasn¡¯t one of them, but the same way he craved to discover more sides of his new obsession, he too was also experiencing a change.

    Aurelia felt her nerves melt away with each kiss, now his lips grazed her throat, and a breathy moan escaped as he nibbled on her skin.

    ¡°Please¡­¡± she begged, reaching out to him. Aureliabed her hair through his hair, his lustrous locks caressing her fingers like silk threads, and this simple gesture earned a satisfied grunt from Luke. His teeth sank into her skin suddenly, and she jerked against him, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

    It was almost as if she¡¯d sensed his apprehension, and Aurelia was suddenly struck with a wave of fear and anxiety.

    ¡°Please, Luke¡­.¡± she shifted her gaze to him, breathless and needy. ¡°Please¡­.¡±

    She hadn¡¯tpleted her sentence when he was already breathing to the point where he couldn¡¯t hide how aroused he was. It was unlike anything he¡¯d ever felt before.

    ¡°¡­. teach me how to satisfy you.¡±

    The words spilled in the sweetest mewl he¡¯d ever heard, making himpletely lose his sanity.

    Virgin or not, he was going to make her his.

    ¡°Raise your hips,¡± he told her, and she obliged, her heart thundering in her chest as she heard him unbuckle his belt. She shifted her gaze to the ceiling, her nerves getting the better of her as her chest tightened.

    ¡°Rx,¡± she heard himugh, but she still didn¡¯t look away; it wasn¡¯t until he cupped her cheeks, shocking her as he gazed at her affectionately.

    Her heart fluttered as he smiled at her. A genuine smile. He looked ethereal, and she totally forgot he was her boss.

    The contrast in his personality had her mind racing, wondering what more was hiding under the mask of animosity he always wore.

    Then her gaze shifted to his crotch, and her eyes widened at his length and girth. Luke leaned in, distracting her with a swift kiss as he grabbed her hips and positioned her against him.

    Aurelia moaned into his mouth as she felt his hard tip push through her entrance, her breathing bing erratic as he continued to guide her hips lower. He filled her inch by inch, her arousal making it easy for him to slip into her.

    A feral growl reverberated in his chest as he felt her tighten around him, her walls greedily taking him in. He couldn¡¯t help himself, and in the next second, he snapped his hips forward, and Aurelia pulled back from the kiss, letting out a strangled moan as she threw her head back, steadying herself by using his broad shoulders as an anchor as he continued to guide her hips to ride him.

    ¡°So tight,¡± Luke huffed, his fingers digging into her plush skin as he pounded into her mercilessly.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Aaah~¡± she shrieked, the sudden wave of pleasure mixed with pain urging her to take initiative; she began to rock her hips against his, gradually adjusting to the feeling of him inside her. It was intoxicating, her mind going wild as he increased his pace. Her grip on his shoulders tightened as she squeezed her eyes shut, mouth left open, trembling at how deep he was inside of her.

    ¡°Oh fuck,¡± Luke moaned out loud, his lustful gaze drinking in her slutty expressions as he thrust faster and harder.

    Beads of sweat coated their skins, bodies pressed together. Aurelia continued to follow his lead, meeting each thrust as they moved in perfect synchrony with each other.

    ¡°Yeah, just like that,¡± he drawled, his velvety voice washing over her like soft rain. ¡°Your pussy feels like a dream.¡±

    Another thrust echoed around the space between them. One that hit her very core, shaking her to her roots.

    ¡°Luke!¡± She yelled out, her releaseing in a heavy wave that left her gasping for air.

    Feeling a triumphant smile tug at his lips, he forced her hips down, holding her in that position, pushing into her further.

    A soft whimper escaped her lips as she copsed on his shoulder, overstimted by his shocking length stretching her out.

    ¡°You are a lot prettier with my cock deep in you¡­¡± Luke muttered under his breath, making sure she heard as he looked up at her with a crazed expression on his face. He bit down on his lips when he saw the soft speckles of tears at the corners of her eyes, her drunken expression satisfying him even more. Caressing her cheeks, he wiped off her tears, fully enjoying this moment.

    ¡°You should only look this pretty when you¡¯re with me.¡±

 Chapter Eighteen; Hickeys

    AURELIA

    The next day, I woke up feeling lightheaded. Soft rays of sunlight filter through the blinds of the open window, caressing my face and stirring me awake.

    I drowsily rose from the bed, a small yawn escaping my lips as I stretched my limbs.

    I slumped back on the bed, my bones aching with fatigue as Ibed my hair with my fingers.

    I freeze in ce as I notice the bandages around my wrists, my eyes widening in realization as the events ofst night dawn upon me.

    Memories of the previous night clouded my mind.

    ¡°You are a lot prettier with my cock deep in you¡­¡±

    My cheeks red up, and my mouth fell open in shock.

    Yesterday¡­I had sex for the first time¡­

    With the CEO¡­..

    I lost my virginity¡­. to my boss¡­.

    ¡°Oh my gosh.¡± I gasped, burying my face in my hands. ¡°Oh my fucking gosh.¡±

    I remembered it all, the ravenous look in his eyes, his tantalizing touch, his velvet voice praising me. It was all etched in my mind, reminding me that it was indeed real and not a dream.

    Straightening up, I looked down at myself, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth as my eyes traced every single hickey and mark he¡¯d inflicted on me.

    Yup. It wasn¡¯t a dream.

    I raised my gaze, looking around the room, looking for him. The room was empty, devoid of his presence, but his scent lingered in the sheets and I wondered if he¡¯d spent the night by my side.

    After my sensational release, I passed out right there, and whatever happened after that would forever remain a mystery to me.

    Shifting my gaze to my wrists, I silently examine the bandages, my fingers skimming through the fabric. I don¡¯t know what came over mest night, neither did I ever fathom having such a wild attitude. It was a side of myself I had just recently discovered, one that left me questioning my own identity.

    Still, the thought of him carrying me to the bed, tending to my wounds, and making sure I wasfortable made my heart go crazy in my chest. I looked towards the vacant space on the bed beside me, reaching out to feel any warmth.

    But there was none, maybe he¡¯d left right after I had gone to bed. I couldn¡¯t imagine him sleeping beside me, that was asking for way too much. Even so, I let myself think he¡¯d cradled me in his arms, whispering sweet nothings to lure me to sleep.

    I was being delusional again, and I knew it, but who wouldn¡¯t be? Who wouldn¡¯t want more from such a man?

    The image of his genuine smile shes in my mind, and butterflies tickle my stomach, wrestling with logical reasoning.

    Luke Graham was indeed a dangerous man, drawing me in like a moth drawn to open me. But I knew better than to swoon, if not, I would get burnt, carrying scars that wouldst a lifetime.

    He had offered to help meplete my bucket list, and I had agreed to be his new ything. Our rtionship was transactional, amunal rtionship based on the benefits of one another.

    I would be a fool to attach any sentiments to it.

    A fool to fall for a man like him.

    Later that morning, I was ushered out of the hotel by one of the staff, they had gotten direct orders from the CEO to see me home safely. It was a basic formality, but it made me wonder, how many women had graced his bed. And was he always so kind to give them such treatment?

    Back in the hotel room, I had also found a bag containing new clothes and a pair offortable shoes, all of which were exactly my size.

    And so fucking expensive too.

    It was strange, but I took it as part of the deal of being his lover.

    Or mistress? I didn¡¯t know what category I fell into. Maybe a sexual partner? That made more sense to me.

    As I walked into my apartment, Chelsea tackled me as she leaped into the air in excitement. I chuckled as I caught her in my arms, my giggles transiting into fullughter as her fur tickled my cheeks.

    ¡°Have you missed me, baby?¡± I ask her, nuzzling my nose with hers and she meowed in agreement.

    Chelsea settles in my arms as I move to the kitchen, juggling the bags that held my dress, shoes, purse, and award.

    I vividly remember leaving my purse back at the table with my colleagues, but when I left the hotel, the staff politely handed it to me.

    Chelsea jumps to the kitchen counter as I pour myself a ss of water, letting my mind rey the events of the fateful night over and over again.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    The CEO had the body of those famous sculpted Greek gods, rippling with defined muscles in all the right ces.

    Everything about him made him a walking sex ma, pulsating with daunting sexual appeal.

    It was surreal, but damn I was d he was my first because I wasn¡¯t sure if there was anyone else who could match his fiery intensity.

    Goosebumps littered my skin as the heavenly sensations remained as clear as day, and I quickly poured another ss of water, finishing it in one gulp as I tried to douse the fire of arousal that tried to w its way into my body.

    it was not enough, so I resorted to sshing my face with water instead, but my cheeks were still ming hot.

    All these while, Chelsea watched me with her head tilted to the side in confusion, probably questioning my mental state.

    Work would resume in the next few days, rounding up the events following the G.

    The CEO had left without any clear indication of what I should expect. How am I supposed to act around him while at work? What are the terms of our entangled rtionship? And where do we draw the line?

    Would he contact me soon or would I have to wait till whenever he wants me?

    These questions continued to roam in my mind, and I anxiously waited for the day our paths would cross again.

    But I couldn¡¯t help but feel like I was forgetting something.

    I wonder what it could be.

    ***

    ¡°Aurelia!¡± As soon as I step into the studio, I¡¯m engulfed by the sturdy yet slim hands of Olivia. Kendallughs in the background, stepping forward to peel her away from me.

    ¡°Gosh! Where were you? you suddenly disappeared at the G.¡± She exims, moving to stand beside Kendall who nods his head in agreement.

    ¡°Seriously though, we could have had a st together.¡± He added, and I let out an awkward chuckle, trying toe up with a viable excuse for my absence.

    I told them about the VIP lounge, leaving out the part where I lost my virginity to our boss.

    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s some fancy shit.¡± Kendall says, shaking his head as he moves back to his workspace.

    ¡°A bit of a heads-up would¡¯ve been nice though, some of us waited all night to see the star designer.¡± He adds, his lips curving into a knowing smile.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked curiously, and Olivia did the honor of answering me.

    ¡°Caspian waited all night for you Auri.¡± She exins solemnly and my breath catches in my throat as realization dawns upon me.

    Shit! That was what I forgot about!

    ¡°Aurelia.¡± I stood frozen in my spot as a familiar voice reached my ears, instantly felt anxious as he appeared behind me.

    I turned to him, stering a small smile on my face to hide my uneasiness.

    Caspian¡¯s hand sped mine, his eyes imploring. ¡°Can we talk for a minute? Privately?¡±

    Nodding, I nce toward Kendall and Olivia. Kendall offers me a yful wink while Olivia gives a subtle thumbs up, and I instantly feel guilty for receiving their support.

    ¡°Sure Caspian,¡± I replied softly, my heart clenching at the relief that washes over his features. I followed him into a small meeting room, the walls lined with sketches and fabric samples.

    What exactly was I going to say to him?

    That I¡¯ve found a better partner?

    How can I say such a thing without injuring our friendship?

    Despite my mental struggle, I braced myself for a confrontation as soon as the door clicked shut, but instead, Caspian¡¯s arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. The warmth of his body was familiar, yet suddenly felt foreign.

    I felt absolutely nothing, no butterflies, no spark. Nothing.

    ¡°I was so worried about you,¡± he murmured, his breath tickling my ear.

    I stood stiffly, my hands hovering awkwardly over his back. I wanted to return the hug, to offer somefort, but my body wouldn¡¯tply. The memory of the G, of the CEO¡¯s touch, clouded my senses.

    ¡°Did you see my calls and messages?¡± Caspian pulled back slightly, searching my face for an answer.

    Confusion furrowed my brow. ¡°I¡­ no, I didn¡¯t see anything.¡± I genuinely hadn¡¯t. The only messages I got were congrattory texts from Olivia and the rest of my team, but I didn¡¯t see any from him.

    ¡°I wanted us to celebrate your win together.¡± He added, his eyes hooded with heavy emotion as he reached out to caress my cheeks, but I didn¡¯t lean into his touch. ¡°To show just how proud I was of my woman.¡±

    His woman?

    If he said that to me a week ago, I would have been jumping in happiness, but now, all I could register was a heavy feeling of guilt.

    Because I no longer felt the same way. Were my sentiments for him so fickle? So much that one night with another man was enough to erase years of yearning.

    Or was it that they were never valid in the first ce, and I merely deluded myself into thinking I was head over heels for him?

    But either way, he deserved to know the truth.

    ¡°Caspian¡­.¡± I start, tearing my gaze away from his. ¡°I have something to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Then tell me.¡± He urges, but before I can address his concern further, Caspian leaned in, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of my neck. The unexpected gesture sent a shiver down my spine. But he stopped abruptly, pulling back with his mouth slightly parted in awe.

    I had worn a long-sleeved turtleneck sweater despite the warm weather, using it to hide my bandages and the numerous marks on my body. But as his hand moved to pull the cor of my sweater down, I panicked.

    Caspian¡¯s eyes narrowed, then widened, a mixture of hurt and confusion passing over his features as he examined the hickeys tattooed across my skin.

    Hickeys the CEO had imprinted on me.

    ¡°Aurelia, what¡­?¡±

    The room filled with an ufortable silence, his question hanging between us, unanswered.

 Chapter Nineteen; Anonymous Text

    The silence was deafening. What should I say? How best can I exin the marks on my skin? A few days have passed since the g, but the marks remained as a testimony of what transpired that fateful night.

    My neck was still red from the tightness of the choker, and the CEO¡¯s bite marks lingered around it, trailing down to my shoulders like a spreading rash.

    I was grateful for the fact he couldn¡¯t see the marks from the whishes that wrapped around my body like stripes in a zebra.

    Caspian brows furrowed in deep thought, he looked like he was putting two and two together, I could tell from the way doubt and disbelief clouded his gaze.

    I spoke to save him the trouble of thinking further. ¡°I can¡¯t be with you Caspian.¡± There I said it.

    I push back from him, keeping a foot¡¯s distance between us as I shift my gaze to my vintage boots. ¡°My bucket list¡­¡­you don¡¯t have to worry about it anymore.¡±

    Caspian head hung low, and I heaved out a long sigh. It was good to get that off my chest, but the pang of remorse and guilt still lingered as I raised my gaze to meet his conflicted expression.

    ¡°You found someone else?¡± He asked after a moment, his disbelief evident in his tone. I couldn¡¯t me him, even though I have yet toe to terms with the situation myself. It happened so fast. It just happened, like I was caught in a storm, a storm that was conjured by a man with heterochromatic eyes and a gaze never ceased to take me by surprise.

    Okay, I had gone off track again.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± Caspian¡¯s voice snaps me back to reality, he looked hesitant, almost like he was curious but didn¡¯t want to know at the same time. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking.¡± He adds in a short breath, and I ponder over his request.

    There was no way I could tell him about it. I wasn¡¯t even sure if my rtionship- No that sounds too forward- Situationship? Yeah, that¡¯s more like it. I wasn¡¯t sure if my situation with the CEO was meant to remain a secret or not. Another reason was it was just too absurd to reveal, and I didn¡¯t want any weird rumors circting the office, I had barely gotten out of the whole bucket list scandal, and people would find any excuse to bring me down. I had just gotten an award recognizing my talents, and I¡¯m sure not everyone was happy about it.

    I knew Caspian wouldn¡¯t openly discuss the matter with anyone else¡­maybe Kendall and that man was a bbermouth. Even the walls have ears, and I couldn¡¯t risk taking that chance.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t tell you who it is.¡± I finally say. A sh of hurt crosses over Caspian¡¯s features and my guilt ws at my heart a little tighter. I wanted to reach out to him, to reassure him in a way, but my handsy stiff at my sides, shing against my will.

    Caspian swallows hard as he nods, his hands moving to smooth the non-existent crease on his shirt. He regained hisposure, looking off to the side. ¡°I see.¡±

    Silence returned, but the tense atmosphere was reced with awkwardness. It made my skin crawl. Things had never gotten awkward between us before, even after we kissed. That kiss, I barely remember it. The CEO kissed me right after, settling and making a ce in my memory.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I apologized because I didn¡¯t know what else to say. Caspian was a good man, and a great friend, so I didn¡¯t want this setback to affect the friendship we¡¯ve built over the years. But it seemed like that would be me asking for too much, I rejected him after getting his hopes up. Maybe if we couldn¡¯t stay friends we could at least keep a cordial rtionship as co-workers.

    ¡°We¡¯re still friends Caspian.¡± And there goes my mouth blurting things out without my brain¡¯s consent. I internally cringed for blurting out something so foolish but it had already been said, might as well go all out. ¡°We can still be friends right?¡± I went on to ask, and Caspian regarded me in silence.

    I shifted ufortably under his intense gaze, regretting my choice of words. Should have just kept my mouth shut, nothing good everes from it. It was my thoughtless speaking that put me in this mess in the first ce. When I first met the CEO I had purposely provoked him, and hell how was I supposed to know he¡¯d shove his shaft in my stupid mouth as a result? Although¡­I didn¡¯t exactly hate it.

    I shook my head, mentally scolding myself for letting my thoughts trail off again.

    But it all began with that single moment, and now I was woven into a web of something that was far beyond myprehension.

    ¡°Friends?¡± Caspian scoffed, and my heart stung. It was fair, I had led him on and rejected him, so it was only fair if he resented me. But Caspian wasn¡¯t like that¡­. or I hoped it wasn¡¯t. Either way, I braced for it.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll give up on you so easily Aurelia?¡±

    What?

    ¡°Huh?¡± My brows shot to the top of my forehead. That wasn¡¯t what I was expecting, what does he mean by that?

    Caspian smiled big, showing off perfect rows of white teeth. He tucked his hands in his pockets, rocking gingerly on his heels as his grin shifted to a devious smirk, his eyes glistening with new light.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who beat me to it, but know this Aurelia Ravenwood,¡± Caspian takes a step forward, and my breath hitches in my throat as he leans in. I stared into his ocean-blue eyes, unable to move as his face was merely inches away from mine. I thought he was going to press his lips against mine, but instead, he dropped a featherlight kiss on my forehead.

    ¡°You won¡¯t get rid of me like that, I will continue to confess to you till you acknowledge my feelings. There are no rules to how many people canplete the list right?¡±

    Caspian¡¯s deration leaves me utterly speechless. Even as he stepped back and left the room, gracing me with onest nce and a wink before leaving the room. I just stood there, reying his words in my head as I stared at his retreating back.

    He was right. There were no rules in the list, meaning it can also bepleted by more than one person. Can that work? Or was it entirely up to me?

    ****

    During lunch break, I stayed in the office to go through the list. What Caspian said left asting impression on me, and I couldn¡¯t help but consider his proposition. More than one person huh? It was true that the list didn¡¯t specifically state it had to bepleted by only one candidate, maybe that¡¯s why there were options for two more.

    The list got me thinking. My life had taken an unexpected turn after receiving it, or was it just a case of pure coincidence? How possible was it that Caspian only confessed his feelings for me after the list was exposed? The CEO, who I added on a whim, suddenly became attracted to me for some reason after he came across the list as well.

    Hell the more I thought about it, the more freaky it seemed. I had a crazy thought, a very weird one. What if putting someone¡¯s name on the list makes them want me? It was stupid. This was real life and not a fairytale, and a simple sex bucket list shouldn¡¯t be enough to arouse such.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gone crazy.¡± I slumped against my seat, a sign escaping my lips as I looked up at the ceiling. The list was just a list, something I got from a survey, if not the actor I added as the second candidate would show up on my doorstep right? But he wasn¡¯t even aware of my existence. Yeah, there was nothing special about it. Just pure coincidence. An out of a world kind of coincidence.

    My phone buzzed on my desk, and my gaze darted to the screen as it lit up. I had just received a message.

    ¡°What the?¡± It was a text from a number I did not recognize, a number that had been saved as MASTER on my phone.

    MASTER; Tell me what you¡¯re wearing underneath your clothes.

    I stared at the screen for a while, my brows furrowed and my lips parted in awe. I read the text over and over, questioning if I wasn¡¯t daydreaming or something. Was this some kind of a sick joke? Who is this? How did they get my number? And why was the number saved on my phone?

    I snapped out my gaze with a rapid blink, my fingers moving against the keypad in haste as I typed in a befitting reply to whoever it was that thought it funny to vite me so boldly.

    AURELIA; Get lost you creep. I¡¯m blocking you.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    It was as simple as that, there was no need to exchange words with such a person. I blocked the number and set my phone aside. Someone must have a lot of free time on their hands, and they thought it best to harass random people. Pathetic.

    But what I couldn¡¯t get was why the number saved was to my phone, did it get hacked perhaps? That was the only logical exnation.

    My phone buzzed again, and I stiffened in my seat as I saw it was another text from the same number. I thought I¡¯d blocked it.

    What was going on?

    MASTER; Foolish girl, you¡¯ll regret doing that. Show me a glimpse of your underwear and I¡¯ll forgive you.

    The fuck? I was bombarded with a rush of emotions, and I didn¡¯t know which of them was stronger. Anger, Frustration, Repulsion, Confusion. I felt it all at once, and this time I did not bother to reply, I just deleted the message and blocked the number again.

    But then, the phone lit up once more, indicating another message. I took a deep breath, frustration pulling at my nerves as I opened the message.

    I paled, my eyes rounding. My fingers froze against the phone screen, and my anger drained as if I was doused with a bucket of ice-cold water.

    MASTER; I can see you, darling. You let your ginger curls loose, letting them frame your delicate face. You¡¯re wearing a long-sleeved turtle neck top tucked into an ankle-length skirt, and let me add that you look stunning. Block me again, and I¡¯ll make you pay dearly for your rudeness.

    Cold sweat trickled down my temple. My hand trembled slightly, and I almost dropped my phone as I unconsciously held my breath, raising my head to look around. My wary gaze bounced around the studio, searching, but I saw no one. It was only me. I was alone. I went as far as to check the halls from the entrance of the studio, but it was empty, even the neighboring studios. Everyone had gone to the cafeteria for lunch.

    Now I was scared to my bones.

    Another text came. And I swear my heart stopped beating.

    MASTER; I change my mind. Send me a video of you touching yourself right there in the office. You have ten minutes.

 Chapter Twenty; Teasing Game

    LUKE

    This was fun.

    I leaned back in my seat, stifling myughter as I gazed at myptop screen. No, I wasn¡¯t watching a si or anything like that, it was something much more endearing, or rather, someone more amusing.

    I watched Aurelia scamper about the studio through the footage from thepany¡¯s CCTV cameras. Her desperation to find who sent her those messages was cute, but s, she would never be able to figure out who it was. Oh, I was enjoying this a little too much, teasing her had be my favorite thing to do, whether it was teasing her pussy or her mind. Damn that tight pussy. I wanted it, craved it, but I kept my horny ass in my seat and just watched. For now.

    Hacking into her phone had been easy. On the night of the g, just after she fell into a deep slumber, I sent one of the staff to retrieve her things from the main hall. She didn¡¯t have a password on her phone, how careless. it wouldn¡¯t have meant much anyway, I would have still gained ess. I added my number to her contact list and saved it as MASTER. it was a befitting name since she had officially be my new ything.

    I also made sure to encrypt the number so she wouldn¡¯t be able to block it. I had a lot of things nned out, especially for her, and this was just the beginning of my teasing game. I hacked her device for that reason alone, but I also came across the messages from that bastard coworker of hers. He kept calling her, and it not only irritated me but enraged me as well. He should know his ce, and even after I blocked his number from reaching her, I still couldn¡¯t stop him from trying to get close to her at work.

    As the CEO, I had ess to all security footage in the building, and with a simple tap on my system, I could watch my little doll all day. Although I couldn¡¯t hear anything, seeing her was enough for now. I saw in the footage earlier today, how he¡¯d boldly pulled her into his arms. I was tempted to go over there and peel her off him, but she pushed him back herself. Nothing could amount to the level of satisfaction I felt at that moment. She rejected him, and it pained me that I couldn¡¯t overhear their conversation, but his downcast face was enough to get the notion of what they were discussing.

    But then the fucker smiled and kissed her forehead. What the hell did he say to leave her so shocked? Did she not reject him? Why did he look so happy then?

    Just seeing him close to her made my skin crawl, and I hated the feeling of jealousy that clouded my mind at that moment.  Caspian Dewn. He was treading on thin ice, and there¡¯s only so much I can tolerate.

    I thought of firing him to be over and done with it, but I didn¡¯t want to mix business with pleasure. It might already be toote for that even, a sexual rtionship with an employee should be the epitome of mixing business with pleasure. But I couldn¡¯t help it. Ever since the g, long since I felt her delectable pussy squeeze around my shaft, I still felt an uneasy restlessness swirling within me.

    I still remember how it felt to hold her in my arms while she slept. It was strange. I had never spent the night with the women I had sex with, and neither did I think to wait till the break of dawn before leaving. I would usually send them off with some money after a good fuck, so there was never an opportunity for me to go any further than that. Hell, it had never crossed my mind.

    But with Aurelia¡­heaven knows what spell this damned woman had cast on me. After she passed out, I had taken time to tend to her wounds and wipe her clean. She slept like a child, curled up against the bed and smiling into her pillow. For a few minutes, I just watched her sleep, listening to her soft breathing and watching her chest rise and fall ever so subtly. Then when I finally stood up to leave, she reached out to me, and although she slept soundly, she held onto my hand as if afraid of being alone.

    My chest stung with an unfamiliar emotion at the gesture, and before I knew it I was settling beside her. It didn¡¯t take long for me to sumb to a deep slumber, and it was the most peaceful sleep I had gotten in a long while. By the time I woke up, she was still fast asleep. Aurelia looked so innocent with her unruly curls sprawled across the pillow, her plump lips slightly parted, and the sun¡¯s rays highlighting the freckles scattered across her cheeks.

    I had to force myself to get up before she could see me, leaving behind some clothes and a message to the staff to make sure she returned home safely.

    I wanted to see her, to touch and taste her plump lips once again. I knew she would be curious about how things would go from here, she must be waiting for me to call for her, but not yet. I wanted to drag this out for as long as I could bear, and in all honesty, it wasn¡¯t going to be long. But still, not until she grew desperate with need, enough to make her approach me herself. Only then will the real fun begin.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I snapped back to reality and grabbed my phone, taking asional nces at theptop screen as I typed another message.

    LUKE; I change my mind. Send me a video of you touching yourself. You have ten minutes.

    I sent the text and rxed in my seat. A smirk pulled at the corner of my lips as I watched her expression shift from shock to confusion, before finally ending in shock. I preferred her that way, with her eyes as wide as her mouth. It made me want to shove my dick into it. Pulling my bottom lip between my teeth, I suppressed a groan as the tent in my crotch grewrger, straining against the fabric of my trousers.

    Would she do it? My heart raced with anticipation as I tilted my head to the side, resting my head on my palm as my other hand moved to stroke my beardless chin.

    ¡°Come on darling, show me how brave you are.¡±

    Aurelia stood frozen for a brief moment, then she moved. My breath hitched in my throat as she closed the door of the studio and locked it shut, her wary gaze bouncing about the room. I swallowed hard.. she was really going for it huh?

    Blood rushed from my veins and straight to my shaft as Aurelia¡¯s fingers hooked against the waistband of her skirt, pushing it past her hips and down her slender legs. Oh fuck. What a sight.

    I straightened up, keeping my attention on the screen as my own hands worked against my belt buckle, my breathing bing erratic as her skirt pooled at her feet, revealing the hot pinkcy thong she wore underneath it. The tiny scrap of cotton stretched against her round ass and full hips, and the fact that I was close yet so far from it made me lose my mind.

    My other hand swiftly worked on the keyboard, restricting viewing ess to the security unit so only I would be able to watch her. Only I was worthy to watch her.

    I heaved out a strangled groan as my hands wrapped around my hard erection. Aurelia fidgeted in her spot, her hands fumbled as she tried to grasp her phone to take the video. But then she paused as if rethinking her decision. Aurelia stomped her feet in frustration and bent forward to pull her skirt back up. She chickened out, too scared to go any further, but I wasn¡¯t done.

    Maybe I should send her a little encouragement.

    LUKE; Time¡¯s ticking darling, don¡¯t make mee get you myself, or else you¡¯ll be doing more than just a video.

    That seemed to have done the trick. Aurelia reluctantly took off her skirt and sat at her desk. She squeezed her eyes shut, obviously berating herself for what she was about to do. I shuffled my hand against my dick faster as she spread her thighs, positioning the phone on the desk.

