《Taming Mr. Black》


 Chapter 1

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    ¡± Naomi!¡± The sound of my name makes me jolt up from my bed at once. I clean my eyes and stare at the person next to my open door. My younger sister Rachel stands next to my door with a toothbrush in her hand as she smiles at me.


    ¡± Good morning. Mama said I should tell you that you will bete for work soon.¡± Rachel says and disappears down the hallway, leaving my door open.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I groan and get out of bed. I quickly take my bath, get dressed in my previous day clothes and head to the living room. The house looks lively and smells beautiful.


    ¡± Pancakes.¡± I say as I walk towards the kitchen.


    Mom¡¯s making pancakes like I predicted.


    ¡± Good morning, Mama.¡± I say and kiss my mother on the cheeks.


    ¡± Good morning, baby. How did you sleep?¡± Mom asks and scoops pancakes on a te and pushes it to the edge of the counter for me to take. I give her a grateful nod and brew coffee for myself.


    ¡± Good.¡± I say, while adding sugar and cream to my coffee.


    ¡± Mmm¡­¡±


    ¡± Is this about that boyfriend of yours?¡± Mom asks in Spanish.


    I groan. Every time she speaks in ournguage to me, I feel like a child. She always does this on purpose.


    ¡± Mama.¡± I blow air into my coffee and take a sip. I sit down to start eating.


    ¡± I thought you two were like done.¡± Rachel says and pokes her head into the kitchen. I re at her.


    ¡± Out. The seniors are talking.¡± Mom says in English. Rachel rolls her eyes and disappears behind the wall.


    Mom sighs and turns to look at me. I avoid her gaze. I can¡¯t, with her right now. I don¡¯t want to talk about my bad rtionship with George.


    ¡± Sweetheart.¡± Mom says in Spanish.


    I look up, while trying to eat up my pancakes and get the hell out of here. I¡¯m nearlyte for work and my mother knows that.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± She continues in Spanish.


    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m fine.¡± I say and stand up, carrying my tes with me to the sink.


    ¡± Okay, I believe you.¡± She continues to speak in Spanish.


    I ignore her and drop my tes in the sink. I turn on the tap to wash my hands.


    ¡± Is he still bothering you? I mean, after you told him you were done?¡± Mom asks in Spanish.


    ¡± Yup.¡± I mutter underneath my breath. George is thest person I want to talk about right now and she knows that.


    ¡± What did you even see in him? I¡¯d never liked him. He¡¯s just so privileged with daddy and mommy issues. He¡¯s too full of himself and God, he¡¯s so arrogant. I mean, not standing up for you when his mother was berating you, that was so shameless of him. And his parents, who do they think they¡¯re? The fact that they¡¯re rich doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯ll treat people like gum. Chew them up and throw them away when they please. God, they are just out of control. These privileged people¡­¡± Mom goes on and on with Spanish.


    ¡± Mom. It¡¯s okay. George and I are over. We¡¯re not getting back together. I didn¡¯t know it would turn out like this. I¡¯m done with him. For good. And I don¡¯t care about his parents berating me. I¡¯m a sessful woman and a graduate with a marketing degree. The fact that I don¡¯t have a good job yet doesn¡¯t make me useless.¡± I say and sigh as I turn off the tap.


    This is why I don¡¯t want to talk about George or his family. They just give me a headache that tends to stay for too long.


    ¡± I¡¯m happy you¡¯re finally moving on and bing a real woman. I knew I trained you to be better.¡± Mom says and leans against the counter as she watches me. I don¡¯t say a word but drink my coffee in peace and quiet.


    ¡± So when are you nning to leave that job? It¡¯s bringing you anything, but good. You don¡¯t live in a good apartment, Naomi. You have a roommate and yet you feel so content with that bartending job.¡± Mom says in Spanish.


    ¡± Mom. I¡¯m not content, I just don¡¯t have a choice. Plus you taught me how to work hard and earn money the right way.¡± I say and drop my cup of coffee on the counter.


    ¡± That job of yours, bartending is not even that good of a job. I want you to do something else. You have a marketing degree, start job hunting again.¡± She still speaks in Spanish.


    ¡± I¡¯m not a bartender, mama, I¡¯m a server. There¡¯s a difference between a bartender and a server.¡±


    ¡± They both work in a club or bar.¡± Mom points out in English.


    ¡± Mom, you need to cut me some cks. There are no jobs in the city. I have tried before and trust me, I¡¯m still trying.¡± I grab my coat and wear it.


    ¡± I thought you hated your boss.¡± Mom says again. I groan and roll my eyes.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. I remember I only said he¡¯s an arrogant privileged asshole.¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s never said a word to you and you hate him. Are you sure that¡¯s hate? I mean, you always talk about him every chance you get and he¡¯s never for once stared at you. I don¡¯t even think he knows you exist.¡± Rachel says as she walks into the kitchen.


    ¡± Shut up, Rache.¡± I yfully re at her.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go now.¡± I walk towards my mom and hug her.


    ¡± You know I want the best for you right?¡± Mom asks me in English. I smile and nod.


    ¡± I know.¡± I pull away from the hug and turn to leave.


    ¡± Don¡¯t forget your nephew¡¯s birthday is tonight. You can¡¯t bete.¡± Mom says.


    ¡± Yeah sure. You know I won¡¯t miss Charlie¡¯s birthday for anything in the world. Where the hell is he?¡± I grab an apple and walk towards the living room.


    ¡± He¡¯s still sleeping. I¡¯ve tried to wake him up.¡± Rachel says behind me.


    ¡± Charlie! You awake? Oh my God Charlie, Bruno is about to eat your Spiderman toy!¡± I lie and pat my family dog, Bruno, on his head. He whines and tilts his head to the side.


    ¡± I¡¯m awake!¡± I hear Charlie¡¯s voice and his small feet racing down the stairs. Iugh and head out of my family¡¯s house.


    I breathe in the warm morning air as I look around for a cab. I see one and enter inside and I shut the door. I give my address to the driver and he starts to drive. I shut my eyes and take in a deep breath. My phone rings and I pull it out of my coat pocket. Bianca, my roommate and literally close friend, is calling me. I pick up and put the phone to my ear.


    ¡± Hey, Bianca.¡±


    ¡± Hey. Naomi. How are you? Are you off to work?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m good. And I¡¯m off to work. What¡¯s up with you? Leaving for work too?¡± I ask.


    ¡± Something like that.¡±


    Bianca and I have been close friends since we both graduated from the same college. Bianca works as a cashier in the city¡¯s mall, not a fancy job for someone who graduated with a business degree. And I on the other hand graduated with a marketing degree and I worked as a server in this elite club called club k. The biggest club in the city and owned by Billionaire Killian ck. The bartenders and servers are mostly college graduates. You barely ever get a job as a bartender in club k, especially when you don¡¯t have a good degree. It was home for the elite men and wealthy men of the state. There are times where celebrities just drop by. The club is the most talked about club in the country and the home to nearly every Billionaire you can think of. So me being able to secure a job there, I guess I should be grateful. The pay is pretty great too. At least I get to take care of my bills and myself.


    ¡± Something like that?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m on my way to work.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡± I answer.


    ¡± George was here though. He dropped by yesterday saying he needed to see you. Well I told him you¡¯re not around. He got pissed and left.¡± Bianca says. I sigh.


    ¡± What are you gonna do about him?¡± She asks when I don¡¯t say anything.


    ¡± I¡¯ve told him countless times I can¡¯t do it anymore.¡±


    ¡± You really need to work harder. Get him off your back once and for all Naomi.¡±


    I sigh and nod to no one in particr.


    ¡± I gotta go now. Be careful.¡±


    ¡± I will.¡± I say and Bianca hangs up.


    George is my boyfriend. Well my ex boyfriend. George and I started dating when I was a senior in university. He was out of college and worked as a finance manager in his father¡¯spany. They were loaded. Rich privileged people. At first I knew the rtionship was gonna hit the bus, but George was so invested in our rtionship he wanted to keep going. His family didn¡¯t like me. They believed I was too under ss for their son. And his mother never tried to hide it, always throwing it at my face that I wasn¡¯t good enough for their son. George was their only son and maybe they wanted the best for him. I couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. We¡¯ve been dating for over two years now and it was time we just let go. There was no future between me and George. His parents didn¡¯t like me and they kept berating me to George. There were asions they set him up with different beautiful women who are rich and share the same social ss as George. I told him I was breaking up with him. George didn¡¯t take the breakup lightly. I made him understand why I can¡¯t be with him or any other privileged men for that matter.


    I hated to be treated like I was nothing. I was something. I make my own money and I¡¯m a fucking graduate. I might not be rich but I was stable. So since I broke up with George, which was five weeks ago, he couldn¡¯t help himself. He would drop by my apartment and apologize for the things he didn¡¯t even do and always demanded we start over again. George hated when someone said no to him. It¡¯s like a disease. He couldn¡¯t stand the fact that I broke up with him even when I gave him a valid reason. Well he constantly dropped by my apartment just to tell me toe back to him. Because of his constant pest behavior, I started spending some of my nights at my mother¡¯s house.


    My family isn¡¯t really all that rich. We weren¡¯t poor either. We werefortable and happy. My father was a veteran of the army. He went to war sixteen years ago, the year Rachel was born, and never came back. We got news that he died, died in action. It was hard for my mom, she cried and cried. My older brother, Antonio, and I made it our life¡¯s mission to look after her and also take care of Rachel. Antonio worked as an interior designer. The pay is pretty great, far better than the sry I earned at club k. But the problem is, he was never at home. Always out there working and trying to make more money. Charlie is his kid. He¡¯s 7 years old. His mother, Grace, divorced my brother, Antonio, because ording to Grace, she couldn¡¯t date a man who¡¯s not always at home. She wanted a loving, caring husband and so they went their separate ways, with Charlie under my brother¡¯s custody. He stays with my mother since his father was barely around and there¡¯s no one to look after him.


    The cab stops outside the famous club k and I get down. It¡¯s pretty early, so there aren¡¯t any teen girls and youths queuing on the line to get a pass into club k. I pay the cabbie and enter inside the club.


    Today is going to be another long day.

 Chapter 2

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    The first person I see the minute I step inside the club is Keiran. He¡¯s a bartender, works the bar frequently and he¡¯s my very good friend. Keiran is hot. Short blonde hair, one sleeve tattoo on his left arm. He¡¯s pretty tall, not that tall and he¡¯s attractive. He¡¯s literally thedies¡¯ man. Most female customers who drink by the bar every other night always flirt with Keiran and drop him a lot of tips. He¡¯s beautiful to the eye and you just can¡¯t ignore him even if you try.


    I walk towards the bar and sit myself in front of Keiran. I¡¯m pretty early today. Since it¡¯s Friday, I decided toe early. Fridays are one of the busiest days in Club K aside Sundays. In less than a few hours there will be men dressed in suits all over these expensive couches with girls on theirp.


    There¡¯s a strip club at the top. It is the VIP area. You need a pass or a ticket to get up there. Most celebrities or wealthy bachelors and married men hang out there. It¡¯s their favorite spot in club k.


    ¡± Hey girl. What¡¯s up.¡± Keiran greets me when he notices my presence.


    ¡± Hey Keiran. I¡¯m good. What¡¯s up with you? You came pretty early, huh?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And I¡¯m good.¡± He chuckles and continues to wipe the sses used for serving drinks. ¡± Today¡¯s Friday and it¡¯s one of our busiest days. Plus I heard the boss is dropping by today.¡±


    ¡± Mr. ck?¡± I ask. I¡¯m not surprised.


    Killian ck isn¡¯t like every other wealthy bachelor in the city. I might dislike the man for no reason in particr, except he¡¯s a genuine asshole and a dick bag, but he¡¯s fine to the eyes. Killian ck is hot, sexy. He¡¯s that type of man you just can¡¯t get enough of by just staring at him. He¡¯s good looking, too attractive and that just seems to annoy me. He¡¯s an arrogant son of a bitch. I first encountered him the day he threatened to fire Keiran for nearly spilling a bottle of Scotch on him, and then he fired Kelly, Keiran¡¯s twin older brother, because he did a poor job of serving him his drink. I have never seen a conceited asshole like Killian ck before.


    The man doesn¡¯t know his workers. He doesn¡¯t even know what they look like or even their names. He just didn¡¯t care. All he cares about is dropping by his club twice a week to get wasted, get high, and get fucked and leave for his multi Billion dorpany on weekdays. He is just too annoying and too much. He is the fine definition of privilege and he treats people like shit. He barely gives a shit about anyone. I don¡¯t care if he¡¯s so sweet to some set of people, the man is just aplete jerk. A good looking jerk, and I hate that he¡¯s so attractive.


    He always uses the back door each time he visits the club so you barely ever know he¡¯s around, except you¡¯re asked to serve the VIPs drinks upstairs. That¡¯s when I ever know he¡¯s around. Only this year, he fired two of Club K¡¯s managers. Why? Because he believed they were doing a bad job of handling his business. The present new manager is his cousin, Preston. And for some good reasons, Preston is nothing like my boss, Killian ck. And I¡¯m grateful. Preston is tolerating, easy to work with and he is understanding.


    ¡± Is he here to get wasted like every other day?¡± I ask Keiran, as I step behind the bar to go to the back room and drop my things.


    ¡± Yes, Naomi. Days like this are the days we make a lot of money, and attractive bartenders like us get good tips.¡± Keiran says.


    I smile, drop my things, and walk back to the bar.


    ¡± You know how Mr. ck is. He¡¯s pretty popr, even amongst women.¡±


    ¡± I pity the unfortunate woman who¡¯s gonna go home with him tonight.¡± I mutter.


    Keiran gives me a long stare. I stare back at him and raise my eyebrows in a questioning gesture.


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Nothing. How¡¯s the boyfriend doing? You know? George. The one who hates your job.¡± Keiran says. I eye him and roll my eyes.


    ¡± We are done.¡±


    ¡± No shit.¡± He exims dramatically.


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± You guys were so in love.¡±


    ¡± And how would you know that?¡± I ask. Keiran shrugs.


    I was anything, but in love with George. I liked him a lot. He was pretty sweet, maybe a little controlling, but he was sweet. I never loved George. That¡¯s the reason I wasn¡¯t in my mother¡¯s arms crying my eyes out because, his parents think little of me.


    ¡± You never loved him? Damn, girl.¡± Keiran mutters. ¡± Does that mean I get a chance with you?¡±


    ¡± Not in your dreams, Keiran.¡±


    The doors to the club opens and Rita rushes In. She¡¯s a bartender and works here too.


    ¡± Hey guys.¡± She says to us.


    ¡± Hey Rita.¡± I smile at her.


    ¡± What¡¯s up, Rita?¡±


    Rita sighs and drops her bag on the bar top.


    ¡± Were you running?¡± I ask. She sits down next to me on a barstool.


    ¡± Something like that. I heard Mr. ck ising today.¡±


    ¡± Like every other Friday.¡± I point out.


    ¡± He might be attractive, but hell, he¡¯s scary.¡± Rita says. ¡± A ss of whiskey please, Keiran.¡±


    ¡± Get it yourself, Rita, and make sure you add it to your tab.¡± Keiran says to her. She groans. I chuckle.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know if you guys noticed but, Killian doesn¡¯t give a shit about us or anything that has to do with the down level. He mostly cares about the VIP section. That¡¯s where the real shit happens.¡± I say.


    ¡± Yeah. Talking about VIP quarters.¡± Rita says as she stands up and goes to the bar to grab a drink.


    ¡± Sassy called in sick. Someone would have to serve the VIPs today to take over from Sassy.¡± Rita says, giving me a pointed look.


    ¡± And what¡¯s that look?¡± I ask.


    ¡± It means you¡¯ll be working with Debs tonight to serve drinks to these wealthy, hot, slutty bachelors while wearing that short sexy server¡¯s uniform.¡± Keiran says.


    ¡± God, you¡¯re such a slut.¡± I throw a napkin at Keiran.


    He catches it andughs.


    ¡± Besides, I can¡¯t serve in the VIP section. I¡¯ve got jobs to do.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯ve never served VIPs before.¡± Rita points out as she tilts her head back to down a shot of whiskey.


    ¡± I have. Once. On Tuesday night, remember?¡±


    ¡± Tuesday night? That doesn¡¯t count.¡± Rita says.


    ¡± Why can¡¯t you do it, Rita? Run Sassy¡¯s shift.¡±


    ¡± You know I can. You will be surprised Preston is gonna ask you to do it today. Plus you get to have a good view of Killian ck.¡± Rita says and drops the empty ss of whiskey.


    ¡± Ew. Please don¡¯t.¡± I pretend to gag.


    ¡± What? He¡¯s fucking hot.¡±


    ¡± I believe everyone knows that. He¡¯s not even my type.¡± I defend myself, which is a pretty big lie. Killian is definitely my type, but I¡¯m never gonna admit that. He¡¯s just not the man I wanna get involved with.


    ¡± What¡¯s your type then?¡± Keiran asks, with a flirtatious grin on his lips.


    ¡± Are you fucking with me right now?¡± I ask as I stare at Rita and Keiran. Keiran crosses his arms as he smirks at me.


    ¡± I¡¯m literally not talking about my type.¡±


    ¡± Why not?¡± Rita asks.


    ¡± Plus, these VIPs are fucking perverted. Sassy said one of them groped her ass the other time.¡±


    ¡± Sassy is a fucking slut.¡± Rita says. ¡± She liked it. She followed one home one Saturday night to fuck him.¡±


    ¡± How did you even know that?¡± Keiran asks with a frown on his face.


    ¡± She didn¡¯t shut up about it.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not serving upstairs. It¡¯s settled.¡± I say as a matter of fact.


    It¡¯s nightfall and I don¡¯t remember what Club K looked like again. There were a lot of customers already pouring in and the others were justing in. Keiran, Peter, Jason, and Vivi run the bar, taking orders and mixing different kinds of drinks. Rita, Teresa, and me are the servers. We take orders from the customers and serve the drinks to them. The VIP is already booming. I can see the shy lights from the stage where the strippers usually danced.


    I¡¯ve never been there on Fridays before during nightfall when there¡¯s a party going on. Fridays are the days when elite bachelors or wealthy rich men always storm Club K. ording to Sassy who always served upstairs, the strippers are mostly naked or half naked, some with their titties out as they dance to pleasure these rich horny men.


    I¡¯m sweaty as I serve drinks to different tables filled with different men. Some are married and they¡¯re surrounded by different beautiful women.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I go to the bar to drop a customer¡¯s order, but Preston, Killian¡¯s cousin, and the new manager calls for my attention. We¡¯ve never really talked before. The least we¡¯ve done is, me greeting him and him answering me. Other times, he had just simply congratted me for my hard work. I¡¯ve been working here since I got out of college, which was more than a year ago.


    I follow Preston to the back room and he shuts the door.


    ¡± Hey.¡±


    ¡± Hi.¡±


    ¡± Is everything okay? Am I in trouble?¡±


    ¡± Oh no.¡± Preston smiles warmly.


    He¡¯s pretty attractive. Not as Killian ck, but he¡¯s impressive looking. He¡¯s a little taller than me, an average build, and an easy going person.


    ¡± Debs serving VIPs tonight with Ashley. You know it¡¯s Friday and you know how the club is usually like. Especially VIPs section.¡± I definitely don¡¯t know.


    ¡± You need to join them upstairs. They need an extra hand.¡±


    ¡± What? I¡¯m sorry sir, but, what about Teresa? Or maybe Rita?¡±


    ¡± I need you to, Naomi. Why don¡¯t you hurry up and get upstairs.¡± He doesn¡¯t give me any room for argument.


    It¡¯s said and settled. I sigh and walk out of the backroom. My eyes meet with Keiran¡¯s. He gives me a sympathetic smile and I roll my eyes. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m working VIPs on a Friday night. My life can¡¯t get any better.


    I am a little nervous as I climb the stairs to the VIP section. It¡¯s louder than I imagined the further I climbed the spiral staircase. I get to the VIP floor and scan this ce. Oh my God, it looks amazing at night. With the coloring and beauty.


    The stage has purple lighting with three poles and three strippers, with their panties around their waist and nothing covering their breasts. The expensive couches are filled with wealthy men in suits with strippers on their waist, grinding against them in the name of ap dance. There are dor bills flying everywhere. Men throw money at these strippers as they dance and twist their bodies around the poles. God they are beautiful. It¡¯s sometimes fascinating to me how theymand the attention of nearly every man in a room with just their body.


    My eyes scan the scenery before me. I¡¯m anything but a party freak. I barely ever attend parties. Nearly every party in my life, Bianca is the reason behind it. During our college lives, she¡¯s always making us storm every party. But this ce, this is nothing like the parties I stormed during college. This is more. I think I know the real reason why it¡¯s called the home for elite men in the country.


    There are a lot of wealthy men on each couch, with women clinging to their arms. Inside this VIP section of club k. There¡¯s another VIP section preserved only for Killian ck. The man behind this expensive investment.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± Someone calls my name.


    I turn around and it¡¯s Debs. We¡¯re not pretty close, because we barely ever talk to each other and she worked at a different part of the club, but she¡¯s nice.


    ¡± Are you the extra hand Preston suggested?¡± She asks, and starts walking towards the bar.


    ¡± Something like that.¡± I speak out loudly.


    ¡± Good. It¡¯s pretty popted today, unlike any other day. I¡¯m happy you decided to help.¡± Debs says.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± Of course I am not happy. I feel ufortable, like I don¡¯t belong here.


    Finally Debs and I arrive at the bar and she hands me a small bucket with a bottle of Macan Lalique Scotch soaked in Ice and two sses.


    ¡± Who am I giving this to?¡±


    ¡± Killian ck.¡±


    No shit.

 Chapter 3

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    There¡¯s one thing I don¡¯t appreciate as a server in club k. And that thing is our uniform. A sleeveless, white buttoned shirt, tucked inside a ck, mid-thigh re skirt and paired with white sneakers.


    How could someone make waitresses who serve alcohol to men wear short re skirts? I literally can¡¯t bend down to pick anything. Each time I¡¯m dropping anything the customers ordered for, I cautiously bend down a little. This is literally one of the reasons I hate the job. And the other reason, these arrogant men don¡¯t even try to hide their disgusting attitudes. They flirt with you when they feel like it.


    And Killian ck is the other reason I feel like quitting my job. He did nothing to me, trust me. I just didn¡¯t like the son of a bitch. It¡¯s a little weird hating someone who doesn¡¯t know you exist. Who¡¯s never ever looked at you before. I just find him annoying for no reason. And thinking about taking this drink to his special VIP quarters is just challenging for me.


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re taking it to Killian ck. His friend, or assistant, I don¡¯t care, asked us to bring this to them as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡± Why me?¡±


    ¡± Naomi, can you please take it to them? What are you afraid of?¡±


    ¡± Nothing.¡± Of course I¡¯m not afraid of anything. I¡¯ve seen Killian ck countless times. On TV, magazine, in real life, fuck¡¯s sake he¡¯s also my boss. But meeting him face to face is a different case. That¡¯s so new for me. I have never liked privileged men and Killian ck happens to be one.


    ¡± Then take it.¡± Debs doesn¡¯t wait for my unnecessary excuses as she leaves me to handle my business.


    Out of the corner of my eyes, I can see some men already staring at me. I may not be the world¡¯s sexiest woman, but I know I¡¯m beautiful. I look good. With my curly golden brown hair nearly touching my waist, and my olive skin tone that Is well taken care of by me. I¡¯m 5 feet 3 inches tall. I¡¯m a little curvy, with small tits, nice ass, and broad hips. I don¡¯t have the most toned stomach, I know, but it still looked good on me. I may be a little broke, and have nothing to boast of, well except my marketing degree of course, but I can clearly boast of my beauty. I got that from my mom. She¡¯s a beautiful woman and she looked equally good looking when she was younger.


    I take a deep breath and walk towards Killian ck¡¯s private quarters. I try to ignore these men¡¯s heated gaze on my body as I walk faster, with my hands clutching tight to the bucket packed with ice. The alcohol inside this bucket cost more than my life¡¯s earnings. It will pay Rachel¡¯s fees till she graduates highschool and even pay for her tuition fees in college. This is fucking expensive. This scotch is over 400 grand. That¡¯s a whole lot of money, and one man wants to drink it and piss it away afterwards.


    Like, what the hell!


    I stopped outside Killian¡¯s VIP section. It¡¯s also a part of the club. It¡¯s just separated from the rest of the club with a thin one way ss. You can¡¯t see what¡¯s going on within Killian¡¯s VIP section from outside, but he clearly sees what¡¯s going on from inside his quarters.


    The bouncer gives me a-go-ahead and I walk inside Killian¡¯s humble abode. I¡¯ve never been in here before. Nothing has actually brought me to Killian¡¯s VIP quarters. It¡¯s beautiful. There are two red couches in here and a big ss table. I don¡¯t miss the strip pole at the corner of the room.


    My gaze falls on Killian ck. He¡¯s smoking a cigar with a girl on hisp giving him ap dance. His body, mind, and soul are in another dimension and I can tell. He¡¯s lost in his own thoughts while that poor dancer tries to impress him


    There are two men here. Killian, and one other man. I try not to stare at Killian as I walk towards his table to drop the bucket of 400 grand. I feel two pairs of eyes on me, and only one seems to be staring into my soul. I dare not look up, I¡¯m not sure how I¡¯ll react. This is the first time I¡¯m in Killian¡¯s presence, and it feels like I¡¯m in the presence of God. I can feel his intimidating aura from where I¡¯m standing. I don¡¯t like this man, and here I am serving him drinks. I need to get out of here.


    I stand up and turn to leave.


    ¡± Who¡¯s gonna open it?¡± The familiar voice of my boss stops my escape. His voice is rich, masculine, and I hate to say it out loud, but his voice is beautiful. His voice sounds through my ear, registering In my brain.


    I turn around and our eyes meet at once. His bright grey eyes stare into my dark ones and I feel weird. For a minute, we stare at each other, with none of us backing down from this eye contest. I¡¯m not known for easily backing down from an eye contest, but Killian¡¯s gaze makes me feel ufortable. This is the first time he¡¯s ever had his eyes on me before. First time he¡¯s ever talked to me. His stares are cold, brooding, and his bright grey eyes turn into slits as he stares into my eyes. It feels as if he can see through my soul.


    Fuck, he is he good looking. Yes, I had to admit that. With his dark brown hair, paired with his sexy grey eyes, with his slim nose that is damn perfect, and those red lips that¡¯s too red for a man. I slightly bring my gaze down, checking out his beautiful body d in his custom, tailored charcoal suit. It feels like this is the first time I¡¯veid my eyes on him. I don¡¯t me myself. This is the first time I¡¯m in his presence, and the first time I had to take my time to check this man out.


    I¡¯m staring, and I hate myself for it.


    Slowly, Killian brings his gaze down my body, taking notes of everything as he smokes his cigar. Knowing I just openly checked him out the same way he just openly checked me out, the corners of his perfect, full lips tug upwards slightly.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± I get to work at once.


    I open the drink and pour it Inside two sses. I cork the bottle of scotch and drop it on the table. I feel Killian¡¯s eyes on my breasts and I¡¯m beyond ufortable. What a fucking perv. The minute I get home, I¡¯m washing his eyes off my skin.


    I stand up and look at Killian. His eyes leave my body and lock with my eyes.


    ¡± Will that be all for now Mr. ck?¡± I ask in a polite tone.


    I need to get the hell out of here.


    Killian doesn¡¯t say a word. He watches me. The poor dancer was long off hisp. She¡¯s sitting on the couch next to Killian as she stares disapprovingly at me.


    What¡¯s going on?


    ¡± Will that be all for now Mr. ck?¡± I repeat my question.


    Killian¡¯s friend reaches for one ss and brings the ss to his lips.


    ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± Killian asks.


    I¡¯m taken by surprise as I stare at this strange, arrogant man. My name? He didn¡¯t just ask me my name. His left arm is spread on the couch as the other smokes his cigar, his eyes never for once straying away from my eyes.


    ¡± Naomi.¡±


    Killian nods and I don¡¯t miss the slight smirk that graced his lips for a mini second.


    ¡± That will be all for now.¡± I don¡¯t let him finish as I turn around to leave, with Killian ck¡¯s eyes on my body.


    What the hell was that?


    The night is pretty long for me. The more we served drinks, the more customers ordered. The cheapest drinks in Club K is two thousand dors. I have never for once thought I¡¯d be able to afford that type of drink any time soon. I serve drinks to different tables and I can feel a familiar grey eyes on my body at any movement I take.


    The translucent thin ss did nothing for me to avoid Killian¡¯s gaze. Despite being a one way ss, I have this feeling Killian is watching me. I feel his dark brooding stare all over my body. I can¡¯t wait for today toe to an end. I¡¯m going straight to my apartment to wash Killian¡¯s stares off my body. I don¡¯t know how possible that is, but I¡¯m definitely going home after the end of my shift to wash off my boss¡¯s dark stares off my body. He¡¯s giving me the creeps and he knows that.


    I risk a nce at my boss from his side of the VIP club as I walk towards a couch upied by three rich assholes. My reflection is the only thing that stared back at me through Killian¡¯s thin ss. I look away, ashamed he already knows I¡¯m looking at him.


    I stopped by the couch where I was supposed to serve drinks. I dropped the small bucket with expensive alcohol inside and Ice. I gently arrange the sses on the table, with these dirty men staring at my thighs. I re at them.


    ¡°Will that be all for now?¡± I ask the men as I stand upright.


    The one in the middle smirks. There are four girls clinging onto their arms and it seems to me they¡¯re not satisfied.


    Fucking pervs.


    ¡± We wouldn¡¯t mind a fifth number.¡± The middle man teased, licking his lips as he stared down at my body.


    God, please, remind me to continue job hunting again. I need to quit this job. I¡¯ve had enough of these rich perverted douchebags. I re at the man in the middle as I turn on my heels, and walk away from these perverted men. I should have decided to be a waitress in a five star restaurant, or maybe a diner. It would save me this constant harassment. As I walked towards the bar, that weird feeling of my boss¡¯s familiar grey eyes staring at me, burned into my soul.


    I want to get the hell out of here.


    After serving drinks to three other tables, I take a break in the break room. I¡¯m already exhausted as I stare at the small clock. It¡¯s 11pm and it seems like the party is just getting started. I always close for the day around 1pm every Friday night. The job was more demanding than what they pay. Although, I¡¯m notining about the pay, because the pay is pretty great, the job¡¯s more demanding than what I¡¯d expected at first.


    ¡± Here you¡¯re.¡± Debs says, as she walks into the room, smiling a little at me. Her real name is Debbie, but she prefers to be called Debs.


    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡±


    ¡± Of course I¡¯m not. I¡¯m tired of serving drinks to these perverted men. They¡¯re so annoying.¡± I groan. Debsughs.


    ¡± I thought you¡¯re used to all of this. I mean considering the fact that you¡¯ve been working here for quite a long time.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think it¡¯s easy to get used to perverted stares and sexual talk. It¡¯s irritating.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And you¡¯re hot, it¡¯s not easy for you.¡± Debs says.


    I roll my eyes, but smile nheless.


    ¡± Well I¡¯m here to tell you you¡¯re needed at your boss¡¯s quarters.¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡± Killian?¡±


    ¡± You literally have only one boss, Naomi.¡±


    I groan. ¡± What does he want?¡±


    ¡± Another scotch and an extra ss.¡±


    ¡± How can someone drink eight hundred thousand dors in one night. That¡¯s like someone¡¯s yearly sry.¡± I mutter.


    Debsughs.


    ¡± It¡¯s his club. He can drink whatever he wants. Nowe on, get your ass out of here.¡±


    I cuss underneath my breath and follow Debs to the bar. She hands me the little bucket of ice with the expensive alcohol inside.


    ¡± Good luck.¡± Debs says with a small smile. ¡± You might need it.¡±


    I roll my eyes but smile anyway as I walk towards my boss¡¯s section. I stare at the bouncer outside and step inside Killian¡¯s quarters. The girl who was grinding against him is nowhere to be found. There are three men now. Killian, his first friend, and another man. I drop the little bucket on the ss table and uncork the drink. I notice the first scotch I brought has been consumed. How long did it take these men to drink away 400 grand. I might not be rich, or born into a crazy rich family, but we sure as hell know how to manage things.


    Killian¡¯s new friend stares at me with lustful eyes. I cringe visibly and hurriedly pour the drink for these men.


    ¡± God, you¡¯re so sexy.¡± Killian¡¯s new friend says. His other friend snickers, and chuckles underneath his breath.


    I stop pouring on the second ss and take in a deep breath. I¡¯ve had enough of their perverted attitude. I continue to pour the drink on the second ss and then I move to the third.


    ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± Killian¡¯s new friend asks.


    ¡± None of your fucking concern.¡± I snap at the asshole. He¡¯s surprised but not fazed. Obviously used to being rejected by women.


    ¡± Feisty. They pretend to be difficult, but they¡¯re easy to break.¡± Killian¡¯s new friend says. God I want to punch the idiot.


    I drop the drink inside the bucket of ice after corking it back. I stand upright with three pairs of eyes already staring at me.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you have a seat Naomi, and drink with me?¡± Killian ck proposed.


    I¡¯m taken aback as I stare at my boss. He just literally asks me to sit down and drink with him. Every other girl will jump at the opportunity, but I¡¯m not some other girl. I wasn¡¯t nning on sitting down and drinking with Killian ck.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Mr. ck, but I have work to do.¡± I say. He smirks. A sly smirk as he takes his time to stare at me.


    ¡± Take a break. You¡¯ve closed for the day. Sit and drink with me.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t. I need to go back to work.¡±


    ¡± You know I¡¯m your boss right?¡± Killian asks. He¡¯s soposed. With his grey eyes staring right at my dark ones.


    Everyone knows Killian ck owns club k, including people who don¡¯t work here.


    ¡± I¡¯m aware.¡±


    ¡± Good. Then fucking sit down, Naomi, and have a drink with me.¡± Is he being bossy or what the hell is this?


    I bite my lip and look at these three men, with their eyes not wavering from my body.


    I don¡¯t think as I voice out. ¡± No.¡±


    Killian¡¯s eyebrows shoot up at once. He¡¯s surprised, including his friends. He¡¯s always used to getting whatever thing he wants, including women worshipping his feet, and me telling him no just happens to vex my boss. I believe after today, I will have to look for a new job, because I¡¯m obviously gonna get fired after the stunt I just pulled. Killian¡¯s brooding stares are darker than normal. He¡¯s beyond surprised as he stares into my eyes. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have. Maybe I should have politely exined to him the reason why I didn¡¯t want to sit with him. But the big NO is already out of my mouth and I can¡¯t take it back. His stares already said everything he¡¯d love to say to me. That I would regret this.


    Definitely the least he would do is fire me, and I sure as hell wouldn¡¯t want that. I can¡¯t be jobless. Fuck¡¯s sake, I¡¯ve got bills to pay.


    You should have thought about it before spilling out shit. I thought.


    When Killian doesn¡¯t say a word for a long minute, I turn around to leave, but a calloused hand around my hips, close to my butt, abruptly stops me, and I turn around with rage. Without thinking, I swipe my hand across his cheek, pping him.

 Chapter 4

    KILLIAN¡¯S POV


    ¡± Are you still thinking about what your mother told you?¡± Raymond, the head of the marketing department in mypany, and also my friend, asks.


    It¡¯s Friday. A beautiful day to get wasted, get drunk, fuck, and go back home. And my club is the best ce to do that. And that¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m in my club. It¡¯s a routine for me. Coming out here to drink, smoke, take a girl home is part of my weekend routine. When you have money, a lot of money to be precise, nothing seems interesting anymore. Everything seems just the same. I feel like thattely and my mother just happens to add more salt into the open wound.


    Reminding me about my older brother, Keith, getting married two months from now, and ringing it in my ear to get settled down too. She believed I¡¯m getting old and I needed to find someone as soon as possible so that I can start giving her grandchildren as soon as possible. Fuck¡¯s sake, I¡¯m only thirty, and she¡¯s making me look like I¡¯m forty. Plus, Keith is already getting married in a few months time, and his wife, Eve, is pregnant with his child.


    I¡¯m exhausted as I inhale the cigar in my mouth. Today at the office was unbearably hectic, and I had to go on this weird date with this girl. I don¡¯t even remember her name. Nobody literally tells me what to do. Nobody. But I love my mother. She¡¯s the best thing in my life and that of my brother¡¯s life, and seeing her hurt or sad, just hurts me too. So today, I just paid off the weird girl my mother made me go on a date with, and politely tell my mom not to ever arrange a woman for me. There are beautiful women out there and I¡¯m yet to taste any of them.


    What¡¯s more to life than having money, fucking beautiful women, and making more money? Nothing. But my Swedish mother doesn¡¯t know that.


    I eye my club, ncing at elite patrons with different, beautiful women on theirps as I purposely ignore my friend, Raymond. Club K was officially opened five years ago, a week after I turned 25. And since that day till now, Club K is one of the biggest clubs in the city and every single day I¡¯m always making millions off these rich assholes.


    ¡± Killian?¡± Raymond calls my name.


    I sigh and rub my eyes. I just wanna getid tonight.


    On Mondays, my hectic days begin at the office. Attending conference meetings, signing contracts, and sealing deals.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to talk about my mother¡¯s rants about me getting a wife. I¡¯m gonna settle down when I feel like it.¡± I say.


    Keith and I aren¡¯t really the closest of siblings, but he¡¯s still my big brother, three years older than me. He¡¯s not really that wealthy as me. Keith manages a small business, and he¡¯s a realtor, and he¡¯s content. Unlike me, I¡¯m selfish, money driven, and always want more. We weren¡¯t born into a rich family. People don¡¯t know that and they don¡¯t have to know shit. They believe Killian ck is a privileged, wealthy man. And well, they don¡¯t know shit.


    My father was a drunkard. He would get drunk and try to beat up my mom, but Keith and I wouldn¡¯t let him. He got fired from his job when I was fourteen and that just made his life more miserable. An excuse to drink his life away in the name of trying to numb his pain. He was a dick. When I was fifteen, my father left and never came back. About a few monthster, we heard our father was dead. He got into a club fight in Boston and was stabbed in the gut. He died before they could rush him to the hospital.


    Life was pretty hard for us. It was just me, mom, and Keith. Right at an early age, I was brilliant and I used that to my favor. I finished highschool, went to business school, and started up a techpany. In less than three years, I was already getting investors, grew big, expanded thepany, and that was how mypany is literally the biggest and one of the top ten influentialpanies in the country.


    I never take shit from no one. And no one dares to say no to me. I always get what I want, and I don¡¯t have to ask twice. Some call me arrogant, cocky, a dipshit, there¡¯s no name I haven¡¯t heard people call me behind my back. I just didn¡¯t give a fuck, as long as you don¡¯t say that to my face.


    ¡± Tell Tony to get me a girl.¡± I say to Raymond, permanently closing the discussion about my mom wanting me to get a wife. I don¡¯t want that shit right now. I have better things to do.


    ¡± I¡¯m your friend, Killian, not your messenger.¡± Raymond says, but stands up nheless.


    I stare at him from under myshes and he rolls his eyes.


    ¡± Inform the bar that I need my drink brought to my quarters too.¡± I said to Raymond.


    He groans as he walks out of my quarters. Club K booms with lively music as people chatter. Most people are already drunk and I can tell by the way they look. The light on the stage beautifies the braless strippers. No matter how beautiful you¡¯re, as long as you work for me, I¡¯ll never desire you. I have standards, and my workers aren¡¯t one of them. Raymond returnster with a girl. A blonde. Slim, big breasts, and pretty. She¡¯s probably a model who poses nude for magazines for money.


    Raymond sits next to me, and the girl walks seductively towards me. I don¡¯t show her any acknowledgement.


    ¡± Hello, Mr. ck.¡± Her voice is sultry as she stops in front of me, trying to seduce me.


    ¡± Get to work.¡± I bark at her, blowing my smoke all over her body.


    ¡± Your drink will soon be here.¡± Raymond says to me, lighting his own cigarette.


    The blonde straddles myp and begins to give me ap dance, grinding her small hips against my crotch. I zone out, totally forgetting a woman is on top of me, until someone walks into my VIP section. I turn to look at her, holding a bucket of ice with my drink in it as she bends to drop it. She¡¯s the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever seen. Olive skin, not that tall, small breasts, broad hips and obviously a fine ass. I stare at her breasts that are covered by the white buttoned-down shirt she is wearing. Fuck, she¡¯s pretty. And I¡¯m a little disappointed when I see her in her uniform. She¡¯s a staff and she fucking works for me. Howe I¡¯ve never seen her before?


    She turns to leave, leaving my drink for me to open it myself. No one brings me my drink and leaves it for me to open it. It¡¯s either she¡¯s rude or she¡¯s new? I pushed the blonde off myp, not really caring I just hurt her feelings.


    ¡± Who¡¯s gonna open it?¡± I ask the waitress, eyeing her back, and liking every bit of her body.


    She slowly turns around, eyes meeting mine as I stare into her dark beautiful eyes. I take my time to nce at every inch of her skin, including her little imperfections. I bring my eyes back to her eyes and she¡¯s staring into mine, not for once looking away. I don¡¯t remember thest time anyone looked into my eyes for such a long minute. No one. And she doesn¡¯t look like she¡¯s backing down from this eye contest anytime soon. I bring my gaze down her body again, taking my time with the beauty in front of me.


    Fuck. One look at her, and she¡¯s already caught my attention. Who the hell is this woman?


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± She apologizes and gets to work, disying her beautiful tits that I wish I could see and feel.


    She¡¯s ufortable and I can tell. It looks as if she hates the idea of being here. In my presence. She wants to get out of here, her bodynguage already says everything. Does she not know who I am? I doubt that. Everyone knows me, including those who work for me, and don¡¯t work for me. It¡¯s obvious she knows me, and maybe doesn¡¯t like me. I know a lot of people don¡¯t like me, especially the male poption, definitely not the females. A lot of women will kill to fuck me. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m bragging, but it¡¯s a fact. But this woman in front of me is trying to tell me she¡¯s different from the women I¡¯vee across or been with. And I don¡¯t think I doubt her.


    All of a sudden I¡¯m interested in her. A young woman who works for me, something I don¡¯t normally do. I don¡¯t even know my workers, and I don¡¯t know what they look like, and maybe it¡¯s pretty fucked up I didn¡¯t care. It¡¯s Preston¡¯s job. I made him the manager of this ce for a reason.


    ¡± Will that be all for now, Mr. ck?¡± She asks, absently shifting her weight from one foot to another.


    I don¡¯t answer her question but stare at her, wondering how the hell she¡¯s this pretty? Asking myself why I want to have her desperately. This is so unlike me and I can¡¯t help myself. She¡¯s interesting and I want to know more about her.


    ¡± Will that be all for now Mr. ck?¡± She repeats her question.


    Raymond reaches for one ss and brings the ss to his lips.


    ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± I ask her.


    She¡¯s taken by surprise as she stares at me, eyes taking in every detail of me not so subtly. I inhale my cigar, purring the smoke as I watch her back. She looks like she¡¯s deciding whether to tell me her name or not. But she¡¯s smart to know nobody disobeys me, especially someone who works for me.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± She answers. Fuck, I love her voice.


    I nod at her response and smirk slyly, knowing this won¡¯t be the end of me wanting to know her. I want her, and that¡¯s pretty fucked up already.


    ¡± That will be all for now.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    For now¡­


    She doesn¡¯t let me finish as she leaves in a hurry, trying as much as possible to get far away from me. I smirk and chuckle underneath my breath. I watch her, and her round, fine ass till she¡¯s out of my vision.


    ¡± You wanna tell me what the hell was that?¡± Raymond asks.


    I reach for my own ss and take a sip from my scotch. This might be fucking expensive, but it¡¯s one of my favorite drink.


    ¡± Um¡­ hello. Am I supposed to just sit here and¡­¡± She doesn¡¯t finish as I turn to look at her.


    I totally forgot there¡¯s a woman sitting right next to me. The blonde who was obviously dry humping me.


    ¡± Get out.¡± I say to her, and look away, staring at my club through the thin ss.


    ¡± Whatever.¡± Blondie mutters, and gets off from my couch as she walks out.


    ¡± Next time, get me my type, Raymond.¡± I say.


    ¡± Alright. It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to talk about your waitress that you were obviously eye fucking.¡± Raymond mutters. I don¡¯t answer him.


    I watch Naomi as she attends to different tablester that evening. She knows I¡¯m staring at her and she is beyond ufortable. I don¡¯t care. I find something attractive, I have every right to fuckin¡¯ stare at it. I¡¯m slightly drunk and I need to get home to rest my body, but I can¡¯t, not until I know who Naomi is.


    Throughout the night, I just can¡¯t tear my eyes off of her. She¡¯s different and I know that. Naomi is beautiful, and unlike the women I¡¯ve been with. I want her and I shouldn¡¯t. I have a simple rule: no matter how beautiful or how horny I am, I don¡¯t mix work with pleasure. It¡¯s a rule that¡¯s been keeping me going. I don¡¯t shit where I eat.


    But seeing Naomi tonight, I don¡¯t mind breaking that rule. She¡¯s fucking hot and I want her. Every part of her underneath me and writhing. I want to hear my nameing out of her mouth as she moans my name. I want to know what she feels like, taste like, and fuck¡­I¡¯m slowly getting hard.


    Barry joins uster. He¡¯s not what I call a friend, but he¡¯s always in my club and we are kind of acquaintances. I order another bottle of my favorite drink, and drop a specific warning about no one bringing it to my quarters, except Naomi. She walks in momentster, with her short uniform and Olive thick thighs. I notice men around the club stare at her for too long and I hate that. I want to be the only one to stare at her.


    Naomi pours the drink in three sses. She¡¯s doing it quickly so that she can leave as soon as possible.


    ¡± God, you¡¯re so sexy.¡± Barry says out loudly. I might be a fucking asshole, but Barry is a fucking cunt. He¡¯s too much, and he always gets on my nerves. He¡¯s pretty close friends with Raymond too.


    Naomi stops pouring and bites her lip. She¡¯s beyond irritated. She takes a deep breath and continues pouring the drink on the second ss, as she moves to the third.


    ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± Barry asks.


    I want to punch the fucking idiot and wipe his shitty smirk on my ss table. I¡¯lle to thatter.


    ¡± None of your fucking concern.¡± Naomi snaps at the asshole. He¡¯s surprised, but not fazed. He¡¯s used to rejection. Ladies fucking despises this son of a bitch.


    I slightly smirk.


    ¡± Feisty. They pretend to be difficult but they¡¯re easy to break.¡± Barry continues.


    Now I really want to punch the idiot.


    Naomi drops the drink inside the bucket filled with ice as she corks back the scotch. She stands upright and stares at us. She¡¯s more than ufortable and I know she can¡¯t wait to get out of here.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you have a seat Naomi and drink with me.¡± I propose. I shouldn¡¯t have, but I can¡¯t help it. I can¡¯t help but long for her.


    Naomi is clearly taken by surprise as she stares at me. She doesn¡¯t expect this. Me asking her to sit with me. She¡¯s quiet, clearly thinking about my offer. A lot of girls will jump at this opportunity. A lot of girls¨C


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Mr. ck, but I have work to do.¡± I can say I¡¯m not surprised she will give me an excuse. Barry is right, she¡¯s the hard one.


    I smirk and stare at Naomi.


    ¡± Take a break. You¡¯ve closed for the day. Sit and drink with me.¡± I said to her, She¡¯s definitely not saying no.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t. I need to go back to work.¡± She says, more sternly.


    Does she ever cease to surprise me? I don¡¯t think so.


    ¡± You know I¡¯m your boss right?¡± I ask her. I know she knows that, I just have to be sure,, and I need to know the reason behind her excuses.


    ¡± I¡¯m aware.¡±


    ¡± Good. Then fucking sit down Naomi and have a drink with me.¡±


    Naomi bites her full red lips, eyes ncing between me, Raymond, and Barry. What¡¯s she thinking about? I tend to know what every woman is thinking about. But not Naomi. Not this obviously shy woman. I can¡¯t figure her out and I don¡¯t like that. She¡¯s way beyond my expectations and that just fucking turns me on the more.


    ¡± No.¡± A t ass fucking no. She just tantly rejected my proposal. No one¡¯s ever done that.


    Since I became this man. This man that owns literally everything. This man that other men feared. This man that everyone wants. This man that people don¡¯t reject. I always get what I want and women aren¡¯t an exception. Naomi has just proven herself as a challenge. A challenge that I¡¯m willing to go with. I have never mixed work with pleasure but I¡¯m willing to mix work with pleasure for Naomi¡¯s sake. Only the sound of her name makes me want her the most. I should be offended that I just got rejected by a woman who serves drinks in my club, but I¡¯m intrigued. Surprised. But I make sure not to express what I am thinking.


    I stare at her, my looks not disying any kind of emotion except vexation. I am slightly vexed, pissed too. She just fucking rejected me. Something no woman has ever done. I guess there¡¯s a first time for everything.


    I don¡¯t say a word, including the men on either side of me as I stare at Naomi. She stares back, thinking. Thinking about what? I don¡¯t fucking no. When I don¡¯t say another word for nearly five minutes, Naomi surprises me more by turning around and leaving.


    Barry grabs her hips, forcing her to stop. I don¡¯t expect the next thing she does. Naomi turns around with rage and irritation as she smacks her hand on Barry¡¯s cheek.


    What the fuck!

 Chapter 5

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    Oh shit.


    What did I just do? I can¡¯t believe I just pped Killian¡¯s perverted friend. I stare at the three men, with Killian¡¯s perverted friend ring at me, a murderous re.


    Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have pped him. That was just over dramatic and he had iting. He¡¯s a perverted dirty asshole. How dare he touch me? I have a rule about touching and God, I hate when men, especially men like Killian¡¯s friend, try to touch me. And he¡¯s also a jerk. Directly throwing it at my face that I was cheap and just pretending to y hard. As much as I hated what I did, because obviously I was gonna lose my job, Killian deserved more respect from me. I shouldn¡¯t have pped his friend right next to him, that was disrespectful.


    I turn on my heels and run out of Killian¡¯s quarters before I lose my head before losing my job. Debs sees me and tries to stop me, but I don¡¯t slow down. I rush straight to the elevator and press my floor button. The elevator opens and I quickly step out. Keiran stares at me as I rush through the crowd and past the bartop barrier.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± Keiran calls my name but I ignore him, including the eyes of my fellow workers as I rush into the backroom.


    What the hell did I just do?


    My mind is filled up as I pull my phone out of my bag and there are countless missed calls and text messages.


    ¡± Oh shit. Charlie¡¯s birthday.¡± I mutter, pacing around as I scroll down the countless missed calls from mom, Antonio, Rachel, even George.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± Rita calls my name as she walks in. ¡± Are you okay?¡± She further asks.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I answer absentmindedly as I book an Uber. It¡¯s past 12: am and hopefully I might get one at this hour of the night.


    I grab my bag, ignoring Rita¡¯s presence like she¡¯s behind whatever stunt I pulled out there. I just wanna leave and go back to the safety of my home where men like Killian ck won¡¯t have to make my life hell.


    ¡± Sorry Rita, I¡¯m just pretty exhausted right now.¡± I say and walk past Rita to the private restroom to get change.


    My mind is filled with so many things right now and Charlie¡¯s birthday that I missed. I feel like a horrible person. I totally forgot his birthday was the day I didn¡¯t work shift. I quickly change out of my work clothes, fling my bag around my shoulders and step out of the restroom and into Keiran who¡¯s standing right outside.


    ¡± What are you doing? Where are you going?¡± He changes his question when his eyes scan my change of outfit.


    ¡± Home. I¡¯m gonna call you Keiran, I promise.¡± I tap him on his shoulder and walk past him in a hurry.


    I avoid Rita and the other workers¡¯ gazes as I walk out of the crowded club. The minute I step outside, I breathe in the cold midnight air. The inside of the club is hot as hell. I pull out my phone to check my Uber and it¡¯s close by, so I walk ten feet away from my boss¡¯s establishment before he asks men to find me and then they find me outside. I wonder what he¡¯s going to do to me. Definitely he¡¯s gonna to fire me, that¡¯s a fact. He might even make sure I don¡¯t get a job elsewhere just to make my life miserable.


    That¡¯s a thing right? He can¡¯t do that right? Or he can? Fuck! Why didn¡¯t I think of that? Privileged arrogant fucking Billionaires. And why on Earth did he notice me today? I¡¯ve been working for that arrogant asshole for over two years now and tonight happens to be the night he notices me. Really? Of all the nights it has to be tonight? Why did he even ask for my name? What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Maybe he had a gut feeling I would disobey him and somewhat p his friend too. My name¡¯s just a constant reminder on how he¡¯s going to ruin my life.


    Well I don¡¯t give a shit. I have lost my job, a job that isn¡¯t really much but it paid all my bills, and he has no right toe after me. He¡¯s no longer my boss and even if he doese after, he shouldn¡¯t have thrown advances at me by asking me to sit down and drink with him. He was harassing me even when I said no. I pull out my phone to check and I notice my Uber is here.


    I step down the sidewalk and walk towards the ck car waiting for me. I slip into the backseat and shut the door. I tell the driver my address and he gets a move on. With a heavy and guilty heart, I stare at the pictures of Charlie¡¯s birthday party that Rachel sent to me. He¡¯s smiling at some, and frowning at some. He¡¯s really good looking and cute. I stare at the other pictures of Charlie and his dad, Antonio. Antonio held him in his hand in some pictures, while in other pictures he was kissing his baby¡¯s hair with a big smile on his face.


    I smile sadly and bite my bottom lip. I can¡¯t believe I missed Charlie¡¯s birthday party for anything at all. I¡¯ve been nning and thinking about my nephew¡¯s party all week and I didn¡¯t even show up. I feel like a horrible person. I forgot I will be working a long shift at Club K. Fuck my life. Now I¡¯m jobless. My job hunting starts from Monday. I need to get a job or I¡¯m going broke in a blink of an eye.


    I typed a text to Rachel and my brother, including my mom, apologizing to them for not showing up and I¡¯m going to make it up to Charlie tomorrow by taking him out. The Uber stops outside my tplex and I step out. I shut the back door and pay the Uber driver. I walk inside the building and toward the old malfunctioning elevator. I step inside and press my floor button.


    I¡¯m exhausted as I lean against the elevator walls, staring at my floor number impatiently. As much as I want to get my boss out of my head, I¡¯m failing. I can¡¯t stop thinking about my name rolling off his tongue. Him asking me to have a drink with him. Or how his beautiful eyes-fuck! I just called his eyes beautiful.


    I¡¯m losing it.


    ¡± This is the trauma of losing your job. You suddenly find your boss attractive but he¡¯s still an asshole.¡± I whisper to myself.


    The elevator opens with a little bump and I quickly step out. I can¡¯t be stuck in this elevator at midnight, it¡¯s disastrous because I¡¯m going to stay in there till morning and when these electronic guys return to work. I walk down the long hallway of apartments. I live at the end so I am not constantly bothered. I stop outside my apartment and pull out my key from my purse to unlock the door. I twist the keyhole, turn the doorknob and step inside. As I shut the door, a strange familiar sound makes me stop on my track.


    ¡± Oh my God! Fuck, just like that. Faster, Lucky.¡± The wordse and my mouth falls open.


    ¡± What?¡±


    I check the time on my phone and it¡¯s 12:30. Who have sex at 12:30? Who else if not Bianca? Her moans and the guy¡¯s groans were loud. I¡¯m surprised I didn¡¯t hear it outside when I was about to open the door. I try to zone out the weird loud sexual noises, but it¡¯s to no avail. Bianca is loud, including the guy.


    ¡± Right here baby?¡± The guy asks loudly as I walk down the hallway to my room. God it¡¯s louder in here.


    ¡± Right there. Fuck, just like that.¡± I quickly unlock my bedroom and step inside and then I shut the door.


    I can still hear their moans through my walls. Ever since George and I started dating, we have never had sex in this apartment before. We¡¯ve kissed, maybe just touch a little, I never let it lead to sex. George doesn¡¯t care. He¡¯s tried to have sex with me in my apartment before and I didn¡¯t let him. Bianca is literally my best friend but I don¡¯t like it when she knows about my sexual life. Like me having sex with George in our apartment and she listening to my loud moans. I am pretty loud in bed too, it¡¯s a sickness.


    So listening to two people have sex is just super weird. So fucking weird. As I get undressed, she keeps moaning the man¡¯s name. Calling him Lucky. I have never heard that name before. Her past boyfriend was a guy called Dean. Dean was pretty loaded and I thought they liked each other. I seriously can¡¯t exin who Lucky is.


    As I got undressed, my thoughts were about George. How we started and how it came crashing down. For the two years we dated, George and I didn¡¯t have sex throughout the second year till our break-up. We were always fighting, arguing about the women his parents made him go on a date with. And other times I wasn¡¯t really in the mood. Our rtionship was on the brink of an ice and it was close to falling apart. I had to endure and tolerate the sexual remarks thates with my job and sex was thest thing on my mind. And even before that, we barely ever had sex.


    So going on a for a year without sex Is pretty difficult, but it should be simple and easy for a woman, but sometimes it¡¯s not. So I tell myself the reason I feel this way, with goosebumps on my skin when my boss was staring at me throughout the night, it¡¯s because I haven¡¯t been with a man for a year.


    Simple.


    I step inside the small adjoining bathroom at the corner of my room and shower. The water is warm, and I make sure I scrub and wash off my sweat and Killian¡¯s heated gaze on my body. The way he was staring at me earlier, I literally can¡¯t remember any man looking at me like that. Killian ck is just mysterious. His grey eyes are the most beautiful and charming eyes I¡¯ve ever seen. Up close there¡¯s a speck of blue around the Iris. God I¡¯m thinking about how attractive my boss is.


    I have seen Killian almost every other day. Either on TV or my ce of work. Even in business magazines. He¡¯s always everywhere. Even if I don¡¯t want to see him, I always see him. Then why¡¯s today different? It¡¯s obvious because he spent the rest of his night staring at me and he wasn¡¯t even subtle about it. He stared at me while trying to tell me he¡¯s staring at me. Who even stares at a woman like that?


    After scrubbing off Club K¡¯s sweat and booze off my skin, including their owner¡¯s eyes, I step out of the shower feeling refreshed. I get dressed, with Bianca still moaning, but this time not that loudly. They¡¯ve been going at it for nearly 12 minutes now. What the hell. I change into a tank top and sweatpants as I dive into my bed. I cover my ears with my pillow as I try to fall asleep.


    Thest thing I expected is my boss finding his way into my head. I hate being clueless about things. It just makes me think about things that I shouldn¡¯t think about, and that includes Mr. ck. I shut my eyes, pushing my boss and his arrogant behavior to the back of my head and then I fell asleep.


    I squint my eyes at the sunlight peeking into my room. I groan, push the covers out of my body and get out of bed. I rush to my window and pull the drapes close, blocking the sun from my room. I sit back on my bed, with my elbows on my knees as I run my hands through my hair. I rub both my palms on my eyes and reach for my phone. I have a missed call from mom, Keiran, and even my older brother Antonio.


    God you guys give me a fucking break.


    I groan and walk into my bathroom. I do my business, brush my teeth, ssh water on my face and I feel more alive. I grab my phone and walk out of my bedroom. I need a sandwich right now because I¡¯m hungry as hell. I make coffee, twirl a spoon around the liquid and let it simmer down for a minute. I make sandwiches and drop them on a te and ce them on the counter. I sit down on a barstool to eat. My phone rings again and it¡¯s my mother.


    I pick up the call and put the phone on speakerphone.


    ¡± Hey mama.¡±


    ¡± Naomi.¡± God she¡¯s giving me that tone again. That judgemental, motherly tone.


    ¡± Mama, I¡¯m sorry. I got caught up at work and I forgot.¡±


    ¡± You forgot Charlie¡¯s birthday? Really Naomi?¡± Antonio says in the background.


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. And hey, big brother.¡±


    ¡± You know you owe him right? He was sad you didn¡¯t show up. You should see his little friends that dropped by.¡± Mom says.


    I hear cutting in the background and I assume she¡¯s cooking like every other morning.


    ¡± When are we expecting you?¡± My big brother asks. I¡¯m pretty sure he took the phone off my mother¡¯s hand or it is on speakerphone.


    ¡± I¡¯ming over today, I promise.¡±


    ¡± Hmm.¡± Antonio hums. ¡± Still working that bartending job?¡±


    ¡± You guys should really quit it. This is bing really annoying.¡± I whine. Antonioughs. ¡± I¡¯m not a bartender. I work as a server or cocktail waitress, whatever you want to call me, but not a bartender.¡± I warn.


    Antonio chuckles. ¡± You¡¯re cute when you whine. I can imagine your face right now.¡±


    ¡± Whatever.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t wait to see you today. I¡¯ve been busy and I barely see you. And fuck, I miss you Naomi.¡±


    ¡± I know you do.¡±


    ¡± And quit cursing in my house!¡± Mom¡¯s voice yells in the background.


    ¡± We¡¯ll see youter Naomi. Make sure you don¡¯t fail today.¡± Mom says on the phone.


    ¡± I won¡¯t.¡± She hangs up. She didn¡¯t even let meplete my word.


    I roll my eyes and reach for my coffee as I take a sip.


    ¡± What would you like to have babe?¡± I hear Bianca¡¯s voice and a man¡¯s chuckle.


    Bianca walks into the kitchen wearing a male t-shirt, obviously Lucky¡¯s t-shirt, and Lucky is wearing just blue briefs.


    ¡± Shit!¡± He cusses when he sees me.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± Bianca mutters.


    She turns around and quickly pushes Lucky out of the kitchen. I chuckle and shake my head. She didn¡¯t think I¡¯d be home? Really. I chuckle softly and continue eating. In another four minutes or so, Lucky is rushing towards the door.


    ¡± Bye Lucky.¡± I wave at him with a small smile. He just grunts a small ¡®Bye¡¯ before opening the door and rushing down the hall.


    ¡± Bye. I¡¯m gonna call you.¡± Bianca says to the empty hallway and locks the door.


    She turns to look at me from the doorway and I smile. She exhales through her mouth and walks into the kitchen. She¡¯s wearing jean shorts and a jersey. Bianca sits opposite me and grabs one sandwich.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry you saw that. That¡­ wasn¡¯t what you think.¡±


    ¡± I know.¡± I say, still smiling.


    ¡± Goddamnit. How long have you been home?¡±


    ¡± Long enough to hear you scream ¡®Oh my God! Fuck, just like that. Faster, Lucky.''¡± I say and chuckle.


    ¡± Oh God.¡± She groans into her palms.


    ¡± Breathe. You were loud so what?¡±


    She raises her head to stare at me, smirking.


    ¡± I really didn¡¯t want to get loud. I just¡­ you know. And also I wasn¡¯t expecting you¡¯d be home early.¡±


    ¡± Yeah?¡± I raise my eyebrows at her. ¡± And also who¡¯s this Lucky guy?¡±


    ¡± He um¡­¡± She clears her throat.


    ¡± Definitely not your serious date.¡± I say.


    ¡± Don¡¯t judge me.¡± She whines.


    ¡± I am not judging you. I¡¯m just surprised you screamed Lucky instead of Dean.¡±


    ¡± Dean and I are over. He¡¯s a bag of shit.¡± She says and stands up to make coffee for herself.


    ¡± You wanna talk about what happened with Dean?¡±


    ¡± Well he cheated. With this hot chick who has money and she has a nice job. He didn¡¯t even apologize. He¡¯s a fucking bastard.¡± She says.


    ¡± Ouch.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I guess we¡¯re both single now.¡± She shrugs.


    ¡± Right.¡± I mutter and sigh.


    ¡± What¡¯s up? Why did you crawl in early this morning?¡±


    ¡± Well¡­ it¡¯s¡­ I don¡¯t know. I think I¡¯m jobless now.¡±


    ¡± What? What happened?¡± She turns to look at me.


    I sigh and narrate everything to Bianca.


    ¡± Wow. No shit. He asked you to drink with him? Is he attracted to you or what?¡±


    ¡± Really? Bia really? Of all the things I said, you had to stick with that one.¡±


    She chuckles. ¡± I¡¯m a little surprised. I mean I know you find Killian attractive¡­¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t find him attractive.¡±


    ¡± Yeah?¡± Bianca crosses her arms and stares at me. I roll my eyes.


    ¡± Killian ck is an attractive man and he¡¯s really not my type.¡±


    ¡± Here you go again with another lie. He¡¯s so your type. Except that maybe he¡¯s an asshole and a jerk. All rich people are jerks. Your ex boyfriend is also a jerk. It¡¯s like a perk for rich people. And I¡¯m not that surprised Killian asked you to drink with him. You are fucking hot and I¡¯ve seen you in that waitress uniform. You rock it better than every other waitress in Club K.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t have a job anymore Bianca.¡±


    ¡± Well he didn¡¯t fire your ass.¡±


    ¡± He didn¡¯t. But I know he will. He¡¯s this wealthy man who likes to have his way with whatever thing he wants. He always likes to be in control.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s why he¡¯s your boss. To control you.¡±


    ¡± You know I hate that.¡± I spit.


    Bianca smiles and shakes her head.


    ¡± Well you¡¯re right. If I was him, I¡¯d fire you too.¡±


    ¡± Really, Bia? Whose side are you on?¡±


    ¡± What?¡± Sheughs. ¡± You already said he likes to have his way with whatever thing he wants. And maybe he wants you at that time, you didn¡¯t let him have his way. You acted like a woman he¡¯s never experienced before and you went ahead and pped his friend in his presence. You definitely will lose your job.¡± Bianca says. I sigh.


    ¡± I think you should chill and wait till Monday, and then show up. You might be lucky and he didn¡¯t have to fire you. You¡¯re pretty.¡± She goes back to making her coffee.


    ¡± You¡­ are a bitch.¡± I say. Sheughs.


    ¡± I imagine the look on your boss¡¯s face when you said no. He¡¯s really hot. So fucking hot.¡±


    I roll my eyes and drink my warm coffee.


    ¡± You wanna get wasted tonight? You know since we¡¯re both single and shit.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, why not?¡±


    ¡± Good. Lucky is a DJ in Bart¡¯s. Top notch club and he¡¯s giving us a pass toe have fun.¡±


    ¡± Wow. How did you two even meet? You and Lucky?¡± I ask and stand up with my empty coffee mug.


    ¡± We met three days ago. He visited the mall. He was pretty sweet.¡± She says. I nod.


    ¡± You like him?¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s a distraction.¡± She mutters.


    I turn on the tap and ce the mug under the faucet.


    ¡± You know Dean doesn¡¯t deserve you right? He¡¯s a dick bag and he¡¯s gonna regret cheating on you.¡± I say to her with a small smile as I wash the mug.


    ¡± I hope.¡±


    ¡± He will.¡± I tell her and rinse the mug as I keep it inside the top cupboard.


    ¡± I¡¯m going over to my mother¡¯s today. Charlie¡¯s birthday was yesterday and I didn¡¯t show up at his birthday party. I¡¯m taking him out today to make it up to him.¡±


    ¡± Charlie¡¯s birthday was yesterday? Really Naomi?¡±


    ¡± I know. Don¡¯t make me feel more terrible about myself. Thank you very much.¡± I say.


    ¡± Say hi to Charlie for me though. He¡¯s a sweet kid.¡± Bianca says, smiling at me.


    I nod and walk towards the kitchen door.


    ¡± And be home early. My shift starts by 12 today and by 6:30 I should be out.¡± Bianca says.


    ¡± Sure. Be careful.¡± I call out to her.


    ¡± You too.¡± I hear Bianca¡¯s voice as I head towards my bedroom.

 Chapter 6

    KILLIAN¡¯S POV


    I slowly open my eyes as I take in my surroundings. I¡¯m in my bedroom with two different female arms wrapped around my body.


    ¡± Fuck. What¡¯s the time?¡± I grunt, pushing these unfamiliar women off my body.


    I don¡¯t even remember them or their names. The only thing I rememberedst night was getting pissed because Naomi rejected me and ran away. I was kind of furious over the matter. I mean who knew rejection tasted this sour? I¡¯ve never been rejected by anyone before. I can¡¯t even remember a woman telling me no. All they know how to do is say yes especially when there¡¯s money involved.


    I went downstairsst night after Naomi ran away, to the other side of my club that I barely visited and a lot of people were surprised to see me downstairs. I asked Preston where Naomi was and he told me one of the servers saw her get dressed in a hurry and left. She probably thought I wanted to fire her.


    And thenter, I remember requesting Raymond to get me a girl. I guess that¡¯s how I ended up in my bedroomst night with these two strange women all sprawled in my bed naked. I got pretty wastedst night, all because the woman I wanted didn¡¯t want me back. She fucking rejected me right in front of my friend and that piece of shit Barry who had the right to touch her. I made Tony, my bouncer, throw him outst night. He was furious and confused. I mean my worker pped him and I had to throw him out too after my worker pped him. Pretty unfair. But I couldn¡¯t help myself. Heid his hand on her. He didn¡¯t have a fucking right to do that.


    I crawl out of my bed naked and search my closet for something to wear. I pull sweatpants up my thighs and stare at these naked olive skinned women fast asleep. How did they even fucking spend the night? Naomi was the only thing I thought about as I fucked these women. I wanted it to be her. I wanted her. I want to bury myself inside her and listen to her beautiful voice moan my name. But she fucking loathes me for no damn cause. I can see it in her eyes. The way she stares at me. She doesn¡¯t like me. And maybe I shouldn¡¯t like her or want her because she¡¯s practically my worker and it¡¯s pretty fucked up to want to fuck my worker, but I can¡¯t help it.


    As much as this is weird, I can¡¯t have peace until I have her. She¡¯s proven herself to be a challenge and I love challenges. Whether she likes it or not, I¡¯m gonna have her in my bed, writhing underneath me as he cries and moans in pleasure. I drag my duvet off these strange girls and they squirm.


    ¡± Goldie, curtains?¡± I say to my Virtual assistant.


    ¡± Good afternoon Mr. ck. Hope you had a good night¡¯s rest?¡± My virtual assistant, Goldie, asks. My curtains slowly automatically open.


    I groan in response. Who knew it was afternoon already? How much did I drink? Obviously a lot to get Naomi out of my head and I failed.


    There¡¯s a soft knock on my door and I drop the duvet on the floor, leaving the women nude to every eye. I hear their irritating whines.


    ¡± Get off my fucking bed!¡± I yell at these girls as they jerk up from my bed, fully awake.


    ¡± Out. All of you!¡± I point at them.


    ¡± Killian.¡± Raymond¡¯s voice calls my name as I open the door.


    The women hurriedly wear their clothes. Raymond walks in, staring at the scenery.


    ¡± You sure did have a partyst night.¡± Raymond says, smirking.


    ¡± Are you here with what I want?¡± I ask Raymond as the girls hurry out of my room with their shoes in their hands.


    ¡± Yup. Mr. Bright calls about the new app update. He¡¯s interested.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re seriously talking about work on a Saturday. Goldie, what¡¯s my Saturday motivational quote?¡± I ask, walking away from Raymond and towards my ensuite bathroom.


    ¡± Too much work, and less mind rest makes Mr. ck a frustrated man. Fridays are for parties and Saturdays are for ¡®me time.''¡± Goldie says.


    ¡± You hear that?¡± I call out to Raymond as I spread toothpaste on my toothbrush.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d let your Virtual assistant read me that.¡± Raymond says.


    I ignore him and brush my teeth.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna be in the living room. I¡¯ll serve myself a drink and wait.¡± Raymond says and I hear my bedroom door shut.


    I stare at my reflection in the mirror. There are so many bite marks all over my chest. Definitely from this weird girls that I brought home to have sex. I don¡¯t even remember how the sex felt like. I was pretty wasted, I don¡¯t remember shit. But I fucking remember face fucking one of the girlsst night for a while. I thought about Naomi and imagined her as the girls instead.


    It was pretty fucked up.


    ¡± Mr. ck, mom¡¯s calling.¡± Goldie says.


    ¡± Fuck, cut me some cks.¡± I wash my mouth, keep back my toothbrush as I wash my face.


    I get undressed, ignoring my mom¡¯s call as I shower. I already know why she¡¯s calling. It¡¯s her nature to get mad when I don¡¯t like the women she forced on me. Like what am I? A pampered spoilt 19 years old? Once I showered, I stepped out of my shower and cleaned myself. I put on a loose t-shirt and the sweatpants I wore this morning as I left my room with my phone in hand. My mom¡¯s calling again and I pick up.


    ¡± Killian Jefferson ck.¡± Mom says on the phone.


    God not my full name.


    I run my hand through my slightly damp hair as I climb the spiral staircase downstairs.


    ¡± Good morning Mom.¡±


    ¡± Why did you pay that woman off? You were supposed to go on a date with her and get to know her, not pay her off.¡±


    ¡± Mom, I already told you to stop. I¡¯m not a fucking kid. Let me get married and settle down when I want. You need to stop forcing me.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re not even prepared or ready? You think partying and changing women is all that¡¯s life? There¡¯s so much you can do with your life, son. Everything is not about money.¡±


    I groan and shoot myself dramatically. When will she fucking stop? She talks to me like I¡¯m some teen. Marriage isn¡¯t everything. There¡¯s more to life and I¡¯m not prepared for falling in love with some woman. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be prepared.


    ¡± You¡¯re lonely Killian.¡± Mom says softly at once, and I stop on my track in my living room, with Raymond¡¯s eyes on me.


    ¡± You live alone in that big mansion of yours without a woman. Itcks the touch of a woman and you know it.¡±


    What!


    I¡¯m not fucking lonely. Of course not. I¡¯m happy, I¡¯m content. Although, I have to admit sometimes it¡¯s fucking lonely and weirding home to no one but my big house and Goldie. But that doesn¡¯t make me lonely. I know every close person in my life has someone. Raymond has Derrick, his boyfriend, and they¡¯re even engaged. My big brother has Eve, and they¡¯re getting married. Preston is married. He has a beautiful wife who he goes home to every night and I guess I¡¯m just the odd one amongst my friends and family.


    But who gives a shit? I¡¯m happy, maybe not that content, but I¡¯m fucking happy and I¡¯m not lonely. I have a multi billion dorpany that I¡¯m running with over four branches in the country, and I¡¯m still making more money. For now that¡¯s what matters.


    ¡± I¡¯m not lonely, mom. You need to stop.¡± I say. Raymond smirks and raises his eyebrows.


    ¡± You need to find someone. If not for yourself, at least for me.¡±


    ¡± You can¡¯t make me marry or love someone for you, mom, that¡¯s not how it works. What if she turns out to be a disaster, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s gonna live with that disaster.¡±


    ¡± Then get a good girl. Get to know her and you¡¯ll find yourself falling gradually in love with her.¡±


    ¡± You already said it. Love is a gradual process. Don¡¯t force me into it. You¡¯ve got Keith. Eve is pregnant and in a few months time you will get a grandchild. Leave me alone mom.¡±


    ¡± Killian¡­¡±


    ¡± I gotta go. Raymond is here with a business proposal.¡±


    ¡± Killian, don¡¯t you hang up on me.¡±


    ¡± I love you Mom. Bye.¡± I hang up and hurl my phone against the wall in anger. It falls to the ground, definitely with a cracked screen.


    ¡± Fuck!¡± I scream as I run my hands through my hair.


    How can she tell me that I¡¯m fucking lonely? And what¡¯s it with mothers? Forcing their kids to do what they want in the name of ¡®you know I want the best for you.¡¯ God, that¡¯s fucking bullshit. If you want the best for your kids, you let them do whatever the fuck they want. I love my mom but she¡¯s a fucking trouble all the time and I¡¯m getting tired of her constant rant about me falling in love. And now she has upgraded to telling me I¡¯m lonely.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯m lonely?!


    God I need a drink.


    ¡± I guess I¡¯m not allowed to ask the famous question about if you¡¯re okay. You sure don¡¯t look okay.¡± Raymond says.


    I ignore him and walk to the bar to pour myself a drink. I take a sip of the bourbon and let the alcohol calm down my nerves. For a long minute, there¡¯s silence in my living room.


    ¡± What was your life like when Derrick wasn¡¯t in the picture?¡± I ask Raymond as I walk back to the living room.


    Raymond sighs and stares at the liquor in his ss.


    ¡± One word. Lonely.¡±


    What? Really? How does being with someone you love make you less lonely? I¡¯ve seen couples who are married, and yet they im they¡¯re in love, but they¡¯re still lonely.


    There¡¯s so much with being in love with someone. Women are these extraordinary creatures who are just too much. The minute you start to get attached, they be clingy and controlling. Telling you who to be friends with and when toe home. And then they start choosing your friends for you. My brother¡¯s wife, Eve, is a constant reminder on why you shouldn¡¯t fall in love and settle down at a young age. Keith doesn¡¯t even go out that often. She uses her pregnancy as an excuse to tie my brother down. He won¡¯t admit it, but it¡¯s true.


    ¡± You¡¯re not lonely, are you?¡±


    ¡± Fucking shut up.¡± I re at Raymond as I pace the floor of my living room.


    ¡± Right.¡± Raymond mutters and smiles.


    ¡± Tell me what I want to hear.¡±


    ¡± Not much, really. I still don¡¯t know why you¡¯re so invested in your worker. She¡¯s a server who works at your club. And the short time I¡¯ve known you Killian, you don¡¯t sleep with your workers. This is so unlike you.¡±


    Yeah he¡¯s right. Ever since Iid my eyes on Naomi, strange things have been happening to me. I barely had a good sleepst night. She invaded my dreams. Even when I was having sex with some random womenst night, she was all I thought about.


    ¡± Hey boys.¡± Preston¡¯s voice calls as he walks into my living room.


    ¡± Please tell me you¡¯re here to tell me what I want to hear.¡±


    ¡± Howe nobody thinks Killian being interested in his worker all of a sudden isn¡¯t weird?¡± Preston says as he sits down across from Raymond.


    ¡± I was just telling him that.¡±


    ¡± Why are y¡¯all so invested in me wanting to have a woman?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s not just a woman. She¡¯s not your type.¡± Raymond says.


    ¡± And how do you know my type?¡±


    ¡± For a start, you don¡¯t fuck your workers.¡± Raymond answers.


    ¡± Is that the problem now?¡± I ask the two men in front of me.


    ¡± It¡¯s a problem because it¡¯s unlike you.¡± Preston answers. ¡± To the extent you came to the bottom level of the club to look for her.¡±


    ¡± You need to cut the bullshit Preston. Who¡¯s she?¡± I ask impatiently. I want to know her.


    I need to know everything about this woman who has sessfully captured my attention with just one nce. One fucking nce.


    Preston sighs and walks towards my bar to pour himself a drink.


    ¡± For a start. She¡¯s a college graduate. Graduated from NYU two years ago with a marketing degree. She¡¯s pretty intelligent, nice, and a hard-working woman. She¡¯s pretty collected too, never fights anyone, at least for the short time I¡¯ve known her. And she¡¯s always wooed by your customers. You know since she¡¯s pretty and all. She wants to go back to college to get her master¡¯s degree and also she¡¯s been working in the club for nearly two years now. She got the job the minute she got out of college.¡±


    First I¡¯m not surprised she¡¯s a graduate. She acts like one, even talks like one. But why work in my club as a cocktail waitress? The job doesn¡¯t suit her. Especially when all these shitty customers just want to have her. And she¡¯s been working in my club for two years? Two fucking years?


    ¡± Two years? She¡¯s been working in my club for two years and I didn¡¯t know? Un-fucking believable.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t give a shit about your workers Killian. You just care about the steady flow of cash from the club and nothing else.¡± Preston says.


    ¡± What was I supposed to do? Be friends with my workers?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe invest more of your time in the club.¡± Preston shrugs.


    ¡± That¡¯s why I have you Preston. That¡¯s your job. That¡¯s why I¡¯m fucking paying you.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± Preston mutters.


    Hees back to the living room with a ss of whiskey.


    ¡± And by the way, she¡¯s got this shitbag ex or current boyfriend, I really don¡¯t know. His name¡¯s George, pretty loaded guy. His family is practically rich and I heard they split not too long ago. Her father was in the army, died in battle sixteen years ago, and her mother is Hispanic, actually a Spaniard. Herte father is originally from New York. So that¡¯s all I¡¯ve got.¡±


    Wow. A New Yorker. They¡¯re strong women. Always so fierst. Maybe one of the reasons why she can¡¯t tolerate my bullshit or do as I say without giving me excuses or arguing with me. I¡¯ve only known this woman in less than a day and I¡¯m so intrigued by her. Why do I want her so much? And I hate to think she had a boyfriend. I don¡¯t care if he¡¯s her ex. Now I¡¯m wondering why they broke up. She¡¯s beautiful, it¡¯s pretty insane any man would want to break her heart for any reason. God, she looked so pure.


    I think I¡¯ll have to dig around about her ex boyfriend myself.


    ¡± Why do you want her so much?¡± Raymond asks.


    I turn to look at him with my drink still in my hand. I¡¯ve been standing since. I just didn¡¯t have it in me to sit down just yet.


    ¡± Why does every man want a woman?¡± I deadpan.


    ¡± Every man wants a woman for their own specific reasons. Why do you want Naomi?¡± Preston asks.


    ¡± You don¡¯t like her, do you?¡± I ask Preston.


    ¡± I¡¯m fucking married, man. I¡¯m not a cheat. I mean Esther groomed me not to be one. I¡¯m even scared to look at other women.¡±


    See what I mean by having to fall in love with someone and getting married to them? They groom you into what they want. They remake you. They change you. That¡¯s what falling in love does. It¡¯s pretty fucking fucked up.


    ¡± She¡¯s sexy. She¡¯s fucking pretty and irresistible. I want to see her naked in my sheets when I wake up in the morning.¡± I say.


    ¡± Maybe you should get to know her. If you haven¡¯t noticed, she¡¯s different from every other woman you¡¯ve met. She¡¯s not what you¡¯re used to. She literally despises you and you make her fucking ufortable. Maybe you should give this Naomi chick a chance to get to know her better. You might grow to even like her and not just wanting to fuck her. Because that¡¯s what this is all about. You wanna fuck her.¡± Raymond says.


    I¡¯m quiet as I stare at these two men.


    ¡± If you try to get close to Naomi and maybe try to get to know her better. Your mom might stop bothering you about finding someone. It¡¯s a win-win for you.¡± Raymond says.


    ¡± Well he¡¯s right. Keith has been talking about how your mother has been bothering you about finding someone. Naomi can be a distraction from your mother¡¯s constant marriage proposal. You just have to get to know her.¡±


    Fuck. They have a point. I want Naomi. God I desperately want to have her underneath me and it¡¯s scaring the shit out of me. And she has proven she doesn¡¯t even want me like that. She wants nothing to do with me and she acts ufortable around me. I guess the only way I can win Naomi¡¯s heart is by pursuing her. Something I haven¡¯t done since I was born. I don¡¯t pursue women. I don¡¯t go on fucking dates. That¡¯s so not my thing. If I find you sexy and attractive, I don¡¯t have to talk much. We go home together and fuck, it¡¯s over by dawn. We¡¯re never hooking up again.


    Now meeting Naomi for the first time wants to make me try new things I never dreamt of trying. I¡¯m already breaking my rule of not getting involved sexually with anyone who works for me, and now I will have to pursue her, Impress her, show her I am willing to do anything to have her in bed. Even if I have to win her heart first.


    I¡¯m fucked.

 Chapter 7

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    ¡± Aunt Naomi!¡± Charlie screams as he runs into me before I can shut the main door behind me.


    Charlie wraps his small arms around my legs as he giggles loudly. I squat down to ruffle his curly brown hair. He smiles, all teeth and a big grin. My nephew is a really fine young man. We have that gene in our family. I drop my hand bag and lift Charlie from the floor.


    Shit, he¡¯s added a lot of weight.


    ¡± God, what do they feed you?¡± I tease him as I drop him on the floor and tickle him. Heughs.


    ¡± Stop¡­¡± He giggles loudly. ¡± Aunt Naomi.¡± He cries out while stillughing.


    I let go of him and he¡¯s already on the floor, stillughing.


    ¡± I¡¯m so mad at you.¡± Charlie whines. ¡± I waited for you on my birthday, you didn¡¯t show up.¡± He whines and stands up from the floor.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry baby.¡± I hold his head and peck his forehead.


    ¡± And guess what I bought you?¡± I ask as I smile down at Charlie.


    He stares at me with big brown doe eyes.


    ¡± A new toy?!¡± He¡¯s already excited. Iugh.


    I bring out a small shopping bag from behind me and give it to Charlie. He takes it from my hand and looks inside it.


    ¡± Oh my God!¡± He brings out the box inside the bag.


    ¡± Robot In motion! How did you know I¡¯ve always wanted this?!¡± He¡¯s practically screaming now, bouncing on his feet.


    ¡± Thank you so much, Aunt Naomi.¡±


    I smile. ¡± We¡¯re just getting started, big guy. We¡¯re gonna go out today and have fun. Just you and I.¡±


    ¡± Yaay.¡± With the box in Charlie¡¯s hand, he scurries away, screaming I bought him his new favorite piece.


    God I love that kid.


    ¡± She came.¡± I hear Antonio¡¯s voice.


    I look up and fling my bag around my shoulder as I smile at my big brother.


    ¡± Hey, dummy.¡± Antonio says and wraps his arms around me for a hug.


    I smack his back while still hugging him.


    ¡± Don¡¯t call me that.¡± Iugh, but stop at once at the woman behind Antonio.


    We pull away and I step to the side to have a clearer view of Grace, Charlie¡¯s mother.


    ¡± What¡¯s she doing here?¡± I ask Antonio.


    ¡± Hi, Naomi.¡± Grace says to me, not even trying to fake a smile as she sneers.


    ¡± She showed up for Charlie¡¯s birthday yesterday.¡± Antonio says as he wraps his arm around my shoulder.


    ¡± Charlie¡¯s birthday was yesterday. Why¡¯s she still here?¡±


    ¡± You weren¡¯t even there. You didn¡¯t show up for his birthday.¡±


    ¡± Yeah? You didn¡¯t show up for his past three birthdays, Grace.¡± I give her aeback. She shuts up.


    Antonio sighs as he walks me to the living room.


    ¡± Mama.¡± I greet my mom who¡¯s in the kitchen with Rachel.


    ¡± Oh thank goodness you¡¯re here. Can you please exin to Rachel why keeping boyfriends at sixteen Is a bad choice?¡± Mom says to me. Iugh and drop my bag as I approach Rachel and my mom.


    ¡± They¡¯ve been having that argument sincest night.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± He¡¯s not my boyfriend. I don¡¯t have a boyfriend. You guys don¡¯t even let me date anyone.¡± Rachel says.


    ¡± What¡¯s this about?¡± I ask, pouring myself a ss of milk.


    ¡± I invited Scott to Charlie¡¯s birthday yesterday. Mom got mad saying Scott is my boyfriend and we¡¯re just friends.¡± Rachel defends herself.


    ¡± Nah, they didn¡¯t look like friends. He was gonna ask her out sooner orter and Rachel looked like someone who would easily say yes.¡± Antonio says.


    Rachel groans. I chuckle.


    ¡± You don¡¯t know that!¡± Rachel throws at Antonio.


    ¡± Calm down, Rache.¡± I say.


    ¡± Mom and Antonio kicked him out.¡± Rachel justified.


    ¡± He was leaning in for a kiss. He was gonna kiss her on her nephew¡¯s birthday.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± I think Rachel is old enough to date. She¡¯s leaving highschool soon, at least she should have a little fun.¡± Grace says.


    I turn to look at her.


    ¡± Thank you Grace, she gets it.¡± Rachel says as she crosses her arms around her chest.


    ¡± She gets nothing.¡± I say at once. ¡± You have no right to tell Rachel to go ahead and kiss boys and have fun, Grace. You need to fucking stop and stay 0ut of our family¡¯s discussion.¡± I say to Grace.


    Maybe I shouldn¡¯t. Maybe I¡¯m just overreacting, but Grace is just too much. Since they divorced nearly four years ago, Grace stopped contacting her son. She only calls when she feels like it. She¡¯s been failing miserably at the mother department.


    ¡± Whatever, Naomi. I¡¯m going upstairs to hangout with my son.¡± Grace says and turns to leave.


    Once Grace is out of the room, my family turns to look at me.


    ¡± What? She has iting. Someone needs to correct that over pampered woman.¡± I mutter, dropping my ss of milk. I turn to look at Rachel. ¡± And you, you can¡¯t date anyone until you¡¯re out of highschool.¡±


    ¡± What!¡± Rachel screams.


    ¡± It¡¯s for your own good, Rachel. Stop panicking, rtionships are overrated anyway. And we¡¯re gonna have a full girl to girl talkter, definitely not today.¡± I say. She groans and res at all of us.


    ¡± God, I hate y¡¯all.¡± Rachel grumbles and skedaddles out of the kitchen.


    I sigh.


    ¡± It¡¯s your turn to be scolded. What¡¯s your excuse for not showing up at Charlie¡¯s birthday?¡± Mom asks.


    ¡± Exactly.¡± Antonio says as he walks into the kitchen.


    ¡± I got upied at work. I totally forgot, I swear.¡± I say.


    ¡± That¡¯s really unfair of you, Naomi. You¡¯re literally that kid¡¯s best friend and you failed him.¡± Mom says. Always good at guilt tripping you.


    Fuck!


    ¡± Please don¡¯t do that. I know I fucked up. And I¡¯m making it up to him anyway. We¡¯re going out today and I¡¯m taking him out.¡±


    ¡± Mm.¡± Mother mutters.


    ¡± How¡¯s the job by the way?¡± Antonio asks.


    I sigh and tuck my stray strands behind my ears. I stare at my brother, thinking of thest time I saw him. Almost a month ago. He looks different. At least he groomed well.


    ¡± I think I might have done something bad. I¡¯m fucking jobless.¡±


    ¡± What do you mean jobless?¡± Mom asks.


    ¡± What did you do Naomi? Why are the girls trouble makers in this family?¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± Really?¡± I yfully re at my brother. He chuckles silently and winks at me. I shake my head and sigh.


    ¡± I pped my boss¡¯s friend because he tried to touch me.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± See why I want you to quit that stupid job? Rich people are just too full of themselves. They always harass people because they can easily get away with anything.¡± Mom says and crosses her arms.


    ¡± Well he didn¡¯t fire me. My boss, he didn¡¯t. I panicked and um¡­¡± I lick my bottom lips and stare at my family. ¡± I fled.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± You fled?¡± Antonio is surprised. ¡± Did you even apologize?¡±


    ¡± Apologized? The guy was fucking flirting with me! He touched me in ces I don¡¯t ept and you expect me to apologize to him. Hell, he owes me a damn apology, not the other way around.¡± I defend.


    ¡± Nobody is talking about your boss¡¯s slutty friend. I¡¯m talking about your boss. You shouldn¡¯t have hit his friend right in his presence. It shows you don¡¯t regard him.¡± Antonio says. I bite my lip and stare at my brother and my mom.


    I know he¡¯s got a point. Killian ck might be a conceited asshole, but he¡¯s still my boss. I know I shouldn¡¯t have hit his friend. I should have just walked away, and maybe confronted Preston about this and let him handle the issue about male customers touching the servers, and not let my anger take over.

 Chapter 8

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    My mom looks collected as she stares at me. I sigh and shake my head.


    ¡± Right.¡± I cross my arms and stare at anywhere but my family.


    ¡± I don¡¯t care about all that right now. I just want you to get a good job. You left college two years ago and I really want you to get a better job.¡±


    ¡± There are no jobs in New York, mom, you know that already. Working as a server in club k might not be the best job out there, but I¡¯m lucky I got it. It foots the bills.¡±


    ¡± I just want afortable life for you Naomi.¡± Mom says. I sigh and nod. I get that okay. ¡± And that bartending job is not gonna give you one.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not a bartender.¡± I corrected my mom for the millionth time.


    She smiles. Antonio chuckles.


    ¡± I wish I knew friends who own goodpanies and are willing to hire. My friends are dicks.¡± Antonio says.


    I smile and roll my eyes.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about me. Job hunting starts on Monday. I need to get out there and job hunt again.¡± I say, grabbing an apple and walking over to the sink to wash it.


    ¡± Isn¡¯t your boss Killian ck?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± Painfully, yes.¡±


    ¡± Damn. He¡¯s like this billionaire everyone¡¯s talking about. Lucky bastard. Every day I read it in papers and watch the news about how the guy is dominating the tech world. He¡¯s so lucky.¡± Antonio says.


    I hum and bite into my apple. Really not in the mood to talk about my boss or I¡¯m gonna find myself thinking about his perfect gray eyes watching me in his clubst night. It¡¯s just annoying he has to be annoyingly sexy.


    ¡± How¡¯s work?¡± I ask my brother, changing the topic. My mother skipped out of the kitchen.


    ¡± Good. Nice. I¡¯m still hoping for a promotion.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡± That¡¯s good then. And Grace? You guysing back together?¡± I ask, biting into my apple and chewing the green piece in my mouth.


    ¡± We¡¯re not. She was in the city and her kid¡¯s birthday party was yesterday. She decided to just drop by. She¡¯s with someone now, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± What? Like a husband?¡± I ask my brother.


    He scoffs. ¡± Something like that. He¡¯s pretty rich, at least he¡¯s always around and not always away for work. He¡¯s a big shot millionaire, sells cars.¡± He says and shrugs.


    I stare at him sympathetically. He¡¯s still in love with her.


    I nod. ¡± You still love her, don¡¯t you?¡±


    He sighs, but doesn¡¯t respond.


    ¡± You really need to be nice to her. No one¡¯s perfect.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± Mom said you and George ended. Why?¡± He asks.


    ¡± His parents didn¡¯t like me. They think I¡¯ve nothing to offer their son and they don¡¯t like that about me. I¡¯m way down here and they¡¯re like up there.¡± I used my hands to emphasize my words.


    Antonio scoffs. ¡± And what does George think?¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s always calling me and dropping by my apartment to ask for forgiveness. We just can¡¯t work. His parents have set him up with different ssy women. It¡¯s fucking crazy.¡±


    ¡± Damn. That¡¯s fucked up.¡±


    ¡± Right. Fucking wealthy people.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± You¡¯re gonna find the right one, Naomi.¡±


    I chuckle and smile.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to date anyone right now. I just need to look for another job, at least one that has to do with an office and apany, you know? I¡¯m giving rtionships a break.¡±


    Before George, I wasn¡¯t really the girl who dated a lot of guys. I lost my virginity when I first got into college to this guy named Haven. His father was a professor in the same college that we attended and they were pretty loaded. We dated for nearly two years, actually it was a year and four months and then he moved. He called me that morning, telling me a lot of crap about how he truly cared about me and wished he could stay, but he had to leave the state. He just graduated college that fall too. So that was how Haven and I ended. I remained single till I was a senior, that was when I met George. Aside from his hateful and prideful parents, George isn¡¯t all that bad. Well, he¡¯s a little controlling, but I assume literally all men are kind of controlling. Some just happen to be more or less controlling than others.


    And now George is gone too. I¡¯m gonna take my time to think more about myself and my life. Rtionships shouldn¡¯t matter right now. I¡¯ve dated two guys and they didn¡¯t turn out great, it¡¯s time I click that pause button.


    ¡± When are you leaving with Charlie?¡± Antonio asks.


    I dispose of the apple core inside the trashcan and go to the sink to wash my hands.


    ¡± Like right now. If you can, please help him get ready.¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡± My brother smiles at me and walks away.


    Later, Charlie rushes downstairs with his mother on his tail. He¡¯s already dressed and in good spirits.


    ¡± Ooh. You look really good looking, young man.¡± I tease him. He blushes.


    ¡± Where are you even taking him?¡± Grace asks and crosses her arms.


    I sigh and look up from her son to stare at her.


    ¡± We¡¯re going out, Grace. And I¡¯m sorry about how I talked to you earlier. That was rude and wrong of me. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    She¡¯s taken aback by my apology. She sighs and nods, giving me a small smile.


    ¡± Thank you. I¡¯m also sorry though. For a lot of things. Like not being there for Charlie when he needed me.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. At least you¡¯re here now.¡± I say. She smiles.


    ¡± Have fun.¡± Grace says.


    ¡± Sure.¡± I grab Charlie¡¯s little hand in mine.


    ¡± And tell Antonio we¡¯re taking his car.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± Antonio rushes down the stairs.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± What? You don¡¯t expect me going around this city with your kid in a cab or Uber, do you?¡±


    ¡± Fuck.¡± Antonio groans.


    ¡± Language!¡± Grace and I say at the same time.


    ¡± Just don¡¯t freaking crash it, yeah?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not a teenage dirtbag.¡± I smile triumphantly at my brother. He rolls his eyes.


    ¡± See you guyster.¡± I pull Charlie out of the house as I hear Antonio say:


    ¡± God I can¡¯t wait for her to get her own car.¡±


    I smile and unlock his car and guide Charlie inside as I safely strapped him on the backseat. I really can¡¯t wait to get my own car either.

 Chapter 9

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Charlie and I visit a bowling alley. He has always wanted to bowl. We yed and I taught him how to bowl. He failed countless times but won just once. He was over the moon when he scored one. I bought him a popsicle as a gift. I was broke, but I had to scrape out cash from where I never thought I¡¯d scraped just to make this boy happy today. He was indeed happy. He giggled andughed as he rode an automatic toy horse. Later I took him to y dodgeball. It was really fun. Charlie was literally the sweetest person in our family. He¡¯s the light in my brother¡¯s world and I really loved the kid. By the time we yed all the games, I waspletely broke by the end of the day.


    We stopped at a small diner to eat and I bought him a small te of dessert. I didn¡¯t order anything, I just went through the pictures I took as Charlie ate. I lock the screen of my phone and ce it down on the table as I smile at Charlie.


    ¡± Enjoying yourself?¡± I ask. He doesn¡¯t answer, just nods.


    I sigh and look around the diner. It¡¯s Saturday evening and a lot of customers are beginning to step inside. The bell on top of the door rings, signaling their new customer. I stare at this new customer and cuss underneath my breath. All of a sudden, the ce seems small in the presence of my boss, Killian ck. He¡¯s dressed in a dark green denim jacket, and ck pants. I don¡¯t get to stare at him for too long because his eyes meet mine at once.


    He¡¯s surprised to see me. His eyebrows shoot up and then he stalks to my table. I quickly scan him upside down and God, he is looking incredibly good looking dressed so casual. He¡¯s wearing a dark turtle neck shirt underneath his dark green jacket. He looks like every other guy, except he¡¯s fucking handsome. His golden brown hair is styled perfectly and it matches his golden skin.


    Why does he have to look this sexy and handsome? I don¡¯t miss the eyes of men and women that stare at him as he walks gracefully towards my table. Men envy this man, and women wants to have sex with him.


    ¡± Man, fuck my life.¡± I mutter underneath my breath.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Checking me out already?¡± My boss asks, with a slight smirk gracing his cold demeanor.


    I¡¯ve never really seen him genuinely smile orugh before, even on TV. He¡¯s always so cold, collected, with a permanent scowl-like look on his face. It¡¯s always this one sided smirk and forced smile. What¡¯s it with wealthy men and powerful men?


    Speaking of wealthy and powerful, why¡¯s he here? In a local diner like this one?


    Killian stops next to our table, his eyes taking in Charlie and for a mini second, he looks more surprised and disappointed. He thinks he¡¯s my kid.


    I shouldugh because it¡¯s funny, but I don¡¯t, because my boss is already next to me as he speaks.


    ¡± Who knew you had a kid.¡± Killian says and sits down next to me.


    I try not to think too much at our close proximity or his rich, expensive cologne that just upies my brain cells all of a sudden. I¡¯m having that weird feeling at the pit of my stomach again. Whatever this weird feeling is, it needs to stop. Killian ck isn¡¯t the man I should be attracted to.


    ¡± He¡¯s not my kid.¡± I say softly as I try not to look at my boss who¡¯s staring at me and Charlie at the same time.


    ¡± Yeah?¡± I feel him smirk and I make the mistake of staring at him.


    His perfect ¨C God I hate myself that I had to use that word ¡®perfect¡¯ to describe his eyes. His gray eyes stare into my dark ones and I look away.


    ¡± He¡¯s my nephew. My brother¡¯s kid.¡±


    ¡± Interesting.¡± Killian looks away.


    ¡± Hi. I¡¯m Charlie.¡± Charlie says to Killian. He¡¯s never been good with strange people or new people, but strangely enough, he¡¯sfortable with Killian.


    ¡± Hello.¡± Killian smiles at Charlie. A sly one sided smile. I know he doesn¡¯t smile, at least not a genuine one, so I¡¯m not surprised at his one sided sly smile.


    ¡± I¡¯m¡­¡±


    ¡± Killian ck.¡± Charlie says. ¡± I know you.¡±


    ¡± Really?¡± Killian asks, genuinely surprised and interested that my little nephew knew who he was.


    ¡± Yeah. You made that talkingdy app thingy that also switches your light off and on. I¡¯ve seen you on TV too. And Naomi always talks about you. She watches you a lot on TV anytime she drops by my Nana¡¯s ce.¡± Charlie says and licks his lips off choctes.


    ¡± What?¡± I exim and bite the inside of my cheeks.


    See why you shouldn¡¯t do certain things in the presence of kids? You think they¡¯re not watching, but they¡¯re always watching and they embarrass you when you least expect it. My boss is an arrogant egotistical asshole. Telling him that just increases his ego by two.


    He might even start to think I¡¯m attracted to him and I¡¯m like every other woman who¡¯s on the line to know what he looked down there below his belt.


    Ugh¡­


    ¡± Really?¡± Killian whispers and turns to look at me. There¡¯s a glint of amusement in his eyes as he stares at me. His lips curl the slightest as he watches me.


    ¡± That¡¯s not true.¡± I defend myself at once.


    ¡± Charlie?¡± I yfully re at my nephew. He blushes and looks down at his te.


    ¡± I don¡¯t talk about you. Maybe I do, a little. But, please don¡¯t tter yourself and think that maybe I talk good stuff about you. Definitely not.¡±


    ¡± Yeah? Hey Charlie, does she say good things about me?¡± Killian asks.


    I re at my boss as I turn to give my nephew an eye signal. Charlie smirks and looks down at his te. I hear Killian chuckle silently underneath his breath. He turns to look at me again.


    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± He asks instead.


    ¡± I should be asking you that. What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± You know I¡¯m still your boss right? You seem to forget sometimes.¡± He asks and I bite my lip.


    I sigh and look anywhere else but my boss. He¡¯s staring at me and it¡¯s making me ufortable. Why¡¯s he here? Why¡¯s he sitting next to me and making me feel ufortable by this close proximity?


    ¡± Why are you here? I mean¡­ sitting in my booth.¡± I ask softly.


    ¡± Because I want to.¡± He answers at once. I scoff and chuckle underneath my breath.


    Right. He is here because he wants to.


    ¡± Naomi, can I get the chocte and strawberry pie? You know it¡¯s one of my favorites.¡± Charlie says, biting his bottom lip as he stares at me with big doe eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, honey, not today.¡± I say to my nephew. This kid have no idea that I¡¯m broke as fuck right now. Before I pulled the stunt that I pulled yesterday, which I¡¯m sure I¡¯m already jobless, I hadn¡¯t collected my monthly check and it¡¯s just the middle of the month.


    ¡± Please. It¡¯s my birthday, remember?¡± Charlie pouts, with his bottom lip out. He puckered his bottom lip, with big puppy eyes. He knows I can do anything for him each time he stares at me like that.


    Shit.


    I hate that my boss is here. I don¡¯t want to give him the idea and impression that I¡¯m broke and I can¡¯t give my nephew what he wanted. I¡¯m not broke, well I¡¯m a little broke, agreed. But I can afford the simplest things out there if I wasn¡¯t saving money to go back to school and get my masters degree.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine.¡± Killian ck says at once.


    ¡± No¡­¡± Before I can stop him, he¡¯s already calling the attention of the waitress and she¡¯s heading towards our table.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to. I don¡¯t want you to.¡± I protest. Killian ignores my existence and hands the waitress a bill, giving her a specific order to get Charlie whatever he needs.


    I bite my lip and stare at my nephew who¡¯s all jittery and happy on his seat opposite my boss and I.


    ¡± We have a lot to talk about.¡± Killian whispers for my ears only.


    ¡± Yeah?¡± I scoff. ¡± Thest time I checked, you owe me an apology on behalf of your manwhore friend.¡± I grit out.


    Killian ck turns to look at me, I bite my lip out of instinct. His gaze shifts from my eyes to my bottom lip and I look away from him to Charlie who¡¯s staring at us with a small smile.


    ¡± You seem to talk a lot, Naomi. And you don¡¯t listen either. Do you?¡± Killian speaks softly, with his gray eyes staring at me, taking every info of all the imperfections in my face.


    The waitresses back with a big pie. It smells really nice and beautiful. She drops it on the table, along with a milkshake.


    ¡± This is too much sugar for him.¡± Iin.


    ¡± Thank you, Mr. Killian.¡± Charlie says. Killian gives him a small smile.


    ¡± You¡¯re wee. Assume that¡¯s my birthday gift for you. Happy birthday by the way.¡±


    ¡± Thanks.¡± Charlie smiles and starts to eat.


    Killian surprises me when his hand rests on my arm, gently tugging me toe with him. I look down at his hand on my arm and slowly at his eyes. I try to ignore the weird electric feeling I¡¯m feeling at the pit of my stomach.


    ¡± Come on. A word? Outside.¡± Killian speaks softly.


    ¡± Why?¡±

 Chapter 10

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Killian rolls his eyes and tug at my arm again. I restrained myself.


    ¡± I get it. I work for you, maybe I used to work for you. You still don¡¯t have to treat me like this.¡± I grit out in a whisper


    ¡± You really want to do this Naomi?¡± He grits out. ¡± Cause a scene? In front of your sweet little nephew and the customers? When are you just gonna listen without having to cause a fight?¡± Killian says softly as he stares at me. His hand is still on my arm. Slowly, he lets go.


    ¡± And I¡¯m treating you nice, princess. You should see the way I treat other people. Come on. Outside.¡± Killian stands up and Charlie¡¯s head jerks up to stare at my boss.


    ¡± See you around, Charlie.¡± Killian pat his head and walks towards the exit.


    Did he just call me princess? Princess? Should I even be offended or amused?


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna be back. Just sit here okay. I won¡¯t stay long.¡± I say to Charlie.


    ¡± Okay. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± He gives me a small smile and I get up.


    What does he even want from me?


    ¡± Do you have to do that?¡± I ask once I step outside the diner.


    ¡± Are you always annoying?¡± He asks.


    We¡¯re at the parking lot of the diner, and thankfully no one can see us.


    ¡± And are you always bossy?¡± I ask him.


    Killian doesn¡¯t say a word as he stares at me.


    I scoff and cross my arms.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t have to get my nephew that.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s just a pie, not a fucking house. Stop thinking about it.¡± He says and licks his lip. I try not to focus on his red full lips, but I fail and he catches me staring.


    I look away, not before I see a sly smirk on my boss¡¯s lips.


    ¡± Also you didn¡¯t have to call me princess.¡± I say sternly.


    Maybe I should have ignored his use of pet names, but I need to drop it out there that I¡¯m not interested in him and I¡¯m not one of his girls.


    ¡± And why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡± Why? Because I¡¯m not interested in whatever game you¡¯re trying to y.¡±


    ¡± Game?¡± Killian asks, thrusting his hands inside his pocket.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know Mr. ck. I¡¯m not interested. You¡¯re not even my type.¡±


    Killian pauses at once, taking in my word and registering every meaning behind it. He smirks, for a second as he looks around the parking lot.


    ¡± Right.¡± He mutters and clears his throat.


    ¡± Why did you leave the club this morning?¡± He asks, bringing his gaze back to me.


    ¡± Why did you ask me to sit and drink with you?¡± I ask him my own question that¡¯s been bothering my mind.


    Killian stares at me, for the first time today, his eyes stare at me from my head to my toe. He doesn¡¯t even try to be subtle as he stares at my body. I shift my weight from one foot to another at his brooding stares. I¡¯ve never felt this way before because a guy is staring at me. Well my boss is just not any other guy. He¡¯s Killian ck. An arrogant Billionaire who always gets what he wants. His stares make me conscious of myself and he¡¯s not looking away. I stare down at my blue crop top and ck boyfriend jeans and white sneakers. My hair is in a ponytail, with little strands at the sides of my face.


    Finally he looks away, not before I hear him mutter ¡®fuck.¡¯ underneath his breath.


    ¡± You don¡¯t get to ask questions, Naomi. And ever since I met you, you¡¯ve been doing just that and it¡¯s fucking annoying.¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± And why¡¯s that Killian? Why do you get to ask questions and I don¡¯t get to ask mine?¡±


    Killian raises his eyebrows in bafflement, not for once backing down from his stares.


    ¡± Killian?¡± He whispers, as if testing his own name on his tongue. His cold, brooding, and domineering stares leave my body, and for a second I can breathe properly.


    ¡± I mean Mr. ck.¡± I correct myself, with my arms still crossed against my chest.


    ¡± You sure are feisty, aren¡¯t you?¡± Killian turns to look at me again, raising his eyebrows as if daring me to speak. ¡± And stubborn.¡± He adds as he continues to stare at me.


    I might work for this man, but I never for once thought this day mighte. I have been working in the shadows ever since I got a job in Club K. Killian ck didn¡¯t know I existed and I was happy about that. And ever since he knew I worked for him, I don¡¯t like the feeling that he¡¯s just getting started at turning my world upside down. And now I find myself asking why is he interested in me all of a sudden? What exactly does he want me from? Why me? Why did he even ask me to sit down and drink with him? There are so many questions going through my head and I need answers.


    ¡± What do you want from me?¡± I ask him the one question that¡¯s been bothering me.


    ¡± What do you think I want from you?¡± His voicees out hoarse, and deep. God, fucking sexy.


    It sends a weird vibration down my back and I¡¯m breathing weirdly. My boss is in front of me, too close and I can¡¯t breathe. I can smell his cologne, and him standing so close to me right now makes me small. He¡¯s tall, I have to crane my neck upwards to stare at him. Killian stares down at me, dark gray eyes staring into my dark eyes, watching me, observing me. God he¡¯s fucking mysterious. And annoyingly attractive.


    And I hate that I find him attractive. I hate that my body responds this way with his mere words. What am I gonna do if his hands are on my body? Faint?


    Hell no.


    Before heid his eyes on me, I¡¯ve never acted this way before, and him suddenly finding me interesting all of a sudden shouldn¡¯t change anything. I try to tell myself that.


    I¡¯m just in one of my phases. This weird attraction will pass given time. Definitely. Hopefully.


    ¡± What do you think I want from you, Naomi?¡± He asks again, this time in a whisper.     I bite my lip and draw in a deep sharp breath through my slightly parted lips.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe, you tell me.¡± I tell him, thanking myself for my little act of not showing him I¡¯m intimidated by him or as if his deep voice isn¡¯t doing something to me right now.


    ¡± Do I make you ufortable?¡± He asks suddenly.


    I bite my bottom lip, with Killian¡¯s eyes shifting from my eyes to my lip.


    ¡± Yes.¡± I breathe out. ¡± You make me ufortable.¡±


    I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s just too egotistical or aplete asshole, he doesn¡¯t show any emotions as he stares at me. Killian moves back from me, giving me space to breathe properly.


    I can¡¯t look into his eyes. I don¡¯t like how they make me feel each time he stares at me with his gray eyes that hold a lot of different emotions. Emotions that I can¡¯t interpret. To say he¡¯s mysterious, it¡¯s an understatement. He¡¯s intimidating.


    It¡¯s quiet between us as our eyes locked. None of us backed down from this intense eye contact and weird sexual tension between us.


    ¡± I need you toe back to work tomorrow. No further questions. And try your best not to p more people.¡± He says and I watch him turn his broad back to walk towards his car.


    I don¡¯t notice the two bodyguards or whatever they¡¯re, standing next to a ck expensive car.


    ¡± By the way¡­¡± Killian stops to turn to look at me. ¡± You should quit hiding your body with these heavy, baggy clothes that look like parachutes.¡± He says and continues his walk.


    ¡± It¡¯s called boyfriend jeans.¡± I call out to him. ¡± Dick.¡± I mutter thatst part.


    ¡± I heard that, Naomi.¡± Killian ck says and stops outside his car, with the bodyguard opening the backseat door for him to enter. ¡± And it¡¯s big.¡± Killian smirks and winks at me.


    What?


    I stand on my spot with an open mouth as I stare at my boss disappearing into the backseat of his car. The guard shuts the door while he scrambles into the passenger¡¯s seat and closes the door behind him. I watch the car drive out of the parking lot with my mouth still slightly opened.


    Did Killian ck just flirt with me?

 Chapter 11

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    ¡± You know your boss wants to fuck you right?¡± Bianca asks as she applies make-up on my face.


    I re at her from underneath myshes. She looks at me and chuckles.


    ¡± What?¡±


    I roll my eyes, staying still as she continues her makeup on my face. It¡¯s Saturday evening and Bianca and I are getting ready to party at Bart¡¯s. The club where her new boyfriend or fuck buddy Lucky, is a DJ. I don¡¯t feel like partying really, but that will offend Bianca. I already promised her this morning before I took Charlie out that we were gonna party together. Plus, her boyfriend, Dean, broke her heart and she needs me to be there for her. To be there for her, means getting wasted tonight.


    I¡¯m a lightweight. Two sses in and I don¡¯t recognize myself anymore.


    ¡± Are you really avoiding this topic?¡± Bianca asks, closing her makeup kit.


    She plugs in a curling iron to curl my hair. I shake my head and stare at her.


    ¡± What do you want me to say?¡± I ask her, biting my lip.


    ¡± Well¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡± Bia, Killian doesn¡¯t want me.¡±


    ¡± And how do you know that? You just practically told me he flirted with you. And earlier, which was yesterday, he asked you to drink with him. Dude, he wants to fuck you.¡±


    ¡± Ew, don¡¯t say fuck out loud like that.¡± I said to her,


    Bianca raises her eyebrows as she stares at me. I chuckle silently and smile.


    ¡± You surprise me everyday.¡±


    ¡± My boss, Killian ck, doesn¡¯t want me. He¡¯s just messing with me.¡±


    ¡± And why would he mess with you? I might not know the man personally but I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s not the man that messes around. You know he wants you, just admit it.¡± Bianca says as she starts to curl my hair.


    I groan. I don¡¯t want to talk about my boss and his strange antics. Why would he even want me? He¡¯s a fucking Billionaire, with an ego the size of his bank ount. He clearly can get any woman he wants. And why is he attracted to me all of a sudden? Although he¡¯s mysterious, I can¡¯t tell why my boss seems so invested in me all of a sudden. Even if he wants me, I¡¯m not fucking interested. He might be sexy, super attractive, gorgeous, and rich, he¡¯s not the man that¡¯s capable of loving anyone. And also, I¡¯m not the type of woman that fools around with guys. I may have clicked the pause button concerning rtionships, I want nothing to do with Killian. He¡¯s mysterious, strange, and God¡­ an asshole. Aplete, sexy asshole. And he has a shitty reputation with women. The guy basically sleeps around. And I¡¯m not that kind of girl that wants to get involved with someone like that.