    ¡°Aurelia,¡± I called out to her as her hands slid between her thighs. She pulled her thong to the side, but I couldn¡¯t see her clearly from the angle of the camera. ¡°Fuck!¡± I threw my head back, my jaw clenching as my hands moved even faster.

    Her expressions were driving me to the edge. Aurelia was tensed at first, but she soon lost herself in the pleasure of the moment. Her face twisting in that same sultry expression she had when I first drove into her pissy. shbacks of the G filled my mind as she went on. Her back arched and her ass bared to me, the feeling of her skin pressed against mine. Her moans resonated in my ears as I mmed into her over and over again.

    A deep moan bubbled in my chest as my release came quick and hard, the electrifying sensation shooting through my veins as my seed sttered across my hand and my trousers, taking me by surprise as it left me utterly breathless.

    Fuck she wasn¡¯t here. She wasn¡¯t fucking here, and yet she had such an effect on me. It was unbelievable.

    As I struggled to catch my breath, I nced at myptop and saw that Aurelia was already wearing her skirt. My phone buzzed on my desk, and I couldn¡¯t help the satisfied grin that spread across my face. I had just received the video.

    Time for round two.

    ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡± I praise her, knowing that her reward wille in due time.

    Yes, this was fun.

 Chapter Twenty-One; Going Crazy

    AURELIA

    ¡°Cheers!¡±

    The round table is brought alive with bubblyughter as sses were raised in the air to give a loud toast, celebrating the sess of my award. I forced a smile and brought my ss to my lips. My colleagues had taken the time to surprise me with this nice get-together, there was tasty food, nice drinks, and even a cake.

    But despite the happiness that radiated from everyone, it never reached me. I was there, sitting among them physically, but I couldn¡¯t take part in their joy.

    I jolt in my spot as Kendall points at me, demanding a speech. I wanted to brush him off since they had already heard most of it at the g, but that wouldn¡¯t be right. So I stood to my feet, and everyone gave me a soft round of apuse as I did so.

    ¡°Thank you all. I appreciate your endless support andpanionship. This award isn¡¯t just for me, it¡¯s a collection of everything we¡¯ve put together, it¡¯s an award that recognizes our team as a whole.¡± My throat worked as tears clouded my vision, but it wasn¡¯t because my heart swelled with gratitude. Instead, it was because I was scared out of my mind. They don¡¯t notice this, and I¡¯m grateful for that as I sit back down, blinking back the tears that threatened to roll down my cheeks and break my facade.

    I still couldn¡¯t believe it. I wanted to deny it, to act like it didn¡¯t happen. But it did. It fucking did.

    What happened in the office continuously yed in my head like a bad song on repeat, torturing my subconscious and backing my sense of reasoning to the corner. I was sure that I was close to losing my mind. I might have already gone insane.

    My gaze shifts to my phone on the table, zeroing in on the nk screen. I hadn¡¯t gotten another text. Hours have passed, and I was too much of a coward to take any useful action. Not when a video of me masturbating was sitting pretty in an unknown man¡¯s phone. A video that I took against my will.

    I had a stalker. There was no doubt about it, because how else would they know where I worked if I hadn¡¯t been followed? My grip on my ss unconsciously tightened as I chewed on my bottom lip. I continuously asked myself why I was sitting here, drinking, when I should be on my way to the nearest police station. Even with the fact that this stalker had a substantial reason to ckmail me.

    Why the heck did I follow his damned orders! I knew I didn¡¯t have any other choice, but it didn¡¯t make it any less frustrating.

    And that isn¡¯t what ticked me off the most. Why did I lose myself to pleasure despite the dire circumstances, how could I have possibly enjoyed such an act, coaxing my fingers with my arousal as I threw my head back and released, aroused at the fact that I was currently being watched? Was that a kink? Or had I crossed all lines of normalcy?

    Yes. Without a doubt¡­.

    I brought my ss to my lips and drank it in one gulp.

    I have lost it.

    ¡°She¡¯s just being modest guys. She¡¯s only referring to me of course-OW!¡± Kendall¡¯s words are cut off the moment Olivia¡¯s palm strikes the back of his head, causing him to groan and shake his fists at her. They allughed at his expense, while my smile stretched tighter, almost robot-like. Olivia actively ignores Kendall and turns to face me. She grins, showing perfect rows of white teeth as she raises her ss once again.

    ¡°Let me make one more toast.¡±

    My brows arch in question as she winks at me, looking between me and Caspian. It took me a minute to realize what she was insinuating, but before I could do anything she¡¯d already beat me to it.

    ¡°A toast to the newest couple in town.¡±

    Shit.

    ¡°What? Who?¡± Mrs Juniper straightened up in her seat, almost spilling her drink as she leaned forward, curiosity evident in her gaze as she turned my way. ¡°You and Caspian finally crossed the friend zone?!¡± Her excitement was clear in her tone. Mrs Juniper threw her head back inughter, her shoulders quaking.

    I¡¯m taken aback by her reaction, my eyes rounding as my mind goes nk for a moment.

    Wait¡­

    ¡°It was about time.¡± Came Matthew¡¯s subtle remark, and I whipped my head towards him.

    Matthew casually shrugs his shoulders as he sips on his can of beer. ¡°It was pretty obvious.¡± He adds, and this causes my mouth to part in awe.

    What the hell? They all knew that I had a crush on Caspian? For how long?

    I shook my head and faced the man in question. Caspian leaned back in his seat beside me, his expression unreadable, and I expected him to debunk their ims, to say that It was all a misunderstanding and we weren¡¯t together. But instead, his lips split into a knowing smirk. Caspian raised his hands in yful surrender and let out a soft chuckle.

    ¡°I guess the secret¡¯s out,¡± he said, meeting my gaze. ¡°Right babe?¡±

    The fuck?

    The table exploded with hollers from our colleagues cheering us on, but I was far from amused. My brows furrowed, and I gave Caspian a look that demanded an exnation.

    He flinched under my intense re, his proud demeanor cracking.

    I was annoyed, but then I remembered what he said earlier today.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll give up on you so easily Aurelia?¡± His deration was clear, and maybe this was what he was referring to.

    I kept quiet, choosing to confront him about his little stuntter. I hated being thrown under the bus. I already had so much on my te, and- My heart jumped to my throat as my phone buzzed awake. It wasn¡¯t subtle, but I heard it despite the noise of the room.

    The world stood still as I nced at the screen.

    MASTER; Goodnight darling. Make sure you lock your home doors properly before going to bed.

    I swallowed hard, my mouth going dry as I unconsciously held my breath.

    I jolted in my seat as I felt a cool sensation sting my cheeks, snapping out my daze to see Caspian nervously offering me a can of beer.

    ¡°You alright?¡± He asked softly, and I just stared. Worry was etched on his features at myck of response. ¡°I¡¯ll exin everythingter. So don¡¯t be mad at me please.¡± He added, mistaking my silence as annoyance towards him. When in reality¡­I was terrified.

    I wordlessly snatched the beer from him and drank. I wanted to forget, to forget the looming danger hovering over my head, to rece this overwhelming feeling of fear with something else¡­anything else.

    ¡°Ooh, trouble in paradise?¡± Kendall teased, but I hardly registered what he said. I was going numb as a result of the alcohol, and soon everything blurred against each other.

    I needed more.

    Once the can was empty, I took two more shots of tequ, taking each in one straight gulp. Everyone pped and cheered me on, all except Caspian who continued to watch me with concern.

    I poured myself another ss of beer, at the same time signaling for the waiter to bring more alcohol.

    Caspian stopped me by holding onto my wrist. He pulled my hands down, his brows arched in question as his gaze searched my face. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re drinking too much?¡±

    I merely shrug my shoulders in response, my lips spreading into a wide grin as the alcohol settles in my system.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I tell him, but he doesn¡¯t look convinced. I pulled back from his grip and raised my nce once again, turning to face my colleagues. ¡°Cheers!¡± I yelled at the top of my lungs, a deepughter bubbling in my chest as I drank some more.

    I drank and drank until I couldn¡¯t process a single thought.

    The night ended on a good note. I giggled heartily as the world spun around me, making it hard for me to tell which spot to ce my next footsteps. I tripped and swerved, but before I could fall and facent into the ground, a pair of sturdy hands sped my waist to steady me.

    ¡°Easy there.¡± Caspian¡¯s breath fanned against my neck as he ushered me out of the restaurant. My back was pressed against his chest as he made sure I didn¡¯t lose my footing. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have drank so much.¡± his tone was reprimanding, lined with a hint of remorse.

    Iughed, my voice filling the night as I tipped my head heavenward. The stars looked brighter than usual, almost blinding, and I was immediately transfixed, reaching out to touch them. Caspian¡¯s steps slowed to a halt, and it was then I realized that I was looking into his eyes instead.

    ¡°Pretty,¡± I muttered, smiling a goofy grin as my words slurred. Caspian¡¯s cheeks burst into scarlet as he met my gaze. My hands moved to caress his cheeks with child-like wonder, and Caspian stilled as my tongue darted out to lick his skin. ¡°So pretty.¡±

    I heard him take a deep breath. Caspian squeezed his eyes shut and muttered something under his breath, almost like he called for patience.

    I yelped as he suddenly swept me off my feet. My hands slide to his shoulders. I clung unto him for my dear life as he carried me bridal style.

    ¡°Come on Aurelia. I¡¯m going to take you home.¡± He said, and I wanted to tell him that I didn¡¯t want to go home.

    I didn¡¯t want to be alone. I wanted to tell him that I didn¡¯t feel safe and that I dreaded what waited for me there. But s, my lips refused to obey me. I nestled against Caspian¡¯s chest as my eyelids grew heavy, listening to his heartbeat. His heart was beating so fast, thundering against the shell of my ear.

    My eyes fluttered close, my body going limb as I was embraced by soothing darkness.

    The next morning.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

    I gasped as I jolted up from the bed, instantly regretting it as my head throbbed in pain. I could feel the color drain from my cheeks as my heart rate quickened, thumping loudly against my chest as my gaze bounced about the unfamiliar room.

    I gulped my spit, anxiously pulling my bottom lip between my teeth as I strained my brain to remember the previous night. I knew I had drank till I cked out, but everything else was hazy.

    Damn it! I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping it would help me envision something¡­anything, but all I got was another wave of piercing pain. But then, an image shed in my mind, and it was far from pleasing.

    it was thest text I got on my phone, the message remained prominent in my mind, and my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach as I felt my blood run cold.

    ¡®Goodnight darling. Make sure you lock your home doors properly before going to bed.¡±

    Now I realized it wasn¡¯t a threat. But a warning.

    ¡°Oh no.¡± My hands trembled as I covered my mouth. Panic settled in my bones, and my chest heaved as I struggled to steady my erratic breathing. ¡°Oh no no no.¡±

    There was only one clear exnation, one that I didn¡¯t want to ept. The stalker, it all came down to the stalker.

    I¡¯ve been kidnapped.

 Chapter Twenty-Two; Hey Pervert!

    I winced as I felt my body rebel against my will. I felt so heavy, like my joints had been locked in ce. Maybe I was drugged, drugged and vulnerable.

    I looked down at myself and was d to see my clothes were still on. I forced myself to get out of bed, my gaze darting about the room to take in my surroundings.

    I didn¡¯t know what a stalker¡¯s bedroom was supposed to look like, but I had expected the walls to be covered in pictures of me, pictures he¡¯d taken without my consent while watching me.

    But instead, posters of famous baseball yers decorated the walls. The curtains of the room were a bright pink, which stood out like a sore thumb against the otherwise neutral decor.

    A simple wooden desk, neatly organized with a few notebooks and pens, stood against one wall. A small bookshelf held an assortment of novels and textbooks, with a quirkyvamp sitting on top, its blobs slowly drifting up and down. The bedspread was in blue, contrasting with a few brightly colored throw pillows shaped like fruit. A corkboard above the desk disyed a mix of postcards and ticket stubs.

    Overall, the room was fairly ordinary, with just a few yful touches that hinted at the upant¡¯s personality. Who was this person? And why does the subtle scent lingering around the room seem so familiar? I began to have second doubts, but I quickly pushed the thought aside and stood up.

    I sessfully made it out of the room, and now I navigated the narrow hall that led to God knows where, keeping my footsteps as light as possible. I had to find the nearest exit and get out of here before I passed out from fatigue.

    After a few minutes, I led myself through an open door at the end of the hall, being weed by a waft of pancakes and bacon. My mouth watered, and my stomach grumbled, but I ignored it and bared my shoulders. I soon realized that I had stepped into the kitchen, but my relief was short-lived. I stilled in ce as I heard a lone whistle reach my ears.

    I moved quickly, holding my breath as I pressed my back against the wall to avoid being seen. From the corner of my eye, I spot the figure of a man. He stood with his back turned to me, humming a random tune as he whisked the bacon he prepared into two tes. That was him. The damned stalker. If I didn¡¯t know any better I would have mistaken him for a normal man, everything about this house was annoyingly normal, and he was even wearing a damned apron and a chef hat while he cooked. What the heck was his deal? Who abducts someone and goes on to make breakfast for them like it was a normal routine?

    I would have understood if I woke up in a dingy basement, but not to the fucking irresistible smell of a home-cooked meal.

    Is this how he operated? He didn¡¯t even bother to tie me down. He must have known I wouldn¡¯t get far in my current state, but still, he offered me a chance to escape, giving me false hope only for him to snatch it and mock my efforts.

    It was infuriating to know I was being toyed with.

    Anger bubbled in my chest, spreading throughout my body, to the extent it burned my veins and boiled my blood.

    Oh fuck him.

    In an instant, I pushed off the wall and grabbed the nearest object that could serve as a weapon. My fingers curled about the neck of a ceramic vase on the counter. I tightened my grip as I lifted it, blinded by rage, resentment, and frustration. I ignored the wave of dizziness that threatened to make me stumble, gritting my teeth as my muscles screamed.

    I aimed for his head. If I manage to knock him out, I can sessfully escape and alert the police. ¡°Hey pervert!¡± I swung therge vase with all my might, hoping to catch him off guard, but the bastard was quick on his feet.

    He spun on hearing my shout, dodging my attack and seizing my wrists. I fought against his grip as he held my hands over my head. The vase slipped and fell as a result, the shattering sound of it breaking into pieces cut through the space between us.

    ¡°Let me go, you deranged man!¡± I continued to struggle, fighting for freedom. I would not let him have his way with me so easily.

    ¡°Aurelia?¡± The stalker gasped, and his voice¡­. I know that voice.

    I froze in ce as pain seared through my head like a mallet mmed against my skull. A groan rippled in my chest as my vision blurred with dizziness. I swayed and lost my footing. I tried to regain my bnce, but the pain was too much to bear, I was losing. I was losing so miserably it made my heart ache. I waited for him to take advantage of the moment and pin me down, but instead, I felt his hands snake around my waist.

    He stopped my fall, cradling me in his arms ever so gently. My body rxed against his, recognizing his touch when my mind had yet to grasp who he was.

    It was strange. What the hell was wrong with me? Why did all my anger evaporate the moment he held me close? Why did I suddenly feel less threatened?This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Aurelia are you alright?¡± I was taken aback by the panic in his tone, wondering why he called out my name like he¡¯d said it a dozen times before.

    My mind raced, trying to connect the dots through the haze of pain and confusion. That voice, the gentleness of his touch, the way he said my name¡­

    I looked at him, really looked at him, and I was met with bright blue eyes that radiated warmth and concern.

    Those were not the eyes of a criminal.

    ¡°Caspian?¡±

 Chapter Twenty-Three; Moments of Uncertainty

    My head hung low in embarrassment. I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth, desperately wishing the ground would open and swallow me whole.

    I was so stupid.

    I refused to raise my head as Caspian returned to the living room with a cup of water and some painkillers. I couldn¡¯t bear to meet his gaze, not when I almost cracked his skull and spilled his brain matter on the floor. I was neither drugged nor kidnapped, Caspian exined that after I got drunk duringst night¡¯s gathering. He¡¯d taken it upon himself to drive me home after I passed out, but there was heavy traffic on the road that led to my apartment so he opted to take me to his home on noticing I hade down with a fever.

    Caspian moved to sit beside me but I kept my gaze on my bare feet. ¡°Here you go.¡± he started, offering the cup to me. ¡°It should help with the headaches.¡±

    I offered him a tight smile as I epted it, too embarrassed to say anything else. Caspian sighed as I leaned back, his lips pulled into a fond smile as he watched me. He always does that, he¡¯s always looked out for me in moments where I thought I was alone. So many things have happened between us, the atmosphere around us only got more awkward.

    ¡°You¡¯re ming yourself aren¡¯t you,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s okay Auri. You must¡¯ve been startled, waking up in an unfamiliar ce can be scary. I¡¯m sorry, I wanted to take you to a hotel but I couldn¡¯t guarantee your safety¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize.¡± I cut him off, finally raising my head. Caspian meets my gaze and his eyes soften. ¡°I should be the one saying sorry, not you. I mean¡­¡± I gestured to the kitchen, to the battered remains of the vase I used to attack him. ¡°You helped me and I almost sent you to the ER.¡±

    ¡°Hmm it¡¯s not as bad as you think, a man needs some excitement once in a while, and seeing you swing a vase at me really got my blood pumping.¡± Caspian lets out a soft chuckle, and heat crawls to my cheeks at his tease. I knew he was trying his best to lighten up the mood, but it wasn¡¯t enough to ease my guilt.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± My shoulders slumped as I looked down at the cup. ¡°You could have gotten hurt¡±

    My eyes widened as Caspian lips mmed against mine, swallowing my words and cutting me off in the process. The kiss was quick,sting for just a few seconds before he pulled back. A yful smirk overtook his features as he took note of my flustered expression.

    ¡°If you feel bad then you can make it up to me,¡± he suggested, his blue eyes shining with an intensity that took me by surprise. It was the same look he had when he dered to seize my heart for his own.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± My voice came out in a whisper, my brows arched in confusion as my grip on my cup unconsciously tightened. He was so close. Too close. But still. I felt nothing, not even when his hand caressed my cheeks, his gaze lingering on my lips as he answered.

    ¡°Will you go on a date with me?¡±

    ***

    I had never skipped a day of work before, but today was an exception. As I explored the amusement park with Caspian, I didn¡¯t want to think of anything else because I was genuinely having a good time. Thanks to the painkillers, my headaches had reduced, and I was relieved to be able to enjoy this little break to the fullest. I relished the sound of heartyughter, the smell of cotton candy and fried food lingering in the air, coupled with the thrill of the rides at the park.

    When Caspian asked for a date, I was skeptical at first. Knowing his growing feelings for me, I didn¡¯t want to lead him on, but it was hard to refuse him at the same time. He was very convincing, especially with those ocean eyes of his. But I couldn¡¯t shake the fact that I felt nothing towards him anymore. Every time he tried to hold my hand, I would find a way to evade him, and each time I did so, my guilt dug deeper, eating me up from within. I was certain that I only saw him as a friend, but with him not willing to ept that, I was at a loss for what to do.

    I was having fun, but a voice rang in my head, reminding me that I was a coward who sought a way to run my worries. I hadn¡¯t forgotten about the stalker, but he had yet to contact me and I didn¡¯t know if that was a good or a bad thing. On one hand, I was slightly relieved, and on the other, I was paranoid. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from wondering what he would do next, if he would finally make a move or continue to tease me. And honestly, I didn¡¯t want to know. I was better off deluding myself that everything was good and well with the world.

    ¡°Damn it.¡± Caspian cursed under his breath as he failed at another attempt to get the stuffed teddy bear from the w machine. ¡°This piece of shit is rigged!¡± he was just about to kick the machine but he stopped himself midway, his eyes widening as suddenly remembered that I stood beside him. Iughed at his adorable frustration, enjoying how determined he was to get the toy I requested. Caspian groaned as he straightened up,bing his hands through his hair. ¡°I¡¯ve failed as a man.¡± he shook his fists in the air, eliciting another round ofughter from me.

    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t beat yourself up. You got this little guy.¡± I mused, showing him the miniature frog he managed to retrieve and he rolled his eyes in response. Caspian leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest as he let out a pained scoff, taking a cursory nce around the arcade.

    ¡°A frog isn¡¯t romantic.¡± He said, his lips jutting out in a small pout. How cute. I moved to lean on the wall beside him, looking down at the said frog. It had heterochromatic eyes, one a dark shade of blue and the other forest green. It immediately reminded me of the CEO, causing an unfamiliar emotion to stir in my heart.

    Both I and Caspian settled in silence for a moment, looking over the noise and liveliness of the arcade.

    I stilled as Caspian hands brushed against mine, but before I could do anything, he took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. ¡°Finally,¡± he muttered under his breath, but I pretended not to hear him.

    Caspian¡¯s grip on my hand tightened. ¡°I like you, Aurelia,¡± he confessed. ¡°I like you very much.¡± his voice lowered to a whisper, and I knew he was waiting for an answer, but instead I said;

    ¡°Is that why you told our colleagues we were in a rtionship.¡±

    Caspian sighed, and I nced at him. He avoided my gaze, turning to look at the teddy bear that remained stuck in the w machine. ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t have said that. I just¡­¡­.¡± he faced me again, his eyes pleading; ¡°I couldn¡¯t bear to hear you openly deny me. It hurts to hear it again, it makes it too real.¡±

    I contemted his words, feeling my heart ache at the sadness in his tone. I was conflicted. Would I ever be able to return his feelings? Would it be right to push such a good man away? Or was I setting myself up for more than I could handle?

    If it was possible for my former feelings for him to return, would it be okay to choose him instead? What about the CEO? Where would he stand in all of this?

    I was at a loss of words, caught between two men who had somehow taken a ce in my life. One offered support andfort but I did not feel an attraction towards him, while the other was cold and stoic, aplete mystery, but my pull towards him was maic.

    ¡°Caspian I can¡¯t¡± My phone buzzed in my handbag, causing my heart to skip a beat. I wanted to ignore it, but then it buzzed again and again. I visibly paled as my blood ran cold, instinctively knowing what it meant.

    ¡°Aurelia?¡± Caspian was quick to notice my change of mood. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±

    ¡°I have to use the bathroom,¡± I said, my wordsing out in a rush as I hurried over to the restroom, silently praying that it was just a random message from an ad or anything else. I spent five good minutes in front of the bathroom mirror, hunched over the sink as I fought to steady my racing heart. I took my phone, unconsciously holding my breath as I opened the message.

    Unfortunately, It was just as I feared.

    MASTER; Where are you?

    It was a simple question, but it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand erect. Lie. just lie. He could be plotting a scheme to abduct me this time, so why would I willingly disclose my location to him? Only a fool would do that, even if I was scared as hell, I was no fool.

    AURELIA; None of your business.

    I had sent it on impulse just to gauge how he would respond, I had no idea who I was dealing with, so it was a huge risk, but maybe I could figure out his intentions if I goad him on.

    ¡°Oh shit, he¡¯s typing.¡± My grip on my phone tightened, and I chewed on my bottom lip as I waited.

    MASTER; I won¡¯t repeat myself.

    I could sense the anger from that statement, and it made me more than satisfied. His persistence must mean that he was nowhere near, but I had gotten what I wanted yet, even when I wasn¡¯t sure what I was looking for.

    AURELIA; Neither will I

    MASTER; You¡¯re not going to get anything good from annoying me darling. Where are you?

    AURELIA; I¡¯m not scared of you.

    That ofcourse was a tant lie, and I¡¯m sure he knew that as well. I might be a horrible liar but I was just as stubborn.

    MASTER; Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re with that bastard.

    I only saw a glimpse of hisst message before it was deleted. My brows furrowed in confusion. What did he mean by that?

    After a few minutes, no texts came, but then my phone lit up with an iing call. I jolted in my spot, thinking it was the stalker but I soon rxed as I realized It was Mrs Juniper.

    ¡°Hello Mrs Juniper.¡± I greeted her, trying my best to sound casual. She must have called because of my absence from work.

    ¡°I¡¯m not calling because of your absence Aurelia¡­¡± She started, almost as if she read my mind. ¡°Caspian already informed me of the situation, so I gave you both a day off.¡± I heaved out a sigh of relief on hearing this.

    ¡°So why did you call? Is it something urgent?¡± I straightened up as I heard Mrs Juniper sigh, taking note of her hesitance.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°The CEO called you in.¡± she finally said.

    My breath hitched in my throat.

    The CEO¡­. wants to see me.

 Chapter Twenty-Four; Without Words

    I don¡¯t know what I had hoped for.

    ¡°The CEO called you in.¡±

    Hearing that made me anxious and excited at the same time, so much so that I had left the amusement park without a second thought. I didn¡¯t have time to feel guilty about leaving Caspian, I told him I needed to attend to something urgent, not waiting for a reply before I zoomed off.

    But now, as I stood in front of his office, I developed cold feet, thinking of the different scenarios that could unfold once I entered. Would he kiss me? Say he missed me? Probably not. It was foolish to hope for such from a man like him, but still. I looked down at my wrists, pulling down the sleeve of my blouse to examine the bandage he¡¯d used to bind my wounds.

    My heart fluttered and tightened, an abnormal reaction that I had be ustomed to. Ever since I met him, my poor heart has been going on a frenzy. Knowing that he was on the other side of the door made me giddy for some reason.

    My cheeks heated up as I remembered his carefreeughter, something I counted myself lucky to witness. What side of him will he show me today? I wanted to see him. I wanted to see him so bad. After days of silence, our paths would finally cross again. Was I wrong for feeling this way towards my boss? To want a man this way?

    But I didn¡¯t care because it wasn¡¯t my fault. The deed has already been done, but I wouldn¡¯t lie, I was beyond clueless, and that only fueled my anxiety.

    How will our rtionship go from here?

    The answer was right in front of me, and yet my feet remained rooted in my spot. I fidgeted as I tried to open the door, reaching for it and pulling back at thest minute. I shook my head and straightened up, looking down at myself to make sure I looked presentable.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    I frowned, my brows furrowing as I spotted a soda stain on my blouse. My frown deepened as my gaze trailed to my feet, and I scoffed at the dust that covered my boots. I smoothened my hands against my jeans, now feeling more insecure.

    The outfit I once thought was cute now looked in and boring. I fiddled with my low ponytail, checking for any loose strands. I heaved out a sigh of relief when there was none, squinting my eyes at the polished door that was so smooth I could see my reflection in it. I smiled big, showing my teeth as I checked if I had any traces of my lunch stuck between my teeth.

    ¡°Uhm Miss.¡±

    I flinched, whipping my head to see his secretary standing behind me with a tight smile on her face. She appeared polite, but I knew she was judging me, I could tell from the way she eyed me from head to toe.

    ¡°He¡¯s waiting for you.¡± She gestured towards the door and turned to leave, offering me a small bow before returning to her post.

    Once she was gone, I bared my shoulders and lightly pped my cheeks to stop myself from overthinking. It didn¡¯t work.

    ¡°Get yourself together,¡± I muttered under my breath, mentally scolding myself for being such a pussy.

    I straightened up a bit and held my head high, trying my best to appearposed as I finally stepped into the office.

    I didn¡¯t know what I was expecting. The moment the door clicked shut, I was cornered.

    I gasped as my back pressed against the wall in an instant, so fast that it got me reeling. My reflexes kicked in and I raised my fists to deliver a punch, but my hands stilled in mid-air as the intoxicating scent of cinnamon and spice tickled my nostrils.

    I froze in ce, my eyes widening as I raised my gaze.

    My heart stopped for a moment, and I felt my mouth go dry as my breath seized.

    There he was, towering over me. The man that had continued to gue my mind. He pressed both of his hands against the wall, caging me in his embrace as he leaned close. He was so close, close enough for me to feel the warmth emanating from him.

    I shrank under his intense re, struggling to keep myself up as my knees weakened threatening to make me lose my footing. His heterochromatic eyes zeroed in on my form, his jaw ticking as he observed me with clear anger burning in his gaze.

    He was angry- Seething with unfiltered rage. I gulped my spit as he tilted his head to the side, almost as if he was deciding what to do with me. I feared if he stared at me any longer I would dissipate into dust.

    I met his gaze, wetting my bottom lip as goosebumps littered my skin. The way he looked at me, with his asionally darting to my lips and tracing the curve of my breasts¡­. I suddenly felt hot, a feverish longing struck me hard. My eyes lowered, and in the silence, I also took time to admire him.

    I didn¡¯t know this gorgeous man could get more beautiful, he was ethereal. His silky hair was slightly tousled like he¡¯d run his hands through it multiple times. His features looked sharper, defined in a way that made you want to trace his jaw with your fingers. Mesmerizing, he was so painfully mesmerizing.

    Without thinking, I reached for him, pressing my palm against his chest. He flinched, taken aback by my forwardness, but he soon rxed, his hard gaze softening momentarily.

    I felt the tremors of his heart against my skin. It was fast, matching mine. I was d. I didn¡¯t realize I was smiling till he roughly grasped my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze once again.

    ¡°Damn you.¡± He rasped, iming my mouth the next second.

    Butterflies burst and scattered in my stomach, followed by a rush of adrenaline that shot through my brain, rippling through my body and lighting the desire he¡¯d engraved on me with his touch.

    As I melted into the kiss, my arms snaked around his neck. No words were spoken between us, but the way our lips moved in perfect synchrony, the way his tongue eagerly pushed into my mouth, I knew it was a deration that was more than words could ever describe.

    LUKE

    This woman would be the death of me.

    I had everything nned out. I would continue my teasing game with her until she broke and approached me for a sort of relief. I was going to hold out on seeing her for a while, then when I finally did, she¡¯ll be at my beck and call.

    When she didn¡¯t show up to work, I didn¡¯t think much of it at first, but then I noticed that the damned coworker of hers was also absent. I was aware she¡¯d gone out with her team the night before, the tracking device I installed in her phone had reallye in handy.

    I even went ahead to send her a sweet goodnight message, just to keep her on her ties. To remind her of who she belonged to, even when she had no idea.

    My doubts escted when I checked her location, seeing that she was neither at home nor anywhere near her neighborhood. She had gone to an amusement park, but that wasn¡¯t what ticked me off. I had a gut feeling that she wasn¡¯t alone, call it paranoia but I didn¡¯t give a fuck.

    I tried to push it off my mind, to tone down on my possessiveness, but I was restless, so much so that I had called in the head of her team to get more info. Of course, I did it professionally, using the excuse of her award to inquire about her whereabouts.

    It was good that the head of the team was a chatterbox, and she¡¯d buttered out that Aurelia drank herself to stupor, and the damned coworker took her home. But thanks to the tracker, I knew for a fact that he did not take her home.

    That bastard!

    My fists mmed against my desk. I cursed under my breath, straightening up in my seat as I grabbed my phone.

    LUKE; Where are you?

    I knew exactly where she was, I meant to ask who she was with, but that would seem suspicious.

    In the end, I gave up and called her in, throwing my ns in the ditch. I was annoyed, I waited in my office, my feet impatiently tapping against the floor as I watched her spend fifteen minutes just standing outside.

    My chest ached and burned, but I resisted. When she finally came in, I had let my emotions get the best of me. I was more irritated at myself. Why does this woman get me so riled up, even as she looked at me, I felt myself go harder than a rock. My erection strained against the fabric of my trousers, but I kept my expression neutral.

    I fought the urge to strip her naked and take her against the wall right here, I needed a way to vent my rage. And it didn¡¯t do me any good now that I visualized it happening.

    Blood rushed to my veins as her tongue darted out to wet her lips. Her eyes lowered seductively, and my heart skipped a beat the moment she ttened her palm against my chest.

    Fuck it all.

    ¡°Damn you.¡±

    I kissed her, hard, saying nothing but telling everything with my lips. My need, my want, my pent-up arousal from these past few days.

    Her lips tasted sweeter than they did thest time. I angled my head to deepen the kiss, losing all form of rationality as her arms snaked around my neck.

    I forced myself to pull back. And she gave a small whine of protest as her gray eyes looked up at me. Pleading for more.

    I didn¡¯t know I could get harder but I did.

    It took everything in me to regain control as I stepped back. I had something else in mind.

    ¡°Get ready,¡± I tell her, and she blinks in confusion. ¡°We¡¯re going shopping.¡±

 Chapter Twenty-Five; Deeper Than Before

    AURELIA

    I didn¡¯t know what to expect when the CEO said we were going shopping. His deration was so sudden, and even when I had yet toe to terms with it, Iplied still. Thinking about it brought me nothing but confusion. Shopping? It was absurd, but I knew better than to voice out my thoughts.

    As I apanied him to his private parking lot, my head hung low as I chewed on my bottom lip. I still felt the lingering pressure of the kiss we shared. I stared at his back. What was going on in his mind right now?

    As if sensing my gaze he nced at me over his shoulder. I quickly looked away, redirecting my gaze to the sky, but I caught a hint of a smirk on his face before he faced forward. Or was I just imagining it?

    His driver waited for us, silently opening the car door on our arrival. The CEO entered the exotic vehicle without a word, his expression giving nothing away all through the drive. I pondered on where we were headed, anything to distract me from the stifling atmosphere in the car. Maybe a high-end department store or a chic little boutique downtown. But the reality hit me like a ton of bricks when we arrived at the hotel and walked into a high-ss boutique right in the lobby.

    My nerves were already on edge, but stepping into the luxurious interior, my heart nearly stopped. I was used to simple, practical clothing stores, not ces where the mannequins wore outfits that cost more than my monthly sry.

    The boutique exuded opulence, from the plush carpets to the gleaming chandeliers. My eyes widened at the sight of delicatece, satin, and sheer fabrics draped elegantly on mannequins, and the realization hit me like a freight train: this wasn¡¯t just any boutique. It was an exotic lingerie store.

    Luke¡¯s voice pulled me from my thoughts. ¡°This way,¡± he said smoothly, guiding me toward the most extravagant section of the store. My cheeks burned as I took in the scandalous disys, my embarrassment growing with every step.

    ¡°What¡­ what are we doing here?¡± I stuttered, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising tide of panic and humiliation.

    I flinched as the CEO grasped my shoulders, moving to stand behind me. I stiffened as he leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. ¡°This is a necessity, you need to get the required items to officially begin your role as my new ything.¡±

    My jaw dropped. What?

    I struggled to retain myposure, but it was long gone, vanished from the moment we stepped into the boutique. ¡°Are you serious?¡± I muttered incredulously. It was a mere whisper, but he heard me.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m very serious,¡± he replied,  slipping away from behind me. I turned to face him, uncertainty settling within me. He grinned, his usual stoic expression fading. Luke¡¯s eyes danced with amusement as he spoke. ¡°Now, be a good girl and pick something out.¡±

    I turned away from him, my cheeks burning hotter than ever. As if this wasn¡¯t humiliating enough, now I had to choose lingerie in front of him.

    The CEO sat cross-legged in the VIP seat that was provided to him in the dressing room. His arrogant dominance was evident in the way he smugly gestured for me to go on, a devious smirk ying on his lips as he leaned back in his seat.

    This man was thoroughly enjoying my predicament. It made me only wonder what I have gotten myself into.

    I bared my shoulders, not willing to let him get the best of me. I must not show weakness.

    My eyes darted to the racks of extravagant designs, each piece more revealing than thest. I picked up a barely-there thong and a matching bra adorned with tiny sparkling crystals, and my heart sank, my confidence wavering.

    ¡°What on earth is this?¡± I muttered under my breath, holding it up as if it might bite me. It was all scrap of fabric joined together in a strategic yet ridiculous manner. I nearly choked on my spit when I saw the price tag, my lips parting in awe as my eyes bulged from its sockets.

    Five thousand dors? For this spider web?

    Luke¡¯sughter rang out, rich and unapologetic. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s one of my favorites. I think you¡¯d look stunning in it.¡±

    I pretend not to hear him, putting the glittering set back and moving on to something a bit more¡­ practical. Or so I thought. The next piece I picked up was a redce bodysuit with outrageously ced cutouts. The only ces it scantily covered were the nipples and¡­. northern regions. I felt my face heat up again and quickly put it back.

    ¡°Having trouble, darling?¡± Luke called out, his tone taunting.

    ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ weighing my options,¡± I retorted, trying to sound nonchnt. ¡°Do I really have to do this?¡±

    ¡°Yes you do,¡± he answered in a firm tone, his grin widening. ¡°More importantly, I¡¯m also quite curious to see what you choose. It tells a lot about a person, you know.¡±

    So I had no choice huh?

    I took a deep breath and continued my search, trying to ignore the growing knot of nerves in my stomach. Every piece I picked up seemed designed to make me blush, and Luke¡¯s gaze felt like a physical touch, heightening my awareness of every little movement.

    Finally, I grabbed a simple ck set-ace bra and matching panties. It was sexy but not too crazy, something I could manage. I held it up for Luke to see, my heart racing as I awaited his approval.

    He stood up and walked over, taking the set from my hands.  I shifted nervously in my spot as he inspected it with a critical eye.¡±Not bad,¡± he hummed, nodding appreciatively. ¡°But I think you can do better.¡±

    ¡°Better?¡± I echoed, disbelief lining my features as my brows furrowed. ¡°I don¡¯t think my body would look ttering in anything else.¡± My voice turned small, and I averted my gaze from him. My fists clenched at my sides as my insecurities kicked in without warning.

    ¡°Look at me,¡± Luke demanded, and I hesitated before meeting his gaze again. His expression was neutral, banishing any trace of yfulness as he gently grasped my chin.  ¡°I want to see you in something that makes you feel powerful and confident. Something that makes you realize just how irresistible you are.¡±

    His words sent a jolt of electricity through me, and I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way my heart raced. How could he say such things so easily? It caught me off guard. ¡°Okay,¡± I agreed, pulling away and grabbing a more daring set-a deep emerald green piece with intricatecework and a plunging neckline. ¡°How about this?¡±

    Luke¡¯s eyes darkened with approval, and he gave me a slow, appreciative smile. ¡°Perfect.¡±

    I turned on my heel and headed towards the fitting rooms, my nerves a tangled mess. As I tried on the lingerie, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was a side of myself I hadn¡¯t explored, and the thought of Luke seeing me in such an intimate way was both thrilling and terrifying.

    When I finally emerged, Luke¡¯s reaction was immediate. His eyes roved over my body, taking in every detail with an intensity that made my skin tingle. He walked over to me, his steps graceful and purposeful. I felt my breath hitch as he reached out to trace a finger along thece.

    My back molded into his chest as he maneuvered me to face the tall dressing mirror in the corner of the room, gracing me with my reflection.

    ¡°You look exquisite,¡± he murmured, his voice low and husky.

    I met his gaze through the mirror, my heart pounding. ¡°Why did you really bring me here, Luke?¡± I didn¡¯t mean to call him by his name, maybe it was because I got carried away by the sudden arousal that shot through my body. I clenched my thighs together, and he was quick to notice.

    He smiled, a predatory gleam in his eyes. ¡°To remind you of your ce, Aurelia.¡± I gulped my spit as his hands snaked around my waist, skimming over the intricate design on the lingering, inching lower with each passing second. His touch burned my skin in a slow yet tantalizing way. I waited with bated breath, not taking my eyes off our reflection as his fingers ghosted over my most sensitive part.

    ¡°And to show you just how much you belong to me.¡±

    A shiver ran down my spine, as he pressed two fingers against my entrance, teasing me as he rubbed me through the thin fabric that clung to my skin.

    I heaved out a shaky breath, feeling my knees go weak as his other hand curled around my neck.

    On feeling my wetness, The CEO hissed through gritted teeth, his eyes darkening with lust as I suppressed a moan. I felt him harden, his erection pressing against my bare buttocks as he pulled me closer.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Keep your eyes on the mirror.¡±

    With that, his fingers thrust inside me, and I let out a sharp cry, throwing my head against his shoulder.

    I knew that whatever happened next, I was in deep-deeper than I had ever been before.

 Chapter Twenty-Six: Officially His

    THIRD PERSON POVThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Luke groaned as her pussy squeezed his fingers, holding her close, his grip on her neck tightening. His gaze flicked to the mirror, watching her mouth hanging open, eyes rolling back in pleasure.

    ¡°Eyes on the damned mirror,¡± hemanded, his voice husky. He gripped her chin, feeling a wave of ecstasy as she whimpered, following his orders. ¡°Engrave this image in your head, Aurelia. Let it serve as a reminder that only I can make you feel this way.¡±

    Aurelia gasped, trying to catch her breath as she watched his fingers move inside her, her arousal evident. Her legs buckled, threatening to give out, but she stood, her chest heaving with each sensation. She followed his orders, her embarrassment mingling with excitement. The idea of being seen, of being overpowered so thoroughly, made her chest swell with unfiltered need.

    ¡®This is more than just PDA,¡¯ she thought, feeling the illicit thrill of their public disy.

    ¡°Look at yourself,¡± Luke whispered in her ear, his lips grazing her neck. His eyes twinkled with ravenous hunger, and Aurelia moaned, her voice strained as he increased his pace. ¡°You¡¯re squeezing me like a desperate little slut. Did you miss me that much, darling?¡±

    Her eyes squeezed shut as his tongue darted out to lick her neck, sending shock waves down her form. The wet sounds of her arousal filled the room, amplifying her embarrassment and excitement. The color in her cheeks deepened as Luke¡¯s fingers worked wonders, reaching ces no one else had explored. Her mind swam, focusing solely on the pleasure he provided.

    Aurelia was highly aware of his hard erection pressing against her.  She bit her bottom lip, her body moving on its own as she ground against him. Oh, how it felt so good, so much that it got her gasping for air. Saliva dripped from her chin as her mouth fell ajar, her vision blurring as she was ravaged by her hunger for him.

    Luke groaned, his body stiffening as her movements heightened his desire. The friction made him lose his breath for a moment, and even he lost focus as he squeezed his eyes shut. She was so wet, so tight. It made his cock twitch and throb in anticipation. Her expressions didn¡¯t make it any easier for him. A low groan rippled in his chest as her pussy tightened around his fingers. He thrust harder, inserting another finger without warning. Aurelia jolted and squirmed against him, the sudden gesture taking her by surprise. He stretched her, and the pain mixed with pleasure caused tears to gather at the corners of her eyes.

    ¡°Ahhh!¡± she yelped, her gaze darting to his hand. It was music to his ears; he couldn¡¯t get enough of her. He¡¯d been waiting, craving her delectable pussy for days. Luke felt his mouth water at the thought of tasting her, but he held himself back, maintaining their current position.

    ¡°You can take it, darling,¡± he cooed in soft encouragement, enjoying how her face twisted and contorted at his mercy. ¡°Swallow my fingers the same way you took my cock.¡±

    Aurelia melted at his words, her heart fluttering as he brought her closer to the brink of insanity. The CEO had a filthy mouth, and she loved the way he spoke without a second thought. His velvet voice was as beautiful as it was daunting, holding an authoritative re that could only be delivered by him.

    Aurelia¡¯s mind swam in a sea of tantalizing sensation as Luke¡¯s fingers plunged deeper. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, each one punctuated by soft whimpers and muffled moans. Her eyes, half-lidded and zed over with pleasure, darted to the mirror. Seeing herself this way stirred an unknown emotion within her. The flushed cheeks, the way her body responded to his touch, the way his fingers moved inside her withmanding expertise-it was intoxicating.

    Luke¡¯s grip tightened on her chin, his voice a husky whisper. ¡°Will youe for me, darling?¡± He had tried to sound domineering, but she was quick to catch the hint of plea in his tone. It made her insides feel warm, burning her from within.

    Aurelia nodded weakly, her voice a breathless whisper. ¡°Yes, Luke¡­¡±

    ¡°Good girl,¡± he murmured, his fingers curling inside her, hitting a spot that made her cry out. Her knees buckled again, but his strong arm around her waist kept her upright, preventing her from copsing under the weight of her ecstasy.

    He shifted slightly, his arousal causing him to draw in a sharp breath. Her body ached for him as he did for her, and craved him in an almost unbearable way.

    ¡°Please,¡± she whimpered, her voice trembling. ¡°I need you¡­¡±

    Luke¡¯s eyes darkened as he heard her pleas, and he fought the smirk that tugged at his lips. He met her gaze through the mirror, leaning forward to rest his head against her shoulder. ¡°You need me, do you?¡± he purred, increasing the pace of his thrusts. ¡°Then show me how much. Show me how badly you want it.¡±

    Aurelia¡¯s hands clutched at his arm, her nails digging into his skin as she rode the waves of pleasure. Luke¡¯s heart lurched in his chest as she ground her hips against his fingers, her movements desperate and needy. Her mouth opened in a silent scream as she teetered on the edge of release, her body tensing, ready to shatter into a thousand pieces.

    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Luke praised, his voice a low growl. ¡°Let go for me. Show me how beautiful you are when youe.¡±

    With a final thrust of his fingers, Aurelia¡¯s world exploded in a blinding sh of pleasure. Her body convulsed, her muscles tightening around him as she came with a cry that echoed through the room. Her vision blurred, and for a moment, all she could see were stars.

    Luke held her through it, his fingers never faltering, prolonging her orgasm until she was a trembling, panting mess in his arms. Slowly, he withdrew his fingers, his touch gentle now, almost reverent. He brought his hand up, his fingers glistening with her arousal, and he held them to her lips.

    ¡°Suck,¡± hemanded softly.

    Aurelia opened her mouth obediently, taking his fingers in and sucking them clean, tasting herself on his skin. She looked up at him through hershes, giving him a seductive look as she purposefully curled her tongue around his fingers. Luke watched her with dark, hungry eyes, his control stretched to a thin line.

    When she hummed, her eyes rolling back in her head as she tasted herself in pure delight, he cursed under his breath and pulled his fingers away. His lips mmed against hers, his tongue pushing through her lips as he sought to taste her, exploring her mouth with fervent intensity.

    They pulled back to catch their breath, panting softly as they gazed at each other with slightly hooded eyes, drunk from the mounts of ecstasy they supplied each other. ¡°Now it¡¯s official,¡± Luke began, his voice a low, rough whisper. ¡°Remember this moment, Aurelia. Remember that you are mine, and mine alone.¡±

    Aurelia nodded, her body still humming with the aftershocks of her orgasm. She knew she would never forget this, the way he made her feel, the way he imed her sopletely. And as she looked into his eyes, she knew she was irrevocably his.

    But for how long?

 Chapter Twenty-Seven; Shellshocked

    AURELIA

    As the car pulled up in front of my apartment building, I let out a soft sigh, a wave of relief washing over me. I gazed out the window, avoiding the lingering stare of the man sitting beside me.

    I had maintained this position throughout the ride, unable to meet his gaze after what happened at the boutique. Heat crawled up my cheeks at the mere thought of it. I still can¡¯t believe we did that in public, ultimately crossing off one of the things on my bucket list.

    Intense PDA. Check.

    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± the CEO called, sessfully getting my attention as I finally turned to face him. He lookedpletely unfazed, which made me a little frustrated, but then again, I didn¡¯t expect anything more.

    I wanted to thank him for today, but the words wouldn¡¯te out. ¡°Oh,¡± I managed to mutter but made no move to leave. I looked down at my feet, to the dozens of shopping bags, and chewed on my bottom lip.

    Gosh, why was this so awkward?

    I stiffened as I felt the CEO draw near, raising my gaze to find him barely inches away from my face. I unconsciously held my breath as his eyes trailed to my lips, lingering there. My heart sped up, and the color in my cheeks deepened.

    Was he going to kiss me goodbye? Why did the prospect of that make me happy?

    My eyes instinctively fluttered closed, but a few seconds passed, and nothing happened.

    ¡°Here,¡± I heard him say, feeling something drop on myp. I opened my eyes, embarrassment pping me hard as he straightened in his seat, gesturing to the file he¡¯d ced on myp.

    Of course, he wasn¡¯t going to kiss me. To think I got my hopes up for nothing.

    I cleared my throat, sheepishly rubbing the back of my neck as I examined the file. Just act normal, Aurelia. Ignore the sting in your chest. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    Luke crossed his arms over his chest, holding a neutral expression. ¡°That contains the contract with the terms regarding our rtionship.¡± His tone was neither yful nor teasing. I straightened up as well,posing myself. The man I faced now was different from the one who kissed me so passionately moments before. No, this man embodied a professionalism that I knew all too well.

    In an instant, he¡¯d drawn a line between us. No more games. It was all business.

    ¡°Go through it and see me in my office tomorrow toplete the signing,¡± he concluded, and I offered a stiff nod in response, keeping my gaze trained on the envelope. A contract, huh? That makes sense; he was a businessman, after all.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I had half expected it, but receiving it made everything seem so real. I was doing this with my boss; it wasn¡¯t just a crazy dream I would soon wake up from. The realization was as scary as it was exciting.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± I addressed him formally, and his lips twitched. The CEO turned away from me, facing the window as he signaled for his driver to open the door for me to leave. His sudden coldness put me off. In the short time I¡¯ve spent with him, I came to know that he was an unpredictable man, so I could never tell what he would do next, but I tried not to think much of it.

    I was about to step out of the car when I suddenly remembered something. I settled back in my seat, and Luke nced at me, his brows arched in question.

    ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± he asked, and I hesitated before speaking.

    ¡°Th-thank you for today.¡± I tried to keep my voice steady as I stered a small smile on my face, hoping it would hide my internal panic. ¡°I¡­had fun.¡±

    The CEO stared at me in silence, like I had suddenly sprouted a second head. I blinked, my smile tightening as I began to rethink my life choices. Had I said something wrong? Should I not have thanked him?

    But I still had something I wanted to ask him. I took a deep breath, feeling my heart drum in my ears as I braced myself for what I was about to say next.

    ¡°Uhmm¡­Can I have your number?¡± The words came out of my mouth before I could stop them.

    There, I said it.

    I averted my gaze from him, fumbling with my purse to bring out my phone. I cursed under my breath as my hands trembled. Even as I offered him the phone, they still shook.

    I looked up at him expectantly, waiting. The CEO¡¯s gaze flickered from my face to the phone, then he shook his head. He pushed my hand back, and I mentally prepared for the impending rejection.

    ¡°There¡¯ll be no need for that,¡± he said simply. It stung, it really did, even when I expected it. I just keep embarrassing myself in front of him.

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± I shrunk into myself, my head hung low as I returned my gaze to my feet.

    ¡°Will that be all?¡± he asked, and I shivered, literally shivered. He was so cold. I shook my head in response and got up, ready to bolt out of the car and maybe hide in a hole too. But then he called me back.

    ¡°Aurelia.¡±

    I turned. ¡°Yes¡±

    My eyes widened as the CEO¡¯s lips met mine. Time seemed to slow, and my heart lurched in my chest, but before I couldprehend what was happening, he pulled back, a satisfied smirk ying on his lips as he took in my dumbfounded expression.

    ¡°I had fun too,¡± he whispered, his hot breath fanning against my face as his eyes gleamed with amusement. ¡°And you already have my number.¡±

    ***

    Now I stood in front of my apartment, staring absentmindedly at the wooden structure as I reyed the CEO¡¯s words in my head over and over again.

    I already had his number? When? I don¡¯t remember him giving it to me, and since we only met today, it couldn¡¯t have been before, right?

    I heaved a sigh, tired of overanalyzing his statement. For all I knew, he could be pulling my leg. But then again, he didn¡¯t seem like the type to say things without a clear reason.

    And that kiss. My cheeks felt hot, butterflies poking at my stomach as the image of his yful smile shed in my mind. We did a lot of things today, but it was these simple glimpses of his unexpected side that always got me reeling.

    I was about to unlock the door when a sudden realization hit me, making me freeze in my spot. The stalker. He couldn¡¯t have made it to my home, right? Right?

    I hesitated, stuck between entering or heading to a hotel until the coast was clear. It was for this reason I got clothes to change from a department store for my date with Caspian, afraid of what I would meet at home.

    A soft meow snapped me back to reality, the sounding from the other side of the door. Chelsea. I gasped, opening the door without a second thought.

    ¡°Chelsea!¡± I rushed into my apartment, panic settling within me. But then I found her lounging on the couch, totally unperturbed.

    My hands flew to my chest as I heaved a sigh of relief.

    I held out my arms to her, and she obliged, hopping down to greet me. Snuggling into her lustrous fur, I nced around the ce. My apartment looked the same, just as I¡¯d left it the day before. Nothing was out of ce. I was d.

    But my relief was short-lived as my phone buzzed. I was beginning to get tired of that, and each time, my heart skipped a beat. I couldn¡¯t push away the fear that gripped me.

    Speak of the devil, and he appears. It was none other than the damned stalker.

    MASTER; You looked stunning in that green lingerie. It took everything in me not to strip you naked and fuck you against the mirror. Goodnight, darling. See you tomorrow.

    I read the message for the fifth time, trying to make sense of his words.

    I was quick to connect the dots.

    No freaking way.

    My jaw hit the floor as realization dawned upon me, shaking me to my bones.

    The CEO¡­is the stalker?!

 Chapter Twenty-Eight; The Confrontation

    AURELIA

    I didn¡¯t know what to think.

    I didn¡¯t know how to feel.

    Was I angry? Yes. Frustrated? Yes. Terrified? Yes.

    The morning light streamed through the tall windows of the CEO¡¯s office, casting long shadows across the polished floor. I stood before his imposing desk, my hands clenched at my sides.

    Luke sat calmly in his leather chair, his expression as calm as a stillke. ¡°Have you signed the contract?¡± His voice was cool and collected, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside me.

    I narrowed my eyes on him. This man¡­ he must know that I had already figured out he was the so-called master, but I did not sense any remorse or apprehension from him. It was infuriating. How long did he n to toy with me, and then he goes ahead to reveal the truth like it was nothing? Like he didn¡¯t vite and cross all boundaries.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t,¡± I replied evenly, meeting his gaze with determination. ¡°And I haven¡¯t had a chance to go through it either.¡±

    How could I even consider the contract, one that would bind me to a man who had no respect for my privacy? If he¡¯d expected to go ahead and sign it, then he was in over his head. I had made up my mind. I wasn¡¯t going to sign the contract. I had barely gotten any sleepst night. I kept tossing and turning in bed, beating myself up for being such a gullible fool.

    Luke raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. ¡°And why is that?¡± His tone was taunting, as if he couldn¡¯t quite understand why I was so agitated.

    Insults burned at the tip of my tongue, but I restrained myself. He was still my boss, he had the upper hand. I took a deep breath, trying hard to calm the storm that brewed and raged within me.

    ¡°I can¡¯t be tied to a man who has no respect for boundaries. I¡¯m sorry sir, but you crossed all moral lines.¡± My tone was surprisingly firm, and I mentally praised myself for keeping my voice from trembling. ¡°There are things I can¡¯t ept.¡±

    His expression remained impassive, but I detected a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. ¡°Things you can¡¯t ept?¡±

    The CEO threw his back andughed, a booming mockingughter that caused an unsettling shiver to go down my spine.

    What was so funny about this?

    I gritted my teeth, my fists tightening at my sides. What did he find so hrious? Did heugh like this while he watched me dance in his palm, taking pleasure in the way he made me restless? It didn¡¯t make sense and it did at the same time. The messages he sent matched his tone perfectly, but I didn¡¯t notice because I never thought he would do something like that.

    I had clearly misjudged him, realizing I did not know anything about this man.

    Hisughter soon died down, leaving a knowing smirk on his face. ¡°I see.¡± He nodded, stroking his bare chin as his tongue darted out to lick his lips. Something stirred within me as I watched him, but I snapped back to reality as he spoke once more.

    ¡°Is that what¡¯s bothering you, Aurelia?¡± he asked casually as if discussing the weather. ¡°But I must remind you, it was you who crossed all limits first, from the moment you added my name to your sex bucket list.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­.¡± I trailed off, realizing he had a fair point, but I never intended to post the list, nor did I have any intention of humiliating him. ¡°That¡¯s different.¡±

    I stood my ground. ¡°You¡¯ve been ying games with me,¡± I started, my voice lowering as I struggled to suppress my anger. ¡°Manipting me into this¡­ arrangement.¡±

    The CEO leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. ¡°I prefer to call it¡­ guiding you towards what you truly desire,¡± he replied smoothly. ¡°And judging by what happened yesterday, you desire me just as much as I desire you.¡±

    His words hit me like a p in the face, the memory of our heated encounter at the boutique shing through my mind. Despite my rage, I couldn¡¯t deny the undeniable attraction between us, the maic pull that drew me to him even now.

    ¡°I won¡¯t submit to you,¡± I dered defiantly, meeting his gaze with fire in my eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t sign that contract.¡±

    The CEO shrugged his shoulders, a dark chuckle rumbling in his chest. He studied me, a predatory gleam in his heterochromatic eyes. In one swift motion, he stood up and circled the desk until he was standing behind me. I unconsciously held my breath. My body went stiff as his hand rested lightly on my shoulder.