    ¡± Look, Bia, I really don¡¯t give a shit if he wants me or not. I don¡¯t want him.¡±


    ¡± Why¡¯s that? Every girl wants Killian ck.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not ¡®every girl.¡¯ He¡¯s a slut, he fucks around.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Every guy fucks around. That¡¯s what makes them men. It¡¯s a perk for being a man, I¡¯m pretty sure you know that. So, you shouldn¡¯t be affected by the fact that your super, sexy boss sleeps around.¡±


    ¡± And I don¡¯t want to be involved with men like that. I am not interested. He¡¯s not my type.¡±


    ¡± Hmm.¡± Bianca hums, twirling my already curly hair around the curling iron. ¡± Well, that won¡¯tst for long. He¡¯s charming, you won¡¯t be resisting for too long.¡±


    ¡± Fuck you, Bia.¡±


    Biancaughs.


    ¡± Please don¡¯t burn my hair.¡± I tell Bianca.


    ¡± Shut up, dork, I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I mutter and take a deep breath.


    ¡± What¡¯s up with job hunting?¡± I ask Bianca after a long silence.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know man. What about you?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m starting on Monday.¡±


    ¡± I thought Killian gave you your job back.¡±


    ¡± He never really took it from me in the first ce, so.¡± I shrug. ¡± And also, I am really tired of my Job. It¡¯s not something that I want. I am resuming job hunting. I don¡¯t know, maybe I can get lucky.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Maybe I should do that. Working as a cashier is shit. Some of these customers are fuckers, girl. I really don¡¯t get why life is so fucking unfair.¡± Bianca says.


    I chuckle and smile.


    ¡± And speaking of unfairness. George¡¯s father is rich and he¡¯s also kind of rich, and he has this important position in his family¡¯spany. It¡¯s pretty weird he couldn¡¯t get you a job these past years of you two dating and he constantlyins about how he hates your waitress job.¡± Bianca says.


    She unplugs the curling iron and grabs ab to slide through my hair.


    ¡± I¡¯ve thought about that a lot of time. I think his father warned him about giving me a job in hispany. He was gonna get disowned if he tried it.¡±


    ¡± God, he¡¯s such a pussy. I¡¯m happy you dumped his ass. He¡¯s a little bitch.¡± Bianca says and drops theb on my dresser.


    She steps back and looks at me.


    ¡± You look good.¡± She smiles at me.


    I twirl around in my chair to stare at my reflection in the mirror. I run my fingers through my hair and smile. We¡¯re both dressed. With Bianca wearing a tight mid-thigh green dress, and I am wearing a dark blue dress that¡¯s also short and mid-thigh.


    ¡± You¡¯re pretty good. You should start a makeup ss.¡± I say. Bianca smiles.


    ¡± Maybe one day. I might consider starting one.¡± Bianca says as she checks out her reflection.


    ¡± Damn girl. We ready to party or what?¡± Bianca asks.


    ¡± Well, let¡¯s get wasted.¡±


    ***


    Bianca and I throw our heads back as we down our shots. Bart¡¯s isn¡¯t anything like Club K, but it¡¯s pretty epic. It¡¯s fancy with so many people scattered around on the dance floor. It¡¯s Saturday so a lot of people came out to party. Lucky, Bianca¡¯s new guy is really the DJ. Bianca won¡¯t stop staring, smirking, and winking at him.


    God, that¡¯s the thing with a new rtionship. It always messes with your head.


    ¡± Wanna dance?¡± Bianca asks me as I gulp my second shot.


    I don¡¯t know the name of the alcohol but it tastes really good and it burns my throat when I consume it too. I¡¯m tipsy and I¡¯m not nning to stop either. That¡¯s just me with alcohol. Once I get into it, I don¡¯t fucking stop until I¡¯m forced to stop by my friend or get kicked out because I start screaming on top of my voice that Donald Trump is an Antichrist. It¡¯s mostly thetter.


    I¡¯m crazy.


    I bounce to the dance floor with Bianca who¡¯s also tipsy. We dance to the song and Bianca constantly waves and blows kisses at Lucky, who catches it. Iugh, dancing side to side with Bianca. A few guys try to woo me but I push them away. I have had enough of guys and I don¡¯t want anymore guy problems.


    Once Bianca and I have danced our legs out, we go back to the bar and plop down on a vacant seat. Bianca and I order more shots as we drink. The liquor burns my throat and I really want to stop right now, but I don¡¯t have it in me. I hate that I can¡¯t control my alcohol. It¡¯s pretty insane.


    Lucky strolls over when someone else takes over the DJ stand. He wraps his arm around Bianca¡¯s waist and kisses her hair. By this time I¡¯m drunk and I¡¯m slurring my words.


    ¡± Hey.¡± Lucky smiles at me.


    ¡± Hi.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t get your name earlier today.¡±


    ¡± Oh¡­ I¡¯m¡­¡± fuck, what¡¯s my name again?


    ¡± Naomi. Her name¡¯s Naomi.¡± Bianca answers giggling.


    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m Naomi.¡± I say, smiling.


    ¡± Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Lucky.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Lucky to meet you too.¡± I tell him. He chuckles.


    ¡± You wanna go home girls? I can drop you off, Naomi. You¡¯re a little¡­¡± Lucky says, but I cut him off with a wave of my hand.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. You guys can go ahead, I¡¯m okay.¡±


    ¡± Are you sure baby?¡± Bianca asks me.


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine. I can take care of myself. I¡¯m not tired yet either.¡± I say. My vision is starting to get blurry, and I¡¯m beginning to see two of everything, but I don¡¯t back down yet.


    ¡± Okay. I¡¯m gonna call you.¡± Bianca pecks my cheek and leaves with Lucky.


    Now I¡¯m bored and drunk.


    ¡± Naomi?¡± A familiar voice calls my name.


    I spin around a little too fast and m my head against this person.


    God that hurts.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± We exim at the same time.


    ¡± George?¡± I call his name, rubbing my forehead a little. The hit clears my vision a little, thankfully.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± Hey.¡± He smiles at me. ¡± God, you look really beautiful.¡±


    I bite my lip and smile.


    ¡± Thanks? What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± Oh. My buddies at work¡­¡± he tips his thumb behind him to point at God knows what. I don¡¯t bother to look at whatever thing he¡¯s pointing at. I just smile and nod.


    ¡± Since it¡¯s Saturday, they thought we should just go out to have a drink. I¡¯m happy I met you.¡±


    ¡± Hmm.¡±


    ¡± Can we talk at a corner? In private?¡±


    ¡± Uh?¡±


    ¡± Please. Just a minute, I promise.¡±


    Well the dick was once my boyfriend. What¡¯s the worst that can happen, huh? I hop off from the stool I¡¯m currently sitting on and nearly fall on my face. George quickly wraps his arms around my waist and I push him away.


    ¡± Don¡¯t fucking touch me.¡± I slur.


    ¡± God, how much did you drink? Do you need a ride home?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine, I can take care of myself.¡± I answer as I follow George to a corner to talk, with my footsteps slow and sluggish.


    How drunk am I exactly?


    ¡± What do you want, judge?¡± I ask and giggle at the mention of ¡®Judge.¡¯


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, Naomi. I want you back and I¡¯m sorry for everything I¡¯ve done.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    ¡± I love you Naomi. Please give me a chance to work this out.¡± George says.


    He¡¯s pretty close to me and he¡¯s holding my chin up to stare at him. Fuck, I literally can see two George In front of me. I should go home.


    ¡± George, we can¡¯t. You¡¯re a nice guy, trust me, but we can¡¯t work. It¡¯s just impossible.¡± I say to him.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna do whatever it takes to have you back. I want to be with you Naomi. Only you. I love you.¡± He says.


    What the hell is going on?


    George cups my cheek and surprises me by kissing me. I push him away, but he leans in to kiss me again. Forcing my mouth to open.


    ¡± What¡­¡± I try to say something with our lips locked but I can¡¯t.


    This is disgusting and annoying. I¡¯m drunk and my ex is kissing me against my will. I bite onto his bottom lip hard when he doesn¡¯t let me go and he screams like a girl, cursing, and hissing. I might be drunk, but I¡¯m not defenseless.


    ¡± What did you do that for?¡± He cries.


    ¡± You were¡­¡± I palm my forehead.


    God, why¡¯s the ground moving? Or is the club spinning? Oh God!


    ¡± Come on, Naomi, I¡¯ll take you home.¡± George¡¯s voice is distant but I hear him.


    ¡± Don¡¯t fucking touch me.¡± I smack his hand off my arm.


    ¡± Naomi¡­¡± George says, but someone¡¯s voice froze him on his spot.


    ¡± She said don¡¯t fucking touch her. What part of that don¡¯t you understand?¡± The voice sounds familiar.


    What¡¯s he doing here? Is he stalking me now? I turn around but I can¡¯t see properly. Everything is two and my legs are wobbly. Damn, I want to throw up.


    ¡± What¡­¡± I don¡¯t hear anything as I rush to the ce I¡¯m sure Is the exit, pushing people out of my way.


    I finally make it outside with a pounding head and blurry vision. I rush to the sidewalk and puke my stomach out.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I hear that familiar voice again.


    I bend down and puke my guts out again. God I feel sick. I¡¯m never drinking again.


    ¡± Come on, we should take you home.¡± Warm hands hold me against a strong masculine body and I lean against it, basking in that familiar rich cologne.


    ¡± Killian?¡± I mutter.


    I don¡¯t hear his response as I slip into consciousness.

 Chapter 12

    KILLIAN¡¯S POV


    ¡± So how¡¯s business, Killian? Making more money as always?¡± Harry says, but I¡¯m not paying attention.


    The loud music and drunk people makes me want to get the hell out of here and go back to my house. Harry and I aren¡¯t really friends, in fact I don¡¯t even have a lot of friends. I don¡¯t know a lot of people in my life that I can call my friend. Raymond and I became friends the first few months he started working with me. Before, he worked below me and he got promoted. Guess that was when I even knew he existed.


    It took me about three months to actually talk to the guy and another two months to call him my friend. And I think Raymond¡¯s the only guy I can call my friend, and maybe my cousin, Preston. Well he¡¯s also family and that¡¯s a bonus for him.


    All my life what I¡¯ve known is making more money. Grabbing the next business opportunity and turning it into millions. I didn¡¯t have time for friends or even love. And Harry, he¡¯s this guy I call an acquaintance. We¡¯re familiar with each other and he¡¯s the owner of Bart¡¯s. He¡¯s looking to expand and he wants me to invest in his club with one third of the club¡¯s shares going to my bank ount. It¡¯s a nice deal, but I don¡¯t think I want to invest in a club like Bart¡¯s.


    I sound like an asshole right now, I know.


    When I don¡¯t reply to Harry¡¯s question, he takes that as an excuse that I¡¯m not interested in talking about my business to someone who wants me to invest in his own club. He goes about talking about his own business and how I¡¯ll benefit from Bart¡¯s if I decide to invest in it. I scan the bottom floor of Bart¡¯s, with my eyes ncing at the drunk youths on the dance floor. I stop on a particr brte and squint my eyes at how familiar she is. She¡¯s dancing with another girl who has dyed blonde hair.


    Naomi.


    What the fuck is she doing here?


    I watch how guys try to dance with her and she pushes them away. I bring my eyes down her body, biting my bottom lip at how sexy she looks in a tight blue dress. Her long curly hair bounces down her back as she dances. Fuck, what I would give to have her curls in my hand as she grind that fat ass on my cock.


    Now I¡¯m being filthy. I¡¯ve already crossed the line the minute I fuck faced another woman with Naomi¡¯s image In my head. I knew there was no way back. I want this woman and I¡¯m gonna have her despite the warning bells ringing in my head. She giggles as she walks towards the bar with her friend. I stand up at once, wanting to have a better view of Naomi, totally forgetting that Harry is giving me a speech about his club.


    Right now I¡¯m not interested, I¡¯ve never been interested in Bart¡¯s. It was Raymond¡¯s idea. Thinking it¡¯s a nice investment if I just show a little interest by investing.


    ¡± Mr. ck.¡± Harry calls my name.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna think about your offer, Mr. Bart.¡± I say, taking a sip from the ss of liquor he offered me.


    Fuck, whiskey. I don¡¯t drink whiskey. I take my eyes off the dance floor and nce at the dark liquid in this thick ss in my hand. I frown and stretch the ss to my guard who¡¯s been standing at a corner. He hurries to take the ss off my hand.


    ¡± You don¡¯t like the drink?¡± Harry asks.


    I sigh, fighting the urge to light a cigarette as I watch Naomi. My doctor thinks it¡¯s time I give it a break for the time being. Naomi¡¯s friend is with a guy and the guy is talking to Naomi. She is drunk. I can tell by the way she giggles and slightly staggers even in her sitting position.


    How much did she even drink?


    Harry asks a question but I don¡¯t hear shit. My entire attention is on the olive skinned brte that makes my cock twitch in my pants every time I stare at her. The guy leaves with Naomi¡¯s friend and she looks bored. Suddenly another guy approaches her, and they happen to bump heads together by mistake.


    God she¡¯s fucking wasted. They talked like they knew each other and as I watched her follow the guy to a corner, I wondered how he¡¯s rted to her. He says something to her, but she¡¯s too drunk to pay attention. The next minute, he¡¯s leaning in and kissing her.


    What? I re at the asshole who¡¯s touching her and I don¡¯t notice that I¡¯m gripping tightly at the banister. I don¡¯t even notice Harry standing next to me.


    ¡± I gotta go. I will have Raymond call you for a proper briefing.¡± I say to Harry as I rush down the stairs, with my guard behind me.


    I push people off my part as I approach Naomi and this guy who¡¯s touching her like she is his. I don¡¯t care who he is or what rtionship they had, he has no right to touch her.


    ¡± Don¡¯t fucking touch me.¡± Naomi says to the guy but he¡¯s not having it.


    It¡¯s been long since I punched someone and I¡¯ve never really seen a reason to punch someone since Club K¡¯s official opening, really.


    ¡± She said don¡¯t fucking touch her. What part of that don¡¯t you understand?¡± I say. The guy is surprised because he recognizes me.


    Naomi¡¯s fucking drunk and beyond wasted. It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s a lightweight and she doesn¡¯t know how to control her alcohol intake. She rushes outside the club and I know she¡¯s about to puke her guts out.


    I follow her outside, shooting a re at this fucking asshole as I follow Naomi out. At this state anyone can easily take advantage of her. I can¡¯t let that happen.


    ¡± Get the car.¡± I say to Alvin, my guard, and without any question, he leaves.


    I watch Naomi puke out her intestines.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I mutter.


    She stands upright in wobbly feet.


    ¡± Come on, we should take you home.¡± I wrap my arms around her, and she leans against my body with her face pressed against my chest.


    ¡± Killian?¡± She mutters.


    ¡± How much did you drink?¡± I ask, shrugging off my suit jacket and draping it around her.


    She¡¯s fallen asleep already as she breathes in and out with her slightly parted lips. My car pulls to a stop in front of me and Alvin gets down, opening the backseat for me. It¡¯s pretty hard to ce Naomi in the backseat of my car. Once I finally maneuver her inside my car, I slide in next to her and Alvin shuts the door. Naomi mutters something in her sleep and scoots into me. I fight a smile as I stare at her. She looks peaceful, beautiful, and innocent when she sleeps. Not the girl who always argues with me and hates my guts.


    ¡± Where sir?¡± Terry, my driver asks.


    ¡± Home.¡±


    ***


    I sip my coffee, with my right hand on myptop¡¯s keypads. I scroll through my emails, deleting the irrelevant ones while skimming through the ones Raymond sent me. I click on the email sent to me by my marketing department involving our new virtual assistant and an upgrade on our alreadyunched app.


    ¡± No way. No fucking way I¡¯m in here.¡± I hear a familiar voice mutter.


    I look up from myptop to see Naomi In my living room, eyeing the beauty of my home. She¡¯s wearing my white dress shirt that¡¯s a little big on her. It falls on her mid-thigh, doing little to nothing in covering her thick thighs.


    The minute I drove her to my homest night, I had to change her out of her dress. It smelled like puke and it had a little puke stain on it. It was fucking hard undressing herst night as I wear her my dress shirt.


    Fuck, it was pretty wrong, but I went to bedst night with Naomi¡¯s tits in my head and my hand buried inside my pants as I get off. I couldn¡¯t get the image of her in a dark, redce bra, and redce panties out of my head. As I buttoned the dress shirtst night with Naomi fast asleep, I tried not to look like a pervert as I stared at her body.


    Jesus, she was fucking irresistible.


    Naomi¡¯s eyes meet mine as she slowly walks towards my kitchen. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s more sexy. Naomi in my house in her morning glory or the fact that she¡¯s wearing my buttoned down white shirt with nothing butce panties and bra underneath it.


    ¡± Oh my God.¡± She mutters and rubs her eyes.


    ¡± No fucking way.¡± She mutters, biting her lip as she stares at me.


    ¡± Good morning.¡± I said to her,


    ¡± How did I get here?¡± She asks, chewing absently on her bottom lip.


    I stare at her bottom lip for a minute or so before bringing my gaze to her eyes.


    ¡± You¡¯re gonna answer me or continue staring at me like that.¡± Naomi says, pulling at the sleeve of my oversized shirt that she¡¯s wearing.


    Right. Her bratty and feisty attitude is back. I can¡¯t say it doesn¡¯t turn me on when she acts feisty or like a little brat, because it makes my dick twitch in my pants and I find myself thinking about putting her mouth to use with my cock down her throat.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    I smirk, grabbing my cup of coffee and bringing it to my lips. I take a sip, with Naomi¡¯s eyes on my lips. Is she attracted to me or am I hallucinating? Sometimes she acts like she wants me, or maybe attracted to me, and other times, she looks at me like I¡¯m the devil¡¯s advocate. Fuck, she¡¯s confusing. She messes with my head and I know nothing about this woman.


    ¡± Coffee?¡± I ask her, dropping my mug on the countertop.


    ¡± I need to know what I¡¯m doing here. Dressed in¡­¡± She looks down at her body, tugging at the hem of the dress shirt.


    ¡± You don¡¯t remember?¡±


    ¡± A little¡­ I think.¡± She sighs and bites her red plump bottom lip.


    I wish she knows how she always fuck with my head when she does that. Her brown curly hair is braided at the back with a few strands sticking out at the sides of her face. Naomi is a beautiful woman and any man will be lucky to have her. Fuck, I will give anything to have her. I want her to wake up like this every other morning in my bed. I want to see her naked. I want to hear her moan my name as I kiss her full red lips and bite into her neck. I want to know what she feels like with my dick inside her. Is she the type of woman who moans loudly or quietly? I don¡¯t care how perverted I sound, or how dirty my thoughts are considering she works for me and I¡¯m her boss, I fucking want Naomi.


    I fucking want every part of her. I want to own her. I want to have her. I needed to have her. Every night I go to bed, she¡¯s the only thing I think about. She¡¯s bing a distraction, a distraction I don¡¯t need, but I can¡¯t help myself. I¡¯ve always put work before pleasure and I¡¯ve never mixed work with pleasure, but Naomi is doing something to me no woman has ever done to me before.


    I want to bend her over my kitchen counter and fuck her from behind. I want to see her naked on my bed, with her hands tied behind her as I fucked her from behind while she moans my name.


    Fuck, Killian, get a grip.

 Chapter 13

    KILLIAN¡¯S POV


    I blink my eyes and look at Naomi. She had her arms crossed against her chest as she stared at me.


    ¡± You seem to forget you¡¯re my boss sometimes Mr. ck.¡± She says dismissively.


    I smirk, acknowledging the fact that she caught me eye fucking her while she stands across from me with my kitchen counter in between us.


    ¡± And why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡± You just literally had sex with me in your head while I was standing right here. That¡¯s all shades of wrong.¡± She says softly, blushing too.


    ¡± Yeah?¡±


    ¡± How did I get here?¡±


    ¡± Drunk and you literally passed out in my arms.¡±


    ¡± God I did? I mean I remember getting a little wasted, I remember all that. I just don¡¯t know how I got here.¡±


    A little wasted? Really?


    ¡± Like I said, you passed out. After puking all over your dress. I didn¡¯t know your address so I brought you here.¡±


    She bite her lip and nods. I brew coffee for her as I watch her.


    ¡± You undressed me?¡± She asks softly, as if whispering to herself.


    ¡± Something like that.¡±


    ¡± You can¡¯t do that.¡± Naomi says.


    ¡± Was I supposed to let you sleep with your dress on? Even with puke stains?¡± I ask, stretching a cup of coffee towards her.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t touch you if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about.¡± I said to her, Naomi takes the coffee from me with a small ¡®thanks¡¯ as she sips it.


    ¡± And if it makes you feel less ufortable, I didn¡¯t sleep with you in the same bed. I used the guest bedroom down the hall.¡± She unconsciously sighs in relief.


    ¡± It¡¯s not about touching me by the way¡­¡± She trails off, ¡± It¡¯s the fact that you¡¯re my boss. And that¡¯s crossing a lot of limits.¡± Naomi says.


    ¡± But yet you look at me like that.¡± I whisper, making my way round the ind as I approach her.


    Naomi¡¯s lips pause around the rim of the mug, gulping. I stop in front of her, closing the space between us as I slowly take the mug from her hand. We stare into each other¡¯s eyes as I drop the mug of warm coffee on the ind.


    Naomi breathes in through her slightly parted lips as I stare into her eyes. Naomi is caught off guard, her brown eyes stare into my eyes with lust as she absently bites her bottom lip. So she¡¯s really attracted to me, huh? I notice the pores on her skin open and goosebumps fill her skin as she breathes in and out through her mouth. I tuck the strands of hair at the side of her face behind her ear as I cup her right cheek. Her eyes automatically flutter on their own will.


    ¡± Tell me Naomi, why do you look at me like that?¡± I whisper, staring down at her eyes and to her lips that she is biting.


    ¡± Like how?¡± She whispers.


    ¡± Like you want me to bend you over this counter and fuck your brains out.¡±


    She¡¯s silent, thinking, as she stares into my eyes.


    ¡± You can¡¯t say that.¡± She says softly, blinking a little as she continues to stare at me.


    ¡± Why¡¯s that?¡± I whisper back, letting my hand fall from her face to wrap my arm around her waist.


    Naomi takes in a sharp breath, and she doesn¡¯t stop me. I run my hand down the curve of her back, hovering a little on top of her ass. The little self control in me is stopping me from bringing my hand down and grabbing her ass.


    I badly want to do that.


    ¡± Mr. ck.¡± Naomi says. Her voicees out as a whisper.


    I know I make her ufortable sometimes, but this, she melting against my touch just proves that she¡¯s attracted to me. And maybe she kind of hates me, but her body responds to my touch.


    I can still stay away from her. I can just move back, step away from her, tell her to take a bath and I¡¯ll drive her home and stop whatever dirty thing that I nned on doing to her. Maybe avoid her and everything will be fine. But that indecent part of me, that filthy part of me won¡¯t let me do it. I am a bad man. A dirty, secr man. Maybe I don¡¯t even deserve her, but I can¡¯t ignore the throbbing ache in my pants each time I see or think about her. I want to ruin her, I want to feel her, and hell, I want to fuck her. I want to show her she can cum with my dick inside her without having to stroke her clit.


    That and more. I wanted to do dirty things to her. She might be feisty and stubborn, maybe hard to get, but she¡¯s still innocent. I can tell she had little experience with men. And her ex boyfriend, whoever he is, sure didn¡¯t make her feel all that good. He didn¡¯t show her things I nned on showing her. And that can only be possible if she gives me a chance to take her to my bedroom, with her back on my sheets.


    ¡± Mr. ck.¡± Naomi purrs, not really pushing me away or telling me to stop.


    ¡± You need to stop.¡± She says softly, hands ttened on my chest but she doesn¡¯t push.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    I smirk, let go of her waist as I wrap my hand around her neck. I don¡¯t choke her or press against her throat, but it¡¯s tight enough to let her know I¡¯m still her boss.


    Naomi licks her bottom lip as she stares into my eyes. She doesn¡¯t fight me or ask me to stop. It¡¯s fucking crazy she¡¯s enjoying this. With her slow ragged breathing, I can tell she¡¯spletely turned on by this. By my hand around her throat and my dirty talk.


    ¡± You like it when I choke you, don¡¯t you?¡± I whisper into her ear.


    ¡± I don¡¯t.¡± She lies. Right through her fucking nose.


    ¡± You don¡¯t know what you do to me when you act like that, princess. This might be too early, but I want to know you. I want to impress you.¡± I whisper into the skin of her neck, with my hand still around her neck. ¡± ¡­ With my fingers and my tongue. I want to touch you, Naomi, and feel you. I want to taste you, with my tongue, and listen to you moan my name. I want to know you, princess, what you feel like with my cock inside you. I want to know if you like it rough and fast, or slow and steady. I want to know if you prefer my fingers inside you or my tongue. Fuck, I want to bend you over and taste you from behind and whichever way you want. There¡¯s so much dirty things I want to do to you, Naomi¡­¡± I whisper, with my lips hovering over her neck.


    I haven¡¯t kissed her yet. I don¡¯t want to, not until she begs me to have her. I can feel her heartbeat elerate with my hand around her neck, and fuck, my words are doing a lot of things to her right now. She¡¯s fucking horny.


    ¡± But I won¡¯t, princess. Not until you beg me to fuck you real good. And I will.¡±


    I pull back a little, letting go of her neck as I stare at her. She¡¯s quiet, emotionless as she stares at me. The silence between us is heart wrenching and for a second, I experienced what I hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time. Doubt.


    Doubting if this sexual tension between us was just an act from her. Doubting if she is even attracted to me.


    But Naomi surprises me when her next words leave her mouth.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry to say this Mr. ck, but you don¡¯t always get to have whatever thing you want. And nothing¡¯s gonna make me want you, not even your sleek, sweet, dirty lines.¡±


    Damn.


    Talk about a boner killer.

 Chapter 14

    KILLIAN¡¯S POV


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry to say this Mr. ck, but you don¡¯t always get to have whatever thing you want. And nothing¡¯s gonna make me want you, not even your sleek, sweet, dirty lines.¡±


    Damn.


    Talk about a boner killer.


    I don¡¯t know if she¡¯s lying or telling the truth, but I sure as hell feel like shit at her rejection. With my hands in my pockets, I stare at, clearly and intently watch her. Wondering why she¡¯s so different.


    Wondering why she had to make me chase her, pursue her, when sometimes she stares at me like she wants me to have my way with her. Like she wants me to fuck her brains out.


    I don¡¯t have to talk dirty with women to have them in my bed and tangled in my sheets, but everything with Naomi is different. I¡¯m not blind, I notice the way her breathing changed when I whispered filthy things in her ear. I noticed how her heartbeat elerated when I wrapped my hand around her throat. Or how noticeable goosebumps crowd her skin with our close proximity.


    So she¡¯s attracted to me but won¡¯t give in? Or she hates me and thinks I¡¯m a fucking pervert. Whichever way it turns out to be, I knew I was gonna have Naomi. It might take a long time and maybe an awful amount of effort, but she¡¯s gonna be mine. That I¡¯m sure of.     ¡± So are you gonna properly treat me like a guest now? Or you¡¯re still gonna talk dirty to me?¡± She asks, breaking the ufortable silence.


    I smirk, bringing my gaze to her breasts that¡¯s a little visible from the unbuttoned top buttons of my dress shirt that she¡¯s wearing. I can also see the slight redce material of her bra through the white shirt.


    ¡± Wow. Should I be surprised you just rejected me the second time in less than three days?¡± I ask, turning my back and walking to my side of the kitchen ind.


    Naomi crosses her arms across her chest, ignorant about how her breasts pushed up the slightest.


    ¡± That¡¯s not rejection. I¡¯m just trying to remind you that you¡¯re my boss.¡± She says.


    Right.


    I pick up my slightly warm coffee and bring it to my lips to take a sip. My eyes wander over Naomi¡¯s body for a minute, smirking as she shifts ufortably from one foot to another. She¡¯s not that tall. Obviously 5 feet 4 inches tall. A lot of inches shorter than me. I can see the top of her head from where I stand. Her breasts are not the fullest or biggest, but it¡¯s an average size and it will fit perfectly in my hands. Her waist is little, and fuck she¡¯s thick. With her broad hips that matches her small waist and thick thighs. She¡¯s not the sexiest woman out there but fuck it, this woman is beautiful. She¡¯s perfect. Her legs are toned and her hair, a honey wave.


    She¡¯s everything I want. Maybe not my type of woman that I¡¯ve been with before, but she¡¯s worth everything new that I want to try. Everything that my cock craves.


    ¡± Mr. ck.¡± Naomi calls, no longer crossing her arms but holding her own coffee.


    ¡± Yeah?¡±


    ¡± I asked what you were doing at Bart¡¯s?¡± She says and takes a sip from her coffee with her eyes on mine.


    ¡± Meeting an acquaintance.¡±


    ¡± Should I be worried you¡¯re always everywhere I go?¡± She asks, blowing little air into her coffee.


    I smile slightly, staring at her lips and imagining different dirty things her lips can possibly do. For example¡­


    ¡± Are you always this distracted?¡± Naomi¡¯s voice snaps me from my nasty thoughts.


    ¡± No. Only when ites to you.¡±


    ¡± Do you always stare at your female workers like that?¡± She asks, plopping her ass on the barstool opposite me.


    I should be offended that she thinks I fuck everything on heels that works for me, but I don¡¯t. I just assume she¡¯s just curious about me. Curious to know me.


    ¡± Believe it or not Naomi, you¡¯re the first woman who works for me that I want to do dirty things to. I don¡¯t fuck my employees. Especially not the ones who serve drinks in my club.¡± I say. Her eyebrows touch each other as she stares at me.


    I think she¡¯s offended by the way she slightly res at me.


    Fuck, what did I just say?


    ¡± Then why do you find me interesting all of a sudden?¡± She seethes, crossing her arms across her chest again. ¡± And please don¡¯t say ¡®because you¡¯re different.¡¯ That line is long overused.¡±


    I chuckle silently. ¡± I was gonna say because you¡¯re something else. Something else that I haven¡¯t had a taste of. Before.¡± I say softly, staring at her from underneath myshes as my forefinger moves slowly on myptop¡¯s mouse, scrolling through my emails.


    I notice Naomi takes a deep breath.


    ¡± So that¡¯s why you resort to stalking me?¡±


    ¡± Why would I stalk you? I mean you¡¯re a sexy little thing, but I won¡¯t stalk you to prove my point to you that I want you.¡±


    Naomi rolls her eyes, clearly not swooning over my words. ¡± You were at Bart¡¯sst night. And earlier yesterday, we met at Baker¡¯s. That little diner.¡±


    ¡± I knew the owner. Bart¡¯s I mean. He wants me to invest in the club, so I decided to drop by and check it out. And about Baker¡¯s diner, I own it. Bought it a week ago and I was looking forward to an expansion and redecoration, reasons why you saw me yesterday.¡± I say.


    Naomi¡¯s full red lips forms an ¡®O¡¯


    ¡± So don¡¯t think for a moment that I¡¯m stalking you, princess.¡±


    ¡± Right. My bad.¡± She says and grabs her coffee as she begins to sip her coffee.


    ¡± There¡¯s no sugar in this.¡± She frowns her face. ¡± Who even drinks coffee without sugar?¡± She asks and further scrunches her face, cing the coffee mug back on the kitchen ind.


    ¡± I do.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m your guest. You ask me how I take my coffee and not go right ahead and make your own preference for me.¡± She sighs.


    ¡± There¡¯s sugar in the cupboard. Help yourself.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡± She hops down from the stool and walks towards the top cupboard. She stretches her hand to open it but she can¡¯t reach it.


    I chuckle silently and round the counter to help her. I stand behind her and she tense at once. We are a little close and her ass Is nearly touching my crotch.


    ¡± You can always ask for help, Ms. Alderson.¡± I whisper into her ear, as I open the cupboard and pull out a box of sugar.


    She turns around facing me, with her teeth biting onto her bottom lip. I look down at her lips, feeling tempted to just lean in and have a taste of her lips.


    ¡± Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± Naomi¡¯s voice snaps me from my thoughts as she takes the sugar from my hand.


    She sidesteps me and walks back to sit down.


    ¡± How did you know myst name?¡± She asks, turning to look at me.


    ¡± Preston.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± She mutters.


    There¡¯s afortable silence in the room and I watch her. My mind skipped tost night at Bart¡¯s.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± Who was he?¡± I ask at once, thinking about the guy in the clubst night who kissed her.


    Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have asked her. I shouldn¡¯t care, but I can¡¯t help myself. I liked her and I think there¡¯s nothing wrong if I know a little about her. Right?


    Right.


    ¡± What?¡± She looks up at me after dropping cubes of sugar inside her coffee.


    She stirs the liquid with a spoon, crushing the cubes of sugar with the spoon.


    ¡± At Bart¡¯s. This guy kissed you. Who was he?¡± I ask her, with my full attention on her and myptop on the side. I¡¯ve long stopped going through my work emails and I just stare at this fascinating and beautiful woman in front of me.


    She bites her lip. A habit I¡¯vee to understand she does mainly when she doesn¡¯t want to talk about a particr issue.


    ¡± Is it normal that you¡¯re asking about my private life?¡± She asks instead, dodging my questions and asking me her own questions instead.


    Is that her own defense mechanism? Avoiding my questions and asking me questions in return.


    ¡± I¡¯m your boss Naomi. It won¡¯t cut off my fingers if I know a little stuff about you. So who was he?¡± I ask sternly this time, hating myself for sounding more like an asshole.

 Chapter 15

    KILLIAN¡¯S POV


    I don¡¯t know if this weird, strange, and new emotion is jealousy, but I can¡¯t stand another man touching her or even leaning to kiss her for no damn reason. I should be the only man doing that. Naomi stares at me with her dark brown eyes as she sips her coffee. After gulping for a long minute and me watching her lips wrap around the rim of the mug, she drops the mug on the counter.


    ¡± He¡¯s no one.¡±


    ¡± He kissed you.¡±


    ¡± People kiss random people everyday, that doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re anything special.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re being defensive, that means he yed a very important role in your life. Is he your boyfriend?¡±


    Naomi res at me as she looks away, staring at the stainless white walls of my kitchen.


    ¡± He¡¯s my ex. Happy now?¡±


    ¡± He had his tongue down your throat. So obviously he wasn¡¯t just your ex.¡± Okay, now I am being aplete dick.


    I shouldn¡¯t have sounded like that.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I run my fingers through my hair and lick my bottom lip.


    ¡± Forget I asked that.¡± I mutter towards Naomi who¡¯s not looking at me.


    ¡± Of course I will. Because it¡¯s weird.¡± She says.


    I smile, as a breathyugh escapes my mouth.


    ¡± Preston said you¡¯re a born New Yorker.¡±


    ¡± Talking about me with my manager now?¡± She asks, with an underlying teasing tone in her voice.


    ¡± Well you¡¯re extraordinary. I couldn¡¯t help myself.¡±


    Naomi blushes as she avoids my gaze for the first time today. She¡¯s really strange, isn¡¯t she? One minute she¡¯s bold, raising shoulders with me and questioning my orders. The other minute, she¡¯s a shy, pure girl, blushing at my words and avoiding eye contact.


    Really strange.


    ¡± Yeah. I am from New York, but I wasn¡¯t born here. I was born in Baltimore, Marnd. Small City, great people. We moved here, New York, when I turned ten.¡±


    ¡± Why? Why did you move?¡± I can¡¯t believe I am having a normal conversation with her without the two of us arguing or me flirting with her.


    She licks her bottom lip and stares at her fingers, avoiding the question like always.


    ¡± My daddy died.¡± She says suddenly, after a long silence.


    ¡± He was a veteran. Went to war when I was eight, never came back. My kid sister was just born too. My mother couldn¡¯t stay any longer, she wanted us toe back home, where we originally belonged. So that was how we moved.¡± She says, meeting my eyes for a split second before looking away.


    I bite my lip, staring at her and imagining how that would have been hard for her.


    ¡± That must be really hard¡­ for your mom.¡±


    ¡± It was. For all of us.¡± She says, slowly twirling around her mug that I notice there¡¯s no coffee inside.


    ¡± Yeah. I know that feeling.¡± I say, not really nning on talking about me or how my father fucked us over and left and then got murdered in a bar fight. It is embarrassing to talk about, especially considering the man I¡¯ve be now.


    Thankfully Naomi didn¡¯t question my word.


    ¡± And how did you find New York? I mean since you were eight? Did you like it here when you first came? And Baltimore¡­¡± I ask her.


    Naomi smiles. A genuine smile that is pretty contagious, even for me, because I am also smiling slightly as I stare at her.


    ¡± Truthfully, it was shit. New York is nothing like Baltimore. New York is loud, hard, and everyone just struggles so hard to get and live. The city is just crazy. I remember it was pretty hard to fit in at school. We didn¡¯t have a lot of friends, well except my older brother. Me, I¡¯m just this nerdy, awkward kid with sses.¡±


    I can¡¯t say I¡¯m not surprised, because I am. How can she be the awkward kid at school everyone didn¡¯t want to be friends with? She¡¯s so fucking sexy. Beautiful. She¡¯s literally irresistible.


    ¡± You wear sses?¡±


    She tucks her hair behind her ear, still biting onto her lip as she blushes a little.


    ¡± Yeah. Sometimes. Other times, I just opt for lenses.¡± She says and shyly points to her eyes.


    I smile, staring at her dark eyes.


    ¡± Are you wearing one now?¡± I ask softly, watching how she bites her lip.


    Surprisingly, it was rxing and beautiful to listen to her speak. I liked it and I wanted her to speak more often without fighting or arguing with me.


    ¡± No.¡± She says.


    I nod.


    ¡± Your eyes are beautiful.¡± I say softly, staring at her eyes.


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    ¡± I ordered food not too long ago. I hope you¡¯re hungry? Sebastian isn¡¯t around to cook today.¡±


    ¡± Sebastian?¡± Naomi asks, probably wondering who the hell is Sebastian.


    ¡± Yeah. He¡¯s my cook. Today is his day off work.¡± I say.


    ¡± Wow. I¡¯m surprised you don¡¯t have a female cook.¡± Naomi says. I chuckle.


    ¡± I had. She tried to fuck me, I fired her.¡±


    Naomi¡¯s eyebrows shoot up, with a slightly open mouth as she stares at me. I smirk.


    ¡± Wow.¡± She clears her throat. ¡± So where are you from?¡± Naomi surprises me by asking.


    ¡± I mean ording to Google and Wikipedia, it says you¡¯re Australian, but sometimes they just spew out shit online.¡± She says, biting her bottom lip.     I smile, genuinely smile as I stare into her eyes.


    ¡± Yeah. Wikipedia is right. I¡¯m Australian. My mother is Swedish though. And before you ask, yes, I was born and raised in this country. New York to be precise.¡±


    ¡± No shit.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Reasons why mypany¡¯s headquarter is in New York. I¡¯ve always dreamed and wished that one day I¡¯d just stand in front of my window while I watched mypany¡¯s name in big letters from afar. I guess it finally happened. I love New York, and yeah, you¡¯re right, it¡¯s loud and crazy, but that¡¯s the thing that just makes it different from every other ce in the world.¡± I say.


    And it¡¯s fucking sexy how she listens.


    ¡± Is that why you don¡¯t have an ent? An Australian ent. You sound like every other American guy.¡± She says.


    I chuckle.


    ¡± Probably because I didn¡¯t grow up there.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    She smiles and nods, biting her lip. She¡¯s thinking.


    ¡± What are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡± About what your childhood looked like. And also about your dad?¡±


    Fuck. I don¡¯t want to talk about my childhood or my father. Especially to someone like Naomi. A woman I¡¯m trying to impress. My childhood was shitty. My father was abusive. He would hit me and my brother, including our mother, until we grew up and hit him back. God, I despised the son of a bitch. He¡¯s a cunt and I hated talking about him. Even in Interviews when I¡¯m asked about my father, I don¡¯t say a thing. Telling the interviewers my personal life should remain personal.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to talk about my childhood. Especially my father.¡± I say.


    Naomi nods in understanding.


    ¡± So where did you go to college?¡± I ask, enjoying our little conversation.


    ¡± How did you know I went to college? I could simply be a highschool dropout.¡±


    ¡± Well you¡¯re not. So¡­¡±


    ¡± You really asked about me from my manager. Wow.¡± She says, smiling a little and biting her bottom lip.


    I try not to think about what I want her lips to do. I¡¯ve sessfully had a normal conversation with this woman these past minutes and my mind was clean. It should stay that way, at least for now.


    ¡± I wanted to know you.¡±


    ¡± Okay. I went to NYU. Graduated two years ago. I studied marketing.¡±


    ¡± Why marketing?¡±


    ¡± I loved creativity. And goodmunication. Marketing just happens to be the best fit for a career. At least for me.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡± I have to ask, since you got rid of my dress, what am I gonna wear when I leave for home?¡± She asks.


    And right on cue Raymond walks in, holding a shopping bag with what I asked him to get early this morning. He doesn¡¯t notice Naomi yet.


    ¡± You asked me to get a size 10 dress. It was pretty hard, considering I don¡¯t have a girlfriend. I had to get help from the girl that works at the boutique.¡± Raymond says, but stops on his track when he sees Naomi.


    ¡± Oh.¡± Raymond blurts, staring at Naomi In my shirt as he looks over at me, raising a questioning eyebrow.


    I know what he¡¯s thinking. That I brought Naomi home to fuck her when we¡¯ve only known each other not less than three days. I give Raymond a straight look and shake my head ¡®no.¡¯


    If Naomi was ufortable about forty minutes ago, she sure as hell was more than ufortable now.


    ¡± Uh¡­¡± Naomi trails off, staring at the man and the bag in his hand.


    ¡± I¡¯m Raymond. He is my friend and my boss.¡± Raymond introduces himself, stretching his hand out for a handshake.


    ¡± Hi. I¡¯m Naomi.¡± They shake hands and pull hands apartter.


    ¡± Is this for her?¡± Raymond asks, raising the bag in the air.


    I walk towards him and take it from him.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I answer, taking the bag and stretching it to Naomi.


    She doesn¡¯t take it but stares at it, and then me. She¡¯s confused.


    ¡± You needed something to wear back home, right?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna be in the living room.¡± Raymond says, with his footsteps receding out of the kitchen.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t have to buy me a dress.¡± She states.


    I sigh. ¡± Rejecting a gift is rude, Naomi. I know you know that.¡±


    She sighs and slowly takes the bag from me.


    ¡± Thanks. But I¡¯m returning it the moment I get home.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s a gift. I don¡¯t want it back. If you don¡¯t want it when you get home, burn it.¡± I say sternly, thrusting my hands into my pockets.


    My doorbell rings at once, sounding across the house. It¡¯s probably the food I ordered about forty minutes ago.


    ¡± I¡¯ll get it.¡± Raymond calls.


    ¡± I should get going.¡± Naomi says at once.


    ¡± I¡¯m sure that¡¯s the breakfast that I ordered. You need to eat.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. I should leave. Thanks for bringing me here. And thanks for the dress.¡± She says and leaves my kitchen in a hurry.


    I hear my front door close and Raymond walks into the kitchen with two takeouts. He nces at the kitchen for Naomi as he opens his mouth to speak. I re at him and he mps his mouth shut. He knows not to question me when I¡¯m in a bad mood. Naomi and I were having a nice conversation and all of a sudden, the tension is back. Now I¡¯m wondering and asking myself where did I fuck up?


    Raymond drops the takeout on the kitchen counter and turns to leave. A few minutester, Naomi walks into the living room, saying a quiet bye to Raymond as she leaves my house in a hurry, not for a minute sparing me a nce.


    Seriously. Are women always thisplicated? One minute they¡¯re having a normal conversation with you, and the next minute, they¡¯re walking out of your house not for once staring at you. Now where did I go wrong?

 Chapter 16

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    Thest thing I expected is waking up in Killian ck¡¯s bedroom.


    The minute I opened my eyes, I was taken back by the non-familiarity of the bedroom. This wasn¡¯t my bedroom. I don¡¯t live in a luxurious bedroom with the walls painted ck. This was far from unique, this was a mansion. A luxurious Mansion.


    The minute my feet touched the plush carpet, I had a feeling I knew whose bedroom this is. I scanned the bedroom, ncing at every expensive piece of furniture in the room. There was a big chandelier that glowed atop my head. The bedframe was pure white, including the sheets, the pillows, and the white couch. The drapes were also in white, and there was also a huge full-length mirror at the corner of the room.


    This room was bigger than my whole apartment. I nearly panicked when I found out I wasn¡¯t wearing my dress fromst night, but a white buttoned-down shirt. I checked myself and my lingerie was intact. It was strange to me. And the minute I stepped into his living room that was beyond luxurious, and my eyes fell on the sexy, familiar man behind his kitchen ind, that was when I realized I wasn¡¯t really dreaming. I was at my boss¡¯s house. I was in Killian ck¡¯s house and I was wearing his dress shirt. My tummy churned at the feeling, especially since I was also wearing his shirt and it smelled like him.


    I didn¡¯t expect he was gonna flirt with me or even talk dirty to me and it was strange that I liked it. The minute his hand left my body, I craved for his touch, wishing he didn¡¯t have to pull away.     And as I stepped out of his mansion dressed in the dress he bought me, I wondered why I acted salty. He did nothing wrong. He was only trying to be nice while we had a normal conversation for the first time. I didn¡¯t know why I left just like that. The dress was beyond expensive. Obviously more expensive than the monthly check I receive from Club K. Even the name tag of the dress clearly screamed ¡°ss¡±. It was something I wouldn¡¯t be able to afford for now.


    I stared at the exterior of my boss¡¯s house, wondering where I¡¯m gonna go from here. I don¡¯t even know where I am or where I¡¯m supposed to go. The neighborhood is nothing like any neighborhood I¡¯ve seen. I¡¯ve only seen this type of neighborhood on TV. The houses are top notch and the only people who stay here are obviously billionaires, maybe celebrities.


    I walk towards the main gate of Killian¡¯s property, cursing myself how I¡¯m supposed to leave when the gates are locked.


    ¡± Hi. Mr. ck asked me to drive you home.¡± A voice says behind me.


    I twirl around at once,ing face to face with a tall man. He¡¯s dressed formally in a suit. Strong face, well good looking too.


    ¡± This way please.¡± He says, turning around back to Killian¡¯s million dor mansion.


    I don¡¯t actually want to follow this strange man anywhere, but that will be stupid of me. Considering the fact that I don¡¯t know where I am and I don¡¯t know how to get out of here. I can get an Uber, but how am I sure Ubers are allowed in this porch neighborhood?


    ¡± Ma¡¯am.¡± The strange man calls my attention, clearly impatient.


    I roll my eyes and follow him.


    ¡± Who exactly are you?¡± I call out to this strange man.


    ¡± He¡¯s my driver.¡± A voice says at once.


    I turn around and Killian is standing outside his house, with his hands in his pockets as he stares at me. His eyes rake down my body, and I know he¡¯s checking me out. He seems to do that a lottely.


    The dress he bought me is a blue dress, almost like my dress that he got rid of. Difference is that this is expensive, obviously a $5000 dress, it¡¯s a little shorter than my dress, and it¡¯s sequin. The dress hugged my body like a second skin. It is beyond beautiful.


    ¡± Why are you asking your driver to drive me home?¡± I ask as I slowly approach him.


    ¡± You need a ride, don¡¯t you?¡± He asks.


    I don¡¯t have time to respond as a ck Mercedes Benz pulls to a stop in front of me. Killian¡¯s driver steps out of the vehicle and opens the backseat for me.


    ¡± Ma¡¯am?¡± The driver calls for my attention.


    I peel my eyes off my boss¡¯s feature as I bite my lip and stare at his driver who stands next to the open backseat door.


    ¡± By the way¡­¡± Killian says. ¡± You should take a day off today. You can start Monday. I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re still hungover.¡± Killian says, leaning casually against his door frame.


    Really? He just literally reminded me I feel like shit. My mouth still tastes weird even after brushing my teeth with a new toothbrush from Killian¡¯s bathroom. And there¡¯s still this weird headache.


    I stare at him, give him a small nod as I slip inside the car. His driver shuts the door and enters the driver¡¯s seat. I stare at Killian through the tinted closed window and he¡¯s no longer standing there. I sigh, looking away as I angrily pull out my phone from my purse. It¡¯s been vibrating since I woke up this morning in Killian ck¡¯s bed and it¡¯s bing irritating. I check my phone and it¡¯s a missed call from Bianca. I sigh and ignore the call and thrust the phone back inside my purse. The minute I get home, we are having a serious discussion. This isn¡¯t the first time she¡¯s ditched me when I¡¯m drunk to go home with a man. We¡¯re having a discussion about this and it needs to stop.


    The ride is silent as I watch the beautiful, luxurious neighborhood fly past my side of the window. I never imagined I was ever gonna find myself here. One little drink and I find myself in my boss¡¯s bed. I blush, bite my lip as I think about him undressing me and changing me into his dress shirt. He is an asshole and I least expected he¡¯d drive me to his housest night. He could have easily ignored me in the club and pretend he didn¡¯t know me, but yet he brought me over to his house before a random guy took advantage of my drunk state.


    I wonder about the look on his face when he¡¯s changing me out of my clothes. Did he close his eyes and undress me? Of course not. Not Killian ck. He¡¯s seen different women naked before and different beautiful bodies, mine shouldn¡¯t be a big deal.


    It¡¯s definitely a big deal for me, not a lot of guys have seen my body, even if I wasn¡¯t naked. It was pretty weird thinking Killian ck had seen me nearly naked.


    I throw my head against the expensive car seat and groan.


    ¡± Ma¡¯am. Where do you live?¡± The driver asks.


    I look out the window and we¡¯re out of Killian¡¯s neighborhood. I gasp silently, with the familiarity of where I was earliering to my mind. This part of the city is for mostly well known and endowed people. People with power and wealth. George and his parents don¡¯t even live in this part of the city and they¡¯re pretty rich.


    ¡± Ma¡¯am?¡± The driver calls again.


    I turn my head away from the window and stare at the driver¡¯s seat, with the driver¡¯s dark green eyes staring at me from the rearview mirror.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Sorry.¡± I apologize for getting easily carried away and tell him my address.


    ¡± I¡¯m Naomi by the way. It¡¯s fucking weird hearing someone call me ma¡¯am ¡± I say to the driver.


    He doesn¡¯t say a word, just handles the wheel with ease. I assume Killian warned him not to make any conversation with his passenger¡¯s or whatnot.


    ¡± I¡¯m being professional.¡± He answers atst, snapping my eyes from the tinted car window.


    Our eyes meet through the rearview and I nod.


    ¡± My name¡¯s Alvin by the way. It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡± He says.


    I smile.


    ¡± Nice to meet you too.¡±


    That¡¯s the only conversation Alvin and I had, and In less than 30 minutes, Alvin is pulling up outside my apartmentplex. I get down and shut the door. I thank Alvin and turn around and walk into the lobby. I see Clementine, the old lobbydy. I greet her and she smiles with so much enthusiasm. I giggle and step inside the elevator, pressing my floor button. The elevator creaks a little before ascending.


    When exactly will maintenance drop by to fix this?


    I tap my feet impatiently in the elevator as I watch the buttons on the panel. With a little jolt, the elevator stops on my floor and I quickly step out. God, I can¡¯t wait to get a good job and move out. The owner of this apartment was long dead even before I moved in. His oldest son inherited it and the guy doesn¡¯t give a shit about the property. He cares only about his rent and maintenance is thest thing on his mind.


    I pull out my key to unlock the door. I twist the doorknob and step inside the apartment. I shut the door and take off my shoes. My apartment might be nothing like the house I woke up in this morning, but It¡¯s something I¡¯m proud of. Bianca and I spend a lot of our savings to make our apartment look like this. It¡¯s not that fancy like some people¡¯s apartment but it¡¯s got what we wanted. Three couches, a small coffee table, and even a small sma tv ced on the wall and a stereo set. It isfortable.


    I walk down the small foyer and to the living room.


    ¡± Oh my God, Naomi, I¡¯m so sorry. I feel like shit for ditching you and leaving with ¨C Holy shit! Is this dress from Tiffany¡¯s?¡± Bianca gapes as she stares at me with wide eyes.


    ¡± Oh my fucking God. Where did you get this?¡± Her hands are on my shoulders as she twirls me around.


    I cross my arms over my chest with my purse in my hand as I re at her.


    ¡± You are in trouble. You know that, don¡¯t you?¡± I say and politely drop her hands, sidestepping her to walk towards my bedroom. Bianca follows behind me.


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. I was fucking wastedst night, and I agree, I was selfish.¡±


    ¡± Mm.¡± I open my bedroom door and step inside my room, leaving the door open as Bianca follows behind.


    I throw my purse on my bed and groan. I¡¯mpletely exhausted and a little hungover. Thank God I drank the coffee Killian offered me before I stormed out of his house like a woman who¡¯s on her period.


    ¡± Okay, I know what you wore to the partyst night in great detail. You didn¡¯t wear this. This isn¡¯t like anything you and I owned. This dress is from Tiffany¡¯s right?¡±


    ¡± Bianca. I¡¯m hungry, okay? And I need food. We¡¯re gonna talk properly once there¡¯s food in my stomach.¡±


    ¡± Okay. I made pasta. You should change out of your clothes ande to the living room.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    Bianca excuses herself and leaves my room as she shuts the door behind her. I sigh, walking towards my full length mirror as I check out my reflection. What exactly am I gonna do with this dress? It¡¯s going to be rude of me if I return it to him. It¡¯s beyond wrong to even get rid of it. Plus, he went an extra mile to get me this dress, and throwing it away is so not me. I sigh and get out of the dress as I carefully fold the expensive material. I open my wardrobe and drop it at the bottom.


    I pull on a grey sweatshirt down my head and ck shorts. I tie my hair up in a ponytail and search my drawer for any hangover pill. I take out Advil and Tylenol as I leave my room. Bianca already sets the te of pasta on the kitchen counter and a ss of orange juice. I smile and drop the pills on the kitchen counter and sit down in front of the te of pasta.


    ¡± I¡¯m still angry at you, you know that right?¡±


    ¡± I know. And I¡¯m really sorry. I wished I could prove to you how sorry I am.¡± Bianca pouts, biting her bottom lip.


    ¡± Just put it at the back of your mind that you owe me dinner.¡± I say.


    ¡± Deal.¡±

 Chapter 17

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    ¡± At Pop¡¯s.¡± I say with a smirk.


    ¡± What? That¡¯s fucking expensive.¡±


    ¡± Deal or no deal?¡± I ask Bianca and cross my arms across my chest.


    She sighs. ¡± Yeah. Deal.¡±


    ¡± Good.¡±


    I roll my eyes at her and pull out a fork to eat. Bianca watches me eat and she doesn¡¯t say a word and I appreciate it. Once I¡¯m done eating, I stand up to wash the te. I rinse it and keep it inside the cupboard. I open the fridge and pull out a bottle of water and sit back down opposite of Bianca. I throw my hangover pills inside my mouth and down it with the cold orange juice. I gulp down the orange juice in one go, cing the empty ss on the counter and licking my bottom lip.


    ¡± When did you get home?¡± I ask Bianca.


    ¡± Oh. Early this morning. I kind of freaked out when I thought about you and how I left you at Bart¡¯s and left with Lucky. I mean¡­ you¡¯re a crazy drunk, and I was worried something might have happened to you. I had to call you to know where you were.¡±


    I smile.


    ¡± Yeah. I got pretty wasted I guess.¡±


    ¡± Where did you go? Where did you spend the night?¡±


    ¡± Killian ck.¡±


    ¡± What? Are you fucking kidding me right now?¡±


    ¡± Nope. I woke up this morning in his bed, wearing his shirt.¡±


    ¡± Holy shit. You went home with your boss? Killian ck! Was he huge?¡±


    Huge? What¡¯s she talking ¨C oh God. I scrunch my face in disgust and yfully re at my best friend.


    ¡± You fucking slut.¡± I chuckle. She smiles. ¡± God no. We didn¡¯t. We didn¡¯t have sex.¡± I add.


    ¡± You just said you woke up in his bed wearing his shirt.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. That¡¯s true. I guess George showed up, tried to kiss me, and Killian ck happened to stop my ex from touching me. I think I threw up all over my dress. I don¡¯t remember the rest. I only remember waking up in my boss¡¯s bed and wearing his shirt. And nope, we didn¡¯t have sex.¡±


    Bianca stares at me with an open mouth. She smirks and nods.


    ¡± Damn. You panicked, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡± Who wouldn¡¯t?¡± I chuckled quietly, thinking back to when I woke up this morning in a strange room and an overly big bed.


    ¡± Wow. That¡¯s so hot.¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s so hot?¡± I squint my eyebrows at my best friend and she¡¯s smirking at me.


    ¡± You know? Waking up in Killian ck¡¯s bed wearing his shirt.¡± She winks at me.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± I really should hurl this bottle of water at you.¡± I say. She chuckles.


    ¡± Come on, admit it. It was pretty hot.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± I mutter, smirking and biting my bottom lip as I think about him behind my back when I couldn¡¯t reach for the box of sugar in his top cupboard.


    ¡± I barely know this guy, Bia. Also I¡¯m not interested in Killian ck. He¡¯s my boss and he¡¯s different from me. I am not willing to try anything with my boss. You won¡¯t believe he talked dirty to me.¡±


    ¡± Holy shit. This is getting more interesting.¡± Bianca giggles.


    ¡± Bia, quit it. It was fucking weird, you know¡­ listening to his deep, husky voice whisper dirty things into my ear as he breathed down my neck¡­¡± I hate that I¡¯m thinking about it as I talk. ¡± It¡¯s just¡­ I don¡¯t want anything to do with my boss.¡±


    ¡± But he clearly wants to fuck you.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s the point. I¡¯m not an easy fuck and I don¡¯t want to be. I don¡¯t want to be that girl who had sex with her boss clearly because she wanted pleasure. I don¡¯t care if he has money, or power, I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡± Wow. So you want a rtionship, don¡¯t you?¡± Bianca asks, raising her eyebrows as she bites the corner of her bottom lip.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want a rtionship. Not now at least. I need a job. That¡¯s what I want.¡±


    Bianca nods.


    ¡± Wow. You know life is too short to deny your body what it wants.¡±


    ¡± So my body wants Killian ck, huh?¡± I tease Bia with a smile.


    ¡± You know it¡¯s true. Your body wants him. It craves the bad boy Billionaire. And like every girl¡¯s wet dream, he wants to have you too.¡±


    ¡± No.¡± I shake my head. ¡± Not gonna happen. I already told him that. That I¡¯m not interested in him. He has to leave me alone.¡± I say, but yet I¡¯m not sure I want him to leave me alone.


    ¡± Who bought you the dress?¡±


    ¡± He did.¡± I answer with a shrug.


    ¡± Killian ck bought you that dress?! Oh my God!¡±


    ¡± Stop thinking about it. It¡¯s no big deal. He got rid of the dress I wore to Bart¡¯sst night because I puked all over myself.¡±


    ¡± Hmm. Wow, that¡¯s pretty sweet. And fucking expensive.¡±


    ¡± I am never wearing it again.¡±


    ¡± And why¡¯s that?¡± Bianca asks, ring at me.


    ¡± Because he¡¯s my boss and he¡¯s Killian ck. I don¡¯t want anything to do with him.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re being irrational. This guy likes you.¡±


    ¡± This guy wants to have sex with me. It¡¯s two different things.¡± I say, cursing myself for finding him unnecessarily attractive.


    A closer look at him earlier today in his house, he was really good looking. God really took his time with Killian ck. Shaping him into a perfect, Godlike figure. With his perfect grey eyes that just makes me feel strange. His full red lips, his honey brown hair. He¡¯s an attractive looking man. And Bianca is right, Killian ck is every girl¡¯s wet dream, he¡¯s everything a woman wants. Even in the early hours of this morning, the man looks attractive without even trying. With his grey shirt that hugs his body and I hate that I thought about what his torso would feel like against my palm. He was sexy and it pissed me off.


    Ugh! Fuck you Killian for looking that good looking.


    I think I¡¯m just stressed and horny that¡¯s why I acted like that when he whispered dirty things to my ear. Maybe I craved a man¡¯s touch and it¡¯s been a long time since someone touched me. My body ought to react to a foreign, but yet familiar touch. It¡¯s not my fault that at that moment I was willing to let Killian ck have his way with me and that¡¯s so unlike me. Maybe I just need to getid, with my vibrator considering I¡¯m single.


    Yes. That¡¯s what I¡¯m gonna do. I just have to use my vibrator and get off to cool off some steam. By Monday I should be back to normal, hating and despising my boss while working in the shadows. I¡¯m just gonna avoid him and stay far away from him, even if he¡¯s so annoyingly sexy.


    Yup, good idea. That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m gonna do. Waking up in his bed and wearing his shirt was a mistake and it should stay that way. A mistake that won¡¯t repeat itself.

 Chapter 18

    KILLIAN¡¯S POV


    This is hard.


    This is fucking hard.


    Trying to get Naomi out of my head is hard. I¡¯ve tried and it¡¯s been over a week since west saw each other. And the farther I tried to give her space, telling myself that she needed time with me, the more I craved her, the more I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her. No day goes by that I don¡¯t think about her. She¡¯s bing a distraction and I don¡¯t like that.


    I can¡¯t get the image of her in my bed that Sunday morning out of my head. Wearing nothing but my dress shirt as she sleeps like a baby. She looks innocent when she¡¯s sleeping, unlike the feisty, strong-headed woman who doesn¡¯t listen to anyone.


    I can¡¯t stop.


    I can¡¯t stop thinking about her in my shirt trying to reach for a box of sugar, with me behind her as her butt nearly touched my crotch.


    God, how can she be so fucking beautiful?


    All my life I¡¯ve only thought about two things. Mypany, and my family. Nothing else, but ever since I met Naomi, she¡¯s nted herself in my head and no matter how hard I try to forget her, and get her out of my head, she¡¯s not leaving.


    Trust me, I¡¯ve tried.


    I tell myself I need to stop chasing her because my intentions towards this woman are pure filthy. I am her boss, even if she doesn¡¯t work for me directly, she¡¯s still a cocktail waitress in my club. That should give me the insight that we¡¯re two different people from two different worlds. She¡¯s a young beautiful woman with her life ahead of her, I shouldn¡¯t try to ruin her with my filthy intentions.


    As much as I know, craving and lusting for her is wrong and unlike me, I still can¡¯t help myself. Once I want something, I always have it, even if I have to go the extra mile to get it. I want Naomi, all of her. I want her underneath me, on top of me, with my length buried deep inside her. I want her to wake up naked in my bed every other morning, with tousled hair because I fucked her real goodst night. I want to mark her everywhere with my bites, so when she¡¯s out there, people will know she¡¯s taken. Period, I want Naomi to be mine. I want all of her. I want to know her, I want to have her, I want to im her, and God help me, I want to be with this woman.


    I¡¯ve never craved anything as much as I¡¯m craving for Naomi. It¡¯s strange. All I care about is business, and making more money, and grabbing any business opportunities out there. But since I set my eyes on her that fateful Friday night, she¡¯s all I think about, and there are times when I¡¯m supposed to be in a business meeting and she¡¯s the only thing in my mind. I don¡¯t like that. I don¡¯t want to think about her, but it¡¯s not working. I¡¯ve tried, and she¡¯s still not leaving my mind.


    How can I want a woman so much? A woman I haven¡¯t fucked or have a taste of? There was no day that I wasn¡¯t tempted to just drive to my club just so I could see her, but I don¡¯t. I haven¡¯t even visited my club since the very first day I met her.


    I can¡¯t help it. She¡¯s like a narcotic drug and I can¡¯t get enough of her. And as I pound into Celine from behind, with her breasts pressed against my office desk, Naomi is the only thing I think about, wishing she¡¯s the one beneath me instead of Celine


    Celine moans, and her loud moans are beginning to irritate me. I want to pull out of her, ask her to get dressed and leave, but that will be awkward. Considering the fact that I¡¯ve been fucking Celine for quite a long time now. She¡¯s an easyy. Anytime I wanted to get off and empty my sac, I just drove to Celine or asked her toe over.


    Celine and I are like acquaintances, not really friends or anything. We met during a charity event and she wasn¡¯t bad, at least she knew how to satisfy my cock. She¡¯s a businesswoman, owns her own clothing line, and her family is rich. We hit it off from there. She would drop by when she¡¯s horny and we would fuck and I would call her over just to get off too. Unlike most women, Celine isn¡¯t clingy. She understands we¡¯re just having sex and she respects my decision. Even though we¡¯ve only had sex not more than four times, well today making it five times, Celine doesn¡¯t cross her boundary. And I like her for that.


    We stopped hooking up and having sex nearly four months ago. The minute I called her over today, she was surprised, asking me if her number was the right number I intended to call. My mother had even identally walked in on us going over at it in my kitchen. When Celine had left that evening, my mother teased me about her. Telling me to give Celine a chance, saying Celine is a good girl.


    Little did they know that rtionships are thest thing on my mind right now.


    With a silent groan, I climaxed. It wasn¡¯t as intense as I thought, probably because throughout the sex, and when Celine had my cock in her mouth, i thought about the cocktail waitress in my club. I pull out of her and walk to the bathroom at the corner of my office. I get rid of the condom and wash my hands. I stare at my reflection as I run my hands over my hair to tame it.


    I go back to my office and Celine is already decent, running a hairbrush over her hair.     She smiles when she sees me. ¡± I gotta ask.¡± She starts. ¡± Is something wrong?¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± What do you mean?¡± I ask her, wrapping my tie around my neck and working the knot.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. You don¡¯t look yourself today. And I felt like you didn¡¯t actually want me, you know.¡±


    Celine drops her hairbrush inside her bag and pulls out a small mirror and red lipstick.


    I give her a small smile. ¡± Sorry. I¡¯ve been thinking too much about work.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think this is about work. It¡¯s a girl, isn¡¯t it?¡± She asks, smirking as she rolls back her lipstick and smacks her lips together.


    I am not surprised Celine picked up on my unusual attitude. She¡¯s a very observant woman, and that doesn¡¯t normallye in handy with a pretty face and a smart brain. Celine has all of it. She¡¯s pretty, pale skin, and tall. She¡¯s a redhead, full tits, small hips, and small butt. She¡¯s pretty sessful for her age too. She¡¯s theplete opposite of Naomi who has small breasts, wide hips, average butt, not that tall, olive skinned, brte, and Naomi¡¯s far prettier. She¡¯s nothing like Celine. She¡¯s nothing like me, and yet she makes me crave for her desperately without even trying.


    ¡± Mr. ck?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Really. I¡¯m just stressed with work. You know how it is.¡± I¡¯m not willing to talk to Celine about a woman I¡¯m supposed to be avoiding, but failing miserably.


    ¡± Okay.¡± She smiles and grabs her bag. ¡± You have my number, you can always call me whenever you want to get off some steam.¡± Celine says as she turns around to leave, swaying her small hips as she steps out of my office.


    I grab an air freshener and spritz the air with it. Once the room smells normal, I keep the air freshener back.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I take a deep breath, with my hands in my pockets as I stare at the city of New York from the floor to ceiling transparent window.


    There¡¯s a soft knock on my door. I stay quiet, not really In the mood to talk about business right now. I probably should just go home and get drunk, but acting that way won¡¯t push my business forward. I need to get off my ass and that can only happen if I put Naomi at the back of my head. There¡¯s a knock again and I usher the person in.


    I don¡¯t bother to turn around as the door to my office opens.


    ¡± Mr. ck.¡± Raymond calls.


    I slowly turn around to look at him. I raise my eyebrows, urging him to speak. My look is stoic, and Raymond knows that when I¡¯m like this, I¡¯m not in the mood for plenty talk.


    ¡± Okay. The marketing department is presenting a market campaign for the new updated virtual assistant and they¡¯re wondering if you¡¯re gonna drop by and check it out yourself beforeunch date.¡± He says.


    Fuck.


    I rub my hand on my chin and walk towards my chair.


    ¡± And?¡±


    ¡± Harrison Bartholomew called today about the club. He¡¯s still wondering if you¡¯re thinking about investing in his club, and you have a meeting by 3pm today with Brock¡¯s enterprises CEO, Leo Brock.¡±


    ¡± What exactly does he want? Leo?¡±


    ¡± He wants to talk about partnership concerning our new virtual assistant.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Good. Anything else.¡± I¡¯m not in my best mood today, and the people who work for me and my floor know that.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have an assistant, Killian. This is her job and not mine.¡±


    I lean back on my seat as I stare at him. What does he mean by I don¡¯t have an assistant anymore?


    ¡± You fired her, remember? Yesterday?¡± Raymond tries to make me recall.


    ¡± Oh. Kirsten? Right.¡±


    She was a little flirt. She was slow, and there were times she dressed unprofessional to work thinking that would catch my attention. Yesterday she had a little too much lipstick and the top buttons of her blouse were left undone. I gave her a load of work to do and asked her to stroll out of mypany and nevere back.


    How could I forget that? I remembereding to work this morning and my assistant wasn¡¯t out of my office waiting for me with my coffee.

 Chapter 19

    KILLIAN¡¯S POV


    ¡± I fired her yesterday.¡±


    ¡± I am aware.¡± He said and sat down on the chair opposite of mine. ¡± You didn¡¯t tell me the reason.¡±


    ¡± She was a flirt. She was trying to have sex with her boss, which is me. I hate tardiness and unprofessionalism.¡±


    ¡± Really? You¡¯ve fired four of your assistants in less than three months. No one¡¯s willing to take the job anymore, especially our workers.¡±


    I re at Raymond.


    ¡± Is this about Naomi?¡± He asks.


    ¡± What?¡±


    What has Naomie to do with this? She doesn¡¯t even work for me?


    ¡± You¡¯ve been acting strange since the day I saw her in your house dressed in your shirt. I don¡¯t know what happened and maybe it¡¯s your business and it¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to tell me, but we¡¯re friends Killian. You can¡¯t be this distracted by a girl who serves alcohol in your club. You¡¯ve got apany to run, Killian.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m aware I have apany to run and that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m doing.¡± I sound colder than I intended.


    ¡± I know that, but¡­¡±


    ¡± Raymond, do you have anything else to say?¡± I ask my friend. I don¡¯t want to sound ore off as rude, but I just can¡¯t help it.


    I agree I¡¯ve been a little distractedtely, but Naomi¡¯s not the cause. There are other things bothering me.


    Raymond sighs and nods defeatedly.


    ¡± You¡¯re supposed to have dinner with your brother today. He called my phone, telling me you¡¯re not picking up your phone. I just thought it¡¯d be nice to remind you.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡± Thank you, Raymond.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t answer as he stands up.


    ¡± I advise you to get a new assistant.¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± You can tell HR to set up a vacancy, and I need an older woman. A woman with a husband and kids. The husband and kids don¡¯t really matter but I want someone aged. My mother¡¯s age if possible.¡±


    Raymond smiles slightly and nods.


    ¡± And also if you desperately want this woman, I think you should work harder to win her heart. Not every woman wants your money, Killian. You shouldn¡¯t forget that. Try to impress her with something other than cash. Try to show her you really want her, not just want to have sex with her.¡± Raymond says and leaves.


    Now how the fuck am I supposed to impress Naomi when she is always ufortable around me? She can¡¯t even stand me. What does she even want? How can I make her mine? The right ce and person to get an answer is my older brother, Keith. I should probably return his call back.


    I look through the menu for anything light to order. We¡¯re in a small, but expensive restaurant outside of the city. Keith loves toe here. Surprisingly he met Eve here for the first time. I think their love story is a love at first sight kind of thing. She was a chef here, and that fateful day Keith and I decided toe out here to eat. His steak was raw and poorly cooked. He hated it, decided he needed to see the chef and that was when Eve showed up. At first sight, she got my brother tongue tied. Eve is beautiful, tall, curly brown hair, her skin is like chocte, and she¡¯s kind of pretty. Well not my type but she¡¯s pretty good looking.


    It didn¡¯t take much effort and convincing from my brother and the next minute these two are already engaged.


    ¡± Still finding it difficult to order?¡± Keith asks, looking at me from the top of his menu.


    ¡± I¡¯m not hungry.¡± I say.


    I drop my menu and usher the attention of the waitress.


    ¡± What are you getting?¡±


    ¡± Chicken Alfredo. It¡¯s pretty great.¡±


    ¡± Hmm.¡± I nod, ncing at the busy life of New York.


    It¡¯s Friday evening and the street is piled with different kinds of people,ing and going.


    ¡± What can I get you both?¡± A female voice asks.


    I turn away from the life outside of this transparent ss as I stare at the waitress. She¡¯s smirking.


    ¡± I¡¯ll get the chicken Alfredo.¡±


    ¡± Wine please. The whole bottle.¡± I say to her.


    She stares at me, a little unsure as she nods and leaves.


    ¡± The whole bottle?¡±


    ¡± You know I don¡¯t like my wine poured into a ss. I prefer the whole bottle. Plus, aren¡¯t you going to drink?¡±


    Keith nods. ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Good.¡±


    ¡± How¡¯s business?¡± He changes the subject.


    I shrug. ¡± Good.¡±


    Keith nods again. ¡± That¡¯s good to hear.¡±


    ¡± How¡¯s Eve and the baby?¡±     Keith smiles at my question. I guess Eve is the best thing that¡¯s ever happened to his life.


    ¡± They¡¯re both fine. Eve¡¯s bump is slowly bing more evident. I can¡¯t wait till we get married.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m happy for you, man.¡±


    ¡± Thanks. What about you? You¡¯ve been in one of your moods since we got here and I¡¯m thinking a woman¡¯s behind it.¡±     Is it obvious that I¡¯ve been thinking about Naomi since the day she left my house? I don¡¯t know why I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her and how she left my house in a bad mood a week ago. Is it because I bought her a dress without telling her or because I brought her to my house when she was wasted? All in all, she didn¡¯t leave in a good mood. She acted salty and strange.


    I don¡¯t understand her and it¡¯s fucking with my head.


    ¡± Before you lie, you just thought about her right now.¡± Keith says.


    I scoff.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been stressed, Keith.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re a workaholic, but the long time I¡¯ve known you baby brother, you¡¯ve neverined about your business or yourpany. You might always be stressed, but you never talk about it. Tell me, who¡¯s the lucky woman?¡±


    Lucky woman?


    I nearly rolled my eyes at that. I think I¡¯m the lucky one. I don¡¯t even deserve her. Because hidden beneath her feisty and strong-headed attitude, lies a pure, innocent woman. An independent, beautiful woman. A woman who hasn¡¯t been treated the way she deserved.


    ¡± Killian¡­¡± Keith calls for my attention.


    I open my mouth to deny his ims but my mouth mps shut at the sight in front of my eyes. Naomi walks into the restaurant with a guy standing impossibly close to her. I stare at him with a re, eyeing the man she¡¯s with. He leads her towards a table and that¡¯s when I recognize him. He¡¯s the man from Bart¡¯s. The man who kissed her.


    That fucking fuck. Why are they together?


    I can recall perfectly well that she told me he was her ex. Why is she with her ex? Are they back together? What does she even see in this fuckin¡¯ prick?


    Didn¡¯t he try to assault her knowing she was drunk and vulnerable at Bart¡¯s? What is it with women and their exes? Can¡¯t they just move on withouting or getting back with their exes? I don¡¯t know when I ball my fists beside me. I want to punch the asshole and tell him she¡¯s mine.


    He says something to her and she smiles. She fucking smiled!


    I watch him pull out a seat for her and she says something to him, ¡®thank you¡¯, obviously as she sits down. She nces around the restaurant and her eyes lock on mine at once.


    Fuck me.

 Chapter 20

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    ¡°This is not a date, George.¡± I repeat myself for the hundredth time to my supposedly ex.


    Bianca said this was a bad idea. Going out with George to this weird fancy restaurant was a bad idea. Throughout this week, George was always at my house asking for forgiveness even when I already told him I forgave him. He wanted us to be friends and I agreed. George wasn¡¯t all that bad. I don¡¯t even remember the time George has hurt me. The only problem in our rtionship was his parents, throwing it at my face that I wasn¡¯t good enough for their son. And aside from his annoying parents, George was great. And when he suggested we be friends, I just thought ¡°why not?¡±


    Bianca thought it was a bad idea. She thought that was George¡¯s sick way of getting me back. No matter how sweet he can be sometimes, I¡¯m never getting back with George. Our rtionship didn¡¯t turn out great, and hell will freeze over if I take him back.


    Not gonna happen.


    Almost three days ago, George showed up at my apartment asking if I would love to have dinner with him. I turned down the proposal at first, and then I just thought it wasn¡¯t a big deal. It was just dinner.


    ¡± You remember what Dua Lipa sang about right?¡± Bianca had asked early this morning when I told her about George asking me if I could go get dinner with him this evening.


    ¡± Really, Bianca? You want to remind me of Dua Lipa¡¯s ¡®New Rules?''¡± I yfully red at her.


    ¡± She said, ¡®don¡¯t be his friend, you¡¯re only gonna wake up in his bed in the morning.¡¯ It¡¯s a guy thing when their ex is proving stubborn and refusing to get back with them.¡± Bianca emphasized.


    ¡± I¡¯m not waking up in George¡¯s bed because I decided to have dinner with him. It¡¯s just dinner and he¡¯s still a good guy.¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s your ex.¡± Bianca pointed out.


    ¡± I know that.¡±


    I really didn¡¯t get the whole ordeal of people thinking about the worst when you decide to be friends with your ex. I believe as long as your ex didn¡¯t hurt you in any way and you guys ended things in a good way, then there¡¯s nothing wrong in being friends as long as both parties respect each other¡¯s boundaries.


    ¡± I know this is not a date, Naomi.¡± George says with a smile. I nod in understanding.


    George pulled outside an expensive Italian restaurant and there was this part of me that was scolding me about going to have dinner with my ex, because we just recently became friends. I pushed the thought to the back of my head as George held the door for me. I got down from his expensive car and he shut the door.


    The car reminded me of someone I¡¯ve sessfully blocked out of my mind. Killian ck. The man who did weird things to my body with just his words. It has been a week since I saw him and for some reason he had stoppeding to his club. I was relieved at first,ter I was worried. Thinking my unexinable behavior chased him away.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Why did I even care? And why in Pete¡¯s sake was I thinking about him as George escorted me inside this restaurant? When we were dating, George knew how to treat me to dinner. Taking me to expensive restaurants and hotels just to impress me. Little did he know I didn¡¯t care about money, or fancy things. He was a good friend, but he failed at the ¡®boyfriend department¡¯ and I know he knew that. He failed to stand up for me when his parents thought I wasn¡¯t good enough. He failed me when he went behind my back to go out on dates with different women just to please his parents, andter he would stop by my apartment and talk to me about the dates and how he wished it was me instead.


    He was sweet, but aplete coward. He cared too much about his parents and their opinion and that just broke us apart. So going out with him for dinner right now just seemed to bring back memories I¡¯ve chucked away for a long time. Right now all I care about is getting a job and staying away from men like Killian ck, even if my body screams ¡®Liar¡¯ each time he is next to me.


    Ady greeted us by the door as she walked us to our table. George pulled out a seat for me, always has been a gentleman. I smiled at him and told him a little ¡°Thank you.¡± He smiled in return and sat down opposite me.


    I scan the restaurant if it¡¯s any familiar at all and that¡¯s when I see him. The attractive, and yet mysterious Killian ck. Our eyes lock at once, and he¡¯s as surprised as I am.


    ¡± Shit.¡± I cuss underneath my breath and look away.


    Why¡¯s he everywhere that I go?


    Is this fate¡¯s own way of ying a sick game with me?


    The minute I decided to stay away, and thankfully I seeded, he¡¯s just going to show up with his beautiful grey eyes and annoying look that just pisses me off the more I stare at him. I steal a nce at him, but look away the minute the other man he¡¯s with turns to look at me.


    Great. I¡¯m not surprised he¡¯s talking about me to the other man. I don¡¯t wanna be here. This is ufortable for me. Despite the fact that we¡¯re a few tables apart, I can still feel that familiar weird tension between us.


    What happened to the pep talk I gave myself a week ago about staying away from my boss?


    It worked for nearly a week. I mean I sessfully got him out of my head after I got off the sexual repression I¡¯ve been holding in. I didn¡¯tpletely get him out of my head though. There were times I thought about him, and that¡¯s because I worked for his club. Other than that, I havepletely stopped thinking about him and his sweet words. His deep, husky voice. His dirty talk, and every other perverted thing that surrounded Killian ck.


    I have even sessfully told myself that I was different from every other woman and I was not gonna fall for his sweet, sleek lines. For a while I believed it, but seeing him again after a week, looking so damn irresistible, and sexy as hell, I¡¯m doubting myself again.

 Chapter 21

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    Killian ck is good looking, he¡¯s attractive, but he¡¯s not the man I want to be with. I know that for a fact, but my body just seems to think otherwise and I hate that. Maybe getting off with a vibrator wasn¡¯t enough, I need to really get off. And the only way to do that is with a man and I don¡¯t want that. After George, I told myself I needed to get a good job, put my life right on track and maybe settle down with a good guy. Someone who is going to treat me well, and love me, definitely not Killian ck. He¡¯s the guy that just wants to y, reasons why I need to stay away from him. I¡¯m not the girl who wants to y and sleep with anything that bats theirshes at her.


    If I¡¯m going to have sex again with any one, it has to be because I truly like him and he likes me too. Not a guy who wants my body and isn¡¯t willing to keep me. And I know for a fact, Killian ck isn¡¯t willing to keep anyone, and maybe if he¡¯s willing, it¡¯s definitely not me. I¡¯ve seen the different women he¡¯s been with through magazines and business gossip sites. The women are mostly models, television personnel, and I¡¯m pretty aware he dated three popr Hollywood actresses.


    Definitely not my type anyway.


    Liar


    I groan, loudly obviously, because that seems to snap George from his menu scanning.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± He asks genuinely.


    I sigh and nod.


    ¡± You don¡¯t like this restaurant? We could leave if you want us to.¡± George says, leaning back on his seat and watching me.


    Leaving the restaurant won¡¯t be a bad idea, but I don¡¯t want to put George through that stress. He¡¯d booked a table in this restaurant because of me.


    I give him a small smile and shake my head. ¡± I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t really know what to order.¡± I lie, biting my lip and breathing silently through my mouth at Killian¡¯s heated gaze on my body.


    And why the fuck is he so invested in me? Always staring at me whenever he gets the chance, not really caring he¡¯s bing creepy.


    ¡± I could order for you if you want.¡± He suggested.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m just gonna go through the menu again.¡± I give him another small smile as I stare down at the food section.


    ¡± Okay.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    After a long silence of me staring at nothing in this menu, I sigh and drop it on the table.


    ¡± Seen what you will order?¡± George asks with a small smile. I nod.


    He calls the waitress over and I take that as a distraction to stare at Killian ck who¡¯s already staring at me, waiting for me to just tilt my head to the corner a little so I can lock eyes with him. I draw in a deep breath, hating myself for feeling this way with just his eyes on me. I¡¯m not gonna deny the way Killian looks at me, no man has ever looked at me like that, including George who happens to be sitting right in front of me while I stare at my boss.


    The waitress standing right in front of me, blocking my view from my perverted, annoyingly attractive boss, makes me scowl and look at her.


    ¡± What are you ordering?¡± She asks as she gives me a polite smile.


    I cuss in my head for scowling at her. She is only doing her job while I shamelessly gawk at the owner of the club I work for.


    ¡± The chicken parmesan parmigiana.¡± I shrug. It¡¯s an Italian restaurant and I really don¡¯t know what the parmigiana stands for.


    Maybe the Italian name for chicken parmesan, obviously.


    The waitress writes it down and asks. ¡± Will that be all?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And water.¡±


    She nods and scurries away. So I¡¯m thinking George already ordered before this waitress blocked my view of my boss.


    Interesting.


    ¡± So how have you been?¡± George asks, getting rid of the awkward silence between us.


    It¡¯s awkward because I still can¡¯t grasp the fact that I¡¯m out here eating dinner with George after I told him it was over months ago.


    I shrug a shoulder before answering. ¡± Good. Still job hunting.¡± I say.


    I have applied and submitted my resume to differentpanies that I¡¯m aware of having vacancies, but none of them has really called me in for an interview. I really don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening with my life right now. I¡¯m broke and I badly want to quit my job at Club K even if it pays a lot. The customers are just bing disgusting every single day. I¡¯ve talked to Preston about it and he¡¯s been trying to stop these customers from stepping foot into his cousin¡¯s club again and it¡¯s working.


    ¡± Damn, I¡¯m sorry about the job hunting. I¡­¡± George trails off. He¡¯s speechless. Of course he is. I¡¯ve talked to him about getting me a job in his father¡¯spany when we were still together but it was shit. He gave me an excuse of his father being against the idea of having me in hispany.


    Who exactly did I offend? Why this bad luck about getting a job? I¡¯ve a good GPA and it¡¯s just annoying that my good certificate hasn¡¯t been put to use since I graduated college two years ago. Two freaking years ago.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I get it, your father didn¡¯t want me in hispany. I¡¯m cool with that.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not really that. It¡¯s just¡­¡± He trails off again.


    I smile. Despite being 27, and somewhat independent, George still acts like a child. With his parents telling him what to do and what not to do.


    ¡± How have you been? How¡¯s work? How¡¯s life?¡±


    George takes a moment with himself before answering. He¡¯s not fine. I can tell. His parents have probably started forcing him to go out with rich, strange, spoilt girls with daddy issues.


    ¡± Good. I¡¯m fine.¡± He answers after a long minute. ¡± I¡¯m really happy you decided to have dinner with me this evening.¡±


    ¡± We¡¯re friends.¡± I say. He winces visibly at the word ¡°Friends¡± and nods.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been meaning to ask¡­¡± He trails off again, rubbing his hand on his nape like a shy highschool dork.


    I smile at the thought.


    ¡± How did you know Killian ck?¡±


    Okay. I didn¡¯t expect this question and he noticed that too, because of my surprised expression.


    ¡± I mean, the other day at Bart¡¯s, when we¡­ you know¡­ having a conversation. He seemed to step in.¡±


    ¡± You mean when you were forcing yourself on me?¡± I ask him instead. He has apologized countless times because of that and I¡¯ve forgiven him so I guess it was pretty weird I had to bring it up again.


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about that, Naomi. I was drunk. You know I would never force myself on you.¡± He gives his same excuse again. I nod.


    ¡± Well he¡¯s my boss, and I know you know I worked in his club.¡±


    ¡± Right. I know that. I wasn¡¯t really expecting you two to know each other. Like, know each other.¡±


    ¡± He visits his club, George, literally every Friday to drink with his friends. So there¡¯s a possibility he knows me.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. You¡¯re sexy as hell in that waitress outfit.¡± He mutters silently and sighs.


    Um¡­ hello? Is that jealousy I smell?


    ¡± Anyways, nevermind. I was only surprised, that¡¯s all. What¡¯s up with Charlie? I really miss that little man.¡± George states.


    I give him a forced smile and say. ¡± He¡¯s fine. Really.¡±


    This whole conversation is weird. This is fucking weird. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have gone out with George to have dinner because this is fucking weird. The conversation is beyond weird because there¡¯s still that tension between us. It feels like there¡¯s still something left we haven¡¯t said to each other and I feel like George feels the same. He obviously has a lot to say to me and I don¡¯t want to hear it. I need something to distract myself.


    Where the hell is the waitress and the food?


    ¡± Maybe I shouldn¡¯t say this because it¡¯s over between us, but I¡¯m still going to say this¡­¡± Okay, great, here it goes. Same shit that he¡¯s been saying to me since I broke up with him.


    ¡± You really don¡¯t want to ruin this George. We couldn¡¯t work out and you know it. And this, whatever this is¡­¡± I say, referring to this dinner. ¡°¡­ is us trying to build a friendship and I really appreciate your effort, George, seriously. Talking about us and our rtionship won¡¯t cut it.¡±

 Chapter 22

    NAOMI¡¯S POV


    He sighs, eyes staring at mine as he licks his lips and briefly looks away.


    ¡± I wanted to say that I¡¯m sorry for treating you badly. Not really standing up for you when my parents said those bad things was really cowardice of me. I should have fought for you, but I didn¡¯t and I hate myself for that.¡± He says and sighs. ¡± And I¡¯m really happy you gave me a chance to work on this friendship thing with me. I¡¯m grateful and I promise I¡¯m not gonna make it awkward as we go on, I promise.¡± George says.


    I smile and nod. I risk a nce at Killian and he¡¯s smiling at what the other man says. The man sitting opposite him. They look almost alike, maybe his rtive or something. He casts his eyes on me and I look away.


    I clear my throat. ¡± Thanks. I¡¯m going to use the restroom, I¡¯ll be back.¡± I say to George and stand up.


    He nods as I walk away, ignoring my boss¡¯s eyes on my body as I pass his peripheral. I look for the restroom and enter inside. I wanted to be alone, that¡¯s the reason I excused myself. I¡¯m exhausted, tired, and pissed at nothing in particr, and my boss¡¯s constant stares at me is making me feel weird. Making me think about these weird thoughts and I don¡¯t like that.


    The fact that he¡¯s staring at me the way no other man has ever stared at me before shouldn¡¯t make me have this weird feeling at the pit of my stomach. I feel like a highschool junior who got noticed by the school¡¯s jock for the first time.


    Ew. Gross.


    ¡± Should I be worried you¡¯re the one stalking me now?¡± A familiar voice makes me twirl around at once.


    Killian ck in all his glory. God, he looks insanely more attractive than thest time I saw him a week ago. He¡¯s dressed in his usual expensive work clothes. A dark blue suit and he looks delicious.


    ¡± Thest time I checked, I was the one with the perverted look. What has happened to you princess?¡± He asks, with a sly smirk as he locks the restroom door.


    ¡± What are you doing? This is the female¡¯s restroom.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m having an alone time with you.¡± He whispers as he approaches me.


    I sigh and look back at the mirror, with my reflection staring back at me. Killian ck stands next to me, taking his time to stare at me like it¡¯s the first time we¡¯re meeting.


    ¡± You look good.¡± He says, staring at me through the big mirror in front of us.


    I turn my head to the side and our eyes meet. I lick my bottom lip and look away. His grey eyes are darker today, with a little touch of blue.


    Strange.


    ¡± You said he was your ex.¡± Killian says at once.


    ¡± Pardon?¡± I turn to fully look at him this time, with my body facing his.


    I try to ignore the whiff of his cologne that¡¯s clouded my head. Killian looks down at me, a mix of grey and blue eyes watching me.


    ¡± The guy you¡¯re here with. You said he was your ex.¡± He says.


    Are we back to this now? My boss being nosy about the men I hang out with?


    ¡± Why do you even care?¡± I ask, annoyed as I look away.


    ¡± I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± Then stop asking.¡±


    ¡± Why?¡± He asks.


    He¡¯s annoyingly close now, and I can feel his expensive pants touching my bare legs.


    ¡± Why do you need to stop asking me about the men I hangout with?¡± I ask and cross my arms as I turn to face him.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He¡¯s facing me too, with a stoic expression on his face and his hands buried in his pockets. His eyes take me in, eyeing my dress as he brings his gaze to my eyes.


    ¡± This is crazy. You¡¯re my boss Killian ck, and the men I go out with are none of your concern. Why do you care?¡±


    He doesn¡¯t answer immediately. Our eyes are still locked, with his beautiful grey eyes staring into mine. The more I stare at him, the more I know why women barely say no to him. But I¡¯m not like the women he¡¯s been with before. Even if I¡¯m, I¡¯m not gonna give him the impression that he can easily get what he wants.


    Not gonna happen.


    ¡± I don¡¯t care, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± And yet here you¡¯re trying to be nosy and digging about my personal life.¡± I tell him, not daring to look away from this eye contest.


    Killian sighs, bringing out his right hand from inside his pocket as he runs it over his hair.


    ¡± What do I have to do?¡± He asks all of a sudden. He sounds tired, probably because he¡¯s just retiring from today¡¯s work. Or he¡¯s tired of my constant rejection.


    ¡± What?¡± I am confused right now.


    Killian takes a step closer, holding my hand that¡¯s firmly crossed over my chest and pulling at it so it¡¯s dropped to my sides.


    ¡± What do I have to do to make you mine, Naomi?¡± He whispers. His voice is deep, and smooth, and filled with hunger that sends a weird electric feeling down my spine and straight to my core.


    Hunger for what? Me?


    I¡¯m tongue tied as I stare at him with a slightly open mouth. We¡¯re both quiet as we stare at each other, letting our eyes do the talking instead of our mouths.


    I didn¡¯t expect my boss, Killian ck, to ask me what he had to do to make me his in a restroom. So I just stared at him, speechless, and surprised.


    ¡± Tell me, Naomi. Do I have to be friends with you, buy you dinner in an expensive restaurant so you can give me a chance?¡±


    A chance? A chance to do what? A chance to fuck? Or a chance to let him y me like his toy.


    God, he sounds like aplete asshole that he is. An arrogant rich asshole.


    ¡± I¡¯m not an easyy, Mr. ck, and I¡¯m sure as hell not willing to give you a chance to let you fuck me. You should check the next door.¡± I say and take a step back as I turn around to leave.

 Chapter 23

    KILLIAN


    Damn.


    This isn¡¯t the first or second time I¡¯ve been rejected by Naomi Alderson, but every new rejection seems to pierce me right through the heart like it¡¯s the first.


    I might have been with a lot of women, but none of them acted this way. It¡¯s always easy with them. I don¡¯t have to go through all of these just to get a woman. But Naomi isn¡¯t letting me in anytime soon. She¡¯s apetition I¡¯m trying to win. A challenge I¡¯m trying to achieve, and every one of her rejection just makes me want her more.


    Pushing me to keep chasing her.


    She¡¯s so unique. She¡¯s like a pure art that can¡¯t be found in any museum. She makes me wonder what the hell I¡¯m doing sometimes. She makes me doubt myself. She makes me doubt everything I have known about women.


    Naomi doesn¡¯t want money, she doesn¡¯t want fancy dinners and all that shit that you can use to get a woman. What the hell does she want? What the hell do I have to do for her to open that iron gate she used in guarding her heart? What do I have to do to make her mine? To mark her as mine?


    Maybe I just need to give my brother a chance. He suspected Naomi was the woman on my mind when we were having dinner but I refused to talk about her to him. He¡¯s smart, and he always knows when business and money are the reason behind my bad mood. This time around, a woman has found her way into my head and that woman is a cocktail waitress in my club. A woman who stole my attention the minute I set eyes on her.


    Stealing onest nce at the restroom mirror, I walk out of the restroom as I go back to meet my brother. He¡¯s done eating, so finally we can leave. I can¡¯t bear sitting here while I watch the woman I want have dinner with a man who¡¯s supposed to be her ex. I can¡¯t believe she¡¯d get back with him.


    Women.


    ¡± We should leave.¡± I say sternly. My stoic expression is back on my face and I need to get the hell out of here.


    Keith smirks as he sneaks a nce at Naomi who¡¯s talking with her ex. Her bodynguage already tells me that she¡¯s not enjoying herself. She probably wants to leave as much as I want to get out of here too.


    ¡± Trouble in paradise, huh?¡± Keith smirks.


    I roll my eyes and re at my brother.


    ¡± I already paid, what are we waiting for?¡± I ask my brother.


    ¡± We¡¯re gonna leave right now, sure. But you need to promise me that you¡¯re gonna tell me what the hell is going on with you.¡± He says.


    I shake my head at his childish stunt and stand up to leave. Keith stands up at once and struts behind me to catch up with me. I try not to look at Naomi and her date as I walk towards the exit, with Naomi¡¯s gaze burning my back.


    Fuck.


    Alvin pulls my car in front of me as he gets down from my car in a hurry and opens the backseat door for me and my brother. I enter first and Keith slips in next to me. Alvin shuts the door behind Keith and enters the driver¡¯s seat. In less than a minute, Alvin drives onto the road with the divider pulled up.


    I unbutton my suit jacket as I watch different buildings pass my side window.


    ¡± So what¡¯s up baby brother?¡±


    ¡± You really need to stop addressing me as baby brother, Keith. It¡¯s fucking weird.¡± I say, without turning around to look at him.


    I hear himugh, a quietugh.


    ¡± Okay. Kil, what¡¯s up? You want to talk about what¡¯s troubling you? Lately we barely have any kind of brotherly conversation. It¡¯s always about work, work, work with you. It¡¯s a new start, something other than business got you this riled up. Is she the one? The girl at the restaurant.¡± Keith says.


    I sigh and remove my gaze from my side tinted window. I rx into my car seat as I turn to look at Keith.


    He¡¯s right. We barely have any kind of nice conversation. It¡¯s always about business with me. I barely even hangout with my family or even Raymond. I only called him over to my house to talk business. And the few times he¡¯d apanied me to my club to have a little fun, we talked mostly business. It¡¯s bing a habit I need to break.


    ¡± Yes.¡± I break the silence at once. ¡± She¡¯s the woman who¡¯s been fucking with my headtely.¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Okay. And how did all this start?¡±


    ¡± Met her in my club. She¡¯s a cocktail waitress.¡±


    ¡± She works for you?¡± Keith seems surprised as he stares at me with knitted eyebrows. I don¡¯t reply, and he sighs. ¡± Oh boy. I least expected that. Why?¡±


    ¡± Why what?¡±


    ¡± Why her?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. We met nearly two weeks ago. I¡¯ve tried to pursue her but she keeps rejecting me.¡±


    Keithughs. A hystericalugh, and the louder it gets, the more annoyed I am. Now I know why we don¡¯t talk about anything other than business.


    He can be annoying sometimes.


    ¡± Are you done?¡± I ask him when he¡¯s doneughing.


    ¡± Wow. You¡¯re like this Billionaire every girl wants to sleep with, and then you get rejected by a girl who serves alcohol in your club. What the fuck?¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re not helping.¡± I mutter.


    Keith sighs and looks at me, with a small sympathetic smile on his lips.


    ¡± You really need to stop doing that.¡± I re at him.


    ¡± Right.¡± He mutters. His sympathetic smile is reced by a smirk.


    I sigh this time. ¡± You know you¡¯re thest person I¡¯m supposed to be talking to about this type of stuff. I don¡¯t know what to do. I feel like she¡¯s attracted to me, but yet she keeps rejecting me.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s because the way you¡¯re going at her shows her you only want to have sex with her. And that¡¯s the thing with you.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re being judgemental, Keith.¡±


    ¡± What? Of course not. You just need to ept the fact that you¡¯re not willing or even ready to let any woman in. She knows that. She sees that. She knows all you do is y with women. Sleep with them, bid them adieu and it¡¯s over. She¡¯s probably not that type of woman who wants to be yed. You can see that yourself. She might be attracted to you doesn¡¯t mean she wants to be involved with you. If you¡¯re willing to win the heart of this type of woman, you need to realize she¡¯s different from every other woman you¡¯ve been with.¡±


    ¡± I know that.¡±


    ¡± If you know that, then you have to change your game, brother. She isn¡¯t that woman who you¡¯re gonna pay for fun. Or maybe just use your sweet lines to take her to bed. You need to change your perspective. If you¡¯re looking for fun and sex, I advise you look for it somewhere else, and not your cocktail waitress.¡±


    Now I¡¯m defeated. I just don¡¯t want sex from Naomi. I think I want more. The farther she pushes me away, the more I¡¯m intrigued by her. The more I realize I want her. I want to keep her. To im her. I want to wake up next to her every morning with her naked and tired because I fucked her good the previous night.


    I want to¡­


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re having dirty thoughts about her right now.¡± Keith Interrupts my thoughts as he chuckles.


    ¡± What makes you think that?¡±


    ¡± I know you, little brother. God, you¡¯re so perverted.¡±


    I scoff.


    ¡± Seriously Killian, you need to quit it. I¡¯ve known you since forever and I know you can be perverted and flirtatious when you want to. I think you should tone it down with your cocktail waitress. Like you said, you think she¡¯s attracted to you, and like I said, you gotta know her, man. Take her to dinners, have a normal conversation with her.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re suggesting a rtionship. You and I know I don¡¯t want that right now.¡± I say to my brother.


    I have apany to run. Being in a rtionship with a woman might just get in the way of a lot of things. I don¡¯t think I want that now. I want Naomi, desperately, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to be in a rtionship yet.


    ¡± You should be with someone, Killian. Your cocktail waitress isn¡¯t a bad choice.¡±


    ¡± Is that how you had Eve? Dinners, normal conversation, indirect persuasion.¡±


    ¡± Maybe. And we¡¯re happy together. And in love.¡±


    I sigh.


    ¡± What¡¯s her name? The waitress that¡¯s got you in this position, catching feelings.¡± I don¡¯t have to look at my brother to know he¡¯s smirking at me right now.


    ¡± Fuck you, Keith. I¡¯m not catching feelings. And her name¡¯s Naomi.¡±


    ¡± Damn. Pretty name for a prettier woman. She¡¯s beautiful. Good taste and choice.¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s not mine, yet.¡± I point out.


    ¡± Then make her yours. For a start, tone down your flirting, and sexual offers.¡±


    I try not tough at ¡®Sexual offers.¡¯ Really? Is that what he thinks I¡¯ve been doing with Naomi? Offering her sex?


    Fucking hell.


    ¡± I don¡¯t offer her sex, Keith.¡±


    ¡± You know what I mean. Telling her all your dirty lines. I know you¡¯re good with that mouth of yours. You can literally make any woman go weak on her knees when you turn on your flirt mode.¡±


    Okay, this time Iugh. I shake my head at my brother as Iugh.


    ¡± We¡¯re no longer youths or teens. I don¡¯t do that shit all the time now.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m d you remember we¡¯re no longer teens. You¡¯re a grown ass man now, Kil. Get a girl. Try to know Naomi and don¡¯t just fuck her in your head whenever you¡¯re free. Be her friend. Take her out, you know what I mean. Have a respectful conversation with her. Ask her about her favorite band¡­ women like shits like that. You¡¯ll be surprised in no time, she will warm up to you. Trust me.¡±


    I look out the window, realizing we¡¯re in Keith¡¯s neighborhood. I gifted him the house he¡¯s currently staying as his and Eve¡¯s engagement gift. He was surprised, but he loved it. I¡¯m happy for my brother. He¡¯s with someone he¡¯s in love with, and she loves him also, and they¡¯re expecting a baby. Literally the best thing that can happen in any man¡¯s life, but yet I don¡¯t see myself being in love in the near future. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want a rtionship or maybe try to be serious with someone, I just assumed since I¡¯m always about work and sometimes I might not be avable, that might be too much for most women to handle. I might even start to fall in love with her, and she might cheat on me with another man with an excuse that I¡¯m not always around or I¡¯m too involved or dedicated to mypany. I don¡¯t want that for any woman. That feeling of being in a rtionship with me and still feeling like you¡¯re alone.


    I don¡¯t fucking want that for anyone.


    And that brings me to Naomi. Keith¡¯s right. Naomi isn¡¯t the woman who¡¯s going to fuck you because you¡¯re rich and hot, or maybe you had a nice dick. She¡¯s the woman who¡¯s going to fuck you after she knows you, like you, befortable with you, and maybe date you first before she let you slide right in.


    And that¡¯s not me. I don¡¯t have to date you because I want to have a taste of you. But Naomi has proven otherwise. This is a different kind of boat that I haven¡¯t rocked before. A different woman. She makes me wonder how she¡¯s able to make me want her this bad when I¡¯ve yet to taste her. This is more than an attraction. With Naomi, it¡¯s something I¡¯ve never felt before. That deep urge, that feeling to just keep her, mark her, and make her mine and mine only. This is all new to me.


    And it scares the shit out of me.


    ¡± And when exactly did you start wanting your workers?¡± Keith snaps me from my jumbled thoughts.


    ¡± I don¡¯t look at my female workers. Never have.¡±


    ¡± Wow. This is more romantic than I thought. So what do I call this? Likeness at first sight?¡± Keith asks with a smirk.


    I just shrug my shoulders. ¡± Something like that.¡±


    ¡± You gotta keep chasing her, man. You don¡¯t give up.¡±


    I give him a small smile. ¡± Right. Thanks for the talk. It was helpful in a way.¡±


    The car pulled to a stop outside Keith¡¯s apartment.


    ¡± You wannae in?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± Nah. Maybe some other time.¡±


    ¡± You should consider visiting some other time. Maybe bring Naomi, that¡¯s if you two finally decide to date. Eve would like that.¡±


    I smile at my brother and nod.


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    ¡± See you around. Mom wants you to stop ignoring her calls. You should try and call her back.¡±


    ¡± I will.¡± I¡¯m deadpan.


    Keithughs and steps out of my car.


    ¡± See youter, little brother.¡±


    He shuts the door before I can scold him about calling me little brother.


    That little shit.


    Alvin starts the car and drives out of Keith¡¯s neighborhood.


    The minute I get home, it¡¯s already nightfall. I strip out of my clothes and step inside my shower. As the warm water cascades down my back, Naomi¡¯s the only thing on my mind.

 Chapter 24

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± God, I¡¯ve been horny since, like, forever.¡± I mutter, groaning inaudibly as I run on the treadmill.


    Bianca and I are in the gymnasium not too far from our apartment. Wee here every other day to burn off some calories and carbs. Bianca who¡¯s running on her own treadmill close to mine chuckles.


    ¡± Then getid, slut.¡±


    ¡± Pfft.¡± I scoff. ¡± It¡¯s not that easy and you know it.¡±


    ¡± What makes you think that?¡±


    ¡± Well you¡¯ve got Lucky and you guys are sexually active with your bodies.¡± I point out. I pause and bite my lip as I turn to look at Bianca. ¡± That¡¯s a thing right? Sexually active¡± I ask with a small smile.


    ¡± Are you fucking shitting me right now? How the hell are you 24?¡±


    ¡± Fuck you, Bia.¡± I say andugh. Sheughs too.


    ¡± Look. You know you can easily getid. We can just go out tonight to party and have fun. You¡¯re hot, everyone knows that so you can easily get a guy.¡±


    I sigh, wiping my eyebrows off my sweat.


    ¡± It¡¯s not easy.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± I know. You¡¯re waiting for the right one.¡± Bianca mutters back.


    I¡¯m not a virgin and maybe I can choose to be free with my body like Bianca, but I can¡¯t. I¡¯m not that woman. Even before I gave my virginity to Haven, the douchebag that left me because he was leaving the city, it was a hard choice for me. I just can¡¯t.


    ¡± Why do I have a feeling this is about Killian ck?¡± She asks.


    I groan, hand on the treadmill as I slow down my run to a walking pace.


    God, why the fuck did she just remind me of my boss? No matter how hard I try to forget him, one way or the other he always finds his way back to my life. Back to my head and I hate it. Our past encounter at the restaurant is still fresh in my head and I still can¡¯t get his words out of my head.


    ¡± What do I have to do to make you mine Naomi?¡± What does he even have to do to make me his?


    He wanted me to give him a chance. I keep thinking about his words. Asking myself every night he finds his way into my head ¡°Why me?¡± What does he see in me? Why is he so invested in me? And why does he want me to give him a chance? A chance to do what?


    Of course a chance to get in between my legs.


    Right now, isn¡¯t that what I want? Sex.


    A good sex to be precise, so that I can stop thinking about my boss touching me and that weird scenario in his kitchen almost four weeks ago. But why is it so hard to just give in to what I want? And fuck it, I want it to be Killian. I want him to do things to me. Bad things, things I haven¡¯t really had the time to explore before. I want him to touch me, I want him to mark me as his. A part of me wants all of that, but this girl, this other part of me doesn¡¯t want that. It wants me to run far away from Killian ck before I get myself in a moreplicated mess. It wants me to stay away from him. I want to stay away from him. Hell, I want to stop thinking about him, but my body keeps proving otherwise.


    I¡¯ve been horny since I can¡¯t stop thinking about all our meetings, and my vibrator isn¡¯t doing the job well anymore.


    Maybe, all I need to do to just stay away from my boss, and maybe, calm down my raging hormones, is just to temporarily date someone. Someone that isn¡¯t my boss. Someone that doesn¡¯t have brown hair, charming gray eyes, slim tall build, with a body like that of a god. Someone that isn¡¯t Killian ck, then maybe all of this sexual tension and weird feelings that I usually get at the pit of my stomach each time I¡¯m close to Killian ck can just stop.


    But I can¡¯t. I¡¯ve never been the girl that¡¯s free with her body, then why start now? Maybe I just have to deal with these strange feelings my own way. Avoid Killian like I¡¯ve been doing these past weeks. It¡¯s been working perfectly for me. I don¡¯t even see him in his club again, and yes, I¡¯ve even volunteered to work at the VIP section just so I can catch a glimpse of my boss on a Friday.


    He didn¡¯t show up that day and I was disappointed. I have a feeling he¡¯s been avoiding his club since I wouldn¡¯t stop rejecting him.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Killian ck isn¡¯t the man you want, Naomi. I keep telling myself that.


    He¡¯s rich, obviously a yboy, privileged asshole, and he¡¯s way above your ss. You¡¯ve dated rich guys in the past, it didn¡¯t work out well, so getting involved with Killian ck won¡¯t work out either. You¡¯re just gonna get your heart broken if you decide to y Killian¡¯s games. You want a rtionship with a good, less privileged man, and you¡¯re gonna get it. Men like Killian ck will only keep you at arms length, and then they¡¯ll toss you away when they¡¯re done with you. Yup, so you stay the feck away from him.


    That¡¯s a whole load of bullshit I¡¯m spilling to myself right now.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± Bianca calls my name, snapping me from my internal pep talk.


    ¡± This isn¡¯t about my boss.¡±


    ¡± You know he¡¯s not literally your boss right? He¡¯s your boss¡¯s boss.¡±


    I chuckle and shake my head.


    ¡± He¡¯s still my boss.¡±


    ¡± Like I¡¯ve always said, life is too short to keep denying yourself what you want. Killian ck is every girl¡¯s dream and girl, this guy wants you, and I¡¯m pretty sure you like him. I don¡¯t see any harm in just going with the flow. You¡¯re young and you still have your life ahead of you. Nothing should stop you from having fun.¡±


    ¡± Fucking Killian ck isn¡¯t fun.¡± I point out.


    ¡± Yeah, whatever, sweetheart. But it¡¯s gonna give you that orgasm you¡¯ve beencking. George couldn¡¯t even fuck when you two were together.¡±


    ¡± What? Bia.¡± I chuckle and stop my treadmill as I grab my towel. ¡± You really need to quit saying the F word out loud all the time. It¡¯s freaking gross.¡±


    She chuckles and rolls her eyes. ¡± You know it¡¯s true.¡± She winks at me.


    ¡± I can¡¯t. Not with Killian. Not gonna happen.¡±


    Bianca stops her own treadmill too.


    ¡± If I may ask, why?¡±


    ¡± Because I don¡¯t want to get my heart trampled on. I might just decide to have a little fun with him and I might get attached in theter run, and maybe, it¡¯s a big maybe, but there¡¯s still maybe. So maybe, I don¡¯t want it to end. Maybe, I fell in love with him and he just happens to not return it and I got rejected. Girl it hurts. I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡± Ooh. Shit. I¡¯m sorry you still believe in love.¡±


    ¡± I do. I just don¡¯t have the right resources, and strength to fall in love right now. I don¡¯t think I will be able to get up.¡± I say and smirk at my friend.


    Bianca chuckles.


    ¡± Well after Dean, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be giving anybody my heart anytime soon. I need to live life and enjoy it. Men are fucking scum.¡±


    ¡± Now you¡¯re getting why I don¡¯t want to be involved with Killian. Plus, he¡¯s rich, rich men are justplicated. It¡¯s always different with them.¡±


    ¡± Well, I don¡¯t know about rich men. Both your past boyfriends came from a family with a history of wealth. And they were pretty loaded themselves, so you pretty much know a thing or two about rich assholes.¡± Bianca smiles.


    I scoff. Rich men always carry dilemmas at the back of their pants pockets. And I¡¯m sure Killian didn¡¯t escape that whole rich guy dilemma.


    I really should try and get my boss out of my head and put my life on track. I¡¯m still job hunting. I¡¯ve applied for differentpanies and none of them have called me back. The only one who managed to call me in for an interview told me I wasn¡¯t what they were looking for?


    Like what the hell!


    Why call me for an interview if I¡¯m not what you¡¯re looking for?


    ¡± Did I tell you I¡¯ve got a job interview tomorrow?¡± Bianca asks, handing me a bottle of water.


    ¡± No shit.¡±


    ¡± Yup. I don¡¯t know, hopefully, I might get the job. It¡¯s a secretary position in Colten Corp.¡±


    ¡± Oh my God. That¡¯s great. I¡¯m really happy for you.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t be yet. Wait till I officially get the job. I¡¯m gonna take you to pop¡¯s and spoil you with their best delicacies.¡±


    I giggle. ¡± You¡¯re gonna get it. It¡¯s your first interview in years. I know you¡¯re gonna ace it.¡±


    ¡± Thanks girl. We should get going, I¡¯mte for work.¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡± I grab my bag, including Bianca as we leave the gym together.


    ***


    ¡± Hey, Stephen, is the wife still bothering you?¡± I ask one of our patrons as I pour him a ss of cold water.


    Preston has a policy of not letting the customers drink past their limit to the extent they can¡¯t go home by themselves and we have to call an Uber. Stephen is almost drunk, so I had to give him water as an alternative to his favorite drink.


    ¡± You know it, Naomi. Women are a load of hardship.¡± Stephen says, taking the ss of water as he gives me a nod of gratitude.


    I chuckle at his words and shake my head.


    ¡± Have a little faith, Stephen. Not all women are really bad.¡± I say and walk towards the bar.


    It¡¯s Wednesday around 4pm and it¡¯s not the busiest day in Club K. And today, we don¡¯t get to wear that hideous waitress uniform. Every worker¡¯s wearing a mufti today. I wear a loose green t-shirt and dark jeans, matched with white sneakers. My hair is in a bun, and I can¡¯t wait for the end of the day toe around so that I can leave for home.


    ¡± Still teasing Stephen, huh?¡± Keiran teases. I smile.


    I sneak a nce at Stephen behind me before looking at Keiran. ¡± Nah. He just needs a little spirit lifting.¡± I say.


    Keiranughs. Rita walks over after serving a customer as she sits down on the barstool next to mine.


    ¡± I think there¡¯s a strip show going on upstairs, I wished we can go check it out.¡±


    ¡± You wanna check it out, not us.¡± Keiran says.


    Dwayne chuckles quietly. He¡¯s the second bartender for today, including Keiran. Dwayne works mostly weekday shifts and he barely talks. He¡¯s a quiet, maybe a little shy, brown man from South Africa. He¡¯s pretty nice too, just a little closed off.


    ¡± Ohe on. The fun lies right above us. Sassy won¡¯t stop talking about it.¡± Rita says.


    ¡± You said sassy was a slut. She¡¯s fucking literally every VIP.¡± Keiran says.


    I nod.


    Rita sighs and huffs.


    ¡± Well, whatever. You guys are no fun.¡± Rita mutters.


    I chuckle.


    ¡± What about you Naomi? You really haven¡¯t told us what made you leave in a hurry that Friday night and why the infamous Killian ck had toe down here to look for you.¡± Rita says.