    ¡°You say that now,¡± he murmured, his voice low and dangerously seductive. ¡°But we both know you can¡¯t resist me.¡±

    His touch ignited a flurry of conflicting emotions within me-fear, desire, frustration. I wanted to push him away, to reim my sense of control. But his presence was intoxicating, overwhelming my senses in a way I couldn¡¯t ignore.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I turned on my heels, a challenge brimming in my gaze as I faced him. My heart thumped hard against my chest, and I feared he would hear it if he got any closer. I stepped back, putting a foot distance between us as I raised the contract.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you toplete my bucket list,¡± I said, proceeding to m the contract against his desk. His gaze flickered the contract momentarily, before slowly trailing back to my form.

    ¡°I have someone else in mind.¡± The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it. I wanted to spite him, knowing his possessive nature.

    My taunt worked like a charm, wiping the smug expression from his face. I smirked, raising my chin a millimeter higher. God knows where this sudden confidence came from, maybe it was from the bottle can of beer I took beforeing here. Liquid courage was a dangerous thing, but it worked well in my favor.

    ¡°I won¡¯t settle for the third candidate. My first choice would be much be-¡±

    With a sudden movement, Luke gripped my arm and bent me over the desk, effectively knocking the air out of my lungs.

    It happened so fast. I struggled against his hold, but he was too strong, overpowering me easily.

    ¡°Watch your mouth.¡± He growled in my ear, his fingers digging into my skin as his grip on my wrist tightened. ¡°Don¡¯t you dareplete that statement.¡±

 Chapter Twenty-Nine; Signed To The Devil

    I huffed, wincing slightly as my cheeks ttened against the desk. ¡°Let me go!¡± I yelled, panic settling in. I immediately regretted my choice of words. Nothing good ever came from provoking him, I should have known. It was the same thing that happened when we first met.

    He ignored me, shifting to lean against the desk while keeping me in ce. ¡°Since you haven¡¯t read the contract. I¡¯ll do you the honor of enlightening you.

    ¡°What?¡± Oh lord, what was he up to now?

    ¡°I¡¯ll start with the main uses.¡± He dered, and I braced myself, cold sweat trickling down my temple.

    ¡°Aurelia agrees to submit to Luke¡¯s authority, allowing him to make decisions regarding their activities, and engaging in role-ying scenarios that emphasize his dominance and her submission.¡±

    I yelped as his free handnded on my rear with a firm smack. A shocked gasp escaped my lips, the sting of it sending a jolt of pain through me. He flipped my skirt, and heat exploded in my cheeks as he smacked me again. I squeezed my thighs together, chewing on my bottom lip as my core ached.

    Fuck. Why was I turned on?

    ¡°Luke has the right to monitor Aurelia¡¯s location at all times using GPS tracking on her phone and other personal devices.¡± The CEO¡¯s voice was firm, andmanding, his annoyance evident in his words as he read out the terms of the contract. His hand came down on me again, and I suppressed a moan. My body betrayed me as arousal pooled between my legs despite my efforts to resist.

    My breaths became erratic, heating the air as I writhed in his hold.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ¡°Aurelia is to remain exclusivelymitted to Luke, with no other romantic or sexual partners. Luke retains the right to monitor Aurelia¡¯s interactions to ensure this exclusivity.¡± He continued and with each word he spoke, he delivered another sharp spank, each one sending waves of conflicting sensations through me.

    ¡°All punishments for any breaches of the contract or disobedience will be determined solely by Luke.¡±

    I moaned out loud as he smacked me harder than thest, tears gathering at the corners of my eyes as the pain mixed with pleasure, clouding my mind and sense of reasoning.

    Part of me wanted to reject him, to fight back against his dominance. But another part-the part that craved his touch, his control-was tempted to surrender.

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± I protested weakly, my voice wavering as his touch continued to ignite a fire within me. ¡°I won¡¯t give in.¡±

    Luke¡¯s hand caressed my backside, his touch sending shivers of pleasure down my spine. He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. ¡°You want this, Aurelia,¡± he whispered, his voice low and husky. ¡°You want to submit to me.¡±

    His free hand slid off my rear, moving to drop a pen in front of me as he pushed the contract into my line of vision. ¡°Sign the contract.¡± He ordered, leaving no room for discussion. He let go of my wrist but still kept me pinned against the desk. I hesitated, my eyes pleading as I looked up at him, but he didn¡¯t relent. ¡°Or you¡¯ll live to regret it.¡±

    His threat humbled me, and I froze in ce, taking note of the malicious aura that radiated off him.

    I closed my eyes, battling the storm of emotions raging inside me. His touch was intoxicating, his words stirring a desire I couldn¡¯t deny. With a mix of frustration and longing, I reached for the pen and signed my name on the dotted line of the contract.

    This was akin to signing your soul to the devil. The CEO was a devil, tempting me, pushing me against my limits, and relishing in the torture he inflicted on me. A devil. A sadist. That was what he was.

    Luke¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile as he took the contract from me, and freed me. I straightened up, but he didn¡¯t give me time to catch my breath. The CEO snatched my waist possessively, pulling me close and making me stand between his legs. His lips ghosted over mine as his hand curled around my neck, supplying an amount of pressure that made me lightheaded.

    I red at him, matching his intense gaze through tear-rimmed eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯re mine now. Get that into your thick skull.¡±

    I wanted to speak but he cut me off by applying more pressure on my neck. I gasped for air, my lungs burning from theck of oxygen.

    His eyes darkened, and my lips trembled as he smirked in victory.

    ¡°One more thing. If I ever catch that sted first choice of yours so much asy a hand on your hair. I¡¯ll make his life a living hell, then be sure to expect a nice punishment yourself.¡±

    His words lingered in the air, heavy with promise and threat. As he released his grip, I took in a deep, shaky breath, trying to steady myself. The CEO returned to his seat, casually adjusting his tie as if nothing out of the ordinary had urred.

    I stood there, my body trembling with a mixture of fear, anger, and unwanted arousal. I hated him for what he did, for how he made me feel. Yet, deep down, it made him seem more endearing. I hated that too. Luke¡¯s eyes never left mine, a satisfied smirk ying on his lips. ¡°Now, Aurelia, let¡¯s get back to work, shall we?¡±

    With a final, defiant re, I turned on my heel and walked out of his office, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. The contract was signed, the terms set, and my fate sealed. But one thing was clear- I would not let him break me.

    I had to be careful, to stay alert. Luke was a master maniptor, but I wouldn¡¯t let him control mepletely. I would y his game, but I would do it my way.

    The CEO might have won this round, but I would find a way to turn the tables. And when I do, he would realize that he had underestimated me. ttINEI

 Chapter Thirty; Pinky Promise

    THIRD PERSON POV

    The week blew over quickly.

    Aurelia had sessfully stayed clear of the CEO, and she was more than d he didn¡¯t make an effort to contact her after the confrontation. Still sense of dread settled in her heart. It was like the calm before a storm.

    Maybe he was brewing another vicious n. She couldn¡¯t afford to rx. But today was Sunday, so she needed a little break.

    Her life has been nothing more than dramatic in the past month, so it wouldn¡¯t hurt to unwind a little. She was in her home, a ce that the CEO could not reach. He knew her house address, yes, but still, she didn¡¯t want to dwell on that.

    She didn¡¯t want to think of him.

    Aurelia was curled up in the living room, Chelsea sleeping in herp as she sniffled and sobbed. Rewatching the Titanic was her favorite way of relieving stress. A heartbreaking romance and a tub of ice cream could never do you wrong.

    The sound of the doorbell interrupted the movie and she paused it, setting Chelsea aside so she could answer the door.

    Maybe it was the pizza she ordered. On opening the door, Aurelia certainly did not expect to see Caspian.

    ¡°Caspian?¡± She blurted out, rubbing her teary eyes with her palms as she immediately straightened up. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Caspian gazed at her with slight worry, his brows arched as he noticed her tear-stained cheeks and red nose. ¡°Hi, Aurelia. Are you alright?¡±

    Aurelia nodded, straightening up as she leaned against the door.

    If she were being honest, she wasn¡¯t alright. Not when her ass still ached from the spanking her boss gave her a few days ago, but she couldn¡¯t tell him that.

    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡± She answered, stering a small smile on her face as she gestured towards him. ¡°And you?¡±

    It was awkward, seeing him at her doorstep after everything that happened.

    ¡®One more thing. If I ever catch that sted first choice of yours so much asy a hand on your hair. I¡¯ll make his life a living hell, then be sure to expect a nice punishment yourself.¡¯

    She suddenly remembered the CEO¡¯s threat. Aurelia wondered if he¡¯d go as far as to send someone to spy on her, reporting her every move. Judging from what he¡¯d done so far, he probably would. It made her ufortable, but she feared more for Caspian.

    The CEO wouldn¡¯t hurt him, right? Would he go that far?

    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe in?¡± Dispelling her frantic thoughts, she stepped aside to make way for him to enter. Caspian offered her an appreciative nod as he walked in and she noticed the gift back he held behind his back.

    As he walked in, Aurelia did a double take, narrowing her eyes as she checked the hall leading to her apartment. She whipped from left to right, but she saw no one. Nothing suspicious or out of the ordinary. Letting out a soft sigh, she closed the door and turned to face Caspian.

    Aurelia shook her head at her paranoia. How could one man set her on the edge like this?

    ¡°Ie bearing gifts.¡± Caspian proimed, pulling her from her train of thought. He handed her the gift bag, and Aurelia hesitated a bit before taking it.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to¡­¡± she trailed off as she peeked into the bag, seeing a stuffed Teddy bear. Her eye softened as she immediately recognized it. It was the teddy bear he tried to get from the w machine on their date.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Aurelia looked up at Caspian, her lips parted in awe. The young man averted his gaze, looking off to the side as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. He rocked on the heels of his boots, his cheeks tinted pink.

    ¡°After you left, I tried over and over again to get the toy. In a way, I was venting out my frustrations, since you didn¡¯t give me a proper exnation before leaving¡­. It got me thinking.¡± Caspian rambled his chaotic thoughts, his shoulders slumping as he let out a sigh. He¡¯d practiced heavily beforeing here, reciting each sentence in his head as he tried to find the best way to convey his conflicting feelings.

    ¡°What I mean to say is¡­¡± He took a deep breath, shifting his gaze to his feet. ¡°This is my final attempt at winning your heart.¡±

    Aurelia fell silent for a moment, her gaze flickering from the teddy bear to him. She chewed on her bottom lip, her mind straying off.

    ¡°Caspian¡­¡± her voice was soft, the familiar guilt pulling at her heartstrings. ¡°What made you change your mind?¡±

    Caspian smiled, but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°The person you chose¡­. it¡¯s the CEO right?¡±

    Aurelia¡¯s eyes widened, the color draining from her cheeks as the gift bag slipped from her grasp.

    ¡°H-how did you know?¡±

    A moment of silence passed before he replied.

    ¡°I noticed. I¡¯m a keen observer. From the elevator to the g¡­I saw the way he looked at you. The way you looked at him. I didn¡¯t want to ept it then, but I overheard your call in the bathroom on our date. I didn¡¯t mean to eavesdrop, you were taking so long and¡­. when I went to check up on you, I heard.¡±

    Caspian let out a bitterugh as he finally raised your head. ¡°You didn¡¯t hesitate before going to him, and then it all clicked.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡± what could she possibly say at this point? There was no use denying it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± In the end, she apologized by default.

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Caspian reassured her. He picked up the bag and ced it in her hands, giving them aforting squeeze before pulling back. ¡°The heart is what the heart wants.¡± Although he tried to lighten the mood, Aurelia knew he was hurting, and it pained her, knowing she was the cause.

    ¡°You¡¯re a good man Caspian.¡± She said and meant it. ¡°Too good for the likes of me.¡±

    Maybe if she¡¯d chosen him from the beginning, she wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. He didn¡¯t even ask her any questions, she was sure he must be curious, but he chose to respect her privacy.

    Unlike a certain someone.

    Caspian chuckled, shoving his hands in his pockets as his lips split into his signature boyish grin. ¡°I¡¯m just me, Aurelia. And you¡¯re everything and more ¡± He countered, his tone heavy with admiration. ¡°Even with a pair of shorts and a simple T-shirt¡± he added, his smile shifting into a teasing smirk.

    Aurelia looked down at herself, her cheeks tinting pink as she realized she faced him in her poor man¡¯s PJs, abination of knee-length shorts and a baggy t-shirt. Her hair waszily spun into a loose bun at the top of her head, and she noticed the huge ice cream stain on her shirt as well.

    Embarrassed, she lightly punched Caspian¡¯s shoulder, and he winced dramatically, doubling forward as if he¡¯d been hit with crushing force.

    ¡°Damn, you really pack a punch, I should have known after you almost cracked my skull with a vase.¡± He mused, satisfied to see her flustered reaction.

    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me of that!¡± Aurelia covered her face with her hands to hide her red cheeks, causing Caspian to burst intoughter.

    Chelsea stirred awake, rolling on her back as she stretched her limbs and let out a small yawn. Caspian moved to pet her, but she jolted up, taking a defensive stance as she showed her fangs and hissed at him. An action that took both of them by surprise.

    Caspian flinched, a shadow crossing over his features as he let out a little squeak of fear. Aurelia couldn¡¯t hold back herughter at his reaction, and now he was the one with rosy cheeks.

    ¡°Man.¡± He raised his hand in surrender as Chelsea red at him viscously. Caspian took a cautious step back, heeding her warning. ¡°Rejected by the cat and the owner, I¡¯m a loser aren¡¯t I?¡±

    Aureliaughed again, but herughter soon died down.

    ¡°Caspian, please promise me you won¡¯t tell anyone.¡±  She begged, Her eyes pleading as she looked up at him. ¡°If words get out there¡¯ll be a huge scandal and I-¡±

    ¡°Aurelia.¡± Caspian cut her off. ¡°I¡¯m not judging you.¡± heaving out a short breath, he held out his pinky. ¡°Just promise me one thing. Are you happy with him? I¡¯m asking you this as your friend.¡±

    Aurelia swallowed hard, contemting her thoughts, then after a few seconds, she linked her pinky finger with his.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    It was neither a lie nor the truth.

    The CEO made her feel strange things, things she feared to explore any further. Things that threatened to consume her. And it was only the beginning, who knew what awaited her in the near future.

    A hint of hurt shed in Caspian¡¯s eyes, but it left as quickly as it came, so quick she didn¡¯t notice. ¡°Then your secret is safe with me.¡±

    Aurelia was grateful, a wave of relief washing over her. ¡°Thank you, Caspian.¡± For the first time in a long while, she didn¡¯t feel utterly alone.

    Meanwhile¡­¡­

    ¡°Reports.¡± Luke brought his ss of whiskey to his lips, enjoying the sweet tingling taste as he leaned back in his seat. The video of Aurelia pleasuring herself yed on therge screen TV in his private vi, the sounds of her moans filling the space around him. Just how he liked it.

    ¡°He was there today sir. I spotted him entering and leaving her apartment.¡± His henchmen said over the phone. The man had spent thest few days camped outside Aurelia¡¯s apartment building on Luke¡¯s orders.

    Luke¡¯s grip on his phone tightened. He cut the call and tossed the phone aside, finishing the rest of the whiskey in one gulp. The liquid burned his throat and chest, but it did nothing to quench the anger brewing within him.

    That damned coworker! He thought, not bothering to keep Caspian¡¯s name in mind.

    ¡°Hah.¡± he scoffed, his temple pulsing with irritation. ¡°She¡¯s taking me for granted.¡± Luke mmed the ss against the table, hard, almost shattering it.

    His eyes zed, a sinister grin overtaking his features as he returned his gaze to the TV.

    ¡°I don¡¯t make empty threats my dear Aurelia. You¡¯ll know this soon.¡±

 Chapter Thirty-One; Power Play

    AURELIA

    I was grateful for the hum of activity that filled the studio. It was a new week and as I settled into my workspace, I looked forward to what the day would bring.

    What I certainly didn¡¯t look forward to was a meeting with the CEO. He still hadn¡¯t contacted me, filling me with a mix of relief and worry.

    What exactly was that man nning in that handsome head of his?This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    My colleagues and I were engrossed in a casual conversation, the topic meandering from weekend ns to thetest project we were tackling. It was a rare moment of normalcy amid our hectic schedules.

    ¡°Did you catch that new movie that came outst week?¡± Olivia asked, her eyes bright with excitement as she looked between me and Caspian. Her lips soon curved into a teasing smirk. ¡°You both must have watched it together right?¡±

    Oh. I had forgotten they still thought we were dating.

    Kendall quickly caught on to Olivia¡¯s tease and decided it was the right time for him to open his mouth.

    ¡°If I remember correctly, you were both absent after Aurelia¡¯s partyst week,¡± he snickered, raising his scissors to point at Caspian. ¡°Should we be expecting babies soon?¡±

    I was about to smack the daylights out of him, my cheeks flushed in embarrassment, but Olivia beat me to it. Matthew chuckled at his desk, subtly shaking his head as he watched Olivia pinch Kendall¡¯s cheeks. Mrs Juniperughed out loud, the bubbly sound echoing through the room.

    ¡°There¡¯ll be no babies,¡± Caspian interjected, casting me a thoughtful nce before facing our colleagues. ¡°We are not dating, never were.¡±

    On hearing his deration, everyone whipped their heads to him, their eyes wide with surprise and curiosity.

    Matthew broke the silence first. ¡°And here I was designing wedding invitations.¡± He mused, causing Caspian to let out a softugh.

    Kendall broke free from Olivia¡¯s grip and faced me, his expression was far from pleased. ¡°Damn. You both had so much chemistry, I was rooting for y¡¯all.¡±

    ¡°Tch. Don¡¯t mind him, Aurelia. He ced a bet on you both with Mathew, these fools bet if you¡¯ll be pregnant by the end of the month with Caspian¡¯s child.¡± Olivia scoffed, narrowing her eyes at both men as she shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing they gave me the money, I¡¯ll treat you to lunch today. Give me all the deeds.¡± she winked at me and I chuckled as both Matthew and Kendall jerked forward, eyes as wide as saucers.

    ¡°What!¡± They chorused, but Olivia couldn¡¯t care less, she just casually faced the mannequin in front of her, pretending not to hear them as she continued to work.

    ¡°Serves you both right.¡± Mrs Juniper added, shooing them back to their workspaces. ¡°Now get back to work, we have a deadline to meet.¡±

    Kendall grumbled under his breath as he red at Olivia, while Mathew sagged against his seat, shoulders slouched with a forlorn expression on his face.

    Caspian leaned close when no one was looking, his breath fanning against my neck. ¡°Am I safe now?¡±

    I turned to him, a glimmer of gratitude in my eyes as I mouthed a silent thank you. Caspian nodded, offering me a sweet smile in return. I was so happy we were back to being friends, so d there was no more awkwardness lingering between us.

    Just then, the atmosphere shifted. The studio doors swung open, and in strode Luke, the CEO, with his secretary trailing behind him. My heart skipped a beat, and I instinctively straightened up, my mind racing.

    What was he doing here?

    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± The CEO announced, his authoritative voice cutting through the chatter like a knife. His gaze roamed about the room as everyone stiffened in their spot, and the shock on Mrs Juniper¡¯s face tells me she was not aware of his visit.

    Finally, his wandering gazended on me, only for a slight moment. Time seemed to have slowed, and my breath hitched in my throat. His smile came slow, taunting, and devious. ¡°I¡¯m here to inspect the ongoing project.¡±

    Was this it? The moment but I¡¯ve been dreading it for the past few days.

    I swallowed hard, trying to maintain a professional demeanor. The room went silent, all eyes on him. Luke¡¯s presence wasmanding, and it was impossible to ignore the underlying tension he brought with him.

    Everyone stood still in their spot as he walked down the line of workstations, his expression impassive as he merely nced at the designs on the disy.

    His intoxicating scent filled my nostrils as he whisked past me, pausing in front of Caspian, who was busy finalizing a pattern. ¡°Let me see what you¡¯re working on,¡± Luke demanded.

    Caspian hesitated for a moment before showing him the pattern, casting me a wary side nce as Luke¡¯s eyes scanned the design, his expression growing colder by the second.

    ¡°This is mediocre at best,¡± he dered, his toneced with disdain. ¡°Is this the level of work we¡¯re presenting to our clients?¡±

    Caspian stuttered, not knowing how to respond. ¡°I¡­I¡¯ll make corrections to it sir¡­¡± he trailed off, cold sweat gathering at his temple as the CEO tucked his hands behind his back. He eyed Caspian from head to toe, a scowl settling on his features.

    ¡°Correction you say?¡± He scoffed. ¡°Even if you recycle this trashy pattern, I doubt it¡¯ll make much of a difference. Start over, you¡¯ll send the revisions directly to me, and if I¡¯m still not satisfied,¡± The CEO took a threatening step forward, and as he did so, Caspian hung his head lower, his fists clenching at his sides. ¡°Consider yourself fired.¡±

    I gaped at Luke¡¯s statement. Caspian worked on that pattern for weeks, it had already been finally, Mrs Juniper had even given her approval¡­ so why-

    ¡®¡­. If I ever catch that sted first choice of yours so much asy a hand on your hair. I¡¯ll make his life a living hell¡­¡¯

    At that moment, The CEO¡¯s words echoed in my mind.

    So that¡¯s why. Fucking unbelievable.

    A wave of anger surged through me. Caspian was one of the best pattern makers in our department, and he didn¡¯t deserve such harsh criticism. He didn¡¯t deserve his hard work disregarded because of petty reasons such as jealousy.

    This was not about the pattern. It was about the CEO asserting his dominance.

    I hated it. Hated how he yed with people like they were mere pawns in his game of chess. He¡¯d yed me the same way, but I won¡¯t allow him to do the same to my friend. Caspian was innocent in all this.

    I took a step forward, my voice steady but firm. ¡°With all due respect, Mr. Graham, Caspian is an excellent pattern maker. We¡¯ve all been working hard on this project, and your impromptu visit did not give us a chance to prepare ourselves.¡±

    As I spoke, my colleagues stared at me like I had grown a second head. I could understand their surprise, it wasn¡¯t every day you saw someone standing up to the very man who paid their bills.

    But this was not just about the CEO or Caspian, I was also actively involved.

    Luke¡¯s eyes snapped to mine, his expression darkening. ¡°Are you telling me how to run mypany, Miss Ravenwood?¡±

    My heartbeat drummed in my ears, but I held my ground, feeling the weight of my colleagues¡¯ gazes on me. ¡°I¡¯m merely stating the facts. We all put in our best effort, and Caspian¡¯s work reflects that.¡±

    For a moment, there was a tense silence. Then, Luke¡¯s lips curled into a cruel smile, one that made me waver for a moment.

    ¡°If you think you can do a better job, perhaps you should be in charge. But since you¡¯re so eager to defend him, you¡¯re fired.¡±

    The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Fired? My mind reeled, but I forced myself to remain calm. ¡°Sir?¡± I blurted out, the color draining from my face

    Luke leaned in closer, his voice a low growl. ¡°The only mistake here is you thinking you can challenge me.¡±

    With that, he turned and walked away, his secretary hastily following. I stood there, stunned, the reality of the situation sinking in.

    Fired?

    This can¡¯t be happening.

 Chapter Thirty-Two; Lavender Roses

    I didn¡¯t want to believe I had just lost my job, didn¡¯t want to ept my aspirations had been drawn to an end so abruptly, snatched from me so easily.

    I was in denial, and I knew it.

    I waited, waited for the CEO to contact me and tell me everything was just a ruse to provoke me into submissions.

    I waited and waited.

    But the call never came.

    I had also tried to reach him through the number he saved on my phone, but it never worked. I gave up on the twentieth attempt.

    Four days passed, four long excruciating days.

    I didn¡¯t cry. I was too stunned to express any other emotion. Even as I cleared my desk and submitted mypany ID to Mrs Juniper, I didn¡¯t cry.

    I didn¡¯t cry when Caspian continued to apologize, holding me close as he struggled to stop himself from crying from guilt.

    He kept saying it was his fault, and that he would find a way to fix it.

    Thinking back on his words now, maybe he¡¯d just said that to make me feel better because I didn¡¯t know how he possibly nned to fix it. Caspian wasn¡¯t the CEO, and I doubt anyone could change his mind, let alone Caspian.

    I¡¯m sure Luke had clearly established that he hated his guts.

    It was surreal. Hadn¡¯t I signed a contractst week? Was that still valid? If it was, then why would he fire me out of the blue?

    I admit I had stepped out of line, but surely it wasn¡¯t enough to warrant losing my job right? I didn¡¯t even get fired when the sex bucket list got leaked.

    I sighed a long sigh, wishing to disappear into the soft mattress of my bed as I absentmindedly stared at the ceiling.

    ¡°I¡¯m unemployed,¡± I said to the empty room. Realization sinking and spreading through me like a virus. Wasn¡¯t I the Sam woman who received an honorary award weeks ago? But now I am jobless.

    I wish I could cry, it would¡¯ve been better than this numb feeling swelling in my chest, weighing heavy on my heart and mind.

    The sound of my doorbell snaps me back to reality, and Izily drag myself out of bed. Chelsea was hot on my tail, she always got excited every time the doorbell rang for some reason.

    Her excitement was cute, and a fond smile spread across my face as I watched her.

    The smile faded as I opened the door.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Delivery for Miss Ravenwood.¡±

    A delivery man stood before me, wearing a polite smile as he offered me a wrapped box and a bouquet ofvender roses.

    My brows furrowed. ¡°For me?¡± I pointed to myself, and he nodded in response, his smile never shifting. ¡°Oh.. okay.¡± I hesitated before taking the parcels from him, putting my signature on the small file I handed me next.

    ¡°Have a good day, miss.¡± And with that, he left. I returned inside, staring at the box and flowers like they were bombs.

    Who would have sent these?

    I set the box on the table in the living room, flopping on the couch as I brought the flowers to my nose. My eyes fluttered close as I sniffed.

    I stiffened. It didn¡¯t smell like roses. Instead, it smelt like a man. A man I knew all too well, the familiar scent causing me to straighten up in my seat.

    Were these from the CEO?

    My heart raced with anticipation at the thought, and as I opened my eyes, I noticed a small note tucked in between the rose petals.

    cing the bouquet beside the box, I unconsciously held my breath as I hurriedly peeled the note open, my eyes rounding as I read its contents.

    ¡®Dear Aurelia,     I hope you¡¯re doing well. Did you think of me? You probably did. I¡¯ll go straight to the point. You are to return to work tomorrow, not as a designer, but as my new personal assistant. I¡¯ve also provided you with a unique set of clothes you will be required to wear to work from now on.

    Your Dearest,

    Luke.¡¯

    I read it again, and again. After the fifth read, I still struggled to understand the message.

    What twisted game was he ying now? His personal assistant? Is that why he fired me so ruthlessly? Only to hire me again as his assistant?

    My gaze shifts to the box, and I move to open it, revealing neatly folded office dresses. They were moderate and strangely normal. I had expected something a little more outrageous, but as I picked up the dresses, it made way for the set of panties that was tucked underneath them.

    Heat burst in my cheeks. What the hell was this? Did he also expect me to wear these as well?

    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡± I examined the panties, and the color of my cheeks deepened. They were exactly my size.

    This was beyond crazy. Thanks to that damned contract, I couldn¡¯t refuse. I couldn¡¯t risk getting awsuit. An employee against the CEO? It was a clear loss for me. I had neither the money nor the power to go against him.

    I cursed under my breath, frantically running my hands through my hair as I slumped against the couch.

    I can understand the dresses, but why the underwear? I couldn¡¯t help but think there was a hidden agenda to it. He wouldn¡¯t know if I didn¡¯t wear them right?

    Just then, the memory of him bending me over his desk shed in my mind, the sound of his handsing in contact with my ass ringing in my ears. I winced.

    Fuck. He would know. And if I refused him, he would punish me.

    A buzz of excitement shot through my core, and I squeezed my thighs together, chewing on my bottom as more memories of his ruthless dominance flooded my mind, my breathing heavy as arousal pooled between my legs.

    Oh, I was so fucked.

    To crave him like this, after everything he¡¯d done. I had lost all understanding of my body, it worked against my will, or rather towards my deepest desires, desires I had tried to suppress.

    Yes. I was fucked.

    Now I could only wonder how tomorrow would turn out.