    Rita can be a little nosy sometimes and I really don¡¯t like telling her stuff. I told Keiran what happened that day and I refused to tell the others. I don¡¯t owe anyone any kind of story.


    ¡± It¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡± Naomi, refill.¡± One of the patrons called my name.


    I groan and roll my eyes as I slide off the barstool. Keiran gives me a sympathetic smile before I walk towards this patron. I think his name¡¯s Eugene and he can be a total asshole all the time.     I stop by Eugene¡¯s table.


    ¡± What am I getting you?¡±


    ¡± How about your number, sugar?¡± Eugene tries to flirt.


    This sick son of a dick.


    ¡± Don¡¯t call me that. What should I get you?¡± I asked him again.


    He¡¯s sitting with two other men and they¡¯re all smirking at me. I don¡¯t remember them and I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve never seen them here before. Eugene leans forward with a shit eating grin, and then, he surprises me by groping my hip.


    ¡± What the fuck?¡± I raise my hand to hit him, but Eugene grabs my hand instead.


    ¡± Eugene fucking stop.¡± Keiran warns him.


    ¡± Or what, beach boy? She your slut now?¡± Eugene teases.


    I try to pry his hand off my hips with my free hand before I smash his head with the empty bottle on the table.


    ¡± Get your hands off her, right now.¡± A voice growls behind me.


    The men stopughing at once as everyone turns to look at the new visitor. I turn around too,ing face to face with Killian. Slowly, Eugene pulls his hand off me. I step to the side, ncing at his piece of shit buddies whose smirks are reced with fear.


    Aside from the fact that Killian ck is a powerful man, he¡¯s extremely intimidating and dangerous. Especially when he¡¯s wearing one of his expensive suits just like today.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry man¡­¡± Eugene starts to speak.


    ¡± Now why don¡¯t I teach you how to treat ady? And you will forever remember not to ever touch what¡¯s mine.¡±


    Mine?


    Did he just publicly im me as his? This can¡¯t be real.

 Chapter 25

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Without letting Eugene say anything, Killian grabs Eugene by the cor and pulls him to his feet. The room has fallen silent and everyone just stares at the scene with slightly open mouths. Most drunk men are slowly sobering up at what¡¯s happening.


    Killian pulls Eugene outside and I try to stop him. I follow him outside, warning the others not to follow suit or else it might increase Killian¡¯s anger. Killian pushes Eugene outside and starts to hit him. Punch after punch as Eugene falls to the floor.


    ¡± Killian stop! You¡¯re gonna kill him!¡± I yell.


    ¡± Fuck, that¡¯d be better.¡± Killian says, ignoring my plea as he continues to punch Eugene in every part of his body.


    I rush towards the two men, and hold Killian through his suit jacket.


    ¡± Killian, please stop.¡± I beg.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I hate violence, never really been a fan of one. Killian listens and lets go of the man that¡¯s already sober and bleeding from his nose and mouth. Killian puffs out his breath through his nose as he blows his loose strands of hair out of his eyes. He turns to look at me, as he pulls out a handkerchief from his suit jacket and begins to clean his knuckles off Eugene¡¯s blood.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to ever see you here again. If I catch you around, you¡¯ll regret ever being born.¡± Killian says to Eugene.


    ¡± Am I clear?¡± Killian asks.


    ¡± Yes.¡± Eugene answers, coughing out blood as he tries to breathe.


    ¡± Good.¡±


    Killian holds my arm and pulls me back inside his club. It¡¯s still quiet, with people on the edge of their seats waiting. Preston was already addressing the other customers when Killian and I entered.


    ¡± If any of you dared to ever harass any of my waitresses again, I¡¯ll make their lives hell. If you can¡¯t keep your dicks in your pants when stepping into my club, you should fucking stay out and sort your shit out. This isn¡¯t a fucking brothel, keep your dirty fingers to yourselves!¡± Killian addresses his patrons and the other customers.


    Nobody responds verbally, just silent mumbling.


    ¡± Am I fucking clear or do I have to punch someone again to pass the message?¡± Killian asks, his hand still around my arm.


    ¡± Yes.¡±


    ¡± Good. Now have fun gents.¡± Killian says as he turns towards his private elevator to the top floor, with his hand still around my arm.


    I don¡¯t protest or say a word as I follow him. I can¡¯t meet the gaze of my fellow workers as I just follow Killian. We enter his private elevator together and he presses the top button.


    ¡± You know you can let me go now right? He¡¯s not gonna hurt me anymore.¡± I whisper.


    Killian sighs, hesitates a little before he drops his hand.


    We ride in silence for another four minutes as the elevator stops on the top floor. It opens and we step into a hallway. I¡¯ve been working in this club for two years now, I haven¡¯t been here before. Killian stops outside an office door and opens it. I stand outside as I stare at this spacious office.


    Killian pauses by his desk and turns to look at me when he notices I didn¡¯t follow him inside. He smirks and removes his suit jacket.


    ¡± I¡¯m not gonna hurt you, Naomi. Come on in.¡±


    I roll my eyes and step inside.


    ¡± I know you won¡¯t.¡± I tell him and shut the door behind me.


    ¡± Sit.¡± Killian points to the opposite sit in front of him as he drapes his suit jacket around his own chair.


    I try not to drool at his chiseled torso that¡¯s hiding behind his white dress shirt. I clear my throat and sit down. Killian sits down too, with his arms crossed in front of him as he watches me. His eyes move from my face down to what I¡¯m wearing. He¡¯s not smirking or even smiling. His exterior is just business-like. Stoic look without any emotion on his face.


    I¡¯ve never been able to read this man so I don¡¯t bother trying.


    ¡± Is this like your office?¡± I¡¯m the first to speak, breaking Killian¡¯s heated gaze on me.


    ¡± Something like that.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re not sure?¡±


    The corners of his lips tug slightly with a sly smirk.


    ¡± Did he hurt you?¡± His stoic expression is back as he brings his gaze down my body.


    ¡± No. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡± Has that happened before?¡±


    ¡± Maybe.¡± I shrug.


    ¡± You¡¯re not sure?¡± Killian repeats my question.


    I smirk and bite my bottom lip.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. It¡¯s just¡­ The patrons usually flirt with me. They¡¯ve never really groped me, well some of the patrons have tried before, but they don¡¯t ever seed. I shunned them off. Today is just my lucky day I think.¡± I say with a small sigh.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± Killian mutters and sits up as he runs his hand through his hair.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    ¡± Preston didn¡¯t tell me anything.¡± Killian says. He is genuinely sorry and it¡¯s so unlike him.


    I mean he can be a conceited jackass when he wants to, so obviously he¡¯s not that bad.


    ¡± He¡¯s been trying. He¡¯d stopped most of the customers that won¡¯t stop trying to touch the waitress and it¡¯s been working. I¡¯m pretty sure they won¡¯t try to do that anymore. You really gave them the fear of God.¡± I say with a small smile, trying to lighten up the mood.


    But Killian doesn¡¯t smile. He just watches me. I sigh, biting my bottom lip as I nce around his office, fighting the urge to stare at him.


    ¡± Why did you hit him?¡± I ask.


    ¡± I shouldn¡¯t have?¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. I¡¯m just wondering why?¡±


    Killian doesn¡¯t reply suddenly. He stares at me, eyes taking in my form as he watches me.


    ¡± He had his hands on you. I didn¡¯t like that.¡±


    ¡± Would you have¡­¡± I trail off, biting my bottom lip as I stare into my boss¡¯s beautiful grey eyes.


    ¡± Would I have what?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know¡­¡± I shrug. ¡± Hit him if it was any other waitress?¡±


    He smirks as he briefly nces around his office before bringing his gaze back on me.


    ¡± I care about you, Naomi. You should know that.¡± His wordse out as a whisper and it calms my soul.


    ¡± Why did you call me yours?¡± I ask, after a long ufortable silence. I stare at everything in this office, but Killian.

 Chapter 26

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Thest time Killian and I were in a confined space, he flirted with me and I nearly gave in. I guess it¡¯s still a surprise to me that he hasn¡¯t attempted to use his dirty lines on me since we¡¯ve been seated here today. He¡¯s been aplete gentleman.


    When he doesn¡¯t answer, I turn to look at him and our eyes locked for a brief second before I look away again.


    ¡± Why am I here?¡± I changed the question. Knowing this man, he definitely won¡¯t give me an answer anytime soon.


    ¡± We¡¯re having a conversation.¡±


    ¡± Are we?¡± I ask him, sitting upright and leaning forward with my hand on his desk.


    ¡± Why haven¡¯t you quit? This job. Why haven¡¯t you?¡±


    His question surprises me and he can clearly see the surprise in my eyes.


    ¡± Well, there aren¡¯t any jobs out there. And I¡¯ve got bills and student loans to pay.¡± I answer.


    ¡± This job isn¡¯t for you.¡±


    ¡± You think I don¡¯t know that?¡±


    ¡± I want you to work for me. I¡¯m in need of an assistant and I¡¯m aware you¡¯re a graduate and I¡¯m sure I can work with you.¡±


    What?


    Is he shitting me right now?


    I want tough at his dumb joke?


    Wait, is he even joking?


    ¡± This isn¡¯t a joke. I don¡¯t make jokes. There are better things I do with my time.¡± He says.


    Oh.


    He isn¡¯t joking.


    He¡¯s offering me a one way ticket out of Club K and he¡¯s giving me a job as his assistant.


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± You always ask the wrong questions, Naomi. Why shouldn¡¯t I offer you a job in mypany?¡±


    I keep quiet, staring at this mysterious man in front of me.


    ¡± This¡­¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to think about it. You can drop by tomorrow and submit your resume to my HR department and maybe you can start on Monday.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t.¡±


    He¡¯s taken by surprise, I know, but he doesn¡¯t show it as he leans back against his chair. His eyes take me in, properly. Slowly he stands up and starts to pace the floor of his office.


    ¡± So you enjoy the attention and the gropings from my patrons?¡± He asks, his back against me as he stops by the drink bar.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I re at his back, biting my bottom lip and thinking of an equaleback. How can he be sweet one minute, then aplete douchebag the next minute?


    ¡± What? Speechless now?¡± Killian asks as he turns to look at me, a ss of alcohol in between his lips as he takes a sip.


    ¡± I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± Then give me a valid reason why you can¡¯t work in mypany?¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t study business administration in college. I have a marketing degree, not business. Plus I barely know anything about yourpany.¡±


    ¡± Mm.¡± He hums as he approaches me.


    ¡± I have never met a woman with so many excuses in my life before.¡± Killian says walking past me and plopping down on his chair opposite me.


    ¡± I¡¯m not making excuses.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± And that¡¯s exactly what you just did. You¡¯re quitting this job whether you like it or not. I¡¯m your boss Naomi, and you work for me, so just assume you¡¯re being promoted.¡± He says, taking big gulps from his drink as he levels the ss on top of his table.


    ¡± I expect you to jump at this opportunity Naomi, it seems you enjoyed ying hard to get.¡± Okay, his asshole button has been turned on.


    ¡± Did you offer me a job as your assistant in yourpany to test me?¡±


    ¡± You probably don¡¯t know how much I hate seeing other men staring at you in that little waitress skirt.¡± He whispers as he leans forward. ¡± I should be the only one to look at you in that little piece of clothing.¡± He whispers.


    His flirt button is back on again.


    I gulp at his full gaze on me, staring at me like no one else has stared at me before.


    ¡± I want you tomorrow at mypany with your resume with you. You¡¯re working as my assistant.¡±


    I should be happy about this offer. Fuck it, I¡¯m happy. I¡¯ve finally gotten a real job and my days at club k areing to an end. I think the scary part of this proposal is that I will be working side by side with Killian ck, and I¡¯m not sure how much self control I have left in me. I don¡¯t know how many words he has to whisper against my skin before I give in to his beautiful words.


    I don¡¯t trust myself.


    ¡± Can I propose something?¡± I ask softly.     Killian smirks and stands up, with his hands buried inside his pants pocket, he paces the floor of his office.


    ¡± Go on.¡±


    ¡± I have a marketing degree. If this is real, I¡¯d like to work in the marketing department of yourpany. Maybe in the near future if you want to promote me to be your assistant, then it¡¯s your call. I just want to be in a department where my degree can be really useful.¡± I say.


    Killian stops pacing to look at me, with his beautiful sly smirk on his lips.


    ¡± Are you trying to stay away from me, Ms. Alderson?¡± Killian asks as he approaches me, little step at a time.


    He stops in front of me, and sits down on the edge of his desk, hands on the arms of the chair I¡¯m sitting on. He twirls the chair so I¡¯m facing him. He leans closer, lips hovering over my ear and I can feel his warm breath against my skin. My breathing has already elerated and I¡¯m starting to feel that weird feeling at the pit of my stomach.


    ¡± Because if you¡¯re, it¡¯s only gonna make me chase you more.¡± He whispers against my skin, his warm breath slightly tickling my skin and sending all different kinds of feelings straight to my core, and that overwhelms me.


    ¡± And I¡¯m not gonna stop chasing you, not until I make you mine. Not until I mark you mine, princess. Not until I have you over my desk, Naomi, with my mouth on you, tasting you from behind, listening to your beautiful voice chant my name over and over again. I¡¯m not gonna stop, princess, not until I make you mine. Not until I¡¯m sure you¡¯re mine.¡± His voice is deep, beautiful, as he whispers his dirty words against my skin that just seem to light my body on fire.


    God, what¡¯s he doing to me?


    My heart is beating fast against my rib cages, and I¡¯m pretty sure Killian can hear my heart beating. I make a mistake by slowly turning my head to look at him, and our eyes meet, with our lips nearly touching. Our eyes are locked in an intense gaze. And having hisplete attention on me makes my knees go weak. Our close proximity is nearly driving me insane, and his rich cologne fills my brain, automatically shutting my brain off.


    Slowly, Killian brings his gaze down to my lips that are slightly parted. Right now I want him to kiss me. If I can just lean forward a little, our lips will be locked, and atst I will know what he tastes like.


    ¡± Do you want me to kiss you, princess?¡± Killian whispers, leaning a little closer so his lips brushes against mine.


    I don¡¯t answer. I just sit still and watch this beautiful, and powerful man in front of me, eyes staring into mine as our lips brushed together slightly. I could just give in right now. I can just lean forward a little and taste him, just so I can satisfy my curiosity and maybe this weird, and strange feeling can just stop. But I don¡¯t. Instead, I leaned back against my chair, surprising Killian and even myself. I politely remove his hands from the arms of the chair and stand up. Killian sits upright too.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna drop by tomorrow morning with my resume.¡± I say. ¡± Thanks for giving me a shot.¡± I give him a small smile and head towards the door.


    I pause, and turn around, with my hand on the doorknob. I stare at Killian and his hands are still buried in his pants, with a small smirk stered on his face. I tug on my bottom lip with my teeth, as I stare at this man from his face down to his long legs, and that¡¯s when I see it. The tightness of his pants at the front and his evident erection. I blush, and bring my gaze to his face, he¡¯s already staring at me, smirking.


    ¡± That¡¯s what you do to me, Naomi.¡± He says. His voice is quieter than normal and it sounds gruff and deep.


    Fuck it, this man is sexy, and annoyingly beautiful.


    I need to get out of here before I let him make his wishes of having me on his desk and tasting my treasure ind from behinde true.


    Oh God, I¡¯d like that.


    ¡± Then why don¡¯t you let me show you?¡± Killian whispers, slowly approaching me.


    Shit! Did I say myst thought out loud?


    I back away, only to have my back pressed against the door.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you let me show you what I want to do to you?¡± He¡¯s standing in front of me now, one hand on the next to my head and the other on my waist.


    He leans closer, his mouth nearly touching the skin of my neck.


    ¡± You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing to me, princess, especially when you look this fucking beautiful. And when you look at me like that, fuck¡­¡± He whispers, and the slight touch of his lips on that spot close to my earlobe makes me shiver.


    I¡¯ve been horny since he said those dirty things to me in his kitchen and I haven¡¯t been able to stop myself from thinking about him or his words.


    I gulp.


    Goosebumps fill my skin, and I¡¯m wet down there. If only he knows he affects me as much as I affect him.


    But as much as I want to give in and just kiss him, I find myself gently pushing him away. He¡¯s surprised as he smirks at me, knowing me, he knows I¡¯m about to escape from his office.


    ¡± And no, I don¡¯t want you to kiss me.¡± I answer his previous question, earning augh from Killian ck as I sneak out of his office.

 Chapter 27

    Killian¡¯s POV


    ¡± God, this whole wedding shit is more than exhausting. I¡¯m the best man and yet I don¡¯t know what to do.¡± I mutter, sighing as I loosened my tie, whilst leaning back on my chair.


    Raymond smiles as he nces at the magazine I pushed towards him. The magazine is an idea of ces for my brother¡¯s bachelor party two weeks from now.


    Raymond flips through it and I reach for my inte to buzz my assistant, only to realize I don¡¯t have an assistant and I fired thest one, Kirsten.


    ¡± Shit.¡± I curse, as I withdraw my hand from the inte.


    Raymond looks up from the magazine and asks.


    ¡± Are you okay? Is something wrong?¡± He asks, clearly concerned.


    I sigh, ncing around my floor and the workers through the one way mirror of my office.


    ¡± Nothing.¡± I wave it off.


    ¡± Are you sure?¡± Raymond asks.


    He¡¯s a genuinely caring person. He cares too much and sometimes I don¡¯t like it. I don¡¯t think I even deserve Raymond¡¯s friendship. I treat him like shit sometimes despite the fact that he works for me and he¡¯s also my friend.


    I nod. ¡± Yeah.¡± I point to the magazine. ¡± So what do you think? Should we do Las Vegas?¡±


    ¡± There are, like tons of strip clubs in Vegas. Keith doesn¡¯t seem like a guy who would like strip clubs and casinos.¡±


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I rub my palm down my face. ¡± Why the fuck did he let me be his best man?¡±


    ¡± Well, for one you¡¯re his younger brother, and obviously the closest male friend he has.¡± Raymond says.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± I truly suck at this shit.¡± I mutter. It¡¯s Thursday morning and I¡¯m already stressed and exhausted, and I badly crave caffeine right now.


    ¡± What does your brother like?¡±


    ¡± Nothing.¡± I deadpan.


    ¡± I think he likes something. I mean if you¡¯re the one getting married, and maybe I turn out to be your best man, a strip club might be the first thing thates into my mind.¡±


    I stare nkly at Raymond.


    He shrugs. ¡± Nevermind.¡± He waves his hand and goes back to ncing at morous ces around the world while I try not to dwell on the fact that I might get married someday.


    Might.


    ¡± Keith likes to y long tennis.¡± I voice out. Raymond looks up from the magazine and smiles.


    ¡°¡­ when we were younger.¡± I continue. ¡± So there¡¯s a possibility he wouldn¡¯t want to y long tennis on his bachelor¡¯s night.¡±


    Raymondughs and shakes his head.


    ¡± How about camping? Is he an outdoor kind of guy? You know your brother more than anyone else.¡±


    God, I doubt that. I barely know my brother. We don¡¯t always hangout after I go into business. Even when he usually stops by my office and house and calls me often about hanging out, I alwayse up with excuses.


    I¡¯m a shitty person. I know.


    Raymond¡¯s ideas about camping is a brilliant idea and I like it. Keith loved the outdoors when we were younger, but I¡¯m pretty sure he hasn¡¯t gone camping thesest years.


    ¡± The groomsmen, the groom, including the best man can just go camping. See the world and mother nature, andter wound back to a cabin stuck in the woods with this beautifulke. You could swim, talk about life and love, it¡¯s a nicebo, and then drink beer and dance and listen to music.¡± He says as he sags his shoulders.


    I stay quiet, staring at Raymond. He sighs and nods his head, thinking I hate his idea when I loved it.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I¡­¡±


    ¡± Howe it took thepany five years of you working with us before you could get a promotion to being in charge of the marketing team.¡±


    ¡± Well, you denied me a promotion five times when I asked for it.¡±


    Well shit. I guess I¡¯m a shittier person than I give myself credit for.


    ¡± Thanks. It¡¯s a brilliant idea. I will think about it.¡± I say, collecting the magazine from Raymond.


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    ¡± Do you think I can get coffee?¡± I ask Raymond who¡¯s standing up from his chair opposite mine.


    He looks at me, a disappointed gaze to be precise as he shakes his head.


    ¡± I told you to tell HR to recruit a new assistant for me, I didn¡¯t get a word from you.¡±


    ¡± There are no applicants even from the first floor to your floor. No one wants to work with you Killian and you¡¯re lucky¡­¡±


    A knock on the door stops Raymond¡¯s speech. We both turn to look at the door and the person behind it.


    ¡± Come in.¡± I called this person.


    My office door opens and a guy walks in. Blonde short hair, tight ck chinos pants, white shirt, big sses hang on his nose, and he¡¯s carrying aptop bag. I bring my gaze down to his features and he probably stands at 5 feet 5 inches. A little short for a guy, and he¡¯s wearing converse. And he¡¯s also gay. I can tell, thanks to Raymond and his boyfriend.


    ¡± Who asked for pizza?¡± I ask out of the blue, the same time the guy introduces himself.


    ¡± Hi. I¡¯m Jamie.¡± He frowns a little, because I just referred to him as a pizza delivery guy.


    ¡± I can wait outside if you guys are busy.¡± Jamie says, pushing his sses back as he licks his dry lips.


    He looks nervous, ncing between Raymond and I.


    ¡± What¡­¡± Raymond cuts me off by addressing Jamie.


    ¡± No, it¡¯s fine. You¡¯re¡­¡± Raymond trails off.


    ¡± Oh. I just got interviewed for the position of an assistant to Mr. ck on Monday, which was three days ago. Well, I got called in today to start work.¡±


    What?


    Okay first, if he¡¯s my assistant, he¡¯s definitely given me a bad impression on his first day because he¡¯ste. An assistant should be at work before their boss. What assistantes to work at 10:am?


    I turn to look at Raymond, at the same time his eyes meet mine.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t know.¡± He defends himself.


    ¡± Am I fired already?¡± Jamie speaks from behind Raymond.


    ¡± Stop talking and shut your mouth.¡± I snap.


    ¡± Right.¡± Jamie mutters, and looks everywhere else but me.


    I bring my gaze back to Raymond. He smiles slyly at me.


    ¡± You were looking for an assistant.¡±


    ¡± He can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± Why? I can interview him myself before letting him properly start.¡± Raymond says.


    We argue as if Jamie isn¡¯t in the room.

 Chapter 28

    Killian¡¯s POV


    I sigh and rub my eyes. Naomi is supposed to be here already. I told her to drop in today and drop her resume to my HR department and she¡¯s not here. Or maybe she¡¯s in the building and I¡¯m not aware since the HR department is three floors beneath my floor.


    ¡± I gave Naomi a job as my assistant.¡±


    ¡± What? Why would you do that?¡± Raymond questions. I re at him.


    ¡± This is mypany, Raymond, you won¡¯t tell me how to run it.¡± I snap at my friend, hating myself for barking at him like that.


    Sometimes he always crosses his boundaries and it annoys me.


    ¡± Right. Then I¡¯m gonna walk Jamie out then.¡± Raymond says disappointedly.     God he¡¯s making me look like aplete jerk.


    ¡± Jamie, go fetch me coffee, will you?¡± I request, staring at Raymond as I ce my order.


    ¡± Um sure? What¡¯s your preference?¡±


    ¡± ck, no sugar.¡± I say, sparing a nce towards Jamie.


    He nods, straightens his bag as he leaves my office. Raymond sighs and sits back down.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I said that.¡± Raymond apologizes. ¡± I was just surprised you¡¯d offer Naomi a job. How are you sure she¡¯s good?¡±


    ¡± I told her to drop her resume today for HR to interview her. She needs a job.¡±


    ¡± I thought she was working as a cocktail waitress in your club?¡±


    ¡± Well, I can¡¯t watch men try to flirt with her and even go as far as groping her.¡± I grit my teeth as I say.


    Raymond¡¯s quiet for a minute as he nods. ¡± Right.¡± He sighs. ¡± You don¡¯t have to feel bad that I¡¯m about to walk Jamie out the building and tell him he didn¡¯t get the job.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t feel bad.¡± I say bluntly.


    ¡± Of course. Why the coffee?¡±


    ¡± I need one.¡±


    Raymond nods. He taps his fingers on the arms of the chair he¡¯s sitting on, and then he stands up.


    ¡± Is there a vacancy in marketing?¡± I ask at once. Raymond¡¯s surprised as he stares at me.


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡± Uh¡­ yeah. Saint Louis retired on Monday. He¡¯s gotten a little old.¡±


    ¡± There are oldies in mypany?¡±


    ¡± Cut me some ck, Killian. He¡¯s not that old. Louis is 50 years old.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± That¡¯s old.¡±


    ¡± You wanted an old assistant.¡± He points out. I don¡¯t say anything. ¡± Also, Louis is literally good too. Old, young, doesn¡¯t matter as long as they get the job done, right?¡± He asks pointedly.


    I don¡¯t give him an answer.


    ¡± Right. So you wanna put Naomi in marketing?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And you¡¯re gonna go through Jamie¡¯s files and background check, including his former employer. If he¡¯s really good, then send him over.¡±


    ¡± Sure. Should I also interview Naomi?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s not here, is she?¡±


    Raymond sighs and nods. I stare at the digital time on my desk and it¡¯s 12 minutes past 10:am. Why¡¯s she not here? Yesterday she didn¡¯t act happily when I offered her a job. She thought I was joking about giving her a job.


    Why would I even joke about that?


    Is that the reason she¡¯s not here yet? She¡¯s supposed to be here by 9:am and she¡¯s already one hourte. Also I have a feeling she didn¡¯t like the idea of working for me. I guess a part of her thinks working close to me she might finally realize she wants me as much as I want her.


    Fuck,st night when I get home, with Naomi in my head as I think about what her lips will taste like and how I almost stole a kiss from her, I went straight to my bar at the corner of my living, grab a bottle of bourbon as I sit myself on my couch and relieve my sex from it¡¯s throbbing. Naomi¡¯s lips and whatever dirty thing I nned on doing to her was the only thing in my mind as I got off.


    It was wrong, filthy, but I didn¡¯t care.


    Maybe letting her work in marketing will make me figure out what the hell I am doing?


    God, I want her so desperately.


    Leaning back against my chair, I stare at Raymond from underneath myshes, and I don¡¯t answer his question.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go find Jamie.¡±


    I nod.


    There is a soft knock and I already know it¡¯s Jamie. Raymond opens the door for him and Jamie enters, trying to bnce hisptop bag and my paper coffee cup.


    ¡± Here¡¯s your coffee sir?¡±


    ¡± Did you go outside the building to get it?¡± I ask him.


    Raymond shakes his head and takes the coffee from him.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡­ wasn¡¯t i¡­¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna show him the ropes, don¡¯t worry about it, boss.¡± Raymond gives me a small smile and frowns at the paper cup in his hand.


    ¡± I¡¯ll tell Ruby to bring you a new coffee.¡± He says.


    Knowing I won¡¯t reply to his words, he escorts Jamie out of my office.


    Goddamnit.


    I watch Raymond walk side by side with Jamie as Jamie says something to him, obviously trying to right his wrong about getting me coffee from outside my building. Raymond doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯s in the mood to answer Jamie. He hands Ruby, a short, petite woman the paper coffee cup and tells her something.


    I roll my eyes and look away as I rub my eyes. Thursdays are never my day. I have loads of paperwork on my desk I¡¯m supposed to go through myself since I don¡¯t have an assistant and I¡¯m already exhausted. I want to go home and rest but I have to go through this countless paperwork.


    I grab the desk phone and dial HR¡¯s department. Two rings and a woman picks up.


    ¡± Human resources.¡± The woman says on the line.


    ¡± It¡¯s Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Good morning sir. How may I help you today?¡± Her voice is a different tone all of a sudden.


    ¡± Did you interview Ms. Alderson today?¡±


    ¡± Um¡­ I¡¯m not In charge of today¡¯s interview. Let me put you through to Matilda. One second sir.¡± She says.


    ¡± I¡¯m waiting.¡±


    After two beeps, a new voicees through.


    ¡± This is Matilda. Good morning Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Did you interview Ms. Alderson today? Brte, dark brown eyes, olive skinned¡­¡± I go straight to the point.


    ¡± Uh¡­¡± I hear flipping of pages in her background.


    ¡± Yes. She said she was referred to us by you. She didn¡¯t have any rmendations from any past employer.¡±


    ¡± Did you interview her?¡±


    ¡± Um, yeah. But I told her we¡¯d get in touch.¡±


    ¡± What the fuck!¡± I scream at her.


    ¡± I-I I¡¯m sorry sir. I¡­¡± Matilda stammers.


    ¡± Why the fuck would you do that? She told you I referred her, you had no right to ask her to go home.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry sir. I¡­¡±


    ¡± Just thank your stars I¡¯m in a good mood, you should be fired already.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry sir, I didn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡± I need her address sent to my email right now.¡±


    ¡± Okay sir. Thank you sir. I¡¯ll do that right away sir.¡±


    I m the phone down in anger. Giving her a job was an end to her waiting tables and serving drinks in my club to these horny patrons. It took a lot of convincing to make her decide to drop by today. She even thought it was a joke. Now what is she going to think when she gets interviewed and told to go home because Matilda thought she wasn¡¯t good enough.


    That little¡­ Fuck, I don¡¯t even know who the hell is Matilda and how long she¡¯s been working for me. I don¡¯t even give a shit. Sending Naomi back home is my problem right now.


    There¡¯s a new email at the bottom of myputer and I click it. It¡¯s Naomi¡¯s address. I stand to my feet at once as I grab my suit jacket. Shoving my arms through the sleeves, I grab my phone as I hurry out of my office.


    There¡¯s only one agenda on my mind right now and that¡¯s making sure Naomi doesn¡¯t go back to waiting tables in my club. She barely even likes me, and she¡¯s slowly warming up to me and beingfortable and I¡¯m happy. I¡¯ve spent thesest weeks chasing her more than I¡¯ve chased any other girls, and I am not nning on stopping until she¡¯s mine.


    I shoot a quick text to Raymond that I¡¯ll be back soon as I slip inside the back of my car.

 Chapter 29

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    God I hated disappointment.


    When Killian told me he¡¯s offering me a job, I flew to the moon and came back. God, I was the happiest person on Earth. I called my mom and even my brother to tell them that I¡¯ve finally gotten a job even when I¡¯ve not secured my position yet. I just felt hopeful. This was Killian ck that we¡¯re talking about. I was surprised, but grateful and I trusted him. I knew this was a rare opportunity for me and I was willing and ready to sacrifice everything for this new job.


    I even borrowed Bianca¡¯s pencil ck skirt to match my green top and ck pumps. I dressed to impress, while I tried to y the role of a new employee of KB tech. I wanted to look like I belonged because it was a real shot for me. Bianca and I even nned on binge drinking when we both got back from our jobs. She scored her new job and she now has a real job.


    But that redhead, snobby bitch just ruined everything.


    ¡± You¡¯ve never worked before?¡± There was a scowl on her face as she interviewed me. The namete on her desk read Matilda Simmons.


    Redhead, short, I was obviously taller than her. She had a t nose, small lips, and green eyes. Her sharp suit even intimidated my own thrift top and Bianca¡¯s skirt, but I didn¡¯t let her see that I was intimidated by all of these.


    She wore a permanent scowl on her face and she was in her mid-thirties. Matilda scowled at my resume in front of her and a copy of my degree. She wasn¡¯t pleased and I didn¡¯t know why. Because, fuck it, I was proud of my degree. I did well in school. Although I didn¡¯t graduate as the valedictorian in my ss, I was among the top students who graduated with good results. But the way Matilda scowled at my certificates, that bitch made me wonder what the hell I was doing here.


    I thought I was just gonna be interviewed at least, and then sent to Killian ck¡¯s office for a proper briefing before I nned on resuming next week Monday. But that didn¡¯t happen. Because Ms. Redhead snobby hoe just snapped my documents shut and pushed it to me.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, we¡¯ll get back to you.¡±


    ¡± What? Why? I thought I was gonna be interviewed.¡± I said.


    ¡± There¡¯s nothing to interview.¡± She¡¯d said. ¡± You don¡¯t have any references and rmendations from any pastpanies that you¡¯ve worked for before. How do we know you deserved this position? How do I know you¡¯re fit for this job? You¡¯re just nothing.¡±


    Like are you fucking kidding me? This privileged redhead bitch just belittled me.


    ¡± I told you this is my first real job and Killian ck asked me toe in today to submit my resume.¡±


    ¡± And I heard you.¡±


    ¡± So what other rmendations are you looking for?¡± I was trying so hard not to snap.


    I hated job interviews and I hated snobby privileged women like Matilda Simmons here.


    ¡± We¡¯ll get back to you. If you may excuse me.¡±


    That little bitch!


    God she was so impolite, rude, and she carried herself like she co-founded KB TECH.


    With my big oversized loose t-shirt, I sit in front of my TV, watching The Walking Dead. Today¡¯s my day off and I likely don¡¯t have anywhere else to go either. I¡¯m bored, angry, pissed, and worst case scenario, horny.


    Yup, I¡¯m horny.


    I¡¯m 24, and I¡¯ve only dated two men, and both men barely had sex with me because the rtionship wasn¡¯t really that great. I¡¯m single, definitely not lonely or searching, but this particr gray eyed man has turned me into something else. A woman who wants to get off desperately and this woman wants it to be her boss.


    God, I couldn¡¯t get yesterday out of my head no matter how hard I tried. I couldn¡¯t forget his sexy, beautiful voice and each time I closed my eyes, I felt like I could still feel his hand on my waist, touching me. And then I can¡¯t seem to forget the fact that he was hard yesterday because of me. I couldn¡¯t take his clothed erection out of my head and this little filthy part of me came homest night and got off in the shower with my boss¡¯s image nted in my head.


    I know it was a silly thing to do.


    But I couldn¡¯t help myself. When I skipped out of his office yesterday, I was blushing like a fourteen years old who just had her first kiss.


    Ugh. Gross.


    I recalled how he called me his and how he beat the shit out of Eugene because he had his hand on me. That just seems to put my brain in flight mode with my boss clouding every cell in my brain. What¡¯s this? What is this that I¡¯m doing?


    What happened to all the pep talk I gave myself about staying away from Killian ck? And the mantra about never getting involved with privileged men like Killian ck? It obviously went through my right ear and passed through the left one.


    I didn¡¯t hear shit.


    Because every passing day, I find myself thinking about him and all the dirty things he promised to do to me. I¡¯ve never admitted it out loud and I¡¯m not gonna try it, but both my past boyfriends haven¡¯t eaten my coochie from behind before. Jesus, George barely gave me an orgasm. The day George had his mouth down there, it didn¡¯t feel good as I¡¯ve watched it in porn before. I had to tell him to stop because I didn¡¯t like it.


    The first boyfriend was shit. Sometimes I don¡¯t even count him as someone I dated because, I assumed I was young and we didn¡¯t date for long and also we weren¡¯t serious with each other. And that was true. We only had sex three times including the first time where he took my virginity for the one and a half year that we dated.


    Killian ck was on a whole new level when it came to my past boyfriends. He was different from the two men that I dated. Well, one was a man, the other wasn¡¯t really.


    Killian is yet to touch me and I always feel hot in all the right ces. Whenever he had his fingers on me, my heart beats so fast every time. I¡¯m not gonna lie, the man makes me feel different kinds of emotions I¡¯ve never felt before. He makes me want him, crave him, but yet I don¡¯t think I trust him enough to let him own me.


    Killian ck isn¡¯t the man that I want to be involved with. I keep telling myself that, but this other part of me, this part of me that secretly craves adventures wants to give Killian a chance. This part of me wants Killian¡¯s hands on me, with me bent over his desk as he had his way with me. This girl wants Killian ck to do a lot of dirty things to her. To ruin her, to mark her, and own her.


    My sex life is boring and giving a man like Killian ck a chance would spice things up. But why am I still holding back? Why¡¯s this second part of me, this carefree girl who has her life nned ahead of her, this carefree girl that won¡¯t think about her boss as she touched herself, this carefree girl who despises privileged men, this carefree girl who won¡¯t throw caution to the wind, scolding me to stay far away from Killian ck and give him ten feet?


    I know the answer.


    This carefree girl wants to date someone before she lets them right in. This carefree girl doesn¡¯t want to get hurt, and she guards her heart like it¡¯s a prison filled with pure gold.


    So I think I should listen to the carefree part of me and not the careless part of me who wants her boss to bend her over hisp and spank her ass because she doesn¡¯t listen.


    Fuck, it¡¯s not helping. I¡¯m craving his touch again. Ugh. Fuck you Killian.


    God, why are you so charming and seductive?


    I throw my head over the couch with a bucket of ice cream in my grasp. Today¡¯s myzy day, so yeah, I always eat ice cream and watch the episodes of the walking dead.


    My phone buzzes on the couch next to me. I pick it up and stare at the message disyed on my phone. It¡¯s a text from George.


    GEORGE: Hey. How did the interview go? I know you¡¯ve already scored this job.(attached with countless smiling emoji and one wink emoji)


    You poor thing.


    I toss my phone on the coffee table and ignore George¡¯s message. I really hoped I got the job. It would have changed my life. At least I won¡¯t have to go back to waiting tables and I can support my mom and Rachel more than I¡¯m already trying to support them.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    This should mean something right?


    That I¡¯m not meant to work in KB TECH in the first ce. At least I won¡¯t have to worry about falling for the CEO, Killian ck and maybe letting his damn wishes about bending me against his deske true. I should just go back to hating my boss and pretending he didn¡¯t barge into my life nearly four weeks ago and nearly turned my peaceful life upside down.


    That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m going to do.


    My phone buzzes again, same time my doorbell rings.


    Who could that be? I¡¯m not expecting anyone, and Bianca won¡¯t be home till 5pm today. I check my phone and it¡¯s a message from George checking on me. I lock the screen and drop my bucket of Ben and Jerry¡¯s ice cream as I walk towards the front door.


    God I hope it¡¯s not George. I¡¯m not in the mood for a conversation right now and I didn¡¯t tell George thepany I was supposed to get a job at was Killian ck¡¯spany. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to answer his questions. It¡¯s not like I owe him any answers.


    I unlock the door and pull it open, revealing no other than the devil himself. Killian fucking ck. What¡¯s he doing here? How did he find me?


    And why on Earth is he looking so damn hot in that fine custom tailored suit?


    ¡± What the h¡­¡±


    ¡± Can Ie in?¡± He asks, eyeing my simple outfit.


    I¡¯m not wearing anything under this loose t-shirt, except whitece panties.


    I¡¯m alone at home, so yeah I can wear whatever thing I want without having to worry anyone is going to interrupt my lonely,zy day.


    Killian¡¯s gaze travels from my face down my body, taking his time with checking me out. His gaze makes me feel conscious of what I¡¯m wearing and I¡¯m feeling like a highschool teenager again. His eyes linger on my nipples and my breasts that are slightly visible through the thin material.


    God, he¡¯s shameless.


    ¡± If staring at you because you look so beautiful makes me shameless, then fine I¡¯m shameless.¡±


    Fuck, I can¡¯t believe I said that out loud again. What¡¯s wrong with me?


    ¡± Can Ie in?¡± He asks again.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I step to the side and he enters.


    I shut the door behind him as Killian starts to take his shoes off.


    What a gentleman.


    I leave him by the door and turn around to leave, tugging at the hem of my shirt as I rush to the living room.


    ¡± Make yourselffortable, I¡¯ll join you soon!¡± I call out as I hurry to my bedroom to look more decent.


    I pull the loose shirt over my head and put on a bra. I grab a more fitting t-shirt and joggers. I run my fingers through my hair and stare at my reflection through my mirror. I look more decent and better looking.


    I take a deep breath still wondering what on Earth is Killian ck doing here as I step out of my bedroom. He¡¯s standing in the middle of my living room when I return, with his hands buried in his pockets. It seems as if he¡¯s big standing in the middle of my small living room. Killian nces around, taking notes of my apartment. I know he¡¯s probably wondering howe I stay here? Compared to his million dor mansion where I woke up four weeks ago.

 Chapter 30

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    I lean against the wall leading to the hallway and I clear my throat. He whips his head to my form as he studies me and my new attire.


    ¡± You¡¯re making me ufortable if you keep staring at me like that.¡± I mutter and cross my arms.


    Killian smirks. ¡± I can¡¯t say I¡¯m not disappointed. You look really sexy in the first outfit.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Because you could see my nipples.¡±


    ¡± They were beautiful. And you looked beautiful.¡± He whispers, still standing in the middle of my living room as he continues to watch me.


    ¡± God, you¡¯re disgusting.¡±


    He chuckles underneath his breath. ¡± You liked me being disgusting. It makes you wet.¡± His voice dropped impossibly quieter than usual.


    I stare at him in disbelief and I hate that he¡¯s right. He turns around so his entire self is facing me.


    ¡± What are you doing here? How did you find me?¡± I changed the topic at once.


    He raises his eyebrows and nces around my apartment again. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s disappointed or just surprised I live here.


    ¡± You live alone?¡± He asks.


    ¡± Nope.¡±


    ¡± Mm. Your roommate in?¡±


    ¡± She went to work.¡±


    ¡± Mm.¡± Killian licks his bottom lip and approaches me, taking slow strides towards my form with his hands in his pockets.


    Right now he looks intimidating and more predator-like. He stops in front of me, eyes cast down as he stares at me.


    ¡± Matilda told me you came.¡±


    I slightly shrug my shoulders nonchntly.


    ¡± Okay. So.¡±


    He tilts his head to the side, with his dark gaze fixed on me, not for once blinking.


    ¡± So she told me she didn¡¯t give you the job.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s correct. And she made me look like a fool.¡± I say. My arms are crossed over my chest and chin tilted upwards as I stare at this towering man.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know. I was worried you bailed on me.¡±


    ¡± I would never do that. Considering I needed the job and I was tired of filthy men staring at me like they wanted to eat me, and they will with any chance they get.¡±


    Killian¡¯s emotionless facial twitch for a second and he¡¯s back to his stoic expression. Cold to be exact.


    ¡± I want you to drop by tomorrow. I¡¯ll have Alvin pick you up.¡±


    ¡± What? I mean why?¡±


    ¡± Because you¡¯re not going back to waiting tables and having filthy men stare at you like they want you.¡± He grits out.


    I am quiet, with my arms still tightly crossed as I stare at this man. I don¡¯t know how but we¡¯re standing impossibly close, with my back against the wall and Killian towering over me.


    I sigh and look away. He can¡¯t just look at me like that and don¡¯t expect me to lean right in and have his lips against mine just so I can know what he tastes like. Maybe that will make me stay away and forget him for good.


    Just one kiss.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, Killian.¡±


    ¡± What don¡¯t you know?¡± He¡¯s back to whispering now.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know If that¡¯s a good idea.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± And why¡¯s that?¡±


    I shrug as a response.


    ¡± You¡¯re dropping by tomorrow with your resume and Alvin wille pick you up. It¡¯s non-negotiable. You want a job, I¡¯m offering you a job.¡±


    I exhale a breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding and then I nod.


    ¡± Is that a yes?¡±


    ¡± Yes. And I¡¯m not gonna work as your assistant.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    Okay? Wow. He didn¡¯t fight it. That¡¯s nice.


    ¡± So how did you get my address?¡± I ask him.


    ¡± Matilda.¡±


    Oh. That exins him showing up here out of the blue. I was given a form to fill by the front desk, and that includes my information like my address and phone number, before I was called into Matilda¡¯s office.


    ¡± You could have just asked Matilda to give me a call instead of driving here by yourself.¡±


    ¡± I wanted to see you.¡± He tells me.


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± You want me to tell you why.¡± It¡¯s not a question but it sounds like he¡¯s asking me a question.


    ¡± I¡¯m just surprised to see you.¡±


    ¡± Why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡± Killian ck won¡¯t pay me a visit unless it¡¯s something important.¡±


    There¡¯s a slight tug at the corner of his lip. A small smirk but it¡¯s gone the minute he smirked.


    ¡± Shouldn¡¯t you be leaving?¡± The room is strangely warm, or it¡¯s probably me because of our close proximity.


    I can¡¯t seem to think properly, with him standing here, so close to me. God I want to lean forward and inhale his manly scent mixed with his expensive cologne. And I just don¡¯t want that, I want more rather than just leaning in, but that will be absurd after the pep talk I gave myself.


    I know if he doesn¡¯t leave I might do something I might regret when morninges.


    ¡± Do you really hate me? Or you¡¯re just sending me wrong signals?¡±


    I can¡¯t believe he thinks I hate him. Although he pisses me off, hating this beautiful bastard Is thest thing on my mind.


    ¡± Because that won¡¯t stop me from chasing you.¡± He whispers.


    I bite my lip, with my chin still tilted up as I look at him.


    ¡± Stop doing that.¡± He whispers.


    ¡± Stop doing what?¡± I find myself whispering back.


    Surprisingly, Killian¡¯s hand reaches upwards and he strokes my bottom lip with his thumb, pulling it out from my teeth.


    ¡± That.¡± He whispers, hand holding the back of my head.


    My arms are no longer crossed and I don¡¯t even remember when I dropped them. He¡¯s leaning against me, head tilted to the side so he can whisper into my ear.


    ¡± You don¡¯t know how much I crave to have a taste of you.¡± His voice is deep. His breath is warm against my skin and it sends that electric feeling down my spine and straight to my core.


    God, what¡¯s he doing to me?


    I draw in a sharp breath as I involuntarily shut my eyes, trying to even my breathing. I can¡¯t win this game with him, I don¡¯t think I will. The more he chases me, the more he breaks my walls around me, and the more I want to have him. I want him to hold me. I want him to touch me. Fuck it, I want him to do a lot of things to me.


    I open my eyes, only to lock with perfectly beautiful gray eyes.


    ¡± Will you do me the honor of having a taste of you Ms. Alderson?¡± He whispers, his lips merely brushing against mine.


    Fuck it, I want to have a taste of his lips against mine too. I want to know what his lips taste like with mine molded against his in perfection.


    I don¡¯t think as I voice out.


    ¡± Yes.¡±


    Killian captures my lips at once as he kisses me.

 Chapter 31

    Killian¡¯s POV


    Fuck it¡¯s happening. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m fucking kissing Naomi Alderson. I can¡¯t believe she¡¯d give me a chance to lean in and taste her. She¡¯s fucking with my head, she¡¯s doing so many strange things to me and I don¡¯t think I can get enough of her.


    I just don¡¯t want this woman in my bed, I want her to be mine and mine only. I don¡¯t want to share her, I want to keep her and mark her beautiful body with my bites.


    My right hand holds her head still as our lips move in sync. She¡¯s putty in my arms as she moans into my mouth. Who knew she wanted to taste me this badly as much as I wanted to taste her.


    I suck her bottom lip, biting the flesh and groaning into her mouth. Naomi¡¯s hands are all over me, running through my torso as she tries to feel my skin through the dress shirt I¡¯m wearing. She pulls my dress shirt out of my pants and her hands start to undo my buttons just so she can feel my skin. I let go of her neck and bring my hand to her waist.


    ¡± Fuck, why are you wearing this?¡± I groan into her mouth, with my hand on her waist.


    She smiles against my lips. I slip my tongue into her mouth, tasting every corner of her mouth as I touch her. I run my hand down her back to the curve of her waist and then, I bring my hand lower to cup her ass.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I groan. She moans.


    I kiss the sides of her mouth to her neck as Naomi whimpers. Her hands are inside my shirt, feeling every ripples of my torso. I squeeze her ass and bathe her neck with my kisses, biting and marking her as I nt kisses on her neck. Letting go of her ass, I wrap her right leg around my waist so she can feel how aroused she makes me.


    ¡± Oh God.¡± She moans, holding onto me as she pulls me into her.


    ¡± Fuck. You don¡¯t know how much I¡¯ve always wanted to kiss you, princess.¡± I whisper into her ear and bite her earlobe.


    Naomi moans and grinds her hips, with our down regionsing in contact.


    ¡± Shit.¡± I curse.


    I slip my hand inside Naomi¡¯s shirt as I cup her breast in my hand. I bring my lips to hers again as we kiss, with my hand inside her shirt cupping her average tits and then I give it a squeeze. I reach behind her to slightly unhook her bra and from underneath her small bra, I cup her bare flesh in my hand.


    I nearly lose it when her breast touches my palm. It¡¯s little, but handful and fucking soft. If I continue like this I won¡¯t be able to stop. I have to stop, but part of my self control is already gone out the door.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± I whisper into her mouth, as she whimpers.


    ¡± Why are you stopping?¡± She whispers as she cups my cheek and pulls my lips back to hers.


    ¡± I¡¯m trying to hold back or I won¡¯t stop.¡± I say to her, as our lips move against each other.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want you to stop.¡± She whispers.


    Her one hand leaves my cheek and trails down to my erection. She cups it and squeezes.


    Fuck. What¡¯s she doing? She¡¯s ying with fire and she doesn¡¯t know it. Just yesterday, she avoided me and acted like my words didn¡¯t make her wet and crave for my touch, but here we¡¯re, with her grabbing my dick and grinding against me.


    God, to be honest I love this side of her. It turns me the fuck on and all I want to do right now is have my way with her. But I can¡¯t. She¡¯s probably horny and wants someone, I can¡¯t take advantage of that. But Naomi isn¡¯t letting me stop even if I don¡¯t want to stop. Our lips are locked in an intense make out, with her hand still on my crotch, and my hand inside her shirt as I tease her nipples.


    A set of keys falling to the floor makes us jerk apart at once. We turn our head at once to look at the source of the noise and there¡¯s someone in her apartment. Blonde haired, dressed in work clothes, and I think she looks like the girl from Bart¡¯s. The friend that ditched Naomi to leave with her boyfriend.


    Fuck.


    How can I forget she doesn¡¯t live alone and she has a roommate? Naomi pulls away from me at once, like I¡¯m some infectious disease. I smile in my head and button my shirt.


    ¡± Bia.¡± Naomi addresses the blonde while I button my suit jacket and run my fingers through my hair to make it look as if someone wasn¡¯t tugging at it a few seconds ago.


    ¡± See you at the office tomorrow, Naomi.¡± I say as I walk towards the door.


    Naomi¡¯s friend just stares at me, surprised, and shocked. I don¡¯t care which one it is. I give her a single nod and scurry out of her apartment.


    As much as I desperately wanted to kiss Naomi since Iid eyes on her, letting my guard down and touching her in her apartment she shared with her roommate was below me. I shouldn¡¯t have. I stare down at my erection and adjust my pants as I ride the elevator down. It makes a dingy sound as it descends. It¡¯s obviously old and needs repair.


    I can¡¯t believe she lived here. The apartment wasn¡¯t that bad but it wasn¡¯t good either. It was manageable and she and her roommate managed to make it lookfy and nice. It reminded me of when I was still young, living in an apartment like this, but ours was worse and it was a run-down building.


    A ce like this doesn¡¯t suit her. I don¡¯t mind asking her to move out and maybe live with me while I buy her a new apartment, knowing Naomi she would turn the offer down. She¡¯s an independent woman and I notice she likes to work for her own thing, unlike most women I¡¯ve had dinners with and brought home. They always want to feed off of rich men¡¯s pockets. It¡¯s sickening.


    I walk out of the lobby of the old apartment, with the woman behind the desk eyeing me strangely. I don¡¯t acknowledge her as I step out towards the small parking lot, considering most people who live here don¡¯t have a car because of theck of cars. I enter the back seat of my car and shut the door.


    ¡± Where to sir?¡± Alvin asks.


    I sigh and nce at the building from outside.


    ¡± Work.¡±


    ¨C


    ¡± Sir, I¡¯ve gone through your emails and I¡¯ve sent messages to some of your investors about pushing the meeting to next week.¡± Jamie says.


    Jamie isn¡¯t that bad even if he just resumed today. He¡¯s annoyingly polite and says sorry too much. It pisses me off to be sincere. I look up from my phone and stare at Jamie.


    ¡°Thank you Jamie.¡±


    He nods. ¡± Will that be all for now sir? Would you like me to do something for you?¡±


    ¡± That will be all for now.¡±


    Jamie bows his head and leaves my office.


    I stare at my phone thinking about forming an excuse to tell my mom why I wouldn¡¯t be able to make it to dinner with the rest of the family tonight. They would know I¡¯m lying because I¡¯m always willing to give up different excuses just so I wouldn¡¯t dine with my mom and Keith. She¡¯s too invested in my life and it annoys the shit out of me all the time, especially when she talks about marriage and she¡¯s definitely doing that tonight.


    I groan and type a response to Keith, telling him I will be there.


    ¨C


    When eveninges, I close for the day and Alvin drives me home. I change out of my clothes and take a quick shower. Goldie¡¯s voice read me my iing calls and messages, including my emails. I¡¯mte for this evening¡¯s dinner my mother had set up just so she can pry into my personal life and talk to me about marriage.


    That¡¯s just part of her job. To taunt me every day of my life in finding a wife. Like who said I needed a wife right now?


    I changed into a new set of gray dress shirts and ck pants. I grab my suit jacket and put it on. Once I¡¯m fully dressed, I check my reflection in the mirror before I leave thefort of my home. I slip into the backseat of my car, and Alvin starts the car as he drives out of my house.


    Not less than 20 minutes, Alvin pulls the car to a stop outside of my mother¡¯s favorite restaurant. Although their services are good, and maybe they make good meals, to me, this restaurant is just overhyped. It has the standard family kind of dining and decorations, but yet, it¡¯s not the type of restaurant it¡¯de to eat.


    ¡± Reservation for Karen ck.¡± I say to the manager, referring to my mother¡¯s first name.


    She smiles at me, all flirty and seductive.


    ¡± Right this way, please.¡± She says and starts to walk. I follow her and she leads me to the far end of the restaurant.


    There, my mother sits with Keith and Eve. They¡¯re drinking and talking and they look happy. Keith sees me when he raises his head and he gives me a warm smile.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Hey, Kil.¡± Keith says, standing up to give me a brotherly hug.


    I don¡¯t return it, caught off guard by his embrace. If I can remember vividly, Keith hasn¡¯t hugged me like this before. Well, he has tried, but I¡¯ve refused countless times. I tap my brother on the back and we pull apart. Keith sits down.


    ¡± Hey mama.¡± I kiss my mother on her cheek and sit down next to her.


    ¡± Wee son.¡± Mom replies.


    ¡± Hi, Eve. How are you?¡± I ask my brother¡¯s wife.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine, Kil. What¡¯s up with you? How are you doing?¡±


    I just nod once and nce at her. She looks nice, maybe prettier than thest time I saw her.


    ¡± Everything¡¯s fine. You look beautiful.¡± Ipliment.


    Eve blushes, and smiles warmly. ¡± Thank you. That means somethinging from you. You look good yourself.¡±


    I chuckle under my breath and turn to look at my brother. He¡¯s watching Eve and I¡¯s exchange.


    ¡± I¡¯m not trying to snatch her away from you, Keith. Drop the guard, yeah?¡± I tease my brother.


    Heughs softly.


    ¡± I know. You¡¯re not her type anyway.¡± Keith tells me.


    My motherughs softly.


    ¡± Yeah? Thest time I checked, I was every girl¡¯s type.¡± I retorted.


    ¡± Don¡¯t shit yourself, Kil.¡± Keith rolls his eyes.


    ¡± Boys, cut it out.¡± My mother interjects. ¡± We¡¯ve already ordered, son, what would you like?¡± My mom asks.


    She hasn¡¯t aged a bit as I stare at her. She looks beautiful and well dressed like every other day.


    ¡± What¡¯s on the menu?¡± I ask, turning to look at Keith who¡¯s still going through his own menu.


    ¡± Same old French food.¡± Keith sighs and passes me the menu.


    ¡± Thanks.¡± I mutter, and go through the menu.


    Finding nothing catchy, I close the menu and drop it on the table.


    ¡± Where the hell is the waitress?¡± I ask.

 Chapter 32

    Killian¡¯s POV


    Keith waves the waitress over and she walks to our table. She smiles politely and we give her our orders. Once she¡¯s written them down, she leaves.


    ¡± So how¡¯s business, son?¡± Mom asks.


    ¡± Good.¡± I pour wine for myself as my family watches me.


    ¡± Good? More business opportunitiesing in?¡± Mom asks.


    ¡± Yeah, mom. Everything¡¯s fine. I¡¯m fine.¡± I say and sip my wine, avoiding the gaze of my family.


    ¡± You look fine.¡± Evepliments me. I give her a warm smile and continue to sip my wine.


    ¡± Still seeing Celine?¡± Mom asks at once.


    ¡± I just got here, mom. Please stop.¡±


    Keithughs. Eve chuckles and shakes her head.


    ¡± And who the hell is Celine?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± No one. Drop it.¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s pretty, she¡¯s decent, and obviously doing well for herself. She would have made a good wife for Killian here.¡± Mom says.


    ¡± Celine and I aren¡¯t in a rtionship. You ought to be dating someone before thinking about marriage. I¡¯m not even dating anyone right now. Mom, you need to stop.¡±


    Keith chuckles. ¡± Mom, let him be, okay?¡± Keith speaks up. ¡± Just let us eat dinner first and we¡¯ll talk about this stuff.¡±


    ¡± Thank you. And we¡¯re not talking about any stuff.¡± I mutter, and gulp my wine till it¡¯s empty.


    The waitresses back with our food as she arranges them on the table. Once the waitress leaves, we start to eat.


    ¨C


    ¡± How¡¯s the wedding arrangements going?¡± Mom asks the couple after our dinner.


    I pull out my phone, trying to distract myself and avoid my mother¡¯s uing questions as I scroll through the inte.


    ¡± Fine. I really can¡¯t wait to marry him.¡± I hear Eve say.


    ¡± What about you, Killian?¡± My mother asks beside me, making me snap my head up to stare at her.


    I groan and rub my eyes as I bite my lip and look away, turning off my phone and slipping it inside my suit jacket.


    ¡± When are you ever gonna stop, mom?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not gonna stop, not until you find someone.¡±


    ¡± Uh¡­ I think he¡¯s found someone.¡± Keith says from opposite me.


    I turn to look at him and give him a look.


    Uh, what the hell did I miss?


    ¡± What are you talking about?¡± I re at Keith. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯d bring Naomi into this.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I just had an intense kiss with her not too long ago and I don¡¯t even know where we stand. I am not even sure that she likes me. I¡¯m not even sure she wants to be with me. Bringing up Naomi is a wrong thing to do.


    ¡± Yeah. What are you talking about?¡± Mom asks and looks at Keith.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think I¡¯m in the ce to tell you about Killian¡¯s love life.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not in love.¡± I point out.


    ¡± But you will be soon.¡± Keith says.


    Now I really want to hurl this wine ss in front of me at Keith.


    ¡± What¡¯s going on?¡± Eve asks instead.


    ¡± Nothing is going on. I¡¯m not in love with anyone.¡± I turn to look at mom. ¡± And mom you need to stop. I¡¯m not settling down, at least not anytime soon. You need to give me a break and leave me alone. You¡¯ve got Keith and Eve. They¡¯re getting married and expecting a baby. Why aren¡¯t you content?¡±


    ¡± Because you need someone, Kil. Someone who truly wants you for you and not because you¡¯re some popr Billionaire with a nice six packs.¡± My mom says.


    My shoulders sag and I look away from my mother. I can¡¯t win this fight with her. I¡¯m never gonna win. She¡¯s not gonna stop.


    ¡± Are you willing to tell us about this girl Keith just talked about?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s nobody.¡± I said in a t tone. ¡± And stay out of my shit, Keith.¡± I add.


    Keith just chuckles, shaking his head.


    ¡± Well, her name¡¯s Naomi. She¡¯s hot, and really pretty and I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s got our boy here, craving for her like a damn lover boy.¡± Keith says.


    Seriously how the fuck is he my brother? How the hell are we still talking? This little piece of shit.


    I bite my lip and re at Keith. This son of an asshole just smirks at me. His revtion seems to spike the women¡¯s attention, because their gazes are fixed on me.


    ¡± Fuck it. What! I like her. She doesn¡¯t want me, or maybe she does, but she thinks I don¡¯t deserve her. Maybe I don¡¯t, maybe I do, but she¡¯s making my life miserable with her constant no¡¯s. It¡¯s fucking with my head.¡± I ramble.


    The table falls silent.


    ¡± Look, I really like her, but she¡¯s been sending me mixed signals ever since Iid my eyes on her.¡±


    ¡± Wow. That¡¯s a loting from Killian ck. She really got you this worked up, huh?¡± Eve tries in an attempt to lighten my mood.


    I don¡¯t smile at her or my family. I¡¯m in a mess and I want to go home, with Naomiying next to me, with her arms and hands around me. She letting me kiss her should mean something, but there¡¯s this itch at the back of my head that keeps telling me it doesn¡¯t mean anything. She might wake up tomorrow morning and act like we weren¡¯t tongue tied a few hours ago in her apartment.


    Fuck, she¡¯s gonna be the death of me.


    ¡± So she¡¯s the hard type?¡± Eve asks. My mother has been awfully quiet. It¡¯s weird. She always has something to say in these types of situations.


    ¡± Something like that.¡±


    ¡± Damn. I love her already. You should invite her to my wedding. If it¡¯s possible, I want her to be part of my bridesmaids.¡± Eve says, smiling and giggling at the same time.


    ¡± No. I don¡¯t know, Eve.¡±


    ¡± Why not? Aren¡¯t you, like, friends?¡±


    ¡± Naomi and I aren¡¯t friends.¡±


    ¡± You should be. That¡¯s the only way you can get her to trust you, and maybe give you a shot to her heart. Honey, did you tell him about toning down his flirting?¡± Eve says.


    ¡± I don¡¯t flirt.¡± I defend. ¡± That much.¡±


    Eve rolls her eyes. ¡± Oh please. You¡¯re like the king of flirting. You can get any girl you want in your bed the minute you open that mouth of yours.¡±


    Well, except Naomi Alderson.


    The woman who has invaded my dreams and she¡¯s turned my world upside down without even knowing it.


    ¡± You should invite her to have dinner with us. Let¡¯s get to know her.¡± Mom speaks finally.


    ¡± Oh no. I¡¯m not gonna do that.¡±


    ¡± Why not?¡± Mom questions innocently.


    ¡± Because you¡¯re gonna try to set us up together.¡±


    ¡± Isn¡¯t that what you want?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± Mom¡¯s gonna put pressure on her. No, I don¡¯t want that. Y¡¯all should stop this, alright? I¡¯m fucking tired of it and I need a break.


    I turn to face my mom. ¡± Mom, please, stop. Stop interfering with my rtionship and let me lead my life the way I want. I¡¯m not a child, you need to stop treating me as one. This gotta stop. I will settle down with someone when I want to.¡±


    Mom gives me a small smile and cups my cheeks.


    For fuck¡¯s sake.


    ¡± You¡¯re my child and it¡¯s my duty to worry. Let¡¯s go home.¡± Mom gives me a triumphant smile and picks her purse as she stands up.


    I huff and re at Keith.


    ¡± You¡¯re an asshole.¡± I inform my brother and stand up, walking ahead of my family and cursing under my breath, wondering why the hell they¡¯re my family in the first ce.


    I guess I¡¯m being overdramatic.

 Chapter 33

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± So, you don¡¯t want to tell me?¡± Bianca speaks up while I try to clean the kitchen after cooking.


    When Killian left after Bianca caught us kissing, She¡¯d been asking me what was going on between Killian and I. I seriously don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening between us. I disliked the guy months ago when I first met him, not because he really did anything to me, but because he was a selfish, egotistical, and privileged asshole.


    If I can recall, counting from the very first day we had a conversation, Killian has been nice to me. Well, he flirts a lot, and he can be perverted sometimes, but he¡¯s nice. I guess he can be an asshole and a jerk face when he wants to.


    ¡± Naomi, can you say something?¡±


    I pause what I¡¯m doing. ¡± What do you want me to say?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. I walked into our apartment and saw you tongue tied with this hot guy you swore not to be involved with¡­¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t swear.¡±


    ¡± It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Bianca waves me off. ¡± You guys were tongue tied, with his tongue down your throat in the middle of our apartment. You guys were gropi¡­¡±


    ¡± Ew, Bia, please don¡¯t.¡± I giggle and shake my head. ¡± It¡¯splicated.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m all ears.¡± Bianca shrugs, smiling ear to ear.


    ¡± Well, he dropped by the apartment today because of this job thing. When I went over to hispany to submit my resume, I met this redhead, ugly bitch and she didn¡¯t give me the job. That was why he was here today. We talked, we uh¡­¡± I clear my throat, with my cheeks already burning red as I look away from Bianca.


    Bianca grinned.


    ¡± Well, he leaned in for a kiss and I kissed back.¡± I mutter and cross my arms.


    ¡± Holy fuck stick! Holy shit monkey!¡± Bianca exims. I stare at her in awe as she smiles.


    ¡± Holy fuck stick? Holy shit monkey?¡± I ask her,ughing. ¡± Where the hell did you get that from?¡±


    ¡± Does it matter?¡± Bianca chuckles. ¡± You and Killian ck kissed. That is hot and it¡¯s so amazing.¡± She emphasizes like she was the one who kissed him. ¡± Did you like it?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡± Ohe on, stop the pretense. We¡¯re no longer kids, we¡¯re grown up adults.¡±


    I bite my lip and sit myself down on the kitchen stool.


    ¡± Yes I liked it. I didn¡¯t even want to stop.¡±


    ¡± Oh my fucking God. Damn girl, you¡¯re my little slut.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± I chuckle. ¡± You¡¯re crazy.¡±


    ¡± What was it like?¡± Bianca asks.


    ¡± How am I supposed to reply to that?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. You just gotta tell me what it¡¯s like to be exchanging spit with Killian.¡±


    ¡± Ew. God, you¡¯re gross.¡± I say. Biancaughs.


    ¡± Ohe on, you know what I mean. You were so into it, the kiss. Including him, he had his hands all over you and I was beyond shocked, trust me.¡±


    I smile. ¡± Well, I gotta admit the kiss was better than I expected. It was so hot and so freaking good I think I nearly came. It was better than George¡¯s and¡­ you know ¡®he whose name shall never be named.''¡±


    We burst into chuckles, shaking our heads.


    ¡± You¡¯re crazy, more crazy than I am.¡± Bianca chuckles and I shake my head.


    ¡± The thing I don¡¯t understand is that you don¡¯t like Killian ck. It¡¯s a surprise you¡¯re attracted to him.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. I didn¡¯t say I wasn¡¯t attracted to Killian. Well, at first I didn¡¯t like him. He was just¡­ I don¡¯t know, different from me, but I was kind of attracted to him. I¡¯m a woman and you already know he¡¯s an attractive man. I wasn¡¯t ready to get involved with him. Not anytime soon.¡±


    ¡± Mm. And you guys are, like, in a rtionship now? You know, since he had his tongue down your throat.¡± Bianca smirks at me.


    I re at her from underneath myshes.


    ¡± We¡¯re not in a rtionship. The fact that we just kissed doesn¡¯t mean that we¡¯re magically together. People kiss all the time, it doesn¡¯t have to mean anything.¡±


    ¡± Okay, so are you gonna give him a chance?¡± Bianca asks. ¡± Because what I saw minutes ago was nothing I¡¯ve seen before. That was hot and I saw the whole sexual tension between you two.¡±


    I sigh.


    ¡± Killian and I are two different people. He¡¯s this wealthy and powerful man who¡¯s got almost everything he wants. I, on the other hand, I¡¯m just a random girl. Killian likes to y, Bia, I don¡¯t. Killian doesn¡¯t date, I date. Imit to friendship, family, my job, even rtionships. Killian ck is far frommitment. That man doesn¡¯tmit to anything, well, maybe except his business, reasons why we are far apart.¡±


    ¡± Fucking hell.¡±


    ¡± Before I¡¯m getting involved sexually with anyone, it has to be with someone that I want to be serious with and someone who really wants me. Cares about me. You know this whole benefits thing is not for me. I¡¯ve seen a lot of people get involved sexually without really having feelings for each other, it always ended bad. Bad ending all the time, trust me I don¡¯t want that. I might be attracted to Killian ck doesn¡¯t mean I want to be with him, well except he¡¯s proven he really wants to be with me, not just sleep with me and bid me adieu.¡±


    ¡± What if you just might have tamed his wild heart? What if he¡¯s willing to try a rtionship with you?¡±


    I¡¯m quiet as I watch Bianca.


    ¡± That¡¯s impossible. I barely have done anything remotely interesting to tame his wild heart.¡± I roll my eyes.


    Bianca giggles.


    ¡± You might not know. Maybe he wants to try dating with you, and you really haven¡¯t given him a chance to exin what he wants. Also, I think you should put it out there for him. You should tell him you date, youmit, and you believe in forever after. Tell him that, and then you¡¯ll see if he¡¯s willing to rock this whole rtionship boat with you or he just wants to eat your cooch.¡± Bianca smiles and I giggle.


    ¡± Also if you need my own POV, I think doing this whole benefits thing with Killian might actually turn out great. There¡¯s a first time for everything.¡± Bianca says and gives me a wink before setting up the table.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I bite the insides of my cheeks, with Killian¡¯s kisses, the only thing on my mind. How his lips felt against mine and how his fingertips burned my skin with just his mere touch. God, I¡¯ve never felt that way before by just mere kissing someone. I know I¡¯ve never really fallen in love before. I never really loved any of my past boyfriends. I liked them because they were just nice. Haven was also nice for a while. I don¡¯t even know what it means to be in love. But I believe in love. I know one day I am gonna fall in love with someone and hopefully this person is going to love me back.


    It might not be today or tomorrow, but I know I¡¯ll fall in love someday. Right now I just need to secure this job at KB TECH,mit myself to my work and I¡¯m definitely gonna be hardworking. Right now, this is my first priority, not fooling around with my boss because he¡¯s attractive and hell, he knows how to kiss and how to make me want him.


    ¡± By the way, why are you home? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at your new job?¡±


    ¡± Ooh, that.¡±


    ¡± Please tell me you got the job.¡± I say and stop arranging the tes.


    Bianca scoffs and chuckles.


    ¡± What? Yes, I got the job. Well, I¡¯m officially resuming work on Monday. I dropped by at thepany today to retrieve my work ID, key card, and work on my new desk, and a tour around thepany.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s great. What will you be doing?¡±


    ¡± Research analysis. So I¡¯m literally a research analyst in Colten Corp. It¡¯s a great job, obviously not what I was expecting. I was expecting something worse, but they gave me something better. The pay is good. I guess our Hawaii trip is finally happening since we both now have a good job.¡±


    I smile and start to serve rice and chicken on our tes.


    ¡± Well, I haven¡¯t scored the job yet, I hope I do. I¡¯m dropping by tomorrow and I¡¯m hoping for good news.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ve already locked lips with Killian, your job is secured.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± Iugh, pulling back a chair to sit down so we can eat. Bianca does the same.


    ¡± You know it¡¯s true. I¡¯m seeing a happy ending with you two.¡± She says. I open my mouth to say something but she stops me.


    ¡± Nuh, uh, don¡¯t object. Be positive. You taught me that, remember?¡±


    I huff. ¡± Right.¡±


    ¨C


    Smoothing my hand down my ck tight skirt that reaches my knee, I try to keep my nervousness and anxiety in check as I walk into the lobby of KB TECH. It¡¯s Friday and there are a lot of people walking about. I nearly barged into interns holding coffees trying to give it to their bosses. Killian really did make sure his driver, Alvin, picked me up and drove me here. It was pretty sweet.     The first time I got here, I didn¡¯t bother to check the ce out. But I have to do that today. I nced around, marveled at how one man built this legacy. This is amazing and beautiful. I press the HR department¡¯s floor number on the elevator panel as I watch the doors close. It slowly starts to ascend.


    I turn to look at my reflection through the elevator walls and I smooth my blouse, running my hand through my waves of hair just to make sure I look perfect. If I¡¯m going to be honest with myself, I don¡¯t belong here, especially with my cheap clothing and cheap bag. One look at me, you will know these are very cheap thrift wares I¡¯m wearing, save for Bianca¡¯s skirt. Her ex boyfriend, Dean, bought her this skirt. I wore it yesterday and I¡¯m wearing it today. I made sure I took my time to look good just so I don¡¯t look like I don¡¯t belong.


    I honestly don¡¯t belong. KB TECH is one of the top most influentialpanies in the world, slowly dominating the tech world. I guess I understand why Matilda-t-nose told me she¡¯d get in touch. I guess one look at me she knows I won¡¯t survive here. But I¡¯m not gonna give anybody that impression. I worked my ass off in college, with countless sleepless nights and caffeine just so I could study and I came out with good grades. I¡¯m not gonna let anyone belittle and tell me I don¡¯t belong here. I¡¯m 85% sure my certificate is better than most workers here. That¡¯s a little confidence boost for me that I belong here.

 Chapter 34

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    The elevator doors open and I step out. I walk towards the receptionist¡¯s desk and give her a gentle smile.


    ¡± I¡¯m here to see Matilda Simmons.¡± I say to the receptionist.


    She doesn¡¯t smile back, but watches me from underneath hershes.


    ¡± Is she expecting you?¡± Her voice is gruff, like sandpaper.


    ¡± Yes.¡± I say.


    The receptionist looks up from herputer and eyes my features, staring at me from my head to my toes. Are all KB TECH workers rude?


    ¡± Can you call and tell her Naomi Al¡­¡±


    ¡± Ms. Alderson!¡± A super chirpy voice calls my name.


    The bitchy receptionist and I turn our heads to the unfamiliar voice. It¡¯s Matilda Simmons, AKA snobby rich hoe. I straighten my back and fully turn to look at her. Her smile is fake and her face looks like it has undergone a million Botox.


    ¡± This way please.¡± She leads me and I follow her, not before giving the bitchy receptionist the finger. She¡¯s taken aback.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been expecting you, including Mr. ck.¡± She says as I walk with her to her office.


    I keep quiet till we reach Ms. Simmons¡¯ office. I shut the door behind me as she walks to her chair and sits down.


    ¡± Sit.¡± Her chirpy voice is gone and it¡¯s reced with a steel-like voice.


    I shake my head and sit. She looks up at me, her green eyes studying me. She¡¯s wearing a smart suitpared to my thrift chiffon blouse and ck skirt. I look like a freaking intern.


    ¡± Are you sleeping with Mr. ck?¡± Matilda asks at once.


    ¡± Why do you care?¡±


    ¡± Truth be told Naomi, you don¡¯t deserve this job. You don¡¯t deserve to be here.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t you think if I¡¯m actually sleeping with your boss, I can literally get you fired for threatening me? I can just tell him you think I don¡¯t belong here and you know what that means, don¡¯t you?¡± I smirk at her and cross my arms.


    Matilda clicks her tongue and pulls out a file. She signs her signature on the file, stamps it and pushes it to me.


    ¡± You can give that to Raymond knight. He¡¯s the marketing director. He will put you through.¡± Matilda says with a scowl.


    I don¡¯t thank her as I stand up with my bag.


    ¡± Y¡¯all need to get your nose out of your ass.¡± I say to Matilda as I walk out of her office, not bothering to close her office door.


    I can be a bitch when I want to. I figured the best way to treat some of Killian¡¯s bitchy workers is to act bitchy towards them too. They act like they¡¯re sleeping with the CEO. If I can recall, Killian says he¡¯s never looked at female workers the way he looks at me. And I believe him. I press the top floor button, with my files in my hands and my handbag across my shoulders as I wait patiently. Once I reach the top floor the elevator opens and I step out. This is the first time I¡¯ve ever gotten to this floor. Yesterday, I didn¡¯t get past Matilda¡¯s floor.


    The top floor is not that crowded like the HR department three floors below. There are a few workers around and at the far end lies a few cubicles with busy workers upying them. I¡¯m confused on where to go so I just walk towards the first office I see.


    I knock on the slightly open door and there¡¯s a woman inside arranging different files. I give her a polite small smile and a wave. She waves me in and I enter.


    ¡± Hi.¡± She looks friendly.


    ¡± You¡¯re new.¡± It¡¯s not a question, it¡¯s a fact.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Marketing?¡± She asks.


    ¡± Yup.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Once you leave my office, walk straight past Mr. ck¡¯s personal assistant¡¯s desk towards the cubicles. You¡¯ll see his office. His name is Raymond Knight. He will put you through.¡±


    I breathe in a breath of relief. ¡± Thanks. You¡¯re the first friendly female I¡¯vee across.¡± I say.


    She chuckles and waves me off.


    ¡± I understand how some of the workers can be snobby sometimes. It¡¯s not really easy working here. There is so muchpetition amongst the workers.¡±


    ¡± Strange.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± Yeah, it is. By the way, I¡¯m Emily. Emily Warren.¡±


    ¡± Nicest name. I¡¯m Naomi Alderson.¡±


    ¡± Yours is even cooler.¡± She chuckles. I do too.


    ¡± Are you, like, the secretary?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. For Mr. Killian¡¯s floor. You need anything, I¡¯m just a few doors away.¡± She smiles warmly.


    Emily looks to be 37, but she looks younger than her age. She has blonde hair, fair skin, a little taller than me and she¡¯s smartly dressed like every KB TECH worker. Her sharp blue eyespliment her features. I seem to be one of the youngest here, considering I¡¯ve only seen women who are in their early thirties andte twenties.


    ¡± It was a pleasure meeting you, Emily.¡±


    ¡± The pleasure is all mine. I hope we can be friends too.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I hope so too.¡± I wave, smile as I leave Emily¡¯s office.


    It isn¡¯t hard finding Raymond¡¯s office. The same guy at club k and the guy who bought the dress I wore before leaving Killian¡¯s house weeks ago. I try to ignore the stares from most of the workers, including the male and female poption, but it¡¯s hard.


    ¡± I¡¯ll send you a proper briefing on things you need to know about thepany, the marketing team, and every other useful thing in your email.¡± Raymond says.


    I just sit and skim through the do¡¯s and don¡¯ts. It¡¯s pretty weird having to see one.


    ¡± No meal during work hours?¡± I read the number 9 don¡¯ts. ¡± Cool.¡± I add.


    ¡± You can bemitted to your job right?¡± Raymond asks. He seems strict, unlike the guy from the club and Killian¡¯s house.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± And noteing.¡±


    ¡± That won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    Raymond nods.


    ¡± You¡¯ll be getting your work badge on Monday and a keycard so you can easily gain ess to thepany without having to answer different questions for security reasons.¡± Raymond says.


    Well I didn¡¯t answer any security questions yesterday and today. I guess Killian told them I¡¯ll being and they should let me in without any restrictions. I don¡¯t know what to think of that.


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    Raymond nods and stands up.


    ¡± I¡¯ll show you to your cubicle. You¡¯ll be working there along with other marketing teammates. I hope you make good friends along your work journey here at KB TECH.¡± Raymond says as we walk out of his office.


    ¡± Are you always uptight?¡± I ask, biting my lip and regretting why I asked that. ¡± I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I¡¯m just¡­ you know¡­¡± I shrug, staring at Raymond as he gives me a passive look. ¡± Nevermind.¡±


    I heard himugh quietly and for a second I thought I imagined it, because it was gone before I could register hisugh. We pass other cubicles and stop in an empty one. It¡¯s empty, no system orputer.


    ¡± This will be your work desk when you resume. By Monday it should have aputer and other things you will be needing.¡± Raymond says.     I give him an appreciative nod and nce around at the other cubicles upied by different workers who steal nces at me while their fingers are busy typing on their keyboards.


    ¡± Thank you, Mr. Knight.¡±


    Raymond smiles. ¡± It sounds weirding from you. But, Mr. Knight will do.¡± Raymond says and shoves his hands down his pockets.


    I smile too. ¡± That will be all for now right?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I guess you¡¯ll be checking in with Mr. ck?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I need to see him before I leave.¡±


    ¡± Sure. In case you are still around, I can assign someone to give you a tour of the building. You¡¯ll need it, at least for a start.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡± One nod and a small smile, I turn around to leave.


    There¡¯s an office at the corner, the biggest office with part of the wall in ss which is a one way ss like the one in Club K and I assume it¡¯s Killian ck¡¯s office. I stop outside a desk and there¡¯s a guy upying it, he should be his personal assistant.


    ¡± Hi.¡± I greet the blonde haired guy with sses.


    ¡± Hi.¡± He smiles at me. The second person who¡¯s given me a genuine smile since I got here. ¡± How may I help you?¡±


    ¡± Is Mr. ck in?¡±


    ¡± Yes. Do you have an appointment?¡±


    ¡± No. Just tell him Naomi is here.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡± Jamie nods. Before he can reach for his telephone, a message buzzes through the inte.


    ¡± Let her in, Jamie.¡± It¡¯s Killian¡¯s voice. So he sees me.


    Jamie turns to look at me with a small smile.


    ¡± You can go inside.¡±


    ¡± Thank you. Are you his personal assistant?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Resumed yesterday. It¡¯s been pretty difficult for me.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about that. I know how hard it is to work for someone like Killian ck.¡±


    ¡± Nah. Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll work it out.¡± Jamie says. I smile.


    ¡± I know you will.¡± With a small wave I walk towards Killian¡¯s office.


    I knock once and open the door as I step in. His office is nothing like what I¡¯ve seen before. It¡¯srge, bigger than my living room, with a big brown couch at the end and a small ss table. There¡¯s a drink bar at the corner too and a door at the end, obviously his private restroom. It¡¯s beautiful.


    My eyes nces around his office and then it falls on the extremely attractive man sitting behind arge mahogany desk, with his hands crossed in front of him. He¡¯s leaning back on his chair as he just watches me, taking in my form from my head to my head.


    I just stand by his office door I had shut behind me minutes ago and stare at him, with my mind upied by our kiss yesterday and how his hands felt against my bare skin. God, how much I¡¯d give to do it again with him. And then I think about all his filthy promises to me. How he nned on bending me against his desk and eating me from behind.


    Shit, I¡¯m drained down there by just thinking about all the dirty things he nned on doing to me.


    Good call, Naomi. Good, fucking call.


    ¡± You surprise me everyday, Naomi.¡± Killian¡¯s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.


    I blink my eyes and clear my throat. When did I be this shameless? Things Killian ck can do to a woman.


    ¡± When you¡¯re done fucking me in your mind, you can take seat and let¡¯s talk.¡± He says, with a small smirk ying on his lips.


    Talk? Right, talk. We really need to talk about our kiss yesterday. And the sooner we talk about it, the better for the both of us.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t eye sexing you.¡± I lie as I sit down on the leather seat opposite Killian.


    He smirks and nods, clearly not buying my terrible attempt for a lie.


    ¡± I know.¡± Killian says, gray eyes staring into mine with amusement in his eyes.


    I clear my throat, not liking how he makes me feel under his heated gaze.


    ¡± Let¡¯s talk then.¡±

 Chapter 35

    Naomi


    ¡± Let¡¯s talk then.¡±


    Against my will, my eyes rake down this man in front of me in his Friday ware. He¡¯s dressed in a ck dress shirt with the two top buttons left unattended. His suit jacket is draped around his leather swivel chair he¡¯s currently sitting on, and his hair is well gelled.


    He¡¯s attractive, even for a Friday morning. His eyes are a sharp gray and it studies me carefully, taking his time to analyze me like it¡¯s the first time we¡¯re meeting. Hell, he can do a lot of things to me without knowing it when he looks at me like that. And that kiss, whatever it meant, can¡¯t happen again.


    I officially work for this man now. In hispany, and I¡¯m part of his marketing team, working for his floor, which means he¡¯s directly my boss. He¡¯s now my boss. Whatever thing I want him to do to me can¡¯t happen. I shouldn¡¯t even consider it even if he¡¯s willing to bend the rules for our favor.


    ¡± Done?¡± Killian speaks up, smirking slyly as he stares at me.


    ¡± Done with what?¡±


    ¡± Contemting.¡± He shrugs. ¡± Fucking me in your head or thinking about what I promised to do to you while I bend you over this desk.¡± He whispers, biting the corner of his bottom lip. His eyes don¡¯t leave my eyes, and it slowly trails down my body, stopping a second on my boobies before he brings his gaze back to my face.


    ¡± You talk like that, even during work hours?¡± I ask him.


    He chuckles and looks away from me for a brief second, before bringing his gaze back to my face.


    ¡± Talk like what?¡±


    ¡± Dirty.¡±


    ¡± Mm. This is mypany and I talk however I want.¡±


    ¡± Right, you¡¯re the boss.¡± I give him a half-hearted smile.


    ¡± How did it go?¡± He changes the topic. ¡± With Matilda. I saw you walked past straight to Raymond¡¯s office. What did you two discuss?¡±


    I sigh and turn my head to stare at his busy workers through the ss walls, clearly exposing the activities of his workers. It might be cool but it¡¯s freaking weird. Getting watched by your boss without your knowledge.


    ¡± I don¡¯t watch my workers, except it¡¯s an interesting one. I saw you from a distance, you were nervous.¡±


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t.¡± I lie.


    ¡± Telling the truth that you were nervous won¡¯t change anything, Naomi. Drop the guard, okay?¡±


    ¡± The guard.¡± I chuckle nervously and shake my head.


    Why am I even nervous? Is it because I¡¯m starting a job here at Killian¡¯spany and we¡¯ll be seeing each other more than I¡¯d like? Or the fact that we exchanged kisses just yesterday and it seems as if I¡¯m the one it affected the most?Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± How did it go with Matilda?¡±


    ¡± Not bad. You said you don¡¯t shit where you eat but Matilda is making me think otherwise.¡± Okay, I sound clingy and jealous. ¡± Forget it.¡±


    ¡± What did she say to you?¡±


    ¡± She? It¡¯s not about her.¡± I say and sigh. ¡± It¡¯s literally almost every female worker in yourpany. They are snobby and really bitchy. Matilda isn¡¯t even excluded. They looked at me as if I¡¯m some chick who isn¡¯t supposed to be here.¡± I ramble. ¡± Maybe they¡¯re right¡­¡±


    ¡± They are not.¡± Killian cuts me off.


    I exhale through my nose and look at my hands on myp. I haven¡¯t started work yet and I¡¯m exhausted. Great.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about that. And about Matilda, yesterday.¡±


    ¡± Do you even know what she looks like?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t.¡± He shrugs nonchntly.


    I smile. ¡± I figured. And I understand. It¡¯s a bigpany, and they have their personal bosses.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m d you understand.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡± Also, you shouldn¡¯t feel like you don¡¯t belong here, you do. You cane to me if someone¡¯s acting bitchy to you.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not a kid, I can take care of myself.¡± I cross my arms in a defensive manner.


    I hate it when people try to treat me like I¡¯m a child and I can¡¯t handle my own problems.


    ¡± Thanks for the offer.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not an offer. I care about you, Naomi.¡±


    I sigh and look anywhere else but him. I can¡¯t stand that look. I can¡¯t stand his eyes all over my body, giving me that ¡®you¡¯re thest woman on Earth and if I can¡¯t have you, I¡¯m going to die.¡¯ kinda look. It¡¯s too much for me. I can¡¯t seem to breathe under his heated gaze. My brain just shuts down and my body just betrays me and it just squirms on its own the more he stares at me.


    ¡± Do I still make you ufortable?¡± He asks. His voice is a little low, and husky, and I hate to admit, sexy.


    Ugh. Fuck!


    I cross my legs, tucking a wayward strand of hair behind my ear. I try to meet his gaze this time, so he doesn¡¯t think he makes me nervous and ufortable.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Killian smirks and stands up from his seat and my heart just summersaults against my rib cage. I look up at his towering frame so our eyes are locked in this heated gaze. The sexual tension is back and I feel like I know what¡¯s about to happen. And my body has been anticipating that since yesterday. It¡¯s already betraying me.


    ¡± Do you like the job?¡± Killian asks, and starts to pace around his office, hands in his pockets as he stares at the city below.


    ¡± I do. Thank you. It was a surprise for me and I really appreciate it.¡± I say.


    His back is to me and I bring my gaze down his defined strong back. Who the hell made this man this attractive?


    ¡± I¡¯m happy you like it.¡± He turns his body to look at me.


    ¡± And I¡¯m d men won¡¯t have to grope and stare at you like you¡¯re their prey.¡± He says and starts to stride towards me one step at a time. ¡± I want to be the only one to stare at you.¡± He whispers when he¡¯s close to me.


    ¡± Should we talk about our kiss?¡± He asks.


    I take a deep breath when I feel him behind me, standing behind my seat with his hands gripping the arms of the seat. His face is close to my ear and I can feel his warm breath against my skin, and the butterflies in my stomach are back on. With my heart beating fast against my chest at our close proximity, I can feel his warmth seeping from his skin and smell his expensive cologne.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± He calls my name and it sounds foreign and different as it rolls off his tongue.


    Naomi¡­


    ¡± Yeah, we should talk about our kiss.¡± Thankfully my voice doesn¡¯t betray me. I sound as if this position that we¡¯re in doesn¡¯t affect me.


    Why the hell am I not even an actress again?


    ¡± We can¡¯t, Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t call me that.¡± He whispers. ¡± Well, except we are with other people.¡± He says.


    Killian twirls my chair so I¡¯m facing him now. His hands are still gripping the arms of the chair and it reminds me of the day we almost kissed at his office in Club K. We¡¯re on eye level, with me staring deeply into his eyes. I bring my gaze down to his perfectly sculpted nose and his lips. Now I¡¯m thinking about how his lips felt against mine yesterday and how I desperately want to taste them again.


    But I need to stop. We need to stop. Whatever the hell this is, needs to stop. If we continue, it won¡¯t end well and that¡¯s a fact and I¡¯m just gonna get hurt.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you want me, Naomi?¡± Killian surprises me by asking. He looks like a teenage boy who¡¯s trying to win the heart of his crush and he¡¯s failing at it and that just makes him miserable.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± I whisper.


    ¡± What¡¯s your type then? I know I¡¯m not like your ex and that¡¯s a fact. I¡¯m just wondering why you don¡¯t want me.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t date Killian.¡± I point out, and that just seems to catch him off guard. He smirks, bites his bottom lip and looks down, chuckling to himself.


    Killian retrieves back as he stands to his full height with a small smirk ying on his lips.


    ¡± What makes you think that?¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re Killian ck. You have apany to care for, definitely a woman is thest thing on your mind.¡± I say.


    Killian sighs and looks away from me. I¡¯m thinking he¡¯s going through my words and trying to register what I mean.


    ¡± You know it¡¯s true. I date. We¡¯re two different people from two different worlds. You have a lot to worry about, a rtionship is thest thing on your mind.¡±


    ¡± So you want a rtionship?¡± He sounds defeated.


    ¡± Not with you.¡± I say. He smirks and chuckles.


    ¡± You¡¯re messing with my head, Naomi. You want us to date?¡±


    Do I want us to date? What exactly do I want from this man? Its obvious rtionship is thest thing on my mind and that of Killian¡¯s mind. Bianca wants me to try these whole boss and worker sexual rtionship with Killian. But do I want any of that? As much as I enjoyed his dirty words and the way he looks at me, getting into a rtionship with anyone, especially Killian, is thest thing on my mind.


    I stand up, making my way to him. I stop in front of him, with Killian staring down at me. Even with shoes, my head is merely touching his chin.


    ¡± What do you want, Naomi?¡±


    ¡± Space.¡± I breathe out. ¡± I¡¯m happy I got this job. I might enjoy working for club k as a server, but I¡¯ve been miserable. You¡¯re my boss and it won¡¯t turn out okay if we start sleeping with each other. I need space to breathe Killian, and try to adjust to this whole new job thing.¡±


    ¡± You want me to stay away from you?¡±


    I don¡¯t answer. I just bite my bottom lip and stare at this man.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. I just need space to settle with this new idea that I now work for you. Don¡¯t you have some work ethics.¡±


    ¡± This isn¡¯t about work, is it?¡±


    God, this isn¡¯t working as I nned it. I went over what I wanted to say to him in my head and trust me, it sounded nice. I like him too much. It¡¯s annoying. But, what I want isn¡¯t something that Killian wants. I want to be loved and genuinely cared for. And I¡¯m not nning on having sex with anyone right now except we are maybe dating. It doesn¡¯t have to be serious. We don¡¯t have to be in love either. Sex with benefits Is not my thing and I¡¯m not nning on finding out if it¡¯s my thing or not with Killian ck.


    ¡± I can¡¯t stay away.¡± He whispers, eyes locked with mine. ¡± Even if you want me to, I won¡¯t.¡±


    He brings his hand to cup my cheek, thumb brushing against it as he pulls me closer.


    ¡± I want all of you, every part of you. And I¡¯m going to say this over again, the more you¡¯re gonna push me away, the more I¡¯ll keep chasing you, not until I make you mine, I won¡¯t stop.¡± He whispers.


    ¡± You¡¯re so determined, aren¡¯t you?¡± I whisper back.


    ¡± I am. As long as I mark you mine. You don¡¯t know how much I fucking want you, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± How much?¡± I whisper.


    Killian¡¯s eyes are a dark gray, lidded with lust and hunger and something else that I can¡¯t decipher.


    ¡± More than what you can¡¯t imagine. There¡¯s no day I don¡¯t go to sleep without you in my brain. I just can¡¯t get enough. And right fucking now, I want to taste you again, Naomi.¡±


    Please do¡­


    I lick my lips, and Killian¡¯s eyes trails down to my lips before he brings his gaze back to my eyes. His hand is still cupping my cheek, and it takes the power that exists above us for me not to lean into his tender touch.


    ¡± What if I want to try this whole dating thing with you? Will you give me a chance?¡± He asks, surprising me.


    What? Is he joking right now?


    ¡± I¡¯m not joking.¡± He answers my internal question. ¡± I¡¯m willing to give it a shot with you, see where it leads us.¡±


    What!


    He can¡¯t be serious.


    ¡± This¡­¡± I sigh and shake my head. ¡± I¡­¡± Great, I¡¯m tongue tied.


    ¡± I need time and space, Killian, this¡­ I can¡¯t right now. If I¡¯m gonna work here, promise me you¡¯ll treat me like your employee. I need to focus on my new job and I won¡¯t be able to do that if you keep staring at me like that. You can¡¯t whisper these things to me when I¡¯m in here, working.¡±


    ¡± And outside?¡± He asks, eyebrows elevated.


    ¡± Maybe.¡±


    ¡± Can I kiss you? So I don¡¯t lose my mind. I won¡¯t be kissing you anytime soon, not until you want me to. And I¡¯m going to give you the time and space that you asked for, just let me taste you, Naomi.¡± He says, with our face nearly touching and the both of us already breathing the same air.


    I open my mouth to say something, what? I don¡¯t know, but then, the door opens and I jerk away from Killian at once, feeling slightly ashamed someone just walked in on us. I mean, I haven¡¯t even resumed yet and I¡¯m already in apromising position with the CEO. What are they going to think? That I sex my way to get this new job that I was offered.


    Fuck. What was I thinking?


    ¡± Sir, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I hear Jamie¡¯s voice and I turn around to look at him.


    He¡¯s with ady. Pale skin, red hair, really sexy, ssy, and surprisingly good looking. She¡¯s tall, taller than me, with a slim, but sexy build and she¡¯s giving me a disapproving look.


    Who the hell is this?


    ¡± Celine.¡±

 Chapter 36

    Killian¡¯s POV


    I¡¯ve never been this furious in my life before. We were already close to kissing. I was about to taste her lips the second time and then the door just opened, followed by Jamie¡¯s constant sorry¡¯s and a woman I didn¡¯t think I would be seeing anytime soon.


    ¡± Celine.¡± I addressed her, hating the fact that she had toe and put a stop to whatever thing that was about to happen between me and Naomi before she showed up.


    ¡± Sir. I¡¯m sorry. I told her you were busy, but she insisted on seeing you. I¡¯m so sorry sir.¡± Jamie apologizes.


    I pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration and wave Jamie out the door. Naomi looks ufortable as she shifts her weight from one foot to another.


    ¡± Was this bad timing?¡± Celine asks innocently as she smirks at Naomi.


    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave.¡± Naomi says, grabbing her bag and flinging it around her shoulders.


    I open my mouth to stop her but she¡¯s already out the door.


    Fuck.


    ¡± That was really bad timing, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Celine asks and drops her bag on my desk. She sits herself down and crosses her leg over the other.


    ¡± What are you doing here? You can¡¯t just barge in like that.¡± I say to Celine as I walk to my seat.


    ¡± Oh I know. I¡¯m really sorry. I thought Jamie was lying. And please don¡¯t fire him. He¡¯s really sweet.¡±


    I sit down and adjust my tie as I clear my throat. Ice my fingers and ce them on top of my desk as I stare at Celine. She always looks good, ssy, and gorgeous. Always trying really hard to impress the world. Of course she¡¯s a model. What the hell am I expecting?


    ¡± So what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± You won¡¯t offer me anything, Killian. Don¡¯t treat me like a stranger, sweetheart. Are you still pissed I walked right in? Is she the new girl?¡± She asks, smirking.


    What is with women not knowing when a man isn¡¯t in the mood to chatter? I give Celine a dead stare, and she picks up on the hint that I¡¯m not in the mood to converse. The woman I want to be sitting in front of me just walked out of my office. She probably thinks Celine is my girl because of the way she barged in without at least knocking. A client or a worker won¡¯t do that.


    Naomi just left my office, obviously frustrated and pissed, and I¡¯m already missing her. I can¡¯t help but notice how different her eye color is today. I remember the time we had a proper conversation and she told me she sometimes wears contacts instead of sses.


    Wow. There¡¯s a lot this woman is doing to me and I don¡¯t even know how she¡¯s doing it. And I can¡¯t believe I proposed a rtionship to her. I never for once thought I¡¯d asked someone to date me just because I wanted a taste of them. Naomi is changing my game. She¡¯s making me question my own rules and she¡¯s making me break them. Whatever walls I pulled up to protect me from having feelings or falling for anyone, she¡¯s finally pulled them down, leaving me exposed. And now I don¡¯t just crave her body. Fuck it, right now, I¡¯m craving more than just her body. I want her heart. I want her to look at me like I¡¯m the only man in this world left alive. I want her to think about me and only about me. I want her to trust me, and I want her to give me a chance to show her I can be the man she wants.


    I crave her everyday like she¡¯s some drug that I need to live. God I want to have her, I want her to be mine and I want no one else but her.


    I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose as I stare at Celine who¡¯s staring at me.


    ¡± Before we start, if Jamie tells you I¡¯m busy, do me a favor and wait. Don¡¯t just barge right in. I don¡¯t appreciate that.¡±


    Her red painted lips stretched into a smirk. ¡± Noted. I¡¯m sorry Killian. I didn¡¯t mean to cockblock you. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Cockblock? Unbelievable.


    ¡± So what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t know? I¡¯m guessing Raymond didn¡¯t tell you. I¡¯m supposed to model your new virtual assistant for the market campaign. And also I¡¯m the new voice for the Virtual assistant too.¡±


    What?


    No shit.


    ¡± What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡± This is awkward. I thought you knew. You were supposed to be having a meeting with your marketing department today about the market campaign for the new invented virtual assistant and the new MacBook your team made. I got here and I was informed by your marketing director, Mr. Knight, that the meeting was pushed to next week Thursday. I wasn¡¯t informed.¡±


    ¡± Why you? You have your own clothing line to run.¡±


    ¡± But that doesn¡¯t stop me from working with other people right?¡± Celine smiles. ¡± There were other models who interviewed for the job, it seems I was the more suitable model for it.¡±


    This must be some kind of joke. When was this happening and I wasn¡¯t aware? How can Raymond choose Celine of all models to be the voice of our new virtual assistant? A chick that I¡¯ve been fucking? What was he thinking?


    Modeling the product isn¡¯t that bad, but being the voice of the product is what I¡¯m not gonna ept. Imagine calling the Virtual assistant¡¯s name and the girl that I had sex with was the voice that responded. I may not use the product, but I can¡¯t allow it.


    Maybe I sound like a dick right now, I just don¡¯t care. I can¡¯t watch Celine be the voice for my new product.


    ¡± So, I¡¯m thinking since we¡¯ll be working side by side, you treat me to dinner?¡± She¡¯s super chirpy and happy.


    I¡¯m quiet as I watch her. I buzz Jamie through the inte and he enters my office a minuteter.


    ¡± Get me Mr. Knight. Tell him I need him in my office immediately.¡± I say to Jamie. He nods and turns around to leave my office.


    ¡± You don¡¯t want me here do you?¡± Celine asks as she studies me.


    ¡± I do.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t act like it. You¡¯re being strange because I¡¯m here. We had sex Killian, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to ruin your rtionship with your new catch. I have never crossed my boundaries since we made the arrangement of sleeping with each other.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Celine. You can model the product, it¡¯s kind of your job and I believe you have a lot of influence and that will be good for mypany. But being the voice of this new product, that¡¯s what I¡¯m concerned about.¡±


    ¡± Why?¡±


    I stall time by not responding to her. I sigh and pick up my phone to text Naomi if she¡¯s left. I press send and lock the screen of my phone before dropping it on my desk. Through the ss I see Raymond approach my office.


    Celine sighs.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    There¡¯s a soft knock on my door before the door opens and Raymond walks in.


    ¡± You sent for me.¡± Raymond says as he walks towards the vacant seat next to Celine¡¯s.


    ¡± Hi, Celine.¡± Raymond greets her.


    ¡± Hey.¡± She gives Raymond a small smile.


    ¡± I¡¯m going to step outside and leave you two to talk.¡± She stands up and grabs her bag as she leaves my office.


    Once she¡¯s out of earshot I turn to look at Raymond who is seated in front of me.


    ¡± Really? Making her the new voice of Goldie?¡±


    ¡± You said we weren¡¯t calling it Goldie. We¡¯re still thinking of a new name.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not the point. The point is that you made Celine the new voice. What were you thinking?¡±


    ¡± She is pretty good. Her voice isn¡¯t that bad.¡±


    ¡± Are you aware we¡¯ve been fucking? Celine and I? You don¡¯t do that Raymond. You make decisions concerning the benefits of thispany and you run it by me. You can¡¯t just go ahead and make decisions on your own.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t make decisions on my own. The whole marketing department voted for her. She was pretty good when we auditioned her. Also, didn¡¯t you trust my ideas and decisions before you made me the marketing director?¡±


    I¡¯m quiet as I re at him.


    ¡± I¡¯ll drop her if that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    ¡± You should. She can model the product but she can¡¯t be the voice. Recruit more people and interview them. Let someone else be the voice.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Yes, boss.¡± Raymond says sarcastically.


    ¡± And what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡± Nothing.¡± He stands up. ¡± And Naomi¡¯s gone by the way, in case you¡¯re wondering where she is. And also if you can work with Naomi why can¡¯t you work with Celine? What¡¯s the difference? Naomi¡¯s the chick who works as a server in your club and you have a massive crush on her. And Celine is the woman you¡¯ve been sleeping with for a while. You two are like friends and she¡¯s okay with whomever you sleep with. What¡¯s the big deal?¡±


    ¡± Celine can¡¯t be the voice. If you don¡¯t get it, forget about it.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± He sighs and shakes his head before heading towards the door.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I call him.


    He stops and turns around to look at me. He looks pissed.


    ¡± There¡¯s this gathering at Keith¡¯s this weekend, Sunday actually, and you shoulde over. You know, since you¡¯re one of his groomsmen. Bring Derrick too. All the groomsmen will be there. Beer and music. And some shitty game. There will be a barbecue too.¡±


    Raymond gives me one of his disgusting looks before he nods. ¡± I know about that. Keith told me.¡±


    ¡± And before my meeting with marketing next Thursday, I need to know who you choose as the new voice before the meeting. Sorry if I yelled at you.¡± I tell him inly.


    ¡± You suck at apologies, you know that right?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯ve heard that countless times.¡±


    Raymond smiles a little as he shakes his head and leaves my office.

 Chapter 37

    Killian¡¯s POV


    ¡± Where¡¯s Eve?¡± I ask my brother that Sunday as I watch him handle the barbecue.


    ¡°Went out with Mom. She said something about Mani-pedi. Whatever the hell that shit means.¡±


    I chuckle, taking a sip from my beer as I turn to look at the guys. Preston and that dipshit Andrew are ying pool on the outdoor pool table not too far from Keith¡¯s barbecue stand. Raymond¡¯s talking with his engaged boyfriend, Derrick, and they¡¯reughing at whatever thing Raymond said.


    ¡± I still don¡¯t get why you made Andrew Dickwad your groomsman.¡± I mutter, ring at the back of Andrew¡¯s head.


    Keith chuckles.


    ¡± Chix, Kil. He¡¯s my friend. You two need to learn to get along.¡±


    ¡± Well, I think Killian is the reason why we aren¡¯t getting along.¡± Andrew says, smirking at me.


    Oh God, I hate this son of a bitch. He¡¯s too full of himself, and this twat sees me as apetition. I knew the guy two years ago through Keith. He¡¯s my brother¡¯s close friend and unfortunately I kind of fucked his precious girlfriend who told me she was single and I didn¡¯t know he was dating her that time. I don¡¯t even remember her name. Well, since then, this asshole just hates me and I hate him more. He disgusts me and he annoys the shit out of me. He got marriedst year, so I heard through Keith and he¡¯s a chronic cheat. I wonder how Keith and this bitch-face are still friends. This guy is thirty three and he acts like he¡¯s still a teenager and a high school dork.


    ¡± Go fuck yourself Andrew.¡± I re at him.


    ¡± Oh no, I don¡¯t have to do that anymore. I¡¯ve got a wife now. My olddy. And you, my man, are still lonely and spouseless.¡±


    Spouseless? Is that supposed to hurt my feelings? God he¡¯s such a child. How the fuck did this idiot graduated Harvard?


    ¡± Andrew, you can¡¯t say that to him.¡± Preston says.


    ¡± What? Isn¡¯t it funny that with all the billions in his ount he can¡¯t even score a real woman?¡± Andrew says with a smirk as he turns to look at me. ¡± You know why, princess? It¡¯s because nobody wants to tolerate your dumb ass, you chicken shit.¡± He spits.


    I clench my jaw, swallowing the beer down my throat.


    Deep breath Killian. Deep breath. This asshole isn¡¯t worth your time.


    I don¡¯t wanna be responsible for this idiot¡¯s death. I¡¯m too grown up for exchanging words with this man child.


    ¡± Andy, stop. Cut it out.¡± Keith says.


    ¡± Yeah, man, chill out. We¡¯re out here to have fun, not say shitty words to one another.¡± Raymond says.


    ¡± Yeah, well, whatever man.¡± He scoffs and continues to y his snooker.


    The guys turn to look at me. Why are they trying to make me snap?


    ¡± What?¡± I ask them.


    ¡± Nothing.¡± They go back to whatever thing they were doing.


    I turn to look at Keith who¡¯s frowning at what he¡¯s looking at on his phone.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡±


    ¡± This whole wedding stuff is stressing the shit out of me. In less than four weeks I¡¯ll be officially married.¡±


    ¡± Three weeks, Keith. In three weeks you¡¯ll be officially married.¡± Andrew says.


    Such ady.


    ¡± Why the long face? Aren¡¯t you happy?¡± I ask.


    ¡± I am. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Keith sighs and pockets his phone. ¡± Eve wants a wedding in Miami. A beach house kinda wedding.¡±


    ¡± You mean she wants to wed in a beach house?¡± Preston asks.


    ¡± Something like that.¡±


    ¡± And what¡¯s the problem?¡± I ask.


    ¡± How the fuck am I going to afford a beach house wedding, Kil?¡±


    ¡± First thing¡¯s first, you sound weird when you swear.¡± I point out. He rolls his eyes, the othersugh. ¡± And also, I¡¯ve got this beach house resort in Miami. We can use that. It¡¯s big enough to amodate the bride and groom, including the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Mom, too.¡±


    Andrew fakes a cough. ¡± Show off.¡± He says, coughing.


    I shake my head at his childish antics.


    ¡± And why would you purchase something as big as that?¡± Preston asks.


    ¡± For weddings. Anniversaries. Parties. People pay thousands of dors for a night and millions for a week.¡± I say.


    Andrew scoffs and rolls his eyes.


    ¡± And what if someone already booked the entire week?¡± Raymond asks.


    ¡± Then I¡¯m sending them home. Don¡¯t worry about it Keith. I can call the managerter when I get home that the weekend is ours and they shouldn¡¯t let anyone book it. You¡¯re giving Eve the wedding she deserves.¡± I pat my brother on his back.


    ¡± Thanks, Kil.¡± Keith smiles.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing.¡± I say.


    Keith probably finds it weird. The day I bought him his house, he actually almost rejected the offer and I told him if he did we were never gonna speak to each other again. Business and myself are one reason my brother and I aren¡¯t that close. I¡¯m a workaholic and I¡¯d choose mypany over a lot of people any other day.


    I pull out my phone to check if Naomi has responded to my text that I sent her on Friday when she left my office. Nothing. She even opened the message and read it but refused to reply to my text.


    Shit.


    How the hell am I gonna fix this?


    ¡± What¡¯s up with Naomi?¡± Keith whispers, trying not to let Andrew hear our conversation.


    ¡± She¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡± Need help with that?¡± Raymond joins us, while Derrick joins Preston and Andrew.


    ¡± Yeah. Thanks, man.¡± Keith shifts so Raymond can flip the meat on the barbecue.


    ¡± Just great? Any progress with you two?¡± Keith asks, opening the cooler and collecting one beer for himself.


    ¡± Nope.¡±


    ¡± She now works for us.¡± Raymond chimes in.


    I re at him but he pretends not to acknowledge it.


    ¡± Yeah, talk about work. Naomi dropped by yesterday at the club. She was telling the others how she¡¯s got a job and she won¡¯t be working at the club again.¡± Preston joins in on our conversation, halting his pool with the others.


    I sigh and drink my beer in one gulp. I can¡¯t even remember thest time I drank beer.


    Keith turns to look at me, smirking, with his eyebrows nearly touching his hairline.


    ¡± Naomi works for you now?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± She has always worked for me. Should I remind you guys who owned Club K?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s different.¡± Preston points out. ¡± What does she do? Marketing?¡±


    ¡± Something like that.¡±


    ¡± You truly like her, don¡¯t you?¡± Keith asks. ¡± You won¡¯t do that for any random woman.¡± He smiles.


    ¡± Killian is in love?¡± Andrew dick-face asks.


    ¡± Maybe.¡± Raymond says.


    ¡± Is it just me or Killian having feelings is kind of weird?¡± Preston says. Theyugh.


    ¡± Why? I believe everyone is entitled to have feelings now orter.¡± Derrick says, for the first time since we got here.


    ¡± It¡¯s different. This is Killian that we are talking about.¡± Preston says.


    ¡± Why are y¡¯all acting as if I¡¯m not in the room?¡± I ask, dropping the empty beer bottle on the ground.


    ¡± Have you even told her how you feel?¡± Keith asks.


    I sigh and run my fingers through my hair.


    ¡± Of course he hasn¡¯t. Pussy.¡± Andrew says.


    ¡± I¡¯m really at this point of tossing my beer bottle at you, Andrew. Stay the fuck out of my shit, yeah?¡± I re at him.


    He chuckles and smirks.


    That piece of shit.


    ¡± Andrew.¡± Keith calls his friend. ¡± Please.¡±


    Andrew rolls his eyes and drops his cue stick before leaving. We watch him enter Raymond¡¯s house.


    ¡± I can¡¯t work with this guy.¡± I say, referring to Andrew and the fact that he¡¯s my brother¡¯s groomsman.


    ¡± You can and you will.¡± Keith says with his big brother voice. ¡± And what exactly is taking you so long to tell her how you feel?¡±


    ¡± Oh you think I haven¡¯t?¡± I scoff.


    ¡± Did you tell you liked or you wanted to fuck her? You obviously won¡¯t use ¡®fuck¡¯, so I¡¯m thinking you said ¡®taste.''¡± Preston says. The guys chuckle.


    ¡± Fuck you guys. I told her I wanted to try this whole dating thing with her.¡±


    ¡± No shit.¡± Preston and Raymond say. Keith is as shocked as the others. Derrick just smiles.     ¡± You told her you want to date her?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± What did she say?¡±


    ¡± Nothing. Except she wants me to give her space while she thinks about my offer. I think she hates the idea of working for me and fuckin¡¯ me.¡± I say.


    ¡± God, that¡¯s hot. Sex and work. Good kind of pleasure.¡± Preston says.


    ¡± I¡¯m still surprised how you aren¡¯t cheating on Esther.¡± Keith says.


    ¡± You know I can¡¯t. Esther will kill me.¡± Preston says.


    ¡± Have you thought about asking her on a date?¡± Derrick speaks up.


    He¡¯s so different from Raymond. They¡¯re two opposites. Derrick is quiet, sometimes shy I think. Doesn¡¯t talk much. He barely even looks anyone in the eye. He¡¯s pretty collected and he¡¯s nice. I wonder how these two managed to date and fall in love to even nning on getting married. Well, I shouldn¡¯t be surprised. Naomi¡¯s nothing like me. She¡¯s calm, sometimes shy. She¡¯smitted to work, family, and even rtionships. She¡¯s nice, she¡¯s also collected, and brave. She works hard for what she owns and she lives her life like everyday¡¯s important. She¡¯s kind of a nerd, probably doesn¡¯t even know how to party, aplete lightweight, and I¡¯m thinking if she¡¯s the type who moans during sex or scream.


    I¡¯m fucked up. Agreed.


    ¡± Date?¡± I ask.


    ¡± Yeah. I think women like that. You should take her out on a date. Have a conversation with her, maybe propose this whole dating thing. A date is a first step in chasing anyone. It shows you¡¯re willing to try something with them.¡± Derrick says.


    I bite my lip and stare at the four guys in front of me.


    ¡± I think he¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll say yes.¡± I say.


    ¡± Well, you don¡¯t have to tell her it¡¯s a date. It can just be a friendly dinner.¡± Keith suggests.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Or a friendly hangout.¡± Derrick says.


    ¡± And what if she says no?¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s doubtful about asking a woman out on a date? What has happened to you, Killian?¡± Andrew says suddenly.


    I turn my head to look at him and he¡¯s smirking at me. He can be an idiot when he wants to, but he¡¯s right about me being doubtful about asking a woman out on a date. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m scared of being rejected by Naomi for the fourth time since we started talking.


    Fuck, what is she doing to me?

 Chapter 38

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± You¡¯re okay, honey?¡± Mom asks, passing a te of shrimps to me.


    ¡± Hmm?¡± I look up from my phone as I take the te of shrimps from my mom.


    I turn to look at Rachel and Antonio on the table who are already staring at me. Charlie¡¯s smiling as he stuffs his mouth with his vegetables.


    ¡± What?¡± I ask, forking some shrimp into my te.


    ¡± You¡¯ve been staring at your phone, like, forever. Are you okay?¡± Antonio asks.


    I sigh, exiting Killian¡¯s message as I drop my phone on the table, with the screen faced down.


    ¡± I¡¯m good.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t look good.¡± Antonio says, wiping his kid¡¯s mouth off sauce stain.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Maybe I¡¯m a little anxious.¡± I say. It¡¯s not the truth but half the truth.


    Killian has sent me a message since Friday asking me if I¡¯ve left hispany and if I was okay. I haven¡¯t had it in me to reply to his texts and it¡¯s Sunday. Maybe I should just send him a response, telling him I¡¯m okay since Friday but I just don¡¯t know why I couldn¡¯t. A part of me keeps telling me I was jealous, because of the woman who barged into his office when he was about to kiss me, but I refused to believe or listen to that part of me. It can¡¯t be. Why would I be jealous of some hot woman who looked annoyingly ssy because she barged in on us? She was obviously not a worker, she was someone else. The surprise look in his eyes told me she was something other than just his worker. Probably his past sexmate, and I hate that the thought of Killian with some other woman annoys the shit out of me.


    What¡¯s wrong with me? What¡¯s happening to me? Why do I care about who he hangs out with or who he sleeps with? When the hell did I start getting jealous?


    When I was still with George, I don¡¯t remember the time I ever got jealous when his parents set him up on dates with different girls that were hotter and richer than me. Then what the hell is this? Getting irritated and annoyed because some other girl got Killian¡¯s attention and they are obviously sleeping with each other.


    Oh God, this is fucking crazy.


    And the worst part is that I can¡¯t stop thinking about him. Thinking about his proposal about dating me. I spent thest two days thinking about it and it was exhausting.     Do I even want to date him?


    Fuck yeah.


    What, no! Maybe.


    Maybe I¡¯d like to know him and try to give him a chance, but each time I think about or remember I¡¯m directly working for him now, it just weakens me. As much as I¡¯d love to be with Killian ck or try to get to know him better, the idea that I¡¯m working for him and it might cause someplications for me and even hispany, him not excluded, puts my feelings to a halt. And he¡¯s different from me. We¡¯re two people from two different worlds. He¡¯s nothing like me. We¡¯re not even close to being alike. He¡¯s dangerous, and powerful. What does he even want from a girl like me? A girl who once served drinks in his club.


    God help me.


    ¡± Anxious about what? Your new job?¡± Mom asks, reaching for a ss of water to drink.


    ¡± You¡¯re really crushing on Killian ck aren¡¯t you?¡± Rachel says, smirking as she looks at me.


    ¡± What? Shut up Rache.¡± I re yfully at her.


    ¡± Yeah. You obviously do.¡± She says, smirking as she giggles.


    ¡± Rachel, keep quiet.¡± Mom tells her.


    ¡± Whatever. You guys are no fun.¡± She mumbles underneath her breath.


    ¡± You wanna tell us what¡¯s up?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing.¡± I wave him off.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± And are you sure you want to work in hispany?¡± Mom asks.


    Is she kidding me?


    ¡± Mom. Weren¡¯t you the one who wanted me to get a real job?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. But a job that you want. A job that you love.¡±


    ¡± I love it at KB Tech. It¡¯s a huge opportunity, especially for someone like me.¡±


    ¡± Something going on between you and the CEO?¡± Antonio asks.


    I turn to look at him and he¡¯s giving me one of his famous looks.


    ¡± Nothing is going on.¡± I say bluntly. ¡± And nothing will ever happen between us.¡± I lie to myself.


    I know something is definitely going to happen between us. It doesn¡¯t have to be today or thising week, but I have a feeling the minute our lips locked in my apartment, something strong has started between us. And I can¡¯t even resist him, no matter how hard I¡¯ve tried.


    I feel like he¡¯s staked his im on me. iming me as his without me even knowing, and marking me while telling the whole world I¡¯m his. I know the minute we kissed, there¡¯s noing back from how I felt the minute his lips touched mine. I can¡¯t stay away from him. I know better than to try. ¡®Cause the more I try to tell myself I need to stay away from him and concentrate on my job, the more he¡¯s going to chase me, and the more he makes me want to break my own rules by giving him a chance, despite all the warning bells that at the end of the road I¡¯m going to get hurt.


    He¡¯spletely swept me off my feet. Something I shouldn¡¯t have let happen in the first ce.


    ¡± We know he¡¯s hot and can be attractive, but it¡¯s hical to be involved with someone like Killian ck. He¡¯s still your boss, whether you worked as a waitress at his club before, and now you work in hispany, he¡¯s still your boss. I advise whatever thing that¡¯s going on between you two, you should end it. He might be the boss and the CEO, it¡¯s still hical to be involved with him sexually. You know that, Naomi.¡± Antonio says in Spanish, probably so his son won¡¯t know what we¡¯re talking about.


    Charlie doesn¡¯t understand Spanish that much, but he¡¯s getting there.


    I sigh and cross my arms as I stare at my big brother.


    ¡± I thought you¡¯d understand better than mom.¡± I say in English. ¡± And there¡¯s nothing going on with me and Killian.¡± I speak with Spanish.


    ¡± Your brother is just looking out for you, Naomi. Work rtionship with your boss doesn¡¯t always turn out great. He is hot, and maybe you¡¯re attracted to him, just don¡¯t let it get in your head when you¡¯re in the office. Also, isn¡¯t he like George? Privileged, wealthy men, from a wealthy background?¡± Mom says in her motherly tone in Spanish. ¡± It doesn¡¯t matter. I just think it¡¯s safer for you if you want to be able to work in hispany, you just have to be professional when you¡¯re around him. You need the job, Naomi. You and I know how much you¡¯ve always wanted a real job.¡±


    Right. My family thinks I¡¯m sleeping with Killian ck or nning to do it. Great, really great, family.


    And I hate that my family is right. If I want to be able to concentrate on my job, I just need to stay away from him and focus on work. I already told him that Friday that I needed space. I just got the job and I just started working for hispany, letting my guard down by putting my feelings first won¡¯t turn out great for me. A lot of people from HR already think I gave myself to Killian ck before I was able to score a job there.


    Pathetic.


    ¡± Thanks for your advice.¡± I say In English to my mom, shing them a fake smile.


    I eat lunch in a hurry as I stand up with my te. Pulling my phone out, there are two messages from two different people. I click Killian¡¯s message open first as I read it.


    From Killian: You can¡¯t keep running away from me, Ms Alderson. Sooner orter, I¡¯ll catch up to you.


    And then there¡¯s another message from Killian today. I can¡¯t even begin to imagine how he got my number.


    From Killian: Can you please reply to my texts? You don¡¯t how much you are fucking with my head, Naomi. And also, I wasn¡¯t joking about trying this whole dating thing with you. I¡¯m willing to do anything to prove to you I can be the man you want.


    Is he asking me out? And why is he making this difficult for the two of us? And who the hell is that Celinedy? I don¡¯t wanna know even if I already knew the answer.


    I exit Killian¡¯s message, reminding myself to delete itter as I open Keiran¡¯s message.


    From Keiran: Hey, you still on for tonight?


    Keiran is taking me out for dinner tonight even after I told him he didn¡¯t have to. It was his own way of bidding me farewell after I announced to everyone yesterday I¡¯ve got a job and I was leaving Club K. I made sure to leave the details that I now work in Killian¡¯spany. That might have raised a lot of suspicious eyebrows. I didn¡¯t want that.


    I type a response.


    Me: Sure. 7pm right?


    Antonio walks into the kitchen. He opens the fridge to collect a bottle of water. He closes it and turns to look at me. I look away and slip my phone inside the back pocket of my jeans.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I was a little harsh on you. I was just looking out for you.¡±


    ¡± I know.¡± I give him a small smile when our eyes meet.


    ¡± Do you like him?¡± My brother approaches me.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to hide it from me. We¡¯re practically best friends, remember?¡± He smiles.


    I roll my eyes and turn away.


    ¡± It¡¯s not what you think.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not gonna tell Mom. I¡¯m not Charlie and Rachel.¡± He says and we chuckle.


    ¡± I do.¡±


    Antonio doesn¡¯t say anything after my confession. He just nods and watches me.


    ¡± Does he?¡±


    ¡± I think he does. I guess that was why he offered me a job. And ording to him he cared about me. He hates seeing me serve drinks to his drunk patrons.¡±


    ¡± Wow. He doesn¡¯t sound like aplete asshole.¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s not really that bad. He¡¯s nice, he can be caring too.¡±


    ¡± Damn, you really do like him.¡± Antonio chuckles.


    ¡± He wants us to date.¡± I blurt out.


    ¡± No shit.¡±


    ¡± Yup. On Friday. He said he was willing to try it with me.¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡± It means he wants us to date. He wants me to give him a chance. I don¡¯t know, Ant¡­ I told him that rtionships are thest thing on my mind. I just got out of one with George, I wasn¡¯t ready to go back into a new one with another rich, wealthy guy. Worse case, a CEO of some wealthy techpany. And also I just got a job after two years of job hunting and I needed to concentrate on my job.¡±


    ¡± You told him that?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±

 Chapter 39

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Antonio sighs.


    ¡± We can¡¯t tell you who to date and who to love, Naomi. But sometimes, dating someone doesn¡¯t necessarily stop you from your job. The fact that you and George¡¯s rtionship ended pretty messed up, doesn¡¯t mean your other rtionship is going to turn out bad. And you¡¯re right, you just got this new job, and getting involved with your CEO sh your boss isn¡¯t advisable. It¡¯s against a lot of work ethics.¡±


    ¡± I know that.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And him being the boss doesn¡¯t change anything either. There¡¯s work ethic for a reason. But, if you think you want him, don¡¯t let anything stop you. Don¡¯t let excusese between you and your feelings, Luna.¡± My brother barely addresses me with my middle name, Luna. Well, except he¡¯s passing a meaningful message. ¡± You can handle some pressures from work. You¡¯ve handled worse. So don¡¯t let anything or anyone stop you from being happy, not even your bad rtionship with George. Killian might be different, even if he¡¯s stinking rich. You just gotta do what you want and be with whoever you want to be with it, as long as they are good.¡±


    I smile. I guess that¡¯s exactly what I was looking for. A good speech like that.


    ¡± Thanks, Ant. I really appreciate your kind words. Can I y a little hard to get too? He¡¯s not used to rejection, he¡¯s just getting used to it.¡±


    Antonioughs. ¡± Of course. Just don¡¯t do that a lot. Men hate it, I hate it.¡± He says, chuckling.


    ¡± Noted.¡± I chuckle.


    My phone vibrates in my back pocket and I pull it out.


    ¡± Is that him?¡±


    ¡± Nah, It¡¯s Keiran. My friend. We work together at Club K. We¡¯re grabbing dinner by 7. Farewell dinner.¡± I exin to Antonio as I read his message.


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    I look up at Antonio and slip my phone in my back pocket.


    ¡± I gotta go. Bianca and I haveundry to do today.¡±


    ¡± Wow. You two are still friends? That¡¯s great.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± Of course we¡¯re still friends. Is that your own way of checking on her?¡±


    ¡± Something like that. She¡¯s pretty.¡±


    ¡± And off limits. Stay away, Ant.¡± I tell my brother. Heughs.


    ¡± Whatever, Luna.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve heard that name.¡±


    ¡± You made us stop calling you that. You said it made you feel like a child.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± And I¡¯m not wrong.¡± I protest.


    ¡± Oh you¡¯re.¡±


    I smile and hug my brother as I peck his cheek before hurrying out of the kitchen.


    ¡± Bye, mama. Thanks for the food.¡± I say to my mom and hug her. I peck her on the cheek, ruffle Charlie¡¯s hair, and pinches Rachel¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡± Stop, I¡¯m too old for that.¡± Rachel giggles.


    ¡± No, you¡¯re not.¡± I say and pinch her cheek again.


    ¡± See you, family.¡± I wave and leave.


    ***


    With Killian¡¯s dry cleaning in my hand, I step out of the back of Killian¡¯s car and shut the door.


    ¡± Thanks, Alvin.¡± I say to Killian¡¯s driver before turning towards Killian¡¯s house.


    ¡± No problem.¡± I hear Alvin say.


    I knock on the front door of Killian¡¯s house before turning the knob and letting myself in. The house looks the same just like thest time I was here. Quiet, calm, and beautiful. But this time the air smells really good, like someone¡¯s cooking. When did Killian start cooking? It¡¯s probably his cook, Sebastian.


    I rearrange Killian¡¯s dry cleaning on my shoulder and head towards the kitchen. It¡¯s Thursday morning and I got this weird message from Killian asking me to pick up his dry cleaning. Like why would he ask me to pick up his dry cleaning? Wasn¡¯t that supposed to be his assistant¡¯s job? Why me? What was he trying to do? That wasn¡¯t part of my job description and he knows that.


    At the end of the day I agreed. I haven¡¯t seen the man sincest Friday when Celine barged in on us. I¡¯ve been avoiding him, not because I didn¡¯t want to see him but because I don¡¯t know how I was supposed to act around him, especially since he wanted us to date and he wanted me to think about it. And also the job was really stressful. One of the marketing executives was a pain in my ass. A cold, good-looking, really tall woman named Amber. Giving me loads of work to do, and asking me to work past my lunch hour, like what the hell?


    God, I hated the bitch. I hate to think she treats me like an intern. I¡¯ve been going through research for thepany¡¯s new product that will beunch soon, while handling Amber¡¯s coffee, and taking orders from her like she was my boss. Aside from Killian, I work under Raymond Knight, Killian¡¯s friend, and he is my boss. I¡¯m supposed to take orders from him, but Raymond always treats me like his equal. He¡¯s nice, really nice, and he always tries to help me these past three days whenever I needed help.


    ¡± Hello.¡± I call out as I stand outside the kitchen door.


    There¡¯s a man there, washing dishes and cooking at the same time. He turns to look at me, with a polite smile on his face.


    ¡± Hi.¡±


    ¡± Hey. I¡¯m Naomi, and I¡¯m here to give my boss his dry cleaning. Is he in? Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. He¡¯s upstairs. You should check his room.¡±


    ¡± Sure. Thank you.¡± I smile at Killian¡¯s cook and walk away.


    I climb the spiral staircase upstairs. I walk past the guest bedrooms and towards Killian¡¯s. I stop in front of his bedroom door and knock. There¡¯s no reply, so I knock again. Still nothing. The door is already open when I push it. I step inside, ncing around the luxurious and familiar bedroom of Killian ck. I think back to the time I was here. How I woke up in his bed wearing nothing but his dress shirt, and my panties. And then I think about the incident in his kitchen, how I almost let him have his way with me because he talked dirty to me. There¡¯s so much to Killian ck that I¡¯m yet to uncover.


    The bathroom door opens at once and Killian steps into his bedroom, with nothing but a towel. He¡¯s surprised to see me and I¡¯m shocked to see him. Half naked. I look like a child who got caught by her mother for stealing meat from the pot. That¡¯s exactly what I look like.


    What the hell did I just walk in on? An almost naked Killian ck, obviously. And hell, did he look super hot?


    Our eyes are locked and I¡¯m trying my hardest time not to bring my gaze down his defined body. He stands still next to his closed bathroom door with his hands around the hem of his towel, probably trying to tie it properly around his waist since he wasn¡¯t expecting I¡¯d be in his bedroom.


    My eyes betray me and I drag my gaze from his beautiful grey eyes to his torso, taking my time to stare at his bare stomach with water dripping down his torso. I bring my gaze down, past the ripples of his torso as I follow the water that glides down his body as it disappears into the hem of his towel.


    Holy shit!


    How¡¯s he that hot? How can he be that hot? What am I still doing here standing in the middle of his bedroom with slightly parted lips and shock written all over my face? Why can¡¯t I move my feet? Why am I staring at him with that look on my face?


    ¡± Naomi.¡± He addresses me.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    I clear my throat, snapping myself from whatever thing that just happened. I can¡¯t believe I just died for a second for just staring at this man in nothing but a towel. Fuck, he is sexy.


    I¡¯ve run my fingers over his body when we kissed in my apartment and I least expected he¡¯d look this hot. God, this is too much for my eyes to take in and my brain to handle.


    ¡± Mr. ck.¡± I greet him, trying my best to focus, while I try not to look at him or his naked torso that¡¯s still dripping with water.


    His hair is damp, and his lips are swollen, and a little redder than usual. Who knew someone can look this hot with nothing but a towel on?


    Killian smirks as he approaches me.


    Uh oh.


    I bite my lip, with my heart already beating fast while I clutched onto his dry cleaning in my hand.


    ¡± Hey.¡± He says and stops in front of me, with his bright grey eyes staring at my face.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I had to see you like this.¡± I voice out. ¡± I knocked, but there was no reply so I let myself in. I¡¯m really sorry.¡± I apologize.


    ¡± There¡¯s no need for that. At least you liked what you saw.¡± He teases me.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that.¡± I blush.


    Killian smirks. He brings his hand around me, with his eyes locked with mine. I don¡¯t miss the heat radiating off his body or the butterflies at the pit of my stomach.


    Why the hell is he still standing in front of me without a shirt on? With nothing but his towel on? My fingers itches me to reach out and just run my fingertips on the surface of his stomach. I want to feel the hard muscles against my palm.


    ¡± Can you put some clothes on?¡± I ask him, at the same time he takes his dry cleaning from my hand.


    Oh. I thought he wanted to touch me when he brought his hand around me.


    Damn.


    ¡± You had it.¡± He tells me, raising his dry cleaning up for me to see as he turns around towards his bathroom.


    ¡± I¡¯ll wait downstairs.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to be shy because I¡¯m with a towel, Naomi.¡± He says as he opens his bathroom door. ¡± You had me in your hand in your apartment, remember?¡± He turns around to give me a coy smirk and a wink before closing his bathroom door.


    Had me? Had what ¨C shit! How can I forget what happened between us in my apartment that day. That wasn¡¯t me. I was wild, and horny, and really touchy. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯d even touched him down there.


    God I need meds.

 Chapter 40

    Killian¡¯s POV


    I step into my bathroom and shut the door behind me with my dry cleaning In my hand. I can¡¯t help but smile at the thought of Naomi walking into my room and seeing me in nothing but my towel.


    Asking her to bring my dry cleaning was the only way I could see her. Since she started work on Monday she¡¯s been avoiding me. Purposefully avoiding me and I don¡¯t know why. I¡¯ve been trying to talk to her but I didn¡¯t want toe off as a pest. I badly wanted to exin to her my rtionship with Celine. She probably thought Celine and I had something together. Although, she¡¯s not wrong, I don¡¯t want her to hate me because she thinks i sleep around.


    Well, I do sleep around, and that was before I met Naomi Alderson. I don¡¯t want her to see me as the guy who fucks anything with a vagina that breathes.


    Fucking hell.


    As I pull my pants up my thighs, I think of ways I want to make Naomi Alderson mine. How I¡¯d love to please her and make her happy. God, I¡¯d do anything for that woman. I¡¯m willing to break every of my rules and whatever rules out there to be with her. I don¡¯t know what this is but ording to Derrick I think I have feelings for her.


    Fuck, I have feelings for Naomi Alderson. What a strange thing to say. Something I have never experienced before. These past weeks, I go to bed with nothing but Naomi on my mind. I think about her everyday. I think about making her mine, and waking up to her. I think about how I¡¯d love to make her happy and give her everything and anything that she wanted.


    I¡¯m willing to do anything for her. There¡¯s always this weird feeling at the pit of my stomach each time she¡¯s close to me. It¡¯s fucking weird, fucking strange but also overwhelming. There are strange asions where my heart always beats so hard against my chest anytime I¡¯m close to her, I fear it¡¯s going to fall off. Every day I crave her. Sometimes I crave seeing her before I start my day. I feel like if I didn¡¯t see her, everything would just fall apart. There are times I watched her through the ss in my office from afar. I barely can see her when she is seated at her desk, but I sometimes catch a glimpse of her when she¡¯s running errands or dropping files.


    Is that what having feelings for someone feels like?


    She stole my breath away the minute I locked eyes with her. She¡¯s like fire and she burns me inside out the minute her eyes are locked with mine. And when she touched me at her apartment, I wished to have her hands on me all day.


    What the hell have I gotten myself into?


    I wear my white dress shirt and button the buttons. I run my fingers through my slightly damp hair as Ib it backwards out of my eyes. I arrange my cor as I stare at my reflection. Once I was done getting dressed, I stepped out of my bathroom into my bedroom.


    Surprisingly, Naomi is still in my bedroom, standing in the middle of my bedroom as she awkwardly nces around the bedroom with her back towards me. I stare at her back and admire the dark blue dress she¡¯s wearing and how she looks incredibly sexy inside it. Her fine ass is well pronounced in the dress as it hugs her waist and her hips. I clear my throat and she spins around to look at me. Her brown hair is in a ponytail and she looks so innocent and young.


    I watch her gaze sweep my features from head to toe.


    ¡± You¡¯re decent.¡± She mutters.


    A quiet chuckle escapes my lips as I walk towards my closet. I pull out a ck tie and my Rolex wristwatch as I walk towards Naomi. I hand her the tie and she stares at me with her eyebrows nearly touching her hairline. When I don¡¯t answer her curious look, she takes the tie from my hand. I give her a grateful smile and pull the left sleeve of my dress shirt up as I wear the wristwatch around my wrist.


    Naomi stares at the tie in her hand.


    ¡± Help me, will you?¡± I say, referring to the tie in her hand.


    ¡± You want me to tie your tie? Around your neck?¡± She asks.


    ¡± Yeah. You can¡¯t tie a tie?¡± I ask her with a small smirk.


    Naomi licks her bottom lip and my gaze flick to her full lips. My cock twitches in my pants when she bites her bottom lip.


    Shit.


    ¡± I can tie a tie. I just¡­¡±


    ¡± Stop thinking too much into it Naomi, just tie it around my neck, yeah?¡±


    She looks at the tie in her hand and up at me. It¡¯s probably weird to tell her to tie my tie, I understand her hesitation. I just need an excuse to look into her eyes and have her close to me. I just can¡¯t help it.


    I feel like I¡¯m going to lose my mind if I don¡¯t have her close to me. She¡¯s been avoiding me sincest week and I need to make this right.


    ¡± Okay.¡± She sighs and takes a step forward so she¡¯s standing in front of me. She¡¯s not wearing her shoes so I¡¯m guessing she took them out downstairs by the door.


    Our height difference is fucking hrious and she¡¯s just extremely cute. Naomi raises my cor up while she avoids my gaze. We¡¯re so close, so fucking close I can hear her heart beating against her chest. And I can hear mine respond to her heart beat. My hand itches to touch her, to feel her body pressed against mine.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± I whisper her name.


    I feel her hand pause around my neck as she takes a deep breath. She still can¡¯t look into my eyes. I bring my hand to her chin and tilt her chin upwards so she¡¯s looking at me. She avoids my gaze as she bites her bottom lip.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡± She whispers back, hands holding the tie that she¡¯s already tied halfway.


    ¡± I want you to look at me. Please.¡± I whisper-plead.


    Naomi sighs, with her teeth tugging at her bottom lip. Slowly, she tilts her head so she¡¯s looking directly into my eyes.


    God, she¡¯s so fucking beautiful. With our close proximity, I can hear my own heart beating for her. How¡¯s she this beautiful even with barely any makeup on.


    ¡± Why are you avoiding me?¡± I ask her.


    She shakes her head and looks away from me, licking her lips as she continues to tie my tie. I can feel the heat radiating off her body and the evident goosebumps on her arms.


    ¡± I fucking want you Naomi.¡±


    ¡± So I heard.¡± She whispers.


    I chuckle and lick my own bottom lip.


    ¡± Why are you avoiding me? I sent you a text.¡±


    ¡± Who¡¯s Celine?¡± She asks me all of a sudden. ¡± It¡¯s not like I care or something. It¡¯s none of my business.¡± She rambles.


    I always knew Celine was part of the reason she was avoiding me. God, she looks really cute right now. Her eyes are a bright hazel and I¡¯m assuming she¡¯s wearing contact lenses today. I wonder what she looks like in sses.


    ¡± We used to have sex.¡± I tell her. Her breath hitches in her throat as she meets my eyes for a brief second before looking away.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. But I stopped. Ever since I met you Naomi, I¡¯ve stopped being with other women. You¡¯re what I want.¡± I whisper.


    And it¡¯s the fucking truth. I haven¡¯t had sex with anyone since Celine in my office the other day. I wanted to, I tried to fuck someone, but I just can¡¯t. I barely even visit my club to get wasted. Each time I think about sleeping with any other woman that¡¯s not Naomi, weird shit, my cock doesn¡¯t respond.


    It only wants Naomi. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening to me.


    Naomi doesn¡¯t say anything after my confession, she just continues to tie my tie in utter silence. When she¡¯s done she straightens it and looks up at me, her eyes meeting my gaze.


    ¡± Why did you ask me to bring your dry cleaning?¡± She asks, automatically changing the topic.


    ¡± Because I wanted to see you.¡±


    ¡± You used to see me every other day at work through your office walls.¡±


    ¡± I barely see you.¡± I say, eyes casting down on her as I watch her. ¡± You look really beautiful.¡± I whisper, reaching out to cup her cheek.


    Naomi¡¯s eyes flutter as she licks her bottom lip. My eyes follow every little move she makes. I run my fingers on her cheek as I listen to her breathing change.


    ¡± You promised me, Killian.¡±


    ¡± And I listened and did as you wanted. I¡¯m going to treat you like my worker, you said I didn¡¯t have to treat you as such outside mypany.¡± I smile at her. Naomi smiles back as she blushes and looks away.


    ¡± I¡¯m wearing work clothes.¡± She says. I stare at her and she avoids my gaze. I drop my hand and move backwards as I slip my hand inside my pants pockets.


    ¡± I badly want to touch you right now. I want to kiss you, Naomi. There are a lot of things I want to do to you right now. I just¡­¡± She renders me speechless. ¡± I¡¯m going to wait.¡±


    I clear my throat and walk towards my full length mirror as I speak.


    ¡± There¡¯s this art show this Saturday. I want you toe with me.¡±


    Naomi slowly turns to look at me, eyes glistening with amusement. She smiles.


    ¡± Are you asking me out on a date?¡± She asks, with her arms crossed over her chest.


    ¡± If you want it to be.¡±


    ¡± So you are asking me on a date then?¡±


    I sigh. ¡± It doesn¡¯t have to be a date if you don¡¯t want it to.¡± I say.


    Where the hell did my balls go? Why can¡¯t I just agree this is my own form of asking her on a date. I need to take her with me. I need to know her better.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Naomi stays quiet, eyes all over my face as she watches me. She drops her arms and turns to my bedroom door.


    ¡± Okay. I¡¯m game.¡± She smiles at me over her shoulder. ¡± And it¡¯s not a date.¡± She calls out as she turns to leave.


    I smile as I watch her step out of my bedroom.


    It¡¯s obviously a date.

 Chapter 41

    Killian¡¯s POV


    ¡± Have you had breakfast this morning?¡± I ask Naomi as we climb down the staircase.


    She¡¯s in front of me, her ass tight as hell in that dress as she bounces down the stairs like a six years old. I can¡¯t take my eyes off her, or even her body, and I¡¯m losing my mind the more I stare at her.


    Naomi turns around to look at me, catching me in the act. I fake cough and look away, pretending as if I wasn¡¯t staring at her ass a few minutes ago. Out of my peripheral vision, I see Naomi smirk as she looks forward.


    ¡± What is your cook making?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Something fancy. You¡¯ll like it, he¡¯s good.¡±


    We walk into the living room and straight to the kitchen.


    ¡± Good morning, Mr. ck.¡± Sebastian greets me.


    I nod in response. Sebastian has been working for me for over five months now, but I treat and act around him as if he just started working for me three days ago.


    ¡± How¡¯s work these past days?¡± I ask Naomi. She sighs and looks at Sebastian before looking up at me.


    ¡± Great.¡±


    ¡± Coffee, sir.¡± Sebastian hands me my coffee.


    ¡± Thanks, Sebastian.¡± I take a sip, with my eyes on the brte sitting across from me.


    ¡± Do you want coffee or tea?¡± I ask her.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Thanks.¡± Naomi gives me a small smile. ¡± In fact, I think I should head to the office. It¡¯s still my first week, I can¡¯t bete.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not yet 8:am, Naomi. You should stay for breakfast.¡± I protest.


    Naomi opens her mouth to argue, obviously, but I stop her.


    ¡± I insist.¡±


    She sighs and nods. I¡¯m surprised she didn¡¯t argue with me or tell me one of her famous words like, ¡®no¡¯. I¡¯m thinking it¡¯s because Sebastian is here, she probably doesn¡¯t want to disrespect me, or argue with me in front of my cook.


    How thoughtful.


    ¡± Two tes, Sebastian. And we¡¯ll eat here, no need for taking it to the dining room.¡± I say.


    ¡± No problem, sir.¡±


    A few minutester, Sebastian excused us, and Naomi and I were eating in silence. She hasn¡¯t said a word since I stopped her from leaving. I watch her eat, and that makes her blush every second that she gets.


    ¡± So how long has he been working for you?¡± Naomi speaks up after long minutes of silence.


    ¡± Five months.¡±


    ¡± Wow. This is delicious. I can¡¯t even make this perfectly well.¡±


    I chuckle underneath my breath. Naomi smiles shyly.


    ¡± How was your weekend?¡±


    ¡± That was five days ago, Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± You really don¡¯t have to call me that when we¡¯re alone. You should get used to calling me Killian.¡±


    ¡± I will, when I¡¯m ready.¡± Naomi says with a smug grin. ¡± And my weekend was eventful. I spent time with my family, went to grab dinner with Keiran.¡±


    ¡± Who¡¯s Keiran?¡± I feel myself growing jealous of this Keiran guy.


    Is he a guy I should be worried about? A guy who wants to steal her from me? Apetition? I¡¯m not the most perfect guy out there, in fact, I¡¯m far from perfect. I have everything any man would kill to have, and having a woman has never been a problem, but not Naomi. Every day I fear some guy¡¯s gonna win her heart and sweep her off her feet even though we¡¯re not together, I fear losing her. Fuck, I¡¯m still jealous of her ex, especially since that day I saw them both at a restaurant.


    Now there¡¯s Keiran.


    Naomi smiles, like she can see my internal battles of losing her to some guy who¡¯s probably better than me. Shit, I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m feeling insecure.


    What the fuck is she doing to me?


    ¡± He¡¯s a friend. Work the bar at your club.¡±


    ¡± Oh.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re jealous.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not. Why would I be?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± She drops her fork as she whispers. ¡± Why don¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    I stare at this woman in front of me. The one woman that I¡¯ve ever chased and still chasing.


    ¡± He¡¯s not asking you out is he?¡±


    ¡± Wow, now that¡¯s your jealousy speaking.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t watch some other guy steal your heart, Naomi.¡± I whisper, with my eyes locked on hers. ¡± And I can¡¯t watch some other guy stare at you, definitely not a guy who works the bar at my club.¡±


    ¡± Really smug.¡±


    ¡± Are you still seeing your ex?¡± I blurt out at once.


    Now I did sound jealous and she can see that. I really don¡¯t care about her ex, I just wanna be sure he¡¯s not gonna be a problem for me. I can¡¯t stand the chance ofpeting with another man for Naomi. I¡¯ll fucking do anything for her, even if I have to punch her damn ex to back the fuck off and that she¡¯s mine.


    I can¡¯t believe how I sound right now.


    ¡± You¡¯re really jealous, Killian. Maybe, you should ept it.¡± Naomi smirks as she leans forward, with her breasts pressed against the edge of the counter.


    My eyesnd on the small v-neck on her dress as I stare at her beautiful cleavage.


    Fuck.


    I move my gaze to her eyes and she¡¯s already staring at me, with a sweet smirk on her lips. Obviously she knew I was just staring at her breasts.


    ¡± I¡¯m shameless, you told me that.¡±


    ¡± And I wasn¡¯t wrong.¡± She says with a smile as she moves back before grabbing a bottle of water.


    ¡± You wanna tell me about your ex?¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± You¡¯re right. He¡¯s just my ex.¡±


    ¨C


    During the car ride to work, Naomi sits at the far end of my car as Alvin drives us. She¡¯s been quiet throughout the ride and I just watch her. God she¡¯s fucking beautiful, with barely no makeup on and a bright red lipstick.


    The more I stare at her, the more urge I have to just hold her and pull her to me as she sits on myp while I taste her lips.


    What I¡¯d give to fucking kiss her again.


    Naomi turns her head to look at me and our eyes meet, with both pairs locked in an intense gaze. Her eyes not so discreetly travel down my body as she checks me out. I don¡¯t try to hide mine too, as I check her out, imagining all the dirty things I wanted to do to her at the back of my car, starting from¡­


    ¡± Do you think about anything other than sex and work, Mr. ck?¡± Naomi whispers. She stares at my lips for a second before bringing her gaze to my eyes.


    ¡± What do you think of me, Ms. Alderson?¡± I whisper back, turning my body to face her.


    Naomi bites her lip as she avoids my gaze. She¡¯s blushing.


    ¡± A man with words, and a man who knows what to say and when to say them.¡± She whispers, her gaze flicking to my form for a minute before she looks away.


    ¡± I¡¯m capable of a lot of things, Ms. Alderson. Things you don¡¯t want to imagine.¡± I whisper.


    She turns her body towards me, so I have her full attention. She stares into my eyes, and I have a feeling she¡¯s horny, or she was thinking about our kiss and my hands on her.


    Fucking hell. She has no idea what she¡¯s doing to me and the battle I¡¯m having with my dick while I sit next to her at the backseat of my car.


    She has no fucking idea.


    ¡± Things like what, Mr. ck?¡± For the first time in forever the sound of Mr. cking out of her mouth makes my cock twitch in my pants. God, it sounds sexying out of her mouth.


    ¡± You don¡¯t want me talking dirty to you at the back of my car Ms. Alderson.¡± I say to her.


    We¡¯re surprisingly close, with the back of my car radiating heat despite the fact that the AC is turned on. Her dress rides up a little, exposing a fair amount of her thighs and I can¡¯t help but stare. I feel my self control slowly tossing out the window. If we don¡¯t get to mypany this minute, I¡¯m going to fuck her right at the backseat of my car without holding back.


    There¡¯s so much she¡¯s doing to me right now with her eyes, and her full attention on me, and the obvious lust in her eyes.


    ¡± Try me, Mr. ck. I want to hear the things you¡¯re capable of.¡± Naomi whispers, with her body leaning against the car seat as she watches me.


    I have never seen her this way before, well except for the day we kissed at her apartment and it was nothingpared to this. This Naomi is something I¡¯ve never experienced before. All sexy, hot, wild, bold, and fucking unpredictable. Some of thebinations that I¡¯ve always loved in a woman.


    I move towards her on the backseat as I try to y my cards well. For a start, I ce my hand on her bare thigh and she doesn¡¯t p it away or care to push me or ask me to back off.


    That¡¯s a good start, right?


    I know she wants me, but sometimes I¡¯m confused about her mixed feelings that she keeps sending me. But this, this is different. This is Naomi trying to y with fire and if she¡¯s not careful it¡¯s going to burn her.


    ¡± Looking at you right now, you should see how much you¡¯re fucking with my head.¡± I whisper, with my thumb slowly rubbing circles on her skin. ¡± Why don¡¯t we start with what I want to do to you right now?¡± I whisper into her ear, and I feel her pulse race as she gulps. ¡± I want to push your thighs apart and slip my hand inside your dress as I feel your warm skin against my fingertips. Fuck, I want to feel your cunt against my fingers as I brush your pussy lips apart, and then, I¡¯m gonna slip my finger inside you, feeling your wetness and your juices. And then, I¡¯m gonna fill you up with another finger, pushing right in and out. I will listen to you moan my name, silently at first, and then loudly because you love it and it¡¯s going to feel so fucking good. You¡¯re going to grip my shoulders because the feeling is too much, and you¡¯re gonna moan my name and tell me how good I make you feel with my fingers.¡± I whisper, with my hand gripping gently onto Naomi¡¯s thighs.


    I don¡¯t slip my hand inside her dress as I promised her. I just let it rest on her thighs as I listen to her heartbeat elerate. She¡¯s wet, and horny, and her breathing has changed.


    ¡± I will let you lie on this backseat and push your dress up, with me in between your legs. I¡¯ll first taste your sweetness and your juices on my fingers in my mouth, and then I will fuck you with my tongue, tasting you in and out as I eat you out like you¡¯re my birthday cake. You¡¯re gonna moan, and squirm, Naomi, cause you¡¯ll love every bit of it. You¡¯ll love my fingers buried inside you and my tongue fucking you, and you¡¯re gonna cum on my tongue. Right now I want to taste you Naomi, I¡¯ve thought about it, and whispering it to you right now, you should see how you affect me. I want you to sit on my face, and ride my face however you want. And then you¡¯re gonna sit on my cock, fucking ride on it like my little girl. You¡¯re gonna cry out my name, and tell me no one¡¯s ever going to fuck you like I¡¯m going to fuck you.¡±


    God, I want to tell her more. How I want to bury my length inside her every morning and night. How I want to make her my woman and mine only. How she¡¯s been giving me sleepless nights, and how I can¡¯t help but think about her every time that I get and every night before going to bed. There¡¯s so much I¡¯ve got to say, so many dirty things. I want to tell her I want her and I¡¯m never gonna want any woman but her. I want to tell her I won¡¯t stop chasing her, not until she¡¯spletely mine. I want to tell her, I¡¯m afraid of losing her to some other man, and I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m going to fall in love with her and she¡¯s not gonna love me back because I¡¯m not what she needed or what she wanted.


    That¡¯s the hardest part. Falling in love with her and she not loving me back. The thought alone makes me pull away from her, giving us a little space as I stare into her eyes. Her eyes are filled with lust and hunger. She wants me and I know she thought about everything I whispered to her. She¡¯s fucking wet, and I know she¡¯d let me fuck her on the backseat of my car without any effort.


    But I don¡¯t want that. I don¡¯t want to fuck her at the backseat of my car. I want something more from her. Naomi is speechless, with her lips slightly parted as she stares at me.


    Thankfully, the car pulls to a stop, snapping Naomi out of her lust trance. She clears her throat and sits properly, looking away from me as she arranges her dress. She¡¯s shy.


    I hear the front door of my car open and then my side door opens. I get down and Naomi opens her side door as she steps out of my car with her bag in her hand.


    Alvin shuts the door and I give him a grateful nod. As I button my suit jacket, I watch Naomi awkwardly walk ahead of me, obviously running away from me. The thought makes me smile as I head towards my empire.


    There¡¯s only one thought in my head as I watch the woman who makes me feel these weird emotions walk away; I¡¯m gradually falling for her.


    And I¡¯m falling deeply and hard.

 Chapter 42

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    God, what the hell was I thinking? Daring my boss to talk dirty to me in such a confined space.


    Oh God, I¡¯m losing my mind.


    I¡¯m horny, and I can feel the wet in my panties as I walk ahead of Killian. I can feel him behind me, probably watching me and I dare not turn around.


    What the hell was I even thinking? Coming up with such an idea and daring him to talk dirty to me. How can I not think the end result will be this? Right now, I crave for his hands on me, touching me, feeling me up and whispering dirty things to me.


    When he whispered those promises to me, I couldn¡¯t help but think about it, think about him doing these things to me. And I wished he could just go ahead with his promises and make me feel good.


    Even thinking about it right now makes me feel filthy. What¡¯s going on with me? What has he turned me into?


    The elevator arrives and I enter, before the doors can close, Killian steps inside too and the doors close.


    ¡± Good morning Mr. ck.¡± All the upants in the elevator greets him. He just nods in response and looks at me as he walks further into the elevator.


    Worst, right behind me, perched against the wall as he stood behind me.


    What¡¯s he doing here riding the same elevator as me? I discovered he has his own private elevator that can only be essed by him, and it leads him directly to his office, and he always uses that.


    Why¡¯s he riding the same elevator as me?


    I can¡¯t meet his eyes. I¡¯m still feeling the aftermath of his dirty words that he whispered into my ear. The elevator stops on the third floor and opens so people can step out and more people enter inside the elevator, making it crowded and inconvenient. Without option, I was being pushed towards Mr. ck because of the herd of people. They greet him simultaneously, and he just hums in response. I just assume he hasn¡¯t rode the elevator with his workers for a long time now, because it was inconvenient for him too.


    With his back pressed against the elevator wall, my back is to him, with my body pressed against his front. I can feel the outline of his body through his expensive suit. I can clearly smell his cologne, and I can feel the warmth radiating off his body. My butt is pressed against his crotch. My body stilled at once when I feel something I¡¯m not supposed to feel.


    Killian curses underneath his breath, obviously hating the position we¡¯re forced into. I can feel the outline of his sex against my butt, and shit, he¡¯s slowly getting hard.


    Oh God, when are we arriving at our destination? Why¡¯s the elevator not moving fast?


    His hand slightly brushes my hand and that little gesture sends an electric feeling straight to my core. The butterflies in my stomach are doing backflips with that little touch. Some butterflies are already dancing in the pit of my stomach. I can¡¯t remember feeling this way with just a mere touch when I was with George or Haven. In fact, I¡¯ve never felt this way before. He¡¯s the one man that has made me feel all these strange feelings and it¡¯s just overwhelming for me.


    I feel like I¡¯m about losing my virginity over again with just this awkward and sexual position that we¡¯re in.


    I think I¡¯m really losing my mind now. No doubt.


    Thankfully the elevator stops on the sixth floor, half of the herd of people in the elevator steps out, giving us breathable space. I quickly move away from Killian as if he has an infectious ailment. I¡¯m blushing, terribly blushing, and I thank my stars for the hundredth time I am not a shade lighter or paler. I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m supposed to exin to my boss and the few people inside the elevator why the hell my cheeks are a shade of pink.


    After another awkward elevator ride with my boss, it finally stops on our destination and I quickly step out. I don¡¯t bother to look at Killian as I hurry towards my desk. I see Jamie standing next to his desk already anticipating his boss¡¯s arrival.


    ¡± Hey, Jamie.¡± I wave at him. He gives me a brilliant smile.


    ¡± Hi, Naomi.¡±


    Turning briefly to give Killian ck a quick stare, his eyes are already locked on mine before I even have time to check him out for thest time today. I know I won¡¯t be seeing him again today. Killian smirks and winks at me, and I quickly dart my head forward. I take a shaky breath in, as I fan my face.


    Reaching my desk, I greet the other workers that are busy trying to arrange their desks, with some of them holding mugs of coffee. They respond with silent ¡®hey¡¯s¡¯ and hums. It¡¯s obvious they had a really fun-filled night.


    Who am I to judge?


    ¡± Hey, Naomi. How are you girl?¡± Stefan asks.


    Since I resumed work here, Stefan has been one of the few friendly people that I¡¯vee to like. He¡¯s one of the oldest staff here and he doesn¡¯t y with his job. He¡¯s great and obviously had a huge crush on Jamie, Killian¡¯s assistant.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. How are you doing? Had a fun night?¡± I tease him as I set my bag down and turn on myputer.


    Stefanughs. ¡± Nah. Nothing really interesting happenedst night. Marie threw a party for the marketing team yesterday and literally everyone who attended is still nursing a hangover. Well, except me. I didn¡¯t attend.¡±


    Wow, why am I not surprised I didn¡¯t hear about it? Nope. And also, I¡¯m not surprised I didn¡¯t get an invitation from Marie herself, it¡¯s not like I would be there anyway. Like who throws a party on work days?


    Marie, like every other female worker here, sees me as apetition for some weird reasons. They don¡¯t like me, they don¡¯t bother to hide it either. During lunch breaks, I see them whisper amongst themselves and chuckle, and then they quiet down once I walk into the room.


    It¡¯s not been a week since I started working here, I already feel exhausted. They want me to quit obviously, little did they know I can handle almost anything tossed my way. I know what I want, and building a sessful career and having a stable Ie is what I wanted when I took the job at KB TECH, and I¡¯m going to get it. I won¡¯t let some chick with mommy issues bring me down with her bad energy.


    ¡± How are you holding up? Finding anything stressful?¡±


    ¡± Nah, I¡¯m good. Thanks for trying to help.¡± I smile at him.


    He nods. ¡± Always a desk away if you need help.¡± Stefan says as he walks away.


    I take a deep breath and stare down at theputer, as I watch it reboot. I palm my face and rub my eyes.


    I can¡¯t help but think about Killian even if I shouldn¡¯t in the early hours of the work day. I can¡¯t take the sound of his voice out of my head and his dirty promises. The throbbing in between my legs hasn¡¯t stopped and it annoyingly intensified when I felt his semi-erection against my ass in the elevator.


    What the hell?


    I wonder what¡¯s on his mind as he rides the elevator with me while standing behind me. I wonder what he was thinking? Did it have something to do with me and my awkward reaction when I stepped out of his car while trying to get away from him before he saw me in my awkward state?


    I don¡¯t even know what this is. What exactly is going on between us, I have no freaking idea. I still can¡¯t get the idea of him asking me to go into a rtionship with him out of my head. Everytime I tell myself he didn¡¯t mean that, but I¡¯m lying to myself. As much as I want him, it¡¯s pretty obvious he wants me the same way too, if possible, more than I want him.


    And the way he looks at me, it just blows my mind, andpletely shut down my brain.


    Am I catching feelings already? At first I thought it was just an attraction. I thought I was attracted to him since he was pretty good looking and nice to me, I guess ever since we shared that hot, intense makeout in my apartment, everything changed between us.


    Everything. And I find myself questioning what I¡¯ve always known. Everything I thought I¡¯ve always wanted.


    Mr. ck is a dangerous man, I know that. I also know I¡¯m ying with fire, and he¡¯s the fire, and he¡¯s going to burn me.


    And I want him to burn me.


    The expensive suit material in my vision snaps me out of my internal conflicts, as I sit up properly, clearing my throat. The woman I¡¯vee to notice is Celine, is standing next to my desk, dressed fancily, sexy, and smart. Her red hair is in a bun, well wrapped atop her head. She matches her look with her sharp, expensive, apricot suit, and a matching red lipstick on her thin lips.


    God, how can Ipete with this? The idea of Killian having sex with her haunts my memory and I can¡¯t get it out of my head. She¡¯s everything I¡¯m not, including rich, and influential. My short time working here, she¡¯s all everyone talks about. Everyone likes her, and a lot of female workers here wear her brand. Found out she owns her own clothing line, an independent business woman, a model, who¡¯s currently the model for thepany¡¯s new product, and she¡¯s 27 years old.


    All power, and privilege.


    I think she¡¯s friendly. I¡¯ve seen herugh and smile with top staffs here, especially Amber, but she¡¯s never looked at me, well not until today.


    ¡± Hi.¡± Celine smiles at me. A friendly smile that makes me despise myself for judging her and hating her without getting to know her.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I greet her, and ites out forced.


    ¡± Naomi, right?¡± She asks, with her perfect, friendly smile still etched on her lips.


    ¡± Yeah. Hi.¡± I give her a small smile.


    ¡± I¡¯m Celine.¡±


    ¡± I know.¡±


    She nods. ¡± Well, I thought it was time I introduced myself. You¡¯re pretty, and really young.¡±


    Okay, what¡¯s she insinuating?


    ¡± I¡¯m friends with Killian, and he talks a lot about you, and I¡¯d like to know you. He doesn¡¯t keep a lot of friends, especially women. I wasn¡¯t surprised when he wouldn¡¯t shut up about you. You¡¯re really pretty, you¡¯ve swept him off his feet.¡±


    ¡± Uh¡­¡± I ramble.


    Celine giggles.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. If you¡¯re free this weekend, we can hangout. I would really like to get to know you, you know, be friends.¡±


    Celine wants to be friends? Why? Isn¡¯t she, like, Killian¡¯s friend with benefits? Why would she want to hang out with me?


    ¡± Always deep thinking huh? You should say yes, please. It can just be a friendly hang out. A friend of mine is throwing a party this weekend, and I would like you toe. It¡¯s not really much of a party, it¡¯s just girls hanging out, talking about stuff, and drinking fine wine. You might like it.¡±


    ¡± Uh¡­, can I think about it?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, why not?¡± She¡¯s still smiling, and she¡¯s beginning to freak me out with her kindness.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Where¡¯s your phone?¡± She asks.

 Chapter 43

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    I raise my eyebrows and give her an awkward look.


    Why would she want my phone?


    I don¡¯t question her attitude as I dig through my bag and hand her my phone after unlocking it. She¡¯s all giddy as she types in something. Later she hands me back my phone with her perfect and friendly smile.


    ¡± Now we¡¯ve got each other¡¯s numbers, we can nowmunicate.¡±


    ¡± Ooh.¡± I¡¯m surprised as I stare at my phone and her contact is already saved on my phone as Celine with a heart emoji at the front.


    What the hell is going on?


    ¡± We¡¯re gonna be best friends.¡± She smiles at me and I watch her walk away, cat-walking like the model that she is, as she disappears out of my sight.


    Okay, what just happened? Did I just be friends without my permission with Killian¡¯s past fling?


    Unbelievable.


    ***


    It¡¯s afternoon and there¡¯s supposed to be a meeting with KB TECH CEO, Killian ck. The boardroom is upied with thepany¡¯s executives, marketing director, members of senior staff of the marketing team, and a few bosses I¡¯m just meeting today.


    Amber made me fetch coffee for those who needed it when Raymond stepped out of the boardroom to remind Killian he had a meeting this afternoon. I really don¡¯t know what Amber¡¯s shit is, but one of these days, I¡¯m going to stand up to her and call her on all her bullshit. God, she¡¯s always trying so hard to upset me, and I know she¡¯s waiting for the day I¡¯ll finally snap.


    The room falls quiet as Killian enters with Raymond, and Jamie who¡¯s carrying his boss¡¯s material and aptop. Both men go to their separate seats, with Killian leveling himself on the head seat, while Jamie sits next to him. Killian tries to rece his scowl with a stoic look as his eyes move over his executives and other important men in the room.


    I¡¯m not supposed to be here, in fact, Amber made sure of it since my opinion isn¡¯t really needed in this room, but Raymond asked me to join in so I can learn a thing or two. I have a feeling Killian made him do that.


    He¡¯s capable of a lot of things, I only just realized that a few hours ago.


    Killian¡¯s eyes lock on mine and I take a deep breath in, as I bite my bottom lip. He shifts in his seat, and clears his throat. After checking me out till his full satisfaction, he looks away, and luckily nobody noticed the CEO eye fucking me in a boardroom, well except for observant Raymond.


    Raymond stands up and walks to the front of the room as he gives a speech about the new product ¨C a voice assistant that¡¯s more upgraded than Goldie-the one in Killian¡¯s house, as he backs his speech up with the marketing campaign using PowerPoint. I take notes, penning down important words, and ideas while I try to ignore the fact that since Raymond started his presentation, Killian hasn¡¯t tried to peel his eyes off of me.


    Without him knowing, or maybe he knows, he¡¯s trying to distract me with his stares, and it¡¯s working. I try to pay attention, but I can¡¯t. My heart has started to beat fast, and my core clenches in between my legs. I feel sweat trickle down my back inside my dress, and my breathing has also even up.


    What¡¯s he doing to me?


    With my mind already on airne mode, I try to calm down my breathing and pretend to listen while trying to act as if the CEO isn¡¯t doing something to me with his eyes while sitting on the head chair.


    ¡± What do you think Naomi?¡± Amber¡¯s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.


    I blink my eyes and turn to look at her. She¡¯s smirking at me, all hate, and envy.


    What¡¯s with this biatch?


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry?¡±


    ¡± What do you think about the new product, Naomi? Do you think we need to add in more features? Why don¡¯t you throw some light into it. What do you think? Do you think we¡¯re ready tounch?¡± Amber repeats her question as she smirks at me?


    Why would she ask me that? My opinion doesn¡¯t even matter and she knows very well I have little to no idea about the new voice assistant upgrade. Is she trying to spite me and watch me make a fool out of myself in front of all these people and the man I kind of have feelings for?


    I turn to look at Killian ck, and he gives me a small smile, as if telling me I can do it.


    ¡± Well, um¡­¡± I take a deep breath. I guess this is the part where I show this Amber bitch I had good skills and a very impressive certificate to talk on my behalf.


    ¡± This new voice assistant is like a replica of Goldie, the very first real voice assistant, and it¡¯s more like an update or an upgrade. But, I think, despite the upgrade, it¡¯s almost like the real Goldie. I think voice assistants like Goldie, or the new upgraded one shouldn¡¯t be used only at home. Goldie and the upgraded version have almost the same features. Turn on the light, turn off the light, turn on the TV, y my favorite channel. I think this new upgrade can do more than that. I think for a start, we can introduce a new feature that works for schools also. Goldie or the new upgrade shouldn¡¯t be used only at home. We should be able to use it at schools, the offices, train stations to help read out destinations and even tickets. There should be a new feature in the app where the voice assistant can tell how much you¡¯ve weighed in thest three weeks, how much calories and carbs you¡¯ve consumed, even pregnancy tests. Also, we should be able to use it in our cars to help navigate and even use it as an autopilot. It shouldn¡¯t just be able to set appointments, meetings, read out schedules or to-do lists, it needs more features, and I believe with the things I¡¯ve listed, it can help increase the sales and more demands of this new upgrade.¡± I finish my speech as I scan the room.


    Everyone¡¯s quiet, including Amber-the-skank, and all of a sudden, there¡¯s a round of apuse andments of appreciation and positivity.


    Okay, what¡¯s going on? I turn to look at Killian and he¡¯s smiling at me, a smile of gratitude. I blush and look away, my eyes locking on Amber who¡¯s scowling at me.


    Man, fuck this bitch.


    I just disappointed her, I know. She thought I was going to embarrass myself, I just did a good job and everyone likes my ideas and opinions.


    When the room quiets down, with the business mood back on, Killian clears his throat and speaks for the first time since we¡¯ve been sitting here.


    ¡± Thank you, Ms Alderson for your opinion.¡± He says in his business-like voice and look.


    It¡¯s still a miracle how he easily switches from the man who nearly gave me an orgasm with his dirty talk at the back of his car to the man who is business-like and serious.


    ¡± We¡¯ll put your opinion into consideration, and for now we won¡¯t beunching this new upgrade. Theunch date should be postponed. I¡¯ll have my assistant set up a meeting next week so we can talk about Ms. Alderson¡¯s ideas.¡± Killian finishes as he stands up.


    Jamie grabs his boss¡¯s things andputer as he gives me a big smile before following Killian out of the boardroom. Everyone begins to arise as they throw smiles of gratitude my way before leaving. I¡¯m still too shocked to stand up as I catch my breath. Amber who¡¯s sitting across from me stands up, with her bitchy re pointed my way.


    ¡± You won¡¯tst long here, sweetheart, and I¡¯ll make sure of it, slut.¡± She whispers, for my ears only, as she leaves, throwing me daggers with her eyes.


    And her cold stares only promised me one thing: Trouble. Lots of trouble.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

 Chapter 44

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± So, you mean this Amber bitch tried to set you up thinking you¡¯ll fail?¡± Bianca asks,


    It¡¯s Friday night and we¡¯re huddled up together on our favorite couch eating ice cream and catching up on our favorite series.


    ¡± Yeah. I disappointed her big time. I really don¡¯t get it, most of the female workers don¡¯t like me.¡±


    ¡± Well, I guess it¡¯s pretty obvious you¡¯re the CEOs favorite.¡± Bianca says.


    ¡± Yeah, well, let them deal with it.¡±


    ¡± How¡¯s it going with you two by the way? It¡¯s been a long time since we sat down and talked about our lives.¡±


    ¡± Well¡­¡± I blush when I remember yesterday¡¯s event that transpired in his car.


    Throughout the previous night, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about it. I couldn¡¯t get his words, and his voice out of my head no matter how hard I tried. He¡¯s going to be the downfall of me and I can already see it.


    ¡± Are you fucking blushing?¡± Bianca asks, turning around on her seat to look at me with a smug grin on her face.


    ¡± Please tell me something juicy happened between you two at the office.¡±


    ¡± What? No. Not really.¡± I blush further, biting my lip as I turn to face the Tv, pretending to pay attention so Bianca won¡¯t read me like an open book.


    Bianca is the closest thing to a best friend in my life. God, I love this chick. I can do almost anything for her, but right now I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to tell her about what happened between me and Killian in his car or every other sexy detail between us.


    I¡¯m just not ready.


    ¡± It¡¯s justplicated. He wanted us to date.¡±


    ¡± Oh my fucking God. And you thought you shouldn¡¯t have told me. Naomi.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. You¡¯ve been busy and I¡¯ve been busy. We¡¯ve both been busy. And I told myself I didn¡¯t want to think about it.¡± I say. Bianca smiles.


    ¡± What¡¯s there to think about?¡± Bianca asks as she turns to look at the TV and continues to eat her ice cream. ¡± He¡¯s hot, you¡¯re hot. He likes you, obviously a lot. Dating won¡¯t cause you any harm.¡±


    ¡± They¡¯re already calling me a slut, imagine what they¡¯re going to call me when they find out I¡¯m dating the CEO?¡±


    ¡± Get mad, get jealous, they¡¯re gonna move on eventually. And also they¡¯re smart enough not to talk shit about their boss. There¡¯s no job in New York.¡± She says.


    Bianca always has something to say. How can I stop loving her?


    ¡± Please tell me you didn¡¯t tell him you would think about it. He¡¯s one of the hottest bachelors out there. He¡¯s freaking great, and he¡¯s a Billionaire. Tell me, sis, what more do you want? That guy is every girl¡¯s dream man, and trust me he¡¯s going to be the hottest guy you¡¯ll evere across.¡± Bianca says, chuckling.


    ¡± Fuck you, Bia. And I didn¡¯t tell him I was going to think about it. I just got the job, I just got out of job hunting, and I¡¯ve never been so relieved. I told him a rtionship is thest thing on my mind. Plus, he¡¯s different from me. If he can prove to me he can be the man I want, then, I¡¯m giving him a chance.¡±


    ¡± Damn girl, you¡¯re never gonna getid. You sound like my mom right now.¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡± Shut up.¡± I swat at Bianca yfully. Sheughs.


    ¡± Just don¡¯t keep him waiting for too long though, or some girl¡¯s going to steal him away from you.¡±


    ¡± Speaking of which, there¡¯s this chick named Celine. She¡¯s hot, freaking rich, and she was Killian¡¯s sex mate. She was kind of a fling. Well, I don¡¯t know¡­ she kind of approached me yesterday all giddy and nice¡­¡± I scowl at the word ¡®nice¡¯ ¡°¡­ and she wanted us to hang out this weekend, together with her friends.¡±


    ¡± No shit. Is the ex hot?¡±


    ¡± Please tell me you didn¡¯t just ask me that.¡±


    Bianca chuckles, shaking her blonde hair.


    ¡± What? She can¡¯t be a threat if you¡¯re hotter than her.¡± She shrugs. ¡± I think you should hang out with her and her friends this weekend.¡±


    ¡± Oh no. It¡¯s fucking weird. If I tell Killian I don¡¯t think he will want me to hang out with her.¡±


    Bianca turns to look at me with a sly smirk. ¡± Hmm? Is that a love chemistry I smell? When do you start caring about Killian¡¯s opinion?¡± Bianca teases me.


    God, I hate her.


    I blush, biting my bottom lip as I stand up.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re blushing. You are falling for him, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡± Shut up, Bianca.¡± I call out as I hurry to the kitchen. She¡¯sughing really loud now. ¡± There¡¯s nothing bad. You should date someone after George. Wait, what¡¯s up with George? You two are still friends?¡±


    ¡± Of course we¡¯re friends, Bia. He wants us to grab coffee on Sunday.¡± I say with a sigh as I open the fridge to grab a bottle of water.


    ¡± You¡¯re gonna grab coffee with him, right?¡± Bianca calls out to me.


    I ignore her and uncap the bottle of water as I drink from the bottle.


    ¡± Ooh, you¡¯ve got a text from the hot CEO.¡±


    What?


    I quickly cap the bottle of water back, drop it on the kitchen counter, as I hurry out of the kitchen to the living room. Bianca is already grinning at whatever she¡¯s staring at on my phone.


    ¡± I can¡¯t wait to see you on Sunday sweetheart. You should wear red panties and be¡­¡± I snatch my phone from her hand, as I yfully re at her.


    She winks at me, with her cocky smile, as she turns to look at the TV. I stare at the text on my phone and take a deep breath. The message is nothing like what Bianca read out.


    From Killian; Hey! Busy?


    ¡± What are you going to text him about?¡±


    ¡± None of your concern.¡± I smirk at her.


    My phone vibrates at once and it¡¯s Killian calling.


    ¡± Is that him calling?¡± Bianca asks as she wiggles her brows at me as she giggles. ¡± Ooh. This is really hot.¡±


    I mute the ringing of my phone and get away from Bianca. God, she¡¯s crazy.


    Once I¡¯m in the safe zone of my bedroom, I answer the call and fall t on my bed with the phone put to my ear.


    Why the hell am I all jittery and giddy because Killian is calling? I feel like a teenager again.


    ¡± Naomi?¡± He calls my name and my stomach does a backflip. My heart hammers against my chest. My brain freezes. I feel happy hearing him call my name.


    This is crazy.


    ¡± Hey, Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± I told you not to call me that outside the office.¡±


    ¡± Well, it¡¯s pretty strange calling you Killian outside the office. And I think it¡¯s pretty sexy.¡± I whisper, biting my bottom lip and scolding myself.


    Did I just flirt with him?


    ¡± I won¡¯t lie it sound fucking sexy when you call me that.¡± His voice is deep, and husky, like someone who just rolled out of bed.


    ¡± Why are you calling?¡± I ask, clearing my throat while I try to act professional like I didn¡¯t just say hisst name sounded sexy.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Way to kill the mood, Luna.¡±


    He literally didn¡¯t just call me by my middle name.


    ¡± How did you¡­ nevermind, don¡¯t answer that. You¡¯re the CEO. You know everything.¡± I say and roll my eyes. Killianughs, and it sends a vibration straight to my core.


    ¡± It¡¯s fucking cute, and sexy.¡± He whispers again, and this time my stomach didn¡¯t just do a backflip, it did a somersault.


    ¡± Thanks?¡±


    ¡± What were you doing before I called? Did I interrupt something?¡±


    ¡± Nope, not really. Was just watching TV with Bianca.¡±


    ¡± Hmm. I can¡¯t wait to see you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡± Tomorrow¡¯s the art show you talked about?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Isn¡¯t tomorrow the fourth of July?¡±


    ¡± It is. We¡¯ll leave early if you get bored.¡±

 Chapter 45

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    I smile.


    ¡± What are you wearing?¡± I ask at once.


    ¡± I¡¯m shirtless, and lying on my bed while I listen to your voice.¡±


    ¡± No I didn¡¯t¡­¡± I chuckle. ¡± I didn¡¯t mean what you¡¯re wearing now. I don¡¯t need to know the details, Killian.¡±


    Heughs, and it sounds deep and beautiful. This is the first time we are having a real conversation after that awkward encounter between us in his car. I imagine him lying on his bed shirtless, and probably wearing his pants pretty low on his waist. I further imagined the day I saw him with a towel in his room¡­


    Snap out of it, Naomi.


    ¡± I was asking you what you¡¯re wearing tomorrow? The color. I don¡¯t know if I have to match your dressing.¡± I say.


    Killian chuckles silently on the other side of the phone before he speaks again.


    ¡± And about that, Alvin will being over to pick you up tomorrow. He¡¯ll be taking you to a boutique for you to get a dress. Any color is fine, but blue looks hot on you, and you look sexy in red, and ck makes you a little professional. Why don¡¯t you surprise me, Luna?¡±


    ¡± God, don¡¯t call me that. It makes me feel as if I¡¯m in kindergarten again.¡± I say. Killian¡¯sughter rings through my ear. When hisughter dies down, I continue speaking. ¡± You don¡¯t have to buy me a dress, Killian. I could work something out.¡±


    ¡± I know. But I want to. Please don¡¯t turn it down like you threaten to do the first one I bought for you. I want you to look your best and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll surprise me. You¡¯re always full of surprises.¡±


    I smile, no, I blush. When I realize how much of a teenager I look right now, I groan and curse Killian in my head for making me feel this way.


    ¡± Thanks.¡±


    ¡± No problem. Now back to why you don¡¯t like your middle name.¡±


    ¡± It makes me feel like a kid.¡±


    ¡± Why would you think that? It¡¯s pretty sexy. Fuck, I love it. And I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll stop calling you that anytime soon.¡±


    ¡± Please don¡¯t. Or I¡¯m rooting out your own middle name.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t shit yourself, Luna, it¡¯s not hideous.¡±


    ¡± Really? What¡¯s it then?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll tell you tomorrow when we meet.¡±


    ¡± What? That¡¯s like 20 hours from now.¡±


    ¡± Wow, I can¡¯t believe you can¡¯t wait to see me.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    ¡± So what do you mean?¡±


    ¡± Nevermind, I can¡¯t win with you.¡±


    My face hurt from smiling too much. It feels great talking with Killian ck properly outside the office. Even though he treats me differently from his other workers, I still feel the need to act professional around him. This is really nice.


    ¡± This feels nice.¡± I whispered more to myself, but he heard it.


    ¡± How so?¡±


    ¡± Having a conversation with you outside the office. We haven¡¯t been able to do that for a while. And you sound different. At work you¡¯re this strict CEO everyone¡¯s afraid of, but respected.¡±


    There¡¯s a long silence between us and I¡¯m afraid he has already hung up. And then I hear his silent breathing on the other background. What¡¯s he thinking? Did I say something wrong?


    ¡± It was nice talking to you, Ms. Alderson. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± He says, way too professional for my liking and he hangs up at once.


    What did I do? Did I just ruin our really nice conversation? I sit up on my bed and stare at my phone in my hand. Should I call back and ask him why he ended the call just like that?


    ¡± Whatever.¡± I sigh and toss my phone on the bed as I get up to go to the living room.


    ***


    Alvin sits at the corner of the boutique reading a magazine as the owner of the store drags me away. She¡¯s in herte or probably mid thirties. She¡¯s pretty and really jovial. She teases me about being Killian¡¯s lucky girl, while I politely tell her I¡¯m just his date for a party. I¡¯m supposed to get dressed, get my makeup done, and leave with Alvin to Killian¡¯s house.


    My heart thuds in my chest when I think about or anticipate meeting him. I can¡¯t get ourst night¡¯s conversation out of my head. I thought about him when Bianca and I watched TV, and I went to bed with his face in my head.


    I saw him in my dreamst night. And I don¡¯t want to even think about the details.


    ¡± Wow, you look really beautiful in blue.¡± She says.


    I stare at my reflection, and slowly, I twirl around to get a better view of the dress. It¡¯s a simple off the shoulder dress, that¡¯s a little tight to my waist and from my waist down it flows freely with a split up to my thigh.


    Not bad, but I don¡¯t like it.


    Kate, the store owner, made me try out different dresses. I take a deep breath and try out thest one on my list. It¡¯s a red dress, sleeveless, a deep v-neck that shows a decent amount of breasts, and the sequin is just beautiful. It shows my curves as it hugs my waist down to my knees, and it flows freely down.


    God, I look sexy, and I¡¯m beginning to wonder if this is too much.


    ¡± You look gorgeous dear, I¡¯d go with this. This is breathtaking. He won¡¯t be able to resist you when he sees you in that dress.¡±


    I sigh, running my fingers through the sequin as I check myself out.


    ¡± I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    Alvin pays for the dress with Killian¡¯s credit card. I feel guilty letting him buy me a dress. I wish I could talk him out of it. I can easily wear the dress he first bought me, that won¡¯t be bad. But refusing his offer is pretty rude, and also I want to impress him tonight. I want him to have his eyes on me and only me tonight. I want to see him breathless at just my sight. I just need to be sure I¡¯m what he wants and only me.


    Alvin and I went upstairs, there¡¯s a beauty salon on top of the boutique. Alvin is pretty much a quiet guy, he doesn¡¯t talk much or converse at all. He sits quietly, reading a new magazine as I make my hair.


    By the time it was 5pm in the evening, I was already through and I¡¯m driving back with Alvin to Killian¡¯s house. Since the divider of Killian¡¯s car wasn¡¯t pulled up, Alvin constantly checked me out. The red dress is a charm and I¡¯m pretty sure Killian won¡¯t be able to resist me in this.


    The car parks outside Killian¡¯s mansion and I get down. I take a nervous deep breath and let myself in. I look around the empty and lonely house and I can¡¯t find Killian. He¡¯s in his bedroom, I¡¯m sure. Not to invade his privacy like I did the other time, I sit down and send him a text that I¡¯m downstairs waiting for him.


    He sends me a reply that reads. ¡®OK¡¯


    Minutes passed and I¡¯m starting to think Killian forgot I was downstairs before I heard his footsteps climb down the spiral staircase. He walks into the living room and I slowly stand up, with my heart beating really fast against my rib cages. Killian stops on his track when he sees, eyes all over my body and his lips slightly parted.


    That¡¯s the reaction I was hoping for.


    ¡± Wow.¡± He says after a long minute of silence.


    ¡± Hi.¡±


    ¡± Jesus, you look¡­¡± He¡¯s tongue tied. The second reaction I was hoping for.


    ¡± Is this too much? I can take it off¡­¡± I test the waters.


    ¡± No.¡± He smiles. ¡± You¡¯re beautiful.¡± He says and starts to approach me. Another three steps, he¡¯s standing in front of me. ¡°Just missing something.¡± Killian whispers.


    His eyes take me in from head to toe, and I can see the satisfaction in his eyes. He brings out something out of his suit pocket. He opens the little box and there sits inside it a beautiful, no gorgeous diamond ne, with matching earrings.


    He takes the earrings out first as he asks. ¡± Can I?¡±


    Holy shit. My heart is doing so many things right now and I feel goosebumps already appearing on my skin.


    ¡± Yes.¡± I breathe out a reply.


    Killian smirks. And God he looks sexy as hell right now. He¡¯s wearing ck suit, ck dress shirt, matched with a red tie. This feels like we¡¯re a couple. Killian takes my earrings out of my ears, and reces them with the ones he bought me. He drops my own earrings inside the box back in case I might need them again, as he removes the diamond ne. I¡¯m not wearing any ne right now. Killian stands behind my back, with him breathing down my neck. I can already feel the goosebumps on my back and my arm, and when his fingers touch my neck to push my hair to the side to give him ess to my neck, I nearly lose it.


    I can¡¯t breathe properly at his closeness. I feel like he can hear my fast heartbeats and see how he¡¯s affected me by not even touching me. He brings the ne to my front and he wears me the ne. I don¡¯t want to imagine how much this will cost because it¡¯s a lot. It¡¯s so beautiful, I feel like I want to cry.


    ¡± Do you like it?¡± Killian whispers into my ear.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    I gulp before answering. ¡± Yes.¡±


    ¡± Good, I¡¯m d you like it.¡± He whispers. His hands slowly drop on my hips and he twirls me around to face him.


    That little gesture brings a jolt of electricity down my back and straight to my core. Things this man can do to me.


    ¡± You look really beautiful, Luna. Hopefully, I will be able to keep my hands off of you tonight.¡±


    ¡± Did I surprise you?¡± I ask softly.


    ¡± You did more than just surprise me.¡± He says. ¡± A part of me wants us to ditch this show while I show you a lot of things I can do to you for tempting me with this dress.¡± He whispers.


    My panties are drenched. My breathing hitches. My heart pounds.


    ¡± Things like what?¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t want to know, princess.¡±


    He¡¯s right, I don¡¯t wanna know. Or I¡¯ll be the one pushing us upstairs to his room and let him have his way with me.


    ¡± Tonight, I hope to get a shot of making you mine. And only mine.¡± Killian whispers, hands still on my hips.


    He drops his hands to my side and takes a step back.


    ¡± We should get going before we do something we¡¯re both not ready for.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± Involuntarily, my eyes flicker to his pants and I blush at what I see.


    I look away, but Killian already knows I see it.


    ¡± Give it time, it will cool off.¡± He whispers into my ear as he wraps his arm around my waist.


    I blush more.


    ¡± Shall we?¡± He asked me.


    ¡± Yes, please.¡±


    With his arm around my waist, he walks me out the door, with my heart beating so fast against my chest, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s going to fall off.     Almost two months ago, I couldn¡¯t stand this guy. But now all I want him to do to me right now is im me as his and then mark me. I go to bed every night thinking about him and wanting him desperately, all of him. And that just brings me back to one question again and again;


    Have I truly fallen for him?

 Chapter 46

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    The sexual tension between us during the car ride was overbearing. Killian has his eyes on me, checking me out and swearing underneath his breath. I smile, knowing he¡¯s having an internal battle with himself.


    The car stops outside this fancy art gallery. Alvin rushes down from the car as he opens his boss¡¯s side door. Killian gets down and Alvin opens my side door. I step down from the car, with Killian already by my side with his arm around my waist. I¡¯m surprised to see paparazzi surrounding the exits with their cameras and mics, while security tries to stop them from jumping on important people who are alsoing down from their cars.


    Tonight, Killian has a bodyguard.


    ¡± Oh shit.¡± I try not to panic at the sight of the media.


    ¡± Keep your face down, and look away from their cameras.¡± Killian whispers as we walk towards the exit. ¡± I got you, babe.¡±


    Babe? Oh God, what¡¯s he trying to do to me? Does he want to give me a cardiac arrest?


    ¡± Mr. ck, Mr. ck, here. We hear you¡¯re nearing the top list in the most influential bachelors in the country, how do you feel about that?¡± Someone calls out.


    Another speaks again. ¡± Mr. ck, who¡¯s this newdy?¡±


    ¡± Is she just your date, your fiance¨¦, or just a new conquest?¡± Someone asks from the crowd.


    Conquest, really?


    I tense in Killian¡¯s arm and he notices. He rubs soothing circles on my waist as we hurry into the building, with these people still screaming obscene questions at Killian. Once we are inside the building, I politely step away from Killian.


    ¡± How do you live with that?¡± I ask him.


    ¡± You mean the paparazzi? I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± Hmm¡­¡± I nod. ¡± So how many women have you brought to these types of events?¡± I ask.


    Killian sighs. ¡± Naomi¡­¡± He doesn¡¯t finish his sentence before someone approaches us. It¡¯s ady. A beautiful woman dressed in a blue dress. She¡¯s hot.


    ¡± Killian.¡± She¡¯s all teeth and smiles as she hugs Killian.


    ¡± Hi, Hannah.¡± Killian says as he hugs the woman.


    She¡¯s a little short, petite to be precise, with tinum blonde hair, and nice curves. She should be in herte thirties. They pull apart and Hannah turns to look at me with a wide smile on her face. I ster on my fake smile as I stare at her.


    ¡± Hi. You must be¡­¡±


    ¡± Naomi.¡± I introduce myself as I stretch my hand out for a handshake, but Hannah surprises me with a hug.


    We pull apartter. ¡± I¡¯m Hannah. Killian¡¯s attorney. You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    ¡± Thanks.¡±


    ¡± And trust me that¡¯s the hottest dress I¡¯ve seen on anyone.¡± She praises me further and I give her a small smile.


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re wee.¡± She turns to look at Killian.


    ¡± I least expected to see you here. Did Maverick convince you toe?¡±


    ¡± Something like that.¡± Killian smiles at thedy.


    ¡± Well,e on.¡± Hannah turns around to leave and Killian follows with his fingersced with mine.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    He pulls me to himself and whispers into my ear.


    ¡± I¡¯ve never brought anyone here before, Luna. You¡¯re the first.¡±


    I whisper back. ¡± Cocky, huh?¡±


    He chuckles quietly but doesn¡¯t say anything. The exhibition is surprisingly filled with people from different sses. I notice the eyes of men and women are on me as they stare at my dress, and mostly the man walking side by side by me and his hands entwined with mine.


    Hannah stops to talk to a man and the man turns to look at us. Killian smiles and releases my hand to shake the man. Killian ck isn¡¯t the man that has a lot of friends. I¡¯ve noticed that. And when he does, he treats them more than just his friend, but like his brother.


    ¡± How¡¯s your brother, Keith?¡± The man who turns out to be Maverick asks.


    ¡± He¡¯s great. The wedding is not that far away again. We¡¯re gonna see you there right?¡±


    ¡± Of course, I can¡¯t miss Keith¡¯s wedding for anything.¡±


    ¡± Not even an art exhibition?¡± Killian teases the man, and heughs.


    So he has a brother? I don¡¯t know that and I¡¯m just finding out. I excuse myself to look around, not even bothering to tell Killian. I stop by different arts as I admire them. I¡¯ve always loved art, and it pains me that I can¡¯t draw. I don¡¯t think I can do anything other than what I learned at school. Well, I can sing. When I was a teenager I joined the church choir. Aside from singing, I don¡¯t remember knowing how to do any other thing.


    ¡± Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± A female voice speaks from behind me.


    I turn around and I¡¯m faced with Celine.


    What¡¯s she doing here? Why¡¯s she everywhere that I go?


    ¡± Oh my God, that dress! Did you get it from Tiffany¡¯s? Zara? Chanel? This is really gorgeous.¡± Celine says, eyes moving up and down my body with a small smile on her face. ¡± And that diamond ne is to die for. God, this is beautiful. You look really beautiful, and different.¡±


    What¡¯s she doing here? Why¡¯s she here?


    ¡± I¡¯m thinking you¡¯re wondering what I¡¯m doing here.¡± She says and stands next to me as she turns to look at the art I was looking at earlier.


    ¡± I know Maverick. He¡¯s a great guy. And I love art, and as a model and business woman, it¡¯s my job to meet new people. You don¡¯t know where the next business proposal and opportunity lies.¡± She says.


    I won¡¯t be surprised if that¡¯s the reason Killian decided to show up. Wealthy people, always wanting more.


    ¡± You look beautiful. Who are you here with?¡±


    ¡± Oh.¡± I speak up for the first time since she said a word to me.


    My eyes scan the wealthy people hanging around and admiring arts as itnds on Killian. He¡¯s talking with another man, I guess Maverick is long gone.


    ¡± Oh.¡± Celine speaks next to me and I turn to look at her. She smirks. ¡± Who knew something was going on between you two?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not what you think.¡±


    ¡± No, please, it¡¯s fine.¡± She gives me a gentle smile. ¡± I mean he¡¯s hot, sexy, who wouldn¡¯t want to fuck him right?¡± Celine says and I feel like I want to throw up.


    I can already imagine Killian and her in his office, or his house going at it like animals.


    Gross.


    ¡± Amber would kill to fuck Killian. And it¡¯s okay. Once in a while, we¡¯re all allowed to have fun. Even if it has to be with the CEO.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m just his date, nothing is going on.¡± I tell her. I sound a little cold and irritated and Celine doesn¡¯t miss my change of attitude.


    Surprisingly enough, she¡¯s still collected.


    ¡± Like I said sweetheart, I don¡¯t judge. It¡¯s cool. A little advice from a sis, don¡¯t get caught. The scandal, you won¡¯t be able to handle it. Trust me.¡±


    God, I need a drink. Do they serve drinks in this exhibition?


    ¡± And oh!¡± Celine says again. ¡± You¡¯re still on for our hangout tomorrow?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m grabbing coffee with a friend.¡± Even if I wasn¡¯t grabbing coffee with a friend, I¡¯m definitely not hanging out with her and her rich friends.


    ¡± You can bring your friend over, my friend won¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know about mine.¡± I sh her a fake smile. ¡± Please excuse me, I need to find something to drink.¡± I say. Not waiting for Celine¡¯s weird conversation, I walk away, quickly as possible.


    I found the bar, with servers mixing drinks. I give the blonde server my order and he starts to mix my drink. After mixing, he slides it to me and I gulp it all at once. I cough at the harshness of the liquid. God, it¡¯s so hot.

 Chapter 47

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± Easy there,dy.¡± The server tells me.


    ¡± Thank you. How much is that?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s free. Want another?¡±


    ¡± Please.¡± I sigh as I nce around. I can¡¯t even see Killian since the bar is quite far from where the main show is going on.


    I know I shouldn¡¯t think about Celine¡¯s words, maybe she¡¯s just trying to be nice, but I can¡¯t help myself. She literally thinks I¡¯m one of Killian¡¯s girls. His conquests. The fun girls, his y thing.


    Why can¡¯t they understand I¡¯m nobody¡¯s ything, especially Killian ck. And the fact that if people start spreading rumors about me sleeping with Killian, it will be bad. They¡¯ll even say I fucked my way to a position. Humans can be sick, twisted fucks.


    Once I¡¯ve had my third ss, I call it quits. I¡¯m a lightweight and I can¡¯t afford getting drunk when I¡¯m out with Killian. That will be bad for him, and it won¡¯t help his name or hispany. I¡¯m tipsy already, as I bid the blonde server bye as I walk away. Walking around the gallery as I check out every art that I see, I stop in front of one. It¡¯s a girl, dark skinned, with big curls on her head, the portrait is a half portrait from her waist to her head and she¡¯s naked, with her bare back to the viewers. She¡¯s carrying a baby too.


    ¡± Here you are. I¡¯ve been looking for you.¡± Killian says as he stands next to me. I don¡¯t answer or look at him.


    ¡± You like that?¡± He asks.


    Of course I do. It¡¯s the most beautiful piece in here.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± Great. I do too.¡± He says. I don¡¯t say anything. ¡°Where were you?¡± He inquires and I turn to look at him.


    ¡± Oh, you know, I just got off a conversation with Celine. You remember Celine right?¡± I ask him.


    ¡± Are you drunk?¡± He asks, with a half smirk, and I really want to punch that smirk off his face. Right this minute.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± I look away in embarrassment.


    Killian¡¯s warm hands hold my wrist and he starts to walk to God knows where. I seriously don¡¯t know. I let him lead me and I just follow, with the re part of my dress in my hand. We climb some stairs and then he pushes a door open and it¡¯s a balcony. The sky is already dark and it¡¯s nightfall. From the distance I can see fireworks decorating the sky, along with stars.


    For a minute there I forgot today¡¯s independence day.


    Wow. Because it¡¯s beautiful out here. I can stay here all night and have peace of mind while I stare at the sky.


    ¡± How much did you drink?¡± Killian asks.


    ¡± I¡¯m not drunk, Killian, I¡¯m fine. I just had three sses.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re a lightweight, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± Thanks for recalling, dad.¡± I tell him and look away, with my arms resting on the banister.


    Killian sighs and from my peripheral vision, I see him take off his suit jacket and then he stands behind me and wraps it around my shoulders. I rx into his jacket and the expensive scent of his cologne. It feels like he has his arms around me, but he doesn¡¯t. Killian just stands next to me, watching the distant sky.


    ¡± What did she tell you?¡±


    ¡± Nothing.¡±


    ¡± Naomi¡­¡±


    ¡± Seriously, nothing. Just a bunch of crazy stuff. Like she thinks I¡¯m sleeping with you and telling me it¡¯s cool as long as we don¡¯t get caught. Because if people start to think we¡¯re having sex, they might start to think I fucked my way up to marketing department, and the scandal that will follow might ruin your name and yourpany.¡± I say. ¡± God, howe I didn¡¯t think of that?¡±


    ¡± You should stop worrying about things like that. No one¡¯s gonna think that.¡±


    ¡± The fact that you¡¯re CEO doesn¡¯t excuse the behavior, Killian. I don¡¯t want to do anything that will give you and yourpany a bad name.¡±


    Killian smiles at me as he wraps his arms around my waist to pull me to him.


    ¡± Naomi Luna Alderson, stop thinking about that. No one¡¯s gonna think that. And we¡¯re not sleeping with each other, not yet. Also, let me worry about that.¡±


    ¡± Am I just one of your conquests? Am I your ything?¡±


    ¡± I promise you, you¡¯re not. You¡¯re more than that. You¡¯re the woman I want, the woman I¡¯ve always wanted. The woman I want to share a future with.¡±


    No shit, he didn¡¯t just say that.


    I¡¯m speechless as I stare into his beautiful eyes.


    ¡± When are you gonna tell me your middle name, Mr. ck?¡± I whisper.


    ¡± Fuck, when you call me by that in that voice of yours, it makes me wanna do a lot of bad things to you.¡± He whispers.


    His handsy dangerously on top of my waist as it hovers above my butt. I know he wants to bring his hand down and grab my ass.


    I would really like that.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± Why don¡¯t we discuss whatever dirty thing you want to do to me when you tell me your middle name, hot shot?¡± I speak softly, eyes locked on his eyes.


    Right now it feels as if I¡¯ve got him wrapped around my fingers. And I feel like he¡¯s got me wrapped around his fingers too. Just his hand on my body already set my soul on fire.


    Killian smiles.


    ¡± Jefferson.¡±


    ¡± Ooh.¡± I burst out into fits ofughter.


    Killian smiles, his hands still not leaving me.


    ¡± Go ahead andugh.¡±


    I stopughing and smile.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice. Jefferson is a nice name. It doesn¡¯t suit you, for real, but I like it.¡±


    ¡± Well, Luna is pretty sexy.¡±


    ¡± You make it sound sexy.¡± I whisper, grabbing his cor and pulling him really closer to me. ¡± What do you want, Killian Jefferson ck?¡±


    He¡¯s quiet, and I know so many things are running through his mind as he stares into my eyes. Slowly his hand brushes down my waist to my ass and he cups my ass through the sequin material.


    His hands on my butt sends a flow of blood right in between my legs and my panties are already drenched.


    ¡± I want you to be mine. I want you to give me a chance to show you I can be the man you want me to be. I want to hold you every fucking morning, I want to make love to you, and listen to you moan my name because I make you feel good. I want you to wake up naked in my bed every fucking morning, with my bite marks all over your body. I want to be the shoulder you can lean on, I want to be your best friend, and I want to be there for you when you want me the most. And I¡¯m willing to do anything to make you happy, to make you smile every fucking hour. I want to fight your battles with you, I want to be with you, and only you. And I want to share my life with you, I want to have a future with you, Naomi Luna Alderson.¡± He whispers, with his lips barely touching mine.


    I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s done to me, but I¡¯m willing to do anything to be with this man. Everytime I keep asking myself what these strange feelings are called, I think I havee to a conclusion that I¡¯ve fallen in love with him. He¡¯s stolen my heart, and he¡¯s got me wrapped around his fingers.


    ¡± And right now I just wanna kiss you and let my soul be lost in your warm embrace.¡± He finishes.


    ¡± Then what are you waiting for?¡± I ask. My heart is pounding so hard against my chest. The butterflies in my stomach are already doing a song and I can feel that strange electricity right in the pit of my stomach.


    Killian smirks and presses his lips against mine and I just melt into his touch. He turns us around so I¡¯m pressed against the railings of the balcony. His hands squeeze my ass and I moan into his mouth. My arms are around his shoulder as we kiss desperately, and passionately. Killian presses his body against mine and I can feel the tightness of his pants and his rock hard hard-on pressed against my crotch.


    ¡± Oh God.¡± I shudder into his hands, and then I bring my hands down his body to feel the hardness of his torso.


    Killian stops to kiss me on the lips and he kisses my neck. His warm lips are like fire when they touch my skin. He continues to kiss my neck down to my chest and my exposed cleavage. He kisses my cleavage, tongueshing out to taste the skin. And then he brings his lips back to my ear again.


    ¡± Wanna get out here?¡± I whisper.


    I don¡¯t think for a second before replying.


    ¡± Yes.¡±

 Chapter 48

    Killian


    As we ride back to my house, Naomi straddles me in the backseat of my car as we kiss. My hands are on her body, touching her in ces only I am allowed to touch. She moans into my mouth and I grab her butt.


    Fuck, I can¡¯t believe this is happening. I can¡¯t believe the woman I¡¯ve always wanted is now mine. Mine, and mine only. Tonight might not have turned out the way I wanted it to, but it was the best night of my life. I get to have the woman I¡¯m slowly falling in love with.


    God, she was the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever seen when I saw her earlier this evening in my living room wearing that dress. Red really did look hot in her. She just makes love the color more beautiful than I can admit. She was irresistible, and I couldn¡¯t help but crave her more than I¡¯ve ever craved anyone. Throughout the car ride to that art exhibition, I had to try and keep my hands to myself. God it was hard.


    Now having her straddling me, with my hand inside her dress, touching her and groping her everywhere was a dreame true for me. I¡¯ve spent days, nights thinking about how I can mark her as mine and make her mine.


    She walked into my life two months ago and stole my breath at first sight, and then she walked out on me with my heart in her hand. I¡¯m willing to do anything for her, anything at all. I¡¯m willing to follow her to hell and bring her back myself. I¡¯m in love with her and I¡¯m afraid to admit that to her.


    I¡¯m afraid of her reaction. If she¡¯s going to freak out and avoid me for a while because I confessed I had feelings for her. I don¡¯t want to lose her. I can¡¯t lose her. I¡¯m willing and ready to do anything to keep her by my side, even if I have to buy the whole world for her.


    The car pulls to a stop, and Naomi scrambles out of myp and to the end of the backseat.


    I smile. Clever.


    She smooths her dress and her hair as Alvin opens my side door, while my guard for tonight, Carl, opens Naomi¡¯s side door. She tells him thanks, always so polite, as she joins me by my side.


    ¡± Park the car, Alvin, and call it a day, yeah?¡± I say to my driver.


    He nods. ¡± You too, Carl.¡±


    ¡± Yes, sir.¡±


    I wrap my arm around Naomi¡¯s waist and lead her towards my front door. We enter the darkness of my living room and I call out to Goldie to turn on the lights. The lights went on and I¡¯m kissing Naomi again. She kisses back, desperately, and hungrily. She kicks her shoes off and I pull her dress up a little. As our lips are locked, we kiss our way upstairs to my bedroom. I lift her off the floor and wrap her thighs around my waist as we continue to kiss. I climb the stairs, lip still locked and hands holding onto her. She runs her fingers through my hair, slips her tongue into my mouth and I groan.


    I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s the drink she drank back at the art exhibition, she¡¯s really bold tonight. She was even the first person who initiated the kiss the minute we entered my car. And I love this side of her, I really do.


    Once we¡¯re in the safety of my bedroom, I ce her feet on the floor and press her against the wall as we continue to kiss. She tugs at my jacket, pushing it off my shoulders in desperation. I help her and shrug my suit jacket off my shoulders. My bedroom is dark and I¡¯m too busy with my tongue tied with Naomi¡¯s to ask Goldie to turn on the lights.


    Naomi moans into my mouth when I cup her breasts and squeeze them. I stop kissing her and start to kiss her neck, with her right thigh hooked around my waist.


    ¡± Oh my God, Killian. I like that.¡± She moans into my neck as I tease her own neck, down her breasts to her cleavage.


    I push down one sleeve of her dress and she lets down her arm as she slips her arm out of the sleeve. I kiss her again on the lips, bringing her other thigh around my waist as I push myself against her crotch so that she can feel how much she¡¯s turned me on. How much I desired her this minute. I kissed her bare shoulder, pushing the neckline of her dress down to expose her breast, but the lights went on and we both panicked.


    What the fuck?


    ¡± Killian.¡± The familiar voice of my mother calls my name.


    I ce Naomi¡¯s feet on the floor, as I turn around to look at my mother while I shield her from my mom for seeing her half naked.


    ¡± Mom¡­ What the hell?¡±


    ¡± Okay. I will pardon that badnguage for now while I leave you two to get decent. I¡¯ll be downstairs.¡± My mom says and leaves my bedroom.


    I sigh.


    What a cockblocker.


    I run my hand through my hair and turn around to look at Naomi, she¡¯s smiling and already decent.


    ¡± Your mom, huh?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m sorry she had to barge in on us like that. I wonder what she¡¯s doing here.¡±


    ¡± Maybe checking on you. You have a shirt I can borrow?¡± Naomi asks as she walks past me.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe she ruined that.¡±


    ¡± We can always continueter when she¡¯s not around.¡± Naomi says as she opens my closet. ¡°A lot of clothes here, I don¡¯t know what to borrow.¡±


    I walk towards her and stand behind her as I wrap my arms around her waist. I kiss her neck and she melts into my touch.


    ¡± Killian, not now. I refuse to fall for that.¡±


    Iugh. ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Your mom¡¯s downstairs, waiting for you. For us. I want to properly meet her today.¡±


    I step away from her and remove a white t-shirt from a hanger and hand it to her. I hand her sweatpants too.


    ¡± This will be really big. The sweats.¡±


    ¡± You can pin it. There are a few pins in the bathroom.¡± I say. Naomi nods.


    ¡± So what¡¯s your favorite color?¡± She asks and steps into the bathroom.


    I smile and start to get undressed.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t we do that when I take you out on a real date.¡± I say.


    Naomi doesn¡¯t answer for a while and I assume she¡¯s thinking about it.


    ¡± And when are you gonna tell me about your brother?¡± She calls out from the bathroom.


    ¡± I can do that today. And my mom¡¯s definitely gonna do that for me too.¡± I say and get dressed in casuals.


    It¡¯s quiet again for a while before Naomi speaks again.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Are we, like, together now?¡± Naomi asks. The question came out of her mouth in a whisper and I almost didn¡¯t hear what she asked.


    I smile.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I answer her.


    She doesn¡¯t say anything afterwards, and I assume she¡¯s thinking about what I just said.


    I grab a t-shirt and pull it down my head. The bathroom door opens and Naomi steps out, wearing my clothing. The t-shirt doesn¡¯t look bad, but the sweats are funny. It¡¯s so big, it¡¯s nearly touching her feet.


    ¡± I look hideous. I can¡¯t believe the first time I get to meet your mom, I have to meet her like this.¡±


    I cup her cheeks and kiss her forehead.


    ¡± You don¡¯t look hideous, you look beautiful.¡± I whisper to her and kiss her lips. ¡± And my mom doesn¡¯t care.¡±


    She smiles and nods.


    ¡± Ready to meet my mom?¡± I ask her.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    I hold her hands and walk us out of my bedroom.


    Mom¡¯s cooking dinner when we show up in the kitchen. She never ceases to be a mom. Sometimes she gives Sebastian a break, without my permission so she can cook for me while she teases me about getting a girl who will do the cooking and not a cook.

 Chapter 49

    Killian


    ¡± Oh, you guys are decent.¡± My mother says as she smiles at Naomi.


    ¡± Sorry, you had to see us like that.¡± Naomi says to my mother.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ve seen worse.¡±


    I clear my throat and give my mother a look. She pretends not to acknowledge that. I roll my eyes.


    ¡± What are you doing here? In my room?¡±


    Mom gives me one of her famous motherly looks.


    ¡± Sebastian dropped your dry cleaning before he left for the weekend. I helped put your things in order.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m still your mother, Kil. You can¡¯t stop that.¡±


    I open my mouth to argue but she¡¯s already staring at Naomi with a big smile on her face.


    ¡± Please,e and sit. I made dinner, rice porridge. It¡¯s a traditional dish we always make in Sweden.¡± Mom says, holding Naomi¡¯s hand and pulling her to sit down.


    I sit next to Naomi while my mother dishes out food for the two of us.


    ¡± So what¡¯s your name, sweetie?¡± Mom asks.


    ¡± Oh, I¡¯m Naomi. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. ck.¡±


    ¡± Please don¡¯t call me that. ck is my family name. I¡¯m Karen. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you too. I¡¯ve heard a lot about you, you sure did a lot to my son.¡± Mom smirks at Naomi.


    She chuckles nervously.


    ¡± Did he tell you that?¡± Naomi asks.


    Mom chuckles too. I just sit there and listen to these two women talk about me like I¡¯m not in the room.


    ¡± Nah, he just wouldn¡¯t stop talking about you. I¡¯m happy you finally gave him a chance. This son of mine has been lost for a while. I¡¯m d you found him.¡±


    ¡± Really mom.¡±


    Mom smiles and pushes a te of her traditional recipe towards Naomi.


    ¡± Please enjoy yourself.¡± Mom says and gives me mine too.


    ¡± Thank you, Karen.¡±


    With a small sh of her rare smile, we start to eat. Once we¡¯re done, mom starts her interrogation.


    ¡± So how did you two meet?¡± Mom asks.


    ¡± Mom, she¡­ ¡±


    ¡± I worked in his club. As a server. We met the day he visited his club.¡± Naomi says before I can stop my mom.


    ¡± Wow. This is so beautiful. You won¡¯t believe I met his father almost the same way. Only he didn¡¯t own a club, but I worked the bars and he just waltzed in, stressed, and exhausted. We talked, I served him a drink and that was how it all started.¡±


    Naomi giggles.


    ¡± That¡¯s really beautiful.¡±


    ¡± Thank you. I hope he wasn¡¯t hard on you. Sometimes my son always forgets every woman is different.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, he did forget that for a while.¡± Naomi says and turns to look at me. She winks at me.


    ¡± Well, I¡¯m Swedish, I¡¯m pretty sure Killian hasn¡¯t talked about me.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, he hasn¡¯t. Don¡¯t me him.¡± Naomi says. ¡± I¡¯m from New York, my mother is from Cuba.¡±


    ¡± Wow. She speaks Spanish really well? I¡¯ve always wanted to visit Cuba.¡±


    ¡± You never told me that.¡± I say. Mom res at me.


    ¡± Just say you forgot.¡± Mom retorts. Naomi chuckles.


    ¡± Right.¡±


    ¡± Please, continue darling.¡±


    Darling? Alright. They¡¯re already bing best friends.


    ¡± My mom speaks well and she made sure we learned hernguage too.¡±


    ¡± We? You have siblings?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. An older brother, and a younger sister.¡± Naomi answers.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I eat quietly, quietly wishing my mom will stop with the interrogation.


    ¡± You know I¡¯ve always wanted a female child.¡± Mom says at once and I give her a look.


    ¡± What happened?¡± Naomi asks.


    ¡± Oh, Killian happened. I had an older son, his name¡¯s Keith, and he¡¯s also getting married. I don¡¯t know if Killian mentioned that.¡±


    ¡± Oh.¡± Naomi turns to look at me and I shake my head.


    ¡± Mom, please, let her be for five seconds.¡±


    ¡± Why? I¡¯m still getting to know her.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯ll know her, definitely not today. Some other time.¡± I say, pleading with my mother with my eyes.


    All of these details I¡¯m the one who¡¯s supposed to be telling her about my family, my life, not my mother. She doesn¡¯t have to hear that from my mother. I love my mother, but she¡¯s always too much.


    ¡± Alright.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry we have to meet like this, Karen.¡± Naomi says, giving my mother a small smile.


    ¡± I¡¯m really happy I got to meet you. I¡¯m happy Killian has someone in his life. We usually have this family dinner every now and then. I¡¯m going to ask Killian to invite you so we can catch up, yeah?¡± Mom says and stands up.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯ll really like that.¡±


    Mom smiles as she pulls Naomi for a warm hug and pecks her cheek.


    ¡± You should invite her to Keith¡¯s wedding as your plus one. You should.¡± Mom says to me as she pats my back.


    ¡± I should leave you two alone. Just don¡¯t do anything I wouldn¡¯t do.¡±


    ¡± We¡¯re not sixteen, ma.¡± I say to my mother. Naomi giggles.


    ¡± I warned you. And Naomi, if he does anything crazy, you tell me, and I¡¯ll deal with him myself.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll sure do, Karen. Thank you for the food. It¡¯s really good.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m d you enjoyed it. See you kids.¡± Mom says and walks out of my kitchen. I hear her shoes recede into the living room.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe she just referred to us as kids.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re still her kid.¡± Naomi points out, standing up as she starts to clear the table.


    I stand up to help her.


    ¡± I like her. She¡¯s funny, and really sweet.¡± Naomi says as she turns on the faucet after cing the tes inside the sink.


    ¡± She¡¯s trouble and sometimes she forgets we¡¯re no longer fourteen.¡±


    ¡± All parents act like that. It¡¯s their own way of showing they still care about you. And they do.¡± I watch her as she speaks.


    ¡± You should leave the dishes, Sebastian can do that tomorrow.¡±


    ¡± I want to. And give Sebastian a break.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re beginning to sound like my mother right now.¡± Naomi washes the dishes and I rinse, wipe them dry as I keep them back inside the cupboards.


    Once we¡¯re through with cleaning the kitchen together, something that I haven¡¯t done in a while because I have people who do the dishes, cook, and clean the house, I wrap my arms around Naomi and pull her to me, kissing her neck, as she melts into my kisses.


    ¡± Can you please spend the night?¡± I ask her, nting little kisses on her neck. ¡°Please.¡± I pressure her.


    I have never begged anyone to spend the night before, they always do without me asking. There are a lot of things I need to learn if I want to be with Naomi. So many things.


    I pull my head back to stare at her. She¡¯s thinking about it, pondering if sleeping in my house with me tonight is a good idea.


    ¡± We don¡¯t have to sleep in the same room. I can take the guest room.¡±


    ¡± What good will that do? I guess it¡¯s the same as not spending the night at all.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I bite my bottom lip as I think of another angle to approach this.


    ¡± I really want to hold you tonight.¡± I say as a matter of factly. ¡± Tell me, what do I have to do to make you lie next to me tonight? I need to feel you.¡± I whisper.


    ¡± For a start, stop talking ande here.¡± She says, gripping onto my shirt as she pulls me to her before she kisses me.


    I¡¯m taken by surprise, but I kiss her back anyway. With my body pinning her against the kitchen marble counter, I trail my fingertips on her skin. I slip my fingers inside my shirt that she¡¯s wearing and my palmes in contact with her bare skin. Naomi whimpers against my touch, and I slip my tongue inside her mouth as we kiss desperately.


    My fingers linger on her stomach, brushing up towards her breasts, but I stop. I stop kissing her, with my hand still inside her shirt as she opens her eyes to stare into mine.


    ¡± Why did you stop?¡± She asks softly.


    ¡± If I don¡¯t stop now, I won¡¯t be able to stop. At least there¡¯s still a little self control left in me, I should hold on to that.¡±


    Naomi smiles, her eyes are filled with lust as she stares into mine. She brings her hand down, straight to my pants as she cups me through the material of my sweats.


    ¡± Fuck.¡±


    She runs her fingers on my member, teasing it before she squeezes.


    ¡± Now, who was talking about stopping?¡± She whispers.


    God, why does this side of her turn me the fuck on every time.


    ¡± I want you to touch me, Killian.¡± Naomi whispers against my neck as she touches me. And then she surprises me by slipping her hand inside my sweats as she grips me bare.


    Fuck this shit.


    I hold the back of her head and pull her into me as I press our lips together.

 Chapter 50

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± Okay, you seriously don¡¯t want to tell me where you spent the night, huh?¡± Bianca teases me as we make breakfast together.


    I smile, biting the corner of my lip as I whisk the eggs. Bianca sighs, getting seriously tired of asking me aboutst night and I¡¯m not giving her an answer. I can¡¯t stop thinking aboutst night. How we spent the night together, with both of us sleeping in his bed. I can¡¯t help but think about it on my ride back home. His touch, our kisses. His hand on my breast as we fall asleep next to each other.


    ¡± Whatever, don¡¯t tell me.¡±


    I smile as I stop whisking to stare at her.


    ¡± You¡¯re really sweet and irresistible when you act like that.¡± I tell her.


    Bianca looks at me from underneath hershes as she smirks.


    ¡± You¡¯ve been keeping secrets from metely and I don¡¯t like that. I thought we were best friends.¡± She whines.


    ¡± We are.¡±


    ¡± I doubt that. If we¡¯re, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s the big deal of not telling me where you spent the night.¡± She¡¯s guilt-tripping me and it¡¯s working.


    ¡± I¡¯m not hiding anything, seriously. I spent the night at Killian¡¯s.¡±


    Her smile turns into a grin.


    ¡± What? No shit.¡± She¡¯s giggling now.


    I roll my eyes and set the pan on the stove to start frying.


    ¡± You¡¯re not dodging this.¡±


    ¡± I already told you where I wasst night.¡±


    ¡± And you didn¡¯t think for a second you were supposed to text me that you weren¡¯ting home. I was scared, I had to call Antonio to ask him about your whereabouts.¡±


    ¡± You have my brother¡¯s number?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, why?¡±


    ¡± What are you not telling me, Bia?¡± I ask her, with a smirk on my lips.


    ¡± This isn¡¯t about me, this is about you. And since you care to know, your brother and I have nothing inmon. We¡¯re not seeing each other. That¡¯s so against our sister¡¯s code.¡±


    ¡± Good. d you remembered.¡±


    ¡± So back to you and Killian.¡±


    ¡± We didn¡¯t do anything if that¡¯s what you¡¯re implying.¡±


    ¡± Hmm¡­¡± I ignore Bianca¡¯s taunting stares as I fry the eggs.


    ¡± So why did you spend the night?¡±


    ¡± Because he wanted me to and I wanted to.¡±


    ¡± Are you guys, like, together now?¡±


    ¡± Something like that.¡±


    ¡± Oh my God! Oh my fucking goodness. This is epic. We should party.¡±


    ¡± What? No, Bia. We¡¯re not throwing a party because Killian and I are kind of dating.¡±


    ¡± Kind of dating or dating?¡±


    ¡± Dating.¡± I sigh, defeatedly. ¡± Please, it¡¯s¡­ this is still new for me. I remembered telling myself after George that I¡¯ll be giving rtionships a break, but here I am¡­¡±


    ¡± Already in love with a billionaire bachelor, who just walked into your life and swept you off your feet. So romantic.¡± Bianca says as she smiles at me.


    ¡± I hate you.¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Liar.¡± She giggles. ¡± Come on, tell me what¡¯s up? Did you guys do it?¡±


    ¡± Do what?¡± I ask, feigning cluelessness at her question. Seriously, even if we did it, I¡¯m not sure I can tell her about that. Bedroom matters are private, at least for me.


    Bianca yfully res at me, I pretend not to notice as I blush.


    ¡± Oh my God, you guys had sex!¡±


    ¡± What? No! Why would you even think that?¡± I avoid her gaze and flip the egg so the other side can fry.


    ¡± It¡¯s no big deal. You guys are definitely going to have sex.¡± She says, and I hate that I¡¯m imagining it already.


    ¡± Definitely, not now. We didn¡¯t do anything. We just talked and I met his mom.¡±


    ¡± You met Karen ck?¡±


    ¡± How did you know her name?¡±


    ¡± I read business magazines, duh.¡±


    ¡± Right. Yeah, well, I did. She¡¯s not bad. She¡¯s really nice and really beautiful.¡±


    ¡± Wow, I see you guys getting married in the future. You already met his mom, hopefully you¡¯ll meet his brother.¡±


    ¡± You know I never knew he had a brother.¡±


    ¡± If you pay a lot of attention to your boyfriend, you¡¯ll know that.¡± Bianca winks at me as she removes the toasted bread from the toaster and drops it in two tes.


    The doorbell rings.


    ¡± Expecting anybody?¡±


    ¡± Nope.¡± I answer.


    ¡± Maybe it¡¯s Lucky.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think I mentioned this, but Lucky and I are over.¡± Bianca says as she walks to the living room.


    ¡± What? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± I call out to her. She doesn¡¯t respond.


    I hear the front door open and an exchange of conversation as the door shut.


    ¡± It¡¯s a delivery guy. Brought you something.¡± Biancaes back into the kitchen carrying a big box that¡¯s well wrapped.


    ¡± I bet it¡¯s from Killian.¡± She teases me with a smile and proceeds to open it, but I stop her.


    ¡± Okay, you do the treat.¡± She drops the box on the kitchen table and sits down.


    I sigh and tear out the attached note. It¡¯s a gift from Killian, now I¡¯m wondering what it is. I¡¯ve never liked it when people, especially the men I date buy me things. There¡¯s always this insecurity in me that they¡¯re doing too much for me. The diamond ne he bought for me was a lot. That can cost even a million dors and I¡¯m afraid to even keep it. I don¡¯t have that amount of money in my ount and I¡¯ve never had it. I made sure to take the jewelry off in the elevator and hide them in my purse before I stepped into the hallway of my apartment.


    I hated being the center of attention and I can bet my life this is another expensive gift from Killian again.


    ¡± What do you think this is?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. But I know it¡¯s going to be expensive.¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s a billionaire, duh. Come on, open it, I need to know what¡¯s inside.¡± Bianca is all jittery and giddy.


    She¡¯s older than me by almost two years and she acts like a kid sometimes. It¡¯s just cute. I take a deep breath and tear out the package. I am surprised to see what¡¯s inside.


    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I mutter underneath my breath as I pull out the painting.


    What the hell? He bought me this? This is like a lot. This is so much. This is freaking expensive. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯ll buy me this.


    ¡± Is this a painting?¡± Bianca asks.


    ¡± Yeah. It was the painting I said I liked yesterday at the art exhibition. It was just there on disy and I couldn¡¯t stop staring at it.¡±


    ¡± And he bought it for you? Wow, this is really beautiful.¡± Bianca says as she stares at the painting in her hand. ¡± Isn¡¯t this like a million?¡±


    ¡± Of course. He can¡¯t just buy me things like this.¡±


    ¡± I thought you said you liked it about a second ago, and you loved it, and that you couldn¡¯t stop staring at it yesterday.¡±


    ¡± Yes, true. But, this is expensive. I didn¡¯t think he would buy it for me.¡±


    ¡± Well, he already did, be grateful.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m grateful.¡± I snatch it from her hand and walk out of the kitchen.


    ¡± Can you at least hang it in the living room so people can see we¡¯re not that broke?!¡± Bianca calls.


    I roll my eyes, but smile anyway.


    ¡± Fuck you Bianca.¡± I shout out to her as I walk towards my bedroom.


    I drop the painting on my bed and pick up my phone to call Killian. My eyes move to the painting on my bed and I look away, with my ringing phone in my ear waiting for him to pick up.


    ¡± Hey babe.¡± His deep voice says on the phone.


    My heart stops for a second. When am I gonna get used to him calling me babe and also of the fact that we¡¯re now together?


    ¡± Hey. Um¡­ good morning. Did I wake you up from an early morning slumber?¡±


    Heughs on the phone.


    ¡± No. I¡¯m fine. What are you doing?¡±


    ¡± Well, I was making breakfast before a delivery guy dropped this expensive painting at my apartment.¡±


    ¡± Oh that.¡± I can hear the amusement from his voice.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t have to do that. I mean it was pretty, and I liked it, but you didn¡¯t have to go that length or go to that trouble of getting me this.¡±


    ¡± You worry too much. I didn¡¯t have any trouble, okay? And you deserve more than a painting. You deserve much more than that. It¡¯s just a painting.¡±

 Chapter 51

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Just a painting? A painting that cost millions of dors.


    ¡± Thanks. Thank you, I really loved it. Also, you need to stop buying me things. You¡¯ve bought me a lot and they¡¯re so expensive, I just¡­¡± I trail off.


    ¡± You¡¯re wee.¡± He says on the phone.


    I smile and shake my head.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡±


    ¡± Oh. I was having a FaceTime meeting with some of my executives and Raymond. We were talking about those big ideas of yours on a Sunday, you won¡¯t believe it.¡±


    ¡± Oh, you really didn¡¯t have to¡­¡±


    ¡± Naomi, take a deep breath okay. I love you and you¡¯re¡­¡± He trails off.


    This time around, my heartpletely stops. I love you? He just literally told me he loved me. I smile, biting my bottom lip as I blush.


    ¡± I¡¯ll see you on Monday.¡± I whisper and hang up.


    My ears are burning and my heart is beating so fast I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s going to fall off. I fall back on my bed, smiling at my ceiling.


    He just confessed he¡¯s in love with me!


    Holy shit!


    Or was that just a thing he said to a lot of people? God, what is wrong with me? I shut my eyes, repeating the word over and over again in my head like a love sick teenager.


    I¡¯m definitely in love with him too.


    ***


    Monday morning is very hectic for me. The emails I had to send and reply were a lot. A lot of paperwork too. I even had to work on a new marketing ad, while I had little to nothing in my stomach.


    Celine was also here this morning, and I¡¯m surprised at what she was doing here. I mean they¡¯ve postponed the product she was supposed to market and yet she still drops by like she works here. I avoided her throughout the morning, giving her excuses that I¡¯m busy, it¡¯s not like it¡¯s an excuse, because I was truly busy.


    When lunch breakes, I quickly get up to go grab lunch before I faint. I haven¡¯t seen the CEO this morning, and we haven¡¯t talked since that phone call yesterday. I¡¯m grateful I haven¡¯t had to see him this morning, I don¡¯t know how I¡¯ll react. We just started this whole rtionship thing and hearing him tell me he¡¯s in love with me yesterday just makes me all giddy. I feel like if I see him today during work hours, I might just lose it. I need to stay focused during work hours and not slip back because the CEO has stolen my heart and I just can¡¯t help myself. Also, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready if people start spreading rumors that I¡¯m sleeping with the CEO without really giving a shit that we¡¯re not just sleeping with each other- it¡¯s not like we have- but we¡¯re actually in a rtionship.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± I hear Amber¡¯s voice as I pull out my phone from inside my bag.


    ¡± Hi, Amber. Do you need anything?¡± I give her one of my thousands of fake smiles.


    Kill them with kindness-even if it¡¯s fake, and they might just realize they¡¯re not worth your time.


    ¡± Not really. Just checking on you, making sure you¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡± Why won¡¯t I be okay?¡± I ask her, at the same time my phone vibrates. It¡¯s a text message notification.


    I don¡¯t bother to check, I¡¯ll do that when Amber leaves.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe, because you won¡¯t be, at least for a long time.¡± She smirks and winks at me.


    ¡± Are you done?¡± I ask her, giving her my own smirk.


    Hers falter as she res at me.


    ¡± Something going on?¡± Someone asks. Amber and I turn around and thankfully it¡¯s Raymond, looking all professional as he stares at me and Amber.


    ¡± Oh, nothing.¡± Amber turns to look at me, as she gives me a sly smirk, before speaking. ¡± Just asking Ms. Alderson here if she wants to grab a bite with me.¡± She res at me before turning around and leaving.


    I sigh and turn to look at Raymond who¡¯s looking right through me.


    ¡± She isn¡¯t lying.¡±


    Raymond sighs. ¡± You know you¡¯re lying, and you know I don¡¯t buy your lies either. Killian won¡¯t always be here, well he¡¯s not here at all, he¡¯s got his own corner office and it¡¯s my job to look out for you.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re not. You can always talk to me if you want something.¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡± I say.


    Raymond sighs again. Why can¡¯t he just pick up on the clue that I don¡¯t want to talk about this.


    ¡± Naomi¡­¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to talk about this. I¡¯m fine, and I can take care of myself. I don¡¯t need anyone babying me, including Killian. I¡¯m not the first woman to date the boss, and I won¡¯t be thest. These assholes should eat shit and jump off a fucking bridge. I can handle myself and Amber isn¡¯t someone that I can¡¯t handle, she¡¯s just not worth my time.¡±


    Raymond smiles and nods.


    ¡± Sure. The CEO wants you in his office. Take some files with you.¡± With that said, Raymond turns around and walks away.


    I sigh and unlock my phone to read the message disyed on my screen.


    From Killian; I want you. Come over, and take some files with you.


    Great. I gather some files and leave my desk as I head towards Killian¡¯s office. I stop by Jamie¡¯s desk. He¡¯s having lunch and listening to a song with earbuds plugged into his ear. I knock on his desk, and he looks up at once, jolting as he removes both earbuds.


    ¡± Hi, Jamie.¡± I smile at him.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± He blows out a deep breath. ¡± Hi. You wanna go in?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. You good?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Thanks. You look good.¡±


    I smile at Jamie. ¡± Thank you. You look great too.¡±


    ¡± That means a loting from you. Should I call him?¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t bother, he¡¯s expecting me.¡± With a small smile thrown at Jamie, I walk towards Killian¡¯s office.