 Chapter Thirty-Three; Punishment

    The next day, I returned to work. I took a short detour to my team¡¯s studio to inform them of my situation, and their reaction was the same as mine. They all wished me good luck, grateful for the fact that I wasn¡¯t out of thepany for good, some even saw it as a promotion, all except Caspian who still med himself for my predicament.

    I tried my best to reassure him. It would¡¯ve been worse if he¡¯d lost his job because of me, and I never regretted standing up for him. Now it was time for me to face the consequences of my actions. No matter how absurd they might be.

    As I made my way to the CEO¡¯s office, my heart was in a frenzy, but I did well to maintain a neutral expression. I wore one of the dresses he¡¯d sent; a simple yet ssy navy blue sheath that hugged my figure modestly, with clean lines and a knee-length hem. My hair was neatly packed into a ponytail, and Ipleted the look with sleek ck heels.

    I still couldn¡¯t believe I was being relegated to a role as a personal assistant. It felt like a punishment, a demotion in every sense, despite the reassurances from my colleagues. I¡¯d spent years honing my skills as a designer, pouring my creativity and passion into every project. And now, I was expected to fetch coffee and manage schedules? The absurdity of it all gnawed at me.

    Doubt crept into my mind. What if I couldn¡¯t handle this? What if I failed at even this basic task? I wasn¡¯t trained for this kind of work. The responsibilities of being the CEO¡¯s assistant were entirely different from what I was ustomed to. I was used to creating, and bringing visions to life, not managing mundane daily tasks.

    I shook my head, heaving out a long breath as the knot in my stomach tightened.

    I waited at the lounge outside his office like his secretary had instructed, and not long after I arrived, the CEO stepped out of his office. My heart skipped a beat, lips parting in awe as I took in his jaw-dropping appearance.

    He looked even more handsome today, wearing a tailored ck suit that fit him like a glove. The crisp white shirt beneath it contrasted sharply, and a slim, burgundy tie added a pop of color. His polished ck shoes and a sophisticated silver watchpleted his effortlessly stylish and professional look.

    There was a fluttering in my chest, and somewhere else as well.

    I immediately stood to my feet, my neutral expression cracking as he nced at my way. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and at that moment, I only saw him. As he approached, I couldn¡¯t help but admire the aura of confidence and authority he exuded. His presence wasmanding, yet there was a hint of warmth in his eyes as he looked at me, but it left as quickly as it came.

    ¡°We¡¯re heading to a meeting.¡± He said curtly. His tone was cold, and it was enough for me to snap out of my daze. As he walked on, I trailed behind him, staring hard at his broad back as we made our way to his private parking lot.

    He didn¡¯t say anything else. All through the drive and till we got to the venue. He didn¡¯t even spare me another nce. It pained me for some reason. I didn¡¯t know what to expect, but his cold reception was off-putting.

    Stupid beautiful man.

    We arrived at the venue, a modern conference hall with sleek ss walls that reflected the morning sun. I continued to follow him like a duckling waddling behind its mother,  feeling the weight of his presence beside me like an unspokenmand.

    He took his seat at the head of the table, and I positioned myself discreetly beside him, keeping my gaze neutral despite the turmoil inside me.

    As the meetingmenced, I jolted in my spot, goosebumps littering my skin as an electrifying jolt shot through me, the shocking from right between my legs.

    What was that?

    I settled, thinking it was my nerves, but then it happened again, this time more intense than thest.

    I gritted my teeth, my hands balling into fists at my sides as I tried hard to keep a straight face and not disrupt the meeting.

    My chest heaved, my legs quivering as I fought to ignore the persistent throbbing pulse that sent waves of pleasure through my body.

    What the hell was happening to me?

    I unconsciously nced at the CEO. I found him watching me with a knowing smirk, his eyes dark with amusement.

    He looked like he was thoroughly enjoying my struggle as if he knew exactly what I was going through. My eyes narrowed in suspicion as he discreetly pulled out a small remote from his pocket, shing it briefly before tucking it away.

    I only saw a glimpse of it, but I recognized the device, putting two and two together.

    I gasped, hushing my voice as realization hit me like a sledgehammer.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Oh no.

    The panties he had insisted I wear-they were equipped with a vibrator, and the remote in his hand controlled it.

    My cheeks flushed hot with embarrassment and arousal.

    How could he do this in the middle of a business meeting?

    What the hell was wrong with this man?!

    Luke¡¯s gaze held mine, his expression a mix of dominance and challenge. I struggled to maintain eye contact, torn between the humiliation of being controlled so tantly and the undeniable thrill of his power over me.

    Soon I felt the vibrations increase and my knees almost buckled. I hissed, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip as I bit back a moan. I tipped my head heavenward, taking deep breaths.

    Tears gathered at the corner of my eyes, the hairs at the back of my neck standing erect as I felt my pussy ache with painful need.

    It was excruciating, feeling my arousal wet the panties that caused my torture. I knew he had a hidden agenda, but I never expected it to be something like this.

    The CEO chuckled, responding to a business partner who shared a small joke, but I knew that it wasn¡¯t the reason for hisughter.

    He nced at me again, his lips moving.

    ¡°Enjoy your punishment.¡± He whispered, bringing me oblivion as the vibrations became unbearable.

 Chapter Thirty-Four; Blue balls

    LUKE

    The amusement at Aurelia¡¯s difort had carried me through the meeting.

    It was safe to say I was having the best time of my life. Watching her squirm, trying so hard to maintain herposure while the vibrator hidden in her panties did its work, was a thrill I hadn¡¯t anticipated. I mustmend her resilience, even as I subtly increased the power of the vibrator, she kept her whimpers at a minimum, and it only made me more intrigued by her.

    Only I could hear her, and I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way. I nced at her asionally, and each time she met my gaze, her eyes pleaded for me to stop. But how could I? When the fun had only just begun.

    This was just the tip of the iceberg, a sweet dose of more that was toe.

    I had a solid n. I wanted to get rid of that bastard coworker of hers, but when she stepped up to defend him, challenging me in the process, I lost my patience.

    Aurelia never failed to make me lose all manner of tolerance I had built up over the years. I couldn¡¯t stand the thought of another her being near her, and she¡¯d crossed all borders by letting that bastard in her house.

    I had warned her, but she chose to ignore me. It was a real shame, but now she¡¯ll have to pay the price. I wanted her to suffer a little bit, just a little bit. To remind her of her ce, she had a bad habit of forgetting.

    She forgot that I called the shots. She was just a ything, a tool at my disposal, and I was ready to educate her in the best way possible. This was just the basic ss, and I was an excellent teacher indeed.

    Her frantic breaths were like music to my ears, and my chest swelled with pride as she hissed through her teeth, her legs quivering and threatening to give out.

    I was d she followed my instructions, even if she failed to be thoroughly obedient. The fear I had instilled in her paid off.

    I didn¡¯t intend to make her my assistant, she was a formidable designer, one of the best mypany has ever had, but how would I teach her if she wasn¡¯t near me? She had just signed the contract, and now she was legally bound to me.

    And no, it wasn¡¯t because I fantasized about how it¡¯ll feel to fuck her against my desk, taking her through those moderate yet elegant dresses I got her. It wasn¡¯t because of that.

    As the meeting wrapped up my business partners lined out, leaving with some brief greetings and firm handshakes. From the corner of my eye, I saw her hesitate before making her move. She stepped in front of me, blocking my path as I headed for the exit, her eyes burning with a mix of anger and something deeper. I couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    ¡°You¡¯re in my way,¡± I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Or do need anything, Miss Ravenwood?¡±

    She didn¡¯t respond. Instead, she stepped closer, her eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. Before I could react, she grabbed my tie and yanked me down to her level, pressing her lips against mine in a fierce, almost desperate kiss.

    The shock of it froze me for a moment, but the heat and urgency of her kiss soon took over. It was a sh of tongues and teeth, raw and electrifying. But then, just as abruptly, she pulled back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

    Fuck. That sight. I went hard as a rock

    ¡°Why?¡± her voice trembled, her grip on my tie tightening as her hot breath fanned against my tingling lips. ¡°Do you enjoy toying with me?¡±

    Without warning, she shoved me against the wall with shocking strength, giving me no chance to reply as her body moulded into mine. For a brief moment, I was caught off guard, reminded of the time she pounced on me at the g, the mix of anger and frustration in her eyes was also the same.

    I was lost in her fiery gaze, but then I felt her hand move toward my pocket, and I immediately understood her goal. She was trying to get the remote.

    I grabbed her wrist just in time, pulling back and holding the remote high above her head. My fingers moved quickly, and she jerked as the vibrations shook her, causing her eyes to widen, swirling with an emotion that made my heart race.

    ¡°Nice try,¡± I murmured, my voice low and filled with mock praise. ¡°But you¡¯re not getting off that easily.¡±

    Aurelia copsed against my chest. I flinched as she let her moans ring loudly, stiffening as her plush breasts pressed against my chest. She looked up at me, in a daze of pleasure and need. I swallowed hard, my brows furrowing as I caught a hint of a smirk on her face, an expression that sent a jolt of anticipation through me.

    Before I could react, she pressed her hand against my crotch, palming me with deliberate, teasing pressure. The sudden arousal that surged through me was instant and undeniable.

    ¡°I can do to you what you do to me,¡± she whispered darkly, her voice a sultry challenge. I inhaled sharply through my nose as her hands slid against my length, rubbing me through my trousers, her touch firm and unrelenting. I fought back a groan, not willing to let her win as I struggled to maintain myposure.

    ¡°You might have the upper hand, but I¡¯m not a pushover.¡±

    In just a few seconds, the tables turned. She was giving me a taste of my own medicine, and damn if it didn¡¯t feel incredible.

    I was certain that she had an alter ego, a side of her that onlyes out when she¡¯s pushed to the edge, on the brink of undiluted pleasure. A side only I could bring out of her. It was fascinating. Aurelia¡­. this woman was daring, bold, and utterly captivating.

    For a moment, we were locked in a silent battle of wills, her hand working me over with expert precision. My body reacted despite myself, hardening under her touch. When I almost reached my peak, I threw my head back against the wall, jaw clenching. I couldn¡¯t help the groan that escaped my lips, one that made her quicken her pace.

    My body moved on its own ord, grinding my hips against her palm for more friction. It felt so good. So good it made me forget what I had intended to do to her from the start. I wanted to feel her skin against mine, to touch me raw, and maybe have her pretty lips wrapped around my dick, with her tongue sliding against me, coaxing me with her saliva as I thrust deep into her throat.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    The mental image made me twitch and jerk in my pants. Fuck I was going toe.

    Lost in the pleasure, I loosened my grip on the remote.

    Aurelia seized the opportunity, reaching out and snatching it from my hand. Before I could fully process what was happening, she denied me my release, stepping back with the remote held triumphantly.

    With a swift, decisive motion, she smashed the remote against the ground, crushing it under her heels for dramatic effect. The device shattered, the sound echoing in the now empty room.

    My smile came slow, the memory of her doing the same thing at the g shing in my mind. The only difference was that she wasn¡¯t naked and straddling me.

    I wished she was.

    Aurelia stepped back, her chest heaving, eyes shing with a mix of anger and victory.

    ¡°With all due respect, Mr. CEO,¡± she said, her voice was strained as she finally had the chance to catch her breath, ¡°I hope you¡¯ll refrain from such public acts in the future. I may be your assistant, but I won¡¯t stand for any more humiliation. Two can y it that way. Sir.¡±

    Her words hung in the air, each one a challenge and a promise. She turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, aroused and greatly amused. The shattered remotey on the floor, a testament to her defiance.

    My gaze shifts to my stiff erection, therge bulge pulsing with aching need as it was left unattended. Blue balls.

    She fucking left me with blue balls.

    Iughed to myself as I watched her retreating figure, a strange blend of excitement and anticipation coursing through me.

    My darling was definitely not a pushover.

    I liked it.

    This was going to be an interesting game, indeed. As I straightened my tie and smoothened my zer, I realized that the challenge she posed was exactly what I had been craving.

 Chapter Thirty-Five; Jealousy

    THIRD PERSON POV

    ¡°Careful.¡±

    ¡°Ahh, I¡¯m trying..¡± Aurelia gasped, trying to hold her own.

    ¡°Take it out slowly¡­¡±

    Following orders, she does as she¡¯s instructed. Beads of sweat gathered at her forehead, and her heart thumped loudly against her chest, too scared to slip up.

    Her hands trembled as she struggled to aim properly. Aurelia pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, casting a weary nce at the CEO.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare spill a single drop¡± he warned, his tone threatening. She swallowed hard, releasing a shaky breath.

    ¡°Yes sir..¡±

    Aurelia¡¯s nostrils red as she inhaled sharply, her eyes narrowing into slits as she attempted to pour the tea she made into the cup again.

    It was harder than it looks. Especially when the CEO was right beside her, his towering figure looming over her form like a dark cloud. Luke watched her carefully as she made his tea, his expression was impassive, but his eyes were daring her to fuck up. Knowing she would be fucked as well if that happens.

    Literally and figuratively.

    Aurelia thought it was a strange threat, although she was supposed to despise and hate his guts, she wasn¡¯t actually opposed to the thought of him taking her against his desk. But she would rather grind her tongue into paste than admit it out loud.

    It would only add to his already huge and obnoxious ego, giving him the free hand to turn her into his puppet.

    She had already decided to resist him, no matter how irresistible and alluring he was. Aurelia was stubborn, and after the vibrator incident, she was determined to turn the tables and get her life back on track. Starting with getting her job back.

    But unfortunately, that seemed like a feeble dream now, because this man¡­was determined to make her life a living hell.

    It had only been a week since she started working as his assistant, but she felt like she¡¯d aged a decade in just a short amount of time. Luke was beyond overbearing. He burdened her with trivial tasks like getting his clothes from the dry cleaner, sweeping his office, to making his tea.

    Everything sounds simple, but he made her do them over and over again. The man was a perfectionist, and he was never satisfied with whatever she did. He was determined to punish her in the the most frustrating way possible, and now she missed the vibrator, it was better than the pulsing ache in her lower back.

    Luke hadn¡¯t done anything sexual since that day, apart from making snarky remarks to make her blush and stutter. He¡¯d been swarmed with work, and as infuriating as he was, he was a dedicated man.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    The most crucial task was making his tea. Damn, she never thought tea was soplicated until now. Luke liked his tea made in a particr way, in a way that enabled it to always taste and smell the same. To his liking.

    And she¡¯d managed to fail this very task, woefully so.

    She mostly took coffee, so she was clueless when ites to making tea. To make matters worse, the man drank from a brand of tea she was sure was also served to royalty. Because why the hell did she have to measure the temperature of the water with a freaking thermometer?!

    Aurelia was tired, her joints ached, and she wanted nothing more than to be done with this hell.

    Finally, after what seemed like decades, Aurelia was done making his precious of cup tea. She held her breath as he reached for the cup.

    Her brows arched in confusion as he picked the cup from the rims instead of the handle. She thought it was weird-a peculiar trait that fit him well. She¡¯d never seen anyone drink tea like that, and she hated to admit that it was oddly sexy.

    But then again, what aspect of the CEO wasn¡¯t sexy?

    Aurelia wanted to scoff, why does every little action he makes look attractive to her, she needed to stop her wandering thoughts before it got out of hand.

    She looked up at him expectantly as he brought the cup to his lips. His eyes lowered as he blew the steam softly, his lustrous eyshes casting a faint shadow on his cheeks.

    He took a thoughtful sip, while she crossed her fingers behind her back, chanting a silent prayer in her mind as she anticipated his review.

    ¡°How is it?¡± She couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    Luke set the cup down, shaking his head. ¡°Garbage,¡± he says tly, his lips twisting in disgust. Aurelia felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach, fighting the urge to pull at the roots of her hair in frustration as she held back a groan.

    ¡°Is it that bad?¡± She followed him as he moved to his desk. That was her fifth attempt at making his tea that morning, and she was more than exhausted. His countless rejections stung worse than an angry bee sting.

    Luke brushed her off as he sat down, facing hisptop.

    ¡°You¡¯re a shitty excuse for a personal assistant. Can¡¯t even make a decent cup of tea.¡± He scoffed, and Aurelia¡¯s temple pulsed in annoyance.

    Her hands balled into fists at her sides as she peered at him through narrowed eyes.

    ¡°Maybe I would be able to make it to your liking if you tell me what exactly I¡¯m doing wrong?¡± Aurelia tried to hide her annoyance, but it was evident in her tone, and Luke was quick to pick it up. He raised his gaze, eyeing her with his signature taunting smirk on his face.

    She instinctively knew he was going to say something to fuel her annoyance.

    ¡°If I told you everything to do, then why were you hired hmm?¡±

    ¡®You hired me! I¡¯m a designer! Not a damn assistant!¡¯

    She wanted to yell out, but she held her tongue.

    Aurelia¡¯s lips stretched into a tight smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I don¡¯t meet your expectations, sir, I wasn¡¯t particrly suited for this job.¡± That was what she said instead.

    ¡°But you added ¡®ability to adapt to any situation¡¯ on your CV.¡± He countered, and Aurelia¡¯s lips parted in awe. Luke was beyond petty, to think he would look up herpany profile and throw it in her face like that.

    Luke leaned back in his seat, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched her struggle for aeback. It was moments like these he looked forward to the most, his schedule was packed with events, and he hadn¡¯t had time to fully fulfill his fantasies with Aurelia yet.

    Like having her sit on his desk with her thighs spread and weing. He would then pull her panties aside, settling himself between her legs to taste her.

    Luke felt himself going hard, so he snapped back to reality, clearing his throat as he faced hisptop. All in good time, he thought. Known he would be in that position soon.

    ¡°Or am I wrong Miss Ravenwood?¡± he mused, and Aurelia huffed out an exasperated breath.

    ¡°This role is beyond my job jurisdiction sir.¡± She continued, but Luke pretended not to hear her.

    Just then, the office doors swung open, weing a new presence. Both Luke and Aurelia shifted their attention to the person who had dared to enter the esteemed CEO¡¯s office without warning.

    It was a woman, a stunning figure of elegance and confidence. She stood tall, her posture regal and poised. Her long, dark hair cascaded in perfectly styled waves down her back, catching the light with every movement. She was dressed in a ssy and beautiful attire-a sleek, tailored dress that hugged her curves in all the right ces, entuating her hourss figure. The dress was a deep shade of emerald, the rich color contrasting beautifully with her wless, fair skin.

    She wore minimal jewelry, but each piece was exquisite, from the delicate diamond studs in her ears to the simple yet elegant bracelet on her wrist. Her makeup was wless, enhancing her striking features-high cheekbones, a perfectly sculpted jawline, and full, ruby-red lips that curled into a confident smile as she looked at Luke. Her eyes, a piercing shade of blue, sparkled with a mixture of intelligence and amusement as she took in the scene before her.

    ¡°Arroyal,¡± she greeted him with an unfamiliar name, her voice smooth and melodious, ¡°Long time no see.¡±

    Luke¡¯s eyes widened, his expression shifting from shock to recognition before softening into something Aurelia couldn¡¯t understand. A genuine smile reced his earlier stern demeanor. ¡°Veronica,¡± he said warmly, rising from his seat. ¡°What a pleasant surprise. ¡±

    ¡°You tter me, we both know my presence is nothing but pleasant.¡± Veronica¡¯s voice was light withughter as she approached Luke. She whisked past Aurelia, ignoring her presence entirely.

    She smelt of sweet wine and dark roses, her scent filled the room, suffocating Aurelia who stood on the sidelines.

    Veronica stopped in front of his desk, dropping her vintage bag on the sleek mahogany. She leaned in, and Luke held her gaze, not pulling away.

    Aurelia¡¯s eyes widened as Veronica kissed his neck, leaving the imprint of her red hot lipstick on his skin. She pulled back with a tentative smile, eyeing the lipstick mark satisfaction. She then moved to whisper something in his ear, something that made himugh, a rich and carefreeughter that took Aurelia by surprise.

    Aurelia stood frozen, unable to move. She suddenly felt like an outsider intruding on a private moment, but she remained rooted in ce, unsure of what to do next.

    She felt increasingly invisible, her earlier frustrations with Luke momentarily overshadowed by this new and unexpected emotion-jealousy.

 Chapter Thirty-Six; XXL

    AURELIA

    I blinked once then twice.

    Jealous?

    Me? Jealous?

    I shook my head, banishing the thought before it had time to settle and churn my brain.

    How would I be jealous? If anything, I only envied her wless beauty, that was it.

    I didn¡¯t care if he weed her warmly, and neither did my heart burn on seeing her mark him so easily.

    I was perfectly fine. Jealousy was out of it.

    For what reason do I have to be jealous?

    I shifted in my spot as Luke smiled at Veronica, gesturing for her to take a seat across from him. The woman shook her head, her lustrous hair swaying as she refused his offer.

    ¡°Never mind that Arroyal, I only came to feast my eyes on your handsome face.¡± She chuckled, picking up her bag. ¡°I just arrived in town, and I have a busy schedule ahead of me. I wouldn¡¯t refuse a nice drink though, we should meet up at our usual spot.¡± Her smile turns seductive, and Luke mirrors her expression.

    Usual spot? What does that mean?

    ¡°Command or request?¡± The CEO arched a brow at her, his tone teasing. I fought the urge to roll my eyes, tearing my gaze away from them. I faced therge screen window, trying my best to block out their conversation.

    Even so, no matter how I tried to ignore it, my chest tightened, and various questions roamed my mind.

    Who was this woman?

    What was her rtionship with the CEO?

    She spoke to him casually, like they¡¯d known each other for years, so she couldn¡¯t be an acquaintance.

    Maybe an old friend? But friends don¡¯t kiss, right? Especially not in such an intimate way. A kiss on the cheek was understandable but on the neck? It only proved that she was something more¡­Someone whose familiarity exceeded all boundaries.

    An ex-lover?

    My brows furrowed at the thought, and I immediately suppressed the ache that shot through my heart.

    ¡°You know better than to ask me such a question Arroyal,¡± Veronica replied to him sensually. I couldn¡¯t help it, I stole a nce at them, seeing how they looked at each other, it was like they were undressing each other with their eyes.

    Damn, why did it annoy me so much?

    Why did she call him Arroyal? Is that his middle name? Or is it a pet name? Something only she could refer him by.

    Ugh! I should mind my business.

    I snapped back to reality as Veronica¡¯s gaze shifted to me, finally acknowledging my presence.

    She arched a brow, giving me a once over with those pretty eyes of hers. The woman had the same intimidating aura as the CEO, an aura that came from the rich and influential. I shifted ufortably in my spot, steeling my reserve as I matched her unwavering stare.

    ¡°And who is this?¡± she asked with a small smile, her tone polite but curious.

    The CEO turned to me. He took a moment to respond as if wondering how he should introduce me.

    ¡°This is Aurelia, my new assistant,¡± he replied, and I waited for him to continue but he said nothing more. My fists clenched at my sides.

    That was all?

    ¡°Well, she certainly has a hard re,¡± Veronica noted as she turned briskly on her heels. Only then did I realize that I was ring at them. I rxed my features, assuming my professional stance as I forced a polite smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry madam.¡± I apologize, my voice dripping with sweet venom. ¡°I have a terrible headache.

    The lie rolled off my tongue like hot butter on pancakes.

    I focused my attention on Veronica, but I caught the CEO¡¯s lingering stare from the corner of my eyes. Tch, why¡¯s he looking at me, he was ogling Veronica a minute ago.

    The CEO stepped out of his desk to see her off. My brows furrowed as he stood beside her, his palm resting on the small of her back as he shed a bright grin.

    ¡°Aurelia, this is Veronica Montague, an old friend and business associate.¡±

    An old friend huh? Typical.

    ¡°Nice to meet you, Ms. Montague.¡± I maintained my right smile, and Veronica mirrored my expression

    ¡°Please, call me Veronica,¡± she replied graciously. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Aurelia.¡±

    With that she left the office, the CEO trailing behind her. I heaved out a sigh as the door closed, turning to the counter. I poured myself a cup of tea, hoping it would ease the knot in my chest.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    As the hot liquid touched my tongue, I choked. I spat the tea back in the cup, causing it to ssh on my blouse in the process. As I set the cup aside, I gagged and shivered, my taste buds crying out for mercy.

    The CEO was right. It tasted like garbage.

    ¡°Dear lord.¡± I coughed, looking down at the stain on my blouse. ¡°That was really bad.¡±

    So bad I swore I felt my soul leave my body.

    ¡°Shit now I ruined my outfit,¡± I grumbled, making my way to the bathroom to see if I could save the poor blouse.

    I tried using a wet towel to wipe off the stain, but it didn¡¯t make much of a difference. I sighed, slumping against the sink. The bathroom in the CEO¡¯s office was sleek and luxurious, with polished marble countertops and arge mirror framed in gold.

    Above the sink, an open wooden cab made of rich, dark oak disyed neatly arranged toiletries. I expected nothing less of a man of his caliber, but why was there a tube of body lotion prominently disyed on one of the shelves?

    I reached out for the lotion but paused as my eyes caught something else. It was a small neon green box. I took it out of pure curiosity, examining the box with a hum.

    At first, I thought it was candy, seeing as there was a boldbel that read ¡®Banana vour¡¯, but as I narrowed my eyes to read further, my breath hitched in my throat.

    ¡®XXL Male Condoms¡¯

    Heat burst in my cheeks, spreading across my skin and making me as red as a tomato.

    I flinched as the door mmed shut. The box fell from my hands as I spun, raising my hands in the air as if I¡¯d been caught stealing.

    My eyes widened as I came face to face with the CEO, the color in my cheeks deepening as his gaze flickered from me to the box.

    His smile came slow, taunting, and seductive.

    Oh boy.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I blurted out stupidly, internally cringing as heughs softly.

    ¡°Thisst time I checked,¡± he began, eyeing me from head to toe. ¡°This was my office darling.¡± he countered,

    Of course I knew that!

    ¡°Well you shouldn¡¯t be here while I¡¯m here¡­. sir.¡± I insisted, trying to sound as respectful as possible.

    Being alone with him in the bathroom was like walking into the lion¡¯s den. And this lion was hungry.

    My heart thumped hard against my chest as he approached me with precise steps, his gaze darkening with a familiar emotion.

    Lust.

    I gulped my spit.

    With each step he took, I followed, moving in the opposite direction till my back hit the wall. My gaze darted to the door, ready to bolt, but before I could move an inch, he closed the distance between us, trapping me against the wall with his hands on each side of my body.

    ¡°You should know by now,¡± He whispered huskily, his breath fanning against my face as he leaned in close, causing me to sink further into the wall, anything to put some space between. ¡°That you can¡¯t run from me.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to run.¡± I countered, looking off to the side. ¡°Please step aside sir.¡±

    Luke did theplete opposite. I gasped as he pressed his body against mine, biting down on my lower lip as I felt his hard erection tten against my torso.

    No doubt the condoms belonged to him.

    ¡°Back in the office,¡± he began and I met his gaze, just in time to see the smug expression on his face. ¡°You were jealous weren¡¯t you?¡±

    I scoffed, raising my chin a millimeter higher. ¡°No.¡±

    I was a terrible liar.

    ¡°Liar.¡± And he was quick to notice. ¡°Did your heart burn when you saw her kiss my neck, Aurelia?¡± He goes on to ask, tilting his head to the said as he studies my expression. I said nothing in response.

    ¡°Did you feel annoyed when she whispered in my ear?¡±

    I closed my eyes, letting out a shaking breath as he began to grind against me, his hips moving at an excruciating slow but rhythmic pace.

    ¡°I¡­¡± My voice was merely a whisper. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I confessed, and Luke chuckled.

    He stepped back, and I could finally breathe again, but it didn¡¯t end there. The CEO bent to pick up the neon box, and I watched as he pulled out a packet, watched as he tore it open with his teeth, his gaze never leaving mine.

    Fuck, everything he did was so mesmerizing, and I felt a needy ache pulse between my legs.

    No, I should want this. I shouldn¡¯t be feeling this way.

    ¡°If you admit that you were jealous,¡± he began, his hands working to unbuckle his belt. ¡°You¡¯ll get a good reward.¡±

    My gaze trailed to his erection, and the air in the bathroom heated up.

    ¡°So¡­¡± The CEO¡¯s lips spread into a cocky grin. The condom pack trapped between his teeth. ¡°What would it be, Miss Ravenwood?¡±

 Chapter Thirty-Seven; Cat and Mouse

    THIRD PERSON POV

    Luke watched Aurelia, his eyes glinting like that of a hungry predator. She stood frozen, her body heating as she battled with the whirlpool of emotions stirring inside her, the most prominent one being the pulsing ache between her legs.