    I knocked once, and his voice let me in. I slowly push the door open and let myself in. He¡¯s already standing, staring at the transparent window and the beautiful city of New York. My eyes nce down at his body and his work attire that makes him look really sexy and irresistible. My eyes stop on something on his desk. Killian turns around to look at me and his eyes follow what I¡¯m staring at.


    ¡± I¡¯m quitting. Doctor said it¡¯s not good for my health.¡± He says, picking up the ashtray and tossing the cigarette butts on his ashtray and the ashtray along with it.


    He sits on the edge of his desk as he grabs my arms and pulls me towards him. He takes the files from my hand and drops them on his desk.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t tell me.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re angry?¡± He asks, and wraps his arms around my waist.


    ¡± I¡¯m not. Just surprised. I mean, I¡¯ve seen you do it in your club, so.¡±


    ¡± Well, I¡¯ve stopped for a while. Like I said, my doctor said it¡¯s not good for my health.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not.¡± I whisper and cup his face in my hand. He smiles.


    ¡± You look beautiful.¡± He says, hand already on my top button. He doesn¡¯t take it off, just ys with it while teasing me with his eyes locked on mine.


    ¡± Did you have to make Raymond babysit me?¡± I ask him.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. He was worried Amber might be causing trouble.¡±


    ¡± You know Amber?¡±


    ¡± She works on my floor. I literally know everyone who works on my floor. I¡¯m their boss.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I smile. ¡± I¡¯m fine. You don¡¯t have to make Raymond babysit me.¡±


    ¡± Is Amber bothering you?¡±


    ¡± Are you gonna fire her?¡±


    ¡± I would, if I have to.¡± He says, hands leaving my button as he wraps his arms around my waist.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡± So she¡¯s bothering you?¡±


    ¡± Why did you send for me?¡± I changed the topic.


    ¡± Changing the topic doesn¡¯t mean we won¡¯t talk about it.¡± He says. I sigh and roll my eyes. ¡± But, I¡¯m gonna drop it for now, and we¡¯re gonna talk about it when you¡¯re ready.¡± He says. I smile.


    ¡± Thanks.¡±


    ¡± Have you had lunch?¡±


    ¡± Nope. I¡¯m here, right?¡±


    ¡± You can have lunch with me. But for now, I really wanna touch you, Luna.¡± Killian whispers into my ear, sending a wave of emotion right straight to my core.


    His hands brushes down my back, down the curve of my waist, as he cups my ass.


    ¡± Oh God.¡± A moan slips past my lips.


    ¡± I¡¯ve missed you so badly, my Luna.¡± He whispers against my neck.


    My breathing has elevated, my heart is beating fast again.


    ¡± Should we be doing this here?¡± I ask him, with my hands already grabbing at his white dress shirt. ¡± Someone might knock.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± It¡¯s surprising how you worry about little things.¡± He says, with a small smirk ying on his lips, as he stands up.


    ¡± This is mypany and I can do whatever the fuck I want. And right now, I just need to touch you or I¡¯m gonna lose my mind.¡± Killian says.


    Pushing some things off his desk, he sits me on his desk, lips already on my neck, kissing me there. I shut my eyes and try to level down my breathing. God, I¡¯m so nervous and I don¡¯t know why. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re about to have sex in his office.


    ¡± Rx for me, babe.¡± He whispers into my ear, pushing my skirt up slowly, as he stands in between my opened legs.


    ¡± I can stop if you want me to.¡± He whispers again.


    Only if he knows how much he affects me when he talks like that.


    ¡± Please, don¡¯t stop. I need you to touch me.¡± I whisper, pulling him to me with his tie as I kiss him.


    His hands are on my thigh and my waist as he kisses me back. He stops and grabs his telephone. I¡¯m surprised as I just watch him. He dials someone, and puts the telephone to his ear. I wait, patiently, wondering what he¡¯s doing.


    ¡± Jamie, hold all my calls. Anyone who wants a meeting with me, tell them I¡¯m busy.¡± He says into the telephone and then hangs up, mming it against the cradle.


    ¡± Lie back.¡± Killian ck orders and I obey.


    ***


    A little bit of a steamy scene up ahead. Just giving you guys a heads up.

 Chapter 52

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    His hands on my body set my soul on fire. We kiss, with his hands touching me everywhere. I can barely rx because of his office translucent wall. I know they can¡¯t see us, but I can see them. It makes everything really hard.


    ¡± You can scream if you want. It¡¯s soundproof.¡± Killian tells me, as he starts to unbutton my dress shirt.


    I watch him remove button after button. He¡¯s trying to be gentle with me. I see him as a man who¡¯s pretty rough. As he takes out thest button, pushing my shirt down my shoulders, I help him take it off.


    His gaze goes to my breasts and the whitece bra I¡¯m wearing and he¡¯s staring. Killian brings his hand to my hair as he pushes the strand behind my ear and he whispers against my neck.


    ¡± You¡¯re beautiful, Luna.¡± His warm breath against my skin makes my breath hitch.


    When his hand touches my skin, I melt against his touch. Killian kisses my neck, nting sweet butterfly kisses on the surface of my skin. My breathing changes at every light feather kiss. My eyes are shut, my head tilts back and I don¡¯t know when he undo my bra. And I let him take it off, leaving me bare before him.


    Killian¡¯s silver eyes are lidded with hunger. He moves back a little to stare at my breasts. They were not that big, and not small either. In my own words, I think they¡¯re just okay.


    ¡± So fucking beautiful.¡± He growls andes back to kiss my neck again, biting the skin and marking me as his.


    His hands are on my breasts, teasing and touching me there. I moan, with legs around his waist as if I¡¯m trying to push him to me. I need him now, I want him to touch me everywhere, everywhere possible so that I can get rid of this itch. Killian kisses down my neck, straight to my breasts. His hand slips inside my skirt, pushing my thighs apart as he finds my sacred part.


    I can¡¯t hold back now even if I want to. I just let him touch me, please me. His lips and tongue are on my breasts, his hand teases me in between the legs, the exact ce I want his hand. And then I feel his fingers enter me, touching me and sending me into an uncontroble state of pleasure.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Killian says something, but I don¡¯t hear anything. It seems as if the world just disappears around me and all I can see is him, and all I can hear are my moans and his groans, and filthy whispers.


    Killian stops, pulling out his fingers from inside me. We kiss again, his tongue and my tongue. My hands are on his body, inside his shirt as I feel his hard stomach against my palm. His touch is something I¡¯ve never experienced before. He¡¯s nothing like I¡¯ve experienced before. And I guess that¡¯s when I finally realized I¡¯ve also fallen in love with him. Deeply to be precise.


    He makes me turn around so my breasts are pressed against his desk and my legs on the floor. Killian kisses my back, sending different waves of pleasure straight to my core. And then, he¡¯s pulling my panties down my legs and I step out of them. I feel Killian¡¯s hands everywhere. Up my legs and my ass and in between my legs. He kisses me there, tasting me in his tongue and I just lose it. My legs are pushed apart and he just let his tongue and mouth work me down there. I want to cry, because it feels so good I feel like I¡¯m going to burst.


    No one¡¯s ever touched me like this before. And the way he looks at me, no one¡¯s looked at me like that. He¡¯s everything I never had, but now I do. He¡¯s mine now. At first it¡¯s hard to admit that to myself, but now I do want to say it out loud that this man is mine, and I¡¯m his. We mighte from two different worlds, but we¡¯re one. And I¡¯m in love with him. And I¡¯m one of the few people who¡¯s truly seen him. He¡¯s this Billionaire cruel, and arrogant facade, but deep down, he¡¯s much more. He¡¯s everything anyone will need. He¡¯s everything I need.


    As Killian continues to please me in between my legs, I think about ways I want to please him too. I want to make him feel good. I want to show him I love him. If words can¡¯t describe how much he¡¯s flipped my world upside down, I can show him that.


    I moan so loud I¡¯m afraid people outside the safety of his walls will hear when he slips two fingers in. His tongue and lips were just so good. They were doing things I never thought existed. And then I feel it, the release right there. With just a little tease, I¡¯m already letting go, climaxing so hard like I haven¡¯t done before.


    Killian helps me stand, pulling my skirt down a bit as he sits me on his desk again. He kisses me on my lips and I kiss back. He tastes different and that¡¯s because his lips just gave me the best release of my life. Killian moans into my mouth, and I can feel his erection against my thighs.


    ¡± Let me touch you too.¡± I stop kissing him too whisperer.


    Killian smiles and kisses my forehead.


    ¡± Today¡¯s about you.¡± He whispers softly and kisses me again.


    He holds the back of my head gently, pulling me into the kiss. I kiss back, letting my soul lose in his warm touch.


    ¡± I love you my Luna.¡± He says.


    At first I thought it was just my mind making things up. But then he stops kissing me, and I slowly open my eyes to find him staring at me. His eyes are something different this time. The hunger Is reced with something deep.


    ¡± I love you. I had doubts, fears, I wasn¡¯t really sure I was ever going to say that to someone. The day I set my eyes on you, changes a lot of things. For me¡­¡± He says, and cups my cheek with his right hand. My heart is beating impossibly fast against my chest. I¡¯ve heard that word a lot of times from George, but hearing Killian ck say it just means something more.


    I don¡¯t know why I feel this way towards him, and maybe I don¡¯t wanna know but I¡¯m d he barged into my life uninvited.


    ¡± I love you, Luna. And I¡¯m happy you walked into my life. You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing to me.¡± He whispers and wraps his arms around my body, as he nts a soft kiss on my neck.


    ¡± You don¡¯t know how you¡¯re making me feel every fucking day.¡± He nts another kiss again. ¡± You don¡¯t know how much you¡¯ve turned my world upside down. I¡¯m happy I have you and I¡¯m not gonna let you go.¡± Another kiss on my neck. ¡± I don¡¯t wanna let you go. I wanna wake up everyday with you by my side. And I¡¯m willing to do anything to make that happen.¡± Another kiss, but he bites my neck this time. A gentle bite, as if telling me who I belong to.


    ¡± You¡¯re mine Naomi Luna Alderson. And I¡¯m yours. All of me.¡± He says these words as he looks into my eyes.


    How can he say things like that and not expect me to fall in love with him? How¡¯s that possible? How can he make me feel all these emotions with his words and not make me want and crave him every freaking day. How does he expect I¡¯m not gonna fall in love with when he talks to me like this and treats me like I¡¯m the only woman left alive.


    ¡± We¡¯re gonna fight, argue, people might want toe between us, I just want you to be patient with me. I might be a handful, but I want you to be patient with me. You¡¯re mine, princess and I won¡¯t let anythinge between us.¡±


    I¡¯m speechless and tongue tied. I really don¡¯t know what to say. Because nothing I say right now can bepared to what he just said to me. Nothing I say will be able to describe how much I want him and how far I¡¯m willing to go to be with him. Nothing I say will be enough.


    He smiles, like he knows I¡¯m contemting on what to tell him. Well, out of our two he¡¯s the one with the words. Always has been. He helps me wear my bra and shirt and he starts to button it up for me.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to say anything now.¡± He says. ¡± When you¡¯re ready, and I¡¯ll be here. I¡¯m guessing this is a lot to drop on you in one day.¡±


    I don¡¯t know how to describe him right now. Handsome, cute. Cute Is a female thing right? It¡¯s like I can see him for who he is, and not what he shows to the world. Bad boy, yboy Billionaire. Arrogant, and cold CEO. He¡¯s just Killian right now, a man who¡¯s in love and has never been in love before.


    He lifts me off his desk and nts my feet on the floor as he starts to dress me properly.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to do that.¡±


    ¡± I know.¡± He whispers.


    Once I¡¯m more decent, he smiles at his work.


    ¡± You are beautiful.¡±


    I blush at his words, biting my bottom lip as I look him in the eyes.


    ¡± You¡¯re everything I¡¯ve ever wanted, and I¡¯m happy you¡¯re mine.¡± He tells me, tucking my loose strands behind my ear. ¡± Mine.¡± He deres.


    I wrap my arm around his waist and peck his lip. ¡± Yours.¡±

 Chapter 53

    Killian¡¯s POV


    I¡¯ve lived recklessly all my life. Fucked around, y around, break hearts, and I don¡¯t really give a shit who gets hurt at the end of the ride. I¡¯ve never taken anything serious, well, except mypany, and family. But, the day I set eyes on Naomi Alderson, everything changed. She showed me things I never thought existed. She made me feel things I never thought I would feel. She made me realize I could be better, and that I can give love a chance. She gave me something I never thought I would ever have, and without any cost or price. She made me realize I could be genuinely happy. One look and she turned my world upside down.


    She is not a star, but she¡¯s the star in my world. She¡¯s not a model, or an actress, or a business woman, but she¡¯s everything I¡¯ve ever wanted. Everything I needed. Everything I need, and want, and now I have her. I feel like the luckiest man alive.


    I was in love with her. And the relief that came when I confessed to how I felt, it was a relief I¡¯ve never felt before. I had a lot to tell her, so many things I wanted to tell her, but I settled for that. It was all so sudden and unexpected for her and I didn¡¯t want to overwhelm her.


    And I hate to think that I really wanted her to tell me she loved me back. I might have everything, money, cars, everything every man wants, but when ites to Naomi, there¡¯s this insecurity. I hate thinking there might be a day I might not be enough for her. It was one of the reasons I didn¡¯t want to tell her I was in love with her, afraid she was gonna stay quiet and not give me a response and I was right. She just stayed quiet without giving me a response.


    At first, I was afraid she didn¡¯t want me as much as I wanted her. But, I knew Naomi more than that. She might not be in love with me, but I was sure she was into me. My hands on her skin proved a lot. When I touched her, and when I kissed her, or held her, her reactions proved she was into me as much as I was into her.


    But the question that kept finding its way into my head is if she was in love with me? Did she love me?


    Today is Wednesday and I left the office early to make dinner for Naomi. I don¡¯t remember thest time I had to cook anything. The minute I start making money, I have people who do everything. Cleaning, cooking, and washing my clothes. Every fucking thing.


    But, today was a special day. I was supposed to take Naomi out for dinner, as per our date, but she Insisted I make dinner at home and we¡¯ll eat here instead of going out. I made a mistake of mentioning I might know a thing or two in the kitchen.


    I have my brother on FaceTime and he¡¯s yet to pick up. I sigh and stare at my kitchen wondering where the hell are all the ingredients and where Sebastian must have kept everything.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡± Keith¡¯s voice makes me twirl around towards myptop.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I greet him.


    ¡± Did you just greet me with hey and not one of your many insults?¡±


    ¡± Everyone can change, even if it¡¯s for three seconds or one minute.¡± I tell him.


    ¡± Seriously, what are you doing?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± Do you remember that recipe Ma used to make for us?¡±


    ¡± Her Swedish rice porridge?¡±


    ¡± Nah. She made us that the other time she was here.¡±


    ¡± Speaking of that. Mom said she met Naomi.¡± Keith says as he smiles at me.


    He¡¯s in his bedroom, sitting on his bed with hisptop on hisp.


    ¡± Yeah. Right. She gave me a surprise visit.¡±


    ¡± Let me guess, you guys were¡­¡±


    ¡± Please don¡¯t say it.¡± I re at him. Heughs.


    ¡± Oh my God. I can already imagine the look in her eyes.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, it was fucking weird.¡±


    ¡± Mom said she liked her. That Naomi was sweet.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s hard not to like her.¡± I mutter.


    Keith just smirks wider.


    ¡± You¡¯re in love with her.¡±


    I sigh and look at his face disying on the screen of myptop.


    ¡± Are you trying to cook for her?¡±


    ¡± I might have mentioned I know a thing or two in the kitchen.¡± I say.


    Keith stares at me with wide eyes and then he bursts intoughter.


    ¡± What the fuck, Kil?¡±


    ¡± You gotta help me, man.¡±


    ¡± You can¡¯t cook, brother. I know you know a thing or two in the kitchen but that was before you built apany and started making money. You know nothing about a kitchen right now. You¡¯ve got a cook. Do you even know where the salt is in your kitchen?¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re being a dick.¡±


    Fuck, why didn¡¯t I think of that? Making money and running apany makes you forget a lot of things.


    ¡± You should have been honest with her.¡±


    ¡± I was honest with her. I just didn¡¯t think I could forget how to cook that. Mom always made that for us. It was one of my favorites, I even made Sebastian learn how to make it.¡±


    ¡± Killian, call Naomi and tell her you don¡¯t remember the first thing about a kitchen.¡±


    ¡± Man, you know I do.¡±


    Minimizing myputer screen, I googled the first thing about the meal and all the procedures.


    ¡± The only thing you¡¯re good at is making coffee.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s still a good thing. At least I know something. You don¡¯t know shit, Keith.¡± I say, scrolling through the procedure and the needed ingredients.


    ¡± Right.¡± Keithughs. ¡± Are you googling the procedures?¡±


    ¡± Yup.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re really desperate, aren¡¯t you? How bad have you fallen?¡±


    ¡± Really bad. To the extent I go to bed with her in my head. I can¡¯t fucking stop.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s really hot.¡± I look up from what I¡¯m reading and Keith is smirking at me. ¡± Did you tell her how you feel about her?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. On Monday.¡± I sigh.


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± She didn¡¯t say it back.¡±


    ¡± Are you having doubts and insecurities right now? You¡¯re Killian fucking ck.¡±


    ¡± When you¡¯re in love, a lot of things happen to you, and you start having weird emotions and Insecurities are part of them.¡±


    ¡± True. So you¡¯re afraid she doesn¡¯t love you back?¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± I think she does. I¡¯m just having doubts and insecurities. She¡¯s pretty, and I¡¯m afraid someone¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡± No one¡¯s gonna steal her away, Killian. Get rid of that insecurity.¡±


    I sigh and run my hand through my hair.


    ¡± Since she¡¯sing over today, I think you two should talk about it. Talking about your insecurities with a woman you¡¯re in love with doesn¡¯t make you weak, it shows you have feelings.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I deadpan.


    ¡± It¡¯s really cute to watch you fall for someone. I¡¯m really happy for you, man. And Naomi not telling you how she felt that instant doesn¡¯t mean she doesn¡¯t love you or feel the same. I think she was caught off guard and she wasn¡¯t expecting you¡¯d confessed that to her. You¡¯re Killian ck, a Billionaire CEO who always has his feelings in check. You always have this hard guy, stone cold heart facade. Don¡¯t me her if she was caught off guard and tongue tied when you confessed you have feelings for her.¡±


    Always gonna be a big brother.


    ¡± Thanks, man.¡± I smile.


    ¡± So are you bringing her to my wedding?¡±


    ¡± Something like that.¡±


    ¡± Something like that? You¡¯re my best man, Kil, you should bring a date.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna talk to her. I promise.¡±


    ¡± And my bachelor¡¯s party is Friday, two days from now. What are you nning, baby brother?¡±


    I stand up from the barstool I¡¯m sitting on.


    ¡± Don¡¯t call me that Keith, you know I fucking hate it. And I can¡¯t tell you what I¡¯m nning for your bachelor¡¯s party, it¡¯s going to ruin the surprise.¡± I open the cupboards and start looking for ingredients.


    ¡± I just hope it doesn¡¯t have to do with women.¡±


    ¡± Keith, I¡¯m dating someone now. I can¡¯t take you to a strip club for your bachelor¡¯s party. Eve is going to kill me.¡± I say, with different cup ingredients in my hands as I read thebels.


    ¡± Are you going to cook for Naomi while watching YouTube videos and reading shit online?¡±


    ¡± Maybe.¡±


    ¡± I hope you know what you¡¯re doing.¡± Keith calls.


    I smile, cing each and everything I¡¯m going to need to make my mother¡¯s traditional Swedish recipe. I might be older and maybe busy with everything surrounding me, but I know a little thing of how the kitchen works and I have a little idea how to cook this.


    ¡± How¡¯s Eve by the way?¡± I ask my brother.


    ¡± She¡¯s great. Went to her evening session for yoga ss.¡±


    ¡± Damn. And you¡¯re alone at home?¡±


    ¡± Something like that. I had to doundry today.¡± He sighs. I chuckle.


    ¡± You doundry? Why not take it to dry cleaning.¡±


    ¡± You tell Eve that. She¡¯s pregnant and you know their weird cravings. It¡¯s fucking annoying sometimes.¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡± You¡¯re gonna go through that when Naomi gets pregnant too.¡± Keith¡¯s words make me pause what I¡¯m doing.


    I haven¡¯t thought about that before. Having babies with Naomi. That will be great, but does she want that?


    ¡± Hot topic?¡± Keith calls. My back is to him since I¡¯m trying to wash the meat.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, man. I don¡¯t know if she likes kids or not. We haven¡¯t had that conversation before. She didn¡¯t even know I had a brother until mom showed up unannounced.¡±


    ¡± You really got a lot to do.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s why I¡¯m cooking her dinner, so we can talk tonight.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re gonna tell her about dad, right?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡± I should go doundry before Evees back.¡±


    ¡± Right. See you soon.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Say hi to Naomi for me.¡±


    ¡± Goodbye, Keith.¡±

 Chapter 54

    Killian¡¯s POV


    I hear hisugh until the call disconnects. With a deep breath, I start cooking. Earlier, I ask Alvin to go pick her up and she¡¯ll be here soon.


    I arrange the dining table, go upstairs to my room to take a shower and then Ie downstairs, at the same time the doorbell rings. I check the time, it¡¯s 7:30 already. I open the door and Naomi stands in front of me, looking really gorgeous in a blue dress. I scan my eyes down her dress and the v-neck exposing a decent amount of cleavage.


    She really look beautiful.


    ¡± Hi.¡± She smiles at me.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her on the lips.


    It takes a few seconds before she responds. We pull apart, I shut the door, and walk her towards the dining room.


    ¡± You really did cook dinner.¡±


    I smile at her and pull out a seat for her to sit down. ¡± I had a little help. From YouTube.¡± I tell her the truth.


    Naomi giggles and smiles.


    ¡± I should have been here with you, helping you out.¡±


    ¡± I know. But I wanted to make you something, even if it¡¯s not that perfect.¡±


    Naomi smiles, and that just assures me more.


    ¡± You look beautiful.¡±


    ¡± Thank you. You look handsome.¡±


    ¡± I just got out of shower.¡±


    ¡± I figured. The damp hair.¡± Naomi says. She sits down properly and scan the table as I start to uncover everything.


    ¡± You made this. Wow, they look good.¡±


    ¡± I hope they taste better than they look. I didn¡¯t taste it. Afraid I fucked up.¡± I admit.


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    She grabs a fork and I watch her take a bite out of the chicken. She chews and I just stare at her how mouth moves and I hate that I¡¯m thinking dirty right now.


    ¡± Wow.¡± She says and clears her throat.


    She doesn¡¯t say anything further as she just continues to eat. I won¡¯t lie, this was a lot of effort from me. Growing up, I loved to cook. I literally helped my mom in the kitchen when Keith¡¯s out, but I guess the minute I turned into an adult with lots of responsibilities, a lot changed. Including cooking my own meals.


    I start to eat too while I continuously watch Naomi. Her hair is a lot more curly today, framing her small face. Her lips are a lot redder, she¡¯s wearing lipstick. And her eyes, the most beautiful pair of eyes I¡¯ve ever seen, are a hazel brown. She¡¯s not wearing contacts like that day in my office. The day I had my tongue on her.


    ¡± Do I look okay? You keep staring at me.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t help myself. You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    She blushes, teeth already tugging at her bottom lip.


    ¡± Thank you. And I must admit, you¡¯re trying to seduce me. Aren¡¯t you Mr. ck?¡±


    I smirk. ¡± Is it working?¡±


    ¡± Maybe, try a little harder.¡±


    Iugh, and she giggles.


    ¡± This tastes really good. I mean, the meat is a little overcooked, and there should have been more salt, but it¡¯s really good.¡±


    ¡± Great. I¡¯m never cooking again.¡±


    ¡± Oh,e on. For a man who uses his hands for a lot of things other than cooking, this is amazing.¡±


    A man who uses his hands for other things? Damn, she¡¯s going to kill me. If she only knows I want us to skip dinner while I have my hands all over her. I desperately need to hear her moan my name again.


    ¡± Thanks. That means a lot,ing from you.¡±


    Naomi doesn¡¯t say anything. She just blushes and continues to eat. When we¡¯re done, she helps me clear the table even when I ask her not to. I pour wine for the two of us and we go to the living room.


    ¡± So you wanna show me around yourpound or not?¡± Naomi asks.


    I smile. ¡± Sure.¡±


    With her hand in mine we step outside. It¡¯s already nightfall and thepound is brightly lit. I have to admit, mypound looks more like a luxurious hotel at night. Naomi looks around, pleased at everything she sees. This ce cost me a lot. It¡¯s my safe haven.


    ¡± Do you ever feel lonely staying here alone?¡±


    ¡± You wanna join me?¡± I ask.


    Naomi chuckles. We¡¯re at the pool and the blue lights inside the swimming pool makes it glow.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. I¡¯m just wondering.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what to say to that. The truth or half the truth.


    ¡± Sometimes.¡± I admit.


    We stop walking and stop by the deck of the swimming pool.


    ¡± Are you alone right now?¡±


    ¡± I have you now.¡±


    She smiles.


    ¡± That¡¯s sweet. But, are you alone right now?¡± She tilts her head and I understand her question.


    I chuckle.


    ¡± Maybe. Alvin and a few guards are in their quarters. It¡¯s pretty far from here.¡±


    ¡± So if you touch me and I moan really loud, they won¡¯t hear?¡±


    What¡¯s she driving at? If only she knows how she¡¯s fucking with me right now.


    ¡± They won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± Good.¡±


    She lets go of my hand and turns towards the swimming pool as she starts to untie the strap of her dress around her neck. Once the strap loosen, the dress falls to the floor. She¡¯s wearing whitece panties and nothing else.


    My gaze sweep down her back and her fine ass and it¡¯s taken a lot of self control not to just drag her back inside my house and touch her.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I mutter.


    Naomi turns to look at me from above her shoulder. She winks at me and jumps inside the water. She squeals.


    ¡± Really cold. You wanna join me?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll watch.¡± I call out to her.


    ¡± Your loss.¡±


    I stand on the deck and watch her swim.


    ¡± So who taught you how to swim?¡± I ask.


    ¡± PE, highschool.¡± Naomi answers, swimming to the deck where she rests against it.


    I nod.


    ¡± So, where¡¯s your brother?¡±


    ¡± New York.¡±


    ¡± Okay. He¡¯s like how many years older than you?¡±


    ¡± Three.¡±


    ¡± Is he the guy I saw you with at the restaurant the day we had a chat in the restroom?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, that was him.¡±


    ¡± Aw. He¡¯s cute.¡± She winks at me and dive back into the pool.


    ¡± Is he getting married?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Next week. I want you toe with me.¡±


    ¡± As plus one?¡±


    ¡± As my girlfriend.¡±


    She swims back to the deck and gets out of the water.


    ¡± You¡¯ll need a towel. It¡¯s cold.¡± I say, running my hands down her back to create warmth for her.


    ¡± I just need you right now.¡± Naomi whispers.


    She slips her cold hand inside my shirt, trailing her fingertips on my skin as we stare into each other¡¯s eyes. I lean down and kiss her and she responds immediately. I bring my hand down her back and grab her butt. Naomi moans into my mouth as she brushes her fingers up my skin. I lift her off the floor and she wraps her thighs around my waist. I bend down with her in my arms to pick up her dress, before we continue to kiss and I walk us back inside the house.


    Gently dropping her on top of my bed, I remove my shirt and climb into the bed, right in between her legs as we continue to kiss. I run my fingers up her thighs, trailing my fingertips on her beautiful skin. We¡¯re both shirtless, with her panties and my jeans yielding our bodies from touching. I bring my hand to her waist and pull her panties down. I sit up on my knees and pull her panties down her ankles and to the floor. I stand up, get out of bed, with my gaze on her body.


    I stare at her, lying on my bed naked, with her gaze fixed on mine. God, she¡¯s beautiful. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Naomi kneels in front of me on the bed, giving me a better view of her body. She touches me, with her hands brushing up my torso slowly. With her eyes locked on mine she kisses my stomach, and then, she bites.


    Her hand fumbles with my button before removing it. She¡¯s nervous.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± If you don¡¯t want¡­¡±


    ¡± I want to.¡± She cuts me off, with her eyes fixed on mine.


    She looks down at the bulge in my boxers as she pulls down my pants. I step out of my boxers and start to kiss her again, gently lying her properly on my bed. When our bodies touch each other, Naomi moans into my mouth. I stop kissing her to nt kisses on her shoulders and chest. There are still faint hickeys from me on her skin and I mark her again.


    Her fingers run through my back with every bite on her skin. And when I thrust into her, she moans, cries my name, and I nearly lose it. Fuck, she¡¯s tight. So fucking tight. How long has it been since she¡¯s been with someone? A year? Two years?


    I feel my walls breaking around me at every slow thrust into her. Naomi pinches my back, fingers digging into my back with every stroke. I¡¯m trying not to be rough with her and it¡¯s killing me. Our lips move in sync with each other, molding together. I can¡¯t feel my lips, but that doesn¡¯t stop us from kissing passionately. With every thrust into her, I feel like our souls bind together.


    Her legs are around my waist, her foot on my butt, urging me to go deeper and deeper into her. And I obey, pushing right in and pulling out. I try to hasten my pace, while trying not to hurt her at the same time. She¡¯s like an egg to me. My precious little egg, and I¡¯m afraid to break her. To crush her. So I go gentle on her, taking my time with her as I make love to her.


    It¡¯s different from every sex I¡¯ve had. This is a lot different. This is something more. Something I¡¯ve never had before. I feel like our souls are connecting, and joining together as we make love. Her cries of pleasure send bliss into my soul and I find myself falling deeper and deeper in love with her.


    Her legs clenched around my waist. She¡¯s climaxing, and she moans my name at her release. A few strokes in and I¡¯m already spilling inside her, filling her up. We breathe deeply and I kiss her tears away from her eyes.


    And then she whispers three words against my lips, setting my soul on fire and binding our souls together.


    ¡± I love you, Killian.¡±

 Chapter 55

    Killian¡¯s POV


    Last night was the best night of my life. Naomi spent the night, and I couldn¡¯t keep my hands to myself throughout the night. Even if I wanted to, I just couldn¡¯t, not with her naked in my bed, all bare from her head to her toes.


    Thursday morning, Naomi takes a shower in my bathroom. I get undressed to join her without even asking. I shut the shower door and stand behind her naked body, watching as the water cascades down her back. I stare at her back, down to her ass.


    God, she is beautiful. I¡¯m never getting tired of this.


    Naomi spins around, brushing her wet hair out of her eyes. She¡¯s surprised to see me.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I say, softly.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t hear you enter.¡±


    ¡± I was supposed to surprise you.¡± I say, backing her against the shower wall, with my hands on either side of her head, caging her in between my arms.


    Naomi smirks, with her breathing already changing.


    ¡± We¡¯re gonna bete.¡± She whispers breathlessly, moaning a little when I brush my fingers down her side to her hip.


    I smirk at her as I lean down to nt a kiss on her neck.


    ¡± Killian.¡± She moans, hands already on my back.


    ¡± Just give me 10 minutes.¡± I whisper into her neck, as I bite her there.


    I run my hand down her body, groping her in all the right ces as I kiss her everywhere. I hook her right thigh around my waist and bring my hand in between her legs to touch her there. She moans my name as I tease her sex with my fingers. I wrap her other thigh around my waist and slowly thrust into her.


    She opens her mouth and a moan escapes her lips. I capture her lips with mine, kissing her like it¡¯s thest time I¡¯ll get a taste of her lips, while slowly thrusting in and out of. With her back pressed against the wall, I carefully hold her against me, with her breasts and hard nipples touching my chest.


    Throughoutst night, she barely had a good night¡¯s rest because I didn¡¯t let her. We fucked throughout the night, but yet I can¡¯t get enough of her. Enough of this. Being inside her right now in the shower, it feels as if I wasn¡¯t inside her justst night. She¡¯s so fucking tight, as she clenches her walls around my length that¡¯s buried inside her.


    God, I want more. I want more of her. More of this. More of everything she¡¯s going to give me. I kiss her everywhere, on her shoulders, her cheeks, corner of her lips, her chest, her perky breasts, and then her nipples. With my hands on her hips, I guide her hips to meet each one of my slow, but fast thrusts. I¡¯m trying hard not to go harder, and faster, but if I do, there¡¯s no guarantee I won¡¯t hurt her, and I don¡¯t want to hurt her. So, I take my time with her, pushing in and pulling out gently, and passionately. She¡¯s so fucking perfect, everything about her is perfect. I want to bury myself inside her every day, every fucking night, and not get tired of it.


    She cries and moans my name as we orgasm together. I give myself a mental note to remind her to get pills because I didn¡¯t use condoms with her. And the times we had sex from yesterday to today, I spilled right inside her. She¡¯s not been having sex for a while, so she¡¯s definitely stopped birth control.


    We showered and I talked to her about contraceptives. She smiles and tells me she¡¯s got it covered.


    ¡± I sent Alvin to your apartment this morning to pick up work clothes for you. Your friend helped him out.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    I nod.


    We get dressed together and she helps me with my tie. We go downstairs together, with me trailing behind her.


    ¡± Are you hungry? Sebastian is on a break. We could grab something on our way to the office.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡± She smiles at me.


    Alvin walks in, holding different letters from my mailbox.


    ¡± Thank you, Alvin.¡± I say to him. He nods.


    ¡± You can follow him to the car, I¡¯ll join you.¡± I say to Naomi.


    ¡± Okay.¡± She answers. I peck her on the lips as she follows Alvin out of the house.


    I climb back upstairs and toss the letters on my bed. A big brown envelope makes me pause and I pick it up from my bed. I scan the body of the envelope and there¡¯s no address.


    ¡± Who¡¯s this from?¡± I say in my thoughts.


    I open my briefcase and drop it inside as I walk out of my bedroom. Naomi and I stop by a restaurant to have a quick breakfast as we drive back to mypany. As usual, she walks ahead of me as I follow her behind, watching her from behind. It¡¯s still hard to think I¡¯m in a rtionship. In a rtionship with a woman who works for me. Naomi¡¯s right about people talking shit when they find out about us. It¡¯s normal for people to talk. And considering I own a billion dorpany, people will find anything to make news out of it. And me sleeping with my employee will be a bad headline for the two of us, especially for mypany.


    This whole rtionship thing is just new to me. It¡¯s exciting and also strange, and a little overwhelming. Andst night when Naomi whispered those three words to me, telling me she loves me, I felt something different. Something I¡¯ve never felt before. I¡¯ve heard that from women iming they love me, when they only love me for the things my money can buy. But hearing it from Naomist night as she whispered those exact words into my ear, it was a different feeling. It was like I was reborn, rebranded. It was a lot of feeling that I couldn¡¯t exin.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I can¡¯t even exin it right now as I ride the elevator with Naomi and some of my workers. Some of them are surprised to see me riding the same elevator with them since I have a private elevator that leads right to my office. But being in love with a woman like Naomi, you start to do strange things. Strange beautiful things. Things that I don¡¯t understand myself. Like the first day that we rode the same elevator, she¡¯s pressed against me because of the herd of people in the same elevator as us. Her perky ass is pressed against my cock that¡¯s already twitching in my pants.


    How can it still twitch after my morning session with Naomi in the shower? Probably that¡¯s how much she affected me.


    The elevator stops on our floor and we step out together, with Naomi blushing. She sneaks a nce at me and I wink at her. She blushes, turns her face away at once and hurries towards her desk.


    Jamie is already waiting for me. It¡¯s strange, I haven¡¯t fired him yet. He¡¯s a great guy, a lot different from every one of my other personal assistants. He¡¯s pretty nice, apologizes a lot, sure. And he always wears skinny jeans to work and I don¡¯t bother to talk to him about his choice of clothing, I really don¡¯t care. Well, aside from his weird feminine name.


    ¡± Good morning, Mr. ck.¡± Jamie greets me and reaches for my briefcase without me telling him to.


    One thing too, Jamie is loyal, and very hard-working. He doesn¡¯t y with his job and he always finishes on time anytime I give him a job to do. And he smiles a lot too. Even in this hard country and city, Jamie still has it in him to always smile.


    The pessimistic kind, I give you that.


    ¡± Your coffee, sir.¡± He hands me my coffee that¡¯s already on my desk waiting for me.


    I sit on my chair and unbutton my suit jacket. Jamie sets my briefcase down.


    ¡± What do you have for me this morning?¡± I ask.


    ¡± Sir, you¡¯re supposed to have a meeting with Mr. Wang this morning, should I reschedule?¡± He asks. I don¡¯t answer at first as I open my briefcase. The envelope without an address is the first thing my hand reaches for.


    ¡± Anything else?¡± I ask, as I scan the brown envelope.


    ¡± Yes. Ms. Celine called this morning.¡±


    ¡± Tell her we¡¯re not ready to market yet when she calls next time. We¡¯re still in production.¡± I say, as I tear the envelope open.


    ¡± Okay, sir. Do you need me for anything?¡± Jamie asks.


    I don¡¯t answer him as I pull out a photo of me and Naomi that was taken on the day of that art exhibition from inside this envelope.


    ¡± You can leave. I¡¯ll call when I need something.¡±


    ¡± Okay, sir.¡± The minute I hear my office door shut, I dispose of everything inside the envelope on top of my desk.


    ¡± What the fuck!¡±


    I grab the photo of me and Naomi. My arm is around her waist and I¡¯m whispering something to her in the photo. We¡¯re just about to enter the art gallery when the photo was taken.


    ¡± What the hell is this?¡± My eyes fall on something else.


    A pregnancy test kit!


    ¡± This must be some sick joke.¡±

 Chapter 56

    Killian¡¯s POV


    I grab the pregnancy test kit and the obvious positive sign nearly scares the shit out of me. And then there¡¯s another photo, it¡¯s an ultrasound of an unborn baby. I drop it and pick up the Lily flower that¡¯s attached. I bring it to my nose and it¡¯s fresh. I¡¯m already standing as I stare at these things on my desk. Lastly, there¡¯s a letter. I quickly pick it up and tear it open. I pull out the paper and unfold it. It reads.


    ¡®Dear Mr. ck.


    How are you today? Obviously you¡¯re fine, I¡¯m very sure of that. Because you¡¯re living your best life, sitting on top of money, with your little, slut worker as your girlfriend. I¡¯m very sure you¡¯ve got my present. Don¡¯t be scared, because you¡¯re a father now, well going to be a father soon.


    I know you don¡¯t remember me. You don¡¯t remember anyone at all, I¡¯m pretty sure of that, because you¡¯re a disgusting manwhore, and a degenerating asshole. I know you don¡¯t remember that night. That night you whispered beautiful things in my ear and promised me everything. God, I was a fool to think you were going to make me happy. You promised to love me. You loved me. But then you used me, tossed me aside after you got me pregnant! You said I wasn¡¯t good enough. I wasn¡¯t ssy enough. I wasn¡¯t beautiful enough.


    Well, I¡¯m not angry anymore. At least I¡¯ve found you, and it¡¯s time to take responsibility for what you put inside me. I¡¯m not gonna give birth to a bastard and suffer alone while you go around partying with your little, slutty girlfriend. What¡¯s her name again? Oh, I remember. Naomi Alderson.


    You¡¯re gonna do as I say, and if you don¡¯t, start imagining Naomi in a coffin with a face you won¡¯t be able to recognize. I will hurt you, hurt her more, and I¡¯ll ruin her life the same way you ruined mine. I will destroy her and destroy everything about her. You don¡¯t deserve to be happy. You don¡¯t even deserve anyone¡¯s love. I believe you can¡¯t count how many women you¡¯ve yed and used, and that¡¯s because you¡¯re a conceited man. If you think I¡¯vee to y, first, you should start thinking about what everyone¡¯s going to think after I send them photos of you and Naomi doing the unbelievable.


    Yours sincerely,


    Your beloved baby¡¯s mother.¡¯


    ¡± What the fuck!¡± I scream, tossing the letter on my desk as I move away from my desk.


    Oh my fucking fuck. What the fuck is going on! Who would send this? Who the hell is this? Who the hell would do this? Is this some sort of joke? Who could possibly be this woman? This can¡¯t be true, right?


    Of course it¡¯s fucking real. There¡¯s a baby¡¯s ultrasound. A positive pregnancy test kit. But it can be anyone¡¯s child. It can be any woman I had sex with who probably wants to ruin my image with this shit. It can be.


    I grab my phone and dial Raymond¡¯s number. He picks up on the third ring.


    ¡± Killian?¡±


    ¡± Please get your ass straight to my office. Something has fucking happened.¡±


    I hang up and toss my phone on my desk as I turn to face the translucent wall with the perfect view of New York. I¡¯m distressed right now. I don¡¯t even know when my hands start to shake.


    God knows I¡¯m not ready to father anyone. I can¡¯t be anyone¡¯s father, at least not now. I have a lot on my te and I just found love in the arms of Naomi. It took a lot of chasing from my side before I could get her to trust me that I can be the man she wanted. With news like this one, it¡¯s obvious it will ruin my new found rtionship. Just when I just found happiness, someone out there thinks I don¡¯t deserve it and they¡¯re trying to ruin it.


    There¡¯s a soft knock on my office before the door opens. I turn around to see Raymond. He shuts my office door as he walks towards my desk.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± God, you look like shit. What¡¯s going on? Is it your brother¡¯s bachelor party tomorrow? Are you having second thoughts about it again?¡±


    I point to my desk. Raymond raises his eyebrows as he grabs the photos. He stares at the picture of Naomi and I, the ultrasound, and then he looks at the positive pregnancy test on my desk.


    ¡± What the fuck?¡±


    ¡± Exactly. What the fuck?¡± I run my fingers through my hair.


    ¡± Naomi¡¯s pregnant already? What¡¯s this? Am I supposed to say congrattions?¡±


    ¡± Read the fucking letter, Raymond. Someone¡¯s trying to ruin my life, my rtionship, and thepany I worked so hard to build!¡±


    Raymond¡¯s eyebrows touch his hairline as he drops the pictures and picks up the letter. He reads it quietly while I pace the floor of my office.


    ¡± Okay, shit. This isn¡¯t happening. Who sent this?¡±


    I run my palm down my face in frustration.


    ¡± It was mailed to my house this morning. My driver brought my mail to me this morning.¡±


    ¡± Oh my God. This is¡­ this is big. This is fucking big.¡±


    ¡± Who would do this?!¡±


    ¡± Obviously a girl you had sex with maybe during one of your wild nights.¡±


    ¡± How the fuck am I supposed to remember that? I¡¯ve had countless wild nights these past 7 seven years!¡±


    ¡± Calm down, Kil. We should be able to figure something out. You need to remember.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t fucking remember! Do you know how many girls I¡¯ve been with? I¡¯ve never had sex without a condom. I don¡¯t trust these women.¡±


    ¡± Well, if you¡¯ve never had sex without a condom, how the hell did you get someone pregnant?¡±


    ¡± What if I¡¯m not responsible and this crazy woman is trying to ruin my life?¡±


    ¡± But, what if you¡¯re responsible? This person is threatening to hurt Naomi.¡±


    ¡± Oh God. Fuck!¡± I¡¯m already pulling at my hair while trying to think about my wild nights and any woman I had sex with without a condom.


    Fuck, I can¡¯t remember shit. Ever since I became this man, I¡¯ve never been with any woman without protection. Some women are desperate, they would do anything just to have their fingers deep inside my pockets. Naomi is the only woman I¡¯ve ever had sex with without a condom. And I made sure she gets contraceptives, because I don¡¯t think any of us is ready to be anyone¡¯s parents.


    ¡± Why is there a lily attached? Was her name Lily?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, Raymond, fuck!¡± I push the mug of coffee off my desk as it falls to the floor breaking.


    ¡± You need to calm down, Killian.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t. There¡¯s a woman out there iming to be pregnant for me. How can I be calm?!¡±


    Raymond sighs as he stares at the letter in his hands.


    ¡± You know when someone doesn¡¯t remember some incident in their life, it¡¯s because they don¡¯t want to remember. It¡¯s probably a bad memory, they just chuck it away, far away so they won¡¯t remember. If you keep yelling and throwing things, you won¡¯t be able to remember or find a solution. I think you need to calm down, and try to remember. Don¡¯t break things, and don¡¯t force yourself. I¡¯ll ask Jamie to call your driver and ask him who brought in this envelope. I can also get a private investigator to look into this matter, if you want.¡±


    I sigh, as I push my hair out of my face. I can¡¯t look at Raymond right now. My mind is jumbled and everywhere.


    ¡± Killian.¡±


    ¡± Thanks Raymond. I would really like that.¡±


    He nods.


    ¡± I¡¯ll get Jamie to clean this up. Calm the fuck down.¡± He says, packing everything this strange woman sent and putting everything back inside the envelope.


    He drops it on my desk and turns to leave.


    ¡± God, I¡¯m fucked.¡±

 Chapter 57

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s nearly close to lunch break, and I¡¯m yet to be done with work. My hands work on myputer, with my mind and soul already at Killian¡¯s office. I just can¡¯t stop thinking about our sexual encounter. It feels as if I¡¯m just losing my virginity for the second time when I lost it a long time ago.


    Last night was the best night of my life. Killian barely had his hands off my body throughoutst night. After we made love for the second timest night, we went to bed with his hand on my breast, cupping it in his hand as if by dawn I¡¯ll be gone. It was sweet, andst night felt so romantic, it made me feel like I¡¯m just losing my virginity over again.


    And then, this morning in the shower, with me pressed against the wall and him in between my legs, mming in and out of me slow and fast at the same time, it was the best thing I have ever experienced. Maybe it¡¯s time I ept that my sexual life with my past boyfriends was shit. My past rtionships might not be that great, the sex wasn¡¯t that great either. Being with Killian is something I haven¡¯t experienced before and I have a feeling he¡¯s just getting started with me. This morning, I skipped out of the office. The minute I signed in and logged in myputer, I rushed to the nearest pharmacy to shop for contraceptives and birth controls. It was strange buying them, considering I¡¯ve never been with any man for over a year and I stopped contraceptives when I broke up with George. In fact, I made sure we always used condoms. I was more scared of getting pregnant for George than getting infected with STDs.


    Weird, right?


    Yup.


    ¡± I wonder what¡¯s going on in that head of yours?¡± Stefan¡¯s voice snaps me from my train of thoughts.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I greet him, raising my head up from myputer.


    ¡± Hi. What¡¯s up? You look so invested in whatever you¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, sorry. Had to run this quick for Mr. Knight.¡±


    ¡± I figured. Hey, do you have any idea if Jamie is seeing anyone?¡± Stefan asks.


    I give him a look, and he blushes.


    ¡± I¡¯m not¡­ My friend is the one interested.¡±


    I tilt my head to the side, as I give Stefan a ¡®I¡¯m-not-a-child-so-cut-the-bullshit look¡¯


    ¡± Right. You already knew.¡±


    ¡± Just take it as I¡¯m actually observant. Very observant. I see the way you look at him sometimes. Like you wanna jump on him and tear his clothes off.¡±


    ¡± What? Naomi, you can¡¯t say that.¡± He whines, rolls his eyes as he scans the environment.


    I look around too, confused as to why he¡¯s afraid of people finding out he has a crush on Jamie.


    ¡± What? Is there, like, a policy here that forbids a rtionship between co-workers?¡± I ask.


    He sighs. ¡± No.¡±


    ¡± Oh. You¡¯re not out? Fully out?¡± I ask him. Stefan shoots me a re. In return, I give him a friendly smile.


    ¡± I understand now. I won¡¯t say shit.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    ¡± A little advice though, you shouldn¡¯t care about what these people are going to say. Your happiness should matter most.¡±


    Stefan smiles. ¡± Thanks. But, do you know if he¡¯s seeing anyone?¡±


    ¡± Nope. I can ask him if you want.¡±


    ¡± Please, don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s cool. Jamie is out and proud, and he¡¯s really sweet. You two will make a great couple.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Just like you and Mr. ck.¡± Stefan says. My blood runs cold suddenly as I look at him suspiciously.


    ¡± Oh, shit. I¡¯m sorry, that slipped out wrong.¡±


    ¡± We¡¯re not together.¡± I lie, and Stefan gives me one of his own looks.


    ¡± Really, Naomi? It¡¯s fine. I mean, for me, I really don¡¯t care who you are together with, just as long as you¡¯re happy and careful.¡±


    ¡± Are people talking?¡± I ask.


    ¡± Well¡­ you know they find you as apetition so they¡¯ll definitely talk shit. But they don¡¯t have proof, just stupid assumptions and dumb rumors. It¡¯s nothing serious.¡±


    ¡± So¡­¡±


    ¡± I know because you¡¯re not the only observant one, Naomi.¡± Stefan smirks. ¡± I see the way you look at him too.¡±


    ¡± We barely see, Stefan. He¡¯s always in his office and he barely everes to this side of the building.¡±


    ¡± True.¡± He sighs. ¡± Fine, I saw you stepped out of his car this morning and I just assumed something¡¯s going on between you two.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not what you think.¡±


    ¡± I know.¡± Stefan smiles at me.


    Now it¡¯s my turn to sigh.


    ¡± Just be careful, okay? For some crazy reason, all the bitches in this office want to have Mr. CEO all to themselves.¡± Stefan says with a small smirk. ¡± So they¡¯re willing to say any shit possible and even start a rumor HR won¡¯t be pleased to hear. And that will not be good, especially for you, honey.¡±


    ¡± I know.¡± I sigh. ¡± But, thanks anyway. You¡¯re sweet.¡±


    ¡± Please.¡± He waves me off, blushing terribly. ¡± Will you really talk to Jamie?¡±


    I gasp dramatically. ¡± You pussy.¡±


    Stefanughs.


    ¡± I¡¯m asking him if he¡¯s seeing anyone and I¡¯m not calling your name. You should man up and talk to him like a real gentleman.¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Thank you. I just need to be sure he¡¯s not taken.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think he is though.¡±


    With a simple nod and a small smile, Stefan walks away and I continue my work. Lunch break will soon be here and I need to hand this to Raymond before that time.

 Chapter 58

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    A message notification pops up at the bottom of myputer screen. I sigh and click on it, surprised to see a message from my best friend.


    Bianca: Hey slut.


    I smile, look around, pleased to see everyone busy working and doing something less interesting. I click on the keyboard to send Bianca a reply. She knows I¡¯m at work and I don¡¯t need distractions, especially from her.


    And Raymond won¡¯t mind if I drop his paperwork a little toote, right?


    Me: What the hell, Bia! What are you doing sending me messages to my workputer? How did you get my work email?


    She sends a response instantly.


    BIANCA: Stop panicking, sweetheart. I missed you, you weren¡¯t homest night. Like usual, you didn¡¯t text or call me to tell me you won¡¯t being home. I almost got a panic attack. You need to stop doing that.


    I chuckle quietly before I type a response back.


    ME: Sorry. Got carried away. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be working right now?


    BIANCA: Yeah. I wanted to make sure you¡¯re okay. Did you get the Dst night?Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ME: Ew, Bia.


    BIANCA: (Laughing Emoji) I know you did. You little slut. Was it good?


    ME: Seriously, I am very much ufortable discussing that with you, especially while texting through my workputer.


    BIANCA: Ohe on, it can¡¯t be that bad.


    I bite my thumbnail, eyes looking around for any prying eyes before I text Bianca back.


    ME: When I get home, we can talk about that. I seriously don¡¯t want to talk about my sex life with my workputer.


    BIANCA: Alright. I can¡¯t wait to have you back at home. Your new man seems to be taking you away from me very often. (Crying emoji) You don¡¯t know how lonely the apartment is right now.


    ME: Aww. I¡¯m sorry. You owe me a lot of info about Lucky. I can¡¯t believe you two are over.


    BIANCA: We were better off apart. He¡¯s great, he¡¯s just not what I want. Plus, he¡¯s so like Dean, that fucking dickwad. Also, I¡¯m seeing someone new. He¡¯s great, got a child, you will like him.


    ME: A father? Bianca, what the hell?


    BIANCA: Ohe on. He¡¯s great. You will like him. And oh, I maybe, might have, kinda, told George you worked at KB TECH.


    Oh God. She can¡¯t be serious. Why would she do that? I kept my ce of work from George for a reason. I don¡¯t want himing over here to drop me lunch because he¡¯s sweet to that extent. Killian still thinks I¡¯m not over my ex yet. Little did he know I¡¯m over George a very, very long time ago.


    ME: Why would you do that?


    BIANCA: I saw him at my ce of work today. Probably here for a meeting, he was surprised to see me. We talked and he asked about you. I told him you worked at Killian ck¡¯s office now. I seriously didn¡¯t know you didn¡¯t tell him. So it¡¯s not my fault. Plus, he didn¡¯t look like he was over you yet. I told you not to go out with him, now he¡¯s still hung up on you. He probably thinks you still like him.


    ¡± Chatting during work hours?¡± Amber¡¯s dreadful voice makes me jerk as I quickly exit my messages with Bianca.


    I look at Amber, not bothering to hide my irritation.


    ¡± What do you want?¡± I ask her.


    ¡± Well, I need you to work on an ad for a product we¡¯re supposed to be marketing online.¡±


    ¡± Can¡¯t someone else do that?¡±


    ¡± Well, I heard you¡¯re one of the best we have.¡± Amber smirks at me.


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡± I can¡¯t right now. Give it to somebody else. Also, we have people who specifically work on ads for marketing purposes. You can talk to Stefan. Creating ads for marketing reasons is not my job, Amber.¡± I remind her.


    Why does this bitch want me to flip on purpose? I¡¯ve been trying to keep my cool while I work in the shadows ever since I got a job here. But trouble in the name of Amber keeps tickling my tail, waiting for me to finally snap.


    Amber and I are in a staring match, with none of us bothering to back down from staring daggers at each other.


    ¡± We all know what¡¯s going on here, Naomi. You think we don¡¯t see you sneak into the CEOs office. You¡¯re a little slut, Naomi, and that¡¯s what you¡¯ll always be. You think I don¡¯t know you worked in a fucking club before you got here. Always dressed like a little slut as you wait tables while these men grope you everywhere, every fucking night. The fact that you¡¯re trying to throw yourself at the CEO doesn¡¯t make you special, it just makes you a little, dirty whore. And news sh, you can¡¯t be anything important to him. You¡¯ll just be another random whore for the week. And oh, when shit hits the fan, when people find out who you truly are, and when HR finally gets to know the whole truth on how you finally got a job here, you will regret why you were ever born. You¡¯ll wish you never looked for a job here. Mr. ck is rich, and he¡¯s going to easily get out of any scandal and you will be left alone to handle all the shits thrown your way. You know why? Because you¡¯re nothing, and you¡¯re always gonna be nothing.¡± Amber finishes and I just stare at her, with both my ears bringing out imaginary steam.


    Everyday I walk into the break room, and these women act like I don¡¯t belong here, like they Co founded KB TECH. Like they¡¯re some kind of important investors. Every day I had to pretend they weren¡¯t talking shit about me or gossiping about me. Everyday I have to pretend I am okay with it when I¡¯m trying so hard not to flip and beat the shit out of someone.


    As I stare at Amber, all I want to do right now is just to p her. Pull her away from desk, and punch the shit out of her. But I can¡¯t. I don¡¯t want to. I have self control. I was trained by a well respected mother, and a great father. I had proper home training and I know how to fight women like Amber without really fighting them.


    ¡± When you¡¯re done, please, excuse me, I have work to do.¡± I smile at Amber as I continue my work.


    I don¡¯t miss the disappointed look on her face. I know she expected me to retaliate, to start a fight with her, so she will have something to pin on me and then report me to HR.


    Little did she know, I¡¯m smarter than her.


    ¡± Is something going on here?¡± Killian¡¯s baritone voice makes me look up from my work.


    He¡¯s standing by my desk, with Amber already standing upright and looking down. She can¡¯t look him in the eyes. I notice most workers from their desk pretends to work as they eavesdrop.


    ¡± Nothing.¡± I say.


    Killian turns to look at me as he gives me a worried look, before he masks it with his stoic expression.


    ¡± Why are you here Ms. Stewart?¡± Killian directs his question at Amber.


    ¡± Oh, I was asking Ms. Alderson for her help. I needed help on creating an ad for marketing online.¡±


    ¡± Is that her job?¡± Killian asks.


    ¡± I¡¯m¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ I just thought she was good at it.¡± Amber stutters.


    ¡± You just thought?¡± Killian res at Amber as he looks at every worker. ¡± Is this what y¡¯all do?¡± He speaks loudly this time and I¡¯m embarrassed.


    What is he doing exactly?


    ¡± Bully workers below you because you¡¯re at a higher position?¡± He looks around and everyone looks at the floor. No one can look their CEO in the eye.


    They¡¯re afraid of him and some workers even see him as a god because of the way he carries himself when he passes you. You just can¡¯t look at him in his fiery, piercing gray eyes.


    ¡± In KB Tech, we treat people as equals. We treat each other equally, and not bully each other. If I hear any singleint concerning verbal bullying to anyone, bear in mind you¡¯ll be dropped off your position and you¡¯ll be sent home, and I¡¯ll make sure you won¡¯t get a rmendation from thispany when you decide to apply for another job in another ce. I don¡¯t want to hear it. If you have a job, do your job and mind your damn business.¡± He passes a message to everyone as he looks at Amber.


    She¡¯s physically frightened and embarrassed as she looks at the floor. Killian takes a step towards Amber and brings his voice down for only Amber¡¯s ears, but I hear it.


    ¡± If I ever see you near Ms. Alderson¡¯s desk again, I¡¯ll make sure you get escorted out of my premises, and I¡¯ll make sure i take it upon myself that you don¡¯t ever get a job elsewhere, except you want me to write that you¡¯re an inconsiderate, intolerable,zy, bad-mouth, and a whoring, lying worker to your next boss. I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t want that?¡± Killian whispers as Amber¡¯s eyes go wide. She¡¯s about to cry.


    ¡± Do you understand?¡± Killian asks, burning holes through Amber¡¯s skin.


    ¡± Yes.¡± She voices out.


    ¡± Get out.¡± He tells her and she scurries away.


    Killian looks around and everyone pretends to go back to work. He turns to look at me, his worried look is back on his face and I roll my eyes. I hate pity. And I hate it when people act like this. I¡¯m not a child, I can fight my battles myself. I know we¡¯re now in a rtionship, and it¡¯s his job to look out for me and maybe take care of me, but I can very much handle Amber myself. It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s an over pampered, spoiled rich brat with mommy issues.


    ¡± In my office, Ms. Alderson. I need to have a word with you.¡± Killian says, with his piercing gray eyes staring into my eyes.


    He doesn¡¯t give me room for argument as he leaves.


    Well fuck.

 Chapter 59

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    I step inside Killian¡¯s office and shut the office doors behind me. I see Killian by the transparent floor to ceiling windows, staring at the beauty of New York below. Killian turns around to stare at me, with worry in his eyes.


    Is he worried about me? But why? It¡¯s not like Amber did anything. She¡¯s just being a spoiled, little brat who wants my man.


    Killian takes slow strides towards me and cups my face with both hands. His beautiful gray eyes stare into mine as he leans closer to me.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± He asks.


    I blink my eyes at his question, surprised he¡¯s worried Amber might have done something to me.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡± Did Amber say anything to you?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine, Killian.¡± I hold his hands in mine and bring them down my face.


    ¡± Did she say anything to you?¡± He asks again.


    I sigh and give him a small smile.


    ¡± She said a lot of shit. She called me a whore and she said I once worked in a club dressed like a slut and all of the customers usually groped me everywhere.¡±


    He¡¯s surprised, and his jaw clenches.


    ¡± She said that?¡±


    ¡± That, and more.¡± I sigh and walk past him to sit down on the brown leather couch at the corner of his office.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna murder that fucking bitch.¡±


    ¡± Killian, let her be. She¡¯s not important. She likes you, probably wants you the minute she steps foot in your building to look for a job. She¡¯s just jealous and wants you to be hers. She¡¯s nothing important, and also not dangerous.¡± I wave him off.


    Killian sighs and runs his hands through his hair. He¡¯s acting differently from this morning. He looked stressed, distressed, and he¡¯s acting as if something terrible happened.


    I stand up and approach him. ¡± Are you okay?¡±


    ¡± I worry more about you.¡± Killian whispers.


    I smile and wrap my arms around his torso. ¡± And I¡¯m asking you not to worry about me.¡±


    ¡± Did Amber threaten you? Or did anyone else threaten you?¡±


    ¡± What? Threatened me to stay away from you or what?¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Did anyone threaten you?¡±


    ¡± No one threatened me, Killian. Are you sure you are okay? Do you wanna take a break from the office today? Is it the bachelor party tomorrow that¡¯s getting you all riled up?¡±


    Killian just smiles at my question and pecks my lips.


    ¡± I love you, my Luna. Very much you won¡¯t begin to imagine.¡± He says, with his hand on my cheek and his thumb caressing my cheek.


    ¡± I love you too.¡±


    Killian leans forward and captures my lips in his. I kiss him back, molding my lips against his slowly and passionately. The kiss is short as we pull apart.


    ¡± I think people are starting to suspect we¡¯re together.¡±


    ¡± Yeah? Is that why Stefan was at your desk?¡±


    Iugh. ¡± Please. He also told me he saw me step out of your car.¡±


    ¡± Is he also threatening you?¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s not threatening me, Kil. No one is. He¡¯s my friend, and he¡¯s nice and I¡¯m not supposed to tell you, but he¡¯s got a crush on your assistance. Stefan is one of the good ones.¡±


    ¡± Hmm. I didn¡¯t know he was gay.¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s a little closeted.¡±


    ¡± Hmm.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And I think since people are starting to talk and it¡¯s too early for them to find out about us, because you¡¯re the CEO, and I¡¯m just the new marketing staff, I think you should stop summoning me to your office.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t give a fuck about them, Naomi. You¡¯re all I care about.¡±


    ¡± I like that.¡±


    ¡± And them thinking their CEO is having an affair with one of his staff will not stop me from summoning you to my office. And right now¡­¡± He whispers, with his hands around my hips as he slips his hands inside my skirt.


    ¡± Killian¡­¡± I whimper his name softly.


    ¡± Shh.¡± He whispers against my neck as he guides me to lean against his desk.


    ¡± It¡¯s been four hours and I just can¡¯t stop thinking about us in the shower, babe.¡± He nts a kiss on my neck, as his hands slowly push my skirt upwards.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡± I ask him, giggling when he finally raises my skirt up.


    ¡± Touching you.¡± He whispers his response.


    And just like that, my body is set on fire. He sits me on his desk, hands trailing up my thighs as he stands in between my parted legs. His lips are everywhere. On my neck, on my cheeks, and then my lips. The kiss is desperate, slow, and also passionate at the same time. I moan into his mouth, thankful for the first time his office is soundproof. His right hand is in between my legs, already teasing my crotch through the thin material of myce panties.


    ¡± I want to take you on my desk right now.¡± Killian whispers


    ¡± I would really like that.¡± I say breathlessly, pulling him close to me as I start to push down his suit jacket.


    Suddenly there¡¯s a knock on the door, startling the both of us as we jerk away from each other.


    ¡± Who the fuck is that?¡± Killian groans and starts to button up his shirt.


    ¡± Killian?¡± Raymond¡¯s voice calls from the other side of the door and I step down from Killian¡¯s desk, bringing my skirt down and looking decent.


    ¡± Lucky day, I guess?¡± Killian says as he wraps his arms around my waist and kisses me on the lips.


    ¡± Another day?¡± I ask the minute our lips pull apart.


    ¡± Spend the night?¡±


    ¡± Killian.¡±


    ¡± Please.¡± He pressures, with those eyes that I can¡¯t seem to say no to.


    ¡± I¡¯ll think about it.¡± I step away from his embrace as I wink at him before going to his office door and unlocking it.


    Raymond stands there, with his hands in his pockets. He looks at me, and then shifts his gaze to Killian before bringing his gaze back to my form standing by Killian¡¯s open door.


    ¡± Ms. Alderson.¡± Raymond acknowledges me with a nod.


    ¡± Thanks for the briefing Mr. ck.¡± I nod towards Killian with a smile as I slip out of his office.


    I walk past Jamie¡¯s desk whose fingers are busy typing non-stop on hisputer keys. I do a U-turn back to Jamie¡¯s desk and knock on his desk. He jolts a little, removing his earbuds as he raises his head to look up at me.


    Always so focused, huh?


    ¡± Hey, Naomi.¡± He smiles at me.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡± I ask him, smiling at me.


    ¡± Sending emails to potential clients on behalf of Mr. ck.¡± He answers, risking a nce at his work on hisputer before he looks up at me.


    ¡± What are you up to?¡± He asks.


    ¡± Nothing, really. Would you like to grab lunch with me today? Outside of the building?¡±


    He thinks about it for a second.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay if¡­¡±


    ¡± No, I would like to have lunch with you.¡±


    ¡± Great. Lunch it is.¡± With a small smile, I wave at Jamie and walk away.


    As I walk back towards my desk, I notice most female workers throw nces at me, and then avert their gazes to whatever thing they were doing.


    Lame.


    Later at lunch, Jamie and I drop by a restaurant not too far from the office. I didn¡¯t see Killian earlier when we skipped out together. I wanted to ask Jamie about it, but I don¡¯t want him to start thinking Killian and I are together. We¡¯re too early in this rtionship and I don¡¯t want people from work knowing about it for now. At least, maybeter.


    Jamie orders pizza and I just order a milkshake and ham sandwich. We eat in silence at first. Jamie¡¯s a little shy and a little tense. I wonder if he used to be bullied when he was younger or did he just get out of an abusive rtionship. Jamie looks to be 24 or maybe 23, I just can¡¯t tell. With his sses on, he looks like a nerd. Aplete book nerd. He can easily pass for an 18 years old. I notice he doesn¡¯t socialize with other people and I wonder why.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Jamie¡¯s question snaps me out of my thoughts.


    ¡± Hmm?¡±


    ¡± You aren¡¯t eating.¡± He points out.


    I smile and wave him off. ¡± Sorry. Got lost there.¡±


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± He asks again.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine. How are you? How¡¯s it with work? Do you like the job?¡±


    ¡± I do. Mr. ck is not really a difficult person to work with. Although he¡¯s a difficult person, he treats me like his own equal. I like the job. Do you?¡±


    ¡± Maybe.¡±


    ¡± The others bothering you?¡± He asks.


    ¡± Why would you think that?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± He shrugs innocently. ¡± Maybe because you¡¯re¡­ Mr. ck¡­¡± He trails off, finding it difficult to finish his sentence.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s none of my business ¡± He apologizes. I smile.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. We¡¯re¡­¡± I sigh, contemting if I should tell him or not. ¡± We¡¯re just new to this. I¡¯m not ready for anyone to know.¡±


    ¡± I understand.¡±


    ¡± How¡­¡± I clear my throat. ¡± How did you know something is going on between the two of us?¡±

 Chapter 60

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Jamie chuckles shyly. ¡± Well¡­ for a start the way he looks at you and the way you look at him. It¡¯s pretty easy to tell something is going on. And you¡¯re always in and out of his office.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not always in his office.¡± I protest. Jamie chuckles.


    ¡± I know that too.¡± He smiles.


    ¡± So what about you? Are you seeing anybody?¡± I use that as an opportunity to ask if he¡¯s seeing anyone. Stefan owes me a lot for this.


    Jamie blushes and looks at his food.


    ¡± I take it as you¡¯re dating someone.¡±


    ¡± Nah. I¡¯m not. I just¡­¡± He sighs, then looks at me. ¡± I¡¯m single for now.¡± Jamie finally says.


    ¡± Searching?¡± I ask and take a bite from my sandwich.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, really. I think it depends on the person. I¡¯m new to work and I¡¯m trying to focus and not get distracted.¡±


    I nod. ¡± I understand.¡± I say as I think about the time I use to tell myself work first and rtionshipester.


    It¡¯s crazy how meeting the right person can change you.


    ¡± So tell me about yourself. I barely know anything about you.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± That¡¯s true.¡± Jamie nods and takes a bite from his pizza.


    ¡± I¡¯m from Ohoma, from this small town. I¡¯m my family¡¯s only child. I moved out when I was 17. I just graduated high school. I studiedputer engineering at MIT and graduatedst year. It was by luck I got this new job in KB Tech. It was pretty difficult at first.¡±


    ¡± You went to MIT?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± He chuckles.


    ¡± Damn. You must be brilliant. I studied marketing, graduated from NYU about two years ago. I used to work at a club, Killian¡¯s club, and then I got this job.¡±


    ¡± You originally from New York?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. My mom¡¯s from Cuba. Why did you move out of your parents?¡±


    Jamie looks at me, probably thinking if he should tell me about his past.


    ¡± We¡¯re friends, Jamie. I literally just spilled to you that I once worked at Killian¡¯s club before I got this job. I won¡¯t judge you.¡±


    He nods with a small smile on his lips.


    ¡± My parents were different from most parents. They couldn¡¯t ept me for who I am.¡±


    ¡± Damn. I¡¯m really sorry about that. It must be really hard for you considering you were only 17.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, it was. They¡¯re trying to reach out now.¡±


    ¡± Did you reach out to them?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. A few months back. It was my mom. She called to tell me my dad died.¡±


    ¡± Oh my God. I¡¯m¡­¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. He wasn¡¯t really the best father out there. The day I came out to my parents, it was¡­¡± He sighs. ¡± It was crazy. My father didn¡¯t take it well and he resulted to what he thought was the best remedy to cure homosexuality. Like you can actually cure it.¡± He chuckles sadly.


    Damn. I imagine 17 years old Jamie being abused by his father because he was different from most kids.


    Nope. It was a sour sight to imagine.


    ¡± Well, he¡¯s gone. It¡¯s his loss he didn¡¯t get to have you in his life before he left.¡±


    Jamie chuckles. ¡± Thank you, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± Why were you named Jamie? It¡¯s a nice name. A little¡­¡±


    ¡± Feminine?¡± He chuckles. ¡°My parents loved to watch movies. Especially my mom. Also, she thought I was gonna be a girl. I guess I disappointed her.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s sweet. It still suits you.¡±


    ¡± You think?¡±


    Weugh together.


    ¡± We should hang out sometime outside work. I¡¯m always hurdled up on my couch every other weekend with my roommate. I have nothing important to do. We should hang out.¡±


    ¡± I would like that.¡±


    ¡± You live alone?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I do. Well, I used to live with my ex until we split up and I moved out.¡± He exins and I nod.


    I pull out my phone and give it to him as I tell him to put in his number. It¡¯s a little obvious, his ex was like histe father. Abusive assholes. Jamie stores his number in my phone and I dial his number so it appears on his phone for him to save. We continue eating as we talk about stuff we both enjoy doing. When time to get back to work reaches, we pay for our food, stand up, and we leave together.


    The rest of the day is a little busy for me. I don¡¯t see Killian throughout that day even as I check out of the buildingter in the evening. Jamie was already gone when I was done for the day, including most workers. It¡¯s past six in the evening. I want to check on Killian but I talk myself against it. People still think I¡¯m fucking my boss. And they won¡¯t stop until I prove them otherwise.


    My mom called earlier and she wanted me to drop by so we could have dinner. She imed it has been long since west sat together to dine as a family.


    My mother can be demanding.


    As I walk towards the exit of the building, I¡¯m surprised to see the familiar car that¡¯s parked by the curb. The man I least expected to see is leaning against the car.


    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± I ask him as I approach him.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± He sighs, but smiles nheless. ¡± How are you doing?¡± George asks.


    I roll my eyes. I¡¯m not surprised he¡¯s here. I¡¯m just surprised he dropped by today, the very first day Bianca told him about where I worked.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± I uh¡­¡± He shoves his hands inside his ck suit pants. ¡± I was driving by and I decided to stop by. Bianca told me you worked here, I decided I should drop by and see you. It¡¯s been long since west saw each other. Can I give you a ride?¡±


    ¡± No. She doesn¡¯t want to ride with you.¡± A familiar, deep, but yet sexy voice growls behind me.


    I don¡¯t have to turn to know who it is.


    God, this can¡¯t be good. Whatever thing that¡¯s about to happen is not gonna be good. I thought he closed for the day already since it¡¯s prettyte.


    I feel Killian standing next to me. His warmth and his cologne is the only reminder I need to know he¡¯s standing really close to me. Like he¡¯s trying to tell my ex who I belong to.


    Him of course.


    ¡± What the fuck are you doing here?¡± Killian asks my ex.


    George is a little frightened by the tall man standing next to me but he doesn¡¯t show it. Killian is something he¡¯s not, and I¡¯m d he knows that.


    ¡± Seeing Naomi.¡±


    ¡± She doesn¡¯t want to see you.¡± Killianid his im. ¡± Get in the car, babe.¡±


    Babe?


    ¡± Babe?¡± George voices out.


    I don¡¯t notice Alvin, Killian¡¯s driver, standing next to Killian¡¯s ck Mercedes Benz with the back door open. I want to argue and tell Killian, George is nothing, but my ex, and we¡¯re kind of friends, but I think against it. I sigh, give George a small nod as I slide inside the backseat of Killian¡¯s expensive car. I watch the two men re at each other as Killian joins me in the backseat of his car.


    Alvin climbs the driver¡¯s seat and starts the car.


    ¡± Where to, sir?¡± Alvin asks.


    ¡± Just drive.¡± Killian says, and Alvin obeys.


    We drive for minutes in silence. I try to open my mouth to exin to Killian George and I are nothing, but exes who are just friends, but I close my mouth and talk myself out of it. His jaws clenches, and he¡¯s not in a good mood. I wonder if it has something to do with him seeing George outside hispany or something more.


    I¡¯m 100% sure George showing up uninvited in hispany has a lot to do with this. I¡¯m sure of that.


    ¡± Alvin.¡± Killian calls and Alvin stops the car in the middle of nowhere.


    I¡¯m surprised as to why he asked his driver to stop the car as I look around the not-so-busy road through Killian¡¯s tinted windows.


    ¡± Take a walk.¡± Killian says to Alvin.


    Alvin doesn¡¯t argue, but turns off the car and steps out of it. I watch him walk a safe distance away from the car before I turn around to stare at Killian.


    ¡± Why¡­¡± Killian surprises me by iming my lips at once.


    He cups my face with one hand, with the other pulling me close to him. I¡¯m taken aback by his sudden dominating attitude, and surprised kiss, as I return the kiss, molding my lips against his in sync. I moan into his mouth when he slips his hand inside my skirt and he grabs my thigh. His fingers on my bare skin sends different emotions straight to the sensitive part in between my legs.


    He stops kissing my lips to nt butterfly kisses on my neck, down my corbone as he bites me there. I moan, not really caring we¡¯re parked by the road in the middle of nowhere. Killian kisses my neck again, and to my earlobe where he whispers.


    ¡± You¡¯re mine. All of you.¡±


    He bites my earlobe, making me shiver. ¡°Every part of you.¡± He groans, kisses my neck, and marks me there again.


    ¡± Mine.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t have to tell me twice. He¡¯s stolen my heart, and I know I belong to him. I¡¯m his.


    His and only his.

 Chapter 61

    Killian¡¯s POV


    Thest person I expected to see outside mypany is this guy Naomi imed is her ex. John, Jude, whatever the hell his name is. As I walked towards the exit, I couldn¡¯t help but re at this asshole leaning against his Maserati as he talked to my girl. Without doubts, he¡¯s a man with his parents still in control of his life.


    A child.


    I didn¡¯t care what they were talking about, but I just didn¡¯t want him here. And then he opened his mouth and started spilling shit. His bodynguage was obvious. He wanted her back. He wanted her to be his after he kicked her out of his life for his own obvious reasons.


    I was jealous and I wasn¡¯t ashamed to admit it. I didn¡¯t care. I wasn¡¯t nning on leaning back while I watched other men try to take what was mine. What I cared so much about.


    ¡± I uh¡­¡± He shoved his hands inside his ck suit pants as he tried to look nice. ¡± I was driving by and I decided to stop by. Bianca told me you worked here, I decided I should drop by and see you. It¡¯s been long since west saw each other. Can I give you a ride?¡± Her ex said, using that as an opportunity to give her a ride.


    Who even does that? Drop by your ex¡¯s ce of work for the first day and try to give her a ride.


    This man was obviously nothing like me. He was still a man under his parents¡¯ wings and bank ount.


    I didn¡¯t know when I voiced out. ¡± No. She doesn¡¯t want to ride with you.¡±


    I stood by my girl and red at her ex. He wasn¡¯t looking bad, she obviously had good taste in men. He was tall, not taller than me though, but he was tall. He had dark hair, he dressed impressively and I must admit he¡¯s got a great stance.


    He was surprised to see me and I could see he was frightened by me. I was far bigger than him. I didn¡¯t want to talk about money and power.


    ¡± What the fuck are you doing here?¡± I asked Naomi¡¯s ex as I gave him a once over.


    I noticed he tried to stand taller, as if he was trying to pass a message to me he wasn¡¯t afraid of me.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Of course he was.


    ¡± Seeing Naomi.¡± He spat out.


    ¡± She doesn¡¯t want to see you.¡± Iid my im. ¡± Get in the car, babe.¡± The mention of babe seemed to register in Naomi¡¯s ex¡¯s head as he was surprised.


    He didn¡¯t bother to hide his baffle.


    ¡± Babe?¡± He voiced out, looking at Naomi before staring at me.


    Maybe I didn¡¯t have to. Maybe it was a dick move foring out and telling this guy in front of me who Naomi belonged to, but I wanted him to know she wasn¡¯t avable or in the market. She was mine and heavens knew I wasn¡¯t ready topete with any man for her, and her ex included.


    Naomi was surprised and she looked as if she wanted to argue. I mighte off as possessive and annoying to her right now, but I didn¡¯t care. She¡¯s made me fall in love with her, and I¡¯ve fallen helplessly and hopelessly.


    So she shouldn¡¯t me me if I¡¯m being possessive when other men look at her.


    Naomi gave her ex a nod and slipped inside the back seat of my car. I red at her ex, and he didn¡¯t try to hide his anger towards me. Shooting him a death re, I joined Naomi at the backseat of my car and Alvin shut the door.


    Alvin climbed the driver¡¯s seat and started the car. My mind was everywhere. Mypany, my business and a psycho woman who may or may not be carrying my child. God forbid I¡¯m ready to father a child with a woman I¡¯m not In love with. She could probably even be one of my one nightstands.


    And it annoyed me so badly that I couldn¡¯t remember having sex with any woman without protection. I can¡¯t be that careless. I knew what these women were capable of. They¡¯re desperate to have my baby because of child support, money, influence, and all that shit.


    I always made sure I used a condom and I disposed of it myself. Naomi happens to be the only woman I¡¯ve ever had sex with without a condom. She was different.


    ¡± Where to, sir?¡± Alvin asked.


    ¡± Just drive.¡±


    Throughout the quiet ride, Naomi opened her mouth to say something but she shut it after, willing herself not to bother trying to exin. My hand itches for me to grab her and pull her to me and kiss her. I wanted to show her I won¡¯t let any man take her away from me. I wanted to show her how madly she¡¯d made me fall in love with her and how much I cared about her.


    But I restrained myself.


    After driving for a few minutes I made my driver stop and ask him to take a walk. Naomi opened her mouth to speak but I silenced her with my lips, kissing her and iming her over and over again. My hands were everywhere. On her waist, on her hips, and her thighs. She moaned into my mouth as I whispered my im over her.


    Once we finally pulled apart and stopped kissing, Naomi stared at me with wide eyes and red, plump lips. She takes a deep breath and smiles.


    ¡± Why was he here?¡± I finally asked her.


    ¡± Checking on me.¡±


    I know that already.


    ¡± Why?¡±


    Naomi sighs. My hand is still on her thighs and our eyes are still locked. She looks away, shifting her gaze elsewhere. She finally looks at me, with her hands on my cheek. She gives me a warm smile.


    ¡± I promise you, Killian, George and I are not together.¡±


    So the assholes¡¯ name is George? Not surprised. He looks like a George.


    ¡± We¡¯re friends and he¡¯s smart enough to know I¡¯ve moved on and we¡¯re never getting back together.¡±


    ¡± Did you love him?¡± My question takes her by surprise.


    ¡± No. He was great, but he never did get to sweep me off my feet.¡± She says.


    ¡± So you don¡¯t love him?¡± I¡¯m just trying to be sure.


    She giggles and runs her hand through my hair before leaning closer to peck my lips. She whispers against my lips as she locks eyes with mine.


    ¡± I¡¯m not In love with him. I was never in love with him, and we¡¯re just friends. Trust me.¡±


    I do trust her, I just don¡¯t trust that John, George, whatever her ex name is.


    I nod. I take my hand from her thigh and sit back properly.


    ¡± What happened between you two?¡± I ask.


    ¡± We didn¡¯t fight or argue or anything. I thought I deserved better, and I was right. His parents didn¡¯t like me. They thought I wasn¡¯t enough for their only son. They wanted a woman with ss, with an influentialst name and background. I didn¡¯t have any of those¡­¡±


    Damn, his parents are dicks. How could they do that to her? Naomi might note from a family with billions and connections, she¡¯s what every man would kill for. Beautiful, intelligent, hard-working, independent, optimistic, nice, strong. I can go on naming every beautiful quality about Naomi.


    ¡± He couldn¡¯t stand up for me. And then there were times his parents would make him go out with beautiful, ssy women. It was just so toxic. I had to leave. It wasn¡¯t working and he knew that. But then he couldn¡¯t get the idea we¡¯re never getting back. We came to terms to be friends.¡±


    A fucking coward. I could smell his cowardice from afar before I even approached the douchebag.


    ¡± Did you be friends with him because you were sorry for him?¡±


    Naomi turns to look at me and smiles.


    ¡± No. George isn¡¯t that bad. We¡¯re just friends and I¡¯m going to say it again, I¡¯m never getting back with him.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡± Thanks for telling me all this.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re wee.¡±


    ¡± What are you doing tonight? I still want you to spend the night at my ce.¡± I say. I¡¯m starting to sound demanding, I just can¡¯t help myself.


    ¡± I¡¯m supposed to be having dinner with my mom tonight. The entire family I guess.¡±


    I want her all by my side tonight and I don¡¯t want to let her go. The reason is simple, since I met her and spent the night with her in my bed, I just dread going back to my house and spending the night alone in my bed. Now I¡¯m starting to believe what my mom told me, that I was alone before Naomi came into my life. She¡¯s probably right I guess, because I badly want Naomi back in my bed again. We don¡¯t have to have sex or do anything, I just want her by my side, cuddled next to me, preferably naked.


    And two, there¡¯s still this psycho bitch out there who¡¯s threatening to hurt Naomi for no fucking reason. Strange thing is this woman doesn¡¯t want money. She doesn¡¯t want anything from me. I think she just wants to ruin my life and mypany.


    Earlier, when Raymond brought Alvin to my office, I asked him if he saw who brought my mail. He said it was the delivery man. I already sent a message to the deliverypany asking them about the address of this anonymous person who sent me that letter. By Monday, I¡¯m expecting a positive reply.


    ¡± Are you okay? You¡¯ve been acting differently.¡± She says.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine.¡± I say. I can¡¯t just tell her some girl is iming I¡¯ve gotten her pregnant.

 Chapter 62

    Killian¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s gonna be a disaster. Whether it¡¯s true or not, it¡¯s going to ruin my rtionship. Naomi might never look at me the way she looks at me now. I can¡¯t risk letting her go. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve got to find this fucking bitch and sort this shit out once and for all. For now I need my head on straight for my brother¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party tomorrow.


    ¡± Can Ie with you?¡±


    ¡± What?¡± She¡¯s surprised as she asks.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Yeah, I¡¯m also surprised at my question. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m offering to meet Naomi¡¯s family. My insides should be burning and my conscience yelling I shouldn¡¯t dare, but I wanna be where she is. If that means having dinner with her Hispanic mother, who may or may not like me. I can handle everything, including Naomi¡¯s family.


    After all, we¡¯re together right?


    ¡± Can Ie with you to dinner with your family?¡± I ask her again.


    Naomi smiles and shakes her head.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea. My mom¡¯s not like your mom. She¡¯s¡­¡± Naomi shakes her head a big no.


    ¡± Are you afraid to introduce your boyfriend to your family?¡± I tease her with a smirk.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ll think of that. You know I¡¯m not afraid. I don¡¯t think you¡¯re ready.¡±


    ¡± How would you know that?¡± I ask.


    She sighs and looks anywhere else but me as she fiddles her fingers like a child. I chuckle and hold her hands with one hand.


    ¡± You don¡¯t want me there?¡±


    ¡± What? No, it¡¯s not that. I want you there. Just don¡¯t have your hopes high. My younger sister basically fangirls over you whenever she gets the chance.¡±


    I chuckle. ¡± Really?¡±


    Naomi rolls her eyes. ¡± Yeah. She¡¯s probably gonna die standing for a second when she sees you in real life finally. It¡¯s annoying.¡±


    ¡± Are you jealous?¡±


    Naomi res at me yfully.


    ¡± Fine, we¡¯re gonna go have dinner with my family.¡±


    ¡± Great. And you¡¯re still gonna spend the night, right?¡±


    Naomi looks at me with a twinkle in her eyes.


    ¡± I will try to keep my hands to myself.¡± I promise her.


    Naomi chuckles and nods.


    ¡± I gotta ask. What¡¯s your dad like? And your brother? I¡¯ve only met your mom. And the inte isn¡¯t saying much about your dad.¡± She asks.


    I go quiet, and my hand holding her hands tense around hers. She notices my tense hand and my reluctance.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. You don¡¯t have to tell me if you don¡¯t want to.¡± I squeeze her hand gently and smile.


    ¡± It¡¯s not that.¡± I push her strands behind her ear and twirl the end of the strand around my finger.


    ¡± Well, you might like my brother. He already likes you and he hasn¡¯t even met you yet. He¡¯s great, probably better than me. My dad, there¡¯s really not much to talk about. He was a great man, also an asshole. He was a drunkard and would hit us, me especially and even my mom when we were young. He was an abusive cunt.¡±


    Her eyes widen like saucers when I tell her my dad used to hit me. This time, she¡¯s the one holding my hand and squeezing it, trying to reassure me she¡¯s got me.


    ¡± We grew up and we fought back. He was powerless, and we won¡¯t let him hit our mom. He walked out of our lives when I was fifteen. He never came back. A few monthster, we heard he was dead. Got into a club fight and was stabbed right in the gut. He didn¡¯t make it.¡± I say and look away, reminiscing the news as if it was yesterday.


    I can still remember the look on mom¡¯s face and how she broke down. The man might be an asshole, but my mom loved him. So much, it was just annoying. Especially when he hits her and we try to fight back and she tries to stop us, telling us he¡¯s not that bad, that he was just depressed because he lost his job.


    What a sick excuse.


    Before he became abusive, he wasn¡¯t that bad. But I remembered before he started hitting her fully, he first started with ps, then he would apologize and me it on my mother. iming she made him hit her by not keeping her mouth shut and talking back at him.


    He was a sick fuck.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry to hear that. I shouldn¡¯t have asked that if I knew.¡±


    ¡± You didn¡¯t know. And not a lot of people know about that. You shouldn¡¯t tell anyone.¡± I smile at her.


    ¡± I won¡¯t. And thank you for telling me.¡±


    Naomi kisses my lips and tries to pull away, I don¡¯t let her. I cup her cheek with one hand and bring her lips back on mine as I kiss her. She kisses back, hands already trailing on my stomach through the material of my dress shirt.


    Right now I feel like we should skip dinner with her family and go straight to my ce while I tear out her clothes and bury my cock inside her.


    Fuck, I would really like that. Also, I want to meet her family. Whatever this is that I¡¯m doing with Naomi, it¡¯s fucking serious and I¡¯m nning on spending my entire life with her. I want to be with her, every day, night, year. I want to spend each Christmas with her, including new years and even spend time with her on her birthdays. Every fucking year. I want her by my side. Words can¡¯t describe how much I want her and how badly I¡¯ve fallen for her.


    First things first, I need to find this strange Lily woman and sort her out. If she¡¯s truly pregnant for me, I really don¡¯t know what to do. I want Naomi to carry my babies maybe in the future, not some nameless chick from one of my countless one night stands.


    We stop kissing and I trail my thumb on Naomi¡¯s swollen, red bottom lips.


    ¡± You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    ¡± On Friday next week is Keith¡¯s rehearsal dinner, I want you there with me.¡±


    ¡± Are you sure about that?¡±


    ¡± I should probably tell you he¡¯s having his wedding party in Miami. You¡¯re flying with me. I want you there, by my side.¡± Naomi¡¯s taken by surprise as she stares at me with wide eyes.


    ¡± Please.¡±


    ¡± What about work? Raymond¡¯s going right?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, he¡¯s a groomsman. And don¡¯t worry about work, I¡¯ll sort it out. Just say yes.¡±


    Naomi smiles and pecks my lips before saying. ¡± Yes.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    I call Alvin back and he slips inside the driver¡¯s seat of my car. Alvin has been my private driver for over four years now. The guy is 36 years old and I see him more as family than my driver. I always give time off whenever he asks or when he doesn¡¯t even ask. He deserves it.


    Naomi gives him her mom¡¯s address and Alvin starts the car as he reverses and speeds down the road. The time is already 8pm when Alvin pulls the car to a stop outside a small detached house which I immediately assume is Naomi¡¯s mom¡¯s house. It¡¯s not that big, but it¡¯s okay and can definitely amodate a family. It looks better than I imagined. There¡¯s a small fence around thepound and a ck Lexus is parked outside in the driveway.


    Naomi buzzes her way in and the gate opens. Alvin drives down the driveway. The outside is a little small and it can¡¯t take up to three cars. Alvin manages to park my car without causing much fuss.


    ¡± Here we are.¡± Naomi is nervous and she¡¯s trying so hard to hide it.


    I smile and hold her hand.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. We¡¯re just having dinner with your family.¡±


    ¡± Right. Sure.¡±


    ¡± Calm down and stop being nervous.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna try.¡±


    I peck her cheek and Alvin gets out of the car and opens the back door for me. I step out of the car and hold my hand out for Naomi to take it.


    As we walk up the front porch, I wonder if I should have stopped by my house to change. If the suit isn¡¯t even too much. Maybe I should have opted for a pair of jeans and jacket. I don¡¯t want her mom to think I¡¯m trying to impress her. Naomi is also dressed in her work clothes so she¡¯s gonna understand we¡¯re just getting out of the office.


    Naomi rings the doorbell and we wait for someone to open. We hear chatter and giggles behind the door before the door springs open and a girl is standing in front of us. She¡¯s young, probably fifteen or sixteen and I assume she¡¯s Naomi¡¯s younger sister. She¡¯s dressed in a big t-shirt and jean shorts and her brown hair like Naomi¡¯s is tied in a ponytail atop her head.


    Her gazends on me, wide eyes like saucers, mouth wide open. She¡¯s shocked to see me? Okay, I don¡¯t expect that.


    I give her a small smile.


    ¡± Hey Rache.¡± Naomi greets her.


    ¡± Who¡¯s at the door, Rachel?¡± Someone calls from inside the house.


    ¡± Oh my God, I¡¯m having a panic attack. This should be a dream!¡± Rachel screams and turns around as she runs into the house screaming incoherent words.


    Naomi turns to look at me. ¡± I told you.¡±


    Right.


    She leads me into her mother¡¯s house and I follow suit.

 Chapter 63

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    As we walk towards the living room, I turn to look at Killian who¡¯s surprisingly okay and confident, whereas I¡¯m freaking out inside. I never wanted him toe. It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t want him to meet my parents or I don¡¯t want my parents to meet the man I¡¯m in a rtionship with, it¡¯s because I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to be in the same room with my mom and my boyfriend. Mom¡¯s a warrior. She will literally harass Killian with questions and observations while speaking Spanish to him. She¡¯s just too much sometimes, I just get mad. And when she finds out he¡¯s my boss, the one she sees on television and the one Rachel won¡¯t shut up about, I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯ll bring up my past experience with George.


    She¡¯s capable of doing that.


    ¡± Are you okay? You look afraid.¡± Killian says.


    ¡± I don¡¯t look afraid.¡± I defend.


    For the years George and I dated, he¡¯s only met my mom once. The day I invited him over for dinner and trust me, the dinner didn¡¯t turn out that great. My mom harassed him with different questions and when she found out he was from a wealthy family, she wasn¡¯t pleased. She came to the conclusion he was a privileged white kid who¡¯s still got his parents controlling his life.


    Well, she wasn¡¯t all wrong.


    George¡¯s parents still control his life till date even after our break up.


    Killian smiles at me as he rubs his hand on my lower back reassuringly. I take a deep breath and turn towards my family. The house is wild and I can see Rachel in the kitchen whispering something to my mother who¡¯s trying to prepare the table. I see two people I haven¡¯t seen in a year talking amongst themselves. My T¨ªa, Sofia, and her husband, Mateo.


    What the hell are they doing here?


    Is that why my mom asked me toe home for dinner? And of all the days, today happens to be the day I had to invite Killian over.


    Really? Fuck.


    ¡± Oh shit.¡±


    ¡± Luna.¡± My T¨ªa calls my name, at the same time my mom and brother turn to look at me.


    T¨ªa Sofia approaches me and engulf me in a warm embrace. She¡¯s my mom¡¯s older sister. She¡¯s pretty shorter than me, petite, with long dark hair, and bronze skin tone. She¡¯s no longer a young woman, but my T¨ªa still looks good.


    ¡± Hi. Aunt Sofia.¡±


    ¡± Naomi.¡± Her husband approaches me too and embraces me.


    My aunt and her husband started speaking Spanish about how grown up I¡¯ve be and how beautiful I look. Aunt Sofia even thinks I¡¯m adding weight, and she starts assuming that I¡¯m pregnant. She and her husband continue their argument in Spanish before they finally stop.


    And that took literally 3 minutes.


    God, this is embarrassing.


    When the embrace and praisees to a halt, my entire family turns to look at the tall, good-looking, confident man standing beside me dressed in his crisp, tailored, custom suit made just for him.


    God, why did I let hime today?


    ¡± Who¡¯s this man?¡± My t¨ªa asks, giving Killian a once over as she stares at him in appreciation.


    Of course she likes him already. He¡¯s attractive. Who wouldn¡¯t like Killian? With those eyes, and that smile.


    God, help me.


    ¡± Hi. I¡¯m Killian.¡± Killian introduces himself, with that rare, attractive smile present on his lips.


    Dinner is a little awkward. My mom keeps staring at me and then Killian who¡¯s sitting next to me. Antonio sits next to me, eating silently and quickly. I¡¯m thinking he wants to get the hell out of here just like me. His baby¡¯s mother, Grace, sits next to him, eating and feeding her their kid, Charlie, at the same time. Opposite us are my mother, my aunt, her husband, and Rachel who still can¡¯t grasp the fact that Killian ck is in our house.


    It¡¯s like Jesus decided to pay us a visit.


    I can¡¯t ignore the tension, and I really don¡¯t know what¡¯s causing it.


    ¡± So you two are together, Killian?¡± Rachel decides to break the ice.


    ¡± Yes.¡± Killian says.


    ¡± I¡¯m Rachel by the way.¡± She says. ¡± It¡¯s nice to finally meet you.¡±


    Killian smiles at her. ¡± Pleasure.¡±


    ¡± This is my brother Antonio¡­¡± Rachel decides to do the introductions since it¡¯s taking me time to introduce my boyfriend to my family. ¡± He¡¯s the oldest. This is his baby¡¯s mother, Grace.¡± Rachel points to Grace. She gives him a warm smile. Killian nods in acknowledgement.


    ¡± And that¡¯s Charlie, I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯ve met him.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, he¡¯s an interesting kid.¡± Killian says from beside me.


    ¡± Yeah, he is. And this is my t¨ªa, Sofia, and that¡¯s her husband Mateo. And like you¡¯ve already figured, this is my mom. Our mom.¡±


    ¡± Hello.¡± Killian says to my mom, her sister, and her husband.


    He¡¯s impossibly polite and quiet.


    Mom gives him a tight lip smile.


    ¡± Hi. Nice to meet you.¡± Mom says.


    ¡± And he¡¯s a very attractive young man.¡± My aunt says, swooning all over my boyfriend even though she¡¯s sitting next to her husband.


    Unbelievable.


    ¡± Naomi didn¡¯t say she¡¯s bringing someone tonight. Sorry, if we weren¡¯t expecting you, I should have made something better.¡± Mom tells Killian.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. Thank you for this. It¡¯s really good.¡± Killian says.


    Mom nods.


    ¡± When did you two start dating?¡± Mom asks.


    ¡± Not quite long, ma.¡± I say, giving my mom a please-don¡¯t-start look.


    ¡± Aren¡¯t you like the CEO of KB TECH? That techpany in the center of New York?¡± Grace asks, leaning forward to get a closer look at Killian.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± Killian responds.


    ¡± Wow. I¡¯ve watched you on TV, read a lot about you. They literally didn¡¯t say you¡¯d look good in real life.¡± Grace says and I turn to look at her.


    She¡¯s smirking at Killian. She is obviously giving Killian the ¡®fuck me¡¯ eyes.


    God, gross.


    ¡± Thank you.¡± Killian politely tells Grace.


    I feel like hurling my te of shrimps at her. That fucking slut.


    Maybe I¡¯m just overreacting because Grace thinks my man is attractive. He¡¯s attractive and it¡¯s possible people are going to openly admire him even by using words.


    Killian gives me an assuring look with his hand already on my knee. He rubs his thumb on my skin and I calm down.


    I notice Antonio whisper something to Grace and she scoffs loudly.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t say you were going to start dating your boss, Luna.¡± Mom says In Spanish as she drinks a ss of water.


    I sigh and turn to look at Killian who¡¯s staring at me. He¡¯s probably wondering why the hell did my mom switch from English to Spanish.


    ¡± He is her boss?¡± Aunt t¨ªa asks in Spanish too.


    Tonight¡¯s definitely gonna go wrong.


    ¡± Obviously. And he¡¯s rich. Another privileged white kid.¡± Mom answers in Spanish, not bothering to hide her distaste.


    ¡± There¡¯s nothing wrong if she¡¯s dating her boss. They¡¯re in love obviously, you should respect that.¡± Antonio says in Spanish.


    ¡± And who said I don¡¯t respect that.¡± Mom says in Spanish, directing her gaze towards Antonio, before she moves her gaze towards me. ¡± I¡¯m just worried about my daughter, I don¡¯t see anything wrong with that. You know how privileged kids are. Or, do you want me to start talking about that ex of hers with mommy issues.¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s not a kid.¡± I spat in Spanish. ¡± Ma, you need to stop. He¡¯s not George. And I¡¯ve met his mom. She didn¡¯t treat me the same way you¡¯re treating him. They¡¯re good people, and his mom¡¯s great too. And about me dating my boss, let me worry about that. It¡¯s not like the world¡¯s gonna end because I¡¯m in love with the man that owns thepany where I work. I know you¡¯re worried about me, I know you want me to be happy, but please, stop staring at Killian like he did something to you. Be nice to him. Please.¡± I say in one breath in Spanish.


    Mom stares at me as she rolls her eyes, but nods anyway. She turns to look at Killian who¡¯s calm and confident in that suit. I¡¯m surprised he doesn¡¯t look annoyed or irritated that my family decided to switch to ournguage. He¡¯s not dumb, I¡¯m sure he knows why they¡¯re avoiding English all of a sudden. It¡¯s obvious they don¡¯t want him to understand what they¡¯re talking about.


    I slip one hand underneath the table and rest it on Killian¡¯s thighs. It¡¯s my turn tofort him.


    ¡± So, Killian, how did you two meet? Ignore ournguage banter. I¡¯m sorry about that. I guess that was rude.¡± Mom says in English.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. You¡¯re a mom, and it¡¯s understandable when moms act protective around their daughters. You care about her and I understand. I¡¯m really serious about her and I¡¯m definitely not like her ex who didn¡¯t treat her the way she deserved. She¡¯s precious to me and I¡¯m happy she walked into my life that fateful Friday.¡± Killian says In Spanish.


    What the shit?


    He can understand mynguage. I¡¯m not the only surprised one at the table. My entire family is surprised to listen to Killian as he talks in Spanish. And the most embarrassing part is that he heard everything, including all the shitty things my mother had to say about him.


    Mom turns to look at me.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t tell me he can understand Spanish.¡± Mom says.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t know.¡± I defend myself as I turn to look at Killian who¡¯s likely avoiding my gaze.


    Traitor.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± She didn¡¯t know.¡± Killian says in English.


    ¡± You¡¯re a Spaniard?¡± Mom asks in Spanish.


    She¡¯s really proud of hernguage, and she speaks hernguage whenever she gets the chance. She made sure we learnt it at school and at home when growing up. She barely gave us a break.


    ¡± I¡¯m not. My mom¡¯s Swedish, my dad¡¯s Australian. I grew up in New York with my family and my dad understood Spanish a lot. His own mother had a love for thenguage, so she made him learn it. He used to speak thenguage a lot to us and it was really interesting. I easily learned stuff so it wasn¡¯t hard picking up on the smallest details till I mastered it.¡± He says in Spanish.


    Mom looks impressed and her eyes light up like a proud mother. I turn to look at Antonio. He smiles and shakes his head.


    ¡± She¡¯s already in love with him.¡± Antonio whispers to me.

 Chapter 64

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    The rest of the evening went smoothly. After dinner, I clear the table with Grace and Rachel. I guess after mom realized Killian can understand Spanish, she fell in love with my man. They¡¯re literally best friends now. As I lean against the counter and drink water from a ss, I watch mom, Antonio, even my t¨ªa, converse with Killian as they talk andugh. Killian looks free, with his guard already dropped.


    I am happy as I watch them. At least they ended up in good spirits at the end. At first, I thought mom was going to give me one of her many speeches throughout dinner, while she talked about Killian in Spanish. I¡¯m happy it turned out great, better than I imagined.


    Rachel is washing dishes and I just watch my boyfriend with my family. Grace walks in with a ss of wine in her hand.


    ¡± How did you bag such a man, Naomi? Fuck, he¡¯s so hot.¡± She ogles at Killian as she bites her bottom lip.


    ¡± Don¡¯t curse in front of Rachel, Grace.¡± I say.


    I hear Rachel scoff next to me and I turn to re at her.


    ¡± Naomi, Rachel is not a kid. Stop treating her like one. She can literally handle herself.¡± Grace says.


    I really don¡¯t have words for her right now. I re at her and roll my eyes.


    ¡± Are you visiting Charlie or are you back together with my brother?¡±


    ¡± We¡¯re not together. I¡¯m just visiting Charlie. Plus, your mom thought it would be nice if I stayed for dinner. And I¡¯m d I did¡­¡± She smirks and flicks her gaze towards the living room where Antonio is having a conversation with Killian.


    Killian notices a pair of eyes are watching him, he raises his head and our eyes meet as he winks at me. I blush and look away.


    ¡± Wow. Isn¡¯t he the finest thing you¡¯ve everid your eyes on?¡±


    ¡± Grace, back the heck away, alright? That¡¯s my man, and stop looking at him like that.¡±


    ¡± Breathe, it¡¯s not like you¡¯ve not been having femalepetitors. Killian ck is a hot shot, and I am pretty sure a lot of women are already on the line waiting for your rtionship to just magically end. I don¡¯t mean it the wrong way, sis, but you know it¡¯s true. I¡¯d treat him like an egg if he¡¯s mine.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, well, he¡¯s not yours. And aren¡¯t you, like, in a rtionship or something?¡±


    ¡± Did Antonio tell you that?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± Grace sighs, with her almost half ss of wine in her hand.


    ¡± Yeah, well, the fact that I¡¯m seeing someone new doesn¡¯t mean I shouldn¡¯t appreciate an attractive person when I see one.¡±


    ¡± So you met him in his club, aunt Naomi?¡± Rachel asks from beside me.


    ¡± Yeah. And all that fangirling, you need to stop.¡± I say as I walk to the sink and start to wash the ss.


    ¡± What? He¡¯s hot.¡± Rachel says and I re at her. ¡± Aunt Grace is right, you gotta stop treating me as a kid. I¡¯m not a kid, and there¡¯s nothing wrong if I appreciate the work of God.¡±


    ¡± To the living room, Rach. Now.¡± I tell her.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She sighs and drops thest te on the racks before she turns to leave.


    ¡± And you¡¯re not allowed to talk about boys, young woman!¡± I called after her.


    I rinse my own ss and keep it before turning to look at Grace who¡¯s giving me one of her many judgemental looks.


    ¡± How long have you been visiting?¡± I ask.


    ¡± A lot, why?¡±


    ¡± You really need to stop encouraging her about boys, Grace. Rachel is 16, not 18 or 20. She can¡¯t be talking about boys, boldly to be precise, and you go around and support her. You need to fucking stop.¡± I say as I turn to walk out of the kitchen.


    I turn to look at Grace above my shoulder as I say. ¡± And peel your fucking eyes off my man, or I¡¯m going to pinch them out.¡±


    I join the others in the living room and stand next to Killian who¡¯s still talking with Antonio. They¡¯re talking about business and the stock market.


    Men.


    Killian wraps his arm around my waist, with his hand hanging impossibly low on my back.


    When the night finallyes to an end, mom kisses Killian on both cheeks, including my t¨ªa before we walk out through the door and into the night. Alvin steps out of the car to open the backseat door and we slide in. He shuts the door and in less than a minute, we¡¯re driving down the road, with Killian pulling me to him as he kisses me.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been wanting to do that all night.¡± He whispers into my mouth.


    I smile, and turn to look at the front seat, but Alvin, like always, has already pulled up the divider.


    ¡± Thanks.¡± I say against his lips.


    ¡± For?¡±


    ¡± For tonight. For everything, really? I know my family isn¡¯t like yours and they¡¯re kind of hard to handle, but I¡¯m really d you handled them perfectly.¡±


    Killian smiles.


    ¡± They¡¯re not bad. It¡¯s not like anyone can resist my charm.¡± Killian says, smirking. I roll my eyes, with a small smile on my lips. ¡± Your mom¡¯s fun, I like her. And your brother too. Including Rachel, she¡¯s a smart kid. I really don¡¯t want to start on your t¨ªa. They¡¯re all fun.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about my mom.¡±


    ¡± If I had a sister, and she just got out of a bad rtionship, I would have acted that way too. Your mom was being protective, just like every mothers. Don¡¯t me her for looking out for you.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, but she¡­¡±


    Killian silenced my words with a kiss. I smile against his lips and melt into his touch and kiss him back.


    ¡± I love you, Luna. You should not forget that. And I¡¯m willing to say it over and over again.¡±


    ¡± I love you too, Jefferson.¡± I say.


    ¡± God, not that name.¡± Killian says andughs.


    ¡± It¡¯s still yours.¡±


    ¡± Sadly.¡±


    I giggle andce my fingers with Killian¡¯s.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me you could speak and understand Spanish?¡±


    ¡± Well, I wanted it to be a surprise.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s so not cool. God, that dread in my mother¡¯s eyes when she realized you understood every word she said. Jesus.¡±


    Killianughs. ¡± I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s fucking weird sitting there and pretending I couldn¡¯t understand shit. I wanted to pretend I can¡¯t understand what you guys are saying, but I guess it¡¯s nice you know.¡±


    ¡± And you had to inform me during my family dinner. Well thought out, Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± He leans close to me to whisper. ¡± And you literally don¡¯t know what you do to me when you call me by myst name in that voice of yours. Fucking sexy.¡±


    ¡± Hmm. I can only imagine.¡± I whisper back, biting my bottom lip.


    I feel Killian smile against my neck.


    ¡± You little tease.¡± He whispers.


    I giggle and pull away.


    ¡± Did your dad really teach you Spanish?¡±


    Killian sighs as he looks at me. ¡± Yeah. Guess it was one of the good things he did for me before he fucked us over.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡± You didn¡¯t do anything.¡±


    ¡± I know. I¡¯m just sorry you had to go through that growing up.¡±


    Killian smiles and nods. ¡± Thanks.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s tomorrow right? The bachelor¡¯s party.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± What are you nning tomorrow? Hope there¡¯s no strip club? I don¡¯t want some chick dancing all over you. You¡¯re mine, Mr. ck, don¡¯t forget that. All mine.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t forget that, even if I try. Plus, there won¡¯t be strip clubs. Keith isn¡¯t like that, and Eve¡¯s going to kill me.¡±


    ¡± Eve¡¯s the bride?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. She¡¯s going to kill me if I take her man to a strip club. So it¡¯s just boring old stuff.¡±


    ¡± Like drinking and talking all night?¡±


    ¡± Something like that. I wish you could be there, you know?¡±


    ¡± Missing me already?¡±


    ¡± You bet.¡± Killian says.


    I smile and bite my lip as I squeeze his handced with mine.


    ¡± But at least I¡¯ve got you all night, princess.¡± He whispers as he leans forward to whisper against my neck. ¡°All of you.¡±


    Killian kisses my neck and I close my eyes and melt into his touch as I let him mark me.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think it¡¯s good if I spend the night.¡± I say.


    Killian pulls back a little to stare at me.


    ¡± Afraid I won¡¯t be able to keep my hands off you?¡±


    I smile and roll my eyes.


    ¡± You know it¡¯s not that.¡± I say, grabbing him by the cor as I straddle his thighs.


    ¡± It¡¯s more like keeping our rtionship our business or it¡¯s gonna be HR¡¯s business.¡±


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you leave that to me to handle?¡±


    ¡± Where¡¯s the fun in that?¡± I whisper, hands already trailing up his torso.


    ¡± Then spend the night, Ms. Alderson. Just say yes.¡± He whispers and his voice sounds deep, yet sexy just what I like.


    His grey eyes are clouded with lust and I can feel him slowly getting hard underneath me. His hands are on my hips, holding me down against him.


    I lean forward and whisper. ¡°Yes.¡±

 Chapter 65

    Killian¡¯s POV


    Today isn¡¯t going as expected. Today¡¯s my brother¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party and it is supposed to be a good day. Well, it started off as a good day. Naomi spent the night, all naked and warm in my bed. We didn¡¯t make love, I just pulled her close to me and held on to her, really tight and close like she was going to slip away.


    Then, she got ready this morning to leave for work and I kissed her when she wanted to take her bath. I didn¡¯t let her touch anything, nothing at all and I bathed her myself, while whispering countless I love you¡¯s to her. And I confessed to her how much I love her and how I didn¡¯t want to lose her.


    Naomi was taken aback by my confessions, but she didn¡¯t say anything. She just held me and whispered her own reassuring promises into my ear. Before we came to my housest night together after having dinner with her family, which strangely turned out great, we stopped by her apartment so that she could grab something to wear to work today. Naomi wanted to take an Uber to work, but I didn¡¯t let her. I told her if she was afraid of being seen stepping out of her boss¡¯s car, then Alvin should drop her a few blocks away from mypany so that she could walk the rest of the way to the office.


    She agreed. It went fine. Really great morning. I already made ns for our bachelor¡¯s trip to Australia in my private ne. I even had breakfast while I chatted with Sebastian, something I haven¡¯t done for a while since I¡¯m always busy. My morning was going great, until I got another message from that stalker, psycho bitch who wants to ruin my life and that of mypany.


    My stomach churned at the brown envelope in my hand as I stood in the middle of my living room.


    ¡± Are you okay, sir?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Thanks, Alvin, you can leave.¡± I dismiss him as I turn the envelope in my hand.


    There¡¯s not an address, nothing. Just a in brown envelope with a wax seal. I tear it open and pull out the white paper inside it. I unfold it and groan at the content.


    ¡®Dear Mr. ck


    How are you doing today? I¡¯m very sure you¡¯re having a wonderful time. I guess you had a wonderful dinner at your girlfriend¡¯s mother¡¯s home. Aw, how sweet. You never did get to meet my family, did you? Of course, you don¡¯t remember. All you did was y me, used me and tossed me aside. Well, I have forgiven you because I¡¯m about to give you a taste of your own medicine.


    I¡¯m sure you¡¯re wondering what I want from you, and you¡¯re probably doubting the baby¡¯s not yours. Oh, you poor thing. The child¡¯s yours, Killian, and I can still remember that, that night you nted your seed inside me. Of course you don¡¯t remember, and that¡¯s because all along I meant nothing to you. I was nothing to you. You treated me like I was some piece of shit you¡¯d scrape off your shoes. And about what I want from you, oh, you can¡¯t begin to imagine. I want so much from you. A lot from you. And for a start, I want you to be mine, because you¡¯re mine and I¡¯m definitely not raising a bastard child.


    I don¡¯t need your money, Killian, I don¡¯t want your stupid money. I¡¯m not gonna stand by and watch that slut girlfriend of yours take what¡¯s mine. You¡¯re mine, and you¡¯re gonna be mine whether you like it or not. Because, God help me, I¡¯m going to kill that stupid bitch. And before I do that, how about I send a little message to HR about how their boss is fucking one of his employee in exchange for a job position. Ooh, that definitely won¡¯t look good on the paper. I know you know that. So, why don¡¯t you be a darling and give me what I want.


    I¡¯ve got my eyes on you, my dearest. Have fun at your brother¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party, my love.¡¯


    I stare at the letter in my hand with anger. Who the fuck is this bitch? Why is she trying to make my lifeplicated? Why? I ball my hand to a fist, already having enough of whatever game this crazy bitch is ying. I wanted to scream, but I know screaming won¡¯t change anything. Whoever this woman is, it¡¯s fucking obvious I was with her. I had sex with her, obviously. But who? That¡¯s my problem. I have no idea who she is and what she is.


    And the creepiest thing about this whole situation is that she knows what¡¯s going on in and out of my life. How did she know I had dinner with Naomi¡¯s familyst night? How did she know today¡¯s Keith¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party? And how did she take that photo of me and Naomi entering the art exhibition? How did she know I was going to be there? What if it¡¯s someone close to me? Someone who¡¯s fucking with me? And why do I feel like if this woman¡¯s for real, then someone close to me is giving her information about me knowingly or maybe unknowingly. There are so many theories concerning this messed up situation and they all lead to one thing. Someone close to me is deciding to fuck my life over.


    Who have I offended? Who did I offend? I¡¯m not a saint. I¡¯ve definitely dated my fair share of women. I¡¯ve broken a lot of hearts, it¡¯s not because I wanted to, it¡¯s because the women couldn¡¯t live with the fact that we couldn¡¯t be anything, but sex buddies or one night stands. Some of them can¡¯t just ept that I don¡¯t want them, and after one night I¡¯m never calling you again.


    It¡¯s just sick they don¡¯t want to ept it.


    But is that even enough to threaten to harm the woman I¡¯m in love with? The only person who knew I was going to that art exhibition with Naomi was Raymond. And about dinner with Naomi¡¯s family, I didn¡¯t tell anybody, not even Raymond. And about my brother¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party being today, Raymond¡¯s aware because he¡¯s one of Keith¡¯s groomsmen. And then, Naomi, and the people who work for my floor and that¡¯s because they need to know why their boss won¡¯t be showing up at work today.