    Her sense of reasoning was currently in a tug of war with her desires, and her desires pulled harder.

    Aurelia¡¯s chest heaved as she tried to regain herposure, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. How could she make a rational decision with his trousers hanging loose around his slim waist? how could she focus when her gaze lingered on the huge tent in his crotch?

    How was she supposed to say no to such an offer? Goosebumps littered her skin as she tore her gaze away, shifting her attention to his face.

    Luke arched a brow at her, his grin widening as he tilted his head.

    Aurelia let out a shaky breath, straightening up. ¡°Sir, this is highly inappropriate,¡± she managed to say, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts to sound firm.

    She smoothened the non-existent crease on her skirt and cleared her throat, trying to appear unaffected by his sexual appeal. But it was hard to hide her red cheeks.

    Luke shook his head as he chuckled softly, clearly enjoying her struggle. He released the condom, letting it fall gracefully in his right palm. ¡°Inappropriate? Maybe. But undeniably exciting, isn¡¯t it?¡± His tone wasced with challenge, daring her to admit what they both knew.

    ¡°Just admit that you were jealous so I relieve you of the building ache down there.¡± He added cheekily, nodding towards her northern regions. ¡°I know you want me to fuck you Aurelia, it written all over your face.¡±

    Aurelia¡¯s cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red. She forced herself to meet his gaze, trying to project confidence she didn¡¯t feel. ¡°I am not jealous,¡± she repeated, though the quiver in her voice betrayed her.

    She wouldn¡¯t admit it. Not now, not ever. If she did, it would be the same as epting defeat- Defeat in this maniptive game brewing between them- a cat-and-mouse game where he was the cat and she was the mouse, the frail mouse in which he always backed into a corner.

    He¡¯d won countless times before, but she wasn¡¯t going to surrender so easily. Aurelia still bore a deep grudge against him, and as stubborn as she was, she wasn¡¯t ready to let go of it yet.

    Luke moved closer, just a step forward. He regarded her in silence and admired her stubbornness. He knew she was jealous, he could tell in the mock sweetness in her voice when she greeted Verona.

    Jealousy was once a foreign emotion to him as well. He had never had a reason to envy another man, not with his affluence and achievements. Luke had it all, but she¡¯d awakened this foreign emotion in him so easily, so much that he loathed the thought of her in another man¡¯s arms.

    It was nice to see that they were on the same boat, but he needed her to admit before he could be fully satisfied, or maybe he just needed a good excuse to get his dick wet during work hours. He¡¯d been holding on for so long, and as he stared into her deep grey eyes, he wanted to make them roll to the back of her head.

    Luke knew he could take her right now, bend her over the sink and tear her ass open, but there was something about hearing her admit she wanted him that always made him go mad. It was his guilty pleasure, and he craved it like a teenager high on drugs. Aurelia had yet to realize that he had full control, but he loved watching her little acts of defiance.

    A chase wouldn¡¯t be fun if the prey was easy to catch.

    Luke maintained a safe distance, but Aurelia still thought it was dangerously close, too close for her brain to function properly.

    His sultry gaze caressed her face like a lover¡¯s touch, highlighting her features, especially her lips and eyes. His eyes darkened as he leaned an inch closer, his rich cologne tingling her nostrils.

    ¡°Then why is your heart racing?¡± he whispered, his voice smooth and seductive.

    Aurelia¡¯s pulse quickened, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body. ¡°Because you¡¯re invading my personal space,¡± she shot back, though the edge in her voice was softening.

    Luke raised his hand, and she held her breath as his finger traced the stain on her blouse, just above the curve of her breasts. Her teeth sank into her bottom lips as his eyes lowered, his fingers trailing to the fiddle with the buttons of the blouse.

    ¡°You¡¯re too stubborn for your own good.¡± Luke raised his gaze, and a glimmer of excitement shone in his heterochromatic pupils. ¡°But I love it.¡±

    Aurelia held back a moan as he suddenly palmed her left breast, squeezing hard, she gasped as his lipstched on her neck at the same time, her eyes squeezing shut.

    ¡°Did your chest tighten when she kissed my neck?¡± His voice was gruff, his words flying over her head as she pressed her hands on his chest, trying to push him back, but he didn¡¯t budge. Instead, he parts her thighs with his knees, his fingers sinking further into her plush breasts.

    ¡°S-stop¡­¡± She stammered, hating how unconvincing she sounded.

    ¡°Did you hate seeing her so close to me?¡±

    Aurelia squirmed, her brain unable toe up with a coherent response as he continued to knead her like soft dough. She winced as he bit her throat, forcing a moan past her lips.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± she eximed, goosebumps littering her skin.

    Luke¡¯s lips curved into a satisfied smile at her reaction. He knew he was pushing her boundaries, testing her resolve, and the way her body responded was all the confirmation he needed.

    ¡°I can make you feel good darling,¡± he murmured against her ear, his breath hot on her skin. ¡°Just say the word.¡± His fingers trailed down her stomach, hovering just above the waistband of her skirt, taunting her with the promise of more.

    Aurelia swallowed hard, her throat dry. She reminded herself to resist, to uphold her dignity, but every touch, every word he uttered chipped away at her defenses.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t jealous.¡± She insisted, her voice barely audible. Aurelia felt Luke smile against her skin as he pressed another tantalizing kiss on her neck.

    ¡°Liar,¡± he said again, this time more gently. ¡°There¡¯s no shame in it. Just be honest with yourself. Stop fighting me, Aurelia. You won¡¯t win.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not fighting to win,¡± she whispered, though her voicecked conviction. ¡°I just want you to leave me alone.¡±

    Luke chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that sent shivers down her spine. ¡°But you don¡¯t want me to, do you?¡± He nipped at her earlobe, his hand slipping beneath her skirt, fingers teasing the edge of her panties.

    Her resolve crumbled, her body arching into his touch. ¡°Damn you,¡± she breathed, her hands gripping his shoulders as if to anchor herself. ¡°So what if I was jealous, it doesn¡¯t make a difference.¡± The words slipped out of her lips before she could stop them, an unintentional thought that she¡¯d said out loud.

    Aurelia mentally pped herself for such a foolish mistake, muttering curses under her breath.

    On hearing her confession, Luke pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± he said, his tone holding a mix of praise and victory.¡±That¡¯s all I needed to hear,¡± he murmured, closing the distance between them once more.

    ¡°And now, for your reward.¡±

    With that, he lifted her effortlessly onto the countertop, spreading her legs wide as he settled between them. His hands roamed her body, exploring every curve, every dip as ifmitting her to memory. Aurelia¡¯s head fell back, a soft moan escaping her lips as she surrendered to the sensations.

    She didn¡¯t even realize he¡¯d done away with her clothes till she felt a chill caress her skin.

    Luke¡¯s mouth followed the path of his hands, leaving a trail of kisses and nips along her skin. When he finally reached the apex of her thighs, he paused, looking up at her with a wicked grin. ¡°Ready?¡± he asked, his breath hot against her most sensitive flesh.

    Aurelia nodded hesitantly, unable to find her voice. The moment his tongue touched her, she knew there was no going back. She was lost to him, and at that moment, she didn¡¯t care.

 Chapter Thirty-Eight; Arroyal

    People always say sinning is sweet because it¡¯s wrong. Guilty pleasures you just couldn¡¯t ignore.

    For Aurelia, Luke was the perfect definition of sin. Her guilty pleasure, one that never failed to bring her to oblivion.

    This man was leading her straight to hell, burning her with a me ignited by his unfiltered passion.

    Aurelia hissed through gritted teeth, her back arching as her hands dug into Luke¡¯s dark curls, pulling at his roots as he sent endless volts of electricity through her body, causing her to let out sounds that were nothing but soothing harmony to his ears.

    Luke¡¯s movements were deliberate and calcted, a master of the art of seduction. As his tongue worked its magic, Aurelia¡¯s moans grew louder, her body trembling with each flick and swirl. He was just too good at this, hitting the right spots over and over again.

    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± She gripped the edges of the countertop with her free hand, her knuckles turning white as she surrendered to the intoxicating ecstasy coursing through her.

    Luke smiled against her pussy, thoroughly enjoying how her needy juices flowed into his mouth. She tasted like salted honey, sweet and savory. He couldn¡¯t get enough of it.

    ¡°Fuck.¡± He eximed, his grip on her thighs tightening as he angled his head, causing her to jerk as he thrust his tongue into her entrance. His teeth grazed her clit at the same time, and Aurelia yelled out, her mouth falling open at the shock of the sudden sensation.

    A deep growl rumbled in Luke¡¯s chest as her hips bucked against his face, moving at a rhythmic pace that made his dick throb painfully. He puckered his lips and sucked hard on her clit, ncing at her with hooded eyes as his tongue stroked her warm insides.

    Aurelia felt tears sting her eyes as her gaze locked on his, chest heaving. Her breath hitched with every stroke of his tongue. It was a power he relished, a control he craved. He could feel her nearing the edge, her moans bing more desperate, her body tensing with anticipation.

    She threw her head back, her release bubbling in her core, ready to explode. But just as she was about to tip over into the abyss, he pulled back, earning a frustrated whimper from her.

    Luke looked up, his heated gaze never leaving hers as a mischievous glint shed in his eyes. ¡°Not yet,¡± he rasped, his voice a low growl. ¡°I want to hear you beg for it.¡±

    Aurelia¡¯s eyes fluttered open, filled with a mix of frustration and longing. She anxiously pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, contemting as she looked down at him.

    Luke chuckled at her hesitance. He wordlessly stood to his feet, and Aurelia watched with wide eyes as he stripped in front of her. He made sure to give her a good show, starting from his shirt.

    Aurelia unconsciously licked her lips as his tanned skin glowed under the bright light, illuminating his chiseled abs. Then her sultry gaze lowered to his abdomen, her heartbeat picking up as his boxers slipped down his muscr legs, revealing his hard cock.

    Luke¡¯s fingers wrapped around his length, his other hand moving to grasp her chin. His gaze prated her very soul, his lips parted to sigh as he touched himself.

    ¡°One word Aurelia,¡± He muttered, his tongue darting out to lick her bottom lip. Aurelia whimpered softly as his hips ground into hers, his dick pressing against her pelvis. She swallowed hard, consumed by the heat that emanated from his skin.

    ¡°Beg.¡±

    Instead, she said something else. ¡°Arroyal¡­.¡± Her voice was small, trembling with need. Luke froze, his eyes rounding.

    Arroyal was his cursed middle name, one he¡¯d never really used. It was a name he¡¯d hated for a long time, and Veronica, who was his high school friend, was the only one who called him that. She only started calling him Arroyal just to piss him off, and it worked like a charm, but then she never stopped, even as years passed. He simply got used to it eventually.

    No one else dared refer to him by that name, and that was because he¡¯d done a good job of erasing it from his legal papers.

    So now he wondered¡­why the name he hated so much sounded so gooding from her mouth.

    ¡°Please,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible. Aurelia reached out to him, her hands trembled as she caressed his chest, feeling the tremor of his heartbeat against her palm.

    His heart was beating really fast. So fast she could subtly hear it.

    ¡°Please, Arroyal.¡± She swallowed her pride, her need for release overpowering her stubbornness.

    Calling him Arroyal was by ident, or maybe it was pure instinct. She didn¡¯t mean to say it, it slipped out before she couldprehend a single thought, but she couldn¡¯t deny that it felt more intimate in a way.

    The name rolled off her tongue so easily, just the way Veronica had called out to him.

    A silly thought popped into her mind. One that caused a bitter feeling to spread through her.

    Had she called him that in such a position as well?

    Aurelia shook her head to banish the thought, snapping out of her temporary daze. She noticed that Luke remained frozen and panicked. He lowered his head, hiding his expression from her as he fell silent.

    Oh no. She thought, not knowing what to do or say. Had she crossed the line?

    Luke¡¯s silence stretched, an unsettling tension hanging in the air. Aurelia¡¯s heart pounded, fear of rejection slicing through her lingering arousal. She wanted to speak, but her mind went nk, unsure if she had indeed overstepped her boundaries.

    Slowly, Luke raised his head, his eyes dark and unreadable. The silence between them was deafening, and Aurelia grew sacred. For a moment, she felt the sharp sting of regret, wishing she could take back the word that had so clearly affected him.

    But then, all to her surprise, Luke¡¯s lips curved into a slow, dangerous grin. ¡°Say it again,¡± hemanded, his voice rough with an edge she had never heard before.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Aurelia blinked, confusion mingling with her desire. She hesitated, her heart rate matching his. ¡°Arroyal,¡± she repeated softly, her uncertainty evident in her tone.

    Something shifted in Luke¡¯s expression, a flicker of something intense and primal. He moved swiftly, his hands gripping her hips with a renewed fervor, lifting her off the countertop. Aurelia gasped as she quickly held onto his shoulders to steady herself, soon feeling the cold surface of the wall against her back.

    Without warning, Luke drove into her, hard and deep.

    Aurelia¡¯s cries filled the room, her body quaking with the force of his thrust. She clung to him, her head buried into the crook of his neck as she hooked her legs around his waist.

    ¡°Oh fuck yes.¡± Luke moaned out loud, the sound of their skin pping against each other echoing around them. ¡°Fuck. You feel better than before. Damn Aurelia.¡±

    Aurelia huffed, her body bouncing as he relentlessly pounded into her, filling her to the brim with his girth.

    Her back slid against the cold walls as his hips snapped forward, her wetness acting as a natural lubricant, letting him stretch her walls.

    ¡°Arroyal!¡± She yelled. Her nails wed at his shoulders, but Luke didn¡¯t mind, he was too lost in the feeling of her pussy squeezing around him.

    ¡°Beg for me,¡± he growled, his breath hot against her ear. His teeth grazed her earlobe, sending a jolt of pleasure down her spine.

    This time there was no hesitance in her voice. ¡°Please, Arroyal,¡± she whimpered, her hands clutching at his shoulders. ¡°I need you. Please.¡±

    The sound of his middle name falling from her lips made his head spin, fueling his desire on a whole other level. With a deep growl, Luke captured her mouth in a searing kiss, his hands squeezing her round ass as his thrusts became faster, driving her to the brink once more.

    Aurelia moaned into his mouth, her body arching into his touch, desperate for the release he had denied her. She was on the edge, dangling over the precipice, her entire being consumed by the need for him.

    Luke pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes dark and full of promise. ¡°You do things to me, Aurelia, things that made me go mad,¡± he murmured, his voice a seductive purr. ¡°Come for me darling, sing my name with that pretty voice of yours.¡±

    With those words, he plunged into her, filling herpletely. Aurelia cried out, her body shattering as she finally found the release she had been craving. Wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over her, and Luke held her through it all, his movements steady and sure, guiding her through the storm as he also came down from his high.

    As her climax subsided, Aurelia clung to him, her breathing in ragged gasps. Luke pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his touch gentle now, a stark contrast to the fierce passion of moments before.

    ¡°Arroyal,¡± she whispered once more, the name now a secret shared between them, a bond forged in the fires of their desire.

    Luke smiled against her skin, his hold on her tightening. ¡°Only for you,¡± he murmured, his voice soft and heavy with admiration. ¡°Only for you, Aurelia.¡±

 Chapter Thirty-Nine; A Web Of Emotions

    AURELIA

    It was the weekend.

    Facing the mirror, I reapplied my lip gloss, pulling my hair into a high ponytail as I assessed my appearance with a critical eye. I paused on noticing the hickeys on my neck.

    ¡®You do things to me, Aurelia, things that made me go mad,¡¯

    Heat burst in my cheeks, and I stood frozen for a moment, my eyes rounding as the events of the day before reyed in my mind.

    I was still sore¡­.

    I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head, heaving a sigh as I let my hair down, hoping it would hide the hickey.

    I was on my way to catch up with my former teammates, and I wasn¡¯t ready for their intrusive questions if they happened to catch sight of it.

    Chelsea stared at me as I paced about the room while fanning my face.

    Gosh! This was so embarrassing! I had vowed not to give in to the CEO, but he came and broke down the walls I suffered to build. What happened was totally unexpected, and it continued to haunt me till now.

    But did I regret it¡­.. No.

    It wasplicated, to the extent it made me lose sleep. It took a lot of makeup to hide the dark circles under my eyes. After staring at the ceiling all night, I came to a conclusion.

    I was screwed.

    Just then I remembered the promise I made to myself, where I said I would fight back to get my supposed freedom. I stopped pacing and scoffed, then Iughed at my naivety.

    Fight him my ass! I was busy moaning his name like a needy whore!

    I faced the mirror again and cursed under my breath. My cheeks were still bright pink.

    ¡°Oh well.¡± I sighed,bing my hands through my hair as I bent to drop a kiss on Chelsea¡¯s forehead before leaving. ¡°It looks like I¡¯ve got a natural blush.¡±

    Maybe a good round of booze would help.

    ***

    ¡°Auri!¡± Olivia squealed, squeezing me into a tight hug. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you!¡±

    I chuckled heartily, returning the hug with just as much vigor. ¡°Trust me, I missed you more.¡± We pulled back and smiled at each other before bursting intoughter.

    Olivia linked her arms with mine, her eyes shining with excitement as she led me into the restaurant.  As we got to our table, I was weed with enthusiastic cheers from my former teammates. Mrs Juniper, Kendall, and Mathew sat around the table, but Caspian had yet to arrive.

    ¡°Aurelia in the building!¡± Kendall chants, raising his cup of beer in the air.

    ¡°Stop that you fool.¡± Olivia pped the back of his head with her free hand, causing him to hiss in pain, giving her a pointed re.

    ¡°I should have fucked you harderst night.¡±

    My mouth fell open on hearing his statement, and I whipped my head to Olivia who was redder than a tomato. Her breath hitched as she returned Kendall¡¯s re, her lips pulled into a cute pout.

    Kendall stiffened on realizing what he¡¯d blurted out, but he soon rxed, epting his fate as he brought his drink to his lips, a light blush on his cheeks.¡±Oops.¡±

    Mrs Juniperughed out loud at the scene, and I was quick to connect the dots.

    ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± I eximed, pointing between Olivia and Kendall. ¡°Are you guys dating?!¡±

    Olivia groaned, burying her head in the crook of my neck, while Kendall sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.

    ¡°They¡¯re engaged Aurelia,¡± Matthew noted simply, like it wasmon knowledge. I gasped, my eyes rounding as my jaw hit the floor.

    ¡°What?!¡± Everyone seemed to know but I, and I suddenly felt out of the loop.

    Just what did I miss in the short time I was away?

    ¡°Hey guys.¡± Caspian arrived, and everyone acknowledged him with a small wave, everyone but me who was still trying to grasp the new development.

    Caspian approached the table with a broad smile, his eyes lighting up when theynded on me. ¡°Aurelia,¡± he said warmly, pulling me into a hug that lingered just a bit longer than necessary. I snapped back to reality as I felt the warmth of his embrace seep into me, easing some of the shock from earlier.

    ¡°Caspian, it¡¯s so good to see you,¡± I replied, mirroring his expression as I casually pat his back. I was d he was looking good, d that we could hug each other without feeling awkward.

    ¡°Likewise,¡± he said, stepping back but keeping a hand on my shoulder. ¡°You look great. How have you been?¡±

    ¡°Busy,¡± I replied softly, my thoughts briefly shing back to the CEO.  ¡°But it¡¯s good to be here with you all.¡±

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re d you could make it,¡± Caspian said, finally releasing me and turning to greet the others with more casual hugs and handshakes. He sat next to Kendall. ¡°What¡¯s with the atmosphere in here, what were you guys talking about?¡±

    I took my seat next to Olivia, who had finally resurfaced from her hiding spot in my neck, her cheeks still flushed. Kendall was busy nursing his drink, avoiding Olivia¡¯s gaze.

    Mrs Juniper spoke next. ¡°Aurelia just found out about Olivia¡¯s and Kendall¡¯s engagement,¡± she exined, and Caspian chuckled.

    ¡°Oh really?¡± He turned to me, ¡°That must have caught you off guard.¡±

    ¡°It did,¡± I admitted, nodding at Mathew who took it upon himself to pour me a drink. ¡°So is anyone going to tell me more about this engagement,¡± I said, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°How did this all happen?¡±

    Olivia sighed dramatically, but there was a glint of happiness in her eyes. ¡°Well, Kendall proposedst week. It was supposed to be a surprise, but you know him, he¡¯s not exactly subtle.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Kendall protested, but his grin gave him away. ¡°I thought I did a pretty good job.¡±

    ¡°You proposed during a team meeting,¡± Olivia retorted, rolling her eyes. ¡°Right in front of everyone.¡±

    ¡°Well, it was memorable,¡± Kendall said, winking at her.

    We allughed, and the conversation flowed easily after that. Olivia showed me her engagement ring, and I couldn¡¯t help but notice how she glowed while admiring it.

    Was this the effect of love?

    Kendall also looked brighter, and the way he looked at Olivia made my heart flutter with happiness for them. But it also left a bittersweet feeling behind, one I couldn¡¯t describe.

    As the evening went on, I couldn¡¯t help but notice Caspian¡¯s eyes on me more than once. There was something in his gaze, a mix of curiosity and something else. It made me feel slightly on edge.

    ¡°How¡¯s work been treating you, Aurelia?¡± Mrs Juniper asked during a lull in the conversation.

    I hesitated for a moment, another memory shing through my mind.

    ¡®Come for me darling, sing my name with that pretty voice of yours.¡¯

    I cleared my throat, stering a lucid smile on my face.  ¡°It¡¯s been¡­ challenging,¡± I said carefully. ¡°But I¡¯m managing.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s he like?¡± Matthew interjected. ¡°The CEO?¡± Everyone turned to me, curiosity evident on their faces.

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­.¡± My mind went nk¡­what was I supposed to say?

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ a bit of a mystery,¡± I finally said, trying to keep my voice steady. ¡°He has high expectations, and he doesn¡¯t tolerate mistakes.¡±

    Mrs Juniper raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. ¡°Sounds intense. But I suppose that¡¯s how sessful people operate.¡±

    I nodded, but my mind was racing. The CEO was more than just intense. He was captivating, dangerous, and frustratingly irresistible. My thoughts drifted to the way he looked at me, the way his touch set my skin on fire, and the way he seemed to understand me in ways I didn¡¯t even understand myself.

    ¡°Is he giving you a hard time?¡± Olivia asked, concern evident in her voice.

    I forced a smile, shaking my head. ¡°Nothing I can¡¯t handle. It¡¯s just¡­ a lot to adjust to.¡±

    Kendall snorted, taking a sip of his drink. ¡°Sounds like a ssic power trip to me. Guys like that always abuse their power.¡±

    His words hit me like a p. I felt a mix of anger and confusion rise within me. Was that what was happening? Was I just another fling? Or was there something more between us? Something real?

    I recalled the way he¡¯d bandaged my wrists during the g, how he¡¯d pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead the day before. How he¡¯d cleaned me up and helped me with my clothes, going on to give me the rest of the day off.

    ¡°Not all of them,¡± I said defensively, surprising myself with the intensity in my voice. ¡°Some of them are just¡­ driven.¡±

    Kendall shrugged, clearly not convinced. ¡°Driven or not, it doesn¡¯t give them the right to make your life hell. He looked like he had a personal vendetta against Caspian, then he took his anger out on you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hispany though, he can do whatever he wants,¡± Mathew added, causing Kendall to roll his eyes.

    ¡°Not at the expense of someone else. That¡¯s just wrong. But who am I to question him, he pays my bills.¡±

    The conversation continued, but I found myself tuning out, lost in my own thoughts. I felt a hand on my arm, and I looked up to see Caspian watching me with a concerned expression.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked softly.

    I looked up at him, grateful for his kindness. I nodded in response, forcing another smile. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    He didn¡¯t look convinced, but he didn¡¯t press further. Instead, he offered me a small, reassuring smile, his voice lowering to a whisper. ¡°If you ever need to talk about you know what, I¡¯m always here.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I immediately knew what he was referring to, only he knew that I and the CEO were more than we seemed.

    ¡°Yeah, Thank you.¡± I appreciated his concern, but I wasn¡¯t sure if talking would help. My feelings for the CEO were a tangled mess, and I didn¡¯t know how to untangle them without breaking something in the process.

    As the night wore on, I tried to push my thoughts of the CEO to the back of my mind, focusing on enjoying the time with my friends. But his presence lingered, a constant reminder of the chaos he had brought into my life.

    Maybe Kendall was right. Maybe the CEO was just another power-hungry man who saw me as a challenge to conquer. Or maybe, just maybe, there was something deeper between us, something worth exploring.

    Just then my phone buzzed, and my gaze shifted to the screen as I retrieved it from my purse.

    It was a message, and my heartbeat quickened as I read it.

    MASTER; Tomorrow, my driver wille pick you up. He¡¯ll bring you to my home, be prepared.

 Chapter Forty; Deepest Desires

    ¡°Holy shit.¡±

    I gasped as I looked up at the majestic building that was the CEO¡¯s home. A young butler stood at my side, wearing a polite smile as I gaped at the luxurious building.

    Don¡¯t get me wrong, I knew the CEO was rich, it was obvious, but this was far beyond my expectations.

    The vi was incredible. Gleaming white stone walls and huge windows reflected the perfectly kept gardens and bright blue sky. Grand mahogany doors with marble columns marked the entrance. A cobblestone driveway led up to the house, lined with neat hedges and colorful flower beds. An ornate fountain in the center added a calming sound.

    An infinity pool stretched toward the horizon, blending with the view of the rolling hills. Iron balconies jutted from the upper floors, offering sweeping views of the estate. The roof, with its terracotta tiles, added a Mediterranean touch.

    In the distance, a ss conservatory filled with exotic nts hinted at the lush interior. This vi wasn¡¯t just a building; it was a pure, unfiltered luxury.

    I gulped my spit, anxiously chewing on my bottom lip as my nervousness tripled. My grip on my bag tightened and even as the kind butler ushered me in, I stayed rooted in my spot, feeling so out of ce.

    The invitation was sudden, so sudden that I didn¡¯t take it seriously at first. But early this morning, I was awakened by a soft knock on the door, opening it to see Luke¡¯s driver who patiently waited to take me there.

    Only then did it sink in.

    I was at the CEO¡¯s home.

    ¡°This way madam.¡± The butler called out to me, and I snapped out of my daze, forcing an apologetic smile as my legs finally moved.

    My heart thumped loudly against my chest as different scenarios crossed my mind. The contract stated I should make myself avable any time he called for me, knowing it would be to satisfy his sexual needs. I understood that much, but weren¡¯t things like this done in a hotel?

    Why would he invite me to his home?!

    As we entered thevish vi, my lips parted in awe once again. The interior design was pure art. My gaze bounced about therge lounge, soaking every detail into memory like a child in wondend.

    The lounge was stunning. My hands skimmed over the deep red velvet sofas, marveling at how incredibly soft they were, decorated with golden tassels.

    I tipped my head heavenward, to the crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.

    The foot of my heels dug into the Persian rugs covering the marble ws, with each step I took I traced the intricate design lining them. Arge marble firece crackled warmly, and tall bookshelves filled with old books added a nice charm to the room.

    I suddenly had the urge to reach out for a book, wanting to know what kind of literature would interest a man like the CEO.

    What caught my attention the most were the different art paintings decorating the walls, each piece more captivating than thest.

    Every detail showed off the wealth and taste that filled this home, a world so different from mine.

    The Butler stopped walking, and I was too busy admiring the ce to notice. I identally bumped into his back, muttering an apology as he turned to me.

    The young man¡¯s smile never wavered, it was kinda creepy. ¡°The master will be with you soon madam, please have a seat.¡± He said, gesturing to the sofa and I obliged.

    The butler disappeared down the hall, leaving me to myself and my chaotic thoughts. I sat stiffly in my seat, my feet tapping against the floor as I hummed a random tune. It was a coping mechanism I developed anytime I found myself in a new environment.

    Every second felt like an eternity as I waited, anxiety gnawing at my insides.

    Would we have sex again? Along with that thought came the image of him fucking me on this very sofa. My core throbbed, causing me to squeeze my thighs together as I heaved out a sigh. I shook my head, my cheeks heating up.

    I shouldn¡¯t get ahead of myself.