    Who could it be? It¡¯s definitely not Raymond. He has no reason to hate or hurt me, even if I was kind of a bad friend to him a few years ago, but still that¡¯s not a reason to rat my personal life to some person who might be stalking me and wants to harm my girl. Also, he¡¯s gay, and he doesn¡¯t find me attractive. I¡¯m not even his type, plus he¡¯s engaged to Derrick. They¡¯re in love. Raymond¡¯s like the closest person in my life aside from my family. I tell him things, and he¡¯s always there to listen and offer advice.


    I may not trust anybody, but I trust him and I know he won¡¯t do that. But then? Could be anyone from work. That¡¯s reasonable.


    I¡¯ve been with different women over these past years of my life and none of them I remember their names. And why I remembered Celine is because we hooked up more than three times and it¡¯s recent. Give me another two years, and I sure as shit won¡¯t remember Celine either. It¡¯s not that I¡¯ve bad memory or anything, I just like to delete people out of my head the minute our rtionship ends. Whether it¡¯s a work rtionship or sex. If I¡¯m breaking up with you, that¡¯s the end of you. I¡¯m definitely erasing everything about you out of my head and that doesn¡¯t make me an asshole or a selfish prick. For me, it¡¯s because I¡¯m a workaholic and I¡¯ve got apany to run. Plus, keeping names and faces of women I¡¯ve dated, hooked up with, had a one night stand with, is not healthy for me.


    And that brings me to the ce I started with in the beginning. Who¡¯s this person? And how can I be careless enough to have sex with her without a fucking condom? Was I drunk?


    Having nobody to pass my anger and frustration onto, I got undressed, put on sweats and worked out in my gym while putting too much pressure on my body. When that wasn¡¯t working on getting rid of this irritation, and frustration, I settled for boxing, releasing my pent up anger on the poor, clueless punching bag.


    I punched harder, harder, with my entire body sweating and threatening to give up on me. I didn¡¯t stop, I just continued to punch, not holding back. I think about several things I wanna do to this woman, how I¡¯m supposed to resolve this. What am I supposed to do when it turns out she¡¯s really carrying my child? What should I do? What am I gonna do? Today is supposed to be my brother¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party and we¡¯re supposed to be having fun, but now I don¡¯t think I can have fun.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Throwing onest punch, the punching bag fell off the hinges holding it up and flew to the corner with full force. I bent down, hands on my knees as I tried to catch my breath.


    There was one thing on my mind. Only one thing reying over and over again in my head. I¡¯m fucked.


    ¨C


    The ne ride was smooth. The guys made jokes andughed. I wasn¡¯t in the mood and I¡¯m d none of them noticed because I tried hard to act neutral and blend in the conversation. Raymond¡¯s the only one who knows I¡¯m going through hell, and thankfully, he hasn¡¯t asked me about thetest news about this strange woman. The mail office hasn¡¯t given us a reply on where the letter ising from and I¡¯m still waiting, hoping that theye up with a positive reply and her address. I guess if I can have a fruitful conversation with this woman, I can pay her to get rid of the child.


    Does that make me inhumane? Of course. What am I thinking? Paying someone tomit abortion. What am I supposed to do? I¡¯m not ready to father any child. And even if I¡¯m ready, I don¡¯t want the child to be from a woman I¡¯m not in love with. A woman I don¡¯t know. Some crazy chick who¡¯s got a craving for blood. I definitely don¡¯t want a child from a woman like that.


    It should be Naomi, not any other woman. God, I¡¯m so out of options.


    ¡± I wonder what Killian¡¯s got up his sleeves.¡± Andrew says from opposite me.


    I turn to look at him, with my eyebrows raised. What were they talking about?


    ¡± What?¡±


    Preston who¡¯s sitting next to Andrew smiles and shakes his head.


    ¡± What¡¯s gotten you all shaken up? Are you okay?¡± Preston asks.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s definitely not jetg, is it?¡± Andrew jokes and I don¡¯t find it funny.


    ¡± I fucking own this ne, idiot, so I¡¯ve definitely flew in it like a million times.¡±


    ¡± Right, Mr. President. Excuse my sass.¡± Andrew says with his shitty smirk spread on his lips.


    I just want to punch the idiot and maybe release all my anger on him, but that will just make me an asshole brother and a shitty best man.


    So I just roll my eyes and look at the clouds in the sky.


    ¡± Seriously, Kil, are you okay?¡± Preston inquires again.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Thanks.¡±


    ¡± Alright.¡±


    Thankfully, Preston doesn¡¯t pester me with questions that I¡¯m not willing to share answers to. Keith is out somewhere in the ne looking for something to drink.


    ¡± You need to stop thinking about it, Kil. Let¡¯s hope they¡¯re able toe up with her address and we¡¯ll have a chat with her.¡± Raymond whispers next to me, since he¡¯s sitting next to me.


    ¡± And then what?¡±


    Raymond sighs, not having an answer to my question.


    ¡± Imagine we talk to her and she¡¯s really carrying my child, what am I gonna do?¡±


    ¡± When it turns out it¡¯s really yours, first, I think you should have a conversation with your girl, and your mom. They¡¯re the most important women in your life, they cane up with something.¡±


    ¡± Naomi will be heartbroken, hurt. She might leave me and ask me to just be with this psycho bitch for the baby¡¯s sake. Mom¡¯s gonna ask me to ept it.¡±


    ¡± What if I don¡¯t have to?¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    I always have a choice. And I know the choice I¡¯m supposed to make and it¡¯s definitely not a good one. If she¡¯s ckmailing me and threatening to harm Naomi, which I won¡¯t allow, God knows I¡¯m willing to pretend some chick isn¡¯t sending weird letters about having a baby for me.  I am definitely gonna do that. But, I can¡¯t jeopardize Naomi¡¯s safety for anything. I love that woman and I can¡¯t stand anyone hurting her. I won¡¯t let it. And with a bitch like that on the loose, she¡¯s willing to do anything to prove a point to me that she¡¯s not here to y.


    I¡¯m pretty sure of that.

 Chapter 66

    Killian¡¯s POV


    Finally, we arrive in Australia and a Limousine is already waiting for us. Standing next to the car is Scott, an old acquaintance and a driver.


    ¡± Holy shit. This is sexy.¡± Preston says from behind me.


    Scott approaches me and shakes my hand.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice to have you Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Thank you, Scott.¡±


    ¡± Wee to Australia.¡± Scott says and leads us to the limousine. The driver opens the door and I enter, followed by my brother and the rest of the guys. Scott joins us and the driver shuts the door.


    The next minute, we¡¯re in the move driving down the road and past the beautiful trees.


    ¡± Why Australia, Kil?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± I guess it got what I was looking for. Plus, when was thest time you visited your home country? What the fuck am I saying? We all grew up in the US and you¡¯ve never been to your home country, Keith. Including you Preston.¡± I say, flicking my gaze between my brother and my cousin.


    ¡± Wow. This is beautiful. And you may be right we¡¯ve never been to our own country, you me it on our dad. That shit.¡± Keith mutters thest part underneath his breath.


    ¡± Are we taking a tour?¡± Preston asks.


    ¡± Sure. You¡¯ve got today and tomorrow here in Australia. After the party, you can do whatever the fuck you want.¡± I say.


    Keith is lost in his own thoughts as he stares out the window at the beauty of Australia. We¡¯ve spent our entire life in New York, growing up, going through middle School, high school, and even college. I even had apany there. I guess I don¡¯t even know what it feels like to be home again.


    KB Tech is in Australia, I made sure of that three years ago and Scott is a partner and he works for me too. I visit my country often, and even though it¡¯s nothing like New York, it¡¯s still home, and it pains me that my parents weren¡¯t rich when we were younger for them to pay for trips to our home. Keith missed all of that and I guess he¡¯s just mad and sad at the same time that this happens to be the first time he¡¯s visiting his home. On his bachelor¡¯s night.


    ¡± So I hope you guys packed for a good hike.¡± Scott speaks.


    The guys turn to look at Scott with wide eyes, and I just smile.


    ¡± Oh, sorry. I must have not introduced myself. Hey guys, I¡¯m Scott, I work at KB Tech in Australia here and I¡¯m good friends with Killian.¡±


    Good friends. He wishes.


    ¡± Nice to meet everyone.¡± Scott says.


    ¡± Thank you.¡± Preston and Keith say.


    Raymond¡¯s the only one who¡¯s aware of my bachelor¡¯s party n for Keith today. And I really hope that he likes it and he¡¯s blown away. I had to put a lot of effort on this to make this a really good day for him. And I¡¯m trying hard not to ruin it especially since that crazy stalker decided to send me a letter today. Of all the days.


    ¡± You said hike? What are you talking about?¡± Andrew asks.


    And just on cue, the car pulls to a stop outside a resort five star amodation and the guys stare out the window at the beauty in front of them. The driver opens our door and we get out of the car.


    ¡± Okay, gents.¡± Scott says as we look around.


    It looks better than the pictures on the website. I hope they have great things to offer like they promised in their marketing videos and pictures.


    A man and a woman approach us, smiling wide with their teeth white.


    ¡± Hello. I¡¯m Mark.¡± The man introduces himself to my confused brother and his groomsmen. ¡± Wee to Daintree rainforest. Here we¡¯ll give you a tour of the forest and we promise to make your short stay pleasurable. Pleasee.¡± He waves us towards the house we¡¯re supposed to be staying till we leave and Raymond follows him, including Scott.


    Keith, Preston, and Andrew turn to look at me with curious eyes.


    ¡± You care to exin, Kil. We¡¯re confused. Like really confused.¡± Keith says.


    ¡± Well, before you hate this ce or my ns as your best man, I want you to know that I love you and I really want to make this right and great. So I just thought we coulde to Australia, you don¡¯t like admitting it, but you¡¯ve always wanted toe.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m really d you brought me here.¡± Keith says.


    ¡± I know.¡±


    ¡± What exactly are you saying?¡± Andrew says. I re at him. He rolls his eyes.


    ¡± This is a forest and it has wild lives. I thought we could have fun by taking a hike around the forest, with tour guides of course. See nature with our own eyes instead of the TV and magazine.¡± I say. They¡¯re all quiet.


    ¡± I know you hate it, Keith.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± Shut up, Killian. I love it. Thank you.¡± Keith says and wraps his arms around me in an embrace.


    ¡± There will be strip clubs and girls at the end of all this hiking right?¡± Andrew asks. I re at him past my brother¡¯s shoulders.


    How the fuck is he still married?


    ¡± Quit whining like a child, Andrew, and get over yourself.¡± I say to him with a sly smirk.


    Keith pulls back and strides towards our amodation.


    ¡± Before you guys bicker about unnecessary things, bear in mind it¡¯s Keith¡¯s day. Be nice to each other.¡± Preston says and walks towards the house too.


    I re at Andrew before following Preston.


    We change our clothes and eat lunch provided by the crews. The food is great and I¡¯m d everyone enjoyed it. Later. Mark introduced us to our tour guide, Ang and Torrent. Ang, she¡¯s a blonde woman, probably in herte twenties or early thirties, with tanned skin probably because of the amount of time she¡¯s been in the sun. Torrent looks to be in histe thirties. He has red hair and a red beard.


    For a start, our tour guides suggested we take a tour through the river using a cruise. I lean over the railings as I stare at the water, watching how the wildlife, trees, and birds in the distance are really beautiful. One day, Naomi and I are going to visit this ce. Holding hands, taking pictures, sharing stolen kisses. Fuck, I would really love that.


    ¡± The Daintree Rainforest is one of thergest in Australia and one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated at over 135 million years old. Stretching over 1, 200 square hectares, you will find animal and nt species that call the Daintree home, not found anywhere else in the world¡­¡± I hear the voice of Torrent as he talks.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I¡¯m not paying too much attention. It¡¯s Keith¡¯s day, I want him to have fun. The air is cold even if it¡¯s summer in Australia. I run my hand through my hair, pushing the messy strands out of my face. Around me, I hear the shutter of cameras and I assume they¡¯re taking pictures and making recordings.


    My phone vibrates and buzzes in my pants and I pull it out from the pocket of my jeans. Unlocking it, I smile at the name disyed on my screen. It¡¯s Naomi. I click on her message and it¡¯s a photo of her at her desk, her hair in a messy bun with a big smile on her face. I smile too as I read her message.


    From Naomi: Missing you. Hope you¡¯re having fun? Where are you?


    I begin to type back my own response.


    ¡± Holy shit. A crocodile!¡± Preston gasps and I move my gaze to what¡¯s gotten him like that.


    ¡± That¡¯s a saltwater crocodile.¡± Ang says.


    I smile, shaking my head at Preston¡¯s childish attitude and take a photo of the crocodile.


    ¡± Pussy.¡± I mutter towards Preston and smirk.


    ¡± Fuck you, Killian.¡± I hear Preston say as I chuckle.


    Me: Australia. Taking a boat cruise through the river. It¡¯s beautiful. And I miss you too. I wish you were here.


    It doesn¡¯t take a second for Naomi to send her reply.


    From Naomi: Wow. Your home country? Are you gonna take me to Australia one day? Can I call you on FaceTime?


    I smile, my lips stretching to a big smile as I call Naomi on FaceTime. She answers immediately.


    ¡± Where are you?¡± I ask as her face appears on my screen.


    ¡± Break room. I¡¯m supposed to run copies of files, but I needed to see my baby. How are you doing? Is that the cruise? Wow, it¡¯s epic.¡± She¡¯s smiling as she speaks.


    ¡± It is. And yes, I¡¯m going to bring you here one day. Maybe next week or two weeks from now, after Keith¡¯s wedding. We could tour the world and not just Australia, babe.¡± I say and I mean every word of it.


    I want to travel the world with her by my side. I¡¯m willing to die to continuously put a smile on that beautiful face. She deserves it.


    ¡± Aw, I would really like that. Can I see?¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    I change the camera angle so it¡¯s no longer the selfie camera but the rear camera so that she can see the beauty I¡¯m seeing.


    ¡± Wow, that¡¯s beautiful.¡± She says after I change it back to a selfie camera.


    ¡± Is that Naomi?¡± Keith asks from behind me.


    Great, he chooses this moment to appear. Really great.


    Keith stands next to me, with his arm around my shoulder holding his own phone in his hand as he stares at Naomi who¡¯s politely smiling at my brother.


    ¡± Hi.¡± She waves.


    ¡± Hey. I¡¯m Keith. This asshole¡¯s older brother.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, he¡¯s said a lot about you. I¡¯m Naomi, nice to finally meet you.¡±


    ¡± Pleasure. And wow, you look really beautiful and I obviously can¡¯t wait to meet you in real life. Did he tell you about my wedding?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, he did. I guess I¡¯m his date. And I can¡¯t wait to meet you too.¡±


    ¡± Is that the mystery girl?¡± Andrew appears on my other side, cramping me in the middle between Keith and Andrew.


    ¡± What the fuck, man? Aren¡¯t you guys supposed to be listening to the tour guide and her lessons.¡± I say.


    ¡± Wow, you look hot.¡± Andrew says, and the bastard is smirking.


    What audacity.


    ¡± Oh.¡± Naomi looks ufortable, obviously.


    ¡± I¡¯m Andrew. Killian¡¯s friend.¡±


    ¡± Go fuck yourself, Andrew. I¡¯ll call youter, babe.¡± I say. Naomi nods and waves at Keith before I hang up.


    ¡± Babe?¡± Andrew asks, smirking his annoying arrogant smirk.


    ¡± Yes, babe. She¡¯s my fucking woman, man, and you don¡¯t get to talk to her like that, you fucking nitwit.¡± I re at Andrew. This dick is still smirking, standing poise like he owns the world.


    ¡± Calm your horse, Killian, it¡¯s not like I wanted to fuck her something. I mean I would if¡­¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s it.¡± Iunched at Andrew.


    ¡± Killian.¡± The others call for my attention, but I¡¯m already tossing Andrew off the boat and inside the river.


    ¡± Holy shit!¡¯

 Chapter 67

    ¡± You cannot do that!¡± Andrew says, pointing his stupid fingers at me.


    The tour guides managed to get him out of the water before saltwater crocodiles could get him. That lucky fuck.


    ¡± And you cannot talk about my woman like that.¡± I point back.


    ¡± Guys. Just fucking apologize to each other and let¡¯s continue our tour.¡± Preston says.


    Torrent and Ang stand at a corner watching with interest. Raymond just stands aside and shakes his head at our behavior. I¡¯m pissed.


    ¡± Why should I apologize? He tossed me out of the boat, remember?¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± That¡¯s because you talked about his woman rudely, Andrew. You can¡¯t do that. You¡¯re married, take your eyes off of people¡¯s women. Killian¡¯s own to be precise.¡±


    ¡± And, one more crassment about my girl and I¡¯m gonna knock your teeth out.¡± I re at Andrew as I walk ahead of the others.


    This day is really going as nned. Keith catches up to me, making me slow my strides.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about Andrew.¡±


    ¡± No, I¡¯m sorry Keith. I¡¯m your brother and your best man and I¡¯ve been nothing but shitty since we got here. Today is supposed to be one of the best days of your life.¡±


    Keith chuckles and nudges me with his shoulders.


    ¡± Shut up, it is. I am having fun. And maybe you shouldn¡¯t have tossed Andrew off the boat, but he kind of deserved it. He¡¯s been nothing but an asshole to you. I don¡¯t like that.¡±


    I smile. ¡± Thanks, man.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. And Naomi is pretty. You¡¯re lucky you bagged that one, man. You need someone like her in your life. To put you in order and keep you in line whenever you step out of it.¡±


    I smirk. ¡± Yeah, I do.¡±


    Keith chuckles and pat me on the back. ¡± You wanna continue our tour?¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    Torrent and Ang take us through the forest while giving us speeches about the forest and every animal we walk past. The animals are beautiful, it¡¯s nothing like I¡¯ve seen. Maybe I need this. This whole wildlife and forest shit, and nature. I¡¯ve seen too many clubs, parties, hotels a lot these past years, I forget ces like this still exist.


    There¡¯s a silent buzz in my pocket and it¡¯s a text notification. I pull out my phone and it¡¯s a text from Naomi asking me if I¡¯m okay. I smile and send a reply to her that I¡¯m okay.


    We walk through the forest for almost 30 minutes, with Andrewining about his clothes being wet all the time.


    Always a child.


    We stop to take in the scenery before us. Torrent exins and talks about the animals. He stops to talk about an animal that¡¯s simr to a sloth. I don¡¯t pay much attention, I just look around. Torrent and Ang have already started to walk ahead of us talking about the tropical forests. We turn to follow them only to stop because Andrew finds something interesting.


    ¡± Andrew, what are you doing?¡± Keith calls.


    ¡± Is this a honey pot?¡± He asks.


    ¡± Fucking hell, Andrew, stay away from it. If it¡¯s a honey pot then there are bees in it.¡± Raymond says.


    ¡± Oh rx, stop being a baby. Do you know natural honey has the best medicinal ingredient? Like they¡¯re good for the body.¡± Andrew asks as he approaches it.


    ¡± Nobody cares, Andrew. Get the fuck away from it.¡± I say.


    But he doesn¡¯t listen. The idiot touched it.


    ¡± Oh my God.¡± Preston sighs as bees start to swim around us, buzzing loudly and all over us.


    Fuck, there are a lot of them. So much it looks like a herd.


    ¡± Fuck, run!¡± Raymond calls, already running down the opposite path our tour guides took.


    I definitely don¡¯t want to get stung by a bee so I run, including my brother, my cousin, andstly, idiot Andrew. We run through the forest, pushing through leaves. I can still hear the bee buzzing behind us, crowding us.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to die! I can¡¯t die! I definitely don¡¯t want to die being stung by a bee. Oh my God! Please take them away.¡± Andrew chants behind us, crying like a baby that he is.


    This is going really smoothly. Why the hell is Andrew part of the groomsmen? He¡¯s a walking disaster, and Keith knows it. How are they friends?


    ¡± Oh my fucking God!¡± Raymond screams, halting from our heavy race on top of a cliff.


    But, I guess we aren¡¯t lucky since the bees are already crowding us, buzzing noisily around us. I really feel like punching Andrew this time.


    ¡± Well, I¡¯d rather die drowning than being stung to death by countless, hungry bees.¡± Raymond says and jumps off the high cliff, right into the water beneath us.


    I look at the others and shrug as I jump too, followed by the others. We crash inside the water, with waves of water sshing everywhere.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± Raymond scoffs.


    I sweep my hair with my hands out of my face and re at Andrew.


    ¡± You see what you¡¯ve cause, you fucking idiot. How are you 34?¡± I yell at Andrew.


    ¡± Fuck you, Killian. You keep acting like you¡¯re any perfect. You fucking pushed me off the boat!¡± Andrew retaliates.


    ¡± Guys.¡± Preston calls.


    ¡± Jesus, you¡¯ve been trying to ruin today for my brother with your fucking, childish behavior. What are you, five? First, you openly flirt with my woman and even offered to have sex with her in my face and now you¡¯re touching honey pots when every 6 years olds knows they¡¯re not supposed to go near a honey pot. How the fuck are you a Harvard graduate?¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you two grown up men.¡± Raymond mutters.


    ¡± Guys!¡± Preston calls for our attention again, louder this time.


    ¡± What?!¡± We snap our heads towards him.


    ¡± Can we do thister? The tide ising.¡± Preston says.


    Truly enough, he¡¯s right. We swim to shore and get out of the water with everyone soaking wet. Keith is giggling like a girl and I¡¯m fucking cold. We all stare at him like he¡¯s high on ocean water and the forest breeze.


    ¡± Why are you smiling?¡± I ask.


    ¡± Oh my God, that was fun!¡± Keith says. ¡°We all grow up so fast and forget how to live. I haven¡¯t run like that for years and dive off a cliff, shit, that¡¯s awesome. I¡¯m having fun and I¡¯m doing it again.¡±


    I take a breath of relief as we sit down on the sand. Thank God, he¡¯s having. Keith¡¯s right, we all grow up so fast we forget how to live. I sometimes forget how to live. And I¡¯m happy I came out here with people who I give a shit about, definitely not Andrew.


    ¡± At least we¡¯re all having fun and no one got stung.¡± Andrew says.


    We all turn to look at him and my eyebrows are elevated at once. Fuck, he got stung. Andrew notices the pair of eyes on him and he asks.


    ¡± What? Why are you guys staring at me?¡±


    ¡± Uh¡­ your neck?¡± Preston says, pointing to his own neck.


    Andrew brings his hand to his neck. His eyes go wide at once, and he¡¯s starting to feel dizzy because of the sting.


    ¡± Oh, fuck.¡± Andrew mutters and copses on the sand.


    Great.

 Chapter 68

    Killian¡¯s POV


    ¡± Fuck, this shit hurts like a bitch.¡± Andrew groans, with an ice pack in his hand as he presses it on his head.


    He¡¯s sitting on the single couch while leaning back on it.


    I stand by the transparent window as I stare out at thepound. We¡¯re in the hotel suite we booked for Keith¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party.


    ¡± Stop whining like a child. It¡¯s just a little sting.¡± Preston says.


    I smile and shake my head as I turn around to look at them. Preston is drinking a beer as Andrew res at him.


    ¡± I should stop whining like a child? Are you fucking kidding me? Can you even hear yourself? I got stung by a fucking bee!¡± Andrew is being overdramatic.


    He¡¯s always overdramatic.


    ¡± You got stung by a bee because you messed with its honey pot. Why would you do that?¡± Raymond says as he walks to stand beside me.


    ¡± Well, fuck all of you. Where the hell is Keith? Is this night over?¡± Andrew asks, tossing his ice pack on the table.


    ¡± He¡¯s taking a shower. Probably trying to get away from you.¡± I say.


    ¡± What¡¯s that supposed to mean Mr. Best man?¡±


    ¡± It means we¡¯ve had enough of your shitty attitude. Today¡¯s your best friend¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party and all you¡¯ve proven yourself to be is a total shitbag.¡± I turn to look at him as I tell him.


    Andrew is speechless as he res at me and then Raymond and Preston. He¡¯s an egotistical son of a bitch, it¡¯s not every time people get to talk to him like that. As if his vein just snaps, Andrew continues to stare at me.


    ¡± What?¡± I ask him, daring him to talk shit to me.


    I don¡¯t mind grabbing him by the cor and tossing him out this suite through the wall to ceiling ss windows. Andrew sighs, shuts his eyes, as if he¡¯s trying to keep his anger in check, and then he opens his eyes to look at us.


    ¡± So the night is over?¡± Andrew asks again.


    I open my mouth to answer him, but a knock on the door stops me. We turn to look at the door as Preston walks towards the door and opens it. Keith walks out of the bathroom with his hair damp and dressed in a long sleeved t-shirt and jeans.


    A girl pushes a cart with a tray on top and different food perfectly arranged on it.


    ¡± Good evening gents. I was asked to bring you dinner ording to hotel policy.¡±


    ¡± Is this free?¡± Andrew asks.


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡± Yes, it¡¯s part of the suite amodation.¡± The girl says.


    ¡± Thank you. We can take it from here.¡± Preston says, holding the cart and pushing it to the corner.


    ¡± I¡¯m going to take my leave.¡± She says and turns to leave.


    ¡± Wait.¡± Andrew stops her.


    ¡± Is there like a top, notch strip club around here that¡¯s not too far?¡¯ Andrew asks.


    ¡± Andrew¡­¡± Preston calls his name.


    ¡± Shut up, Preston.¡± He snaps without looking at him.


    ¡± I, uh, I don¡¯t know, but¡­¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s fine, you don¡¯t have to answer him.¡± I say, taking a few strides so I¡¯m standing beside Andrew.


    ¡± Well, there¡¯s one called the bubble. It¡¯s a club, but I¡¯m sure it has what you¡¯re looking for.¡± The girl says and leaves the suite, shutting the door behind her.


    ¡± The bubble.¡± Andrew whispers under his breath with a sick smirk.


    ¡± We¡¯re not going to a strip club.¡± I say sternly as I re at Andrew.


    ¡± Why not?¡±


    ¡± Because¡­¡± I say, but got cut short by Andrew.


    ¡± Today is your brother¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party, and as his best friend I won¡¯t let you end the night just like that without having fun.¡±


    ¡± Fun? What¡¯s your own definition of fun?¡±


    Andrew stares at me for a minute before turning towards Keith.


    ¡± Today¡¯s your night Keith, you can¡¯t just end it like that because we went out and saw nature. In less than a week you¡¯ll be married and all of this, women, drinks, girls, clubs ising to an end. You¡¯re an officially married man already. Why don¡¯t you talk to your brother so that we can party since it¡¯s thest night of you being single. You¡¯re soon gonna be a father and you know what that means. Marriage and responsibilities are going to fuck you real good you¡¯re gonna forget how to live.¡±


    ¡± So you¡¯re saying you want us to go to the bubble, a strip club and have fun. Are you forgetting we¡¯re all married, well except for Kil, and Raymond.¡±


    ¡± And I¡¯m in a rtionship, a serious one to be precise.¡± I butt in.


    ¡± And I¡¯m gay.¡± Raymond points out.


    ¡± Allow the groom to make this decision. He¡¯s the one getting married soon, so let him have one night of wild fun. And you Preston, you¡¯ve had all the fun before Esther, chill the fuck out. Including you Killian. You¡¯ve literally fucked half of New York, what more fun do you even want? This isn¡¯t about you.¡± He says, looking at me and Preston before turning to look at Keith. ¡± This is about my best bud who¡¯s going to get married soon.¡± Andrew says.


    ¡± And you Raymond, you can stay in here and count the stars while we are gone since you feel like not taking part in this. Also, gay or not, titties in your face means nothing, as long as you keep your hands to yourself.¡± Andrew says to Raymond before turning to look at Keith.


    I give Raymond a look, at the same time he turns to stare at me. I smirk and shake my head at Andrew.


    ¡± So what do you say buddy?¡± Andrew asks Keith.


    So at the end of the day, we all got dragged to the bubble. The city lights at night beautify the street, and Keith didn¡¯t stop staring out the window at the beauty.


    I watch him as we ride in the back of the limousine. Andrew pulls out his phone when it starts to ring. I think it¡¯s his wife calling.


    ¡± Yeah, baby, we¡¯re having fun. How are you?¡± He says to his wife with his phone pressed to his ear.


    I tune out his loud conversation as I pull out my own phone from my front pocket to text Naomi. I haven¡¯t heard from her since the afternoon when we FaceTime. I wonder what she¡¯s doing, how she¡¯s faring.


    ¡± You know sooner orter, you¡¯re gonna have to tell her.¡± Raymond whispers beside me.


    I turn to look at him and bite my bottom lip before looking back at my phone, staring at Naomi¡¯s name on my phone and the short message that I sent her.


    ¡± She deserves to know what¡¯s going on. There¡¯s a chick out there who¡¯s iming she¡¯s pregnant for you.¡±


    ¡± Can we not talk about this tonight? Maybe tomorrow? I really don¡¯t want to think about it.¡± I mutter, sighing.


    Raymond nods in understanding.


    ¡± Thanks. You know you don¡¯t have toe to this strip club if you¡¯re not into it.¡± I tell Raymond with a small smile.


    ¡± Andrew is right. I don¡¯t have to touch their titties right?¡± Raymond says, smirking..


    I chuckle and shake my head.


    From the distance, I see the big sign of The Bubble on top of a tall building in pink letters.


    ¡± Hmm.¡±


    The car pulls to a stop outside the tall, luxurious building and we all alight the car.


    ¡± This is so cool.¡± Andrew exims and walks ahead of us.


    Raymond and Preston follow behind while Keith and I trail behind them.


    ¡± You¡¯re sure this is what you want right?¡±


    ¡± Andrew can be a little too much sometimes, but what he said was right. I¡¯m getting married in a week¡¯s time and surprise, I¡¯m also gonna be a dad. So, I guess I should live a little, you know? Have a little bit of wild fun. You don¡¯t have to. I mean, Andrew said you¡¯ve fucked half of New York¡­¡± Keith says,ughing.


    ¡± Shut up.¡± I punch him gently in his arm as I chuckle too.


    There¡¯s a bouncer out front, stopping people that are not supposed to be in there. Andrew talks to him and says something to him. He looks past Andrew to us before nodding and letting us in.


    The bottom part is like a small, fancy, but luxurious restaurant with like minded people on each seat dining andughing.


    A man approached us, dressed in a white tuxedo jacket and ck pants. He looks to be in his early forties orte thirties. He smiles at us, his teeth white like his jacket.


    ¡± Hello. I¡¯m Mark. Please, do you have a table reservation? Because all our tables are booked.¡± He asks.


    Andrew opens his mouth to talk, but I beat him to it. The man raises his eyebrows surprisingly when he sees me, maybe out of recognition, I really don¡¯t know. But, I won¡¯t be surprised if he knows me. I¡¯ve been listed on Forbes as one of the top ten richest and influential men in the USA. I¡¯m in almost every entertainment magazine and business magazines, and that¡¯s why I don¡¯t y with my reputation considering a sick woman is after my business, my life, and that of my woman¡¯s.


    ¡± Mr. ck?¡± He asks.


    ¡± Yes. And we would like to go upstairs, the bubble to be precise.¡±


    He thinks for a moment before nodding.


    ¡± Please,e with me.¡±


    He starts to walk and we follow him. He stops in front of an elevator and pushes a button as it opens. Mark steps inside, presses a top button before stepping out of the elevator and allowing us to enter.


    ¡± Have fun, gents.¡± Mark says as he smirks at me.


    When the elevator shuts, Andrew speaks.


    ¡± You know if you weren¡¯t here, I still would have gotten us to The Bubble.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Right. No one¡¯s arguing with you, Andrew.¡± I say.


    Preston chuckles beside me.


    ¡± Whatever, Mr. ck.¡± Andrew mutters.


    The Bubble is like every strip club in New York. Red, pink, and purple lights illuminate the stage, with different braless strippers dancing around the pole. Some are even in ss boxes dancing. There are different men from different sses sitting around the red couches with strippers on theirps, and wine sses in their hand. It reminds me of Club K. The mor, the luxury, and the vibe.


    ¡± Wait here.¡± I say to the others before walking away.


    I booked a private room with strippers who will entertain the guys beforeing back with a man who will take us to the VIP room. The man nods at the others and leads us to the back of the club.


    In less than ten minutes, four strippers are already in the room, braless with nipple patches covering their nipples. They hold two bottles of champagne as they serve the guys with their flirty smirks stered on their faces. Raymond looks a little ufortable and I try not to chuckle.


    I steer clear off the women as I think about only one woman, Naomi. The private room is like my own personal private room in Club K, with one way transparent ss walls. The only difference is that this room overlooks the city below. I grab a ss of champagne off the table as I walk to the wall to ceiling ss window. I take a sip of my drink, with my brother being dry humped by a stripper behind me. A song is ying in the room in a medium volume as the strippers dance and entertain the men.


    Andrew looks like he¡¯s having a good time, and Preston doesn¡¯t pretend like he¡¯s not having a good time too. Keith looks ufortable, and I understand why. Keith has always been loyal. I am the manwhore and the man who wants to fuck around. Keith is always the type who doesn¡¯t cheat and he has always believed in love. I can vouch that the guy doesn¡¯t even go to strip clubs. If he has, I¡¯m sure as hell he didn¡¯t like the ce.


    I smile and look at Raymond who¡¯s trying to get away from one of the strippers. I wave him over and he sighs in relief and stands up. He takes a few strides towards me and he¡¯s standing beside me.


    ¡± Thanks for the rescue, man.¡± Raymond says, holding his own champagne flute.


    ¡± You needed it.¡± I say with a small smile.


    Raymond looks behind his shoulders and voices out. ¡± Keith¡¯s having fun.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I say.


    Raymond takes a deep breath and looks away from the scene behind us. We stare at the city together in silence as I zone out on the noise and Andrews chuckles and hootings behind me.


    ¡± Thanks for bringing me here. Australia is beautiful.¡± Raymond says.


    I nod in response.


    ¡± I¡¯m happy you¡¯re having fun.¡±


    ¡± Of course.¡± He replies, then speaks up again. ¡± I know I¡¯m not supposed to talk about the matter at hand, but Liam, the private investigator called me earlier today. He said he was trying to get a hold of you, but he couldn¡¯t. He said to tell you that if you¡¯re free you should try and call him.¡±


    ¡± Raymond, and you¡¯re just telling me this?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. Escaped my mind. Also, you said not to talk about the matter, and also, I was going to tell you. I think they¡¯ve managed to dig something out on this crazy Lily chick that has been sending you letters.¡±


    I sigh and pull out my phone and step away from Raymond. I slip out of the room and look for a restroom nearby. After searching for quite a while, Ie across the men¡¯s restroom and enter as I shut the door behind me, blocking the noise from the club.


    I unlock my phone, surprised that there¡¯s a message from Liam 35 minutes ago and even one missed call from him and two missed calls from Naomi.


    Why the fuck did I put my phone on silent again?


    I click the message from Liam and stare at it in shock, with my lips parted in awe.


    No shit. This can¡¯t be real, right?


    FROM LIAM: We¡¯ve found her address.

 Chapter 69

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± So you don¡¯t want to tell me about this mystery guy that you¡¯re now dating right? Ande to think of it, you didn¡¯t tell me why you and Lucky ended. I thought he was a great guy.¡± I say to Bianca on Saturday morning as we do kitchen chores together while cooking.


    Bianca stalls time as she stands on the other side of the kitchen counter and wipes a napkin on the marble ind in the middle of the kitchen.


    ¡± Bia.¡± I call, stretching my hand to the other side of the ind to flick her nose.


    ¡± Ouch.¡± She whines as she finally looks at me.


    I chuckle and roll my eyes, happy that I finally got her attention.


    ¡± What are you ashamed of? He¡¯s a guy with a child, so what? I¡¯m dating my boss, remember?¡±


    I dry thest te and keep it in the rack as I turn around to look at Bianca.


    ¡± Lucky and weren¡¯t just feeling it. And you¡¯re right, he¡¯s a great guy, just not what I am looking for. And this new guy, there¡¯s not much to talk about. He¡¯s great, and we are still getting to know each other.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯ve met his kid?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, once. The encounter wasn¡¯t that bad.¡±


    ¡± I get it, you don¡¯t even like kids.¡± I point out.


    ¡± What?¡± Bianca exims with wide eyes. ¡± Who said I don¡¯t like kids? Kids are adorable, they just cry a lot and it¡¯s fucking annoying.¡±


    ¡± You see what I¡¯m saying?¡±


    ¡± This is different. He¡¯s not really a whiny, annoying child. He¡¯s cool. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll meet him soon, I promise.¡±


    I smile and nod.


    We fall silent for a minute as I check the boiling pasta.


    ¡± What¡¯s up with Killian by the way? I hope nobody¡¯s giving you a headache at the office?¡±


    ¡± Thankfully, no. We¡¯re still keeping it a secret for now. We can¡¯t afford people finding out and spreading rumors that are actually not meaningful.¡± I say.


    ¡± Damn. But who gives a shit anyway? It¡¯s not like you guys are just fucking, you guys are in love and definitely in a rtionship. Even if there¡¯s some sort of rumor, or some crap, it¡¯s going to die down as soon as it starts. You man is rich, and the CEO of his ownpany, so he¡¯s definitely going to shut anyone up who starts to talk bullshit about you two. I¡¯m sure of that.¡± Bianca says as she gives me a small smile.


    ¡± Thanks, Bia. That speech is really spirit lifting, my spirit is lifted.¡± I say, making Biancaugh.


    She rolls her eyes and tosses the napkin at me.


    ¡± Shut up. That Amber bitch still bothering you?¡±


    ¡± Nah. Killian put her in her ce.¡± I say and turn off the stove to sieve water from the pasta.


    Work yesterday, which was Friday and the day Killian wasn¡¯t around because of his brother¡¯s bachelor¡¯s party in Australia, was hectic. It¡¯s not like anybody stomped up to my desk to talk to me about shit, it was just in awkward. The whispers, the mutters, the side and silent talks, God, it was hell. And the worst case, Raymond was also not around since he¡¯s a part of Keith¡¯s groomsmen. Yesterday at the office, it felt like everyone knew I was actually in a rtionship with Killian. The eyes from fellow workers, they didn¡¯t bother to be discreet about it.


    And God, I missed him, so much actually. We talked throughout the night,st night actually, but I never really mentioned about the awkward attitude from other workers at the office, especially the women. Amber didn¡¯t bother to hide her hatred toward me, but she was smart enough to not approach me, except she doesn¡¯t value her job.


    ¡± You just zoned out. Are you thinking about sex with Killian right now?¡± Amber asks, with a smirk on her face as she wiggles her eyebrows.


    ¡± What?!¡± I choke on my spit,ughing and shaking my head. ¡± God, I hate you.¡± I say, giggling.


    ¡± You know you don¡¯t.¡± I say.


    Bianca smiles and rolls her eyes. When the pasta is ready, Bianca and I sit down to eat.


    ¡± How¡¯s work by the way? You¡¯ve barely talked about your work. Anyone like Amber at your workce bothering you?¡± I ask, stabbing the pasta with my fork as I put it in my mouth.


    ¡± Yeah, it¡¯s not really a girl. Just some dude who wants to fuck me. He¡¯s my supervisor, this redhead guy I work under. He¡¯s like my boss, but I can¡¯t call him that. He¡¯s just my supervisor. Well, the douchebag wants to have sex with me and I told him politely that I¡¯m dating someone and I really don¡¯t want to cheat on him, but this guy doesn¡¯t catch my drift. He doesn¡¯t want to get it that I¡¯m not interested in him. He¡¯s getting mad, giving me stupid jobs and throwing shades at me like I¡¯m the cause of his dick not working properly.¡± Bianca narrates.


    Iugh and shake my head.


    ¡± Oh my God, how do you know his dick is not working?!¡± I ask, giggling as I try not to choke on pasta sauce.


    ¡± That is the only reason the asshat should be mad. Because his dick is not working.¡±


    I roll my eyes and grab my ss of water.


    ¡± But have you thought about reporting him to HR? That¡¯s like sexual harrasment right?¡±


    ¡± I know, but I¡¯m new and I don¡¯t want any unnecessary attention drawn towards me. I believe he¡¯s gonna get tired and get bored and he will probably stop chasing me.¡±


    ¡± And what if he doesn¡¯t? You know, stop chasing you?¡±


    ¡± Oh, he will. Men always get easily bored when they don¡¯t get what they want for a long time. It¡¯s a surprise Killian didn¡¯t get bored. God, he was so determined, it was hot. Sexy even.¡± Bianca says as she winks at me.


    I blush and smile.


    ¡± Yeah. It¡¯s still a miracle we¡¯re even together. He¡¯s this hot billionaire with the world at his feet and he can literally get anything, any woman. I¡¯m that in, simple woman who¡¯s so different from him.¡±


    ¡± Is that your self esteem dropping?¡±


    ¡± Shut up. I¡¯m just stating the obvious.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, you¡¯re this boring nerd and he¡¯s like¡­¡± I hurl a sealed bottle of water at her before she thinks ofpleting her word. She quickly ducks as sheughs.


    ¡± I thought we were stating the obvious.¡± Bianca says, giggling. I chuckle.


    ¡± Whatever. Fuck you, bitch. I hate you so much.¡± I say, giggling.


    ¡± I love you so much.¡± Bianca says, smiling as we continue to eat in silence.


    ¡± You know, since we¡¯re both free tonight, why don¡¯t we party?¡± Bianca asks when we¡¯re done eating.


    ¡± Party?¡± I ask, dropping the dirty dishes in the sink while turning on the tap to wash the tes.


    ¡± Yeah. Or is Killian ck against you partying?¡± She asks, crossing her arms and leaning against the counter.


    ¡± Of course not. I don¡¯t think I wanna party tonight though. I¡¯m not really in the mood.¡±


    Bianca raises her eyebrows at me and I avoid her gaze as I start to wash the tes. It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t feel like partying, well I don¡¯t, and also I promise Killian we¡¯d FaceTime tonight.


    ¡± Is heing back tonight?¡±


    ¡± No, he¡¯ll be back tomorrow though.¡± I answer truthfully.


    Bianca hums as she nods.


    ¡± Also¡­¡± I say, turning off the tap since the water bill is pretty high now and we can¡¯t afford to waste a lot of water.


    With my hands stained withther, I turn to look at Bianca.


    ¡± What¡¯s up? What¡¯s bothering you?¡± Bianca asks.


    I sigh and wipe my hands.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, I feel like something is wrong with Killian.¡±


    ¡± What do you mean?¡±


    ¡± Well, he¡¯s been acting strange, asking if anyone was threatening me.¡±


    ¡± Why would anyone threaten you? It¡¯s not like you wronged anyone.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. But he¡¯s always worried someone might be threatening or ckmailing me.¡± I say and roll my eyes. ¡± Which is kind of strange because not a lot of people know we¡¯re dating and I really don¡¯t get why anyone would want to threaten or ckmail me. ckmail me with what exactly?¡± I say and sigh. ¡± I¡¯m just worried, you know.¡±


    ¡± I think he¡¯s afraid because he¡¯s your boss and you¡¯re his worker and it¡¯s against a lot of rules that you two are actually together. Also there are a lot of sick hoes out there who would kill you just to make Killian theirs. That¡¯s how desperate and sick these women are.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I sigh and nod. ¡± It¡¯s just weird though. But thank God, we¡¯re keeping it on a low. I really don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to do if the people at work find out. They¡¯ll start spreading stupid rumors.¡±


    ¡± Well, I¡¯m here for you and you know that right? And if you feel like punching anyone at work for throwing shades at you, but you don¡¯t have the balls to punch them, I¡¯m just a phone call away.¡± Bianca says, smiling.


    Iugh.


    ¡± By the way, why did you tell George where I worked? Did I tell you how it turned out, because it didn¡¯t turn out great.¡± I¡¯m supposed to be mad at her, but I just can¡¯t.


    You can¡¯t stay mad at Bianca for too long. She¡¯s just too sweet.


    ¡± God, I¡¯m so sorry. What happened? Please tell me Killian didn¡¯t get to see him, that will definitely be bad.¡±


    ¡± Of course they met, right outside hispany where George and I were talking. Killian was just jealous¡­¡±


    ¡± He was jealous? Wow, that¡¯s so hot.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not hot.¡± I intervene. ¡± Maybe it was, a little, but still, he thought I still had feelings for George. What the hell!¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. He was so whiny about knowing where you worked, and you know I don¡¯t even like George, he¡¯s a fake, obviously. He was all in my space and kept whining. I¡¯m so sorry, I don¡¯t have a valid excuse, I know.¡±


    I cross my arms and stare at her. She pouts and puckers her bottom lip. I sigh and roll my eyes at her as I uncross my arms.


    ¡± Fine, whatever. It¡¯s not like I can stay mad at you forever.¡±


    ¡± Yaay. Wanna do groceries together?¡±


    ¡± Sure. What¡¯s the worst thing that can happen while shopping with you?¡± I ask. Bianca smirks. ¡°God, don¡¯t answer that, I know. You¡¯ll probably spend like six hours reading differentbels andparing products. You¡¯re crazy.¡± I tell her. Sheughs.


    ***


    ¡± God, which do you think is better? Worcestershire sauce or Baker¡¯s sauce?¡± Bianca says as she eyes the two different bottles of sauces in her hand.


    I shake my head at her and grab the Worcestershire sauce and toss it in the cart in my hand.


    She looks at me. ¡± Worcestershire sauce it is.¡± She smiles.


    After picking the different things we want, with Bianca spending an extra hourparing products, we finally walk over to the cashier together to check out what we bought.


    ¡± We should stop by the mall. I need to pick out a few things. I¡¯ve got a date tomorrow.¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡± With your new boyfriend who¡¯s got a child?¡± I ask Bianca as we step out of the grocery store.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think you like him that much.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. I¡¯m just¡­¡± sighs. ¡± I¡¯m just worried about you. It wasn¡¯t long after you got out of a rtionship with Lucky.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine, really.¡±


    I know she¡¯s not fine, it¡¯s obvious. I think she¡¯s dating these guys because she¡¯s afraid of being alone. And, I know Bianca enough to know that she dates guys because she doesn¡¯t want to feel like she¡¯s alone or lonely.


    ¡± Okay. What¡¯s his name?¡± I ask as we walk side by side on the curb with grocery bags in our hands.


    ¡± Mike.¡±


    ¡± Hmm. Nice name.¡±


    ¡± Is he hot?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Really hot.¡±


    ¡± ck? White? Or maybe Hispanic, or Arabic?¡± I ask.


    Bianca giggles and rolls her eyes.


    ¡± He¡¯s biracial?¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s Hispanic, Naomi. He knows good Spanish too. Well, he¡¯s great. I think you¡¯ll like him.¡±


    I nod. ¡± Sure, I will. We¡¯ll just speak Spanish together as a friendly bonding.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯d like that.¡±


    The mall isn¡¯t far from the grocery store so it doesn¡¯t take us a long time to get there. Bianca and I step inside the mall. It¡¯s busy since it¡¯s Saturday. I look around, eyeing the countless stores and even restaurants.


    ¡± Oh my God. Naomi!¡± A familiar voice says behind me.


    Bianca and I turn around and Celine is standing right in front of us with another rich and ssy friend. She eyes my outfit, taking in my simple choice of outfit. I¡¯m wearing a ck long sleeve crop top with cream colored joggers and ck slippers. My hair is in a ponytail and I¡¯m not wearing makeup. Bianca is wearing a red hoodie, and ck joggers too with white running sneakers.


    Unlike us, Celine and her friend are beautifully, and fancily dressed like they¡¯re going out for dinner or something. Celine wears a blue satin dress and bra straps with strappy ck heels. Her friend also mimics her dress, just that her dress is burgundy.


    ¡± You look nice.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡± I mutter.


    Celine mighte off as nice, but I¡¯m not that dumb. I know she wants something from me and I don¡¯t really like her either, and she being involved with Killian sexually in the past just puts me off.


    ¡± Hi.¡± She turns to Bianca. ¡± I¡¯m Celine.¡±


    ¡± Bianca.¡±


    ¡± Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡± You too.¡± Bianca says.


    ¡± This is my friend, Jenna. Jenna, Naomi and Bianca.¡±


    Jenna doesn¡¯t try to hide her irritation and Bianca notices that too. She just nods at us in response to Celine¡¯s greetings.


    ¡± What are you guys doing here?¡± Celine asks, smiling with her lips painted a bright red.


    ¡± Oh, shopping.¡± Bianca says.


    ¡± That¡¯s great. We¡¯re meeting friends for dinner. Oh, you two should join us, it would be great.¡± No, it won¡¯t.


    ¡± Oh, no, we don¡¯t want to bother you guys.¡± I say, giving her a small smile.


    ¡± Oh, please. This will be a good time to have that outing we talked about. Please, juste have dinner with us, it would be great for bonding. You know, since you and I specially know Mr. ck.¡±


    Right. ¡®Specially.¡¯ She still have the heart to remind me she fucked my man in the past.


    I swallow, masking my disgust with a small smile. ¡± We would like that, but¡­¡±


    ¡± We wille.¡± Bianca says at once.


    What? I turn to look at Bianca and she¡¯s giving me one of her knowing and creepy smiles. Oh God, no, I know that look.


    ¡± We will? I thought you were going shopping for a date tomorrow?¡± I say, raising my eyebrows at her.


    ¡± That can wait. You¡¯re not turning down free food, are you?¡± She whispers with a smirk as she turns to look at Celine.


    ¡± We wille.¡±


    Celine¡¯s friend, Jenna, hates this as much as I do too. d she¡¯s on my side on this.


    ¡± Great. Please,e on.¡± Celine says as she starts to walk ahead of us with her friend.


    I turn to look at Bianca, not bothering to hide my irritation. Ahead of us, Celine¡¯s friend whispers something to Celine with irritation. She really hates this just as much as I hate having dinner with Celine and her rich, arrogant friends.


    ¡± What the hell?¡± I ask Bianca.


    ¡± Just y along. Everything will be great. Trust me.¡± She says with a small smile.


    I sigh and internally groan, before giving her a smile of my own and nodding.


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    ¡± Great, let¡¯s do this.¡± With that said, Bianca and I trot behind Celine and her rich, arrogant friend.


    I have a feeling I will regret this.

 Chapter 70

    Killian¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s Sunday, and me and the guys came back from Australia this morning. I haven¡¯t had time to see Naomi. The minute I returned to the country, I made sure to call Liam, the private detective I hired to find information about this strange woman so that we could check her address. I needed to see her even though I wasn¡¯t sure how I was going to react. I just needed to see who was threatening to harm Naomi.


    As we stand on the quiet street of a downtown neighborhood, I ask myself if this is real? She can¡¯t be that dumb to write down her real address when mailing those letters. No one¡¯s that dumb. The neighborhood is far from the neighborhood I live in. This neighborhood is poorly managed, with cheap houses and even the street lights obviously don¡¯t work. Raymond¡¯s with me. He decided to tag along and I let him.


    ¡± Her name is Lily Sanders. I mean ording to the name she¡¯s been using when sending you those letters. Do you know any Lily Sanders.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t.¡± I answer absentmindedly.


    ¡± I figured. I did a little research and found out Lily Sanders doesn¡¯t exist.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± And this supposed address?¡± Raymond asks, leaning forward a little to stare at Liam standing by my side.


    ¡± This is the address she¡¯s been sending the letters from.¡± Liam says.


    ¡± And why do I have a feeling that herst name and Celine¡¯s actually matched. Celine¡¯sst name is Sanders, right?¡± Raymond speaks as he looks at me.


    I sigh, with my hands in my trench coat pockets. I don¡¯t look at Raymond, instead I stare at the supposed house of Lily Sanders.


    ¡± Celine doesn¡¯t have a sister, and yes herst name is Sanders.¡±


    ¡± I think Celine has a lot of reasons to want to hurt you.¡±


    ¡± Oh you think?¡± I ask Raymond sarcastically, trying not to roll my eyes at his obvious thinking.


    Every person has one or more reasons to want to ruin my life. I¡¯ve broken so many hearts, fucked a lot of people over, and even taken countless business opportunities that weren¡¯t rightfully mine because I yed my cards right. So, I don¡¯t know what to think anymore. Celine and I weren¡¯t anything and she knew that. She knew her boundaries and didn¡¯t try to cross it. Although, recently, she¡¯s been trying to flirt with me while using dinner requests, but I always turned her down. She knew I was in a rtionship and I love Naomi. Is that even a good enough reason to hunt my life. Also, I¡¯ve never had sex with Celine without a condom. Never. So she definitely cannot be pregnant for me.


    ¡± Should we check it or do we keep on standing here?¡± Liam asks.


    I sigh, and with my hands in my trench coat pockets, I cross the street. The houses have little porch in them, and this particr house that we¡¯re supposed to check is poorly taken care of. Liam knocks on the door and we wait for a reply. For another minute when a response doesn¡¯te, I pull out my right hand from my pocket and knock.


    Nothing.


    ¡± Hello.¡± A man from the next house calls for our attention. He¡¯s standing on his own porch and he looks to be in histe forties.


    ¡± Hi. Please, do you live here?¡± Liam asks the man.


    ¡± Yes. And the house you¡¯re knocking on, nobody lives there. The couple who lived in that house died six years ago. Who do you think stays in there?¡± The man asks.


    Liam sighs and twists the doorknob, it¡¯s locked.


    ¡± Do you have any idea if they had any daughters?¡± I ask.


    ¡± They don¡¯t. They never liked kids. Hated ¡¯em.¡± The man says.


    ¡± Thank you!¡± Liam says and twists the knob again, probably thinking it will magically open.


    I sigh and turn to look at the street. It is obvious from the start that nobody lives in this house and nobody¡¯s that dumb to write from their real address if they¡¯re threatening to hurt someone.


    ¡± Don¡¯t you think we should check the apartment? For anything? The people who live here might be dead, but that doesn¡¯t mean anybody can¡¯t use this ce to write letters. Someone might even be secretly living here without the knowledge of the other neighbors.¡± Raymond says.


    ¡± He¡¯s right.¡± Liam says and opens his wallet. He pulls out a pin and begins fishing the lock.


    ¡± What are you doing? Are you trying to break in?¡± The man asks and I¡¯m surprised he¡¯s still standing there.


    ¡± Calm down, sir, I¡¯m a cop.¡± Liam says, with his head and his focus on unlocking the door with a pin.


    With more twists and turns, the lock finally gives way and the door opens. We stand outside as we stare into the barely lit small foyer. It looks empty from where I stand. I take a step forward and enter this apartment. There are cobwebs in the air and I try to use my hand to move them out of my face. It¡¯s really empty, no furniture, nothing, just bare empty space with dust on the floor and the air. It¡¯s dirty and truly looks like a ce someone has abandoned for six years.


    ¡± There are millions of addresses in New York, why did she pick this one? It should mean something right?¡± I ask.


    ¡± I think it does. We ran prints for the letters you¡¯ve been receiving and there was a frequent print. It was in all the letters. His name¡¯s Russell Dwayne. A guy who works as a mechanic, he¡¯s not married. I talked with the man who works at the postal office. The postal man says the person that usually drops the letter is a boy and ording to the man that works there, this boy is in histe twenties and his description matches that of Russell Dwayne¡¯s. I will be interviewing him tomorrow to get more details from him.¡± Liam says.


    ¡± She doesn¡¯t drop the letters herself. Smart. Just what I thought.¡± I mutter, sighing.


    ¡± There was no print that matches a woman. The prints on the letters were just yours, the delivery guy, Russell, your driver, no woman. If a woman¡¯s writing these letters, she¡¯s pretty smart. She¡¯s wiping off her prints, maybe by wearing gloves. And the letters always have this faint smell of flowery perfume.¡± Liam continues.


    I don¡¯t know how to feel about this, but I¡¯m obviously angry and pissed.


    I walk to the kitchen area and it¡¯s just the same as the rest of the apartment. Bare, empty, dirty. I pull out a glove from my coat and wear it in my right hand. I begin to pull out every drawer, including Raymond while the detective check the other parts of the house.


    ¡± We¡¯re gonna find her, Kil.¡± Raymond says to assure me.


    ¡± I know.¡± I mutter. ¡± But, I just hope she hasn¡¯t hurt Naomi before we do.¡±


    I open the bottom cupboards and there¡¯s nothing that canpromise her in here. I sigh in irritation and walk out of the kitchen and outside the apartment. I take a deep breath, since I barely can breathe inside. I pull out a packet of cigarettes, pull out one, and slip it in between my lips as I light the end. I take a drag and exhale out the smoke through my nose and mouth with the cancer stick still situated in between my lips.


    ¡± I thought you quit.¡± Raymond whispers beside me.


    ¡± I thought I did too.¡± I mutter.


    Stress and a lot of thinking makes me turn back to smoking even when I¡¯m supposed to be clean. I can¡¯t help it.


    ¡± Fuck.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fucked. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m gonna do If this strange woman hurts Naomi. I can kill the bitch myself if she does.¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s not gonna hurt her. I mean why would she? You¡¯re the one she¡¯s mad at, not Naomi. I think the important thing right now is for you to talk to Naomi, tell her what¡¯s really going. She¡¯s going to understand.¡±


    Yeah? I can¡¯t tell her now. I can¡¯t tell her some chick is iming to be pregnant for me and even threatening to kill her if I don¡¯t cooperate. It¡¯s sick and I hate it if she¡¯s got to worry about something like that. I need to know who¡¯s doing this before I talk to Naomi. Right now, I don¡¯t have a n. No n at all.


    ¡± Look what I found.¡± Liam steps onto the porch as he says.


    Raymond and I turn to look at him and he¡¯s holding a picture. I take the picture from his hand and bring it to my view. It¡¯s a baby¡¯s picture. A girl who¡¯s about 8 months old and draped in a Christmas sweater and someone¡¯s holding her. The person who¡¯s holding is cut off from the picture, just the smiling baby.


    ¡± Who¡¯s this?¡± I ask, turning it around to look at the back for any name. It¡¯s bare.


    ¡± That¡¯s what I¡¯m going to find out.¡± Liam says and takes the picture from my hand. ¡± The old man says the couples who lived here never had a child. So, this could be someone who has been visiting this house or thete couple¡¯s child.¡±


    ¡± We should leave and I¡¯ll further look for any names, and faces to match this picture. You should try and rest and think of any woman from your past who you must have hurt. Maybe an old fling.¡± Liam says as he steps down from the porch.


    If only he knows I¡¯ve hurt a lot of women.


    ***


    There¡¯s a letter waiting for me when I get home. And this time I think she used another postal office. I pour wine in a ss as I stare at the letter in my hand. I refrain from opening it, I¡¯m not ready to see its content, because tonight I¡¯m supposed to be taking Naomi out on a date. I don¡¯t want to be in a mood when I¡¯m supposed to be happy I¡¯m with my woman.


    My phone rings and I pull it out of my pocket. I drop the letter on the marble kitchen counter and stand up.


    ¡± Hey, Keith.¡± I say as I answer the phone.


    ¡± Hey. How are you doing?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m great. Still drunk out of your ass fromst night?¡± I ask, smiling.


    ¡± Fuck you, Kil.¡±


    ¡± I bet you still smell like those strippers.¡±


    Keith groans in the background and I chuckle. The weekend turned out great. Keith and I took a tour around Australia andter, Andrew talked him into visiting another clubter at night to get wasted. They drank shots from the stomachs of strippers and their tits were just out with only a thong bikini. This morning, with a serious hangover, Keith vowed never to listen to his friend again. It was crazy.


    ¡± How¡¯s Naomi by the way? She good?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Well, I haven¡¯t seen her though.¡±


    ¡± What? Isn¡¯t it like 6pm in the evening?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯ve been busy sorting some shit out.¡±


    Like looking through my memoryne and thinking about girls I¡¯ve dated, hooked up with, even old mes. I barely could put a name to their faces and I can¡¯t even remember what they look like.


    This is hard.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Keith asks, with concernced in his voice.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve got a date with Naomi tonight. We¡¯re eating out.¡±


    ¡± Can I bring Eve over and let¡¯s do a double date? I should properly meet Naomi. Also, Eve wants to meet her.¡±


    ¡± Aren¡¯t you, like, hungover?¡±


    ¡± Shut up, I¡¯m not. Seriously, I¡¯m great. What do you say?¡±


    ¡± Let me talk to her first and I¡¯ll call you back.¡±


    ¡± Great. I¡¯m expecting your call.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I hang up and dial Naomi¡¯s number.


    She picks up on the first ring.


    ¡± Hey.¡± She says on the phone. She sounds happy, like someone who¡¯s having fun.


    ¡± Having fun without me, huh?¡±


    She giggles on the phone. I still can¡¯tpletely grasp the idea of me dating Naomi. It still feels like magic she epted to date me. I may be hot and rich, but I¡¯m definitely not the man Naomi would want to date. I have the worst personality and we didn¡¯t even start off on a good foot. I was a flirt, and indecent. She¡¯s just too good for me.


    ¡± What? No. Bia and I are just talking and watching a movie. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡± I miss you and I can¡¯t wait to see you tonight.¡±


    ¡± Yeah? I miss you too. And I can¡¯t wait to hear all the juicy stories about Australia.¡±


    ¡± About that. My brother, Keith, wants to do a double date dinner. He¡¯s bringing his fianc¨¦e, Eve, and he wants to properly meet you. I told him I wanna talk to you first if you¡¯re okay with the idea.¡±


    ¡± Why not? Sure, I would like to meet him, too. He seems cool.¡±


    ¡± Thanks.¡±


    ¡± What should I wear?¡± She asks in a quiet whisper. ¡± I¡¯m so nervous right now.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s just Keith.¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s still your brother. Another important part of you.¡±


    ¡± Just look hot, yeah?¡±


    ¡± Hot, right. Code name for red, isn¡¯t it?¡± She whispers.


    I smile and chuckle.


    ¡± If you keep on whispering in my ear like that, I¡¯m not sure I will be able to control myself that long without wanting to take you in the restaurant¡¯s restroom.¡± I whisper to her.


    She stays quiet on the line. I imagine her biting her lip and blushing.


    ¡± You¡¯re a bad boy, Killian.¡± She tries to sound more confident, but I can hear her wetness in her voice.


    ¡± I really do miss you, and I can¡¯t wait to see you tonight.¡±


    ¡± Me neither. And why don¡¯t you show me how much you miss me when we get to your bedroom. You can show me with your hands, your lips, and even that whip¡­¡± She purrs, softly and seductively.


    My dick twitches in my pants and I¡¯m groaning as I shut my eyes for a second. How can she do this to me over the phone when she¡¯s not even here? I shove my left hand into my pockets as I take a deep breath. She barely flirts or talks dirty, but when she does, she always has my dick responding to her silent words and whispers.


    ¡± Now I feel like driving over to you right now and bringing you back to my bedroom.¡± I groan.


    Naomi giggles. ¡± I¡¯m gonna see you tonight Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Can¡¯t wait.¡± I hang up and take a deep breath as I stare at my junk that¡¯s still hard.


    ¡± Fucking hell.¡± I mutter, grab the envelope on the counter as I walk out of the kitchen with a throbbing boner.

 Chapter 71

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± Which one of these dresses says, I¡¯m decent, just a little flirt, and I would really like to get on with my man tonight?¡± I ask Bianca as I raise two dresses up.


    These dresses are from top brands andbels that I¡¯ve only seen on TV and celebrities and I never thought I would wear any of these. Killian had gotten me a personal shopper and she bought me all of these dresses, shoes, bags, and even jewelries. Iined about him spending too much money on me, but Killian held my face and whispered I deserved every inch of it.


    Each time I open my closet, I still can¡¯t believe I own any of these clothes. The shoes and bags were mostly from Chanel and one other brand in Paris. Now when I walk through the elevators of KB TECH in new designer clothes every other day, I notice the women now stare at me with respect, like I actually belong and not just some gold digging whore.


    ¡± Hmm¡­¡± Bianca examines both dresses. ¡± I¡¯ll go with the lemon. It¡¯s slutty and decent enough. You¡¯re meeting his brother tonight, right?¡± Bianca asks as she sits on my bed.


    The painting he bought me from that art gallery is in my bedroom wall. Each time I look at it, I still can¡¯t grasp the idea of owning something that expensive. I literally do not feelfortable having something as expensive as that.


    But Killian keeps telling me I deserved it. Everything.


    ¡± Yeah. And trust me, I¡¯m nervous.¡±


    I keep the blue dress and spread the lemon dress on my bed. I pull out an open toed silver stilettos with straps and drop it on my bed. I¡¯ve less than an hour to get ready.


    Bianca chuckles. ¡± Yeah, I get it. There¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t handle, I trust you.¡±


    ¡± Well, he seems okay. Friendly, even.¡± I say.


    My phone vibrates on the bed. I reach for it and stare at the caller ID before tossing my phone back on the bed.


    ¡± George?¡± Bianca asks, staring at his name disyed on my phone screen.


    ¡± Yeah. He says he wants to talk. I just¡­I don¡¯t think it¡¯s wise to see George now.¡±


    ¡± I told you he wants to get back, you didn¡¯t believe me.¡± Bianca says.


    I groan and grab the dress off the bed. I remove the hanger and go to my bathroom to get dressed.


    ¡± He¡¯s probably regretting now that he should have stood up for you and not let his parents talk you down. He¡¯s a total shitbag and a fuck stick. I wonder what you saw in him anyway.¡± Bianca says from my bedroom.


    I roll my eyes and chuckle.


    ¡± He¡¯s not that bad.¡± I say, as I get naked and put on the dress Bianca picked out.


    ¡± It¡¯s funny how you justify his attitude.¡±


    I step out of my bathroom wearing the dress.


    ¡± I¡¯m not justifying George¡¯s attitude, okay? Once upon a time, he was what I needed. We were happy and doing fine, and then things got ruined. It¡¯s life, it happens.¡± I sigh and turn to the full length mirror to stare at my reflection.


    The dress is a bodycon, lime colored satin dress, with long sleeves and a v-neck attached with a cor. There¡¯s a split on the right thigh that reaches my upper thigh. It¡¯s a little decent, but also sexy.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, I said that. I just hate seeing you hurt.¡±


    ¡± Funny I hate seeing you hurt also. Wanna help me with my hair and make-up?¡±


    ¡± Yup. I¡¯m going to polish you, Killian is going to cum in his pants without actually touching you.¡±


    ¡± Ew, Jesus, you didn¡¯t just say that. God, you¡¯re so disgusting.¡±


    ¡± Oh, shut up, you both are definitely going to swoon all over each other throughout the night and then take it to his bedroom, you lucky bitch.¡± Bianca says with a smile as she makes me sit on the dresser chair.


    ¡± You¡¯re such a slut.¡± I say, smiling to myself.


    Since I know nothing about makeup, Bianca always does my makeup. When she¡¯s done, I stare at my reflection in front of me with a small smile. My hair is in a neat back ponytail that¡¯s braided with a tearing in the middle of my hair. My makeup is light and I look good. I wear my shoes and tie the strap around my legs as I stand up.


    ¡± By the way, what are you gonna do about Celine?¡± Bianca asks as she sits on my bed.


    The dinner with Celine¡¯s friends yesterday didn¡¯t turn out great. I nearly flipped the table and beat the shit out of her. God, she was sweet, weird kind of sweet, still. And also Celine showed her real dirty character. That bitch Is a snake, slow, and poisonous. She talked about the rtionship she had with Killian when Bianca asked her how we met. She indirectly called me a slut and even said Killian liked her and they had a rtionship Killian won¡¯t be able to forget in his life. She said so much shit and I just couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Her friends were rich snobs and one of her male friends tried to flirt with me. They were all arrogant and they rubbed it in our faces that they were rich.


    The little self control I had left was the only thing that kept me from grabbing her hair and mming her face on the table. Bianca and I had to leave when we¡¯ve had enough.


    ¡± Nothing.¡±


    ¡± Nothing?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, nothing. It¡¯s not like Killian¡¯s hooking up with her. She¡¯s a slut. An attention seeking whore.¡±


    ¡± I think you should tell Killian.¡±


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± Because Celine was his ex.¡±


    ¡± They never dated.¡±


    ¡± Right, they had sex and that means, once upon a time she was what he needed.¡±


    ¡± God, I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d say that.¡± I grab my purse and phone and head towards my bedroom door.


    ¡± Come on, I didn¡¯t mean it like that. All I¡¯m saying is that you should talk to Killian to peel her off your back. She¡¯s like a pest.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not a child, Bianca, I can take care of myself.¡± I give her a half hearted smile as we reach the living room.


    Thankfully, the doorbell rings.


    ¡± Don¡¯t wait up tonight. I might spend the night.¡± I say as I open the living room door.


    ¡± Have fun.¡± I hear Bianca say as I shut the door behind me.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Killian stands in front of me looking extremely, breathtakingly good looking. He eyes my outfit and smiles.


    ¡± God, you look beautiful.¡± He whispers as he leans down to kiss my lips.


    I smile against his lips. ¡± Thank you, you look hot and handsome.¡±


    He¡¯s wearing ck suit that¡¯s perfectly tailored and ironed with a grey dress shirt. His suit jacket is left unbuttoned, including the top two buttons of his dress shirt.


    ¡± Ready to leave?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    Killian wraps his arm around my waist as he walks me down the hallway and towards the elevator.


    ***


    The restaurant is a fancy and luxurious french ce. The settings, everything is just beautiful. Killian¡¯s reservation is at the rooftop of the tall building. When we get to the top, I ogle at the beauty. There are few chairs here with white fancy canopies hovering over the tables and chairs. I guess this means this part of the restaurant is reserved for wealthy people. There are gold railings surrounding the floor which you can hold onto and gaze at the sky. New York from the rooftop is beautiful and it¡¯s nightfall. There are gold lights which illuminate the rooftop. A song is ying at a low volume and the chairs and tables are well designed and are ck in color. There¡¯s a grill at the corner, a bar, and even the music stand.


    Killian pulls out a seat for me and I sit down. Killian sits next to me with the waiter hovering over our table. Keith and his fianc¨¦e are yet toe.


    ¡± Can I get you anything for a start?¡±


    ¡± No, thank you. We¡¯re waiting for our guests.¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡± The waiter nods and leaves.


    ¡± This ce is beautiful.¡± I turn to say to him as I smile.


    ¡± Do you like it?¡±


    ¡± I love it.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m d you do.¡± He whispers as we just stare at each other in silence.


    ¡± You really do look beautiful.¡± Killian whispers.


    My bare thighs are on disy as I sit down. Killian ces his hand on my thigh and leans close to me and kisses me. He grips my thigh as if trying to pull me close to him. I kiss him back, hands holding thepel of his suit.


    ¡± Adults. You guys should get a room.¡± A voice says.


    Killian smiles against my lips as he stops kissing me.


    ¡± You fucking asshole.¡± Killian says, chuckling, as he stands up to hug this new guest.


    It¡¯s his brother, I think, and a woman is standing next to him. She¡¯s pregnant, with a slight baby bump showing through her evening red dress. I stand up when Keith turns to look at me.


    ¡± Hi.¡± I greet him with my hand outstretched. ¡± I¡¯m Naomi.¡±


    ¡± Keith ck. You look astonishingly beautiful.¡±


    I smile. ¡± Thank you.¡±


    ¡± This is my soon to be bride, Eve.¡± Keith Introduces the brown skin woman beside him.


    I turn to look at her, as she stares at me with familiarity in her eyes.


    ¡± Naomi?¡± She asks.


    ¡± Evelyn?¡± I ask her too, smiling at the familiar face in front of me.


    ¡± Oh my God.¡± We both scream at the same time.


    I pull her to a hug at once and she hugs me back.


    ¡± What the hell is going on?¡± I hear Keith ask Killian.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, man.¡± Killian says.


    Eve and I pull apart, smiling widely.


    ¡± What are you doing here? I¡¯m sorry, you¡¯re the Naomi he¡¯s been talking about? How can my best friend be dating Killian ck and I had no idea.¡± Eve says in Spanish.


    I giggle as we both try to ignore the men¡¯s oblivious stares.


    ¡± Look at you. You¡¯re pregnant, God, I¡¯m so happy I met you. After highschool, you were just gone.¡± I reply in Spanish.


    ¡± I was just gone? You were gone, Naomi. You went to college, we lost contact. You know we moved.¡±


    ¡± Shit, I didn¡¯t know. I looked for ways to contact you, but nothing. God, you look so beautiful.¡±


    ¡± Oh please, you look better. You¡¯ve grown so¡­tall.¡± Eve says in Spanish as we chuckle together.


    ¡± Ladies.¡± The men calls for our attention.


    We stopughing to look at them.


    ¡± What¡¯s going on, babe?¡± Killian asks. ¡± You know each other?¡± I forget Killian speaks and understands Spanish.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± Eve answers.


    ¡± We used to be best friends in highschool.¡±


    ¡± Really?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± Yeah. My family just moved to New York and my English wasn¡¯t that great. Naomi and I clicked off immediately when we found out we understood the samenguage and we were both Hispanic. Everything was easy with her and it took a few months before we became best friends. My parents moved again, Naomi went to college and we lost contact.¡± Eve says, smiling as she looks at me.


    ¡± Shouldn¡¯t we sit down?¡± Killian asks.


    ¡± Right.¡±


    We chuckle and sit down. Me and Killian on one side and Eve and Keith sit opposite us.


    ¡± Is this like a reunion or something?¡± Keith asks.


    ¡± Yeah, it is.¡± I say.


    ¡± God, I¡¯ve missed you so much.¡± Eve says.


    ¡± Me too. You really look amazing.¡±


    The waiteres back and takes our orders. Eve and I continue talking, with the men left out of our conversation. They just watch in silence.


    ¡± What do you do now?¡± I ask Eve.


    ¡± I went to a culinary school and I got a job at this great restaurant. I¡¯m sort of a chef now.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s great. Is that how you two meet?¡± I ask.


    Keith smiles and Eve giggles.


    ¡± Yeah. He hated my steak and asked to see the chef, and there I was.¡± Eve says and I chuckle.


    ¡± It¡¯s not like I hated your steak, it wasn¡¯t that well cooked and I ordered a well cooked steak.¡± Keith defends.


    ¡± It¡¯s the same thing. A lot of customers like their steaks not properly cooked with the insides pink.¡± Eve defends.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think a lot of people like it like that. Well, Killian does. He is an alien.¡± Keith says.


    I chuckle and Killian smiles.


    ¡± Oh,e on, it tastes better.¡± Killian says.


    ¡± Oh no, I don¡¯t think so. I really don¡¯t like it with the insides pink. I like mine well cooked.¡± I add.


    ¡± Traitor.¡± Killian leans close to whisper into my ear. I smile.


    ¡± God, I wish we¡¯d reunited earlier, you would have been part of my bridesmaids. You¡¯reing to my wedding right?¡± She asks me as she turns to look at Killian. ¡°You¡¯re bringing her right?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I mean, I would like it if she¡¯d be there.¡± Killian says.


    ¡± Of course, I¡¯ming. I¡¯m definitely not missing your wedding for anything.¡±


    The waiteres back with our orders and carefully sits them on our table. He opens the wine and pour it in three sses with Eve having a ss of water instead. As we eat, we talk to each other about mundane things. Eve tells the story about highschool, especially the crazy, and embarrassing ones. The menugh and contribute to the conversation. Everything is going alright until my phone rings. It¡¯s Antonio.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, I gotta take this.¡± I apologize and stand up as I walk to the corner as I answer the phone.


    ¡± Antonio.¡±


    ¡± Where are you?¡±


    ¡± Out, with Killian. Is everything alright?¡±


    ¡± Mom¡¯s in the hospital. She copsed.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± I gasp, as my blood runs cold at the sudden news.


    ¡± Is she okay?¡± I ask.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. They¡¯re not letting us see her. You should be here.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m on my way. What hospital?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna send you the address right away.¡± Antonio says and hangs up the phone.


    I take a deep breath, drawing back the tears that are already threatening to slip out of my eyes. I turn around and Keith, Killian, and Eve are already staring at me. I guess they heard my outburst. I slowly walk towards the table with shaky hands. God knows I¡¯m not ready to lose my mother too. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going to happen to us if she dies.


    ¡± I gotta go.¡± I say. ¡± My mom¡­, she¡¯s in the hospital and I¡­¡± I¡¯m speechless and I don¡¯t know what to say. My heart is beating fast and I¡¯m scared something terrible is going to happen to my mom.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll drive you.¡± Killian says and stands up.


    ¡± We¡¯re gonna talk.¡± Eve says, giving me a small smile.


    I nod. Killian¡¯s fingers wipes the tears at the bottom of my eyes and that¡¯s when I know I¡¯ve been crying.


    ¡± Come on, let¡¯s go.¡±


    With Killian¡¯s hand on my arm, he pulls me out of the restaurant.

 Chapter 72

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± Oh, my God, mom.¡± I mutter under my breath the minute I step into the hospital ward with three other patients lying on their separate hospital beds.


    I spot Antonio at once, and sitting next to him is Grace. Antonio sees me and stands up at once with tired eyes and a sympathetic smile. His eyes shift from my form to the intimidating man striding behind me.


    ¡± Hey.¡± Antonio greets me as he hugs me.


    I stare at my mom lying still on the hospital bed behind Antonio and sigh. We pull apart and he addresses Killian with a greeting.


    ¡± Hey, man.¡±


    ¡± Hey.¡±


    ¡± It seems I interrupted something.¡± Antonio gestures to our outfit.


    ¡± Just dinner.¡± Killian simply states.¡± Is she doing okay?¡±


    ¡± Hopefully.¡± Antonio mutters with a sigh.


    ¡± Hi, Naomi.¡± Grace greets me. I totally forgot she was sitting right there all along.


    I sidestep Antonio and give her a gentle smile. ¡± Hi, Grace.¡±


    I take a seat on mom¡¯s hospital bed as I stare at her sleeping form.


    ¡± What happened to her?¡± I ask with a sigh.


    ¡± I was out with the guys since it¡¯s the weekend and I just got a call from Rachel that mom fainted. She was scared and she called Grace, and I guess Grace told her to call an ambnce. They¡¯ve already brought her here before I could leave for home. I sent Rachel home to look after Charlie.¡±


    ¡± What did the doctor say? Is she gonna be alright?¡± I ask Antonio.


    ¡± She¡¯ll be. I¡¯ve had a word with the doctor, he told me mom fainted due to stress. He also said she has low blood pressure. She was given some medicine which knocked her out, and when she wakes up, I think she¡¯ll be fine.¡± Antonio says.


    I sigh and hold my mom¡¯s hand as I squeeze it gently. She¡¯s lying still and breathing gently. My eyes scan the room and nce at the hospital room. My eyes fall on Killian who¡¯s standing awkwardly next to my brother. He offers me a small smile and shrugs one shoulder with his hands both stuffed in his pockets.


    ¡± What¡¯s up, man?¡± Antonio turns to Killian as they start a conversation.


    I turn to look at Grace who obviously is bored out of her mind and she doesn¡¯t want to be here. It¡¯s her turn to look after Charlie for at least two weeks.


    ¡± Sorry you have to be here.¡± I say to Grace. She looks up from her phone and offers me a small genuine smile.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. She¡¯s Charlie¡¯s grandma, after all.¡±


    ¡± How¡¯s Charlie?¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s great. How are you doing?¡± Grace asks. ¡± Nice date?¡± She gestures to my dress with a smile.


    I blush and look up at the two men who are in a conversation, talking like they¡¯re best friends. Killian smiles softly, while my brother tells him something.


    Men.


    I¡¯m really d my family had little effort in rting with Killian. At least they aren¡¯t being awkward because he¡¯s a billionaire and he can buy anything if he so pleases. And Killian, I¡¯m d he gave my family a chance. Killian might be wealthy, but the time we¡¯ve been together, I notice Killian doesn¡¯t easily get along with people. He doesn¡¯t even have a lot of friends, just people from work.


    ¡± Something like that.¡± I answer and turn to look at Grace.


    ¡± Hope it wasn¡¯t ruined?¡±


    I don¡¯t know how to answer that. We were having dinner with Killian¡¯s brother who was great and his fianc¨¦e who turned out to be my high school best friend and I was happy tonight. Evelyn and I haven¡¯t seen each other for years, and obviously after dinner, Killian and I was gonna go over to his house and then-


    ¡± Naomi.¡± Grace¡¯s voice calls my name as I blink my eyes and stare at her.


    I just zoned out, obviously.


    Killian is now staring at me, including my brother. Killian gives me a concerned look with raised eyebrows and I flush crimson. I can¡¯t believe I was thinking about doing filthy things with Killian with my mother lying on a sick bed next to me. Killian notices my flushed state and smirks.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just¡­¡± I sigh and look away, briefly ncing at my mom and the others.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna step out for fresh air.¡± I announce, standing up.


    Killian¡¯s ringtone suddenly vibrates through the quiet hospital ward. He pulls his phone out of his pocket and stares at the screen. He answers and ces the phone against his ear.


    ¡± Hey.¡± He says to this caller. ¡± Right. I¡¯m gonna hand it to her.¡± Killian pulls the phone away from his ear and stretches it towards me.


    ¡± It¡¯s Eve.¡±


    ¡± Eve? Your high school friend?¡± Antonio asks.


    I give Killian a small smile and take the phone as I step out of the ward.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna check if she¡¯s okay.¡± I hear Killian¡¯s voice behind me as I stride outside.


    ¡± Hey, Eve.¡±


    ¡± Hey, sweetie. How¡¯s she? Is she doing okay?¡± Eve asks on the phone.


    I take a deep breath once I¡¯m outside of the hospital.


    ¡± Yeah, she¡¯s okay. I¡¯m d she¡¯s not in some serious health condition.¡±


    ¡± Oh, dear. What happened to her?¡± Eve asks.


    ¡± Well, she fainted. The doctor said it¡¯s low blood pressure. She¡¯ll be fine. Thanks for asking, Eve. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡± Great. It¡¯s not easy being pregnant.¡± Sheughs awkwardly. ¡± Well, Keith and I left the restaurant the minute you guys left. It just doesn¡¯t make sense being there without you guys.¡±


    I feel a strong arm wrapped around me from behind. Killian holds me close to himself affectionately and kisses my hair.


    ¡± I got you, babe.¡± He whispers silently into my ear. I melt into his embrace and smile.


    ¡± You, maybe, wanna hangout sometime? Before my wedding, that is. We have a lot of catching up to do, Luna.¡± Eve says and I giggle.


    ¡± I cannot believe you remember that name. God, Eve¡­¡± I giggle.


    ¡± Come on, we weren¡¯t best friends for nothing. I always thought about you throughout these years, you know? And when Killian mentioned his girl and even said her name was Naomi, I actually thought about you and wondered how on Earth we were gonna meet again. And boom, there you were with Killian as his mystery girlfriend. I really miss you bestie.¡±


    I smile. ¡± I miss you too, Eve. Well, I don¡¯t know about this week, though. I¡¯m out of work by 5 every weekday, we can schedule if you want.¡±


    ¡± Yay. Honey, Naomi and I are hanging out before my wedding!¡± Eve calls out to Keith in the background.


    I giggle.


    ¡± We¡¯re gonna have so much fun, you and me.¡± Eve says.


    ¡± Of course. I don¡¯t doubt it.¡±


    ¡± You give my greetings to your mom, Luna. And when we hang out this week, we¡¯re dropping by together at your ce so that I can see your mom. Wait, how¡¯s Antonio by the way? And Charlie and Grace?¡±


    ¡± They¡¯re great. Grace is here.¡±


    ¡± They¡¯re still together?¡±


    ¡± Nah, they aren¡¯t. Just meeting up for Charlie¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡± Wow. That¡¯s so great. You tell him hi, too. And please, text me your number so that I can have it save on my phone and call you.¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Will do.¡±


    ¡± It was great meeting you again, Naomi. I really hope we can still be friends after this long time.¡±


    ¡± Of course, we will. I know that.¡± I say.


    ¡± Thanks. I¡¯m gonna hang up now.¡±


    I chuckle. ¡± Bye, Eve.¡±


    ¡± Bye.¡± She hangs up.


    With a big grin on my face, I pull the phone from my ear while leaning against Killian.


    ¡± You guys were really best friends, huh?¡± He whispers into my ear as I hand him his phone.


    ¡± Yeah. It¡¯s a small world after all.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, it is.¡± Killian mutters and kisses my neck at once. ¡± If not, I wouldn¡¯t have met you. I don¡¯t even know what my world would have turned into if you¡¯re not here.¡±


    ¡± Hm. I¡¯m flustered.¡± I say.


    Killian chuckles and steps away from me as he turns me around to look at him.


    ¡± You¡¯re so beautiful and I love you.¡±


    ¡± Thanks. I love you.¡± I whisper.


    Killian sighs as he pulls me to himself for a warm embrace. His arms are wrapped around me like he¡¯s afraid to let me go. I melt into his embrace since I¡¯ve been craving for a hug since I heard the news of my mom.


    ¡± Your mom¡¯s gonna be alright.¡± He assures me as he embraces me.


    I shut my eyes and nod. I believe him.


    ¡± Nothing is going to happen to her, okay?¡±


    ¡± Thanks.¡± I whisper.


    Killian nts a kiss on my hair as his own response.


    Later in the night, mom wakes up. Grace has already left, and it¡¯s just Antonio, myself, and Killian remaining in the hospital. I tried to persuade Killian to leave earlier, and that I¡¯ll be fine, but he refused. He insisted he was going to stay by my side until my mom wakes up and when I¡¯m ready to leave.


    Mom acknowledges Killian in the corner of the room with a weak smile. Killian gives her a smile in return too.


    ¡± Did I interrupt your beautiful date, Luna?¡± Mom asks in Spanish.


    I giggle. She¡¯s sick and the first thing she asks me is if she interrupted my date? Unbelievable.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. How are you feeling?¡± I ask in English, cing my palm on her neck to check her temperature.


    She feels normal. Thank God.


    ¡± I¡¯m okay. How long have you guys been here?¡± Mom asks in Spanish.


    ¡± It doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯re happy you¡¯re okay.¡± Antonio replies in Spanish. He holds her hand and gives her a gentle squeeze.


    ¡± What did the doctor say is wrong with me?¡± Mom asks in English. Her voice sounds croak fromck of use for hours.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing serious. He said you¡¯ve been stressed and you need to rest once you get out of here.¡± Antonio says, purposely ignoring the blood pressure part.


    ¡± We¡¯ll talk about all the details when you¡¯re out of here. For now, I think you should rest and please get better while I get the doctor.¡± Antonio says as he stands up and walks out of the hospital ward.


    ¡± How are you Killian?¡± Mom asks Killian as she smiles at him.


    ¡± I¡¯m doing okay. We¡¯re happy you¡¯re doing okay.¡±


    Mom nods and sighs. She turns to look at me with that motherly glint in her eyes, like she¡¯s proud of something.


    ¡± You sure are taking good care of my baby. She looks really beautiful.¡± Mom says in Spanish as she raises her hand slowly to run through my hair.


    I giggle. Killian smiles.


    ¡± If anything, she¡¯s the one taking good care of me.¡± Killian says in Spanish.


    It¡¯s still a mystery to me that he understands mynguage and he converses with it expertly. Better than me, to be precise. Antonioes back with the doctor before I have time to say anything. The doctor smiles at mother and begins to check her. A nurse apanies them and I stand up to give them room to operate.


    ¡± I am happy you¡¯re okay, ma¡¯am. You¡¯re getting better. You should be out of here by tomorrow.¡± He says as he gives her a shot. ¡± All you need to do for me is, go to sleep so you can heal faster.¡± The doctor says as he stands up upright.


    ¡± Thank you, doctor.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s part of my job. Why don¡¯t you guys go home and go have a good night¡¯s rest ande back tomorrow. She¡¯ll be strong enough to be discharged by then.¡±


    ***


    I drive silently in the passenger¡¯s seat of Killian¡¯s car. It¡¯s almost midnight now as Killian drives gently down his neighborhood. n was asked to go home and rest, hence Killian is driving now. He helps me get down from his car as we step inside his house.


    ¡± And what was that you were thinking back at the hospital?¡± Killian asks the minute we¡¯re in his bedroom.


    I smile. ¡± I can¡¯t believe you still remember that.¡±


    ¡± Of course. Especially when you smile like that, I don¡¯t think I can ever resist you.¡± He whispers.


    ¡± Hm. Why don¡¯t we shower together and let me show you what I was thinking?¡± I whisper softly and wrap my arms around his neck. ¡± What do you say, Mr. ck?¡±


    We take a shower together, with Killian leaving behind his bites on my skin. His hands are everywhere, my back, my breasts, and even my ass. The next thing I¡¯m pressed against the wall with my legs wrapped around his waist and him thrusting in and out of me against the wall. Killian nts soft kisses on my neck as he groans, and moans, and whispers dirty pleasantries into my ear and against my neck as he thrust into me. His arms hold me against himself. My legs are pressed against his butt, urging him to go faster, and deeper. And by the time we climaxed together, I¡¯m a moaning mess.


    ***


    ¡± Good morning, Jamie?¡± I greet Killian¡¯s assistant on Monday morning.


    For some reason, I am feeling super hyper this morning. I got news from Antonio that mom¡¯s doing better and she¡¯s okay. And Killian and I had a splendid weekend together, ending the two of us naked throughout the night and until this morning. I made sure to stop two blocks before thepany as I strode the short distance to work so no one would notice I just got a ride from my boss.


    ¡± Morning, Naomi. You look great.¡± He says. I giggle.


    For a guy who¡¯s gay, he sure knows how to appreciate women.


    ¡± Thank you. You look handsome.¡± I tell him with a small smile as I stop by his desk.


    ¡± How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?¡± I ask Jamie.


    ¡± Yeah. I, uh, I got asked to dinner by Stefan.¡± Jamie. ¡± It was just a friendly dinner.¡±


    ¡± Friendly, huh?¡± I smirk. Jamie blushes.


    ¡± It¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking.¡± Jamie mutters as he flushes red.


    ¡± Right.¡±


    In my peripheral vision, I see Killian step out of the secretary¡¯s office. He sees me and smiles at me as he approaches Jamie¡¯s desk.


    ¡± Good morning, Mr. ck.¡± I greet him.


    ¡± Morning, Ms. Alderson.¡±


    ¡± I was just having a small chat with Jamie. I¡¯m gonna leave now.¡± I say and turn to walk towards my cubicle.


    With every step I take, I feel Killian¡¯s eyes on my body and even my ass and they linger there longer than I expected. I¡¯m tempted to turn around but I just keep walking instead. It¡¯s still hard working with him weekdays in the same office and acting professionally. There are times I just want him to bend me against his desk and let him have his way with me, but I know better than not to keep my hormonal needs in check.


    ¡± Hey, girl.¡± I hear Stefan¡¯s voice as I sit down in my cubicle and drop my handbag.


    I raise my head from myputer and see Stefan standing next to my desk. He¡¯s smiling proudly.


    ¡± Guess who got lucky this weekend?¡± He asks.


    ¡± You?¡± I ask with a smile.


    He chuckles.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you told him, but it did the magic. I took him out on a date.¡± He leans down to whisper.


    ¡± Wow. Friendly dinner?¡±


    ¡± Baby steps, Naomi. We take baby steps.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m proud of you. At least you¡¯re gradually growing balls.¡±


    ¡± Ugh. Really?¡±


    I chuckle. ¡± Of course. But, just so you know¡­¡± I trail off and signal for him toe closer so other people don¡¯t hear what I¡¯m about to say.


    ¡± He¡¯s been hurt in the past. Family, boyfriend. It¡¯s been hard for him. You should know how to handle such situations and don¡¯t tell him I told you. It¡¯s none of my business, but I just don¡¯t want to see him hurt again.¡± I say.


    Stefan moves back and sighs. ¡± Noted. I¡¯m gonna treat him like my special baby.¡± Stefan whispers as he smiles.


    ¡± God, you¡¯re such a girl.¡± I say with a small smile of my own.


    Stefan chuckles. ¡± Whatever. I¡¯m gonna head out now. We are gonna talk during lunch break.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re buying lunch.¡±


    ¡± Fine. I owe you anyway for what you¡¯ve done for me.¡± He groans. ¡± See you, Naomi. And thanks.¡± Stefan says and walks away.


    I watch him with a proud smile as I turn to look at myputer. A small notification pops up at the bottom of myputer after itpletely reboots itself. I click on the message and it¡¯s an email from an unknown sender. I click open the email and I¡¯m surprised at its content.


    I look around at once, with my hand behind my ear as I try to shield myputer with my back as I read the email and stare at the attached pictures.


    ¡± What the fuck is this?¡± I mutter. ¡± Who would send this?¡±


    I look around again and dart my eyes to myputer screen disying the weirdest message I¡¯ve ever received.


    From an unknown sender: I promise I¡¯m not gonna hurt you, but who cares if I hurt you anyway? We know you¡¯ve been ying dirty games with your boss, Naomi. Imagine if these pictures get to HR and they find out their new employee is nothing but a slut who fucked her way to get a job. Imagine the scandal. You¡¯ll definitely not get anything to live for after the whole world slut shame you and after I show the whole world who you really are. But there¡¯s no fun in that, is there? And don¡¯t think for a second these are the only things I have on you. I know your dirtiest secrets, Naomi Luna Alderson.


    Instead, why don¡¯t we y a game?


    Holy shit. What¡¯s this? Some sort of joke? The pictures attached are pictures of Killian and I. From the art exhibition center, to even yesterday when we had dinner with Keith and Eve. There are also pictures of me getting down from Killian¡¯s car. Was I being stalked and I had no idea? The idea is slowly creeping me out and I find myself deleting the email and the pictures.


    What sick bitch would do this?

 Chapter 73

    Killian¡¯s POV


    Today is Tuesday and it¡¯s 8pm in the evening. Through my bedroom floor-to-ceiling ss window, I stare at Naomi swimming in the pool at the back of the house.


    She¡¯s bare from her waist up, but wearing a white thong up her ass as she swims from the edge of the big swimming pool to the other edge. I stare at her before turning away and looking at the brown envelope in my hand. It¡¯s Lily Sanders¡¯ letter that she sent this past weekend that I refused to open. I tear out the letter, tossing the brown envelope to the side as I stare at the content on the white paper.


    She doesn¡¯t write her letters in the modern way. Like using pens. But instead, Lily Sanders uses a typewriter, writing out every word perfectly. I guess she¡¯s trying to get rid of her prints. She¡¯s smart, I¡¯ll give her that.


    ¡®Dear Mr. ck


    How are you doing? Good, I suppose. You¡¯re probably wondering why I¡¯m writing to you after just sending you a letter recently. Well, I must confess you¡¯re a very hard-working man. I¡¯m also aware you¡¯re fighting really hard to know who I am. It¡¯s a shame you don¡¯t remember me, you don¡¯t know how much that hurts me. I¡¯m going to go straight to the point on why I¡¯m writing you this letter. Well, I know you visited the address I used in writing you letters. I know you were pissed and angry you couldn¡¯t find any proof to know exactly who I am. I stood from afar as I watched you and that pathetic friend of yours and even your PI looked through the house. I¡¯m not dumb, Killian, obviously I don¡¯t live there. Of course not, what do you even take me for? It was funny though. Watching you as you looked for clues, you poor bastard. Well, I¡¯m writing to tell you that I¡¯m not getting rid of this child whether you like it or not. And I¡¯m going to hurt you, and hurt that bitch you called a girlfriend. You made me this person, Killian. A grieving, heart broken predator. And I¡¯m going to make you regret ever meeting me in the first ce.


    This will be all for now. If you¡¯re wise, you¡¯ll tell that PI of yours to stop investigating. He won¡¯t find shit on me. I made sure of that. And before you even decide to talk to Russell, he doesn¡¯t know me and he hasn¡¯t even seen me before. (evilughter) So tell Liam to back the fuck off or I¡¯ll do something you won¡¯t ever seeing.


    Take care, my darling Mr. ck. Our baby needs you to be healthy and capable. Okay? BTW, have fun at your brother¡¯s wedding. You¡¯ll need all the strength to go through his wedding without trying to rip your own hair out.


    Ciao, my love.¡¯


    I read the letter over and over again and I feel like breaking something. Anything. I run my hand through my hair and scream. Thankfully, my room is soundproof so Naomi won¡¯t hear me screaming. I¡¯m not ready to tell her what¡¯s going on. I don¡¯t even have it in me to tell her anything. I look back at the swimming pool and Naomi isn¡¯t there anymore.


    She¡¯s probably on her way to my bedroom right now. I quickly wrap the letter back and put it inside the envelope. I open the nightstand drawer and toss it inside. I lock it and run both hands through my hair in frustration.


    What do I fucking do?


    She was there? She saw me that day? She saw us walk into the supposed apartment she was writing from. She would definitely smile at us in mockery for thinking we would find anything to finally put a face to this person. The only thing we coulde up with was a child¡¯s picture. No one¡¯s ever riled me up this much before. And a woman who was obviously ying me and sending me incriminating letters is already trying to fuck me over.


    What was I even thinking? Dating this woman and that woman? I me myself and my fucking dick for always wanting a release. I am the reason this is happening to me. I¡¯m the reason some psycho bitch is after the only woman I fell in love with.


    What would Naomi think if I tell her some woman from my past is iming to be pregnant for me? I¡¯m not dumb. This said woman wants a ce back in my life. And since Naomi is in it, she sees Naomi as a threat and she¡¯s trying to get rid of her. And that¡¯s something I¡¯ll never allow.


    Naomi walks into my bedroom with her towel wiping at her hair and her breasts bare. I smile, pushing the thoughts of a psycho bitch threatening me to the back of my head. I smirk, biting my bottom as I stare at her slightly damp skin. She¡¯s beautiful, always beautiful and she¡¯s going to be the death of me. That, I¡¯m sure of.


    ¡± Hey.¡± She smiles at me.


    I take a few steps towards her until I¡¯m standing in front of her.


    ¡± Hey, baby.¡±


    Naomi blushes, smiling, like we¡¯re just meeting for the first time. She wraps the towel around her chest as I wrap my arms around her waist, bringing my hand down her waist and resting impossibly close to her ass.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± She asks, with concernced in her voice.


    She runs both her hands through my hair.


    ¡± You look stressed. Is something the matter?¡± Naomi asks as she wraps her arms around my neck.


    As much as I try to hide the worry in my eyes, the worry of losing Naomi if this child that this woman¡¯s threatening me with is real, Naomi seems to see through my charade.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m happy you¡¯re spending the night. I know it¡¯s too much since you¡¯re supposed to be spending time with your mom.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I checked on her before going to work this morning. And also, she has Antonio, Rachel, and even Grace. She¡¯s gonna be okay.¡± She assures me.


    I smile.


    ¡± We¡¯re leaving for Miami on Thursday.¡±


    ¡± So I heard.¡±


    ¡± Good. I want to have you all to myself before everyone starts arriving on Friday. There¡¯s so much I want to do to you.¡± I whisper, leaning close to her. ¡± I already called Rania, your designated personal shopper, and she¡¯s taking you shopping to get a dress for Keith¡¯s wedding on Saturday.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± She smiles. ¡± You don¡¯t have to do that. There are a lot of dresses in my closet that I haven¡¯t even worn yet. I can pick from any of these dresses and you know they¡¯re hot.¡±


    ¡± I know. I want you to look exceptionally beautiful on Saturday. I want everyone to know you¡¯re mine.¡±


    ¡± They already know I¡¯m yours.¡± She whispers, standing on her toes as she pecks my cheek, and then my lips.


    ¡± So you¡¯re going shopping with Rania, right?¡±


    ¡± Sure. I want Bianca toe with me.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re bringing her to Keith¡¯s wedding?¡±


    ¡± No, she doesn¡¯t want toe. I just want her to go shopping with me. We¡¯ve both been busy with work and we barely hang out. We¡¯re always tired at the end of the day of work, we just eat dinner and go to bed.¡±


    ¡± Sure. You can take her with you.¡±


    ¡± Thanks.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to thank me. You have every right to hang out with your friend.¡±


    Naomi smiles.


    ¡± I wanna kiss you right now.¡± I whisper, slowly leaning down.


    ¡± Then kiss me.¡± She says.


    I tug at the towel until it is free from her body as I toss it to the ground. I lean down and nt a kiss on Naomi¡¯s lips. She kisses back immediately. I press her against my body, with her bare breasts pressed perfectly against my bare chest. I wrap my hands underneath her thighs and lift her off the floor, wrapping her legs around my waist. We kiss desperately, and Naomi moans into my mouth. Iy her t on her back on my bed as I start to pepper kisses all over her perfect skin.


    I kiss her neck, her cheeks, and then her lips. I kiss her neck again, biting into her skin and leaving a mark on her skin. I kiss her chest and then her taut nipples. I tease her hard nipples with my tongue as I press into her so she can feel how much I want her this minute. Naomi moans, running her fingers against my skin. I try to forget the biggest problem that¡¯s bothering me as we get undressed. And as I make love to her, with her walls clenching and tightening around my base, Naomi¡¯s moans drowns my problems.


    She cries my name, reminding me for the millionth time how much she loves me and I don¡¯t hold back to tell her and show her how much I fucking love her and the length I¡¯ll go to keep her safe and mine forever.


    ****


    Raymond sits opposite me in my office as we talk about Keith¡¯s wedding that¡¯s on Saturday. We¡¯ll be traveling on Thursday to Miami for Keith¡¯s wedding that¡¯s taking ce on Saturday. While the others are supposed to be in Miami on Friday, Naomi and I will be leaving earlier because I want to be alone with her. Being Keith¡¯s best man means I will barely have time for her during the wedding.


    ¡± Have you heard anything from Liam?¡± Raymond asks.


    ¡± Nothing.¡± I reply absentmindedly, staring at the emails Jamie forwarded to me.


    ¡± I¡¯m sure he¡¯s gonna call.¡±


    ¡± Of course he will. What I want to hear is good news. Positive news in the hopes that will make this whole thing just¡­ go away.¡± I say, sighing, as I lean back on my leather swivel chair.


    ¡± You know, sometimes, I always assume this is a dream. A bad dream, and I always hope to just wake up and go back to my normal life.¡±


    ¡± But it¡¯s not a dream, Killian. This is really happening. A sick woman is out there sorting for your head.¡±


    ¡± She doesn¡¯t want money, that¡¯s the most painful part. I don¡¯t mind paying her off and willing everything away like it¡¯s just another nightmare.¡±


    ¡± What do you think she wants?¡±


    ¡± A chance back in my life, of course. She knows I can¡¯t allow that. I won¡¯t allow it, so she¡¯s trying to hurt Naomi to make me sumb to her bidding.¡±


    ¡± And what if she seeds in hurting Naomi?¡±


    ¡± I won¡¯t allow her to do that.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t even know who you¡¯re dealing with. That would have made everything easier. She is a ghost.¡±


    ¡± Speaking of ghosts. She was there that day. She said she saw us trying to break into the apartment. She stood from afar and watched us.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s fucking creepy.¡±


    ¡± Real fucking creepy.¡±


    ¡± Do you think it¡¯s someone from the office? Like a jealous worker who hated the idea of wanting you and not having you.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a jealous worker. I have never had sex with any woman who works for me. You of all people should know that.¡±


    ¡± What if she¡¯s not truly pregnant?¡±


    ¡± And how the fuck am I supposed to know that? Without knowing who she is and where she lives, all of this is futile. We can¡¯t know until we know who the hell I¡¯m dealing with.¡± I say, pissed, and worst still, exasperated.


    ¡± That¡¯s true.¡±


    My phone rings and I look at the dialer. It¡¯s Liam. I pick it up and put the phone to my ear.


    ¡± Liam.¡±


    ¡± Good day, Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Any good news?¡±


    ¡± Well, not much. I talked with Russell Dwayne about Lily Sander¡¯s. He said they never met.¡±


    I¡¯m not surprised. Lily mentioned that in herst letter.


    ¡± Okay¡­¡±


    ¡± He said he contacted her online and they never really did any physical exchange. She was going to pay him about $100 for every letter he sessfully delivered to the post office. And she did pay him. He said without him knowing when and how, the letters were already at his doorpost waiting for him to deliver it. Everytime. They talked through burner phones and ording to him, she sounds like every normal working ss woman. So from what I¡¯ve gathered, we¡¯re dealing with a woman who¡¯s rich. A woman with ss and intelligence. She¡¯s smart.¡± Liam says.


    Fuck, this isn¡¯t good. I can¡¯t say I wasn¡¯t expecting this. I was. Even worse.


    ¡± We ran prints and did some DNA searches considering the baby in that picture, we couldn¡¯te up with much. The baby¡¯s dead, Killian. She died five years ago and she was birthed by a woman named Anna Montgomery. Anna Montgomery is dead, Killian. She died two months after her baby died. They both lived in New York and maybe in that house. So tomorrow, I¡¯ll be stopping by the apartment again and questioning other neighbors about a woman called Anna Montgomery who lived there six years ago. Hopefully, I¡¯ll find useful information before you get back from your brother¡¯s wedding.¡±


    I stay silent as I process Liam¡¯s recovery. I shut my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose with my eyes shut.


    Jesus. Where do I start from?


    ¡± Thanks, Liam. And I forgot to mention she sent me a letter the day we visited the apartment. She knew we were there. ording to the letter, she saw us.¡±


    ¡± No problem. I will have someone look around for any strange woman while I talk to the other neighbors.¡±


    ¡± Thanks for your help.¡±


    ¡± No problem. Have fun at your brother¡¯s wedding. And for the meantime, don¡¯t trust anybody, not even your friend, Raymond.¡± Liam hangs up and I toss the phone on the table.


    ¡± What¡¯s up?¡± Raymond asks.


    I stand up and turn around to stare at the city that appears small from the top of the building where my office is located. I don¡¯t know who to trust. And maybe it sounds absurd of me to not trust anybody. Not even Raymond. He may not have any good reason to want to hurt me, well aside from treating him like shit before we became friends, he might even know who¡¯s taunting my life and sending me ckmailing letters.


    I¡¯m so fucked.


    ¡± Killian, did something happen?¡±


    Of course something happened.


    The child in that photo is dead and her mother is Anna Montgomery. They both died five years ago. Now, who the hell is iming to be pregnant for me? And how¡¯s Lily Sander¡¯s woman rted to the deceased Anna Montgomery?


    I grab my phone from my desk and tap Liam¡¯s contact to send him a message.


    ¡± I need to be excused, Raymond.¡± I say, not really turning to look at him.


    He gets the cue and stands up to leave.


    To Liam: Can I get a picture of Anna Montgomery sent to my phone?


    I press send and drop the phone on my desk and run my hand through my hair. I pace my office and scream.


    ¡± Fuck!¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

 Chapter 74

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Wednesday morning, mom¡¯s discharged from the hospital. Eve¡¯s wedding is this Saturday and Killian has prepared his personal shopper, a woman, to apany me to go shop for a dress for Eve¡¯s big day.


    As I sit on my desk and work that morning, that strange message is the only thing I think about. It¡¯s been two days since I got that message and I don¡¯t know what to think of it. At first, I thought it was just a sick joke. Some sick person is trying to threaten me by sending me bullshit messages and photos of Killian and I. But as I went to bedst night, I started to wonder if this strange person was joking or not. If they really want to destroy me or if it¡¯s just a joke. I haven¡¯t told anyone, not even Bianca, or Killian.


    I couldn¡¯t tell Killian. I don¡¯t want him panicking for no damn reason. If there¡¯s a sick bitch out there threatening me or trying to sabotage or ckmail me because of my rtionship with Killian, then, I want to be able to deal with this situation myself.


    Killian and I haven¡¯t seen each other in his office today like we always do. On my way to my desk, I saw him about entering his office, and he sent me a secret wink with his killer smile and charm. I blush, lock eyes with him for a minute before looking away. Jamie had waved at me and given me his small wave and a massive smile because he definitely saw Killian winked at me and me blushing terribly.


    Since I¡¯m shopping with Bianca today with the help of Killian¡¯s personal shopper, Raymond told me to close earlier than usual today, with Killian¡¯s permission, of course. I nce at Amber in her office. Her office is made of a translucent ss so you can easily see what¡¯s going on inside her office.


    Amber is my number one suspect. I figure if the messages and photos that were sent to my workputer are real, then I have a feeling it¡¯s sent by Amber. That bitch doesn¡¯t like me. Although Killian had threatened her to stay away from me, she doesn¡¯t hide her hate towards me. She would snarl at me and talk about me to people. And the minute I walked into the backroom, she and this person who was talking about me would just stop.


    It¡¯s childish. Sometimes, I just want to hit her for hating me for nothing, but I just restrain myself. It won¡¯t look good for me or Killian if people go around and say, I pped or hit Amber because there¡¯s a secret rtionship between me and their CEO. They¡¯ll probably say I¡¯m trying to control thepany because I¡¯m sleeping with the boss.


    So I try my best to ignore her and concentrate on my work like she¡¯s not even there. Bianca will be here during lunch break to pick me up. She doesn¡¯t have a car, so it¡¯s an Uber.


    When lunch breakes around, I round up work and gather the files I¡¯ve been working on as I drop them off at Raymond¡¯s office. I rush to the washroom to empty my dder before Biancaes. I open a stall and silently do my business. Suddenly, the bathroom door opens and I hear the sound of heels clicking against the floor.


    ¡± You won¡¯t believe she thinks she owns this ce all because she¡¯s sleeping with Mr. ck.¡± A female voice says. A voice I know too well that belongs to Amber. ¡± I fucking hate that bitch.¡±


    And I don¡¯t need to be told twice to know Amber is talking about me. I sit quietly on the toilet seat even when I¡¯m done peeing.


    This is probably unhygienic, I know.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Well, she¡¯s not that bad. Everyone who gets to know her says they like her.¡±


    ¡± What do you mean they like her? What¡¯s even there to like?¡±


    ¡± But what proof do you have that she¡¯s actually sleeping with Mr. ck?¡±


    ¡± Oh, I know. Did you know she once worked as a server in his club? Serving alcohol and even sitting on men¡¯sps to serve them? She¡¯s a fucking slut and I¡¯m very much aware she slept with Mr. ck and maybe even promised him frequent sex to get a job here. Martha said she had no qualifications and she even refused to give the bitch the job. But guess what? He went after her and asked her toe back to thepany. Now tell me, how is she not sleeping with the CEO? Everyone knows and everyone¡¯s talking about it. That bitch doesn¡¯t deserve to be here. She doesn¡¯t deserve anything she¡¯s getting. She¡¯s nothing but a gold digging wh¡­¡± I flush the toilet and stand up at once.


    I have had enough of Amber¡¯s rants and her disgusting attitude. The sound of someone flushing in a stall put Amber¡¯s words to a halt. I open the stall and get out. Amber is shocked to see me. Including the other woman who I know very well. The woman looks ufortable as she grabs her bag. They were doing their makeup, considering Amber is still holding a fenty lipstick in her hand. The other woman gives Amber a sympathetic look and scurries out of the washroom.


    I walk next to Amber as I turn on the tap to wash my hands. Amber looks at me through the mirror as she applies lipstick on her lips. Our eyes are locked and I watch her smack her lips together before tossing the lipstick into her bag. She turns to face me.


    ¡± If you have anything to say to me, start saying it now. I¡¯m pretty sure you heard everything.¡± She says.


    Wow. So much insecurities can do this to a woman.


    I wipe my hands with a paper towel and smile at her. I shake my head, toss the paper towel in the waste bin and walk out of the restroom.


    Getting into an argument with Amber is thest thing I want. She might even say I assaulted her or every other bullshit story she¡¯s already cooking up. My phone rings and it¡¯s Bianca calling me.


    I pick up.


    ¡± Hey. You¡¯re outside?¡±


    ¡± Yup.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll be right outside in a minute.¡± I say to her.


    I grab my bag from my desk and hurry towards Killian¡¯s office. I stop by Jamie¡¯s desk with a smile.


    ¡± Hey.¡±


    He looks up, startled a little, but smiles when he realizes it is just me.


    ¡± Hi. Naomi, hey.¡±


    ¡± What were you doing?¡±


    ¡± Nothing.¡± He answers at once.


    I chuckle and shake my head.


    ¡± Were you watching porn on your workputer?¡± I tease him.


    ¡± What? No!¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡± I¡¯m¡­I wasn¡¯t¡­I was just texting with Stefan.¡± He says with a blush, looking anywhere else but me.


    I chuckle, because right now he looks really cute.


    ¡± How¡¯s it going with you two?¡±


    ¡± Good. We were just making dinner ns tonight.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s good. I¡¯m really happy that you¡¯re happy. You deserve it.¡±


    Jamie just smiles and blushes in response.


    ¡± Is he in?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. You go ahead.¡±


    I nod my head once. ¡± Thanks, Jamie.¡±


    I walk towards Killian¡¯s office and knock once before walking inside. He¡¯s sitting on his leather swivel chair and staring at New York. Killian turns to look at me and smiles. I walk towards him and drop my bag on his desk before nting my ass on hisp.


    ¡± Hey, babe.¡± He greets me, wrapping his arm around my waist.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I say, nting a kiss on his lips.


    ¡± You ready to leave?¡± Killian asks. ¡± Rania will be here soon.¡±


    He looks exhausted and tired, like someone who¡¯s been going through countless paperwork since he got here.


    ¡± Yeah. Are you okay?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just tired.¡± He wraps his arms around my waist and pecks my cheeks and even my neck.


    I giggle in his embrace.


    ¡± I wish you can spend the night.¡±


    ¡± I wish I could, but I can¡¯t. You know why.¡± I kiss him on his lips before pulling back and standing up.


    ¡± Is there something bothering you? Are you still thinking about someone ckmailing me?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not¡­ is someone ckmailing you?¡±


    ¡± No one¡¯s ckmailing me, Killian. I¡¯m okay, alright?¡± I sit back on hisp and kiss his lips.


    ¡± Have you considered moving in with me?¡±


    Pulling back a little while still sitting on hisp, I ask: ¡± You want me to move in?¡±


    ¡± Well, it¡¯s not a bad idea. I would really love it if you move in.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, Killian. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready yet.¡±


    ¡± I won¡¯t force you, but I want you to think about it. A day without you is like a year. Every day I crave for you lying next to me in my bed.¡±


    I blush.


    ¡± How sweet. I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    ¡± I would really like that.¡±


    His phone vibrates on his desk and he grabs it. As I stare at the desk, I think about all the dirty things we¡¯ve done together on that desk. The memories make me blush and I clench my thighs together.


    ¡± Rania says she is in the building. Alvin will drive you girls. Text me once you get a dress.¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    I kiss him and he kisses back. After a short exchange of kisses, we pull apart and I stand up. I grab my bag and leave his office. I step out of the elevator and enter the lobby. I see Rania before she sees me.


    Rania is an Indian¨CBritish woman. She has dark brown skin and she¡¯s tall. Her hair is a shade of ck and she¡¯s really pretty. ording to her first introduction when she took me shopping for the first time, she told me she¡¯d lived all her life in the UK before moving to New York about three years ago. Since then she¡¯s been working for Killian as his personal shopper. Picking out his clothes and restocking his wardrobe when he needs to change his wardrobe or when he¡¯s out of the country or state.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± She approaches me with a warm smile.


    ¡± Hi.¡± Before I can shake her hand, Rania pulls me into her embrace.


    ¡± Oh.¡±


    We pull apart and she continues to smile at me.


    ¡± Mr. ck wants me to pick the best dress for you. Come on, his driver is waiting.¡±


    ¡± Hey, girl.¡± Bianca appears from nowhere with a cup of takeout coffee.


    ¡± Hey. Where did you go?¡±


    She shakes the paper cup in her hand. ¡± Caffeine.¡± Bianca answers and turns to look at Rania.