    I nced around the room, hoping to find something, anything, to take my mind off the growing tension. My eyes settled on a particr painting-a serenendscape of a tranquil river. It seemed almost out of ce, contrasting with the aesthetic of the lounge, yet it drew me in with its simplicity and calm.

    I took a deep breath, trying to let the peaceful scene soothe my nerves. Just as I began to rx, I heard footsteps approaching. My heart rate spiked, and I quickly adjusted my posture, sitting up straight and trying to appearposed.

    He¡¯s here!

    The footsteps grew louder, and then he appeared. Luke, the CEO, walked into the room wearing a plush, dark robe that entuated his broad shoulders and strong build. The man held a mischievous smile, a wine ss in one hand while the other was tucked in the robe.

    Of course, only a man like him would start his day with a ss of wine. Who else but Luke Graham?

    His appearance caught me off guard, and I felt a hot flush creep up my neck. My breath hitched at the unexpected sight of him dressed so casually, his confident stride only amplifying his presence.

    My heart skipped a beat as he approached me.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± he greeted, his voice smooth andmanding. ¡°I¡¯m d you could make it.¡±

    ¡°Good morning,¡± I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

    The CEO sighed as he flopped on the sofa next to me. I shift my gaze to the painting I admired earlier, unable to face him. Soon I heard a deep chuckle, followed by light shuffling as he got closer.

    ¡°You¡¯re so tense.¡± I flinched as his sturdy hands massaged my shoulders, easing me against his side. ¡°Rx Aurelia.¡± He whispered in my ear, but my reaction was the exact opposite.

    Along with his clothes, The CEO¡¯s aura seemed a bit different. It was a lot less assertive, and the gentleness he exuded was rare and captivating. I leaned against him, my body moving with a force that was beyond me, like now a small piece of metal would cling to a ma. There was no use fighting the attraction.

    His touch sent shivers down my spine, and I stiffened even more. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, the scent of his cologne intoxicatingly close. It suffocated me, recing the air in my lungs and making me lightheaded.

    How did he expect to rx when he¡¯s wearing nothing but a robe?! My poor heart can only handle so much.

    The CEO chuckled softly again, his breath warm against my ear. ¡°No need to be nervous,¡± he murmured, his hands working gently but firmly on my shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re here because I want you here.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I swallowed hard, my mouth dry. ¡°I¡­ I wasn¡¯t sure what to expect,¡± I admitted, wincing internally at my stutter.

    ¡°Tell me,¡± Luke twirled a strand of my hair around his fingers, a tentative smile adorning his handsome face. He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his gaze intense. ¡°Did youe prepared?¡± he asked, his velvet voice carrying a seductive touch.

    Damn this man. The gesture was simple yet provocative, a blend he executed perfectly. How can he be so perfect? God definitely had favorites, and he was a clear example of one.

    My heart pounded in my chest. I knew what he meant, and the thought of what was about to happen made my stomach flutter. I nodded, standing up slowly.

    I wore a wrap dress, a simple but elegant design in a deep emerald green that contrasted with my skin. The fabric clung to my curves, the sash tied loosely at my waist. With trembling fingers, I began to untie the sash, my movements hesitant.

    Luke¡¯s eyes never left mine, his gaze darkening with anticipation as he arched a brow.

    I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what I was about to do. I let the dress fall open, revealing the lingerie he had bought for me-delicatece in a deep crimson, the bra, and panties entuating every curve of my body. I could feel his eyes roam over me, taking in every detail, and it made my skin tingle.

    ¡°Oh,¡± he breathed, his voice husky. He stood up, closing the distance between us in a few strides. His eyes lingered on my body, his gaze a gentle caress that left goosebumps in its trail. I unconsciously held my breath. His hands cupped my face, tilting it up so that I had no choice but to look into his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely stunning, Aurelia.¡±

    His words sent a rush of warmth through me, easing some of my nervousness. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a feather-light kiss that left me craving more. ¡°But today isn¡¯t about me,¡± he murmured against my lips.

    ¡°What?¡± I was genuinely confused.

    Luke¡¯s eyes softened, a glint of something deeper lingering in his heterochromatic pupils. ¡°Your bucket list, Pick two things from it and I¡¯ll do it with you.¡±

    His eyes lowered as he traced my bottom lip with his thumb.  I watched with bated breath as the CEO swiped a bit of my lip gloss, his tongue darted out to lick his thumb, his unwavering gaze never leaving mine. ¡°Our contract goes in both ways, remember¡­¡± he continued, his free hand snaked around my waist, pulling me flush against him.

    ¡°Tell me your deepest desires Aurelia.¡±

 Chapter Forty-One; Blush

    THIRD PERSON POV

    ¡°Can I tickle you?¡±

    Luke blinked once, then twice.

    ¡°What?¡± His brows furrowed in confusion, hoping he¡¯d misheard her. He must have misheard her.

    Aurelia¡¯s cheeks deepened in color, and then she turned away from him, facing the painting she¡¯d admired before he came.

    ¡°Forget I said that.¡± She muttered under her breath, but Luke was not having it. He gently grasped her chin, forcing her to face him once more.

    ¡°What did you say, Aurelia?¡± His tone was soft yet firm, and Aurelia hesitated before speaking, gathering her thoughts. Luke didn¡¯t think her cheeks could get redder, but it did.

    Aurelia huffed, and Luke fought back the smile that crept up his lips as she pouted. He wondered what could be going on in that pretty head of hers, wishing he could somehow read her mind.

    ¡°I¡¯m waiting darling,¡± he cooed, his fingers brushing against her skin to get her attention. It worked like a charm, and after what seemed like forever, she answered him.

    ¡°Can¡­I tickle you?¡± Aurelia asked in a small voice, internally cringing at the absurdity of her request. But she¡¯d already said it, there was no going back now.

    Luke, on the other hand, didn¡¯t know how to respond. He certainly did not expect her to ask that, of all the things to do, she wanted to tickle him.

    ¡°Why do you want that?¡± He couldn¡¯t fathom why she would want to use such an opportunity on something so trivial, but he couldn¡¯t deny that he was intrigued.

    Aurelia sighed, searching his eyes. Luke held her gaze, his hands unconsciously moving to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

    ¡°Just because.¡± She replied, confusing him further. Aurelia did not want to admit that she¡¯d just wanted to hear himugh, or rather make himugh. to That carefreeughter she¡¯d witnessed once, the smooth velvet sound that made her heart flutter. She knew it was strange, but the thought had lingered in her mind for quite some time now.

    The CEO always sported a calcted smile on his face, in public and when he was with her. Was it weird for her to want something a bit different, a bit more genuine? Was it too much to ask? Or was she just trying to satisfy her curiosity?

    Luke regarded her in silence for a moment, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes as he considered her request. Then after a moment, he nodded, moving away from her to sit on the sofa.

    ¡°Alright.¡± He said, his response shocking Aurelia. The enigmatic CEO sat with his legs spread and inviting, sporting a lopsided grin as he leaned back on the sofa.

    Aurelia¡¯s eyes widened, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and excitement.

    ¡°Really?¡± She¡¯d expected him to turn her down, but here he was, weing her intrusive thoughts with open arms.

    ¡°I said I¡¯ll do anything you want, I¡¯m a man of my word,¡± Luke replied with a shrug of his shoulders, his hands working to loosen the belt of his robe, letting it fall open just enough to reveal a glimpse of his toned chest. ¡°But you¡¯ll have to find my ticklish spots yourself,¡± he added, his lips curving into a seductive smile.

    Aurelia suddenly felt weak in the knees, but she kept herself up. Her heart thumped hard against her chest as Luke tapped the space between his legs, gesturing for her toe closer.

    ¡®Well, it¡¯s now or never.¡¯ she thought as she approached him with slow yet deliberate steps. Aurelia shrugged her dress off her shoulders, letting it slide to the floor as she settled on the sofa between his legs.

    Luke looked up at her, his eyes lowered sensually as his hands palm her ass, causing her to let out a soft moan.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ¡°I¡¯m all yours darling.¡± He whispered, his touch burning her skin like hot coal.

    Aurelia swallowed hard. She raised her shaky hands, unsure of where to start from.

    The intensity of her concentration was endearing, and Luke couldn¡¯t help but find her cute as she focused on her task.

    ¡°You have ten minutes,¡± he announced, smirking. ¡°Better make them count.¡±

    Aurelia nodded, bracing herself. She started at his shoulders, tracing down his arms, then across his chest. Her hands moved with deliberate slowness, exploring his body with gentle touches, her fingers tentatively grazing his skin

    Luke¡¯s muscles tensed involuntarily, but he remained still, watching her with adept attention. He took his time to admire her face up close, noticing the things he¡¯d missed;  Like the little mole above the curve of her left brow, her small button nose, and the faded freckles that were sprinkled on her cheeks.

    It made his heart rate quicken for some reason, a foreign emotion swirling within him.

    He snapped out of his daze as her fingers brushed lightly against his sides, causing him to twitch slightly. Aurelia¡¯s eyes lit up at the reaction, and she tried again. Luke¡¯s eyes squeezed shut as he tried his hardest to suppress hisughter, Aurelia was quick to notice this, and her lips curved into a knowing smirk.

    Her fingers brushed against the same spot, this time eliciting a genuine chuckle from him. Pride swelled in her chest.

    ¡°There?¡± she asked, her eyes sparkling with triumph.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Luke replied, biting back a grin.

    as his eyes fluttered open. ¡°You¡¯re getting warmer.¡±

    Encouraged, Aurelia continued her exploration, her touch bing bolder. She was so engrossed in her task that she didn¡¯t notice the way Luke¡¯s breath hitched or the way his eyes darkened with desire as he looked up at her. When her fingers trailed down his abdomen, Luke¡¯s muscles clenched, and he shifted in his spot, swallowing hard.

    Aurelia¡¯s concentration was unbroken as she moved lower, her hands skimming over his hips and thighs. Luke¡¯s arousal grew with every touch, but she remained oblivious, her focus entirely on the challenge at hand.

    ¡°Time is ticking.¡± He reminded her, and Aurelia huffed out an exasperated breath.

    Luke threw his head back, suppressing the moan that bubbled in his chest as her knee pressed against his growing reaction, causing his chest to heave slightly.

    With only a few minutes left, Aurelia soon grew anxious. Her palms ttened against his torso, and she tried her best to ignore the feeling of his hard abs as she continued her search. Finally, she found a spot just below his ribs, one that made him jerk forward.

    Bingo. She thought, and in no time, her fingers yed on the spot repeatedly. Luke couldn¡¯t hold back, heughed out loud, his shoulders quaking as he writhed under her hold, his richughter soothing her ears.

    ¡°Got you!¡± she eximed, her face lighting up with a mixture of victory and yful relief.

    ¡°Okay okay¡­¡± Luke started, but he was cut off by another round of uncontrobleughter. ¡°Aurelia¡­.¡± his eyes burned with tears as he continued tough, but Aurelia didn¡¯t stop, she was enjoying this a little too much.

    Then suddenly, He sprung up, catching her off guard. Aurelia gasped as Luke moved her with shocking strength and haste, shifting their positions.

    Soon her back pressed against the soft cushion of the sofa, her hands held high above her head as he pinned her down.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± He snapped, trying to catch his breath. ¡°Time¡¯s up.¡±

    Aurelia¡¯s heart skipped a beat at the sudden change in his tone. The yful atmosphere vanished, reced by an intensity that left her breathless. Luke¡¯s hard gaze locked onto hers, the authority in his voice sending a shiver down her spine.

    But even still, she smiled, her pulse quickening under his unwavering stare. His grip on her wrists was firm but not painful, the weight of his body pressing her into the cushions. The room seemed to shrink around them, the air thick with unspoken tension.

    ¡°Yourughter is beautiful,¡± she stated, her eyes glistening with genuine warmth.

    Luke¡¯s eyes widened, his heartbeat ringing in his ears. His grip on her wrist faltered as he met her gaze. There was a fluttering in his chest, one that shocked him to the point he went rigid.

    He averted his gaze from her, whipping his head to the side. But it was already toote, she¡¯d seen what he desperately tried to hide.

    The subtle pink tint on his cheeks

    Aurelia couldn¡¯t believe her eyes.

    Was the almighty CEO¡­..blushing?!

 Chapter Forty-Two; Humiliation

    Luke tried to regain hisposure, his grip on her wrists loosening slightly. He could feel his heart racing, the unfamiliar sensation of vulnerability making him uneasy. Aurelia¡¯s gaze never wavered, her heart pounding with the realization that she had managed to break through his stoic exterior.

    ¡°Are you¡­¡± she asked cautiously, a hint of amusement in her voice. Aurelia tried her best to hold back herughter, but it slipped out in a sharp snort. Luke sent her an icy re, but sheughed still, unfazed by his failed attempt to intimidate her.

    ¡°Is that a blush on your cheeks Mr. CEO?¡± Of course, why would she miss out on the perfect opportunity to tease him? Aurelia arched a brow at him, a cunning smirk overtaking her features.

    Luke¡¯s jaw tightened, but he didn¡¯t pull away. Instead, he took a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm. ¡°No,¡± he lied, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ warm in here.¡± He couldn¡¯t think of anything else to say, not when he hadn¡¯t recovered from the shock, wondering what evil spirit had possessed him.

    And why was his heart beating so fast?!

    It was too much for him to handle all at once.

    Aurelia couldn¡¯t help but smile, feeling a new sense of satisfaction from his reactions. This was the first time she¡¯d seen him so vulnerable, and she had to admit it was oddly refreshing. Her chest bloomed with warmth on realizing she¡¯d managed to leave him speechless, and this feeling came with heavy pride.

    Look who¡¯s flustered now? She thought, her brain churning for a suitableeback.

    ¡°The color pink suits you well sir, you should wear it more often.¡± She said in a low seductive tone, and Luke¡¯s lips twitched, his brows furrowing in annoyance.

    Luke hung his head low, a dark chuckle rumbling in his chest. Then suddenly, he grabbed her chin, the intensity in his gaze threatening. ¡°Stop it,¡± he said through gritted teeth, his voice low and raw. Luke had a habit of masking his embarrassment with rage, which had always worked for him.

    But Aurelia, her tentative smile only shifted to a knowing smirk. He could see she was enjoying seeing him struggle and he hated the conceding look on her beautiful face. It irked him and entranced him at the same time.

    Just what the hell was going through her mind?

    Aurelia matched his gaze with a fiery intensity of her own. She lowered her eyes seductively, her tongue darting out to lick her bottom lip ever so slowly.

    ¡°Make me¡±

    Luke imed her mouth, swallowing her words with a rough kiss. Aurelia sighed in delight, surrendering to his hold and irresistible taste. Their lips moved in perfect synchrony, matching the rhythm of their beating hearts.

    Luke¡¯s hands roamed around her body, sliding down her full thighs and moving up her torso to palm her breasts. Aurelia whimpered, her back arching at the force he used to squeeze and knead her flesh.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Her hands were free to glide up his chest, feeling his defined muscles contract and flex against her palm, igniting the dull and growing heat between her legs.

    Aurelia¡¯s fingers found their way to his hair,bing through his lustrous locks as her legs locked around his waist, eager for any form of friction to ease the building ache in her core.

    He was like an addictive drug, a sweet poison, bringing one to ruin with just a taste. Aurelia was drunk on the sensations he gave her, taking gulp after gulp of this dangerous poison.

    All logical reasons flew out the window whenever he came near, whenever he touched her, imed and dominated her.

    There was no time to ponder on anything else, she was utterly andpletely consumed by him.

    And yet she didn¡¯t mind, because it looked like she wasn¡¯t the only one dancing in hell.

    Aurelia moaned softly as his tongue thrust into her mouth, letting her taste the wine he had earlier. Suddenly feeling bold, she let her hand creep to his crotch. As she grazed his length, the only barrier being the silk material of the shorts he wore, Aurelia felt her heart speed up in anticipation.

    But then Luke pulled back from the kiss abruptly, leaving them both breathless. Her big round eyes looked up at him in cute protest, her brows furrowed.

    ¡°Why did you stop?¡± she asked, her voice a mixture of frustration and longing.

    Luke took a deep breath. He didn¡¯t want to stop, he was dying to touch her, to make love to her, but as he¡¯d said before, today wasn¡¯t about him. ¡°Tell me what you want to do next?¡± he reminded her, his voice still hoarse with desire.

    Aurelia blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. She¡¯d forgotten about that. ¡°Uhmm¡­¡± her mind was still hazy from the kiss, and it made it hard to decide on what to pick. ¡°I want¡±

    Just then, a loud buzzing rm filled the room, cutting her off. Aurelia flinched at the loud sound, a gasp escaping her lips as Luke sprang up.

    Aurelia sat up cautiously as the rm stopped. She watched Luke stare out the open window, his eyes wide with panic. Worried, she followed his line of sight, seeing the dark SUV that had just pulled up in his driveway.

    ¡°Fuck.¡± Luke cursed under his breath, his jaw ticking.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Aurelia couldn¡¯t help but ask, but she felt dread settle in her stomach as he turned to her.

    ¡°Get dressed,¡± he ordered, bending to pick her dress from the floor. He threw it her way, and Aurelia¡¯s heart stung painfully at the gesture.

    ¡°Why? What¡¯s going on?¡± Aurelia asked, bewildered by his sudden urgency.

    ¡°Just get dressed!¡± he repeated, his voice rising. ¡°Now!¡±

    Aurelia flinched, her eyes widening at his change in demeanor, but sheplied, pulling on her dress as Luke called for his butler.

    ¡°Simon!¡±

    The door burst open and the butler appeared, his expression grave. ¡°Take her out through the secret passage,¡± Luke instructed. He turned away from Aurelia, fastening the strap of his robe as moved toward a different exit.

    Secret passage? Aurelia thought, fear seeping into her.

    Anxious, Aurelia stepped in his way, looking up at him with her shoulders squared. If he was going to dismiss her so easily, then he should at least give her a clear exnation. He owed her that much.

    ¡°Luke, tell me what¡¯s happening?¡± Aurelia demanded, her voice firm despite the uncertainty swirling within her.

    Luke inhaled sharply through his nose, casting a knowing nce at Simon who immediately got the message.

    ¡°Please, follow me, miss.¡± Simon stepped up as Luke merely brushed past her, causing the knot in her chest to tighten. The CEO disappeared along the hall, not sparing her a second nce as he left.

    Aurelia scoffed in disbelief, her eyes glistening with tears that threatened to fall.

    Why did it hurt so much? She thought. Her gaze was glued to her feet as she followed the butler, wondering why Luke was so agitated. He was kissing her one minute and in the next second he wanted her out of his sight?

    Unbelievable.

    The butler led her through a hidden door and down a narrow passageway. They emerged outside, and the butler hurried her into a waiting car. ¡°We¡¯ll take you home, Miss,¡± he assured her.

    Aurelia nodded stiffly, saying nothing as she settled in the back seat of the car. As the car sped away, she couldn¡¯t help but look back at the vi. Even with her heart hurting, she still worried about him. She was a fool indeed.

    Aurelia watched the vi disappear as they took a turn along the road. She faced forward with a deep breath, her hands squeezing the hem of her dress as she fought the urge to yell out and cry.

    Never in her life had she felt so humiliated.

 Chapter Forty-Three; To Be Loved

    AURELIA

    ¡°Does this look good?¡±

    I offered Olivia a warm smile as she pulled out an ankle-length satin dress from the clothing rack, her bright eyes looked up at me expectantly, waiting for a reply.

    I nod in eptance, running my hands over the smooth fabric. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡±

    Olivia seems unsatisfied by my response, a scowl curling on her lips. She huffed an exasperated breath and rolled her eyes, finally settling with a pointed stare that made me shift ufortably in my spot.

    ¡°What?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but ask, even when I was aware of the reason.

    ¡°That¡¯s what you said for thest five dresses I¡¯ve shown you.¡± She puts forth, setting the dress back on the rack to turn to me, her expression solemn. ¡°You¡¯ve been spacing out Auri, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Ah. So it was that obvious.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± I said a little too quickly, and Olivia narrowed her eyes at me, obviously unconvinced by my poor attempt to deflect the topic.

    ¡°There are so many beautiful dresses in this mall, Olivia, it¡¯s hard to pick one.¡± I shift my gaze to the rack and pull out a random dress, pretending to be awestruck by the design. It was a floral dress.

    ¡°Wow, I¡¯m sure this would look really great for your dinner with Kendall¡¯s parents.¡±

    As I continued to admire the dress, I could feel Olivia¡¯s prodding gaze burning into the side of my head, prating deep into my skull.

    ¡°Aurelia Ravenwood.¡± She calls, and I flinched slightly at her firm tone. Oh no, she¡¯s gone into mom mode, I¡¯m cooked.

    Olivia wouldn¡¯t stop until she got a satisfying response, and she did well to make sure she did.

    Kendall has definitely got his hands full, but then again, her asional sternness was one of her redeemable traits. Kendall always says she ate nails with hot water for breakfast instead of cereal.

    ¡°Yes?¡± I refused to meet her gaze, focusing my attention on the dress.

    Soon I heard Olivia heave out a heavy sigh.

    ¡°Is it about the CEO?¡±

    I stiffened, my breath hitching in my throat. Slowly, I turned to face her, trying to mask my shock with a tight smile.

    Does she know? No, it can¡¯t be.

    ¡°W-What about the CEO?¡± I unconsciously held my breath as I waited for her to reply, which was a long time because she assessed me like a doctor would do to his patient.

    ¡°Is he giving you a hard time at work? You know you can talk to me.¡± She finally said.

    My eyes fluttered close as I heaved out a sigh of relief. Damn, that almost gave me a heart attack. At least my secret is safe for now.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± I answer her, keeping my voice as chirpy as ever. I set the dress back on the rack, stering a wide grin on my face. ¡°He hasn¡¯t even been to work in the past three days, so it¡¯s kinda like a mini vacation for me,¡± I note with a shrug of my shoulders.

    Please buy my dumb excuse.

    Olivia shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°You¡¯re lying. Something¡¯s bothering you, it¡¯s been that way since the g.¡±

    I swallowed hard, my smile ttering for a moment. Olivia was not an easy opponent.

    I sighed, my shoulders slumping as I flopped on a bench in the corner of the boutique. Olivia followed, taking a seat beside me.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    She ced her hand on my shoulder, giving it aforting squeeze as I tried to collect my thoughts, picking out what could be said about what couldn¡¯t.

    My heart was heavy, and it was getting harder to act like everything was fine. I needed someone to talk to.

    ¡°Olivia¡­¡± I hesitated, and she urged me to continue with a warm smile, her gaze softening. ¡°What is it like ¡­ . to be loved?¡±

    Olivia blinked, obviously taken aback by my question. Her gaze flickers to her ring, and in her eyes, I saw more than adoration, it was an emotion that was far beyond what I couldprehend. I looked at her ring, highlighting its intricate features.

    Her ring was a beautiful diamond solitaire set in tinum, with delicate filigree work along the band that caught the light in a way that made it seem almost alive

    .

    ¡°It¡¯s a mix of heaven and hell.¡± She said after a while, a small smile pulling at the corners of her lips. ¡°To love and be loved.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    Olivia¡¯s smile widened, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. ¡°It means that sometimes love can be the most wonderful thing in the world, making you feel like you¡¯re floating on air. You know all giddy, with butterflies raising havoc in your stomach.¡± She chuckled softly, shifting her gaze back to me. ¡± And other times, it can be challenging, testing your patience and strength. Sometimes you¡¯ll feel like banging your head against the wall.¡±

    ¡°Sounds painful.¡± I mused, causing Olivia to burst into a high-pitchedugh. I joined her, chucking softly. It made my heart feel a little lighter and I was grateful for that.

    ¡°Yeah maybe.¡± She caught her breath, raising the hand that bore the ring up high, letting it flicker and shine in the light. ¡°But it¡¯s always worth it, with the right person.¡±

    I let her words sink in, feeling a pang of longing deep within me. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ve ever experienced that kind of love,¡± I admitted softly.

    Olivia¡¯s hand moved to cup my cheek, forcing me to meet her eyes. ¡°Auri, you deserve to be loved in the best way possible. Don¡¯t settle for anything less. And don¡¯t be afraid to open up about what¡¯s bothering you. Keeping it all inside will only hurt you more.¡±

    If only she knew how I was hurting. I knew my contract with the CEO was forced on me, but there was a side of me that had already given in to him. I knew that he only saw me as a means to pleasure himself, but when he showed subtle signs of vulnerability, it made me want more. And the crazy part was I didn¡¯t even know what I was looking for.

    He¡¯d shunned me so easily, humiliated and disregarded me, and yet¡­.. when he didn¡¯t show up to work¡­I missed him.

    I missed him and worried about him. That can¡¯t be normal right?

    My eyes stung as unshed tears clouded my vision. I turned away from Olive, sniffling as I took a deep breath.

    I knew the CEO didn¡¯t love me. And I didn¡¯t love him¡­.. it hasn¡¯t gotten to that point, but he still gued my mind. Should I owe it to the physical attraction between us? Was that all that was there?

    Soon I felt Olivia¡¯s arms wrap around me, pulling me into a tight hug. I stiffened at first, but I soon settled into her embrace; a lone tear gliding down my cheeks.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay, Auri,¡± Olivia whispered, her voice soothing and maternal. ¡°You don¡¯t have to have all the answers right now. Just take it one day at a time.¡±

    I nodded against her shoulder, appreciating thefort she offered. It felt good to let some of the weight off my chest, even if just a little.

    After a moment, we pulled apart, and Olivia gave me a reassuring smile. ¡°Let¡¯s find a dress that makes you feel amazing, alright? Something that brings out your inner goddess.¡±

    Iughed softly, wiping away the tears. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it.¡±

    We spent the next hour sifting through racks of dresses, Olivia¡¯s enthusiasm contagious. By the time we left the boutique, it was already noon, and we bid each other farewell.

    Now I sat curled up in my living room, Chelsea huddled in myp as sketched some designs that hade to mind after my date with Olivia. It also served as a perfect distraction from the thoughts of the CEO.

    A sudden, loud knock on the door jolted me out of my thoughts, causing my pencil to slip across the page, crossing over the design I¡¯d been working on. My heart pounded in my chest as I nced towards the door, dread pooling in my stomach. The knocking came again, more insistent this time.

    Chelsea perked up at the sound and I quickly put her down and stood up, my mind racing. Who could it be at this hour? It was past midnight, and I wasn¡¯t expecting anyone. My immediate thought was danger.

    I rushed to the kitchen, my eyes scanning for anything I could use as a weapon. My hand hovered over the knife block, fingers trembling as I hesitated. The knocking continued, growing louder and more urgent, sending a shiver down my spine. I took a deep breath, grabbed thergest knife, and steeled myself before moving towards the door.

    As I approached, I could hear my own rapid breathing and the relentless pounding on the door. I paused, hand on the doorknob, heart thudding in my ears. I tightened my grip on the knife, its weightforting yet terrifying in my hand.

    With a final deep breath, I unlocked the door and flung it open, knife raised defensively. The sight that greeted me made my blood run cold. There, hunched over and bloodied, was the CEO, his hand pressed tightly against a bleeding wound on his abdomen. His usuallyposed and authoritative demeanor was reced with pain and desperation.

    ¡°Aurelia,¡± he gasped, his voice weak and strained. ¡°Help¡­ me.¡±

 Chapter Forty-Four; Donéˆ¥æª› Leave

    For a moment, I was frozen, shock rooting me to the spot. The knife slipped from my fingers and ttered to the floor as I rushed forward, catching him just as his knees buckled.

    ¡°Luke!¡± I cried, paning my voice as I struggled to support his weight. ¡°What happened? Who did this to you?¡±

    He winced, a groan escaping his lips as he tried to speak. ¡°No¡­ time¡­ inside¡­¡±

    I nodded frantically, helping him inside and shutting the door behind us. My mind raced as I guided him to the couch,ying him down as gently as possible. Blood was seeping through his fingers, staining his expensive suit and the couch beneath him.

    There was so much blood.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call an ambnce,¡± I said, my hands trembling as I reached for my phone.

    ¡°No!¡± he snapped, his voice surprisingly firm despite his condition. Luke jerked up to stop, his grip on my wrist tight. He heaved a shaky breath, his eyes pleading as he looked up at me. ¡°No hospital.¡±

    I stared at him, confusion and fear warring within me. ¡°Then what do I do?¡± my chest heaved as Luke settled back on the couch. I nced at the wound, horrified at how fast he was losing blood. I was disoriented, and nothing came to mind.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know what to do¡­¡± Tears flowed down my cheeks as he coughed, a trail of blood trickling down his chin. ¡°Luke..¡±

    The CEO let out a low grunt, his weary gaze finding mine. ¡°Do you¡­. have any alcohol?¡± He asked through short breaths, his voice barely audible.