    ¡± Hi. I¡¯m Bianca and I¡¯m her best friend.¡±


    ¡± Rania. Killian¡¯s personal shopper. Shall we?¡± Rania asks.


    I nod and she leads the way out of the lobby, with Bianca and I trudging behind her.


    ¡± She¡¯s hot.¡± Bianca mutters.


    ¡± Yup.¡±


    Once we¡¯re outside, Bianca throws the paper cup away as we slide into the back seat of one of Killian¡¯s many cars. Rania rides the front seat with Alvin. Alvin greets me and I return the greeting. Soon enough, we¡¯re driving down the road.


    ¡± You know KB TECH looks better than what they show on TV. It¡¯s fucking beautiful. Do you know if they have any vacancies?¡± Bianca asks.


    I turn to look at her with elevated eyebrows.


    Bianca throws her hands in the air in mock surrender. ¡± I¡¯m kidding.¡±


    ¡± Are you?¡±


    ¡± Nope.¡± She chuckles and I smile.


    In less than fifteen minutes, Alvin is pulling up in a parking lot outside this huge mall. I¡¯ve never been here before.


    ¡± Come on,dies.¡± Rania says as she leads us inside.


    There are different stores and boutiques representing popr clothing lines andbels. We stop at one and Rania talks to the sales rep for a minute. Rania ushers us towards the line of expensive dresses as she starts to look around. Her job is to pick out what she thinks is best for Keith and Eve¡¯s wedding.


    After trying out different dresses, with some of them being too sexy, or not fitting at all, I end up choosing a silver colored sequin dress that¡¯s beyond beautiful. I send Killian a message as promised that I¡¯ve seen a dress. Rania pays with Killian¡¯s card and the next minute we¡¯re leaving the store. It¡¯s already past two in the afternoon, which means we spent almost two hours looking for a dress and shoes. Including jewelry.


    ¡± Thank you, Rania.¡± I say to her.


    ¡± My pleasure helping you with a dress. It¡¯s my job to make women like you stand out amongst other women.¡± Rania says.


    I smile.


    ¡± Well, Bianca and I aren¡¯t ready to leave yet. We want to grab a bite or two. You don¡¯t mind leaving without us, right?¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    ¡± Alvin can drop you off. We¡¯ll take a cab or an Uber.¡±


    ¡± No, please. It¡¯s your man¡¯s car, you take it.¡± Rania says with a smile.


    ¡± I¡¯ll see you around.¡± With that, she¡¯s already walking down the curb and hailing a cab.


    ¡± She¡¯s really hot.¡± Bianca mutters as she watches Rania get into the cab.


    I turn to Bianca. ¡± Aren¡¯t you, like, straight?¡±


    ¡± Yup.¡±


    We end up sitting in an outdoor restaurant as we eatsagna and chicken wings. The weather is warm, and as usual, New York is always awake, with people passing and going.


    ¡± You know, I wish I could convince you toe to Eve¡¯s wedding.¡±


    ¡± Nah, not my thing. You belong there, not me. Just have fun and take a lot of pictures.¡± Bianca winks at me.


    I chuckle.


    ¡± I must have forgotten to tell you. Did you know Keith¡¯s soon to be bride, Eve, is actually my highschool best friend?¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. We used to go to high school together and we were so close we were practically called sisters.¡±


    ¡± No shit. Does that mean she¡¯s going to steal you away from me?¡± Bianca asks with a pout.


    I chuckle. ¡± Shut up. No one is stealing me from you.¡±


    ¡± Good. And how did you find out about this?¡±


    ¡± Well, the night Killian and I went for dinner with his brother. She looked really different.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Dating a guy who loves you can do that to you.¡±


    ¡± Speaking of dating, how¡¯s he? Your new catch?¡± I ask, propping my elbow on the table in between us as I rest my cheek on my open palm.


    ¡± He¡¯s good. We¡¯re getting there. Truthfully, right now, I¡¯m afraid ofmitment. I just wanna have fun and go where the wind takes me.¡±


    ¡± So you¡¯re just gonna ride it like a stallion, huh?¡± I chuckle. Biancaughs.


    ¡± Shut up. I¡¯m too young to be taken seriously.¡±


    ¡± Hmm.¡±


    We fall into afortable silence as we watch people walk by. Couples, students, and even white cor job workers. I think about Amber¡¯s hateful words and even the weird message that I got.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Bianca asks, snapping me from my thoughts.


    ¡± No. Yes, I mean.¡±


    ¡± Are you sure? You look like something¡¯s bothering you.¡±


    ¡± About that. I¡¯m just¡­¡± sighs. ¡± Something is going on with Killian and I don¡¯t know what it is.¡±


    ¡± What do you mean by something is going on with Killian?¡±


    ¡± Well, for one, he¡¯s being a bit overprotective. And he¡¯s always thinking.¡±


    ¡± Well, he¡¯s a billionaire and it¡¯s not easy running thatpany. It happens with wealthy men who has businesses to run.¡±


    ¡± So you think his thoughts are about business?¡±


    ¡± That, or his mother is pestering him to get a wife.¡± Bianca says as she takes a ss of water.


    I stare at her in bewilderment and we just chuckle.


    ¡± Well, there¡¯s something else. On Monday, I got a message from this weird woman. I really don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a woman, but it sounded like a woman. It was sent to my workputer along with photos of me getting out of Killian¡¯s cars, making out, and even that day at the art exhibition. They sent me all of that and they were threatening me about telling people at work that I¡¯m sleeping with the CEO.¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m trying not to believe any of it.¡±


    ¡± Who would do such a thing?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. How did they even have these photos in the first ce?¡±


    ¡± They probably stalked you, that¡¯s possible. It¡¯s probably from a jealous ex or someone who wants Killian back and she¡¯s trying to freak you out.¡±


    ¡± I haven¡¯t told Killian yet.¡±


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± Because there¡¯s nothing to tell.*


    ¡± A woman¡¯s threatening you, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t care. I can¡¯t let them get to me. And thest thing I want is making Killian go through the stress of a psycho bitch ckmailing or trying to ruin our rtionship.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s a fair point. But I also think he deserves to know.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, maybe after the wedding. I¡¯m trying not to think about it. And Amber, she hasn¡¯t stopped. Today, she was talking to this colleague of mine about how she thinks I¡¯m a slut and I fucked my way up to get a job at KB TECH.¡±


    ¡± I think it¡¯s time to put that Amber bitch in her ce.¡±


    ¡± Well, I think it¡¯s time I ignore their talks and show them I¡¯m smarter. Violence doesn¡¯t change anything. If anything, it makes it worse.*


    ¡± Yeah, but Amber is harassing you. You should talk to Killian about it, he¡¯s gonna get her ass fired.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t want that. It¡¯s obvious Amber wants Killian. I won¡¯t be shocked if she¡¯s been crushing on him for decades.¡±


    ¡± So you think she sent that?¡±


    ¡± Her, or Celine. Celine hates me and she¡¯s not pretending about it.¡±


    Bianca sighs. ¡± I¡¯m sorry you have to go through that. If you let me, I don¡¯t mind pushing Amber off the roof of KB TECH and lighting Celine¡¯s hair on fire.¡±


    I nearly choke on my bottle of water. Bianca smiles. ¡± You¡¯re not going to do that. How did youe up with something so violent?¡±


    ¡± Whatever. Your loss.¡± Bianca says, chuckling.


    ¡± You¡¯re not lighting anybody¡¯s hair on fire or pushing anyone off the roof. They¡¯re not worth my time. I¡¯ve dealt with jealous ex¡¯s before, Amber and Celine are not my problems. Them sending me stupid messages and photos is the least of my problems.¡±


    ¡± Right. No one¡¯s even going to believe them anyway. Killian is a fucking Billionaire and there¡¯s nothing or no one that he can¡¯t buy. Including the press.¡± Bianca says.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t just say that.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s the truth. Perks of being rich.¡± She smiles and winks at me.


    ¡± How the fuck did we even be friends?¡± I ask, chuckling.


    ¡± Well, it was a warm morning during spring¡­¡± She starts and I just start to chuckle.


    She¡¯s crazy.


    ¡± Naomi.¡± Someone calls my name.


    I turn around and I¡¯m surprised to see George. I¡¯ve been avoiding his calls and texts, I literally forgot someone like George once existed in my life and he was even my ex.


    Now, what does he want?

 Chapter 75

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± Ooh, herees Mr. Asshole.¡± Bianca mutters, lifting up her ss of water to mask her smirk.


    I roll my eyes at her words, but smile.


    I turn to look at George who¡¯s close to our table. He doesn¡¯t look bad or even different. He¡¯s wearing his work clothes, so I guess he¡¯s just out to get something to eat. George stops by our table.


    He¡¯s ufortable as he stares at me with a small smile.


    ¡± Hi, Naomi.¡± He greets. Hands in his pockets to keep his nervousness in check.


    ¡± Hey. George.¡±


    George looks at Bianca. With a curt nod, he says. ¡± Bianca.¡±


    ¡± George.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± You don¡¯t look bad.¡± George tells Bianca.


    ¡± Oh, I know. I hear that a lot.¡± Bianca shes George one of her goofy smiles.


    ¡± Can you please excuse us? I would like to talk to Naomi in private.¡± George says, shifting his gaze to me for confirmation, before looking back at Bianca.


    ¡± You sure?¡± Bianca asks.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    Bianca looks at George as she stands up. She grabs her purse and turns to look at me again.


    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna go round the block. Just call me when you¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡± Copy that.¡±


    She nods and we watch her walk away.


    ¡± She¡¯s not that bad.¡± George states, nting his ass on Bianca¡¯s empty chair.


    ¡± What do you wanna talk about?¡±


    ¡± Always straight to the point, huh? I¡¯ve always really loved that about you.¡±


    I try not to roll my eyes as I look at anywhere else but George. I guess George should be thest person I want to sit down and talk with. The farther we¡¯re from each other, I think the better.


    Ande to think of it, is it possible George is behind the incriminating letters and pictures he had sent me? Is that even possible? Also, he wasn¡¯t there at the art exhibition. Celine was there.


    ¡± I¡¯ve missed you, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± You know I¡¯m dating someone, right?¡± I ask him.


    George sighs defeatedly as he looks around.


    ¡± And I thought you were seeing someone.¡±


    ¡± It didn¡¯t work out. They don¡¯t work out. They¡¯re not like you.¡±


    Okay. What¡¯s he trying to do?


    ¡± George, you should try and understand that I¡¯m never getting back with you.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I know that. And I think it would be unfair of me to ask you toe back with me. I mean, I didn¡¯t treat you the way you¡¯re supposed to be treated when we were still together. Also, I¡¯m aware you¡¯re now with the lion himself.¡±


    ¡± What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡± Killian ck. Not to be judgemental here, Naomi, but what did you see in him? I get it he¡¯s rich, but I have known you as a girl who went after material things for men.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re doing exactly what you said you wouldn¡¯t do. You¡¯re being judgemental, George.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m¡­¡± He sighs and rubs the spot in between his eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry if Ie off as judgemental. I worry about you. And why didn¡¯t you tell me you were working for him? Did he make you do this? Did he make you date him with the promise of giving you a job?¡±


    What? Is he freaking serious right now? God, he sounds like every other woman in KB TECH who thinks I don¡¯t deserve my job.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you decided to stop by to have a chat with me, only to sit down here to judge me. You¡¯re doing exactly what these white girls at work are doing. Telling me I didn¡¯t deserve my job.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not what I¡¯m saying.¡±


    ¡± Then what are you saying?¡±


    ¡± Why are you mad at me?¡± He res. ¡± You¡¯re the one who¡¯s been avoiding me and acting like the enemy when all I¡¯ve tried is to be friends with you.¡±


    ¡± Oh, really? In case you¡¯re forgetting, I don¡¯t owe you any friendship. And friends don¡¯t judge friends and indirectly call them whores for getting a job in a toppany.¡±


    ¡± Naomi, please, stop. I didn¡¯t call you a whore. I¡¯m just worried about you.¡±


    ¡± Well, don¡¯t. I¡¯m not a child and I can basically take care of myself. I don¡¯t need you looking out for me, I don¡¯t need it. So please stop.¡±


    ¡± Why him?¡±


    I bite my bottom and look around for Bianca. I think it¡¯s time to get the hell out of here.


    ¡± He treats me better than you can ever treat me.¡±


    George scoffs out augh.


    Is he mocking me?


    ¡± Right. Like he¡¯s ever treated anything better before.¡± George mutters under his breath.


    ¡± Excuse me?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I start to gather my things.


    ¡± Are you leaving?¡± I ignore his question.


    After tossing everything that belongs to me inside my bag, I zip it and turn to look at George.


    ¡± Do me a favor and stop contacting me. Don¡¯t ever drop by my apartment ever again. Don¡¯te to my work ce without my permission and please, stop contacting me.¡± I stand up. ¡± We¡¯re done, like months ago, George. I know you knew that. Stop trying to restore what¡¯s never there. We were never in love so don¡¯t act like I took something away from you the minute I break up with you. Stay. away. from. me.¡± I¡¯m trying to keep my cool, but it¡¯s obvious I¡¯m yelling because customers from other tables are already turning their heads to look at the scene.


    I see Bianca at the end of the restaurant and tilt my head to the curb, giving her signal it¡¯s time to leave.


    ¡± Naomi, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± George grabs my arm.


    I turn to re at him. ¡± Don¡¯t you fucking touch me. Ever.¡±


    I snatch my hand from his grip and start to walk towards Bianca who¡¯s already heading towards us the minute George holds my arm.


    ¡± Should I go over there and punch him in the dick? Or his nut sack¡± Bianca asks.


    I chuckle and shake my head.


    ¡± Nah, that¡¯s not necessary. He was just being an asshole, like always.¡±


    Alvin pulls the car to a stop next us and we slide into the backseat. Once the door is shut, Alvin starts to drive. Through Bianca¡¯s side window, I stare at George who¡¯s standing and staring at the car.


    ¡± Fuck.¡±


    ¡± Are you okay, Ms. Alderson? Was that man bothering you?¡± Alvin asks.


    ¡± No, Alvin. Thanks for asking.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    ¡± Seriously, what happened back there? I was only gone for like, three minutes, and he was already being his asshole self again?¡± Bianca turns in her seat to ask.


    I sigh, press my head against my side window as I watch the tall building and cars pass by.


    ¡± We can talk when you¡¯re ready.¡± Bianca ces a reassuring hand on my shoulder before pulling away.


    ***


    ¡± Rachel, who¡¯s there?¡± Mom¡¯s voice calls from the kitchen as Rachel stands by the open door to wee me.


    ¡± Sister. Hi, Naomi¡¯s friend.¡± Rachel greets us, ignoring my mother¡¯s question.


    ¡± Hey, girl.¡± Bianca says to Rachel. ¡± You look wonderful.¡±


    ¡± Thanks.¡± Rachel answers tly and walks back into the house.


    Bianca sighs and turns to look at me as we step into the house, with me shutting the door.


    ¡± When is she going to like me?¡± Bianca asks.


    I chuckle.


    ¡± Give her time. She¡¯s just an hormonal teenager going through one of her phases.¡±


    ¡± Hm. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a phase. The girl doesn¡¯t like me. I mean, we¡¯ve been friends since college, and she¡¯s never been nice to me even when I say nice things to her. You know, no one¡¯s ever been mean to me before. I¡¯m always a catch. Everyone likes me.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I reply tly as I start to walk towards the living room, with Bianca behind me.


    ¡± Why won¡¯t she just like me? Seriously? Naomi¡¯s friend? She now calls me Naomi¡¯s friend. Like that is my name.¡± Bianca mutters and I chuckle.


    Bianca¡¯s right. Rachel doesn¡¯t like her. And each time we ask her why, because my family likes Rachel, including Charlie, she just gives me meaningless excuses about not really liking her.


    Weird.


    ¡± Luna.¡± Mom calls when she sees me.


    Bianca leans close to me to whisper. ¡± Luna? She still calls you that? Cute.¡± She giggles.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna punch you in the boob now.¡±


    ¡± Sorry. I¡¯m gonna shut up now.¡±


    ¡± Come here, baby.¡± Mom hugs me.


    ¡± Hi, mama. You look better, thank God.¡± I say as we pull apart.


    ¡± Yes. Thank God.¡± My mom smiles.


    She turns to look at my friend.


    ¡± Bianca, darling. Come give me a hug.¡±


    ¡± Hi, Mrs. Alderson. I heard what happened.¡± Bianca whispers to my mom as they hug.


    They pull apart eventually.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t stop by at the hospital. Work.¡± She smiles and stretches a fancy bag at my mom. ¡± I didn¡¯t know what to get, so I just¡­ I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll like it.¡±


    Mom takes the bag.


    ¡± Thank you, sweetheart. That¡¯s so thoughtful of you.¡± Mom embraces Bianca again and kisses her cheek.


    ¡± Rachel, bring this to my room.¡± Mom gives the bag to Rachel and she takes it.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you sit down? We just got you out of the hospital.¡± I say to mom.


    ¡± How are you doing?¡± I ask mom as she sits down.


    I drop my bag and sit next to her. Bianca sits down on the opposite couch.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Stronger. How are you? You look beautiful. Killian¡¯s doing a great job.¡±


    ¡± Please.¡± I giggle. ¡± Where¡¯s Antonio?¡±


    ¡± Here.¡± Antonio¡¯s voice calls from the stairs.


    We look up as my brother bounces off the stairs wearing a t-shirt and jeans. How¡¯s he home?


    ¡± Hey, Naomi.¡±


    I stand up to greet him and he pull me in for a hug.


    ¡± Hey.¡±


    We pull apart and I sit down.


    ¡± Bianca.¡± Antonio acknowledges my friend.


    ¡± Toni.¡±


    Toni? Nobody calls him that and he hates that nickname.


    ¡± You look good.¡±


    ¡± Oh, I¡¯ve heard that a lot recently. I guess it¡¯s pretty amazing to be living again.¡±


    ¡± Right. How¡¯s work? How are you doing?¡± Antonio asks Bianca.


    They¡¯re literally having a conversation without including mom and I while pretending we¡¯re not even in the room. I turn to look at my mother, tuning out Bianca and Antonio¡¯sughter.


    ¡± What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. I guess they haven¡¯t seen each other for a while. What¡¯s it? A year? Two?¡± Mom says, standing up to leave.


    Why don¡¯t I believe that?


    I stand up too, without my brother or Bianca putting a pause to their conversation. I walk to the kitchen to pour myself a ss of water. Rachel sits in the kitchen table writing in her notebook.


    ¡± How¡¯s school? How are you doing?¡±


    ¡± School is fine. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡± Still seeing that kid?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t have a boyfriend if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I mutter, pouring a bottle of cold water in a ss. ¡± Where¡¯s Charlie?¡±


    ¡± Next door with the neighbor¡¯s kids. They¡¯re ying.¡± Rachel answers without looking up.


    I turn to look at the living room, watching Bianca and my brother talking andughing like they¡¯re a couple. I take a sip from my water as I watch them.


    ¡± They¡¯re dating if you haven¡¯t figured that out yet.¡± Rachel says behind me.


    I turn to look at her, nearly choking on my water.


    ¡± What did you say?¡±


    ¡± That they¡¯re dating? Well, yes.¡±


    ¡± And how would you know that?¡±


    ¡± Because they¡¯re literally flirting with each other right there. Also, Antonio has been going on dates. Strange and long midnight calls. It¡¯s not like I listen to his conversation, I just happen to hear it. And now your best friend shows up, they¡¯re all lovey dovey. Gross.¡± She makes a gag noise.


    ¡± Hm.¡± I turn around to stare at them and they¡¯re sitting impossibly close.


    ¡± And you know it¡¯s weird calling him Toni. God, he hates that name.¡± Rachel says.


    ¡± Right. I¡¯m gonna go confront them.¡± I finish my ss of water, drop the ss in the sink. ¡± Be a darling and wash that, yeah?¡± I pat Rachel on the hair and walk to the living room.


    Mom¡¯s already there, sitting on the opposite couch talking with the alleged couple.


    ¡± Right?¡± Mom¡¯s saying to Antonio and Bianca as I sit next to her.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± Theyugh and I just sit down and stare at them like an idiot.


    They stopughing as everyone¡¯s eyes dart towards my form.


    ¡± What¡¯s going on?¡± I ask, eyeing every person in the room.


    ¡± Naomi¡¯s just thinking you two are in a rtionship.¡± Mom says. Way to go mom.


    Always straight to the point.


    ¡± What?¡± They say in unison.


    ¡± Why would you think that?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± Maybe because you two are flirting with each other.¡± I point out.


    ¡± What? Me, date Toni? No shit. What?¡± Biancaughs nervously.


    ¡± See? She just literally called you Toni for the second time and you¡¯re not even repulsed by it.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t like to be called Luna, but people still call you by that name.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± Luna is my middle name. Toni is like a weird form of your name. You hate it. You think it¡¯s the female version of Tony and it sounds too English. You literally hate it when you¡¯re called Toni. But Bianca calls you Toni, and you¡¯re blushing. That can either be you have a crush on her or you two are really dating.¡±


    ¡± Who gave you this theory? Rachel?¡± Antonio asks.


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡± Mom, are you gonna say something?¡± I ask my mom.


    ¡± No. I¡¯d rather just sit here and listen to you kids bicker back and forth.¡±


    ¡± This isn¡¯t bickering.¡± I say.


    ¡± Naomi, hon, your brother and I are not dating. He¡¯s just too¡­ugh. How do I put this in a nice way?¡± Bianca clicks her tongue as she obviously pretends to think. ¡± He¡¯s just not my type. Period.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, whatever.¡± I wave her off.


    ¡± So, you¡¯re leaving for Miami tomorrow?¡± Mom changes the topic.


    ¡± Yeah, I think. Eve¡¯s having her rehearsal dinner in Miami and Killian wants us to be there before the others starting.¡±


    ¡± Aw, he wants to have you to himself, huh?¡± Bianca asks, smirking as she wiggles her eyebrows.


    ¡± God, you¡¯re such a slut.¡± I tell her, shaking my head.


    ¡± You be careful, sweetheart.¡± Mom says. ¡± That boy really loves and cares about you. It¡¯s not every day you see powerful men adore women. And be a dear and try to call us so we know you¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡± I already told her to take pictures.¡± Bianca says.


    ¡± You should.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± I¡¯m really proud he¡¯s not like that ex of yours. That boy put you through so much.¡± Mom says.


    ¡± Right.¡± I mutter.


    My phone rings in my bag, putting a pause to our conversation. I pull out my phone as I check who¡¯s calling. It¡¯s Killian. I send the call to voicemail and toss it back inside my bag.


    Didn¡¯t we just get off the phone a few hours ago? Is something wrong?


    ¡± Is he still contacting you?¡± Mom¡¯s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.


    ¡± What?¡± I ask, looking at my family and friend.


    ¡± Are you okay, Naomi?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± Yeah. Just stressed and you know¡­my high school best friend is getting married and I¡¯m really¡­ Don¡¯t worry about me. What were you asking me?¡±


    ¡± If George still contacts you.¡± Bianca says.


    ¡± Ooh.¡± I run my hand through my hair and sigh. ¡± George and I are over, mama, and there¡¯s nothing that¡¯s ever going to bring us back. And him contacting me wouldn¡¯t change that, either.¡±


    ¡± That is not the point.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± Then what¡¯s the point?¡± I ask, biting my bottom lip as my phone rings again.


    Fuck, is something wrong? I¡¯ve been stressed because I¡¯m always thinking about these messages and thinking about the possibility that, what if this psycho person sending these messages wants to hurt us? Hurt Killian?


    ¡± The point is he shouldn¡¯t be contacting you at all.¡± Antonio says.


    My phone vibrates and it¡¯s a message from Killian. I stare at the phone in my hand, wondering, thinking about what¡¯s wrong. I¡¯m supposed to spend the night at home with Bianca, watch crazy shit in ourfy pajamas, and then Killian and I are traveling together tomorrow.


    Why does he want me toe over now?


    ¡± Are you even listening to what we¡¯re saying?¡± Antonio asks, snapping his fingers in my face.


    ¡± Stop. Jesus, I need a break.¡± I say, standing up.


    ¡± We should get going. I¡¯m supposed to drop by the office and handle some stuff. Killian and I are having dinner tonight and he wants me toe over. I think his mom¡¯s there too. She wants to meet me.¡±


    ¡± I thought she already met you.¡± Bianca says.


    I re at her, giving her a signal to stop talking.


    ¡± Luna, honey, are you okay?¡± Mom asks.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I grab my bag. ¡± I¡¯m gonna call you as soon as I get to Miami, ma, okay? Antonio is here, so I believe he¡¯ll look out for you.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not that sick or old, I can take care of myself.¡±


    ¡± Just being careful, ma.¡± I say with a smile. I lean down to kiss her cheek and turn to look at Antonio and Bianca who are looking at me like I¡¯ve gone crazy.


    ¡± Later, Toni. Rachel, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡± Okay!¡± Rachel calls from the kitchen.


    ¡± Come on, Bianca.¡±


    ¡± Later, Mrs. Alderson. Bye, Antonio.¡± Bianca says, shing a smile to my family as she scurries out of the house with me.


    I open the backseat of Alvin¡¯s car parked in the curb outside my house and step inside. Bianca enters too and shuts the door.


    ¡± What¡¯s going on? You¡¯re freaking me out. What¡¯s happening? Did something happen? Is Killian okay?¡± Bianca asks as Alvin reverses the car to drive onto the road.


    ¡± Why do you all keep thinking that? Killian is okay, all right? He¡¯s fine. I wasn¡¯t lying about dropping by the office and meeting Killian¡¯s mom.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    We fall into afortable silence as I text Killian I¡¯m on my way to work. Did something happen?


    ¡± So you and my brother¡­¡± I start a conversation as I turn to look at Bianca.


    She¡¯s scowling at me.


    ¡± I thought we trashed this topic already.¡±


    ¡± Did we?¡±


    ¡± Antonio and I are nothing, you know that?¡±


    ¡± Oh, I don¡¯t know. Rachel says Antonio has been going out a lottely, and you, you¡¯ve been going out a lot too. And you¡¯re dating this mystery guy who¡¯s got a kid. You still haven¡¯t told me this guy¡¯s name.¡±


    ¡± Naomi, trust me.¡±


    ¡± Should I?¡±


    ¡± Ugh. God, why are you being annoying?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not. Look, I don¡¯t care if you choose to get with my brother, Bia. You¡¯re literally my best friend and we¡¯ve got, like, a sister¡¯s code where none of us would date any members from each other¡¯s family. Especially brothers. So, it¡¯s just pretty weird you two were talking like you¡¯ve been talking these past weeks and months.¡±


    ¡± Jesus. I don¡¯t fuck with sis code, Naomi. Ever. Believe me, Antonio and I are nothing.¡± She rolls her eyes. ¡± He¡¯s hot, yeah, but he¡¯s not my type, really. He¡¯s not even close to my type.¡±


    ¡± Hm.¡±


    ¡± What are your types?¡± I ask, smirking.


    ¡± Oh, you don¡¯t want to know.¡± Bianca says chuckling.


    I chuckle too.


    We fall into anotherfortable silence as my phone pings again. It¡¯s a message, from an unknown blocked number. I unlock the screen as I stare at the message. I already know the quantity of the message before even opening it. It¡¯s a picture. A picture from earlier.


    Me and George are sitting outside the outdoor diner after Bianca left. I remember this scenario, it was when he was indirectly calling me a whore and I actually looked angry.


    But in this picture, there are so many things wrong. For one, I¡¯m smiling, like I¡¯m enjoying myself. And two, George is holding my hand on the table, he¡¯s also smiling.


    To any other person, It looks like we¡¯re on a happy date. And the caption this person added to the picture is:


    ¡® I wonder what Mr. ck is going to think when I send him this picture, you lying, cheating whore.¡±


    Oh, shit.

 Chapter 76

    Killian¡¯s POV


    One hour earlier


    The guys decide to gather at Keith¡¯s ce just to hangout before everyone leaves for Miami tomorrow. Eve¡¯s not around, she¡¯s hanging out with my mom doing what women do.


    A hip-hop song ys in a low volume in Keith¡¯s apartment as the guys chug beers, talk, andugh amongst themselves. I stand at a corner with my left hand in my pocket and my right hand holding a ss of water. At least one of us needs to be sober enough to deal with these men. They can be children when they¡¯re drunk.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I turn around to see Keith.


    He doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯s been drinking since we all got here. He looks stressed and worked out. I give Keith a curt nod as he stands next to me.


    ¡± You good?¡± I ask Keith.


    He sighs as he sways in his feet.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, man. Maybe I¡¯m a little nervous. I mean, in less than 48hrs I¡¯ll be married.¡± He chuckles nervously.


    ¡± Are you drunk?¡±


    Keith turns to look at me before looking away.


    ¡± I only had two drinks. You and I know it¡¯s not enough to fuck me up.¡±


    I chuckle. ¡± Right.¡±


    Keith¡¯s quiet for a minute, he looks like he¡¯s thinking.


    ¡± You wanna talk about it? Whatever thing that¡¯s bothering you?¡± I ask him.


    ¡± I love Eve a lot, and you know it. I want to spend the rest of my life with her and I can¡¯t wait to have this baby with her. But¡­¡± sighs. ¡± I¡¯m nervous and afraid the closer the wedding gets. I feel like I¡¯m gonna fuck this whole thing up. Including being a father. Does that make any sense?¡± Keith asks as he turns to look at me. I smile.


    ¡± Yeah. I mean, there¡¯s nothing wrong with being afraid because you¡¯re about to be married and be a father. We all know being a father and a husbandes with a lot of responsibilities. We keep thinking, what if we fuck this up? What if we tried our best and it wasn¡¯t enough? But you shouldn¡¯t forget that marriage and having a baby is not a one man¡¯s job. That¡¯s why you have Eve. You both can work it out together. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll.¡±


    Keith nods as he smiles.


    ¡± Wow. That was good. I mean, I feel a lot better when you put it like that. Who knew you could give advice?¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you just said that.¡± I say, as Keithughs.


    ¡± Oh,e on, stop being a drama doll.¡±


    I scoff and chuckle.


    ¡± How¡¯s Naomi doing? I hope you two aren¡¯t nning on turning my wedding weekend to a sex weekend?¡±


    ¡± God, you¡¯re fucking drunk.¡± I say with a chuckle.


    Keith snorts out augh.


    ¡± Well, she¡¯s okay. She¡¯s out having dinner with her friend and shopping for a dress for your wedding.¡±


    ¡± Hm mm.¡± Keith takes my water from my hand and drinks it.


    ¡± Is something bothering you? These past few days you¡¯ve been anything but okay. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Keith asks.


    I lick my bottom lip and push my hands down the pockets of my cks. As much as I wanna tell my family and Naomi what¡¯s going on, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not the best idea. This person is still out there, still plotting. And telling Naomi or even my family won¡¯t catch this perpetrator and stop whatever this person¡¯s nning. Someone¡¯s iming to have a child for me. And every morning when I wake up and I think about it, I¡¯m fucking scared, pissed, angry, and I don¡¯t even know what to do. What if I tell my family, or let¡¯s say, just Keith, what if he bes a target? What if this sick person thinks about hurting Keith and then Naomi?


    ¡± Killian, you¡¯re killing me with the suspense. What¡¯s up? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡± Of course it¡¯s not nothing. I know you better than anyone and I can tell you¡¯re lying. You can trust me and confide in me, you know that? I know over the years we weren¡¯t best of friends, but I want you to know that I¡¯m still your brother and you can always talk to me if something¡¯s bothering you. Whatever it is, we can figure it out.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯splicated, Keith.¡±


    ¡± Is this about Naomi?¡±


    ¡± No.¡±


    ¡± Then what¡¯s it? Talk to me, Kil.¡± He pressures me.


    Sighing, I turn to look at the others talking andughing over the music. Raymond¡¯s partner is here and like always, he¡¯s sitting in a corner with a beer in his hand and his phone in the other. He really enjoys his ownpany. I keep on wondering how he and Raymond keep sailing their ship for this long? They¡¯re opposite sides of a coin. Totally different.


    I pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration as I turn to look at Keith.


    ¡± I¡¯m listening.¡±


    I nod. ¡± There¡¯s a woman. Her name¡¯s Lily Sanders.¡±


    ¡± What? You cheated on Naomi? That¡¯s thest thing I expected from you. I thought you were in love with her. Why would you want another woman?¡±


    ¡± You didn¡¯t even let mend.¡±


    ¡± What? There¡¯s more? Is she pregnant for you?¡± He asks and I don¡¯t answer. ¡± Oh man, she¡¯s pregnant, isn¡¯t she? Is Naomi aware? Did she know about this? Are you even nning on telling her?¡±


    ¡± Keith! Shut up.¡± I whisper-yell at him. And that really does the job.


    ¡± God, I need more water.¡±


    ¡± I thought you said you were gonna listen? I haven¡¯t evennded and you¡­¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry. I just¡­ I swear, that was thest thing I expected to hear from you. But please, go ahead. I¡¯m gonna keep quiet.¡±


    I shake my head as I look away from my brother. Now I¡¯m doubting if I should tell him.


    ¡± You wanna go somewhere quiet?¡± Keith asks as he watches me hesitate.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    Keith nods. We walk to the living room and he drops the empty ss of water. The guys turn to look at us, but Keith and I ignore their stares as we go upstairs. Keith and I enter his guest bedroom and he shuts the door behind him. It¡¯s pretty quiet in here.


    ¡± Let me guess, this is the baby¡¯s nursery?¡±


    Keith chuckles. ¡± Shut up. We¡¯re still working on it. You know, since we don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a boy or a girl yet. Eve thought we should buy things that are okay for both genders. Whatever the hell she means.¡±


    I chuckle.


    Keith rolls his eyes at me and walks to the couch at the corner of the room and sits down.


    ¡± So¡­ what¡¯s going on?¡±


    I start to pace around the room with my hands in my pocket.


    ¡± Like I said, there¡¯s a woman. Her name¡¯s Lily Sanders. A few weeks ago, she sent me a letter.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    I start to tell Keith everything, about the letter, the positive pregnancy test kit, the ckmailing, the threats, about this Dwayne guy, the creepy neighborhood, Anna Montgomery and herte daughter. Everything.


    Keith just sits back and listens attentively and quietly. I finish my story and he¡¯s still quiet while staring at nothing.


    ¡± Oh my God. That¡¯s ¨C that¡¯s a lot. You¡¯ve been going through all that recently?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± And you didn¡¯t tell Naomi?¡±


    ¡± I couldn¡¯t. I am afraid.¡±


    ¡± You should be. Women could barely deal with the idea or information that the man they love got some chick pregnant. That¡¯s a lot to deal with.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    Keith sighs and stands up.


    ¡± So you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t remember dating any Lily Sanders over the past years?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t remember.¡±


    ¡± What about Lily? Any Lily at all?¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t get it, Keith. Sometimes, being me is fucking difficult. When I go out with women over the weekends, it¡¯s inly because of sex and I don¡¯t ever remember their names the minute they open their mouth to introduce themselves. And the few women I¡¯ve dated for a long or short period of time, it¡¯s mostly a short period of time. A span of months. Well, the minute I end things, I don¡¯t remember their names after we go our separate ways. You know I¡¯m a busy man. And maybe that kinda makes me an asshole, or a shitty person, but when we¡¯re over, we¡¯re over. I don¡¯t go around keeping names.¡±


    ¡± Wow, you sound like a shitty billionaire.¡± Keith points out.


    ¡± I¡¯m a billionaire.¡±


    ¡± So you¡¯ve been living your life recklessly all these years?¡±


    ¡± You could say that.¡± I mutter and run my fingers through my hair.


    ¡± So you don¡¯t remember any woman telling you they were pregnant for you these past years?¡±


    ¡± More than a hundred women have imed to be pregnant for me, and I don¡¯t even remember their faces or names. And I don¡¯t go around having sex without a condom, drunk or not.¡±


    ¡± Have you wondered what If this Lily Sanders woman is a woman from your past? You know, before you became this?¡± Keith gestures to me with his hand. ¡°What if you guys dated before you opened Club K and even thought about expanding KB TECH? What if you knew her when you were nothing? Have you thought about that?¡±


    ¡± I ¨C shit, no.¡±


    ¡± Good. So I say, if you don¡¯t wanna ruin my wedding because you¡¯re the best man, you should take some time off after my wedding and use it to think about anyone special at that time that you may have wronged or gotten pregnant. How¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡± Even if I managed to figure out who this woman is, what does it have to do with Anna Montgomery and her daughter?¡±


    ¡± When you figure out this woman from your past, I bet it has a lot of things to do with the deceased.¡±


    ¡± This is all messed up.¡±


    ¡± It is. And I¡¯m sorry you¡¯re going through this. Actions do have consequences, though.¡±


    ¡± Whose side are you on, Keith?¡±


    ¡± Yours, of course. But we can¡¯t turn a blind eye to how reckless you lived your life before you even became rich. When dad left, permanently, you changed. You became a different person. Over ambitious, money driven, desperate, you freaking name it. And when you became rich, you became worse. And I believe you¡¯ve hurt a lot of people, women included. You don¡¯t expect to just get away with all this, do you? Because if you do get away with it, how are you gonna learn?¡±


    What the fuck? I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s saying this.


    ¡± You¡¯re obviously not on my side, Keith.¡±


    Keith sighs as he approaches me. He stops in front of me and ces his hands on my shoulders.


    ¡± You and I know the minute Naomi walked into your life, that was when you changed for the best. She¡¯s a good influence on you and I love the way you¡¯re trying your best to be the man she deserves. All I¡¯m trying to say is that, before Naomi, you were¡­¡± He pauses, thinking, as he clicks his tongue.


    I watch him ponder over something in his head for nearly a minute till I can¡¯t take it anymore.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡±


    ¡± Thinking of a better name to call you that won¡¯t sound totally bad.¡±


    I scoff. ¡± Fucking hell.¡±


    ¡± Got it. You were like a child. You do things and you don¡¯t even regret them. You messed people up. You were so over ambitious, you don¡¯t mind running people over.¡±


    ¡± I did run people over.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± You see. And that was when we grew apart. It¡¯s not because I don¡¯t care about you, or love you, I just stopped reaching out because¡­¡± He drops his hands off my shoulders and takes a step back. ¡± You changed. You were at the other side of the world and I was just there. And I¡¯m sorry, maybe I failed at being a decent older brother. I guess I was shitty too.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, you were shitty.¡± I say. Keithughs sadly. ¡± It¡¯s cool. At least we¡¯re here, trying to make amends. Right?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And I¡¯m sorry you¡¯re going through whatever you¡¯re going through.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t look sorry.¡± I tell him. Heughs.


    ¡± Shut up. I¡¯m truly sorry. And as much as I love your girlfriend, I still think it¡¯s not the best time to tell her. Especially when you don¡¯t know who you¡¯re dealing with.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I wanted to wait till after your wedding, get it over with.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Speaking of that, when are you guys leaving?¡±


    ¡± Tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡± Great. We¡¯ll meet you guys there, then.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Take it easy on yourself, yeah?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll keep that in mind. I should head home. I¡¯m pretty tired.¡±


    ¡± Let me walk you out.¡±


    Keith walks me down to the living room, I bid the guys good-bye as Keith follows me outside to my car. My mind is clouded and my thoughts are just everywhere. Rick, one of my part-time drivers, steps out of the car to open the backseat door when he sees me. I shake Keith bye and enter my car as Rick shuts the door.


    In less than a few minutes we¡¯re driving down the road and towards mypany. I still have a lot of things to handle at the office and I need them done today before traveling to Miami. I pull out my phone to call Naomi, to check on her if she¡¯s okay. The line rings and goes straight to voicemail.


    Weird. Is she refusing to pick up on purpose? I dial her number again and she doesn¡¯t answer. I don¡¯t know how to feel about that.


    Is she okay? Did something happen to her? Did this Lily Sanders woman get to her and maybe she might have hurt her? I scroll through my contacts to call Alvin, but a message pops up at the top of my screen.


    I click the message to view it and I¡¯m surprised at the content. It¡¯s a picture sent by a blocked number and I already know it¡¯s whoever that¡¯s fucking with me. In the picture, Naomi and her ex look like they¡¯re on a date. They¡¯re both smiling and her ex is holding her hand on top of the table in between them.


    What the fuck is this?


    There¡¯s also a caption attached to the photo.


    ¡®Old mes never quench so easily. I don¡¯t doubt it either.¡¯


    Fuck. How¡¯s she sessfully messing with me? I click on Naomi¡¯s contact and drop her a message toe to the office. I¡¯m not blind, that picture was taken today. It was the exact same clothing that she wore before she left.


    Did she decide to have lunch with her ex after she shopped for a dress? Wasn¡¯t she supposed to be with her friend? And why are they smiling? I want to believe this is fake and it must have been photoshopped even if it looks real, but what if she really had lunch with her ex? Why are they even sitting together? I thought she said they were over.


    I have never been the jealous type. I barely give a shit about anyone. But watching or seeing Naomi talk with other men, especially her shitty ex, this thing called jealousy always finds its way to mess with my head. I¡¯m afraid to lose her and I don¡¯t wanna lose her.


    Rick parks in the parking lot of mypany and I step out of the car before he even opens the door for me. It¡¯s almost 6pm, so the workers should be preparing to close for the day. Taking my private elevator to my office, I pace the small space of my elevator.


    Keith was right about everything he said. If this isn¡¯t happening to me, maybe I wouldn¡¯t have learnt my lessons or take things for granted. I didn¡¯t date a lot of women before Club K, which was five years ago. And the few women I remembered dating, even if I don¡¯t remember some of their names, none of them were Lily Sanders. I don¡¯t even remember dating any Lily. My hair is a mess as the elevator arrives in my office.


    I stride in, taking in the quiet of my office as I stare at my busy workers. I wonder: What if Lily Sanders is a sister to one of my workers and they¡¯re working together to fuck me up as revenge? That¡¯s possible. And I won¡¯t be surprised, if maybe this sister is Amber? Or maybe Celine? I don¡¯t even know who to trust.


    I pour myself a ss of scotch, dropping the bottle on my desk while I drink from my ss as I stare at New York. I¡¯m willing to pay any amount of money to go back to my normal life. Where I don¡¯t have to worry about a lunatic chick iming to be pregnant for me? God, what if there¡¯s truly a child?


    Fuck. A child from five years ago. That would mean this child is about five years of age.


    God, this is fucking scary.


    Maybe I do deserve this. But what about Naomi? She doesn¡¯t deserve this. She deserves so much better than what I¡¯m giving her. Now, how am I supposed to tell her what¡¯s going on without hurting her?


    There¡¯s a knock on my door.


    ¡± Come in.¡± I call out.


    The door opens and I turn around. Naomi walks in. She drops her bag on my desk as she stares at the bottle of Scotch on my desk and the empty ss in my hand. She sighs and walks towards me as she takes the ss off my hand and drops it on my desk.


    ¡± Hey. Are you okay?¡± She asks.


    ¡± Yeah. Are you okay?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I got your call. Is everything alright?¡± She asks.


    I take off my suit jacket and walk towards my chair to drape my jacket over it.


    ¡± Can I ask you something?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. What¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡± Are you still seeing your ex? I mean as friends.¡±


    She blinks her eyes at me in shock as she opens her mouth to speak but closes it. She scoffs in disbelief.


    ¡± I¡¯m not seeing George. Did someone tell you that?¡±


    I sigh as I stare at her. I know she¡¯s telling the truth and I don¡¯t want to tell her about the picture and that I knew she had lunch with him. She would ask me how I came to know about that?


    ¡± Killian.¡±


    ¡± Hm?¡± I look down at her.


    ¡± Is there something you¡¯re not telling me?¡± She asks.


    I sigh. ¡± Yes.¡±


    ¡± And what¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡± Trust me, this isn¡¯t the right time to talk about this. I wanted to discuss it with you after the wedding.¡±


    ¡± After the wedding? Why? What difference is it gonna make?¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t get it, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± Oh, you think I don¡¯t? Why did you ask about George and I?¡±


    ¡± Nothing.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t bullshit me, Kil. I know it¡¯s not nothing.¡±


    ¡± What do you want me to say?¡±


    ¡± Tell me what¡¯s going on? I need to know what¡¯s going on.¡±


    I scoff and look away from her.


    ¡± Well, I got someone to keep an eye on you because I was worried about you and I was making sure you¡¯re safe. This person reported to me that you were out having lunch with your ex. Weren¡¯t you supposed to be with your friend?¡± That wasn¡¯t entirely a lie.


    I did pay someone to keep an eye on her, to make sure she¡¯s okay and no harm befell her. I paid the guy off after a week when he reported back that there¡¯s no threat out there and she was pretty safe. I just decided to use that because I couldn¡¯t tell her Lily Sanders sent me a photo and that was only possible because Lily Sanders was there or she had eyes everywhere.


    ¡± Oh my God. What the hell, Kil? You had someone keep an eye on me?¡±


    ¡± I was worried about you?¡±


    ¡± And why are you worried about me, if I might ask?¡±


    I can¡¯t answer her question. I just stare at her.


    ¡± You¡¯re unbelievable. I cannot believe you. I can take care of my goddamn self, I don¡¯t need you protecting me. And PS, I wasn¡¯t having lunch with George. He just happened to be in the area and he dropped by I and Bianca¡¯s table. I don¡¯t even fucking like George anymore because he¡¯s a piece of shit.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Of course you¡¯re. You can¡¯t go around paying people to spy on your girlfriend, that¡¯s just in rude and wrong. That¡¯s fucking crazy, Kil, whatever the reason is. It makes me think that you don¡¯t even trust me.¡±


    ¡± Babe, don¡¯t say that. I trust you.¡±


    ¡± Oh, yeah? And yet, you can¡¯t even tell me what¡¯s going on with you? Because you don¡¯t trust me enough to handle it well.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not that and you know it.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t fucking know anything!¡± She yells and grabs her bag.


    ¡± Naomi,e on.¡±


    She ignores me and walks towards my office door. For God¡¯s sake, this isn¡¯t going as nned.


    ¡± And just so you know, your weird ex is texting me weird messages and photos including us. Why don¡¯t you try and deal with that too, Mr. Confidential?¡± She opens the door aggressively and ms it shut.

 Chapter 77

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± Hey, calm down, alright? Are you ready to talk about it now?¡±


    ¡± God, I can¡¯t believe him. How can he treat me like that?¡±


    After I left Killian¡¯s office, with both my ears bringing out smoke and Killian not even chasing after me or calling me back, I made Alvin drop me off at home. Bianca¡¯s already at home making dinner for the both of us. She tried to talk to me and she even asked me what was wrong, I didn¡¯t answer her. I just stormed to my room, changed out of my clothes and took a cold shower.


    Killian had already given me ten missed calls. I turned my phone off in anger and just went to bed. Bianca came to knock on my door, forcing me toe out and talk to her. I did listen to her.


    She made me hot chocte as we sat on our favorite couch in silence with Regr Show ying on TV.


    ¡± Calm down, Dorothy. What happened? You said you were going to drop some files at the office but you came home all pissed.¡±


    ¡± Killian. He¡­¡± I sigh.


    ¡± Take it easy. One word at a time.¡±


    ¡± God, fucking stop, Bia. I wasn¡¯t involved in an ident, stop treating me like that.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I just care about you, what do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡± One, stop treating me like a child.¡±


    ¡± Mm mm. Come here, my sugar. Tell Mama what¡¯s bothering you.¡± She coos as she pulls me to herself.


    ¡± Shut up before I punch you in the boob.¡± I warn her but snuggle close to her anyway.


    Biancaughs at my threat and I smile.


    ¡± What happened?¡±


    ¡± Killian knew George stopped by our table today. He thought I had lunch with George. And he told me he paid this guy to keep an eye on me and spy on me. I guess this guy told him he saw George with me having lunch.¡±


    ¡± Why would he pay a guy to keep an eye on you?¡±


    ¡± He doesn¡¯t trust me. He thinks I¡¯m a child and I can¡¯t handle my own shit.¡±


    ¡± He said that?¡±


    ¡± Of course not. I¡¯m just rephrasing his words. He¡¯s a dick.¡±


    ¡± Hmm.¡±


    ¡± We got into a fight. I was angry. Something¡¯s definitely up with him and he is not talking to me, that¡¯s just messed up. I thought he loved me. I thought we were in a rtionship, why can¡¯t he just talk to me?¡±


    ¡± Have you ever wondered what if he¡¯s keeping some information from you to keep you safe? Or he¡¯s afraid you¡¯re gonna get hurt if you find out what you think is actually bothering him? What if he doesn¡¯t want to hurt you?¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s bullshit. What¡¯s it that¡¯s happening that he thinks will hurt me if I find out? I don¡¯t care what the problem is, butmunication is key to any healthy rtionship. He should trust me enough to talk to me. Whatever it is that¡¯s there. We could handle it together.¡±


    ¡± Did you tell him all these? This whole speech that you just said?¡± Bianca asks.


    I pull away to scowl at her. Sheughs.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t.¡± I sigh. ¡± I was really angry. I also told him about this weird chick that¡¯s messaging me.¡±


    ¡± What did he say?¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t let him speak. I just stormed out.¡± I sigh and lean against the couch, throwing my head back as I stare at the ceiling.


    ¡± Did I just fuck this up?¡± I mutter underneath my breath.


    ¡± Of course not. You guys just had a misunderstanding, you¡¯re gonna figure it out. You could also go talk to him and hear his part of the story. Something you should have done before storming away.¡±


    ¡± He didn¡¯t look like he was willing or even ready to tell me his part of the story.¡±


    ¡± Then give him some time. He¡¯s gonna tell what¡¯s up when the right timees. You can¡¯t just force him, honey.¡±


    ¡± Oh, God, I hate it when you¡¯re right.¡± I groan.


    Biancaughs. ¡± That¡¯s why you love me.¡± She stands up. ¡± I¡¯m gonna go check my food ande back in a minute. Drink that hot cocoa and I¡¯ll be back. In the meantime, I think you should turn on your phone and call him. Stop being a bitch.¡± Bianca says as she walks to the kitchen.


    ¡± What the eff, girl? Whose side are you on?¡±


    I hear Biancaugh. ¡± Yours of course.¡±


    ¡± Well, you don¡¯t sound like you¡¯re on my side.¡±


    ¡± Just call him. It¡¯s sad enough that you¡¯re sad. Hearing you whine about your love life while restraining yourself from doing the right thing, is sadder. So call him, okay?¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I mutter underneath my breath and roll my eyes.


    ¡± How¡¯s it going at work, anyway?¡± I ask Bianca as I pick up the TV remote.


    ¡± Good.¡± She answers from the kitchen.


    I begin to tune the TV, flipping through channels.


    ¡± Just good? Nothing fun happening at work?¡±


    ¡± Nothing fun, Naomi. I mean it¡¯s a ce of work, what interesting shit were you expecting?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe an asshole chick trying to ruin your life.¡± I mutter. Biancaughs from the kitchen.


    ¡± I don¡¯t work at KB TECH, sweetheart.¡± Bianca says as she returns to the living room.


    She sits next to me.


    ¡± So about Eve¡¯s wedding. That¡¯s her name, right? Your highschool best friend who turns out to be your boyfriend¡¯s brother¡¯s partner?¡±


    ¡± Yup.¡± I stop at an entertainment channel and drop the TV remote on the coffee table.


    ¡± Is there really gonna be a yacht party?¡±


    ¡± So I heard. Eve wants the reception to happen in a yacht. It¡¯s fancy, you know that stuff.¡±


    ¡± Where are they gonna get a yacht? Is her daddy rich?¡±


    ¡± Not really rich rich. I guess Killian¡¯s got a yacht.¡±


    ¡± No shit. Killian¡¯s got a yacht?¡±


    ¡± Something like that. I haven¡¯t really seen it, though. I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s big enough to amodate wedding guests till the whole shit is over.¡±


    ¡± How rich is your boyfriend exactly? Are you sure he doesn¡¯t have, like, a kid brother? You know, the one who¡¯s gonna share simr looks and financial status like your man. Hmm?¡± Bianca asks, smirking as she wiggles her brows.


    ¡± God, you¡¯re such a slut.¡±


    ¡± Come on, don¡¯t slut shame me.¡± Bianca says, giggling. ¡± I¡¯m gonna miss you, though. You¡¯re leaving tomorrow and I¡¯m pretty sure you won¡¯t be back till Monday. This house is gonna be boring as shit.¡± Bianca says as she wraps her arms around me and pulls me close to her.


    ¡± I¡¯m not moving out. Just going for a fun ride in Miami.¡±


    ¡± You really should take pictures, maybe one of these days we¡¯ll take a girl¡¯s trip to Miami. Just you and I. We¡¯ll sunbathe and live in our bikinis and maybe stare at pretty men.¡±


    ¡± That sounds really fun.¡± I smile.


    The microwave dings.


    ¡± Desserts ready.¡± She stands up and rushes to the kitchen.


    ¡± And fucking call him already, you thickheaded bitch.¡± Bianca calls from the kitchen.


    ¡± Whatever, mom.¡± I groan.


    I stand up to go to the bedroom to grab my phone when the doorbell rings.


    ¡± I¡¯ll get it.¡± I announce, grumbling.


    ¡± Of course you will.¡±


    I shake my head at Bianca¡¯s teasing and walk towards the living room door. Looking through the peephole, I¡¯m surprised to see the person on the other side of the door. I bite my bottom lip, take a deep breath and open the door.


    Killian¡¯s eyes lock with mine as he takes in my form. My hair is in a messy ponytail, I¡¯m wearing an oversized t-shirt and a SpongeBob pajamas. Point is, I look like shit.


    ¡± Hey.¡±


    ¡± Hi.¡±


    ¡± Naomi, who¡¯s there?¡± Bianca calls from the kitchen.


    ¡± Oh.¡± I hear Bianca¡¯s voice behind me.


    I turn to look at her and she¡¯s peeking out of the kitchen.


    ¡± Um, hello Killian.¡±


    ¡± Hi. How are you doing?¡±


    ¡± Great.¡± Bianca smiles at him and goes back to the kitchen.


    ¡± Do you wannae in?¡± I ask with a sigh.


    ¡± Do you wanna step out for a bit? I really need to talk to you.¡± Killian says.


    ¡± Okay. I¡¯m gonna go inside and change. You cane in and wait.¡± I leave the door open and hurry towards my bedroom.


    Bianca gives me a look and I shrug. She smiles and gives me a thumbs off, before disappearing into the kitchen again.


    In my bedroom, I change into a knitted light blue, halter neck short dress and white sneakers. I remove my hair from its ponytail and run a brush through the strands and then put it up on a high ponytail again. I don¡¯t bother to apply makeup as I step out of the bedroom. Killian is sitting on a couch opposite the TV when I step into the living room. I don¡¯t see Bianca anywhere so I assume she must still be cooking or maybe in her living room.


    ¡± I¡¯m ready.¡± I announce.


    His attention flips from the TV to my form as he takes in my outfit. He smiles and stands up and nods in acknowledgement.


    ¡± After you.¡± He gestures to the door.


    ¡± Bia, I¡¯m leaving!¡± I call out to my friend.


    ¡± Alright. Have fun out there.¡± She calls from the kitchen and steps out.


    She gives me a small smile and ushers me out. Killian bids goodbye and we step into the hallway and towards the elevator. We ride the elevator to the lobby quietly. Killian leads me to his car with Alvin already waiting by the car. He opens the backdoor when he sees us.


    ¡± Ms. Alderson.¡± Alvin greets me with a smile.


    ¡± Alvin. It¡¯s nice seeing you again.¡±


    ¡± You too.¡± Alvin opens the backdoor of Killian¡¯s Mercedes Benz and I enter, followed by Killian.


    Through the divider, I see Alvin slide into the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡± Where to, sir?¡± Alvin asks.


    ¡± Just drive.¡±


    ¡± Okay, sir.¡± Alvin nods and starts the car.


    He pulls the divider up for privacy and drives out of the parking space. With me sitting on the other side of the backseat, I stare out the window. I hear Killian sigh beside me and then he slowly moves so he¡¯s sitting close to me. He ces his hand on my thigh and I feel that electric feeling at the pit of my stomach like it¡¯s the first time we¡¯re meeting even if we¡¯d have sex not once, not twice.


    I can feel his warm breath tickle my neck, and the beautiful sweet smell of his cologne hits my nose.


    ¡± Hey, I¡¯m sorry.¡± He whispers into my neck and I refuse to look at him.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for being a dick. I¡¯m sorry for treating you wrongly, and I¡¯m sorry for acting like an asshole. I¡¯m also sorry for making you feel like I can¡¯t talk to you. Trust me, if there¡¯s anything bothering me, you¡¯re the first person I wanna run to. It¡¯s just¡­tely, I¡¯ve been stressed and that¡¯s not really an excuse, I know that. And I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    I shut my eyes and take a deep breath before turning around and staring into his beautiful eyes.


    ¡± What¡¯s going on Killian? I have a feeling you know about this crazy bitch that¡¯s texting and sending me stupid messages. You can talk to me, you should know that.¡± I say, eyes flicking between his lips and eyes.


    ¡± What did she send you?¡±


    ¡± Stupid stuff. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s trying to ckmail me or something.¡±


    ¡± Are they pictures?¡±


    ¡± Yes. Pictures of us. Things that can maybe ruin yourpany¡¯s name. I can already imagine the perfect headline: ¡®Billionaire, Killian ck in a scandal as rumors says, he¡¯s been forced to give out a job to a 24 years old graduate with the promise of sex.¡¯ No shit, that doesn¡¯t look good on a business front page, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about stuff like that. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re fooling around. We¡¯re in a rtionship so don¡¯t worry about that. I can handle that.¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s going on, Kil?¡±


    ¡± Nothing that I can¡¯t handle.¡±


    ¡± You have to talk to me.¡± I say and hold his hands. I look into his eyes before asking: ¡± What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡± Just some crazy bitch sending me pictures of us. I think she wants money and I have a feeling she¡¯s working with someone from the office. Like I said, it¡¯s nothing that I can¡¯t handle. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡±


    ¡± I can actually take care of myself.¡± I tell him.


    ¡± I know that. I also want to take care of you and that¡¯s because I love you and not because you can¡¯t handle your own shit.¡± He says.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I bite my bottom lip and smile.


    ¡± What are you gonna do about this girl? Is she threatening you?¡±


    ¡± Not really. Don¡¯t worry about her. I¡¯m pretty sure she won¡¯t be texting you anytime soon. After Keith¡¯s wedding, I¡¯m shutting her up for good. She¡¯s probably some desperate chick who¡¯s broke and she wants money.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I stormed out. I should have at least talked to you and not get mad just like that. I didn¡¯t give you a chance.¡± I say softly, with Killian¡¯s hands still entwined with mine.


    I stare at him and he stares back. We stare silent for a while, with houses and cars passing by the tinted windows. His eyes flick from my eyes to my lips.


    ¡± I really wanna kiss you right now.¡±


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you put your hands on me first.¡± I whisper.


    ¡± Fuck. You look sexy when you say shit like that.¡± Killian whispers back and groans.


    He cups my chin and pulls my face towards his. Slowly, he puts his lips on mine. My wall melts at his mouth against mine as my heart beats ten times faster.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± Killian groans.


    I kiss him back, hands reaching out to run through his hair. His mouth molds against mine and I moan into his mouth. He lets go of my cheeks and nts his hand on myp. Slowly, he runs his hand up my skin, setting my entire body on fire. Killian palms my hips, pushing my dress upwards to have his way with my body.


    My hands fumble with the buttons on his dress shirt as our lips move together in sync. Lips and tongue all dance in rhythm. Killian pushes my thighs as his fingerse in contact with my heat.


    ¡± Oh God.¡± I moan into his mouth. Killiantches his tongue against my neck, marking my neck with every little kiss. My panties are pushed to the side and he begins to y with my core.


    I moan.


    ¡± God, I like that.¡± I moan to his circr motion on my sensitive skin, a little too loud, with my fingers still grasping his dress shirt.


    ¡± Fuck, you¡¯re so wet.¡± Killian groans against my neck.


    The feeling is building. My heart is beating fast and I¡¯m a moaning mess as Killian slips a finger past my wet entrance.


    ¡± Oh, fuck.¡± I gasp.


    ¡± Always so fucking tight.¡±


    Killian releases the hook at the back of my halter neck, revealing my bare breasts. He groans, with evident hunger in his eyes. Killian starts to run trails of kisses down my neck to my breasts. His mouth worships my hard and sensitive buds as he runs his fingers all over them.


    Without giving me a minute to get used to his finger, Killian adds a second and a third. His thrusts are slow and I love the fact that he¡¯s taking his time with me. I moan, clenching my thighs against his finger. Killian increases his pace, with his lips and teeth marking me as his.


    I¡¯m close. I can feel the orgasm build to a point that I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t be able to take anymore.


    ¡± I want you to ride me, right here and right now.¡± Killian growls into my ear.


    He doesn¡¯t have to ask twice and I¡¯m already straddling his hips and unbuttoning his pants and pulling his zipper down. Killian wraps his arms around my waist and we start to kiss again. Slowly, I sink down on his shaft, taking every inch of him till I¡¯m full.


    I moan into his mouth as we continue to kiss. His lips worship every part of me as we make love at the back of his car. With every slow and fast thrusts, Killian whispers how much he loves me against my neck, my breasts, and my lips as I ride him to orgasm.

 Chapter 78

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    I¡¯ve never been to Miami before, but it has always been on my wishlist. I¡¯ve always wanted to n a trip with Bianca one of these days if either of us make it big one day. Bianca and I are simr in that sense. We sometimes love the quiet, the sun, and the sand, with the two of us in nothing but bikinis sunbathing every day.


    I sit next to Killian in his limo as he talks to a guy about the beach house for Keith and Eve¡¯s wedding. With a ss of wine in my hand, I stare at the passing trees, houses, and cars that pass by Killian¡¯s tinted windows. Miami is nothing like New York. New York is known for itspanies and busy streets because New York never sleeps, but Miami is just amazing. The trees and people. I guess if you wanna get away from the wildlife of New York to sunbathe and live on beaches, then Miami should be on your to-do list.


    ¡± Enjoying the view?¡± I hear Killian¡¯s voice next to me.


    I turn around, locking eyes with his silver-like eyes. Every single day, this man is always attractive, handsome, and I¡¯m not sure I can get enough of how heavenly he looks with anything on. He¡¯s dressed in his business clothing like he¡¯s going for a conference meeting. Well tailored dark suit and white dress shirt. He always looks extremely sexy in suits and I can¡¯t deny that.


    ¡± I feel like you wanna kiss me when you keep staring at me like that.¡± He whispers.


    A light chuckle escapes my lips at his tter.


    ¡± Isn¡¯t that supposed to be my line?¡± I ask, biting my bottom lip as I stare at him.


    He smirks, leaning close to push my wayward strands behind my ear.


    ¡± Right now you¡¯re the one looking at me like you want me to touch you right here and now.¡±


    I put up a seductive smirk and ce both my hands on his cheeks. I pull his face a little close to mine so our noses are nearly touching. ¡± What a dirty boy you are.¡±


    Killian chuckles as he stares into my eyes. With his hand on my hip, Killian traces my curves through the satin material of my dress.


    ¡± You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing to me right now, especially when you look this beautiful. I can¡¯t keep my hands to myself.¡±


    ¡± Does it involve you slipping your hand inside my dress and teasing me where I usually like it?¡± I whisper, with my right hand on his tie as I pull him close to me.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± He groans into my ear and that sends a deep vibration down to my sensitive area. ¡± When you sound like that, you make me wanna do something sexy to you right now. Like slipping my hand inside your dress¡­¡± Killian whispers against my neck as he slips his hand inside my dress. ¡± And touching you¡­¡± his fingers find my sensitive skin. ¡°¡­ where you like it.¡± His breath is hot against my skin as his tongue tastes my neck.


    I moan as my eyes flutter shut. Killian¡¯s touch is gentle as he traces every spot with his slender fingers. He kisses down my neck to my corbone where he marks my skin. My fingers move through his hair, pulling at his locks as he runs his tongue down to my breasts. I throw my head back, pushing it against the tinted window. Slowly, I feel his fingers enter inside me. His lips adore my body with kisses, and soon enough, I¡¯m close to the edge. Squinting my eyes shut, moaning out his name as I climax at the same time the car pulls to a stop.


    I blow out a breath, giggling as I open my eyes only to find Killian already staring at me with hunger in his eyes.


    ¡± You¡¯re beautiful.¡± He whispers and kisses me.


    I kiss him back, with my hand on the back of his head as our lips mold together. Killian drags my dress down and helps me get decent again before we pull apart.


    Alvin is on a weekend break so some guy named Rick is this weekend¡¯s designated driver. Rick opens my side door and helps me get down. Killian follows after, buttoning his suit jacket as he runs his hand through his hair to keep the strands tamed.


    The car is parked outside a luxurious resort. It¡¯s huge, fancy, obviously for people who have millions in their bank ounts. There are several cars parked outside and there¡¯s a huge sign at the far corner that says DREAMLAND.


    ¡± Wow. You own this?¡± I ask, slipping a pair of sunsses on.


    ¡± Something like that.¡± Killian sighs beside me.


    I smile. ¡± Wow. When was thest time you visited Miami?¡±


    ¡± Four months. Six months. Don¡¯t remember. Come on.¡± With his arm around my waist, Killian leads me inside the resort.


    Rick carries our bags as he follows us from behind. A man, probably the manager,es to wee us.


    ¡± Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Collins.¡± Killian acknowledges the man.


    Collins is a short, Hispanic man, dressed in a tux, with short graying hair. He looks to be in histe forties with frown lines in between his eyebrows.


    ¡± You arrived earlier than expected. This way, please.¡± Collins says, his eyes ncing towards me briefly before he starts to walk.


    As we walk, I look around this beautiful ce. The bright, expensive lights, the structure. The resort has different kinds of lodging and I guess we¡¯re using the beach side lodging.


    My fingers areced with Killian¡¯s as I walk beside him.


    ¡± Exactly how rich are you again?¡± I whisper.


    Killian looks down at me with a small smile.


    ¡± Truthfully, I don¡¯t know. I lost count the minute the figures started multiplying.¡±


    ¡± Cool.¡±


    ¡± Do you have anything in mind? ces you¡¯d like to visit?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I giggle. ¡± But first, I wanna take a walk around this ce and see how big this is.¡±


    ¡± Here we are.¡± Collins says, waving his hands around the spacious reception. A man and a woman sit behind the counter to wee guests. Another man appears from a door to formally wee us.


    ¡± The rooms are upstairs, including the private bar, the lounge, and even a Jacuzzi in the VIP quarter. I¡¯ll let you all settle down and ask Cynthia and Jake to help you with anything you need.¡± Collins says, referring to workers behind the desks.


    ¡± Thank you.¡± I say to Collin. He looks at me again and smiles.


    ¡± You¡¯re¡­¡±


    ¡± Naomi Alderson.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Nice to meet you, Ms. Alderson. I¡¯m Collins.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s a pleasure.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t know Mr. ck here was married.¡± He says as he clears his throat.


    ¡± We¡¯re not married.¡± I say.


    Killian clears his throat as he stares down at the shorter man. ¡± A word.¡± Killian says to Collins, tilting his head to the side.


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    ¡± Rick, help mydy settle down, yeah? One of you should help with the bags and show them the rooms.¡± Killian says.


    ¡± Sure thing, sir.¡± Rick and the other man who appeared from the door earlier, replies.


    The man leads the walk, with Rick and I following from behind. I turn around to look at Killian and he¡¯s having a conversation with Collins. It doesn¡¯t look like a friendly conversation. The short period I¡¯ve known Killian, I¡¯ve noticed he doesn¡¯t have a friendly work rtionship with people who work for him.


    His rtionship with Collins says it all. Collins might be a bit older, anyone can still see he¡¯s afraid of Killian and he respects him. And it seems a lot of the workers don¡¯t even know what their real boss looks like.


    I shake my head and continue walking, with Rick and the man up ahead. We climb a few steps as the man takes us to a room.


    ¡± This is yours.¡± The man says, opening a door to a hotel suite.


    The living room is nice, almost like every luxurious ce I¡¯ve seen on TV and the inte.


    ¡± Where is the VIP quarter, Mr¡­?¡± I turn to the man.


    ¡± Ramirez, madam.¡±


    Rick is already inside settling the bags.


    ¡± Right. Ramirez.¡± I smile at him.


    ¡± It¡¯s above this room, ma. It¡¯s booked for the bride and groom.¡±


    ¡± Figures. Thank you for your help.¡±


    ¡± Anytime.¡± Ramirez answers as he leaves.


    I sigh, taking in the view of the living room. The drapes are all drawn close. I open them, revealing a beautiful pool at the bottom.


    ¡± Done. Do you need anything else?¡± Rick asks,ing out from the hallway.


    I turn around to look at him. ¡± No, thank you.¡±


    With a curt node, Rick leaves. I take off my shoes and walk towards the short hallway with bedrooms on either side of it. I open one of the doors and enter. The bedroom has ss walls surrounding one side, with a clear view of the beach. There¡¯s a huge bed in the middle of the room, a closet packed with our clothes. A dresser at the corner, a white couch. Everything about this ce screams wealth and ss. I can never get used to this.


    ¡± This is beautiful.¡± I whisper, sighing as I let my hair down from its bun. It falls down my shoulders.


    ¡± I¡¯m d you like it.¡± Killian¡¯s voice whispers from behind me.


    I feel his arms wrap around my waist from behind as his nose nuzzles my hair.


    ¡± God, you smell so good. I can¡¯t get enough.¡±


    ¡± You too.¡± I say, turning around in his arms.


    With his arms still around my waist, Killian pulls me close as his hands slowly slip down to cup my butt.


    ¡± What did you discuss with Collins?¡±


    ¡± Nothing. Just telling him a few things. I haven¡¯t seen the old man in a while.¡±


    I smile and begin to loosen his tie.


    ¡± We should take a shower. We both smell like car seats.¡±


    Killian chuckles. ¡± Right. But first. I need to do this first.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± I smirk, getting his tie from around his neck as I toss it aside.


    Killian starts to walk me backwards till I feel the ss wall pressed against my back. He wraps my right thigh around his waist as he ims my lips.


    ¡± This.¡± He whispers into my mouth.


    I kiss him back, letting my hand push down his suit jacket. Killian runs his big hands up my thigh to my ass as he cups the flesh. I moan into his mouth, removing the buttons of his dress shirt one after the other. Our lips move together in heated passion, gliding our tongues together and moaning into each other¡¯s mouth.


    My hands trace this beautiful man in front of me as I push his dress shirt down his shoulders. Helping me with the cuffs, Killian quickly removes his dress shirt as he pins me against the ss wall again.


    ¡± Fuck. You¡¯re so sexy when you¡¯re in control.¡± He growls against my neck.


    I moan in response, running my hands up his hard body as I trace every muscle in his body. Killian wraps my other thigh around his waist, with his hands touching me everywhere and our lips locked in an intense make out. The next thing I¡¯m being ced on a soft, huge mattress with Killian in between my legs, nting butterfly kisses on every naked part of my body.


    Clothes are thrown on every corner of this bedroom till we¡¯re both naked. Killian kisses my neck, marking the spot. As he makes love to me, with my legs wrapped around his waist and urging him to go faster as I moan his name, his lips worship and adore my body with promises of loving me and only me.


    ¨C


    In the evening, Killian and I take a walk around Miami with my hands locked with his. The city is beautiful, especially at night. We take a stroll down the beach with Killian stealing little kisses from me now and then.


    It feels like we just started dating and I feel like I¡¯m 17 again. I love this man and I always whisper it against his lips every chance I get.


    ¡± Have you heard anything again?¡± Killian asks me.


    It¡¯s nightfall, Killian took me to a restaurant earlier to have dinner. We just finished eating and Killian settled the bill even when I decided to split. He ims he has money and what¡¯s the use If he can¡¯t take care of me.


    I¡¯m still trying to wrap my head around that word. I¡¯ve always felt special around Killian, but when he says things like that, I feel more special.


    ¡± You mean this person that¡¯s been harassing me through texts and emails?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Is she still texting you?¡±


    ¡± Thankfully, no. Did something happen?¡±


    ¡± No. I¡¯m just making sure.¡±


    ¡± Okay. I¡¯m fine. What do you think she wants? And how sure are we that it¡¯s a she and not a he?¡± I ask, taking a sip from my ss of water.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what she wants or ¡®they¡¯ want. I¡¯ve thought about several things this person might want, I can¡¯te up with anything useful. And why I think it¡¯s a woman, it¡¯s because I have a feeling it¡¯s someone from work.¡±


    ¡± Well, you¡¯re not the easiest man to work with, I know that for sure. You think it¡¯s Amber or maybe Celine? She¡¯s literally everywhere I go. And I actually ran into her recently at the mall. She invited Bianca and I to have dinner with her that day at the mall. We did.¡±


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me that?¡±


    I sigh, briefly ncing around the restaurant.


    ¡± Because I didn¡¯t think it was important and I wanted to find any means possible to forget how she talked about you and her.¡±


    ¡± Fuck.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± What did she say?¡±


    ¡± Just stuff. How you two used to date. And how much you two were into each other. She even gave me details about what you two do in your office.¡± I hate that I have to talk about that day.


    It was crazy and I almost had to punch Celine for the shit she told me. But I don¡¯t me her, though. She sees me as apetition.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not your fault. I don¡¯t think she knows we¡¯re serious. She thinks we¡¯re fooling around and she thinks it¡¯s okay I¡¯m fooling around with you because, I don¡¯t know¡­ you once fooled around with her, and Killian ck isn¡¯t known for serious rtionships.¡±


    ¡± You know this is serious, right?¡±


    I smile. ¡± I know, but they don¡¯t know that. Amber too. She, and some other female workers, think I don¡¯t deserve the job, because somehow, some of them know I once worked in your club serving drinks to horny men.¡±


    ¡± Did they say that to you?¡±


    ¡± They didn¡¯t. I hear them talk behind my back in the break room and restroom. They suspect something is going on between you and I and they¡¯re gonnae to a conclusion the minute they realize I traveled to Miami with you to attend your brother¡¯s wedding.¡±


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me this?¡±


    ¡± Because it¡¯s not important. I love my job and I¡¯m trying to focus on the reason I¡¯m there in the first ce. To work. It¡¯s hard sometimes because I have to see you every other day dressed in sexy tailored suits and it¡¯s just hard to peel my eyes off of you.¡±


    Killian smirks as he stares at me. ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re trying to make a joke out of this. This is serious.¡±


    ¡± I know. We¡¯re gonna work it out, I¡¯m sure of that.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry you are going through that and I¡¯m gonna have a word with Celine. Keith invited her to his wedding.¡±


    ¡± Keith? Keith knows her? And she¡¯sing here?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. And yes, Keith knows her. He also helped her move into her current penthouse. They¡¯ve been friends for a while. I wanted to tell you. I just didn¡¯t think there¡¯s any reason for that.¡±


    ¡± You ain¡¯t kidding? How am I supposed to look her in the face without punching her? God, she¡¯s a bitch.¡±


    ¡± I know. And I¡¯m gonna take care of her.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, you should, because she¡¯s your problem.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± Killian mutters, sighing.


    ¡± I wanna leave.¡± I grab my purse as I stand up to walk away.


    Killian stands too to follow me.


    ¡± Are you mad at me?¡± Killian asks behind me.


    ¡± It¡¯s not you I¡¯m mad at. I¡¯m just mad because I don¡¯t get why people are trying to make a deal out of me dating my boss. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re fooling around, this is serious.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡± And I feel like with Celineing here for Keith¡¯s wedding on Saturday, she¡¯s going to cause a scene. She¡¯s a drama queen and I noticed she likes attention.¡± I ramble, climbing down the stone stairs outside the restaurant to the parking lot.


    Rick sees us and opens the backdoor of Killian¡¯s Mercedes Benz. I slip into the backseat with Killian beside me as Rick shuts the door after Killian.


    ¡± She won¡¯t bother you, I¡¯m gonna make sure of that. And after Keith¡¯s wedding, I¡¯m gonna deal with whatever thing that¡¯s going on in the office, I promise you that. No one¡¯s gonna bother you, you have my word.¡± Killian whispers.


    I turn to look at him and I nod.


    ¡± Thank you for putting up with my crap.¡± Killian says.


    I chuckle. ¡± Right.¡± I bring my right hand up to push his strands out of his eyes. ¡± What matters is how much I love you.¡± I whisper.


    Killian holds my hand on his cheek and brings it to his lips. He nts a kiss on my hand before putting his hand at the back of my head and bringing his lips to im mine.


    ¡± I love you, beautiful.¡±

 Chapter 79

    Killian¡¯s POV


    ¡± What do you mean there¡¯s a scandal about mypany and myself?¡± I ask mypany¡¯s executives on the other side of myptop.


    L Hawkins turns to look at her counterpart, Lance Daniels. They¡¯re both my trusted executives and I trust them enough to handle mypany like it¡¯s their own without fearing any harm will be on thepany.


    L and Lance have been working with KB TECH for nearly eight years, and they¡¯ve never failed me or mypany. Also, L is head of human resources. She¡¯s strict, 40 years old, and she¡¯s like a second mother to me and she doesn¡¯t take shit from anyone. Lance is CFO and he is in his early forties. He¡¯s the opposite version of L. I believe if Lance isn¡¯t married and L isn¡¯t divorced and obviously isn¡¯t ready to get married again after her marriage of 15 years came to a sad end, the two would have been married or even dating. I remember thinking something was going on between them a few years ago, but L turned down the rumor. She hates office romance. She calls it a huge distraction and failure.


    I really don¡¯t get her sometime.


    ¡± Is there something going on between you and the new marketing employee? I believe her name is Naomi Alderson.¡± L says.


    It¡¯s Friday and they both look like they¡¯re in the conference room back in New York and in KB TECH initiating this call. I¡¯m supposed to be getting ready to wee my brother and his soon-to-be bride and getting ready for the rehearsal dinner at the end of today, not having a conversation about something someone out there is talking about.


    ¡± What¡¯s this? What¡¯s the meaning of this? Are you forgetting this weekend is supposed to be for my brother? Business is thest thing you should be calling me for.¡±


    ¡± Well, I believe with things already getting out of hand, you should be aware. And also, someone needs to call you out for whatever thing you¡¯re doing with your employee, Killian.¡±


    ¡± Lance, what¡¯s she talking about?¡± I turn to Lance.


    I see L stands up from her seat, sighing as she starts to pace the conference room. Naomi is taking a bath while I¡¯m in the small attached kitchen in this suite with myptop on the kitchen counter and a mug of coffee.


    ¡± Lance, don¡¯t sugarcoat anything. He needs to know whatever he¡¯s gotten himself in, needs to stop.¡± L says.


    ¡± What¡¯s this?¡± I repeat my question.


    ¡± I think what L is saying is that there¡¯s an article about you and Naomi Alderson. It¡¯s a scandal, Killian. People are saying she¡¯s giving you sex for a position here at KB TECH.¡±


    ¡± What?!¡±


    ¡± Yes. And some people are already talking. It¡¯s not nice, Killian. Some feminists are even going on social media and saying things like, you¡¯re harassing Naomi and forcing her into giving you sex in exchange for a job. Some are saying she used to work at your club, and she manipted you and seduced you for a job position in exchange for sex.¡± L says.


    That can not be true.


    ¡± That¡¯s not the point. The point is that some of this are true. I¡¯m not saying she is giving you sex for a job, all I¡¯m saying is that you two are obviously sexually involved.¡±


    ¡± Naomi and I aren¡¯t just having fun.¡±


    ¡± Oh, we know that.¡± L says. ¡± We also know that you two haven¡¯t been professional about it either. You go at it in the office too.¡±


    ¡± Why would you say that?¡±


    ¡± Someone¡­¡± Lance says, turning to look at L.


    ¡± What someone?¡±


    ¡± Someone sent us an audio. A very strange and explicit audio about your private time with Naomi in your office.¡±


    ¡± What are you talking about?¡± I ask, not really grasping this new information L just spewed.


    ¡± Someone is trying to jeopardize thispany¡¯s name and your name, Killian. They¡¯re trying to build a story. No, they¡¯ve already built a story, but they¡¯re trying to ruin thispany with whatever you¡¯ve got going on with Ms. Alderson. Funny part, this person is smart. We¡¯ve alreadyunched our new product and this person thought it was smart to start something like this. Right when we were in the middle of making sales.¡±


    Oh fuck. Lily Sanders is at it again. Why¡¯s she doing this? So when she said she was gonna ruin my life, she meant doing something like this? Starting up a fucking rumor.


    ¡± Who wrote this said article?¡±


    ¡± A really good journalist. We tried to pay her to take the article down since she was sugar-coating everything, she refused. She said, and I quote ¡®you can¡¯t shut me up, Ms. Hawkins. I¡¯m going to tell the world how corrupt Killian ck is and how he¡¯s going around harrasing young women for a job.¡¯ Can you believe it?¡±


    I¡¯m not worried about some article. It¡¯s just a story. Whoever this journalist is is trying to make money off of my rtionship and it¡¯s not new. All I¡¯m worried about is Naomi. I can¡¯t just sit and watch them try to ruin her name over something that isn¡¯t true.


    ¡± I¡¯m not fooling around with Naomi. What we have is something y¡¯all don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡± We do, Killian.¡± Lance says.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡± Well, I understand. You love her. I guess some people find love in different ways and you happened to find love in the arms of your employee.¡±


    ¡± When you put it like that, I sound like a creepy boss who sleeps with every employee that works for him.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡± I think we should be worrying about what we have to do about this. How do we get the media off our backs? Killian, your employees are whispering amongst themselves and talking shit. And whoever this person is, the person who sent us that video of you and Naomi, what do you think this person is waiting for before they send it to the public. That will be bad. For everyone, including your girlfriend.¡± L says, sitting on the chair next to Lance.


    ¡± Can the audio be forwarded to me? Now?¡± I ask.


    ¡± Sure. We¡¯ll do that.¡±


    ¡± And in the meantime, we suggest you put a pause on your rtionship with Ms. Alderson.¡± L says.


    ¡± I can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡± Killian¡­¡±


    ¡± Mrs. Hawkins, I cannot put a pause on my rtionship with Naomi. I¡¯m not a child, I can¡¯t do that. What I have with her is not a joke, you of all people should know that. I think what we should do is show the public what I have with her is not for y. I¡¯m in love with her. And someday, one day, what we have will be more. Naomi earned her ce in mypany. She didn¡¯t get a job because she was pretty and I liked her. She got it because she was intelligent and smart. She¡¯s hardworking and I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s proved herself on countless asions that she knows what she¡¯s doing and she¡¯s doing it right. What more do you guys want from her? I want you to have a chat with that journalist and make her do the right thing. For now, I wanna pretend you two have everything under control and you two know what you¡¯re doing. Let me worry about pointless things like someone trying to ruin my life when my brother¡¯s wedding is done. Am I making myself clear?¡±


    Lance sighs, gives L a side nce before he turns to look at me and nods.


    ¡± Yes, Killian.¡± L says, gritting out the words. ¡± We¡¯ll try to put everything under control and¡­.¡± L says, pausing as she looks at something behind my back.


    I turn around, surprised to see Naomi in my white dress shirt and nothing else, standing behind me and leaning against the wall. I look away, shifting my focus back on my two trusted officials disying on myptop screen.


    ¡± Have fun at your brother¡¯s wedding, Mr. ck.¡± Lance says. I nod.


    With a click of a button, the call ends. I sigh, stand up as I run both my hands down my hair. I turn to look at Naomi and she¡¯s already staring at me. Her face is a little red, obviously from the shower, and her hair is a little damp too.


    I think about what L said. Asking me to temporarily break up with Naomi. The woman who has given me nothing but joy these past months. I can¡¯t do that. I¡¯d be nothing without Naomi in my life. I¡¯d be the worst version of myself. Naomi is the one thing keeping me afloat. She loves me and every given opportunity, she always reminds me how much she loves me. And I know that too. Because I¡¯m always the best version of myself when I¡¯m around her. Sometimes, I forget how to breathe around her. Especially when she smiles at me. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be myself for a day if Naomi leaves me.


    That¡¯s how much I¡¯ve fallen in love with her. How much I¡¯m wrapped around her fingers.


    And then the thought of me keeping something really huge from her just makes everything hard. I don¡¯t know where to start.


    Where do I start from? How am I supposed to tell her a woman is iming to be pregnant for me? And this woman has released an audio of me and Naomi having a private time. How did she even get a hold of something like that? Is there a spy in mypany that I¡¯m not aware of? If this said Lily Sanders can do something as fucked up like that, what would it take for her to really hurt Naomi just as she promised?


    I¡¯m afraid. I¡¯ve never been afraid before, but fuck it, I¡¯m afraid. I¡¯m afraid because I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m dealing with.


    ¡± Is that bad news?¡± Naomi¡¯s voice is quiet as she asks.


    She pushes herself off the wall and slowly starts to stride toward me.


    ¡± Did something happen?¡± She asks as she stops in front of me.


    Her hand slowly reaches up to run through my hair, taming the locks.


    ¡± Yeah. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got it handled.¡±


    ¡± Killian, if something is bothering you, I deserve to know.¡±


    ¡± Trust me, I wanna tell you. I just¡­ I want Keith¡¯s day to go as nned. I want everything to go smoothly and I promise you after the wedding and we¡¯re back home, I¡¯m gonna tell you everything.¡±


    Naomi sighs. She wraps her arms around my neck as she stares into my eyes.


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    ¡± Thanks. I know, I¡¯m not the best at dealing with this type of situation, but I want you to trust me.¡±


    ¡± I trust you.¡±


    ¡± I love you.¡± I whisper, leaning down to nt a kiss on her lips.


    Naomi giggles but she kisses back immediately.


    ¡± I love you, too.¡±


    ***


    ¡± Hey, man.¡± Raymond says as he stands next to me.


    The rehearsal dinner is going smoothly, better than I expected. The hall for the rehearsal dinner is decorated with purple and pink. Eve chose the hall because she wanted the wedding to be outside, on the beach with the sounds of the waves blending with the background.


    The guests chat amongst themselves as they eat and drink. I guess my money did pay off. At the corner, mom¡¯s introducing Naomi to every member of the family, including distant rtives. I feel sorry for her. Mom won¡¯t stop unless she¡¯s done showing off my beautifuldy.


    Tonight, Naomi is dressed in a gold sequin dress with a slit up to her thigh. Her hair is in a neat bun, with curly tendrils on either side of her face. Her lips are more red tonight, and the more she smiles politely to every person my mother introduces her to, the more I want to pull her aside and kiss her.


    ¡± You good?¡± Raymond asks, snapping me from my thoughts.


    I look away from my mom and Naomi and turn to look at Raymond.


    ¡± Yeah, why?¡±


    Raymond shrugs. He¡¯s holding a ss of wine. Raymond rarely drinks, I like him for that. He¡¯s a lightweight and gets easily drunk so he always tries to steer clear of alcohol at parties.


    ¡± Nothing, really. You don¡¯t seem yourself.¡±


    ¡± Have you heard anythingtely? From Liam, I mean.¡±


    ¡± I thought he said you should get back from Keith¡¯s wedding before he tells you anything. He doesn¡¯t wanna get you distracted.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, well, I¡¯m already fucking distracted.¡±


    ¡± Something happened?¡±


    ¡± Lily Sanders or whoever the fuck I¡¯m dealing with, sent an audio file to L. And this said audio contains something personal and private.¡±


    ¡± What? What are you talking about?¡±


    I regretted going through that audio. It was disturbing knowing someone has that exact audio. It was a recording of me and Naomi having sex in my office and she moaning my name. That was supposed to be private. My sex life is supposed to be my personal business. The idea that this crazy bitch has a recording of my intimate life is sickening.


    How the fuck did she get that? No one usuallyes into my office when I¡¯m not around. It¡¯s always locked as long as I¡¯m away. The only times people enter my office is when I summon them and it¡¯s usually business rted.


    Now we¡¯re back to this same question again. How did she record that? Is she working for me? Is she someone I know? If it¡¯s someone that I know, why would they even do that? I don¡¯t shit where I eat, I¡¯ve never made that mistake. Now who¡¯s this fucking bitch trying to ruin my life?


    Hell, I¡¯d strangle that bitch myself if I saw her.


    ¡± Someone recorded Naomi and I having sex, Raymond. How the fuck did they do that? ording to L, people at the office are already talking shit behind their boss¡¯s back and there¡¯s a low paid, desperate journalist, desperate for an audience and she¡¯s published a fucking article about my rtionship with Naomi.¡± I¡¯m yelling and whispering.


    I really didn¡¯t want to think or talk about how frustrated I am, but this person, whoever they are, is ying a game with me and they¡¯re winning.


    ¡± Oh, God. This is bad. What¡¯s L saying?¡±


    ¡± I told L and Lance to sort it out before Ie back. I don¡¯t mind firing every person on my floor.¡±


    ¡± You need to calm down. In less than two days, Keith¡¯s wedding is over. You need to be emotionally avable for him and your girlfriend. Did you tell her?¡±


    ¡± No.¡±


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± I couldn¡¯t. I don¡¯t even know where to start. She would leave me, especially if she thinks it will save my name and thepany¡¯s name.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry this is happening to you. We will find this person.¡±


    ¡± Whatever Liam is doing, he better do it fast. I¡¯m losing my patience.¡±


    ¡± I know. Be happy, and stop scowling. You¡¯ve been scowling since the ceremony started. This is beautiful, by the way. You did great.¡± Raymond says, throwing back his head and emptying his wine.


    ¡± Thanks. And easy with the wine, you don¡¯t wanna cause a scene and embarrass Derrick, yeah?¡±


    Raymond chuckles. ¡± Rx, Tinkerbell. It¡¯s not alcohol.¡±


    ¡± Cool.¡±


    ¡± Have you maybe imagined that some day, this can be you and Naomi?¡± Raymond asks.


    ¡± Yeah, I have. The people around me keep reminding me that, anyway.¡±


    Raymondughs. A server passes with a tter and Raymond drops his ss on his tter before the server walks away.


    ¡± Naomi is a good woman. She has a good spirit and everyone seems to like her. She¡¯s good for you.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I mutter, slowly taking a sip from my wine.


    ¡± Oh, herees the bride and the maid of honor. She once had a crush on you, right?¡± Raymond asks as the two of us watch Eve walk towards us with her supposedly best friend who¡¯s Australian, a medical doctor, and her name¡¯s Charlene.


    I scoff. ¡± How can you remember that?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve got a photographic memory. I should go.¡± Raymond says as he ps me on the back before walking away.


    ¡± Killian!¡± Eve shouts my name, maybe a little too loud, as she embraces me. ¡± Oh, God, you¡¯re a lifesaver. This is beautiful. All of this is amazing and I¡¯m so grateful.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m d you like it.¡±


    ¡± Are you kidding? I love it!¡± Eve says and embraces me again.


    I feel like she¡¯s drunk. Who would give a pregnant bride alcohol? What were they thinking?


    ¡± You remember Charlene, right? My best friend.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I say and turn to Charlene. ¡± Hey.¡±


    ¡± Hi, Killian.¡± Her voice is soft, almost like a young girl. Her Australian ent is also really thick.


    Charlene is pretty. She¡¯s tall, about four inches taller than mydy. She¡¯s a blonde, with big breasts and a small ass. She¡¯s white too. She¡¯s not bad, not really my type. I met her a year ago at Eve¡¯s birthday party. She tried to hook up with me after she asked me out. I gave her a huge no, but Charlene still has hopes that maybe in the future we¡¯ll be a thing.


    Like, how the fuck would that happen?


    ¡± Oh, gotta run. Your brother wants me to meet the family. I¡¯ll be back, girlfriend.¡± Eve says, turning around and leaving in a hurry.


    ¡± Sorry about Eve. She had a little something to drink.¡± Charlene says, chuckling.


    Like, how¡¯s that funny?


    ¡± I figured.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± She mutters, sighing and looking around.


    ¡± Don¡¯t think this is like a setup or anything.¡± Charlene says, chuckling more to herself. ¡± I know you¡¯ve got a girlfriend now and you guys are serious. Eve told me and she introduced us, too.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    ¡± I just¡­¡± sighs. ¡± I wanted to apologize for what I did. That was inappropriate and wrong.¡±


    ¡± That was a year ago, Charlene.¡±


    ¡± I know. It¡¯s ¨C I never really got a chance to say how sorry and embarrassed I was.¡± More chuckling. ¡± Well, now I¡¯ve got a chance. I¡¯m really sorry, Killian.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡± Thanks.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re wee.¡±


    Charlene nods, looking at me properly. She smiles and nods again. ¡± I should get going. Eve might need help.¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    ¡± See you around, Killian.¡±


    ¡± See you around.¡±


    Charlene sighs and turns to walk away.


    I scan the decorated hall for Naomi and I see her with Mom and two of my distant aunts from my father¡¯s side. She looks tired, I can tell. I haven¡¯t even had a chance to properly sit down and talk with her and I need her right now. Dropping my ss on a vacant table, I stride towards my woman and my mom.


    Naomi sees me before I can reach them. She smiles and I smile back.


    ¡± Killian.¡± Mom calls my name, making my aunts turn to look at me.


    ¡± Ah. He¡¯s such a fine young man.¡± Aunt Lorraine says.


    I give them one of my fake smiles as I stand next to Naomi, with my arm around her waist.


    ¡± Karen tells us this beautiful, youngdy is your girlfriend.¡±


    ¡± Mm mm. And I need to snatch her, if that¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡± Of course. You take care of her. She¡¯s a gem.¡± Aunt Vanessa says.


    ¡± Oh, I know.¡± I whisper, gently pulling Naomi close to me as I lead her away from my crazy aunts.


    ¡± What was that?¡± I ask.


    ¡± Oh, you know. Just your mom introducing me to your rtives and aunts. They¡¯re not bad.¡±


    ¡± Oh, I doubt that. You wanna get out of here.¡±


    ¡± Is the best man allowed to sneak out?¡±


    ¡± With hisdy, yeah.¡±


    Naomi giggles as she smiles and bites her bottom lip.


    ¡± I really wanna kiss you right now.¡± I whisper to Naomi.


    ¡± Mm mm. Are we sneaking away to go have sex?¡±


    ¡± Only if you want.¡±


    Naomi smirks as she nces at the guests who are busy with themselves. Slowly, she turns to look at me.


    ¡± Well, let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

 Chapter 80

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Killian¡¯s hiding something.


    I can feel it and I¡¯m sure of it. And I have this gut feeling that¡¯s telling me this has something to do with this strange person that¡¯s sending me messages and incriminating photos of me and Killian. I¡¯m worried. I know he keeps telling me that he¡¯s going to tell me what¡¯s going on and maybe put an end to what¡¯s really going on, I feel like he¡¯s actually hiding the truth from me. Something is happening with him andtely I feel like whatever this is that¡¯s bothering him might threaten our rtionship or maybe worse.


    I need to talk to someone. Someone who¡¯s close to him and may have an idea of what¡¯s really going on. Raymond. Before Killian and I came to Miami for Keith¡¯s wedding, Raymond was always dropping by my table, asking me if I was okay. At first I thought nothing of it, but I had a feeling Killian put him up to it. And I guess he¡¯s the right person to question if I want answers. And it can¡¯t be during Eve¡¯s wedding since he¡¯s a groomsman, so I have to wait during Eve¡¯s yacht reception.


    Funny enough, Killian owns the yacht and he didn¡¯t tell me about it until today. I mean it¡¯s not really big of a deal, but I, at least, have the right to know him. Sometimes I keep asking myself if I truly know the man I¡¯m in love with, especially during times like this when he¡¯s keeping important things from me.


    Eve¡¯s wedding is going on outside, right on the beach. The whole setting and decorations is just extravagant, and I ask myself if someday this will be me. Maybe with Killian. Killian stands beside his brother with his full attention on me. I feel hot, having Killian¡¯s whole gaze and attention on me. He looks really hot, with his tuxedo and bow tie. His hair is perfectly made and his beautiful silver¨Clike eyes have its full attention on me.


    I take a breath, smiling back at him before looking away to stare at Eve who¡¯s walking down the aisle, the tail of her wedding gown flowing behind her with her veil covering her face and down to waist. She¡¯s beautiful and she has everyone¡¯s attention. With every step she takes, the flower girls adorn her feet with flowers, with some girls beside me muttering words of praise. Eve¡¯s father, Elliot Mendes, walks side to side with his daughter in arms.


    Eve slowly approaches the altar with the help of Elliot as he leads the beautiful bride to her soon-to-be husband. I smile, because all of this is just romantic and beautiful, you will wanna cry.


    Eve stands in front of Keith who looks well groomed and good looking too. As the couple exchange vows and I do¡¯s, Keith unveils his bride and leans in for a kiss. The crowd goes wild, with Karen ck screaming and pping. Everyone¡¯s on their feet pping and screaming. I¡¯m also on my feet, pping and congratting my childhood best friend for her beautiful matrimony.


    Killian turns to look at me, with our eyes locked. We don¡¯t say anything. I just continue to p like the rest of the audience as our eyes do the talking. He smiles a little, sending my heart on overdrive with just that little gesture. I bite my bottom lip, trying to keep my breathing in check as we continue to stare at each other.


    And right in that moment, I feel like he¡¯s making a promise to me. A promise to love me and only me.


    ***


    I have never been in a yacht or even traveled by water before and right now I¡¯m boat sick. I feel like I want to throw up and my stomach keeps churning. Killian¡¯s yacht is beautiful and everything about this boat just screams luxury. The upper deck has a swimming pool. Yup, you heard me, a frickin¡¯ swimming pool. If I¡¯m not here for a wedding, I would be up there swimming naked.


    And the interior of the yacht is something I haven¡¯t seen before. It¡¯s beautiful, luxurious, and if this is for charter, only rich men would be able to afford it. It¡¯s times like this I am reminded of the difference in status between Killian and I. How he¡¯s bloody rich and I¡¯m just there.


    A female singer and her band mounts the front of the stage as she sings. Her voice is beautiful and the lyrics and melody of her voice has everyone¡¯s attention.


    I stand by the bar, gulping a ss of iced tea as I watch the newly married couples take their first dance. I see Celine talking with Killian. She didn¡¯t show up at the wedding and that was a relief for me. I actually thought she wouldn¡¯t show up, but surprisingly, she did show up dressed like a slut.


    God, that was rude for me to say, I guess.


    I¡¯ve never been jealous of anyone before, but Celine gives me a reason to be. She¡¯s rich, she¡¯s beautiful, she¡¯s ssy, she can literally have any man in her bed and I¡¯m pretty sure there are different men cueing to be with her. Also, she¡¯s a frickin¡¯ redhead. Most guys would do anything to date a redhead. Weird, I know.


    And the most annoying thing about this whole ¡°Celine situation¡± is that she once knew how Killian is in bed. Thinking about that just makes me sick. I can¡¯t help but think about how the two were once in a rtionship and he once made love to her or fucked her. I can¡¯t stop thinking about it even if I should.


    God, I despise that bitch.


    Today, she¡¯s dressed in a slutty dress. Well, it¡¯s not that slutty though but it¡¯s pretty expensive and sexy. My dress is expensive, Killian made sure of that. At least I¡¯m not dressed as a slut. Celine is dressed in a long, beige colored spaghetti strap dress, with a deep V-neck showing her porcin cleavage. The dress has a long slit in her left thigh, right up to her upper thigh. The top of the dress is decorated with rhinestones and her red hair is in waves, crowning her oval shaped face.


    She¡¯s hot, I must give her that.


    ¡± I wonder what they¡¯re talking about.¡± A familiar voice says beside me, snapping me from my creepy stares.


    I turn to my side, surprised to see Raymond holding an empty ss. He turns to the man handling the bar and says:


    ¡± Sparkling water, please.¡±


    ¡± Sure thing, sir.¡±


    With a heavy sigh, Raymond turns to look at me.


    ¡± You okay?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Just wondering what they¡¯re talking about, too.¡±


    Raymond chuckles. ¡± I bet he¡¯s giving her a piece of his mind.¡±


    And he¡¯s not wrong. It doesn¡¯t look like they¡¯re having a friendly conversation.


    ¡± You wanna tell me what¡¯s going on with Killian?¡±


    ¡± Mmm?¡± Raymond feigns innocence as the bartender passes him his water.


    ¡± Oh, don¡¯t. I¡¯m asking you as a friend and not as my boss. I need to know. Something is wrong, Raymond. I have a feeling something¡¯s going on and Killian isn¡¯t saying anything.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t you think if he isn¡¯t saying anything then he¡¯s waiting for the right time?¡±


    ¡± Uh huh. When is the right time, exactly?¡±


    ¡± After Keith¡¯s wedding.¡±


    ¡± So you¡¯re admitting something is really going on?¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to.¡± I sigh.


    ¡± Naomi, you gotta trust your man.¡±


    ¡± I trust him, Raymond. Who I don¡¯t trust is that fucking bitch who is sending me ckmailing messages and photos of me and Killian. I have a right to know who that person is.¡± I say, dropping my empty ss on the counter.


    ¡± Have you talked to Killian about that?¡±


    ¡± I have. He said he got it under control.¡± I say with air quotation.


    ¡± Then I think you should trust him when he tells you that. Killian is going through a lot of pressure right now. Work pressure, I mean. And if something is really going on with him and he hasn¡¯t said anything, trust him to tell you when the time is right. I believe he¡¯s going to tell you when he thinks it¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡± You know it¡¯s funny you¡¯re saying this. Rtionships are a two way street. I deserve to know what¡¯s going on with his life and what¡¯s bothering him. I understand he doesn¡¯t want to tell me what¡¯s really happening, but I deserve to know. If it¡¯s something that I can handle, I can help him. Also, he should trust me enough to handle whatever the hell that¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡± Did you tell him all of this?¡±


    I bite my lip, sighing as I turn to look at the dance floor. The couple has ended their dance and the maid of honor, some chick called Charlene, Eve¡¯s best friend, and the best man are having their dance.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± Maybe you should. He should understand all of the things you just said to me.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± You¡¯ll be fine.¡± Raymond says to me as he walks away.


    My attention is back on the maid of honor and best man having their dance. Killian doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯s enjoying the dance, while Charlene is obviously enjoying it. With her arms around his shoulders pulling him in. Behind her shoulder, Killian locks eyes with me and smiles. I give him a small smile back, waiting patiently for the song to end so that Charlene can peel her hands off my man.


    Thankfully, the songes to an end, with the audience pping. The audience is asked to join in the dance. Killian looks at me as he slowly strides towards me.


    ¡± You okay?¡±


    God, why¡¯s everyone asking me that today? Like, don¡¯t I look okay?


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± You wanna dance?¡± Killian asks, smiling at me.


    ¡± I must warn you, Mr. ck, I¡¯m a really bad dancer.¡±


    ¡± Me too, Ms. Alderson. We could give each other a shot.¡±


    I chuckle and nod.


    Killian takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. I ce my arms on his shoulders with his arms on my waist.


    ¡± Just so you know, you¡¯re all I think about as I danced with her.¡± Killian whispers.


    I look up at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m d.¡±


    ¡± You look beautiful. And I can¡¯t wait to have you all alone and take this dress off of you and let my lips worship every part of your beautiful body.¡±


    I blush. How can he say things like that?


    ¡± Stop ttering me, honey.¡± I say in a really terrible English ent.


    Killian chuckles, looking around briefly before bringing his gaze back to me.


    ¡± You know I¡¯m not ttering you. One day, this could be us.¡± Killian whispers against my neck, shutting my brain down for a second.


    I slowly tilt my head up to stare into his eyes. He isn¡¯t smiling, he¡¯s just staring into my eyes. I can¡¯t read his face, but I feel like it¡¯s telling me a lot of different things all at the same time.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what to say.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to say anything. Just trust me.¡±


    ¡± I trust you, Killian. You have to trust me, too. You have to trust me enough to share your problems with me, Killian. Let me bear this burden with you because I¡¯m your woman.¡± I give him a small smile. ¡± And I should be the one to decide if it¡¯s too much for me to handle. I want to be with you and I¡¯m not leaving except you want me to. So let me bear your burden with you. Let¡¯s handle your problems together.¡±


    Killian sighs as he runs his tongue over his red lips. ¡± I trust you and I¡¯m gonna tell you everything once we go back to New York. I promise you.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±


    ¡± I love you so much.¡±


    I smile like a little girl. ¡± I love you too.¡±


    We sway to the beautiful melody of the singer as I rest my head against Killian¡¯s chest. In the corner of the room, I lock eyes with Celine. She¡¯s standing alone with a ss of wine in her hand as she res at me. I re back before looking away. I remove my head from Killian¡¯s chest to ask.


    ¡± What were you and Celine talking about?¡±


    ¡± Just telling her to stay in herne and stay away from you. I was also reminding her I was never gonnae back to her. Never will, definitely not.¡±


    ¡± I like that.¡±


    The songes to an end as Killian leans down to capture my lips in his in a short kiss. The ceremony continues as the MC asks the bride and groom parents to give a toast. Killian¡¯s distant uncle stands as Keith¡¯s father. He¡¯s a tall man, looks nothing like the brothers and he barely ever smiles. Killian told me they¡¯re not in a good rtionship with their uncle. He didn¡¯t tell me why.


    Killian¡¯s attention is called for and I¡¯m left to sit alone as I watch the family of both couples give their toast.


    ¡± Having fun?¡± A voice says next to me.


    I turn to look at my side, not surprised to see Celine pulling a seat next to me.


    ¡± What do you want, Celine?¡±


    ¡± Oh, nothing. You¡¯re the lucky girl, right? The girl who gets to tame the billionaire¡¯s heart.¡± She snickers.


    ¡± Fuck off.¡±


    ¡± Of course, I will. It¡¯s just funny you had to go cry to your man because I told you he used to fuck me really good. God, what are you, five? And just so you know, he¡¯s gonna leave you like he left the rest. You¡¯re nothing special, Naomi Luna Alderson. You¡¯re just another gold digging whore who thinks she¡¯s better than everyone else when she¡¯s nothing but a fucking slut whose mother is nothing, and her family is just another sad tale to talk about when you just want something miserable tough at. You¡¯re nothing, bitch.¡±


    God, I want to grab her by her hair and m her face on this table countless times ¡¯till she¡¯s bleeding over this boat¡¯s floor.  Fuck¡¯s sake, I want to pull out my shoe and stab her eyes with my heels. I want to punch her really bad and beat the shit out of her.


    But I don¡¯t. Because I can¡¯t ruin Eve¡¯s day. Today needs to go smoothly and perfectly. Celine knows that. She knows I can¡¯t touch her and she used it to her advantage. She smirks at me and I re at her.


    I look away, take a deep breath, as I stand up.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have anything to say, of course. That¡¯s what I thought.¡±


    ncing at Celine again, I walk away, towards the bar to drink my anger away. On my way to the bar, a server with drinks on his tter passes me. I grab two sses from his tter, turn left, as I quicken my pace to get away. I gulp one ss till it¡¯s empty, gulp the second one and then I drop both empty sses on an empty table as I hurry to the bottom side of the boat to get air.


    I reach the lower deck as I grab the railing, fisting it really tight as I stare at the dark water and the night sky.


    How dare she? How dare she talk to me like that? Like she¡¯s better than me? Like she is any better than me. Because she has money and her own clothing line, then she¡¯s automatically better than me?


    ¡± Fuck!¡±


    God, I wanna beat the shit out of her. I want to hurt her like she¡¯s hurting me with her words. They are just mere words, I know that. But words have a way of punching you in the heart and leaving a mark there that can eitherst for a while or forever.


    Throwing my head back to stare at the night, I take a deep breath, letting go of the railing as I take off my shoes to sit on the bottom side of the boat so my legs are inside the water.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    For some reason I don¡¯t feel good. My stomach feels weird, and it¡¯s not because I¡¯m boat sick, it¡¯s something else. I wanna throw up and I feel dizzy.


    ¡± What the hell?¡±


    My visions start to blur. Am I drunk?


    No, I¡¯m not drunk. This is something else. Something shes through my eyes. God, was I poisoned? Oh no. I try to stand up, but my feet nearly give up on me. I¡¯m slowly starting to slip into consciousness as I try to stand properly on my feet. And that¡¯s when I see it. No, it¡¯s a person. A silhouette and it¡¯s that of a woman. Through my hazy vision and the pains I¡¯m going through all at once, I see her take a step towards me.


    ¡± Who are you?¡±


    Her face isn¡¯t clear. But she¡¯s wearing an evening dress and it looks like that of Celine¡¯s and she¡¯s wearing some sort of mask. Suddenly, this woman reaches forward and pushes me. My feet slip and the next thing, I¡¯m falling inside the vast body of water, slowly drowning while slipping into the darkness.

 Chapter 81

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    I can¡¯t move. I can¡¯t even open my eyes. I can only hear background noises and a beeping sound from a heart monitor not too far from where I¡¯m lying. I try to breathe, slowly drawing in air down my lungs.


    Oh man, it hurts. It hurts to breathe. My lungs frickin¡¯ hurt. Slowly, everything starts toe back. Me walking away from Celine because she was being a bitch like always, and then I grabbed two sses of wine from a server. I remember gulping everything and going down to the lower deck. I remember feeling strange like I was poisoned, and that strange woman who appeared out of nowhere and pushed me.


    How am I still alive? How did I get out alive?


    I could swim. I am a good swimmer. But being poisoned while trying to fight for your life inside water can be hard. And who would poison me? Celine?


    I know she hates me and I think she would do anything to erase me from this Earth because of Killian, but that¡¯s just low for anyone. Why would anyone kill someone because of a love interest?


    The server who was carrying the wine was a man. I mean, I¡¯m not sure if it was a man or not, because I barely looked at this person¡¯s face, but this person was dressed like the other male servers who were serving drinks to guests.


    Did Celine put up this server to this? Did she make him poison the drink? It¡¯s not like this person walked up to me and offered me a drink. I was the one who took the drink and he or they looked like they were just randomly giving out drinks.


    It feels like a setup. It wasn¡¯t just a coincidence. Celine didn¡¯t just talk shit to me about my family, it¡¯s like she knew I was gonna get mad, storm away and maybe reach for a drink. I do that a lot. I tend to just drink anything when I¡¯m pissed, frustrated, worse, angry.


    I am angry. I¡¯m angry because I never thought I would be the target of a psychotic maniac who wants to hurt me for any reason.


    I am not perfect, I know that. But one thing I know is that I would never hurt anyone because of any reason. Especially not for a man.


    ¡± Who would do this to her?¡± I hear a voice and it sounds familiar. It¡¯s Raymond and the voice sounds like it¡¯sing from around the corner.


    The beeping continues and that¡¯s when I realize I¡¯m in a hospital. Someone must have found me in the water and dragged me out. My lungs hurt like someone who drowned. I think I nearly drowned, and maybe I was lucky enough to be rescued before something worse happened to me.


    ¡± Do you think it¡¯s her? That fucking bitch?¡± Another voice asks. It¡¯s Killian. I know it anywhere.


    ¡± So you think she was at the party?¡± Raymond¡¯s whispering now.


    I¡¯m awake, I just decide to pretend to be unconscious as I grasp what¡¯s happening while listening to their conversation. I guess this is wrong, but if I¡¯m going to know what¡¯s really happening, it¡¯s now.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± Killian grits out. He sounds frustrated. ¡± She was talking to Celine one minute, then the next I couldn¡¯t find her. There¡¯s no way she¡¯s here because every person in that yacht who attended Keith¡¯s wedding came with an invite. Except you¡¯re saying it¡¯s Celine.¡±


    ¡± Well, you can¡¯t be wrong. It might be Celine. For Pete¡¯s sake, they have the samest name.¡±


    ¡± Celine is smart. If she wants to do something like this, she is smart not to use herst name. Thest thing every killer wants is evidence pointing right at them. And why the fuck would Celine do something like this? She can be jealous when she wants to, but attempted murder?¡±


    What exactly are they talking about? It sounds like they¡¯re talking about this strange woman who¡¯s sending me photos and messages. It¡¯s like she¡¯s been doing the same thing to Killian for a long time and I had no idea. And it looks like something else is at y here.


    ¡± It¡¯s possible.¡±


    ¡± I just want her to be okay. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll do if she never wakes up or if something worse happens. Fuck!¡± Killian¡¯s voice sounds like he¡¯s going to break into sobs any minute from now.


    I can¡¯t imagine Killian crying. He¡¯s going to look weird and a little funny. Okay, I¡¯m being a dick. How can I still make stupid jokes when I just cheated death? I need to wake up. I hate lying here and pretending to be unconscious while I listen to the man I love break down.


    ¡± Hey, it¡¯s okay. Naomi¡¯s strong, she¡¯s battling this better than a lot of people. Also, it¡¯s good you came at the right time. I can¡¯t begin to imagine what would have happened to her, if you were a minutete.¡±


    ¡± This is all my fault. If I hadn¡¯t lived reckless these past years, maybe Naomi wouldn¡¯t be paying for crimes that aren¡¯t hers.¡±


    ¡± Seriously, man, don¡¯t say that. It¡¯s nobody¡¯s fault.¡±


    Okay, I can¡¯t take this anymore. I need to wake up.


    First, I move my fingers, wiggling them a little to send a message to my brain that it¡¯s time to wake up.


    ¡± Did you see that?¡± Raymond asks at once.


    I feel like I¡¯ve beenying down here for nearly two weeks. I feel like a brick. Next, I wiggle my toes as I flutter my eyshes that feel too heavy for some reason.


    ¡± Get the doctor, she¡¯s waking up.¡± I hear Killian say.


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    Slowly, I peel my eyes open, closing them for a second at the sudden bright light.


    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I mutter. My voice sounds strange, different from what I normally sound like.


    ¡± Baby.¡± Killian is right by my side, looking down at me.


    I blink my eyes, slowly taking in my surroundings. I¡¯m in a hospital. A private room, obviously. I look down at my body and I¡¯m wearing a blue patient¡¯s dress.


    ¡± God, I hate hospitals.¡± I mutter, turning my head to look at Killian.


    ¡± Hey, you¡¯re gonna be okay. I¡¯m so d you¡¯re okay.¡± Killian says as he smiles at me.


    He looks like someone who hasn¡¯t had a good night¡¯s sleep. With light stubble adorning his face and his hair looks messy. His once gray eyes are a different color now. He looks like he¡¯s been grieving.


    ¡± My God, you look like shit.¡±


    Killian chuckles. ¡± I couldn¡¯t leave your side.¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s awake!¡± A voice calls from the opened door.


    I turn to look at the source and I¡¯m surprised to see Keith and Eve. Shouldn¡¯t they be on their honeymoon? What are they doing here?


    ¡± Oh, my God.¡± Eve says as she rushes to my side, embracing me.


    ¡± God, you got everyone worried. I was so worried and scared, I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡± Eve says.


    I make an attempt tough but ites out like dry heaving.


    ¡± I¡¯m so d you¡¯re alive.¡± Keith says.


    ¡± Yeah, you don¡¯t know the relief I feel right now to know you¡¯re safe.¡± Eve says, sitting by my bedside and holding my hand.


    Killian¡¯s standing now, staring at me. I give him a small smile.


    ¡± Oh, my baby. You¡¯re awake!¡± A voice says. It¡¯s my mom as she rushes to my side and hugs me.