    My brows furrowed. ¡°Are you seriously thinking of drinking in this state!¡± I didn¡¯t mean to raise my voice, but his request was beyond absurd. Who would want alcohol at a time like this?!

    Luke, this damned man, smiled, and even in his bloody battered state, it made my heart skip a beat.

    ¡°You look cute when you scold me¡­.¡± he mused, and my lips parted in awe at his audacity. Cute?  Now he was flirting? Unbelievable, just unbelievable.

    ¡°I see the loss of blood is making you delirious, you¡¯re spewing nonsense.¡± Even as I reprimanded him, my tears continued to flow. He looked so pale, like he was holding on to hisst string of life. My chest ached to see him this way, tightening with a profound emotion.

    The fear of losing him.

    Luke chuckled softly, the sound holding no substance as his gaze darted to the ceiling. ¡°I¡¯m not drinking¡­¡± he forced out, ¡°It¡¯s for the wound silly¡­¡±  his voice softer now, eyes closing as he fought to stay conscious.

    ¡°Just get alcohol and a first aid box, I¡¯ll tell you what to do.¡± Luke¡¯s gaze returned to me, and my breath hitched in my throat as a lone tear slid down his bruised cheek.

    ¡°I trust you.¡±

    The vulnerability in his voice, so unlike the man I knew, made the ache in my chest grow, threatening to consume me whole.

    I didn¡¯t hesitate any longer. Nodding, I sprinted to the kitchen, yanking open cabs in a frantic search. My mind was a whirlwind of worry, but I forced myself to focus. I finally found a bottle of whiskey and grabbed the first aid kit from under the sink.

    Running back to Luke, I knelt beside him, cing the items on the floor. ¡°Alright, what do I do?¡±

    He gritted his teeth, pulling through the stinging pain. ¡°Pour the alcohol on the wound first,¡± he instructed, his voice barely a whisper.

    My hands trembled as I uncapped the bottle and poured the whiskey over the gash on his side. He hissed in pain, his body tensing, but he didn¡¯t push me away. The wound bubbled and fizzed, the alcohol doing its job of disinfecting.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Now¡­ cloth¡­ press¡­ hard¡­¡± he panted.

    I ripped a piece of cloth from a nearby towel and pressed it firmly against the wound. Luke¡¯s face contorted in agony, but he nodded for me to continue.

    ¡°What now?¡± I asked, desperate to keep him conscious.

    ¡°Need to¡­ stitch¡­ stop the bleeding¡­¡±

    I fumbled with the first aid kit, finding a needle and some thread. My hands shook so badly it took me three tries to thread the needle. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I can do this, Luke,¡± I whispered, terrified of hurting him more.

    ¡°You can,¡± he said, his voice filled with a strength that was a huge contrast to his condition. ¡°You can adapt to any situation, remember?¡± his lips split into a small smile as he reminded me of the joke he made at work. My gaze softened, and I sniffled, mentally preparing myself.

    Taking a deep breath, I began stitching the wound, each pull of the thread causing him to wince and groan. I tried to be as gentle as possible, but the necessity of the situation required urgency. The metallic smell of blood swirled around us, pulling at my nerve¡¯s ends. Chelsea had scurried into my room, either unbothered or scared.

    Questions swirled in my mind, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand. He needed me, and for now, that was all that mattered.

    After what felt like an eternity, I finished. Heaving out a sigh, I sat back, my hands covered in his blood, and looked at him. His eyes were half open, his face pale and glistening with sweat.

    I reached out, gently brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. ¡°You¡¯re going to be okay,¡± I whispered, more to reassure myself than him.

    Blood still seeped around the stitches, but it wasn¡¯t as much as before. Luke¡¯s breathing was shallow, and this scared me, but he managed a weak smile.

    ¡°Good job,¡± he murmured, his eyes fluttering shut. Panic surged through me again.

    ¡°Luke, stay with me!¡± I pleaded, shaking him gently.

    His eyes opened a sliver, focusing on me. He chuckled, but the velvet sound was cut off with a low grunt. ¡°Easy¡­ on the merchandise darling¡­I¡¯m not dying just yet.¡±

    It was amazing how he maintained his cheeky bravado with a hole in his abdomen.

    I copsed on the couch, a heavy burden weighing on my shoulders as I took his hand, intertwining our fingers together, stained with blood.

    Something shed in Luke¡¯s eyes as his gaze lingered on our joint hands.

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave¡­¡± He whispered, his grip tightening.

    My heart thundered in my chest, the desperate plea in his tone catching me off guard. Slowly, I ced his hand against my cheek, leaning towards his touch. His hands felt cold.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere,¡± I promised, more tears streaming down my face. ¡°I¡¯m right here. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡±

    His eyes fluttered close, but I could tell from the subtle rise and fall of his chest that he was alive. Alive and breathing.

    ¡°Thank you, Aurelia,¡±

    As he drifted into unconsciousness, I sat beside him, holding his hand tightly, praying for his survival. The night stretched on, and all I could do was wait.

    Pondering on the question that hung in the air like a dreadful ghost.

    What the hell happened to him?

 Chapter Forty-Five; Unanswered Questions

    Somehow I had slept off, and I was woken up by a soft knock on my door. My neck throbbed as I rose to my feet, my gaze lingering on the empty couch as I let out a long sigh.

    Luke was gone, leaving behind a deep stain on my couch. It was the only thing that reminded me of his presence, that he was here, bleeding to death.

    I looked down at my hands, at the blood that had dried on my newly manicured nails. The knocking persists, and my heart rate picks up. I would be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t scared, maybe it was the police?

    I rushed to the bathroom to clean myself up, it wouldn¡¯t do well for me to walk out looking like a victim of a horror movie. Yesterday was indeed horrific, it was devastating. Where could he have gone? Couldn¡¯t he have waited for his wound to stop bleeding at least? And more importantly, how did he get badly hurt?

    And why would my apartment be the first ce he showed up?

    Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯m d I saved his life. But the pieces are not just clicking. Each time I feel like I¡¯m starting to understand the CEO, he does something that makes him more of a mystery.

    But yesterday was¡­..

    ¡®Don¡¯t leave¡­¡¯

    I didn¡¯t know he could make such a desperate expression. The look in his eyes¡­. harbored loneliness. I knew this well, it was a look that had lingered in the gaze of someone once dear to me, and it haunted them till their very end.

    Or was it just his will to live?

    The CEO squeezed my hand so tightly, almost like he was afraid I would disappear before him. I couldn¡¯t deny that it made my heart ache with worry and something else- though I couldn¡¯t describe what it was.

    I quickly returned to the living room, carrying with me a nket to hide the patch of blood on my couch. I scrubbed the floors also, and you would think whoever was at the door would¡¯ve left, but they remained there, having the patience of a saint.

    The knocking was steady and persistent, and each rap echoed through my entire being. My visitor was persistent, and this made me a little nervous. Luke had left but had managed to lock the door without shutting me in. I realized that as I reached for the handle.

    How did he do that?

    I hesitated for a moment, my grip on the handle tightening as I chewed on my bottom lip.

    What if it was someone looking for Luke?

    Someone dangerous?

    Was this rted to what happened at his vi?

    What if they knew he had been here?

    Or was it the CEO himself?

    My heartbeat sped up at thest thought, but I snapped out of my daze as the knocking got sharper, losing its earlier patience. I gulped my spit, gathering all the courage I had left. I opened the door just a crack, peering through the narrow gap.

    It wasn¡¯t Luke, and my heart sank to the bottom of my stomach. Instead, it was anky, tired-looking man with a buzz cut, dressed in a delivery outfit. His arms were adorned with tattoos, one of which caught my eye: a serpent coiled around a dagger.

    ¡°Morning, ma¡¯am,¡± he said with a gruff voice. ¡°I was sent by Mr. Graham to change your couch.¡±

    I blinked in confusion. ¡°Change my couch?¡±

    He nodded, holding up a clipboard. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. He arranged for it early this morning. Said it was urgent.¡±

    I stared at him, my mind going nk. It caught me off guard, adding to the tangled vines of questions that circled in my head.

    The couch? Really?

    How could Luke have arranged this so quickly?  Wasn¡¯t this the same man that was on death¡¯s doorstepst night?

    The delivery man must have sensed my hesitation because he flipped the clipboard around to show me a signature. My brows furrowed, but I soon recognized the fine curve of lines immediately. It was unmistakably the CEO¡¯s signature, bold and precise, just like the ones he signs at work.

    Reluctantly, I stepped aside, allowing the man and his subordinates to enter. They worked swiftly, removing the blood-stained couch and recing it with a new one. I watched them, still bewildered by the entire situation.

    They all had unreadable expressions on their faces as they worked, picking up the bloody couch like they were it was nothing. No shock registered on their faces, almost like they were used to it, like it was a norm.

    How strange. From the looks of it, they weren¡¯t ordinary delivery men, because no one in their right mind would be so calm doing this. Could they be Luke¡¯s men? Henchmen?

    I shook my head at the thought. It was absurd. Why would the CEO need henchmen?

    The process was quick As they were about to leave, the tattooed man turned to me, gracing me with a curt nod.

    ¡°Wait!¡± I called out to him, and he simply looked at me over his shoulder, brows arched.

    ¡°Is there anything else you need ma¡¯am?¡± It was a simple question, but his voice was cold all of a sudden.

    I shifted ufortably in my spot, my hands balling into fists at my sides.

    ¡°Did¡­ Mr. Graham leave a message for me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just following orders, ma¡¯am.¡± He replied, and with that, he and his team left, leaving me standing in the middle of my living room, a brand-new couch in ce of the old one. The silence that followed was deafening, filled with unanswered questions and growing unease.

    What the hell was going on?

    ***

    ¡°He¡¯s not in today as well?¡±

    The CEO¡¯s secretary shook her head, and my shoulders sagged in disappointment. I shift my gaze to the door of his office, the ache in my chest increasing. It¡¯s been two long weeks since Ist saw the CEO, I waited anxiously for a message or anything, but I got nothing.

    It was like the man disappeared into thin air.

    I came to work because I didn¡¯t want to sit at home doing nothing, it was suffocating.

    My new job was tied to him, and if he wasn¡¯t around, it meant I would have to wait. But I was good and tired of waiting.

    Do I miss him? No no¡­definitely not. I was just worried because I stitched his wounds, like the way a doctor would worry for his patient. It was normal¡­Right?

    I turned to leave, but my steps faltered as the scent of luxurious wine tickled my nostrils.

    ¡°Good afternoon.¡±  Veronica Montague¡¯s soft voice greeted my ears, or itched them rather. She waltzed into the reception like she owned the ce, dressed to the nines in an elegant navy blue dress.

    She paired the dress with matching stiletto heels, a pearl ne, and a designer purse. Her hair was styled in perfect waves, and her makeup highlighted her unique features perfectly.

    Diamond earringspleted her stunning ensemble, sparkling as she moved with an air of confidence that suffocated me.

    I was suddenly reminded of her interaction with the CEO, and I hated the fact that it still affected me.

    ¡°Good afternoon Miss Montague!¡± The secretary beamed on seeing her, a more excited reception than the one she gave me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but the CEO isn¡¯t in today. I could leave a message if you want?¡±

    Veronica smiled at the secretary, reaching into her purse to pull out a few hundred dor bills. ¡°Thank you, ra.¡± She handed the money to ra, and the young secretary showered her with praises and gratitude.

    I scoffed at this, suddenly feeling irritated for some reason. But as I turned to leave, I paused on hearing a call of my name.

    ¡°Aurelia is it?¡± Veronica faced me, brows arched as she feigned ignorance. She was a tall woman and she looked down at me, peering through her lustrousshes, as she probably judged my very existence.

    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered curtly, annoyance evident in my tone, but I kept a straight face as I matched her gaze. ¡°That¡¯s my name.¡± I didn¡¯t bother to greet her, because at the moment, we were just two women. I stood before her as Aurelia Ravenwood, not the CEO¡¯s assistant.

    Veronica hummed, a small smile curling her lips. ¡°You still have a hard re when you look at me, does my presence irk you that much?¡± her tone was surprisingly yful, but I maintained myposure.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean,¡± I answered her, looking down at my watch. ¡°If you would excuse me-¡±

    ¡°Tell Arroyal I said Hi.¡±  She interjected, and my heart jumped to my throat. I whipped my head to her, my stoic mask falling.

    What?

    Veronica seemed satisfied by my reaction, and as I stood frozen in my spot, she drew, her hips swaying with each step she took. I stiffened as she leaned forward to whisper in my ear.

    ¡°The man can only handle so many women.¡±

    With that, she turned sharply on her heels, disappearing along the curve of the hallway.

 Chapter Forty-Six; Scared

    As I returned home, I tried not to dwell on Veronica¡¯s words. I distracted myself with soft music, but her slithering voice kept creeping into my mind, breaking through the barriers and effortlessly deluding me.

    ¡®The man can only handle so many women.¡¯

    What the hell did she mean by that? And why did it bother me so much?

    Yes, I knew a man of his caliber would not settle for one woman, but it was written in the contract that we were to be exclusive to one another, or did that apply to only me?

    Oh lord, now I was even more pissed off.

    I reached my apartment building, shaking my head as if I¡¯d help with the intrusive thoughts, and as I did so, I spotted a sleek vehicle parked in the parking lot. One that I recognized in a heartbeat.

    I gasped, almost tripping on my own feet from shock.

    It was the CEO¡¯s car.

    Without thinking, I took off, running at a speed that matched the rate of my heart. He was here! My lips spread into a relieved smile as I approached the car, a new hope shining in my eyes. The driver seat door flung open, causing anticipation to swell in my chest.

    The CEO was here!

    ¡°Luke-¡±

    My steps screeched to a halt as the person who stepped out was his driver. Breath hitching in my throat, I felt my fireText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    anticipation vanishes with the strong wind of

    disappointment.

    But even still, I looked for him. I turned to check the passenger seat, and then to the backseat, but the car was empty. He wasn¡¯t here.

    ¡°Miss Ravenwood.¡± The driver called for my attention, but his words flew over my head as I absentmindedly stared into nothingness. I zeroed my gaze on my reflection in the car¡¯s ss window, shocked at my impulsive action.  Why did I run? Why was I so excited? What was that rush of happiness? Did I want to jump into his arms on seeing? To celebrate that he was well and alive? Or was it something deeper than that?

    Embarrassment soon trickled in, followed by a subtle ache that seeped into my subconscious.

    What the hell was wrong with me?

    I heard the middle-aged man clear his throat before speaking once more, but what he said next caused my blood to freeze and then boil in my veins. A phenomenon I didn¡¯t know was possible until now.

    ¡°Mr. Graham instructed me to bring you to him.¡±

    ***

    ¡°Mr Graham will be with you shortly.¡±

    I forced a smile as the butler bowed slightly before leaving the room. Luke¡¯s room. I held my breath as I looked around, soaking in every intricate detail, from the dark brick walls to the deep color of the marble tiles that sparkled beneath my feet.

    Fuck I was so nervous.

    I stood still in my spot, fiddling with the hem of my dress, as my gaze bounced about the room. Thest time I was here, I was weed in the lounge, but this time, I was brought to his room. Such a change would make anyone nervous.

    I felt like my heart would burst out of my chest, and then eerie silence wasn¡¯t doing anything to help matters. In my efforts to distract myself, I noticed a few lone sketches on the reading desk in the corner of the room. Pieces of paper that were sprawled against the mahogany like tasteless art. I was immediately drawn, and before I knew it, my feet moved, answering the siren¡¯s call.

    My eyes widened in awe as I realized they were drawn by the CEO, designs of dresses that exuded all forms of fashion. It was beautiful, every delicate curve and stroke, and I couldn¡¯t help but be fascinated. He was truly talented.

    I reached for a particr design that caught my eye, a gasp escaping my lips as I examined it. This sketch was more than a dress, it was a full portrait of a beautiful woman, a woman with features akin to mine.

    Impossible. I thought. But I blinked once then twice, the gears in my head turning as I traced each line that looked more like me with each passing second. There was a flutter in my chest, a warmth that spread from the depths of my heart, extending to embrace every inch of my body.

    This¡­. was a drawing of me in my g dress.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    I yelped, my hands flying to my chest as I whipped my head forward. I jolted in my spot as I came face to face with the CEO. My eyes rounded into saucers, my breath hitching in my throat as I took in his appearance.

    Luke stood at the entrance of the room, wearing nothing but a small towel wrapped around his slender waist. He was probably fresh out of the shower, judging by how his dark hair deepened in a sinful ck when wet, and droplets of water trickled down his skin, worshiping his highly defined muscles in the most daunting way. I noticed his stab wound had been bandaged expertly, and that seemed to snap me out of my daze.

    I was immediately flooded with a rush of various emotions, I couldn¡¯t tell which was stronger. Happiness, relief, and¡­. longing.

    Luke¡¯s unwavering gaze darted to my hands, and I quickly hid the drawing behind my back, heat bursting in my cheeks.

    ¡°N-nothing.¡± I internally cringed for stuttering, but I couldn¡¯te up with anything better to say.

    I had imagined this scenario multiple times through the week, of my reaction to seeing him. But out of all the possibilities I hade up with, this was thest thing I had in mind.

    There was a long silence between us, and it made me want to pull at the roots of my hair in frustration. I had to say or do something to dispel the awkward air in the room, or I feared it might suffocate me.

    I opened my mouth to speak, wanting to say I was d to see he was alright, and it was the truth, but he cut me off before I could get a word in.

    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± Irritation bubbled in his tone, causing my brows to arch in confusion. ¡°Get on the bed and strip.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    Did I hear that right?

    Luke scoffed, and I straightened up, setting the sketch aside.

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re here for huh?¡± He raised his chin, ring at me with eyes that I did not recognize. He had never looked at me that way before¡­. like I was nothing but a mere tool. ¡°Get on the damn bed and spread your legs like the good little slut you are.¡±

    My lips parted in awe as I huffed, unwilling to believe the wordsing out of his mouth. I was hurt, my pride taking a blow and an uppercut.

    Was that really all he had to say? After I saved his life? After disappearing for two weeks after staining my hands and home with his blood? Is this all I deserve to get?

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me like that.¡± I snapped, and for a moment he looked shocked, but it was quickly reced by anger.

    ¡°Are you talking back to me Ravenwood?¡± He raised his voice, approaching me with his arms crossed over his chest and his jaw set tight.

    I stood my ground, even as my knees shook lightly. He was a step away from me now, but I refused to retreat. Instead, I tipped my chin a millimeter higher, matching his gaze with an intensity that sparked hot mes between us.

    ¡°If you haven¡¯t noticed Mr. CEO..¡± my voice was surprisingly firm, and I was grateful for that. ¡°This isn¡¯t the office. You can¡¯t boss me around.¡±

    Luke threw his head back andughed, a boomingughter that mocked my very existence. The sound was dreadful, and my instincts screamed at me to bolt that very minute, but I was more of a fool than a coward. So I didn¡¯t run.

    In a movement that was so swift and smooth, the CEO grasped my neck and shoved me back.

    I gasped for air as my back sunk into the mattress of his King-sized bed. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes as I looked up at him.

    He drew close, his lips merely brushing against mine. ¡°But let me remind you, Miss Ravenwood¡­.¡± He growled lowly and for the first time¡­I was scared. Scared of him.  ¡°¡­ This is my house, and as long as you¡¯re under my roof, you¡¯ll follow my rules.¡±

    Luke was ravenous as he towered over me, his hand tightening around the neck as the other moved to undo the buttons of my blouse. I struggled against his hold, but he was stronger, leaving me defenseless as he robbed me of my dignity.

    ¡°Luke¡­¡± I begged, salty tears rolling down my cheeks as I felt lightheaded from theck of oxygen. ¡°Please¡­. stop¡­¡±

    My voice cracked as I felt thest remnants of my strength slipping away. I surrendered to him, losing the inevitable battle as my vision blurred, darkness closing in from the edges.

    Then suddenly, Luke¡¯s grip on my neck ckened. Confusion washed over me as I gasped for air, desperate to cool my burning lungs as I struggled to process the abrupt change.

    With a heavy thud, Luke¡¯s body slumped against me, the weight of him pinning me to the bed. Startled, I tried to push him off, panic surging anew as I realized he was unconscious. His eyes were closed, his breathing shallow.

    ¡°Luke?¡± I whispered, my voice trembling as a familiar dread settled within me. ¡°Luke?¡±

    I shook him gently at first, then more urgently, but he didn¡¯t respond. Fear gripped my heart as Iy trapped beneath his heavy form, my mind racing with a thousand questions.

    ¡°Luke?!¡±

 Chapter Forty-Seven; Apologies

    THIRD PERSON POV

    Luke woke up with a wet towel on his forehead and a bitter taste in his mouth.

    Cracking his eyes open, his dreary gaze wandered about the room. He had passed out again. His head throbbed painfully, and he winced at the bright rays of sunlight spilling through the window blinds. This confused him because he was sure he¡¯d never opened them.

    He stayed in bed, toozy to move, or rather, he couldn¡¯t move at all. He felt something weigh him down, keeping him in ce like an anchor in the sea.

    Luke let his gaze fall, towards the subject of obstruction, and his eyes rounded, shocked to find Aurelia¡¯s head resting on hisp. Her eyes were closed, her coppery hairing alive in the bright sunlight.

    He swallowed hard, watching her with a conflicted expression. Why was she still here? Why would she stay after he treated her so horribly?

    These questions gued his mind, and with them came an unsettling pang in his chest. Was this guilt? Shame or regret. Maybe it was all three, mixing in an excruciating punishment that reminded him of his I¡¯ll deeds.

    Luke reached out for her but stopped himself. His hands froze in mid-air as her full eyshes fluttered, opening to reveal deep gray eyes that resembled ancient diamonds.

    Aurelia woke, meeting his gaze. A small smile rested on his face, which confused him even more.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± She said, her voiceing out in a hushed whisper. They stared at each other for a moment, saying nothing. Then suddenly Aurelia¡¯s eyes widened, her breath hitching in her throat as if she¡¯d just remembered something.

    ¡°Oh my God!¡± She sprang up, pulling away from him with her hands high above her head. She held that pose as if to say she was surrendering, but honestly, she had just realized that she¡¯d slept off on hisp. Aurelia immediately stood to her feet, letting out an awkwardugh as she began stretching her limbs.

    Why? She had no idea, but it was the only thing she could think of at that moment.

    Luke regarded her in silence, and Aurelia took his unwavering stare as an immediate threat. She immediatelyposed herself, standing at stiff attention as she cleared her throat.

    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± she began, her gaze zeroing in on her boots. She couldn¡¯t look at him, not when her heart was in a frenzy, cheeks aze. ¡°You suddenly passed out, and your butler told me you were sick so I¡­. I thought¡±

    ¡°Aurelia.¡± Luke cut her off, and she inhaled sharply, her teeth sinking into her lower lip to shut up.

    A few minutes passed, but Luke didn¡¯t say anything more. What could he say? It was the first time he was at a loss of words. He opened his mouth but his voice failed him, something that had never happened before. But then again, this was his first attempt at an apology.

    He couldn¡¯t deny that he was ashamed of how he treated her. Luke had never taken pleasure in forcing himself on a woman, and he was certain he never will. His head was in the wrong ce, a dark ce, robbing him of all reasoning. Still, it wasn¡¯t an excuse for his behavior.

    He had called her here on impulse. But it wasn¡¯t to relieve himself of the stress that piled within him. Luke wished that was the only reason, but it wasn¡¯t. Far from it even.

    In in words. He¡¯d just wanted to see her. He missed her.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Luke cursed under his breath, his hands balling into fists at his sides. He just couldn¡¯t find the rightbination of words. He¡¯d expected her to be furious, but this insufferable woman waited. Waited and stayed for him toe around.

    Just the thought of it made his heart feel a little lighter. But then he remembered her terrified expression and cursed again. It was like a p on his face.

    Meanwhile, Aurelia was internationally panicking, wondering what could be going on in his head right now.

    She was regretting her life choices, maybe if she¡¯d left then This awkward encounter would have been discouraged. But she stayed because she couldn¡¯t leave with her questions unanswered. That was what she made herself believe, that she stayed only for that reason and nothing more.

    But now that she faced him, she couldn¡¯t summon the courage to ask him for anything.

    After what seemed to be like ages, Luke finally found his voice, though it was rough and unsteady. ¡°Aurelia,¡± he said again, softer this time.

    She looked up at him reluctantly, her eyes wide and filled with a mix of fear and nervousness. ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Did you receive the couch?¡± Luke fought the urge to facepalm as he¡¯d said the exact opposite of what he intended.

    Aurelia blinked once then twice, registering his words.

    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± she nodded stiffly, thinking back to the piece of furniture that was delivered to her home. ¡°Yes, I did.¡±

    Luke sighed, going for another try. ¡°Did you like it?¡± He asked instead. What the hell was wrong with him?

    ¡°The couch was exactly the same as the old one so¡­I think I do,¡± Aurelia answered, sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck as she focused her gaze on anywhere else but him.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Another excruciating moment of silence passed.

    ¡°I¡¯m d your wound is healing¡­¡± Aurelia pointed out, her gaze lingering on his torso. Yes, his hard chiseled torso was wrapped in a tight bandage. Swallowing hard, she forced her eyes away, smoothing the non-existent crease in her skirt.

    Luke¡¯s brows furrowed on hearing her statement. He knew she was indirectly asking him how he ended up the way he did, but it was out of the question. For her safety.

    ¡°I showed up to your house bloodied, and I know you were scared and confused. But I can¡¯t give you a definite exnation, other than I needed your help.¡± He spoke up, his tone diplomatic as hebed his hands through his hair.

    Aurelia nodded, although she wasn¡¯t satisfied. ¡°I understand.¡± No, she didn¡¯t, but who was she to argue? It wasn¡¯t like she expected him to bear his heart and secrets to him. She didn¡¯t have the right and couldn¡¯t demand it.

    After all, as Veronica had insinuated; She was just one among the flock. Ah, her mood was immediately ruined once again. ¡°Please get some rest, Mr. Graham, if that¡¯ll be all¡­. I¡¯d like to get going.¡± she¡¯d gotten her answer, and he was okay, so there was no other reason for her to stay.

    Aurelia turned to leave before he could detect the emotions that were evident on her face, but her heart leaped in her chest when he grabbed her wrist, causing her steps to screech to a stop.

    Luke had moved without thinking, reaching out for her. ¡°I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m sorry,¡± he forced out, the words feeling foreign on his tongue. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for how I treated you earlier.¡±

    Aurelia spun, clearly taken aback by his apology. She wondered if it was really the CEO that sat before her, or someone else.

    She¡¯d never imagined he¡¯d even heard of the words ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡¯, let alone say it to her. If this was possible, then maybe pigs could fly as well.

    Meanwhile, the pair were oblivious to the butler who stood frozen at the entrance of the room, a tray with a cup and some medicine in his hands. He quickly stepped back, his jaw scraping the floor as he did so.

    He¡¯d been working for Luke for five years. And never had he seen his boss stare so affectionately at a woman.  Simon couldn¡¯t help but smile and chuckle to himself as he silently made his way back to his post, careful not to interrupt their special moment.

    ¡°What?¡± Aurelia blurted out, disbelief crossing over her features.

    Luke sighed heavily, feeling the weight of her uneasiness and his inadequacy to properly express his emotions. The only indication was his grip on her wrist tightening reassuringly. ¡°And thank you¡­.¡±  he continued his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°For saving my life.¡±

    There was a long pause as Aurelia processed his words. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the regret etched into his features. It softened her heart, just a little.

    Just a little for a blooming warmth to creep to her cheeks, coloring them scarlet.

    ¡°And as a token of my thanks,¡± Luke¡¯s lips curved into a suggestive smile, one that caused her heart to skip a thousand beats if it were possible. But that was what it felt like.

    ¡°Tell me what you want and I¡¯ll get it, anything at all. If it¡¯s within my power, it¡¯ll be done.¡±

    Aurelia thought she¡¯d won the lottery and at that moment. Only one thing came to mind.

    ¡°I want¡­. my old job back.¡±

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