    ¡± Mom?¡±


    ¡± Luna. Don¡¯t do this ever again. My God, you scared me. I was so worried when Killian called to tell us what happened.¡± My mom says into my hair, still hugging me.


    Eve¡¯s standing by her husband now. Above my mother¡¯s shoulder, I stare at Killian and he just shrugs and gives me a small smile.


    ¡± I¡¯m so d you¡¯re okay. I can¡¯t imagine losing you too.¡± Mom whispers as she pulls away, wiping her tears.


    ¡± You¡¯re not gonna lose me, mom.¡± I assure her with a small smile.


    ¡± Hey, champ.¡± Antonio says to me.


    ¡± Please, don¡¯t call me that.¡± I utter.


    Antonio chuckles.


    ¡± Who did you guys leave Rachel and Charlie with?¡±


    ¡± Grace. They¡¯re in good hands.¡± Mom says.


    ¡± And Bianca?¡± I ask.


    ¡± She was worried sick when I told her what happened. She even wanted toe. She made me call throughout the ne ride from New York to Miami.¡± Antonio says.


    Why am I not surprised we¡¯re still in Miami?


    ¡± Alright, family reunion is over for now. I need alone time with the patient. Please everyone, can we step out for a bit?¡± A man dressed in doctor¡¯s attire says.


    Everyone starts to leave, with Killian staying back for a while.


    ¡± I¡¯m really d you¡¯re okay.¡± Killian says.


    ¡± Yeah, me too.¡±


    With a soft kiss on my forehead, Killian steps out too.


    ¡± Alright, Ms. Alderson. How are you feeling?¡± The doctor asks.


    He¡¯s a man. With blonde hair, green eyes, lean build, a little tall, and he¡¯s kind of good looking.


    ¡± Like I swallowed acid.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, you nearly drowned, it¡¯s a mystery you¡¯re alive.¡± He says as he checks my vitals.


    ¡± Any other symptoms?¡±


    ¡± My body hurts a lot.¡±


    ¡± Mmm mm.¡±


    ¡± How am I still alive?¡± I mutter.


    With a sigh the doctor answers. ¡± Well, let¡¯s just say you¡¯re lucky your boyfriend got there in time. It would have been worse if the boat was moving, they might not be able to have found you. Also, the drug that was used in poisoning you was supposed tost in your body for about 30 minutes before it starts to shut down your vitals and kill you from the inside. Let¡¯s be d you¡¯re fine.¡±


    ¡± Am I?¡±


    ¡± Yes.¡± He answers, injecting some kind of drug through my vein in my arms.


    ¡± The pain you¡¯re feeling will subside in less than 24 hours while your lungs might need a little longer than 24 hours to heal. All in all, you¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    ¡± Right. I feel dizzy.¡±


    ¡± Yes. The drug I injected you with is supposed to knock you out while letting your body heal on its own. You¡¯re a strong woman, Naomi.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll leave you to rest and I¡¯lle backter to check on you.¡± The doctor says as he turns to leave.


    ¡± Wait, how long have I been out?¡±


    ¡± A week.¡±


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I mutter underneath my breath.


    The doctorughs as he leaves my room. It doesn¡¯t take the drug a minute before I¡¯m slipping into a world of sleep.


    The next time I wake up again, Killian¡¯s by my side, eyes heavy fromck of sleep as he stares at me.


    ¡± He refused to go to his hotel and get some rest. I think he hasn¡¯t left your side since the first day you were admitted.¡± Antonio says. He¡¯s leaning against the wall at the far end.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine, really.¡± Killian mutters, rubbing his eyes. ¡± How are you doing?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. You should get some rest, you need some.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry about me. You¡¯re all I care about right now.¡± Killian says, slowly taking my hand in his.


    I smile.


    ¡± Where¡¯s mom, Ant?¡±


    ¡± At the hotel. She didn¡¯t wanna leave. I had to force her to leave with the promise that I¡¯ll call her as soon as possible when you wake up.¡±


    I chuckle quietly.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you guys flew to New York.¡±


    ¡± We were worried, Luna. Get better quickly, I¡¯m just gonna step outside and leave you two to chat.¡± With a nod and a nce towards Killian, Antonio steps out of the room.


    I turn to Killian.


    ¡± You really need to rest.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll rest when you¡¯re on your feet again.¡±


    I smile.


    ¡± Is that so?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Shouldn¡¯t you be back in New York handling business?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not leaving here without you.¡±


    ¡± Wow, you tter me everyday.¡±


    ¡± You know I¡¯m not ttering you, babe.¡±


    ¡± Mmm-mm.¡±


    ¡± Who did this to you?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. It happened so fast.¡±


    ¡± What were you and Celine talking about?¡±


    ¡± Random stuff.¡±


    ¡± You should talk to me if something happened that night. If I didn¡¯t get there on time, I¡­¡± Killian sighs as he licks his bottom lip.


    ¡± Hey, I¡¯m okay, alright? I was mad she talked about my family. I needed a drink and this server happened to have walked by the exact time that I needed a drink. I grabbed two sses, gulped them, went to the lower deck to get air and that was when I felt dizzy and this woman, she was wearing Celine¡¯s dress and a mask, just appeared from nowhere and pushed me. It¡¯s like she was waiting for me there. It¡¯s like she knew I was gonna be there.¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡± Fuck. I shoulda been there. This wouldn¡¯t have happened if I was there by your side.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not your fault, Kil. You have to be there for your brother also.¡±


    ¡± It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡± Is there more to this person who has been harassing us via emails? Do you think they did this?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. For all we know, we don¡¯t even know who¡¯s harassing us via emails and we don¡¯t even know their intentions. Keith¡¯s wedding guests were given an invite. Every guest was officially invited, so it couldn¡¯t be someone that we didn¡¯t know. Who did this was at the party.¡±


    ¡± The server?¡±


    ¡± I arrested every one of them.¡±


    ¡± What? Why would you do that?¡±


    ¡± Because I couldn¡¯t let this person get away scot free. Celine was questioned too, including every other guest in attendance. Celine said she had nothing to do with this. The servers too. They swore none of them poisoned the drink or even offered you a drink. Whoever this person is, they were smart. I think they escaped or they might have hid in my boat and waited till we got to shore. Fuck, howe I didn¡¯t think of that? And Celine, she¡¯s a person of interest now.¡±


    I sigh.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry this is happening to you, babe.¡± Killian says as he kisses my hand. ¡± But would you be able to identify this server when you see them?¡±


    ¡± I think I can try.¡±


    ¡± Great. We¡¯ll have you look at them once you¡¯re perfectly fine.¡±


    ¡± What if it¡¯s not any of the servers?¡± I ask.


    ¡± We¡¯ll find this person, whoever they¡¯re.¡±


    ¡± This person is still out there. It won¡¯t be a surprise that you might know this person.¡±


    ¡± I had that feeling too.¡±


    ¡± Who did you hurt, Kil?¡±


    ¡± I¡­¡± Killian trails off as he sighs. ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡± Sooner orter, we¡¯re gonna do better than ¡®i don¡¯t know¡¯ because, whoever this person is, they¡¯re gonna strike again.¡±


    ¡± And I¡¯ll make sure they don¡¯t get a chance to strike again. I¡¯m gonna make sure of that.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what to believe anymore. But right now, I¡¯m scared shitless for my life.

 Chapter 82

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± How are you feeling since you got back?¡± Antonio asks on Sunday evening as Iy my head on hisp while he runs his fingers through my hair.


    Killian and I arrived in New York yesterday. I asked him to drive me to my mother¡¯s because I didn¡¯t feel safe in my own apartment and because Killian hasn¡¯t said anything to me about what¡¯s really going on. I¡¯m not supposed to be mad at him and maybe I should trust him to tell me when the time is right.


    But when will the time be right? Is it when I¡¯m dead?


    Bianca ising over to my mother¡¯s to check on me. I told her I was around this morning so she¡¯sing over. If I¡¯d told her I arrived in New York yesterday, Bianca would have booked an Uber and drove straight to my mother¡¯s just to make sure I was safe.


    She¡¯s crazy.


    Sometimes I wished she was my older sister because she¡¯s one of the best things that¡¯s ever happened to me. I can literally rely on her. She¡¯s more than my best friend. She¡¯s more like a sister to me. Bianca would fight anyone who hurts me and it killed her to know she wasn¡¯t at Miami when I nearly died.


    Speaking of Miami, before we left, Killian made sure I had a look at every server who served at Eve¡¯s wedding that night. From all I can remember from the person whom I took the sses of wine from their tter, none of the servers looked like that server. I figured whoever that woman is, the woman who pushed me, must have something to do with the person I took the drinks from. They are either the same person or they¡¯re working together. It may be thetter.


    This person, whoever they¡¯re, they¡¯re smart. They¡¯re like ghosts. Theye in and walk out without anyone seeing them. It won¡¯t be a surprise if truly they hid inside the boat, waited till everyone was at shore, and then sneaked out.


    ¡± Never been better.¡± I mutter.


    Antonio sighs. ¡°Are you fighting with Killian?¡±


    ¡± What makes you think that?¡±


    ¡± Because you should be with him right now and not here. Should I remind you of thest time you spent the night at your mother¡¯s house?¡±


    I scoff, sighing. ¡± It¡¯s not what you think.¡±


    ¡± When Killian called that night, Killian told me you slipped and fell into the ocean. The doctor said you nearly drowned. I¡¯m not dumb, Naomi, you obviously didn¡¯t slip and fell into the ocean. Something happened, what was it? I know very well that you can swim, and I also taught you how to swim growing up, you can¡¯t just identally slip and nearly drown.¡±


    ¡± Is that what Killian told you? That I slipped?¡±


    ¡± Yes.¡±


    I sit up, removing my head from my brother¡¯s thighs as I stand up and start to pace the living room.


    ¡± What¡¯s really going on? I feel like there¡¯s something you¡¯re not telling me. We used to be best friends, remember?¡±


    ¡± Seriously, I don¡¯t know why Killian lied, I¡¯m even annoyed. Why would he lie? Why can¡¯t he just tell you what really happened?¡±


    ¡± Maybe he wanted you to tell me?¡±


    Sighing for the hundredth time, I sit down opposite Antonio.


    ¡± Someone¡¯s messing with me and I don¡¯t know who this person is. A few weeks ago, I got this email which consists of photos and stuff. This person was trying to ckmail and threaten me. They said they were going to spill out shit that wasn¡¯t true. Long story short, this person¡¯s motive was just to ruin my life and that of Killian¡¯s. And then suddenly, Killian¡¯s acting weird. He¡¯s keeping secrets all of a sudden and when I ask him about the things that he¡¯s keeping from me, he just t out lies about it, saying he¡¯s trying to sort the mess.¡±


    ¡± Okay¡­¡±


    ¡± When we were in Miami, some people from the office called him to tell him about a scandal concerning thepany and himself.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I saw. A little advice, don¡¯t go online. It¡¯s wild out there.¡±


    ¡± Fuck. Is it that bad?¡±


    ¡± Well, we¡¯ve seen worse. It¡¯s just stupid rumors. Some people think you¡¯re, you know¡­¡± Antonio tries to do a hand gesture. ¡± And Killian¡¯s this maniptive, man whore boss who¡¯s harassing every female worker who works for him. I don¡¯t wanna go into details.¡±


    ¡± Damn. Is my life over?¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re the one asking that. You used to be strong, remember? In fact, you¡¯re the strongest of all the Alderson children.¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡± Right.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s true. Everyone knows it. You don¡¯t let people bring you down, not for any reason at all. Some stupid rumors shouldn¡¯t bring you down. It¡¯s not true. Whoever is spreading these rumors, they¡¯re just lonely and sad. And also, it¡¯s better than before. I think your boyfriend is doing a good job burying these stories.¡±


    ¡± So I should be grateful?¡±


    ¡± Well, don¡¯t be sad about it. If he hasn¡¯t said anything, I think you should talk to him about it or give him time. We men like to y the hero. We like to believe we¡¯ve got everything under control even if we¡¯re failing.¡± Antonio says and I roll my eyes. ¡°Back to what you were telling me.¡±


    ¡± Right. Well, I tried to talk to Killian because I knew something was obviously wrong, he said he was going to tell me once we got back to New York. He said I should trust him. During Eve¡¯s yacht reception party, I got into a fight with this chick who used to date Killian. Well, ording to Killian, they only had fun, they never really dated. Well, she was a bitch, she told me a lot of stupid shit. I got mad, stormed off, grabbed two sses of wine and drank them, went down to the lower deck and that was when I started feeling dizzy. I wasn¡¯t drunk, I was poisoned.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± Antonio is surprised.


    ¡± Yeah. Then this woman with a mask appeared from nowhere and pushed me. I fell into the water. Right at that moment, I was scared. I actually thought I was gonna die.¡±


    ¡± All of this happened in Miami?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Who did this?¡±


    ¡± We don¡¯t know. This person is smart, calcting, too. They know when and where to strike and they don¡¯t leave any prints behind. Something tells me that the person sending me ckmailing photos is the same person who tried to kill me. They were at that party and we didn¡¯t know who it was. I have a feeling Killian knows this person and he doesn¡¯t even know it yet.¡±


    ¡± Jesus. Why would anyone want to hurt you?¡±


    ¡± That, I¡¯m going to find out by myself. Whoever this person is, I think it¡¯s someone from Killian¡¯s past.¡±


    ¡± You mean like a past girlfriend?¡±


    ¡± Something like that. And Killian must have done something to her. Something he didn¡¯t remember or must have neglected. She¡¯s here to seek revenge and I wanna know why.¡±


    ¡± Do you want me to tell mom?¡±


    ¡± No. I don¡¯t even want Rachel or anyone at all to know.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡±


    ¡± Well, if you need my help, I¡¯ll be d to help.¡±


    ¡± Hello!¡± Bianca¡¯s loud voice rings through the whole house, followed by her loud shoes clicking against the floor.


    ¡± Oh shit. God, I forgot the gift.¡± I hear Bianca¡¯s voice behind me.


    ¡± You got me a gift?¡± I ask with a smile.


    Bianca takes off her shoes in a hurry as she approaches me on the couch. She wraps her arms around me in a bear hug as she sobs and sniffles.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± I ask.


    ¡± God, I thought I¡¯d lost you. Who¡¯s gonna tolerate my insufferable ass when you¡¯re gone? Who¡¯s even gonna pay half the rent and doundry?¡± Bianca¡¯s sobbing as she says.


    ¡± You¡¯re one crazy bitch, you know that, don¡¯t you?¡± I say smiling as I embrace her back.


    We pull apart, with both of us giggling like children.


    ¡± God, what happened to you?¡± Bianca asks as she gives me a once over.


    ¡± Nothing that I can¡¯t handle.¡±


    ¡± God, I¡¯m just d you¡¯re okay.¡± She embraces me again. ¡± I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do without you.¡±


    ¡± For one, you definitely can¡¯t doundry by yourself, so.¡± I tell her.


    She bursts intoughing and Iugh too. Bianca pulls away to look at my brother.


    ¡± Hey, Antonio.¡± She greets.


    ¡± Hey, Bia.¡± Antonio looks ufortable.


    It will take anyone to figure out something is actually going on between them and I¡¯m sure of that.


    ¡± Quit the act, you two, I know there¡¯s something going on here.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± They both feign innocence and Bianca¡¯s not even a good liar.


    I roll my eyes. ¡± I know you two are dating.¡±


    Bianca gasps. ¡± How did you figure that out?¡± At the same time Antonio says:


    ¡± We¡¯re definitely not dating.¡±


    Iugh.


    ¡± Really, Bianca?¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± What? You know I¡¯m bad at lying and how were you expecting me to keep something that huge from Naomi? It¡¯s hard, trust me.¡±


    Antonio rolls his eyes. ¡± How did you figure it out, Naomi?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± It wasn¡¯t hard. I knew you¡¯ve always had a crush on Bianca for quite some time now, and you always blush whenever she¡¯s around you. And Bianca, she¡¯s the easiest part. She literally told me she¡¯s dating this new guy who¡¯s got a kid and Rachel told me you¡¯ve been going out a lot recently, so, I put two and two together.¡±


    Bianca scratches her neck as she avoids Antonio¡¯s gaze.


    ¡± You told her your new boyfriend has a kid? Who wouldn¡¯t figure that out?¡±


    ¡± Oh,e on, I was really tired of keeping this a secret. And Naomi, I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you any sooner. Toni wanted to be the one to tell you, in case you¡¯re gonna get angry.¡±


    ¡± Seriously, what¡¯s with the weird name calling? Toni? God that sounds weird like Raven. And also, what happened to sis code? You fucking broke it, Bianca.¡±


    ¡± What sister code?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± We weren¡¯t allowed to date each other¡¯s siblings.¡± I say.


    Antonio shakes his head.


    ¡± You guys aren¡¯t in high school anymore.¡±


    ¡± Whatever. If you guys get married in the future, I¡¯m still going to be the baby¡¯s godmother.¡± I blurt out as theyugh.


    When theugh dies down, I ask. ¡± How long has this been going on?¡±


    Both partners turn to look at each other as Bianca scratches her neck again. Antonio clears his throat.


    ¡± You know what, I don¡¯t wanna know. It¡¯s gonna be a long ass period of time and I¡¯m gonna get mad again at you guys for keeping something as important as this from me.¡±


    ¡± Correct. And I¡¯m really sorry, baby.¡± Bianca says.


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go make soup, I¡¯m starving.¡± I say as I stand up.


    ¡± I¡¯ll help.¡± Bianca says, already standing up.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. Have a chat with your boyfriend.¡± I say.


    ¡± Wait, are we even dating?¡± Bianca asks Antonio.


    I raise my eyebrows at her question. God, they can¡¯t be serious.


    ¡± We really haven¡¯t talked about that, have we?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± Nope.¡±


    ¡± Then, what have you guys been doing?¡±


    ¡± Fucking?¡± Bianca mutters with a shrug.


    ¡± God, you guys are gross.¡± I shake my head at the two of them as I head to the kitchen.


    ¡± Where¡¯s Charlie and Rachel?¡± Bianca asks.


    ¡± Rachel¡¯s babysitting down the street. She took Charlie with her.¡± I hear Antonio say.


    ¡± He¡¯s such a cute kid.¡± Bianca mutters. ¡± And I think I should check on Naomi. She might need my help.¡±


    I smile at their conversation.


    The living room goes quiet and I don¡¯t hear anything for a minute.


    ¡± You guys better not be having sex in that living room. I haven¡¯t even approved of your rtionship, yet.¡± I call out as theyugh.


    I hear Bianca¡¯s footsteps and I feel her presence behind me.


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about not telling you about Antonio and I. I wasn¡¯t really sure if we were serious or not.¡± Bianca says as she stands next to me behind the kitchen counter.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. Who am I to stand against love?¡±


    ¡± Nuh¨Chuh, we¡¯re not even there yet.¡±


    I smile in response.


    ¡± Seriously, how are you feeling?¡± Bianca asks.


    ¡± Alive.¡±


    ¡± What really happened?¡±


    ¡± Just slipped and fell. And I nearly drowned.¡±


    ¡± How could you just slip and fall? That¡¯s so unlike you.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I sigh. ¡± Celine was at the party. We got into a little mouth fight and I got upset and I guess I drank too much.¡±


    ¡± Why would Celine be invited? I thought she and Killian are not friends.¡±


    ¡± Unfortunately, she¡¯s friends with Keith and he invited her.¡± I sigh. ¡± I really don¡¯t wanna talk about it.¡±


    I hate lying. But keeping the truth from Bianca is my own way of dealing with whatever thing that¡¯s happening to me. I need to get to the bottom of this and it must be soon.


    ¡± Do you think she¡¯s actually behind these messages and emails you¡¯ve been receiving?¡±


    ¡± Maybe. I¡¯m trying to get to the bottom of this. Also, do you wanna get drunk with me tonight?¡±


    ¡± Oh, girl, I¡¯m down. Where are we hitting?¡± Bianca asks, smiling.


    ¡± Club K.¡±


    ¡± No, shit. I¡¯m definitely down.¡±


    If I want to find out what¡¯s really going on, club k should be my first stop.


    ***


    I don¡¯t remember thest time I was here. It was still the same, definitely. With lots of people standing in line outside and waiting to get inside, they will definitely not get a chance. The bouncer outside recognizes me when he sees me. He smiles at me in greeting.


    ¡± Diego, hey.¡± I greet him.


    ¡± Paying us a visit?¡± He asks.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Have fun.¡± With a nod, he lets us pass.


    ¡± Oh, my God, this ce is really lit.¡± Bianca says beside me above the music.


    The inside is busy, with servers going from one table to another to take orders and serve customers. Loud music ys from the loud speakers as people dance on the dance floor.


    ¡± Wow.¡± I mutter, scanning every corner. It still feels like I never left.


    ¡± Why are we here again?¡± Bianca shouts.


    ¡± To get wasted.¡± I tell her as I lead us towards the bar.


    I see Keiran before he sees me. He¡¯s mixing drinks for two drunk girls who won¡¯t stop flirting with him. Bianca and I quickly upy the empty seats before someone else takes them. I guess this is the wrong time to visit Club K if I was only here to seek information.


    ¡± Damn, he¡¯s hot.¡± Bianca whispers into my ear, referring to Keiran who looks busy.


    ¡± Yeah, he is. And should I remind you you¡¯re dating someone?¡±


    Keiran sees me, he¡¯s surprised as he smiles at me. He quickly attends to the two drunk girls and scurries towards Bianca and I.


    ¡± No shit. If it isn¡¯t the famous Ms. Alderson¨Cck? Damn, girl, you look good.¡± Keiran says, smiling at me.


    ¡± Thanks, K. You look good yourself.¡±


    ¡± You know ttering is not your thing. Who¡¯s the friend?¡±


    ¡± Bianca, this is Keiran. He¡¯s a good friend. Bianca, Keiran.¡± I introduce them.


    ¡± Hey.¡± Bianca greets Keiran, as she blushes.


    ¡± Hey.¡± Keiran smiles at her.


    ¡± Are you free?¡±


    ¡± Well, not at the moment, but I guess taking a ten minute break to talk with the boss¡¯s girl may not cost me my job. What should I get you first?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m cool. You can get her something to drink.¡± I say.


    Keiran nods and turns to look at Bianca.


    ¡± I¡¯ll get your favorite drink.¡± Bianca tells Keiran.


    Keiran chuckles as he smiles. ¡± Got you.¡± He leaves to go mix Bianca¡¯s drink.


    ¡± Girl, seriously? What the hell is that for?¡±


    ¡± What? I thought we were out here to have fun.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, not to flirt with the bartender.¡±


    ¡± I was flirting? I didn¡¯t know.¡± Bianca says with a shrug.


    ¡± Of course you know you were flirting.¡±


    Bianca giggles.


    Keiran returns with Bianca¡¯s drink and gives it to her. He looks at me and tilts his head to the backroom and leaves.


    ¡± I¡¯ll be back. I need to talk with Keiran.¡±


    ¡± Sure. Why don¡¯t you tell him your friend says hi?¡± Bianca says as she wiggles her eyebrows at me.


    ¡± Girl, you drunk.¡± I chuckle as I leave.


    Keiran is already leaning against the wall when I enter the backroom.


    ¡± Hey. What¡¯s up? You good? I haven¡¯t seen you since, like, forever.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Sorry I ghosted you. I¡¯ve been busy.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I know. How have you been? I really miss you, you know?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯ve been good. How have you been?¡±


    ¡± Great. Although, Club K isn¡¯t really the same since you left.¡± I chuckle at that.


    ¡± I miss you guys, too. Where¡¯s Rita, I didn¡¯t see her anywhere.¡±


    ¡± Upstairs, working the VIP quarters. You know how it is on weekends.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Is Killian here?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think so. He barely visits the club, well, except he wants to have a word with Preston. I think thesest few weeks, he¡¯s barely ever here. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡± Nothing, I just¡­¡± I sigh.


    ¡± Did something happen, Naomi?¡±


    ¡± Not really. You were one of the first workers to work in Club K when it first opened.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡± Did you know anyone close to Killian? Like maybe a woman?¡±


    ¡± Are you trying to investigate if your boyfriend¡¯s cheating on you?¡±


    ¡± No, it¡¯s not that.¡± I sigh again. ¡± It¡¯s just¡­Did you know anyone? I just wanna know if there was a woman that time? Someone is harassing me and I think it¡¯s someone from Killian¡¯s past. He isn¡¯t talking and I¡¯m trying to figure out what¡¯s really going on by myself.¡±


    Keiran nods in understanding.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think there was anyone special that time. Although, there was this woman. I think her name was Vanessa or something. She was a regr. They were alwaysing over every weekend and all of a sudden, she stopped. I think they fought or maybe broke up. You should know Mr. ck is a very private man, you barely know what¡¯s going on with him.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡±


    ¡± Have you tried talking to the police about this person that¡¯s harassing you?¡±


    ¡± Not really. But I will. Thanks, Keiran. You¡¯ve been helpful.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s cool. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t be of more help. You should drop by often, you know? We all miss you.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I will definitely drop by frequently. I miss you too.¡±


    Keiran smiles.


    ¡± I should head back to the bar.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, you should. I¡¯m gonna step out for air.¡±


    With a warm embrace, Keiran heads back to the bar and I use the back door to get outside. It¡¯s quiet out back with just the street giving it life.


    My thoughts begin to race. Who¡¯s Vanessa? Is she someone important or one of Killian¡¯s flings? Who¡¯s this person that¡¯s trying to hurt me? And why¡¯s Killian not telling me anything? Why¡¯s he keeping everything to himself? And why does he think he needs to sort things out himself? Why are we a couple if we can¡¯t solve things like this together?


    Everything¡¯s happening all at once and I¡¯m just paranoid.


    My phone pings, putting a pause to my racing thoughts. I unlock my phone and there¡¯s a new message. I click the message and it¡¯s from a blocked contact.


    Unknown sender: Heard you¡¯re alive. Not for long, anyway. I should have stayed back and watched you die before leaving, you gold digging whore. I¡¯m going to give you a chance to step out of this little game alive, or the next time, you won¡¯t live to grab a drink at Club K with your sweet little friend. Speaking of friends, what should we do to sweet little Bianca for trying to talk to the police about me? I think I know. I should probably just poison this drink and give it to her. She¡¯s probably wasted anyway. Now, why don¡¯t you hurry before you have your friend¡¯s blood on your hands, darling. And oh, by the way, I guess Killian hasn¡¯t told you the big news, yet, has he? You¡¯re gonna be a step mommy, darling. I bet you¡¯re already freaking out! I¡¯ll see you soon. Eyes on your back now, yeah?

 Chapter 83

    Killian¡¯s POV


    ¡± Killian, you need to calm down. Liam will be here soon to tell us what¡¯s really going on.¡± Raymond says on Monday morning as I pace the floor of my office.


    Since I got back from Miami, I haven¡¯t heard a thing from Lily Sanders. Not even a letter or a message. Nothing. Something tells me she¡¯s plotting something dangerous and if I don¡¯t do something about it before she strikes again, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m gonna do if something happens to Naomi.


    Due to her nearly drowning a few weeks ago, I asked her to take a break from work and she shouldn¡¯t worry about HR breathing down her neck. She¡¯s always stubborn, so she refused. This morning when I saw her, she told me we needed to talk and it was important. She sounded paranoid and I knew sooner orter I had to tell her about Lily Sanders and her pregnancy rumor.


    I¡¯m fucked, I know.


    ¡± Nothing is going to happen to Naomi.¡± Raymond says as if he just read my mind.


    ¡± Are you fucking serious?¡± I sigh as I stop pacing around to stare at Raymond. ¡± She got poisoned, man, in a wedding with plenty of people. How could anyone get away with that? Imagine what this sick person is going to do if she has Naomi all alone.¡±


    ¡± I get it that you¡¯re stressed and frustrated, but you need to calm down. Nothing is going to happen to Naomi.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m tired of lying to Naomi over and over again. I couldn¡¯t even tell her family the truth about what happened at Keith¡¯s wedding. How am I supposed to tell her I might have a child with a lunatic psycho killer who may or may not have poisoned her at Keith¡¯s wedding? She¡¯s definitely gonna break up with. I can¡¯t even put up with my crap anymore, why would she?¡±


    ¡± You are taking this the wrong way.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t give me that shit, Raymond. About a week ago, my workers were talking shit behind my back because someone decided to sell a story to a desperate journalist who¡¯s willing to pay for it. Now, mydy got poisoned at a fucking wedding and I don¡¯t even know how to tell her what¡¯s really going on and you¡¯re saying I¡¯m taking this the wrong way? I fucking screwed up.¡± God, I want to punch something.


    Raymond sighs and runs his hands through his hair.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to be here.¡± I say as I sit down.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I really wanna help, Killian. And maybe you should tell Naomi what¡¯s really going on before it¡¯s toote. I think Lily hasn¡¯t said anything, you should tell her yourself before she or whatever gender they are, tells Naomi themselves.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I sit down on my chair with my elbows on my desks as I run both my hands through my hair.


    I tap my fingers restlessly on my desk, impatiently waiting for Liam¡¯s arrival. He¡¯ste. He¡¯s supposed to be here to tell me something different for a change, not something that I¡¯ve heard a million times already.


    I stand up, already getting more angered at Liam for keeping me waiting.


    ¡± He¡¯ste. I¡¯m not paying him that huge amount of money for him to bete.¡±


    ¡± He will be here soon.¡± Raymond says.


    And right on cue, Liam strides into my office with his portfolio in his hand. Raymond sits on the couch at the corner of my office with me standing behind my office desk.


    ¡± Raymond.¡± Liam acknowledges Raymond¡¯s presence. Raymond nods in greeting.


    Finally Liam turns to me. ¡± Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Sit.¡± I point to the chair in front of me. ¡± And you¡¯rete.¡±


    Liam unbuttons the one button in his suit jacket and then sits down. He ces his portfolio on my desk as I watch him.


    ¡± Sorry, I had to handle something important and it also concerns this case of yours.¡±


    ¡± Right. What do you have that I haven¡¯t heard already?¡±


    I¡¯m way past my patience and endurance and I need solutions already. It¡¯s killing me that I don¡¯t know who¡¯s doing this and I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m close to finding out who¡¯s behind all of this. Naomi might be in more danger and it¡¯s because of me. I caused this. Maybe if I should have kept my dick in one ce, this wouldn¡¯t be happening.


    ¡± Maybe you should sit down.¡± Raymond says, right at the same time Liam turns to look at Raymond.


    ¡± Should he be here to hear this? I don¡¯t know, privacy, maybe?¡± Liam says.


    I sigh as I turn to look at Raymond who already has a face of disbelief. I get it, Liam doesn¡¯t think it¡¯s okay to talk about something like this with Raymond present, especially when we don¡¯t know who¡¯s behind all of this. I want Raymond here. I know I¡¯m not supposed to trust anyone, but I know he¡¯s not the one doing this. I¡¯ve been in shitty situations countless times that I know anyone is capable of anything. But I know Raymond isn¡¯t behind this. It¡¯s a woman.


    ¡± I can leave if you want some privacy.¡± Raymond says, already standing up.


    ¡± Don¡¯t bother. Sit.¡± I gesture to his seat.


    Raymond nods and sits back down.


    Liam looks at me for confirmation and I nod.


    ¡± Go ahead and tell me what you¡¯ve got.¡± I tell Liam, with my hands thrust into my pockets.


    Liam nods with a sigh and opens his portfolio. He brings out different files and settles them on my desk.


    ¡± How was the wedding, by the way?¡± Liam asks, sifting through files upon files.


    ¡± Not important, Liam. I¡¯m not really in the mood for that.¡±


    Liam looks up at me. ¡± Right.¡± Sighing, Liam continues. ¡± I won¡¯t lie, I really don¡¯t have much but I¡¯m trying my best to dig out useful information. Hopefully, this information that I have might be helpful.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have much and I¡¯ve been paying you to give me legit information this past month, Liam? I expect more from you.¡±


    ¡± I am genuinely trying to help you, Mr. ck. And things like this need time. Also, if we wanna know who¡¯s doing this, you should probably try and remember.¡±


    Is he being a smart mouth?


    ¡± Well, I don¡¯t have time. Some shit has been going on with me and time is thest thing on my te right now.¡±


    ¡± Killian, let him just tell us what he knows.¡± Raymond interjects.


    I sigh, run my hand through my hair and sit down on my seat.


    Liam clears his throat and pushes a file towards me.


    ¡± The reason I couldn¡¯t find useful information about Anna Montgomery was because Anna Montgomery isn¡¯t her real name. Well, it¡¯s her name, not the name people know her as.¡±


    ¡± What are you talking about, Liam? Cut the bullshit. I thought we we¡¯re here to talk about Lily Sanders and not Anna Montgomery.¡± I¡¯m already fuming as I stare at Liam.


    He¡¯s surprised at my tone.


    ¡± Cool it down, man.¡± Raymond says from the couch he¡¯s sitting on.


    ¡± Please, go on.¡± I correct my tone.


    ¡± Anna Montgomery¡¯s real name is Gianna Haines. They¡¯re the same person. Well, I¡¯m not sure about this person iming to be Lily Sanders, but Lily Sanders is Anna Montgomery¡¯ste daughter.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t get anything you¡¯re saying.¡± I say.


    Liam leans forward with his arms on my desk.


    ¡± The reason I couldn¡¯t find useful information is because I was looking in the wrong ce. You remember the house Lily Sanders was writing to you from? The same house where we found that baby¡¯s picture?¡±


    ¡± Yeah?¡±


    ¡± The picture we saw in that house, like I told you the other time, was Anna Montgomery¡¯s daughter who died two months before Anna died. The baby¡¯s name was Lily Sanders.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± I¡¯m baffled at this news.


    ¡± The baby¡¯s real name is Lilianna Sanders and her biological mother was Anna Montgomery or if we wanna call her by her actual name, Gianna Haines.¡±


    Fuck, why does that name ring a bell?


    ¡± I believe Gianna Haines moved to that apartment where Lily Sanders is sending you letters from. Gianna must have changed her name to Anna Montgomery in order to live there anonymously.


    Montgomery is Gianna¡¯s mother¡¯s maiden name and I guess Anna is short for Gianna. She rented the house after the original upants died. She was a private person, a lot of people knew nothing about her and I guess she wanted to keep it that way. She lived there, maybe with her baby. And that was five years ago.¡±


    ¡± What the fuck?¡± Raymond says. ¡± I need to understand something. You are saying Lily or Lilianna Sanders is a real person and she was thete Gianna Haines or Anna Montgomery¡¯s eight months old daughter who died? What I don¡¯t understand is, who the fuck is this person sending Killian letters? Why are they iming to be a dead person? A child for that matter? And if Lilianna Sanders is Gianna Haines¡¯te daughter, why did they have a differentst name? I guess Gianna¡¯s dead, right?¡± Raymond asks.


    I turned to look at Raymond at once the minute he said Gianna Haines was dead. How did he know Gianna was dead? I never told him she died when Liam called to ry that message to me.


    ¡± How did you know Gianna is dead?¡± I ask Raymond.


    ¡± What?¡± He feigns ignorance.


    ¡± How did you know Gianna died?¡± I repeat my question.


    ¡± You told me, remember?¡±


    ¡± I never told you.¡±


    Raymond sighs. ¡± I am sorry I didn¡¯t tell you, but I was doing my own little research. I knew she was dead.¡±


    ¡± And you didn¡¯t tell me, why?¡±


    ¡± Because I needed to be sure.¡± Raymond answers.


    I stare at him, thinking if Raymond¡¯s part of this. It can¡¯t be.


    ¡± Oh,e on. You seriously don¡¯t think I have anything to do with this, do you?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡± Come on, man. I wouldn¡¯t be part of this, especially when I have nothing to gain.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I sigh as I turn to look at Liam. ¡± Who¡¯s this Gianna Haines and how¡¯s this person rted to this woman that¡¯s iming to be Lily Sanders?¡± I ask Liam.


    ¡± Anna or Gianna used to live in Texas with her family before she moved to New York to learn fashion. Six years ago, I guess she got pregnant for someone, Killian, maybe. It is said that the baby died a few months after she was born and Anna named the child Lilianna. The baby¡¯sst name, Sanders, is Gianna¡¯s father¡¯s name. I guess the baby took her father¡¯s name as her ownst name. Courtesy of not having a father. I guess the father must have walked out of their lives.¡± Liam says as he stares at me. ¡± ording to my sources, the baby had a strange illness and they couldn¡¯t save her. There isn¡¯t any proof that the baby died, though. But, two monthster, Anna took her own life by jumping into ake. She was found dead a few dayster.¡± Liam says.


    I just stay quiet, slowlying to terms that I really know Anna. That she was part of my life a long time ago, but I¡¯m not ready to admit that. It can¡¯t be the Anna that I know. Not that Anna. It can¡¯t be. She can¡¯t be dead.


    ¡± You¡¯re contemting.¡± Liam says as he hands me a photograph. I take it.


    ¡± That photo is proof that Anna died. I visited her grave myself. She was cremated and the body was sent to her family.¡± Liam continues.


    I stare at the picture in my hand, at the name imprinted on the headstone. Gianna Haines. She was really gone.


    I let the paper fall out of my hand as I pinch the bridge of my nose. Fuck, this can¡¯t be happening right now. How¡¯s my pasting back to haunt me?


    ¡± Now, to the real important information. Someone is impersonating thete Lilianna Sanders. Someone is trying to hurt you and I think this person is somehow rted to Gianna Haines and her daughter. I believe whoever this person is, the person iming to be Lily Sanders and sending you pictures and ckmailing letters, is a person close to thete Gianna. It could be Gianna¡¯s sister, maybe an older sister. It could be a thing of revenge. It doesn¡¯t seem to me this person wants money, and that could be because this person already has money. Whoever we¡¯re dealing with is someone who knows you and I think they¡¯re aware of your past.¡±


    ¡± Shit.¡± I mutter.


    ¡± Before I show you Anna¡¯s real photo, I want to be clear about something. Does this story sound familiar to you? Did you in any way dated a woman named Lilianna Sanders six years ago? I would really appreciate the honesty right now.¡±


    My eyes flick between Raymond and Liam as I ponder. What the hell did I get myself into? How do I begin to exin this? Everything is slowlying back, every memory that I¡¯ve pushed to the back of my head. I didn¡¯t want to remember anything that reminded me of my past, and Liaming in to tell me Lilianna is a real person and a child and that she¡¯s dead, is starting to bring back these memories I never thought I would recover.


    ¡± And the pregnancy rumor?¡± I ask.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know for sure, Mr. ck, but I think maybe this person is really pregnant for you or they¡¯re using this pregnancy rumor to try and make you remember your past. Maybe they want you to remember something. There might be a possibility that Lilianna Sanders might be alive and well.¡±


    Fuck. Did Anna really have a child? If she did, then I¡¯m really fucked.


    ¡± You said herst name is Sanders. Lilianna?¡± Raymond speaks up.


    ¡± Yes.¡±


    ¡± Celine¡¯sst name is Sanders. If I could remember the few times we¡¯ve had any conversation is that, she grew up in Texas and she had a sister. If there¡¯s someone out there using a dead girl¡¯s name to seek revenge, it sure would be the dead girl¡¯s sister. And Celine fit right into all that description. Rich and smart. She¡¯s been looking for any means to work in thispany and to be close to you, Killian. What if it¡¯s Celine all along?¡± Raymond says.


    My attention isn¡¯t really here. I¡¯m trying to figure out what I did that would make anyone, anyone who knew Anna try to want to hurt me. She¡¯s supposed to be my past, how is she trying to fuck me over after all these years? And also, this could all be a coincidence. Anna could be anywhere in the world right now living her best life. I can¡¯t remember hurting Anna to the extent someone would want to exact revenge using her or anyone close to her. If anything, I really liked Anna even before things went sideways. And I showed her how I really felt about her.


    This could be a different person entirely. But why is my mind telling me otherwise?


    ¡± Does this Celine have red hair?¡± Liam asks.


    ¡± Yes. Celine is a redhead.¡±


    ¡± Where¡¯s her photo?¡± I ask.


    Liam looks through his portfolio and pulls out a photograph.


    ¡± So, this is her photo. Anna Montgomery or Gianna Haines, whatever you know her as.¡± Liam pushes arge photograph towards me.


    I pick it up as I lean against my seat and observe the photo. The picture isn¡¯t that clear, it¡¯s more of a bad camera or bad photographer problem.


    ¡± This is Anna?¡± I ask, baffled at how peaceful she looks and how familiar she looks.


    ¡± Yes.¡±


    In the photo, it looks like she¡¯s standing in a park, wearing a gray knitted, turtleneck sweater. She has red hair, like natural red hair, with the front cut out as bangs. The rest of her hair is in wavy curls, and her hair is really long. It goes past her shoulders to her mid back. It¡¯s a half photo, with the photo showing just from her mid-thigh up. Anna wasn¡¯t staring at the camera when the photo was taken. Something else got her attention and it got her smiling brightly as she crossed her arms. She has green eyes and fair skin. Anna is beautiful and so ¨C I don¡¯t even know the exact words to use.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡± Oh, fuck.¡± I mutter, dropping the photograph on my desk as I stand up.


    Raymond stands up and walks towards my desk. He stands next to Liam and picks up the pictures.


    ¡± Does she look familiar?¡± Liam asks.


    ¡± I¡­¡± I¡¯m short of words as I run both hands through my hair.


    ¡± Killian, did you know her?¡± Raymond asks this time.


    ¡± How the fuck did this happen? How? Anna died?¡± Oh my God.


    ¡± So you know her?¡± Liam asks.


    I can¡¯t look anybody in the eye. The minute I stared at the photo, I knew I would know her. I knew there was something familiar about her. There was no way I could ever forget that smile even if I tried. I just can¡¯t. And that sweater, that knitted, turtle neck sweater, I fucking bought her that sweater.


    And she¡¯s dead? Fuck, did I cause that?


    ¡± Killian, talk to us. What is going on?¡± Raymond looks concerned.


    But none of that matters now. None of it matters anymore. I¡¯ve never felt broken and disgusted by myself before. I let this happen. This is my fault. I hurt her, I hurt her like I hurt every other woman before and after her.


    Fuck, I¡¯m a monster.


    ¡± I was¡­ I ¨C fuck!¡± God, I want to punch something really badly.


    I needed to punch something. I want to scream and just hit something, maybe that might be a temporary solution to the heavy weight in my heart.


    ¡± Killian, do you need a minute?¡± Raymond asks.


    ¡± What the fuck? She¡¯s dead? How? Did I do this?¡± I¡¯m beginning to panic because I knew what I did to her six years ago. Everything is starting toe back to my memory.


    All these years, especially after Club K wasunched, everything that has to do with my youth, every mistake I made, every fucked up that I fucked up, I buried them deep in my head making sure to never bring them back. They were my past and I made sure of that.


    ¡± Did you know her?¡± Liam asks.


    On a normal day, I wouldn¡¯t give a shit. But not Anna. She was great, she was innocent, pure, she had a beautiful soul, and all of that was the reason I had to walk away. And the day this photo was taken, was the day I broke her heart. I was at the park with her when a shitty photographer took a photo of her. She was staring at me when the photo was taken. And that was the day I let her go. That was the day she gave me the news. She was so happy, but I took that happiness away from her when I told her I wouldn¡¯t be there for them, because I didn¡¯t want to.


    And now she¡¯s dead?


    God, I feel shittier than I¡¯ve ever felt. If I was in my house, I would have jumped inside my swimming pool already just to try and get rid of this memory.


    ¡± Kil, what is going on?¡± Raymond is by my side as he stares at me. ¡± What aren¡¯t you telling us?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go.¡± I grab my suit jacket and put it on.


    ¡± See yourselves out.¡± I tell both men as I hurry out of my office, not before hearing Raymond ask:


    ¡± What the fuck was that?¡±

 Chapter 84

    Killian¡¯s POV


    Six Years Ago


    Fashion shows are boring. I¡¯ve always hated them and I think they¡¯re heavily overrated. With my phone in my hand, I go through work emails as I reply to them. The only reason I¡¯m sitting here pretending to enjoy myself, is because the host, Terrance y, is a client I¡¯m trying to persuade and do business with. He has money and his money is needed in mypany.


    KB TECH justunched a new program and potential clients like Terrance y is what I needed to drive mypany to the next level. And that is the only reason I¡¯m sitting through this nightmare. When the showes to an end, Terrance enters the stage to give a speech. I don¡¯t listen, I just zoned out on everything.


    When the show finallyes to an end with everyone preparing to leave, I stand up as quickly as I can, as I scurry backstage to have a word with Terrance. I pace the room, already hating the rich fuck for dying my precious time. I should be in the office sorting through business contacts and even seeking more clients, not standing back stage in a fashion show.


    ¡± Ah! Mr. ck.¡± A familiar voice says.


    I turn around to see Terrance y approaching me with a woman clinging to his arm. She¡¯s pretty and I¡¯m sure she¡¯s his wife or his mistress. It might be thetter.


    ¡± Mr. y.¡± I greet him. His mistress or wife smiles at me.


    ¡± Sorry to keep you waiting. You¡¯re a fine young man and I¡¯m sure you have better things to do with your time. Please, meet my wife, Tessa.¡± He introduces the woman.


    Wife, huh? Tessa looks to be around 28 years old while Terrance himself is 50 years old. It¡¯s not a surprise wealthy old men like them young. I¡¯m guessing this is his third or second wife because I know he has kids nearly as old as me.


    ¡± Hello.¡± I acknowledge the woman.


    She smiles and pulls me to a surprise hug.


    At first, I didn¡¯t hug her back because I least expected her to wrap her arms around me for an embrace. Tessa is a little thick. With broad hips and a fine ass and a really impressive chest. But all those dirty thoughts go out the window at the sight of the beautiful woman standing a few feet away from us. She¡¯s smiling, and her smile is the first thing that steals my heart. Her hair is a glowing red, with long curls and short bangs at the front. She¡¯s not that tall, with her beautiful fair skin glowing under the warm light of the backstage. She¡¯s slim, with average tits, hips, and a fine little ass.


    Fuck, she¡¯s beautiful. She is young, maybe in her early twenties. Normally, I wouldn¡¯t go after young women. They¡¯re not my type. Women like Tessa are mostly my type, but this beautiful redhead is just irresistible and I want her. I want every part of her. She¡¯s too pretty to pass.


    Who in the heavens is that? How can a woman be that beautiful?


    When Tessa pulls away to properly greet me, I¡¯m barely paying attention. The beautiful young woman standing behind Tessa has my full attention. She¡¯s the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever seen. Standing next to her is another blonde and she seems to be telling the blonde something.


    ¡± Hmm, you like that one, don¡¯t you?¡± Tessa chimes in as she giggles loudly.


    She¡¯s bing irritating.


    ¡± Who¡¯s she?¡± I ask, surprised at how gruff my voice sounds. I clear my throat.


    Terrance turns around to stare at both women as he looks back at me.


    ¡± The blonde or the redhead?¡±


    ¡± The redhead. Who¡¯s she?¡± I ask, slipping my hands inside my pants pockets.


    ¡± Gianna Haines. She¡¯s a real beauty, herself. She loves fashion and she is from Texas. I¡¯m not sure she¡¯s your type, though. She¡¯s too pure, Mr. ck.¡± Terrance says.


    ¡± Thanks for the info, Mr. y. Now, how about I brief you about what you tend to get when you give mypany and her new program a chance?¡± I turn to Terrance as I say.


    ¡± Sure. This way then.¡± Terrance says as he leads me away.


    As I follow Terrance and his wife, Tessa, I turn to stare at this beautiful redhead called Gianna, but she¡¯s already staring at me, blushing to be exact. I smirk at her, one of my many seductive smirks that always makes the women weak in their knees and it works just as intended on Gianna Haines, because she blushes and looks away.


    Great, she¡¯s already mine and I know that for sure.


    Getting Terrance y to buy my pitch wasn¡¯t easy but at the end of the day, I got him to buy my pitch and he¡¯s officially a client of mine. But Tessa y at the end of the day was easy. She did most of the seduction and all I did was ask if she would like to have a little fun. Now she¡¯s riding my dick in the backseat of my car, moaning and screaming my name with her dress hiked up to her waist and my hands on her big ass. The next thing we¡¯re both breathing fast and climaxing.


    Tessa climbs off my dick and sits down next to me as she pushes her dress down. She smiles at me. A smile of satisfaction. This obviously wasn¡¯t her first time cheating on old Terrance y. I bet he can¡¯t even fuck her real good. I tear the condom off my length, tie its tip, and toss it aside to properly dispose of the condomter.


    ¡± Always careful, huh?¡± She teases me about the condom as I get decent.


    I don¡¯t answer Tessa. I just pull out a cigarette from my suit jacket and light it.


    ¡± Well, I better get going. Old y might start getting worried.¡± Tessa says.


    ¡± Mmm¨Cmm.¡± I hum absentmindedly, blowing out the smoke through my nose and mouth.


    ¡± Right. And about little Gianna, she¡¯s a good girl. Likes dates, holding hands, all that boring shit. I bet it¡¯s not really your thing, but if you wanna get her to fall for your bad boy charms, I advise you y her game like it¡¯s thest.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t need your advice, Tessa. You should get going. Like you said, you don¡¯t wanna get old y worried.¡± I say.


    She¡¯s disappointed. She rolls her eyes and gets out of my car as she ms the door shut.


    The next time I see Gianna is at a charity event for dyslexic children. I see her before she even sees me. She stands at a corner looking so small amongst these rich men and women. Gianna wears a dark, blue satin dress with spaghetti straps. Her red hair is in a messy bun, with curly red strands falling at the sides of her face. She looks like an angel. A really beautiful angel. When her eyes fall on my form, she¡¯s surprised to see me and I don¡¯t try to look away. I just can¡¯t.


    Gianna blushes, bites her bottom lip as she looks away. When these rich men and women start to make donations, I grab a ss of white wine from a tter of a server as I approach the redhead. From the distance between us, she looks nervous and she knows I¡¯m making a move toward her.


    ¡± Getting bored already?¡± I ask Gianna as I stop in front of her.


    She acts surprised to see me as she blinks her eyes. I smirk at her.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    Damn. Her voice sounds just like I imagined. It was just perfect.


    ¡± You could always sneak out with a mysterious, handsome stranger, don¡¯t you think? It could be worth your while.¡±


    She smiles. ¡± You mean you, right?¡±


    I smile, for the first time in a while.


    ¡± You don¡¯t think I¡¯m worth your while?¡± I ask her, bringing the wine to my lips.


    Gianna blushes, eyes lingering on my lips for a minute as I take a sip of the wine. I stare into her eyes, smirking at her. She blushes hard, looks away for a minute as she silently exhales.


    ¡± Gianna Haines.¡± She stretches her hand out for an introduction. ¡± But you can call me Anna.¡±


    ¡± Killian ck.¡± I shake her hand. ¡± And I prefer Anna, that¡¯s if you don¡¯t mind. It suits you.¡± I say to her, still holding her hand.


    Gianna smiles.


    ¡± Whatever you want, Killian ck. And yeah, I know you. I¡¯ve heard a lot about you.¡±


    ¡± Hope more good stuff than bad stuff?¡± I ask, licking my bottom lip as I let go of her hand.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you let me decide that?¡± She whispers.


    ¡± What are you doing here? I didn¡¯t think boring charity events are your thing.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not. I¡¯m here with my boss. Suzanne ine. You know her?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. She¡¯s a hothead.¡± And I¡¯ve fucked her.


    She giggles. ¡± Yes, she is.¡± Gianna turns to look at me. ¡± What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± Here for business. And I¡¯m hoping I¡¯d meet you and convince you to go out on a date with me.¡± I tell her, putting my seductive smirk on.


    Gianna blushes as she bites her lip.


    ¡± Do you tell that to every girl who finds you attractive?¡±


    ¡± Nah, just you. You¡¯re really pretty and eye-catching. It¡¯s hard to not want a woman like yourself.¡±


    ¡± Thank you.¡± Gianna is blushing really hard as she avoids my gaze.


    ¡± Can I get your number? Maybe we can talk about that date of ours.¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    I hand her my phone and she types in her number with shaky fingers. She¡¯s a nervous wreck and I don¡¯t know if I like that. I can already imagine how good I¡¯m gonna make her feel with her on my bed and her legs spread apart for me.


    The only dates I¡¯ve gone to are business dates. We go on dates and I convince you about my business and if they¡¯re women, I sometimes bring them home and they love how I make them feel. KB TECH is still at a ripe age and there¡¯s no room for errors or mistakes.


    And as I sat through a non-business date with Gianna Haines, surprisingly, it didn¡¯t turn out to be a disaster. She¡¯s interesting. She tells me about herself. How she¡¯s an only daughter and she has two older brothers. Also, she loves fashion and she wants to run her own fashion show and maybe her own clothing line in the future. Also, her favorite flower is Lily and she loves books and every other clich¨¦ thing girls like Anna likes.


    I don¡¯t tell her much. I tell her about Keith, just little things about Keith and nothing interesting. Gianna is easy to like. She even says I can call her anytime I wanna hang out. She also talks about Texas and her childhood. Her parents are originally from Europe, but they migrated here when she was ten.


    Gianna is supposed to be an easyy. I just wanted to have fun, that was just the n. I like her and I wanted us to have fun. But sitting here and hearing her talk about her love for the littlest things makes me want to start something with her. Maybe a rtionship. After our dinner, Gianna and I took a walk around New York and sheced her fingers with mine. Later, we drove back to my penthouse apartment and I offered her coffee.


    I kiss her and she kisses back without hesitation. I ce my hands on her body, running my fingertips all over her little curves with her arms around my neck. God, she¡¯s so beautiful and I don¡¯t wanna let her go. Gianna moans in my mouth when my fingers explore her. Without much forey, I¡¯m already fucking her in my kitchen counter, on my couch, andstly, my bedroom.


    Iy next to her, exhausted as I watch her sleep. I can¡¯t begin to exin how I feel for this woman even if it¡¯s too early. Whatever this is, this strange feeling in my gut, it¡¯s too early and I know it. But the one thing I know that I want right this moment, is that I don¡¯t want to let her go. I want this moment to not be thest. I want to wake up to her every morning, with her next to me while I watch her sleep. I want to watch shitty shows with her, talk about dumb shit, make love, fuck, travel around the world, all of that and more.


    I drove Gianna back hometer that evening even after I tried to persuade her to spend the night. She lives in Boston, but she¡¯s spending the weekend at a friend¡¯s ce in New York City. She kisses me goodnight as I watch her step out of my car and walk into her friend¡¯s apartment building.


    Fuck, I miss her already.


    Four months. We¡¯ve been dating for four months and it feels like four years. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m tired or I feel like the months look like years, it¡¯s because I¡¯m beginning to question myself. Gianna is everything ranging from pure and good. She¡¯s the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever been with. And when I say beautiful, I just don¡¯t mean looks. She¡¯s kind, she¡¯s great. Fuck, she has a loving heart. All of that is too much for me. Maybe I¡¯m selfish, maybe I¡¯m a shitty person, but one thing I know is that I don¡¯t deserve her. I don¡¯t deserve her love, I don¡¯t deserve her at all. She should be with some guy who really deserves her. Someone who is ready to n and start a family with her. Gianna is one of the few women who isn¡¯t dating me for my pocket. Sometimes, I buy her stuff and sheins about it being too expensive and too much. And then she says stuff like this ¡®I don¡¯t want anything from you, except you, Killian.¡¯


    All of this is new and I feel like she¡¯s way ahead of me in our rtionship. Like, she¡¯s making these ns that I¡¯m not ready to make. Earlyst week, Anna kept talking about how she loved kids and how she wanted to give birth and start a family at an early age. I didn¡¯t know if I was scared or not, but I went to bed that night thinking if that¡¯s what I wanted. I didn¡¯t want that. At all.


    God, kids scare the shit out of me and I have a feeling I¡¯ll be a bad dad and that¡¯s because I¡¯m too young and my focus should be mypany. KB TECH is my one true love and ites first before anyone, even Gianna.


    I know I sound selfish but I¡¯m being honest. And I know what I want. And what I want is nothing like what Gianna wants. I really like her, maybe I do not love her yet, but I truly like her. I want her, I care about her, and I even cherish her. She¡¯s the only woman I¡¯ve ever dated for a long period of time even if it¡¯s just months. I don¡¯t date, I just like to fool around. But Gianna Haines makes me do strange things, like not even cheating on her. I¡¯ve never cheated on her ever since I asked her to be my girl. For someone like me, it means a lot.


    Gianna wraps her arms around mine as she talks about her day at work. I am not listening, I¡¯m contemting. I know I had to let her go sooner orter if I really care about her. I should let her live her life and be with someone who really loves her truly. Someone who would be happy to n a family with her and have kids. Someone who¡¯s willing and ready to settle down. I¡¯m not that someone. The one thing running through my mind every day is the chances and steps I have to take to expand mypany. I¡¯m even nning on opening a club here in New York, and I keep looking for business opportunities everywhere and having kids or settling down is thest thing on my mind.


    We arrive in a park as Gianna starts to feed the pigeons. In the corner, with my hands in my pockets, I stare at her. Asking myself what did I do to deserve this woman because I don¡¯t deserve her. She¡¯s so young and beautiful. She¡¯s wearing a gray, turtleneck, cashmere sweater that I bought her. It¡¯s perfect for her and it looks like it was made exactly for her. Which it was.


    A photographer takes a picture of her and hands her the photo. She smiles from ear to ear as she stares at the photo. I drive her to a fancy diner where we eat dinner together with Gianna doing most of the talking. I just stare at her, at her beautiful lips, and how I love listening to her talk.


    ¡± You¡¯ve been awfully quiet today. Is something wrong?¡± She asks as we ride the elevator up to her apartment.


    I clear my throat and sigh.


    ¡± Did I do something? Was I talking too much earlier today?¡± She asks.


    Fuck. How can she think that?


    I ce my hands on her shoulders soothingly.


    ¡± I love listening to you talk. It¡¯s the most beautiful thing out there.¡±


    She blushes. ¡± Then what¡¯s the matter? Is it work? I¡¯m sorry I barely asked you about worktely.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay.¡± I say as the elevator opens and we step out, with my arm around her waist.


    ¡± I¡¯m just stressed.¡± I tell her.


    ¡± Well, I have some news that will cheer you up, I promise.¡± She smiles at me.


    ¡± Okay. What is it?¡± I ask, with my eyebrows nearly touching my hairline.


    Gianna giggles as she opens her door. We step inside and I shut the door. I paid for this new apartment in New York City for her because her old one was too small and in Boston, which is almost a 3 hours drive to New York City. And I designed her new apartment to her taste. The apartment is well furnished and beautiful and it soothes her.


    ¡± Seriously, what is it?¡±


    ¡± Well. It¡¯s¡­ Just wait here, I¡¯ll go get it.¡± She says and scurry down her hallway.


    I sit down on her couch, feeling nervous as I impatiently tap my foot on the floor. Giannaes back with an envelope. She hands it to me, with her feeling really happy. I take it from her and open it. It¡¯s a medical test result.


    ¡± What¡¯s this?¡± I mutter.


    ¡± Read it.¡± She says, giggling.


    I nce through it, not really understanding this medical crap. Something falls out of the envelope and I pick it up. This thing, this kit, I can recognize it anywhere without being told what it is. A pregnancy test kit and it¡¯s positive.


    What the fuck is this?


    ¡± What¡¯s going on?¡± I stare at the test result in my hand as I shift my gaze to Gianna whose smile is slowly slipping from her face.


    ¡± I¡¯m pregnant.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re what?!¡± I¡¯m on my feet as I ask. Gianna moves back in fear at my sudden outburst.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I let the pregnancy test kit and result slip out of my hand as I run my hands through my hair.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. The doctor says it¡¯s four weeks.¡±


    ¡± A month! What the hell, Anna? Are you kidding me? How can you be pregnant? You told me you were on birth control.¡±


    ¡± I was. I stopped, okay?¡±


    ¡± You stopped? Why the fuck would you do that?¡± I¡¯m trying really hard to not yell at her.


    Gianna takes a few steps back, sobbing.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, okay? I¡¯m sorry you¡¯re not as happy as I anticipated it.¡±


    ¡± Happy? Anna, for fuck¡¯s sake, I don¡¯t want a child. I¡¯ve said this several times that I don¡¯t want a baby, you can¡¯t just go right ahead and get pregnant even after I told you I wasn¡¯t interested in a baby. What the fuck were you thinking?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. But I¡¯m keeping it.¡±


    ¡± You ain¡¯t doing shit. You¡¯re getting it out because I don¡¯t want that.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re asking me to abort our baby?¡±


    ¡± Yes.¡±


    She gasps and ps me across the cheek. ¡± You fucking bastard.¡± She res at me.


    ¡± Get out!¡± She points to the door as she says.


    ¡± You wanna know why I¡¯ve been in a shitty moodtely? It¡¯s because this isn¡¯t working. It can¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± Her tone is different, sad, and heartbroken.


    I sigh and take a few steps towards her.


    ¡± You don¡¯t mean that.¡± She says, lips quivering.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, Anna. I really am. You¡¯re everything. You¡¯re too good and I don¡¯t deserve you. This isn¡¯t gonna work and you know it. We¡¯re like two different people from two different worlds and I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t say that. Don¡¯t give me that crap.¡± She says, smacking her hands across my chest. ¡± Do you frickin¡¯ hear yourself? You don¡¯t want to hurt me and you¡¯re hurting me!¡±


    ¡± We¡¯re done. And I¡¯m sorry it turned out this way. I just can¡¯t. You love so many things that I don¡¯t even give a shit about. You¡¯re beautiful, you¡¯re amazing, fuck, you¡¯re everything. We can¡¯t be a thing. You¡¯re too perfect and I feel like I¡¯m trying too hard to make this work.¡±


    ¡± Please, Killian, don¡¯t do this to me and our baby.¡±


    ¡± And you¡¯re getting rid of that too.¡± I tell her as I back away from her.


    With my back turned towards her, I head for the door.


    ¡± Killian, you can not do this to me!¡± Gianna¡¯s voice calls after me. She¡¯s crying.


    ¡± The apartment is paid for another three years, so you don¡¯t have to worry about that. I¡¯m really sorry, Anna. You need to find someone who deserves you, and that person isn¡¯t me. My driver will pick you up and drive you to the hospital first thing tomorrow morning. Don¡¯t fight him, just get in the car when hees.¡±


    ¡± Fuck you, Killian.¡±


    Damn, she just cursed. Anna never curses.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± And I hope you rot in hell, you fucking bastard!¡±

 Chapter 85

    Killian¡¯s POV


    24 years old me was the worst. I can still remember every detail like it happenedst night. Every fucking detail. Of how I broke her heart, how I destroyed her. I am a monster.


    How on Earth did I live with what I did? This past years I was living my life like nothing happened six years ago. How I could I just assume Anna was gone from my life for good? She did nothing to me. She cared and loved me. She cherished me, but all I did was break her heart, left and abandoned her.


    And I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what Liam told me. How was I supposed to know Anna was gonna keep the child. That was impossible. I made sure my driver took her to the hospital and get rid of it. When he got back, he told me that Anna had gotten rid of it. He lied?


    Why would Alvin lie about something like that? Alvin-fuck!


    ¡± Hey, Goldie.¡± I call the attention of my voice assistant.


    ¡± Yes, Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Call Alvin.¡±


    ¡± Sure thing, Mr. ck. Calling Alvin.¡±


    The line rings, vibrating through my bedroom as Alvin answers the call.


    ¡± Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Be at the house ASAP.¡±


    ¡± Sure thing, boss.¡±  The line clicks as I exhale through my mouth.


    Fuck. What am I gonna do? Is Anna¡¯s child still alive? Is she out there living a life she doesn¡¯t deserve? A life without her father. What am I gonna tell Naomi? What am I supposed to tell her? That I screwed up a young girl¡¯s life for my own selfish reasons.


    I light the end of the cigarette in between my lips, inhaling the smoke into my lungs as I throw my head back and spew out the smoke through my nostrils and lips. I don¡¯t frequently smoke. In fact, I stopped smoking a while back. But with what¡¯s going on with my life, I¡¯ve turned back to smoking as a coping mechanism.


    I¡¯ve never been in a situation where I don¡¯t know what to do. I feel empty, frustrated with myself, partially ashamed, and I feel terrible. She didn¡¯t deserve what happened to her. She killed herself because I wasn¡¯t there when she needed someone. Gianna never had any siblings. She was an only child and her family hated her choice of career. They wanted her to be awyer, go to Harvard and be an attorney in the future. Gianna hated the idea. She wanted her own clothing line, and for a girl who¡¯s basically a nerd, her sense of fashion is impressive. Her family cut off all ties with her, despite she being an only child. They believed since she couldn¡¯t be awyer, then they have nothing to do with her.


    She left Texas to New York to start a new life. To be her own boss and run her own fashion show and own her own clothing line. And then she met me. An asshole millionaire who cares about hispany than the people in his life. I was afraid ofmitment the minute Gianna started bingfortable. I was scared the minute she started making ns of our future and starting a family. Thest thing on my mind was starting a family especially when I haven¡¯t achieved what I¡¯ve always wanted. And then I broke her heart because I wasn¡¯t ready to father any child. I walked out of her life the time she needed me most.


    And now she¡¯s dead with the possibility that I might be a father. I might have a daughter. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do if it¡¯s true. I don¡¯t know what I would do if I truly have a daughter. I love Naomi. She¡¯s the one woman who¡¯s made my heart beat so fast and hard with just a smile. I want to be with her. I want to marry her and maybe in the future, I¡¯d love to start a family with her and only her.


    I don¡¯t know what to do.


    There¡¯s a knock on the lounge door. I press the butt of the cigarette on an ash tray sitting on a coffee table as I turn around. Alvin stands by the open door, staring at me.


    ¡± You sent for me?¡±


    I nod. ¡± Come in.¡±


    Alvin nods too as he walks inside. I¡¯ve known this man for a long time. Long enough to know I could trust him. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯d keep something as important as that from me. How couldn¡¯t he tell me Anna never got rid of the child even after I gave him specific instructions to make sure the baby was aborted.


    ¡± Is everything alright?¡± Alvin asks.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± I turn around to ask Alvin.


    He¡¯s taken aback, surprised. I watch him contemte. He licks his lips while blinking his eyes.


    ¡± Don¡¯t lie to me, Alvin. I¡¯ve trusted you for a long time and I expect you to tell me the truth.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, sir, but I don¡¯t understand.¡± He feigns innocence.


    I try not to roll my eyes.


    ¡± Don¡¯t bullshit me, Alvin. I know what you did.¡± I re at him as he continues to contemte and sweat under my gaze.


    ¡± Don¡¯t test me, Alvin.¡±


    ¡± She made me do it, sir.¡±


    ¡± She made you do it?¡± I scoff in disbelief. ¡± What? She made you lie to me?¡±


    ¡± She said she couldn¡¯t do it. She pleaded that she couldn¡¯t, that she was afraid. I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    ¡± I gave you simple instructions, Alvin: Take her to a hospital and make sure she gets rid of the child. And what did you do? You let her go, lied to me, and now she¡¯s dead! Fuck, Alvin!¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± What do you mean ¡®what¡¯? What were you expecting?¡±


    ¡± She said she was gonna live the city.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, well, she did. And she¡¯s fucking dead. God, I cannot believe you.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, sir. I didn¡¯t know. I thought I was helping. I pleaded to her to leave me out of it, but she was in pain.¡±


    ¡± How did you know she was in pain? And why wouldn¡¯t you tell me? It¡¯s been six years, Alvin? Why the fuck did you lie?¡±


    ¡± She said I shouldn¡¯t tell you. She made me a promise.¡±


    ¡± Fucking get out!¡± I yell at him.


    Since Alvin started working for me, I have never yelled at him. He is like an older brother to me and he has no problem dealing with my shit. He is patient, understanding, and he knows when to care. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯d lie to me for literally six years. He¡¯s been working for me, driving me around with such a huge secret. How could he live with that?


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, Mr. ck.¡± He sounds sorry and remorseful, but I don¡¯t care.


    Lying about something as huge as that is a big blow to my face.


    ¡± Just get out. And you¡¯re suspended till further notice.¡±


    ¡± Mr-¡±


    ¡± Out, Alvin. We¡¯re done here.¡±


    He bows his head, nods, and turns to leave.


    ¡± Killian.¡± A feminine voice calls my name and I know exactly who that voice belongs to.


    With a new cigarette in between my lips and the lighter already turned on, I turn around, surprised to see Naomi standing by the open lounge door.


    ¡± What¡¯s going on? Alvin didn¡¯t look happy when I walked past him. He just left your lounge.¡± She says, arms crossed underneath her breasts.


    She¡¯s dressed in work clothes, so that means she¡¯s just getting out of work.


    ¡± He just got suspended.¡± I say, sighing, as I pull out the cigarette from in between my lips and toss it on the ashtray.


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± Something happened, so I told him to take some time off till I figure out how to deal with what¡¯s going on.¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡± And what exactly is going on? And I thought you quit smoking.¡± She says, referring to the disgarded cigarette on the ashtray.


    I lick my bottom lip as I reach for the ss of wine on the coffee table. I throw my head back and take a huge gulp. Nearly emptying the content, I drop the ss on the coffee table.


    ¡± We need to talk, Killian.¡±


    I sigh, running a hand through my hair. I sit down on a couch as I gesture to the couch opposite me for Naomi to sit down.


    ¡± Yeah, we have a lot to talk about.¡± I say.


    Naomi sits down. ¡± Why don¡¯t you start with why you told my family I slipped and nearly drowned in Miami? Why didn¡¯t you tell them the truth?¡±


    ¡± Fuck.¡±


    ¡± Killian, why did you lie to them?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. I felt like the little they know, the better. I didn¡¯t think they were ready to know what¡¯s really happening.¡±


    ¡± That was for me to decide, Killian. They¡¯re my family, they deserve to know what really happened.¡±


    ¡± I know, I¡¯m sorry. I fucked up, and I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± She sighs. ¡± Is there something else you wanna talk about? Something about what this is about? You need to talk to me, Killian. Look, I¡¯m tired of being in the dark. We can¡¯t be in a rtionship and you go about and lie about little stuff. I can handle myself. I need to know what¡¯s going on right now or I¡¯m out of here and I¡¯m noting back.¡± Is she seriously giving me the break-up card?


    I stand up, slip my hands inside my pants pockets as I begin to pace around.


    I saw thising. I knew sooner orter, she was gonna walk out of my life and nevere back. But I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t watch her walk away after she¡¯d stolen my heart.


    ¡± I did something.¡± I begin.


    ¡± I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡± Before I tell you this, I want you to know something. Before you, I was reckless. I did stupid shit that I didn¡¯t even regret. I was selfish, conceited, you name it. To put it lightly, I was a jerk. I didn¡¯t care about anything or anyone, but then you¡­¡± I sigh. ¡± You walked into my life and everything changed. You changed me, Naomi, and I¡¯ve never been grateful. I don¡¯t deserve you, but I¡¯m trying to be a better man for you.¡±


    Naomi¡¯s quiet as she stares at me. Her eyes water a little. She blinks the tears away and looks away.


    ¡± Are you expecting a baby?¡± She asks.


    Fuck. She knows. I bet that bitch told her.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡± Then what?¡±


    ¡± Six years ago, I met someone. Her name was Gianna Haines. We met in a fashion show, thenter in a charity event and that¡¯s how it kicked off. We started dating. She was great, she was nice, pure, beautiful. She was everything I wasn¡¯t, but for some reason we worked out, even if it was for a short period of time. She got pregnant, I got her pregnant and I didn¡¯t know about it. She didn¡¯t tell me. The day I wanted to break up with her was the day she told me she was 4 weeks pregnant. I wasn¡¯t ready. I didn¡¯t want to be anybody¡¯s father, so I told her she was gonna get rid of it.¡± I pause, afraid to look Naomi in the eye.


    ¡± Oh my God.¡±


    ¡± I know. I feel shitty each time I think about it. Gianna refused, she wanted the baby. We had a fight and I told her she was getting rid of it whether she liked it or not. Also, she deserved better, and that wasn¡¯t me. I was anything but good for her. I told Alvin to pick her up and take her to the hospital and make sure the baby was aborted.¡±


    ¡± How could you do that, Killian? How could you do that to her?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I wasn¡¯t thinking. I just didn¡¯t care if anything happened. I was just d I didn¡¯t have to be anybody¡¯s father then, especially a child I didn¡¯t want. I cared about her, I guess I didn¡¯t care enough to think about her feelings.¡±


    ¡± Where¡¯s Gianna now?¡±


    ¡± Before you started receiving messages from Lily Sanders, she messaged me first. I didn¡¯t tell you the whole truth concerning Lily Sanders. About a month ago, I got this envelope. Inside contained a letter, a positive pregnancy test kit, ultra sound, and even pregnancy test results. I was scared. I thought it was some chick who was trying to ruin mypany with pregnancy rumors. It turned out to be someone named Lily Sanders. She kept sending me warning letters, and she threatened to hurt you. I wanted to tell you, I swear, I just didn¡¯t know how to tell you. I was afraid you were gonna leave.¡±


    ¡± Oh my God.¡± Naomi leans forward, with her elbows on her knees as she runs both her hands through her hair.


    ¡± After Keith¡¯s wedding, this private investigator that I hired took us to a house Lily Sanders was supposedly sending the letters from. It turns out, it was Lily¡¯s own plot. We found a baby¡¯s picture, did more investigation and we discovered that, Gianna Haines lived in that apartment with her baby.¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. She lived there with her baby. She had the baby. Alvin lied and I didn¡¯t know until recently.¡±


    ¡± And where are they now?¡±


    ¡± ording to my PI, Gianna named the baby Lilianna Sanders, the baby took her father¡¯s name as herst name. Eight months after Lilianna was born, she died of a strange illness and I guess Gianna couldn¡¯t save the baby. Two monthster, Gianna took her own life, jumped into ake and her body was discovered a few dayster.¡±


    Naomi is speechless as she stands up.


    ¡± She¡¯s dead?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And I guess I caused that. Now there¡¯s a psychotic woman running around iming to be Gianna¡¯ste daughter and threatening our lives.¡±


    Naomi opens her mouth to speak, but she closes it.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, babe.¡± I whisper as I take a step forward.


    ¡± Stay the fuck away from me!¡± She yells. ¡°How could something like this be happening and then you lie about it? You thought you couldn¡¯t tell me, because?¡±


    I¡¯m speechless. I can¡¯t look her in the eye, instead I look anywhere else but her.


    ¡± Babe, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know what to say. I was afraid of hurting you.¡±


    ¡± Well, hell, you¡¯re doing a good job at that then.¡± Naomi says, blinking her eyes as she wipes the corners of her eyes.


    ¡± I have regrets every day. I guess she died because of me, but I don¡¯t wanna lose you. I¡¯m sorry I lied to you. I¡¯m sorry I kept the truth from you, I just didn¡¯t know how to tell you that someone might be pregnant for me or that I had a child.¡±


    ¡± God, can you be more selfish than you already are? Maybe, you should stop for a second and think about anyone but yourself. You¡¯ve been lying to me for weeks even when I expected you to tell me what is really going on. I expected more from you, Killian, but all you¡¯ve done is ruin everything. Maybe we should take a break.¡±


    ¡± You can¡¯t do this.¡±


    ¡± Well, I¡¯m doing this. I need some time to think, Killian, and I can¡¯t do that around you.¡±


    ¡± I love you, babe, and I¡¯m sorry. I am trying to fix this.¡±


    ¡± How? How, Killian? There¡¯s a dead girl out there who may or may not have a child for you. And there¡¯s this psycho bitch who¡¯s trying to kill you because you hurt her. I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t. I need a break and I need room to think. Maybe it¡¯s time I try to find and stop whoever it is that is trying to kill me for no fucking reason. And I¡¯m gonna try and do that without you.¡±


    ¡± Naomi, please.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t think around you right now, Killian. So please, I¡¯m begging you to give me space to think. We need a break. I need a break, from all of this.¡± Naomi says as she grabs her bag and turns to leave.


    ¡± Babe,e on.¡± I plead.


    ¡± Stay away from me.¡± She says as she leaves in a hurry.


    I stand there, feeling shittier than I already feel. God, what have I done?

 Chapter 86

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe him. How could he do this to me?¡± I muttered to myself the minute I got home.


    I¡¯m dressed inzy clothing. Pajamas bottom and Killian¡¯s t-shirt that I stole as I sit on my favorite couch opposite the TV, weeping into my palms. I can¡¯t get it out of my head. He had an ex who was dead. She took her own life because she lost the second best thing in the world.


    I can¡¯t really understand what she must have gone through, but I knew she felt alone, sad, and betrayed. The man whom she thought loved her, never actually loved her. I can¡¯t imagine getting pregnant, even if it¡¯s by ident, and then forced to get rid of it. That child might have meant a lot to her even if the father walked out on them. I don¡¯t me Killian, maybe he wasn¡¯t ready to be a father and he was thrown off guard the minute Gianna gave him the news. He wasn¡¯t ready. The least he could do was support her and be there for her. And the most painful part about this story is the fact that Gianna took her own life after she lost her baby.


    It hurts to think that Killian would lie about something as important as this. We are in a rtionship and we¡¯re supposed to share things amongst ourselves. Keeping something as important as that, makes me feel like he never actually trusted me. I¡¯m no longer a child and I could possibly handle myself. What was he trying to prove? We were supposed to work this out and find a solution, but instead he kept me in the dark. He lied to me about something so important. And I nearly died because he couldn¡¯t actually tell me what happened and what¡¯s happening.


    What if this baby¡¯s out there? Alone? Whoever is doing this, threatening me and even trying to kill me, knows something and they might be rted to thete Gianna Haines.


    Wait a minute. Herst name, why does it sound familiar? Oh my God, it can¡¯t be. They can¡¯t share a familiarst name. That must be a coincidence.


    ¡± Oh God. What¡¯s going on? Why¡¯s this happening? What does this even mean?¡± I mutter to myself.


    ¡± Who are you talking to?¡± Bianca¡¯s voice makes me jerk around.


    She looks at me as she drops her keys and approaches me.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± She asks as she sits down next to me, dropping her bag on the floor.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡± Well, you don¡¯t look fine. Did she send you another threatening message? What did this bitch do this time?¡±


    ¡± Not really.¡± I say with a sigh. ¡± I gotta ask. Have you been trying to go to the police about what¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡± Oh. How did you know about that?¡±


    I shrug as a response.


    Bianca sighs. ¡± I worry about you, doll. I got scared something bad is going to happen to you before we could stop whoever that¡¯s doing this. I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m not supposed to.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t want you to get hurt, Bia.¡± I tell her as I smile.


    Bianca smiles at me. ¡± Were you crying?¡±


    I look away, quickly wiping the tears from the corners of my eyes.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡± What happened? Are you okay? Did something happen?¡±


    ¡± Killian told me about his ex.¡±


    ¡± His ex? What ex?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Her name was Anna. She got pregnant, and Killian forced her to abort the child, but she didn¡¯t. I guess she kept the baby, moved to this apartment where she raised the child by herself. The baby died eight months after she was born due to some strange illness. Anna took her own lifeter.¡±


    ¡± What the fuck?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I sigh as I stand up.


    ¡± When did all this happen?¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Six and five years ago. I¡­¡± I run a hand through my hair. ¡± This is hard to take in. I told Killian we needed a break because I just can¡¯t be with him right now. For some reason, someone who might be rted to Anna is the same person who is trying to hurt me.¡±


    ¡± What the hell? What makes you think the person trying to hurt you is somehow rted to Gianna?¡±


    ¡± I just¡­ I don¡¯t know what to think. The other day we visited Club K, I got this text from her. She told me I was gonna be a stepmom soon. I¡¯m so confused. Is the baby actually alive?¡±


    ¡± Oh my God! You¡¯re gonna be a stepmom?¡± Bianca says as she stands up.


    She slowly strides towards me as she puts her hands on my shoulders.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening or what to think. I feel like all of this is happening at the same time, and it¡¯s too much toprehend.¡±


    ¡± Hey, look at me.¡± Bianca says. I turn to look at her. ¡± Everything¡¯s gonna be alright. We will figure this out.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what to do.¡± I start to sob. ¡± God, I love him so much it¡¯s just¡­ I hate it when we fight or when he just lies about little things.¡±


    ¡± Hey, I know.¡± She hugs me. ¡± I know. It¡¯s okay. Maybe you should talk to him.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t look at him right now. How could he do that?¡± I sob in her arms.


    ¡± Everything¡¯s gonna be alright, I know that. And if you want, we could look for this baby together. I guess it should be a relief that there¡¯s no baby out there. Whoever this woman is, she¡¯s just trying to mess with you and Killian. I bet she wants you two to fight so that she can just screw everything up. I¡¯m pretty sure, there¡¯s no baby out there. And what happened to Gianna is not your fault.¡± Bianca says, pulling back to look at me.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. But I think the little we can do is look for Anna¡¯s baby, just to be sure if she¡¯s dead or alive. I feel bad she had to take her life.¡±


    ¡± Well, it¡¯s not your fault. I guess everyone has their own ways of dealing with grief. Killing herself was the best option. I bet she felt alone and betrayed.¡± Bianca says, hands still on my shoulders as she looks at me.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Everything¡¯s going to be okay. I¡¯m here for you and I¡¯ll always be here for you.¡±


    ¡± Thanks, Bia.¡± She hugs me again.


    We pull apart. ¡± You wanna do something fun? You know, to try and get your mind off of things?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, Bianca. I wanna drink my pain away.¡±


    ¡± Well, we can do that at home or at a bar with music and pretty things to stare at.¡± She says as she grabs her bag and walks towards her bedroom.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I answer absentmindedly as I stare at Bianca.


    Bianca¡¯sst name is Haines. Bianca Haines. And how the hell did she know Anna¡¯s full name is Gianna? I never told Bianca her real name. I actually called her Anna and not Gianna. And when she called Anna by her real name twice today, I didn¡¯t know what to think anymore.


    Is this just a coincidence or is she kinda rted to Gianna Haines? It can¡¯t be. This can¡¯t be true. Bianca has been nothing but a friend to me. She¡¯s like my sister and I¡¯d do anything for her. She cares about me and we¡¯ve been best friends since college.


    Come to think of it; how much do I know about Bianca? I know a lot about her, but how much do I really know?


    ¡± Are you hungry?¡± Bianca calls from her room.


    ¡± No, I¡¯m fine!¡± I call out to her.


    I pull out my phone, going to the inte as I typed in Gianna Haines on the Google search. A web pagees up, showing photos and information concerning Gianna Haines. I went through the information, and truly, she died by jumping into ake. I click one of her images and I¡¯m awed at her picture. She¡¯s young. She looks to be 21 years old and she¡¯s a redhead, with freckles dusting her nose. She has fair skin, long red hair, green eyes, and she¡¯s beautiful.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡± A voice makes me jerk around as I quickly lock my phone screen.


    Bianca stands in front of me, smirking.


    ¡± What? You looked like a child who got caught stealing.¡± Bianca says, chuckling.


    I chuckle too, nervously. ¡± Sorry. Just going through something on the inte.¡±


    ¡± Was that Killian¡¯s ex?¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± I saw you staring at a picture, Naomi. Calm down. Are you okay?¡± Bianca asks as she sits next to me.


    She grabs my phone from my hand as she types in my password. She knows my password and I know hers. My phone unlocks as the picture of Gianna that I was staring at pops up.


    ¡± Wow. A redhead. Isn¡¯t she pretty?¡± Bianca says as she stares at the picture closely. ¡± She¡¯s so young.¡± She mutters.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Gianna Haines?¡± Bianca reads out. ¡± What the fuck is this? Why do we have the samest name?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. It doesn¡¯t mean anything, obviously. There are countless people out there with thest name Alderson.¡± I say as I smile at her.


    ¡± Right.¡± Bianca sighs and hands me back my phone. ¡± So what exactly are you nning? If truly there might be a chance that Gianna¡¯s baby is alive. Where do we start from?¡± There she goes again. Calling her by her real name.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Why don¡¯t we worry about thatter and get wasted tonight.¡±


    Bianca smiles. ¡± Great!¡±


    My phone rings on the couch and it¡¯s Killian calling. He has given me over ten missed calls and I haven¡¯t bothered to pick up. I am not in the mood to answer his calls or talk to him.


    ¡± You should maybe talk to him. Look at you, you¡¯re miserable without him.¡±


    I roll my eyes, grab my phone as I end the call. Pulling the top of my screen down, I put my phone on ¡®do not disturb¡¯


    ¡± There. I can finally get the space I¡¯ve been asking for.¡± I mutter, throwing my phone on the couch.


    ¡± I hope you know what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡± I hope I do too.¡± I say as I stare at Bianca.


    She smiles and shakes her head as she walks to the kitchen. I follow her.


    ¡± Are you hungry? I can try and make something for us. I know you¡¯re hungry and exhausted with what¡¯s going on with you.¡± Bianca says, backing towards me as she goes through the kitchen cupboards.


    ¡± Can I ask you something?¡±


    Bianca stops rummaging through the cupboards as she turns to look at me.


    ¡± Sure. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡± Anna. Killian¡¯s ex.¡±


    ¡± What about her?¡±


    ¡± You called her Gianna. How did you know her name¡¯s Gianna?¡±


    ¡± You told me, silly.¡± Bianca says as she smiles at me. ¡± Is everything alright? Is this about myst name?¡±


    ¡± No, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s not that. It¡¯s just¡­ I didn¡¯t think I told you her name¡¯s actually Gianna.¡±


    ¡± Well, you did tell me just a few minutes ago, remember? Are you okay?¡± She asks, voice low as she stares at me. She sounds concerned.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine. What do you say about us getting wasted tonight? You don¡¯t have to cook anything. Let¡¯s just get dressed and go get wasted.¡± I say to Bianca.


    ¡± Yay.¡± She giggles and hurries towards her bedroom.


    Tuesday morning at work, I¡¯m barely concentrating. I locked eyes with Killian this morning on my way to my cubicle but I looked away the minute we locked eyes. He¡¯s desperate to talk to me and I know it. I went through every file on the inte concerning Gianna Haines and any known family member. She¡¯s an only child, originally from Europe, ording to an article I saw online. She had her baby in a private hospital in New York called Madelyn Christian hospital. I dial the hospital number into my work telephone as I wait for it to ring. It rings for a long time, before someone answers.


    ¡± Madelyn Christian hospital. How may I help you, please?¡± A female voice says on the other side of the phone.


    ¡± Um, hello. My name is Camille and I¡¯m calling about a patient from six years ago by the name of Gianna Haines.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, Camille, but we¡¯re not allowed to share any information concerning our patients.¡±


    ¡± Please, you gotta help me. This is serious.¡±


    ¡± Are you a reporter?¡±


    ¡± What? No. I¡¯m not. I¡¯m a friend and I¡¯m just trying to know if she had a baby there.¡±


    ¡± Yes, she did. The baby died.¡±


    ¡± Of what exactly?¡±


    ¡± Botulism. It¡¯s a rare condition and somehow Gianna¡¯s daughter suffered from it. She didn¡¯t survive the disease. Now, bye.¡± The person on the other end says and hangs up.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I mutter as I m the telephone back down.


    ¡± You good, Mami?¡± Stefan¡¯s voice calls. I look up to see him standing in front of me.


    On Monday, yesterday at work, the workers were weird. I mean, I knew some of them usually talk behind my back, but this was different. I felt like it was because of this stupid rumor that has sessfully died down. Today, it¡¯s a little better than yesterday. I mean, they¡¯re still acting like jerks, but it¡¯s not that worse.


    ¡± Yeah. Hey, Stefan. How are you doing?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m doing okay. We haven¡¯t really had a chance to talk since you got back.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Boss said you were sick. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡± Okay. I¡¯m okay. Thanks, Stefan.¡±


    Stefan nods. ¡± I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay. And I want to tell you to ignore what people are saying. I don¡¯t believe the rumors and I know there¡¯s more to what¡¯s going on between you and Mr. ck.¡±


    ¡± Okay. You¡¯re not helping, Stefan.¡±


    He chuckles. ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m trying to say, I know you two aren¡¯t fooling around and I got you, girl.¡±


    I nod. ¡± How are you and Jamie?¡±


    ¡± I really gotta thank you for that. We¡¯re going strong and we¡¯re taking our time. He¡¯s a great guy.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I know.¡± Stefan blushes. ¡± I should get back to work. See you around?¡±


    I smile and wave at Stefan as he leaves. With my elbows on my desk, I run my fingers over my hair, itching at the scalp in frustration.


    ¡± Fuck, why am I not getting anywhere?¡± I mutter to myself.


    ¡± Ms. Alderson.¡± A voice says beside me.


    I sat up at once, faced with Raymond Knight.


    ¡± Hi, Mr. Knight.¡± I address him, with my hands reaching up to my hair to tame the strands. He smiles and nods at me.


    He drops a couple of files on my desk. ¡°Take these to Mr. ck and help him go through them. It¡¯s the record on the sales of our new program. You¡¯ve done well. Your marketing skills have really proved itself.¡± Raymond says as he leaves, leaving me no room for argument.


    I sigh, eyes scanning around the room.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe him. Why doesn¡¯t he understand I don¡¯t wanna talk to him?¡± Iment to myself as I stand up, picking up the files.


    With a deep breath, I head towards Killian¡¯s office. I greet Jamie and he responds in full spirit. Killian¡¯s door is slightly open when I reach there. I knock once and let myself in as I close the door behind me.


    ¡± Stop coercing Raymond to make me bring you things when you can easily make someone else do them.¡± I say as I drop the files on his desk.


    ¡± I can¡¯t do this right now, Killian.¡± I tell him as I turn to leave.


    ¡± Babe, please. Let me exin.¡±


    I sigh and turn to look at him. He¡¯s standing up as I watch him round his desk.


    ¡± You¡¯ve done enough exining, already. I just need a break.¡±


    ¡± I know. I¡¯m sorry and I need you. I miss you and I don¡¯t know what to do with myself right now with you being mad at me.¡± Killian whispers, taking slow strides towards me till he stops in front of me.


    ¡± I can¡¯t do this.¡±


    Two steps and we¡¯re breathing the same air with him holding my hands.


    ¡± Please. I¡¯m never gonna keep anything from you and I¡¯m never gonna lie to you. I want you and I love you.¡± Killian whispers, slowly bringing his hand to push my strands of hair behind my ear.


    ¡± What do you want me to do? I¡¯d do anything. I just want things to go back to normal.¡± Killian whispers, hand cupping my face as we stare into each other¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I hurt you, please believe me. Thest thing I wanna do is hurt you. I love you so much and I don¡¯t think I can go on like this with you being mad at me.¡±


    Sighing, I step away from his hold as his hands fall to his sides. He¡¯s pained and I can clearly see that he¡¯s hurting.


    ¡± I can¡¯t right now.¡± I whisper as I turn around and leave his office, not before hearing him mutter:


    ¡± Fuck.¡±


    ***


    ¡± Um, it¡¯s Bianca and I¡¯m busy right now. Please, leave a message and I¡¯ll get back to you ASAP.¡± Bianca¡¯s voicemail says and a beep follows.


    ¡± Hey, Bia, it¡¯s Naomi. I¡¯ve been trying to reach you but I don¡¯t know, it¡¯s not connecting. Are you free this afternoon? I wanna visit Gianna¡¯s grave and maybe the hospital where her baby died. Please, call me back and let¡¯s talk.¡±


    I sigh as I drop my phone on the table. I¡¯m at a cafe, with a bottle of diet Coke in front of me. There¡¯s a lot I need to know and sitting in a Cafe won¡¯t give me answers. I requested an Uber a few minutes ago and it should be here soon. Just as I imagined, my phone pings with a notification that the Uber is outside waiting for me.


    I grab my phone, my coat, and my bag as I scurry out of the cafe.


    Colton Corp is nothing like KB TECH. Thepany is located at the top of a huge building with its sign at the top of it. I walk in, ncing at the reception and its design. The interior is beautiful, well designed, and well managed. I know I shouldn¡¯t be here without at least calling Bianca to tell her that I¡¯ming, but I¡¯m desperate. I need to find answers, and if I¡¯m gonna get answers, I need to have a word with her. Today and face to face.


    There¡¯s a receptionist taking calls and checking in guests. She¡¯s a blonde, with short pixie cut and too much lipstick.


    ¡± Hello.¡± I say to the receptionist.


    ¡± Hi. How may I help you?¡± The receptionist asks, not once looking up at me as she types non-stop on herputer keyboard.


    ¡± I¡¯m looking for Bianca Haines.¡± I tell the blonde with a pixie cut.


    Slowly, she raises her head to look at me. She gives me a once over as she types something on herputer.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t have anyone with that name.¡±


    ¡± What do you mean?¡±


    ¡± I mean Bianca Haines doesn¡¯t work here.¡±


    ¡± That cannot be right. She started working here a few months ago. She¡¯s Mr. Ernest¡¯s assistant.¡±


    The receptionist stops typing as she stares at me.


    ¡± No, you¡¯re wrong. For one, there¡¯s no Bianca Haines who works here and secondly, Mr. Ernest or whatever you call him is not a staff here, either. I have no data in myputer which says Bianca or Mr. Ernest works here.¡±


    ¡± What? Is this Colton Corp?¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s correct. Who are you exactly?¡± The receptionist asks as she looks at me.


    ¡± Just someone close to Bianca Haines. I thought she worked here. I mean she¡¯s supposed to be working here. She told me she got a job here a few months ago.¡±


    ¡± Well, it¡¯s either Bianca is lying or you must have the wrongpany. You have a nice day now, why don¡¯t you?¡±


    My eyes fall on the receptionist¡¯s namete and it reads Amanda Payne. I look up at her and she¡¯s already staring at me like I¡¯m not supposed to be here. I ster up a smile as I turn around to leave, asking myself how long has my best friend been lying to me.

 Chapter 87

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    Bianca doesn¡¯t work at Colton Corp. The more I think about it, the more it¡¯s hard for me to take that in. We¡¯ve been friends for years, close friends to be exact. Why would she lie about working? Why would she do something like that?


    Is this something more or is this just a coincidence?


    I don¡¯t know what to believe anymore.


    The house is quiet and since Bianca left for ¡°work¡± this morning, she still hasn¡¯t returned. I look around the house, asking myself if I really wanted to do this. Going through her stuff or her room isn¡¯t nice. Nobody likes their privacy to be vited. I hate it when people go through my stuff without my permission, I¡¯m not about to do that to her because I¡¯m having suspicions.


    I have a feeling she¡¯s hiding something from me. But what? What would that be? The door opens as Bianca walks in, wearing her work clothes and holding a handbag.


    ¡± Hey, sugar.¡± Bianca calls for me.


    I give her a small smile as a response. Bianca drops her bag on the floor and sits close to me.


    ¡± How¡¯s work?¡± I ask her.


    Bianca sighs. ¡± Work¡¯s great. I mean it¡¯s been difficult, but I¡¯m trying. How are you doing? Did you just get back from work?¡±


    ¡± Not really. I wasn¡¯t feeling too fine, I had toe home early.¡±


    ¡± Yeah?¡± She presses her palm against my forehead and neck as I giggle in fake enthusiasm.


    ¡± I¡¯m okay, don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    ¡± Oh,e on. You know I must worry about you. You sure you¡¯re not pregnant?¡± Bianca asks with a small smirk.


    ¡± What?¡± I chuckle for real this time. ¡± How can you think that? I¡¯m not pregnant. God, no.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re acting like you two aren¡¯t fucking without protection.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, and I¡¯m on birth control.¡±


    ¡± That shit can fail you sometimes.¡± Bianca says as she winks at me. I scoff.


    ¡± Oh, please. What¡¯s that on your hand?¡± I ask, referring to the brown small envelope in her hand.


    ¡± Right.¡± She hands it over. ¡± Found it outside on the doorpost. Someone must have dropped it outside so I picked it up.¡±


    I turn the envelope over to stare at anything suspicious, but there¡¯s nothing. No address, no name, it¡¯s just in.


    ¡± What do you think is in there? You should open it.¡± Bianca says, reaching out to take the envelope from my hand, but I quickly declined.


    ¡± No. It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll check the contentter.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Sure. Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing that I can¡¯t handle.¡±


    ¡± Is this about Killian and what¡¯s going on? You really should give him listening ears. I think he¡¯s sorry.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I know he¡¯s sorry. I just need some time to myself, that¡¯s all.¡± I say with a smile.


    ¡± Sure thing, girl.¡± Bianca pats me on the shoulder and stands up. ¡± I gotta go change out of these clothes.¡±


    ¡± Ernest still giving you trouble?¡± I ask, staring at the envelope in my hand.


    ¡± You bet he is.¡± Bianca says as she grabs her bag and leaves the living room.


    I stare at her back, watching her as she disappears behind the walls and down the hallway.


    Why¡¯s she lying to me? I¡¯m pretty sure this Ernest guy who¡¯s her boss doesn¡¯t even exist. Last I checked, she isn¡¯t working with Colton Corp. Then where does she go wearing work clothes every morning?


    I guess there¡¯s only one way to find out and I¡¯m already hating the idea. I stand up to go to my room, with the strange envelope in my hand. I want to tear open the envelope but I¡¯m afraid of the content inside the envelope. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to know what¡¯s inside.


    If it¡¯s from that crazy woman, Lily Sanders, then I guess I should start getting worried that she knows where I live.


    Without bothering to change out of my work clothes, I grab my handbag and toss the envelope inside as I step out of my room to leave.


    ¡± You going out?¡± Bianca asks, peeking her head out from her room opposite of mine.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Who are you meeting? Do you want me toe with you?¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just meeting someone.¡± I say as I lock my room door.


    ¡± Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± Bianca asks as she stares at me, arms crossed as she leans against her bedroom door frame.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m fine. Thanks for asking.¡± I tell my friend, smiling at her, as I walk past her to leave.


    ¡± Be careful.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Thanks, Bia!¡± I call out to her as I hurry out of the house.


    Celine runs her own clothing line, with her boutique right in the middle of town and on top of a tall building. I take the elevator to the top, tapping my foot impatiently on the elevator floor as I stare at my reflection. I don¡¯t look all that good, Bianca is right. I look sick and I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s because I¡¯ve barely had a good sleep these past nights. My thoughts are always running wild and I can barely focus.


    Who will when there¡¯s a psychopath trying to take their life?


    The elevator opens and I step into a beautiful store. It¡¯s big, with Celine printed on the wall with pink letters. I take my time to nce around, staring at the clothes on the mannequins and the unbelievable price tags.


    Wow, the inside of her store is really morous. It¡¯s huge, with designer clothes everywhere.


    ¡± Do you want something?¡± A voice makes me jump.


    ¡± Jesus. You scared me.¡± I say, with my hand on my chest as I stare at the salesperson. It¡¯s a woman, dark short hair and dressed impressively.


    She gives me a small smile. ¡± Sorry, I scared you. Can I help you with anything?¡±


    ¡± No, not really. I¡¯m here to see Celine Sanders.¡±


    ¡± Do you have an appointment?¡± An appointment? Are you friggin¡¯ kidding me?


    ¡± Um, no. Not really. Can you tell her Naomi Alderson is here? She¡¯ll see me.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Please have a seat.¡± The woman points to the couch at the corner of the room.


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    With a small nod, she turns the corner to leave. Pulling out my phone, there are countless missed calls on my phone. I unlock the phone to check my missed calls. It¡¯s from Killian, surprisingly Eve, and two other strange numbers. There¡¯s two from my mom and one missed call from my brother, Antonio.


    What do they want? Killian, I know what he wants? But Eve? Isn¡¯t she supposed to be at her honeymoon doing what married couples do? I go through my phone and see three voicemails. I click the first voicemail and it starts to y.


    ¡± Hey, mami, it¡¯s me, Eve. How have you been? I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t been able to check on you since your ident in Miami, but I hope you¡¯re doing okay. I don¡¯t know what happened or what¡¯s going on between you two, but I know that Killian¡¯s sorry. He¡¯s desperate and he¡¯s willing to do anything possible just so you can forgive him and give him a chance. If you¡¯re free, please call me and let¡¯s talk.¡±


    Of course, if it¡¯s not about Killian. I can¡¯t believe Killian would talk Eve into talking to me. I didn¡¯t break up with him, I only asked for space. Is that too much to ask for?


    ¡± Well, well, well. If it¡¯s not the chick who¡¯s got Killian ck wrapped around her fingers.¡± A familiar voice says.


    I look up from my phone and stand up. Celine stands before me, arms crossed as she res at me.


    ¡± What the fuck do you want? How did you find this ce?¡±


    ¡± Well, it¡¯s not hard.¡± I say, locking my phone screen and tossing it inside my handbag. ¡± Considering the fact that you live half your life on the inte.¡±


    ¡± What do you want?¡±


    ¡± To talk.¡±


    ¡± To ¡®talk¡¯? To talk about what?¡± Celine asks, still scowling at me like I¡¯m a ten years delinquent. ¡± Or are you here to point fingers at me? To call me a murderer?¡±


    I sigh as I slowly approach her.


    ¡± Trust me, I won¡¯t be here if it¡¯s not important. Also, I still don¡¯t like you and I still think you¡¯re a bitch. I just wanna talk.¡±


    ¡± Right. This way then.¡± Celine turns around and starts to walk, I follow her.


    She leads me to her office in the corner of this huge store. I step inside and shut the door behind me.


    ¡± Make it snappy, I don¡¯t have time.¡±


    ¡± Can you stop being a brat for a second and hear me out? I just wanna talk. I¡¯m not here to exchange words with you. For a start, I know you didn¡¯t try to kill me in Miami.¡±


    ¡± What makes you think that?¡± Celine asks and sits down on her chair.


    I drop my bag on the floor next to my foot as I sit down on the chair opposite hers.


    ¡± Or did you try to kill me?¡± I ask. Celine chuckles.


    ¡± I don¡¯t like you and maybe I feel like Killian deserves better, but thest thing on my mind is poisoning you and pushing you off the boat. I¡¯m not a maniac, sweetheart. That¡¯s the job of a maniacal jealous woman.¡±


    ¡± Right. Figures.¡±


    ¡± Now, what did you get yourself into this time, Alderson?¡±


    I sigh.


    ¡± You¡¯ve been into fashion for how long now?¡±


    ¡± Six years, why?¡±


    ¡± Do you know anyone with the name Gianna Haines? I think she runs her own clothing line too. Pretty sessful, if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± What¡¯s this about? Is this like an interview?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not. I¡¯m just curious. I guess you¡¯re a hot shot in this whole clothing line business. I guess when there¡¯s apetition out there, you should know one.¡±


    ¡± And you assume Gianna Haines is mypetition, because?¡±


    ¡± Can you just tell me if you know anyone with the name Gianna Haines or not?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t.¡±


    I sigh. ¡± Look, I¡¯m sorry we have to fight over irrelevant stuff. I know you have a thing for Killian and I know you desperately wanted it to be something else, but I think it¡¯s time youe to terms with the fact that Killian isn¡¯t yours, Celine. He was never yours. You¡¯re beautiful, you¡¯re talented, you have your own clothing line, that¡¯s a lot. You¡¯re pretty sessful. Hating me because the man you want doesn¡¯t want you back should be thest thing on your mind. You can literally have any man you want, any man at all. Why hold back to a man who doesn¡¯t love you?¡±


    Celine is quiet as she scowls at me. I shake my head and stand up, ready to leave her office.


    ¡± Sorry to bother you.¡± I tell her as I turn to leave.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know anyone with the name Gianna Haines, I didn¡¯t lie about that. But there¡¯s this store that¡¯s quite sessful.¡± Celine says.


    ¡± Okay¡­¡± I stop on my track as I turn around to look at her.


    ¡± I haven¡¯t seen her before, none of us have, but her clothing line has been around for nearly six years now. She¡¯s among the top markets and she¡¯s pretty sessful and I¡¯m guessing she¡¯s kind of a private person.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Do you know her name?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Bianca Haines.¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I said her name¡¯s Bianca Haines. Wow, why does her first name sound like your friend¡¯s? The one with you at the mall.¡±


    Oh my God.


    ¡± Are you sure? And you¡¯ve never seen her face to face?¡±


    ¡± I haven¡¯t. Not even on TV. I still don¡¯t get or understand how she¡¯s been running that store all these years?¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s the name of her store and where¡¯s it located?¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s this about? Did you get into more trouble?¡±


    ¡± Let¡¯s just say the person who tried to kill me in Miami is maybe rted to Gianna Haines. It¡¯s not like you care anyway.¡±


    Celine sighs as she slowly approaches me.


    ¡± Look, I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve been awful to you. You¡¯re right, hating on you because the man I¡¯ve always wanted wants you, is just unnecessary. You¡¯re a great woman, at least I know that and it¡¯s not a surprise Killian would do anything for you. You¡¯re beautiful, and you¡¯re talented. You did nothing to me and I was just awful to you because I was jealous of you. And you¡¯re right, I can literally get any man I want, why should I be stuck with one man who doesn¡¯t want me?¡±


    I smile at her.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for being a bitch to you.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡± You wanna start afresh?¡± Celine asks.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    Celine and I shake hands.


    ¡± Since you¡¯re curious about Bianca Haines, I¡¯m just gonna write down her store address. It¡¯s not that far from here.¡± Celine says as she goes back to her seat, pulls out a pen and a little piece of paper as she starts to write down something.


    ¡± Does this have anything to do with your friend? The one with you at the mall the other day?¡± Celine asks as she looks at me from under hershes.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Celine sighs as she leans back to look at me.


    ¡± I¡¯m not the most observant person out there, but I could tell your friend was sketchy the minute I saw her. She doesn¡¯t like you and I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s faking everything when ites to you. I won¡¯t be surprised if she¡¯s someone else entirely. You shouldn¡¯t be surprised either.¡± Celine says as she stands up and walks towards me.


    She hands me the piece of paper. ¡± That¡¯s the address.¡±


    ¡± Thanks, Celine.¡± I take it from her.


    ¡± Sorry you¡¯re going through whatever you¡¯re going through. It¡¯s not your fault a powerful man like Killian ck fell in love with you.¡±


    ¡± Right. Thanks, Celine, for your help.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re wee.¡±


    With a small nod, I step out of her office and straight to the elevator. It¡¯s hard to grasp what Celine told me. About Bianca Haines being the owner of a clothing line and she¡¯s even a sessful person. Is that the reason she doesn¡¯t work with Colton Corp?


    All of this might just be a coincidence. There are a million Bianca Haines out there. A million different Bianca Haines. And there might be a good exnation for what¡¯s going on.


    By the curb, I stare at the address in my hand, with a million questions going through my head. Who¡¯s Bianca, really? Why¡¯s she doing this if truly she¡¯s someone else? What did I do to her to warrant this hatred? Why has she been lying to me all these years? I thought we were best friends and sisters? We were supposed to fight for each other and not fight against each other.


    What¡¯s her real name? Is she really rted to Gianna Haines, Killian¡¯s exte girlfriend? So many questions and I need answers to them.


    My phone pings with a notification that my Uber has arrived. I slide my phone inside my bag and cross the street to enter my Uber. I slide into the backseat of the Uber and hand the driver the address that Celine wrote for me. I strap in my seatbelt as I begin to fidget.


    The driver starts the car and drives onto the road. I turn to look at the envelope peeking from the corner of my bag. I pull it out, turning it around in my hand before finally tearing it open. Inside contains photos of Killian and I. Same old. And there¡¯s a little piece of paper with five words written on bold letters. They are just five words, but it can cause a lot of harm.


    I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE are the five words. Sighing, I scrunch the paper in my hand and toss it out the open car window. I squeeze the photos of Killian and I into a ball and throw it inside my bag.


    My phone rings as I quickly pull it out of my bag. The caller ID reads Eve. I slide the answer icon and put the phone to my ear.


    ¡± Hey, Eve.¡±


    ¡± Naomi, hey. What¡¯s up? How are you doing?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m good. How are you doing? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be having fun on your honeymoon?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. Hawaii isn¡¯t that bad, though. What¡¯s going on, babe?¡±


    I rest my hand on the window sill of the Uber as I run my fingers through my hair.


    ¡± Nothing that I can¡¯t handle.¡±


    ¡± I know you¡¯re strong but you gotta talk to me. What¡¯s up? Killian, he, uh¡­¡±


    ¡± He talked to you?¡±


    ¡± He didn¡¯t tell me everything, but I know something¡¯s up. He wants me to talk to you.¡±


    ¡± Right. I¡¯m okay. We¡¯re just having a little fight, but I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s something we can handle.¡± I say, eyes flicking to the street and each passing car.


    ¡± Naomi, you¡­¡± I zone outpletely on Eve, freezing on my seat as I stare at the vehicle speeding right for my Uber.


    ¡± What the¨C¡± I don¡¯t finish my sentence as this car ms against the Uber aggressively.


    My phone falls out of my hand, with my body colliding with the locked door. The car ms into the Uber again, this time more aggressively. Everything starts to spin, including the Uber. The car somersault as I continuously collide against different interiors inside the Uber. I can hear a voice, it¡¯s noting from me because I¡¯m screaming in pain.


    ¡± Bianca, are you okay?¡± It¡¯s a voiceing from my phone and the person is panicking. Eve. It¡¯s Eve. I didn¡¯t get off the phone earlier.


    The Uber stops somersaulting, with the Uber upside down. Blood drips out of my nose and I can feel something wet and warm at the side of my head. My head hurts, and I feel like it¡¯s going to fall off. My vision is blurry, I can barely make out my environment. My whole body is hurting and on fire. I slowly move my head, whimpering at the pain as I try to look at the Uber driver. Through my blurry vision, I can tell the driver is sitting dormant on his seat, with his head tilted to the side. He¡¯s not moving and there¡¯s blood everywhere.


    Oh shit. Is he dead?


    I try to move, but I can¡¯t. I¡¯m stuck. Blood covers the left side of my eyes. I try to unfasten my seatbelt, but I can¡¯t. I turn my head to stare at the road, and through the broken side mirror, I can see someone approaching the car. This person is wearing leather shoes. And it¡¯s a woman¡¯s boot. This person slowly rips out the passenger door and squats to look inside the Uber.


    I blink my eyes, trying to see who this person is.


    ¡± Look who¡¯s still alive?¡± The person says and the voice sounds familiar. I know that voice.


    The person sighs as she unfasten my seatbelt with ease.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you die already, Naomi? You make everything hard without you knowing.¡± She says as she pulls me out of the Uber. ¡± Now, because of you, an innocent Uber driver is dead. Now whose fault is that?¡± She grunts as she pulls me out, dragging my limp body on the pavement.


    I can tell she¡¯s wearing all ck attire. And the more she talks, the more her voice sounds familiar.


    ¡± Bianca.¡±


    ¡± Fucking shut up and die already.¡± She says.


    Tears slipped out of my eyes, mixed with my own blood. Bianca hovers above me as she stares into my face, with her face slowlying into view.


    ¡± Bianca, what are you doing?¡± My voice sounds croak, like someone who hasn¡¯t had a taste of water for months.


    ¡± Shush¡­¡± She smirks, slowly running her fingers through my hair. ¡± It will all be over soon, I promise. Now close your eyes, darling.¡± She whispers, her voiceced with venom and anger.


    And slowly, I slip into darkness.

 Chapter 88

    Naomi¡¯s POV


    I can¡¯t feel my body.


    I feel numb. My mind is foggy and my head hurts. I try to reach for my head but I can¡¯t. Something is restricting my hand movement. Slowly, I open my eyes, blinking myshes as I take in my environment. I don¡¯t know where I am. I have never been to this ce before because I don¡¯t recognize this ce.


    I look down at myself and I¡¯m still dressed in my work clothes, but they¡¯re dirty and stained with blood. My hands are shackled to the chair I¡¯m sitting on and there¡¯s no means of escape. I try to jostle my hands out of their bondage but it¡¯s tight as hell.


    ¡± You can¡¯t break out of that, sweetheart.¡± A voice says.


    I turn my head to the source of the voice and I¡¯m surprised to see Bianca. She¡¯s dressed in all ck attire. ck pants, ck boots, ck top. Bianca takes slow strides to my bonded form as she bends a little so we¡¯re eye to eye.


    ¡± Well, you don¡¯t look bad being strapped to a chair.¡±


    ¡± Bianca, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you tell me? Either way you¡¯re still going to die. If I don¡¯t kill you with my hands, you¡¯re definitely going to bleed out.¡± She says with a smirk.


    ¡± What are you doing? What¡¯s this about?¡± I¡¯m panicking, but I don¡¯t show it.


    I don¡¯t want her to know that I¡¯m afraid. I have no idea what she¡¯s doing, but I know I won¡¯t let her kill me.


    ¡± You know there¡¯s nothing wrong with being afraid, right?¡± She asks as she stands to her full height.


    I watch her walk to the corner of this ce that I¡¯ve slowly realized that it¡¯s an abandoned building. Maybe a warehouse of some sort. She grabs a chair and walks back.


    ¡± I¡¯m not afraid of you, Bia.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, well, you should be. My name¡¯s not Bianca. Don¡¯t call me that.¡±


    ¡± Of course you¡¯re not Bianca Haines. You¡¯re Gianna Haines.¡±


    ¡± See! You¡¯re slowly catching on.¡± Bianca giggles as she ces the chair in front of me, giving us a little space.


    She sits down on the chair and ces her right foot on her left thigh.


    ¡± Tell me, when did you figure it out?¡±


    ¡± That you¡¯re a fraud and a sick fuck?¡±


    She shrugs. ¡± Both.¡±


    ¡± I knew there was something off when I found out you share the samest name with Killian¡¯s ex.¡±


    ¡± Hmm.¡±


    ¡± And you called her Gianna. I never told you that. I never told you her real name. See, that was when you fucked up.¡±


    ¡± I admit I fucked up. Especially when I saw you walking out of Colton Corp, I knew sooner orter I¡¯ll have to kill you.¡±


    ¡± Why did you lie? And how the heck are you Gianna Haines? You look nothing like her.¡±


    ¡± You see, that¡¯s where you and everyone else is blind. Especially Killian.¡± Sheughs. ¡± You know it¡¯s hard trying to live someone else¡¯s life. God, it was fucking hard being Bianca, your fucking best friend.¡±


    ¡± God, you¡¯re sick. I can¡¯t believe all these years I trusted you. I loved you and I took you as a friend and all you had to do was stab me in the back. Why are you doing this?¡±


    ¡± Well, that¡¯s your fault trusting me, Naomi. I never liked you and it¡¯s stupid you didn¡¯t see that. Celine saw it. She knew I didn¡¯t give a shit about you.¡± God, it¡¯s still hard to think Bianca¡¯s actually the person sitting in front of me.


    I mean it¡¯s her, but she sounds like a different person entirely. A psychotic maniac. I¡¯ve known this woman for years, I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s the one trying to ruin my life.


    ¡± What did I do to you exactly? What did Killian do to you? You fucking kept his child even after he told you he wasn¡¯t ready to be a father. What¡¯s this really about?¡±


    Bianca stands up as she ps me.


    Fuck, that stings like a bitch.


    I slowly tilt my head to stare at her and there¡¯s pure hatred and anger in her eyes. What¡¯s she angry about?? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡± What are you angry about?¡± I ask her.


    ¡± Pulling this pity card with me won¡¯t make me leave you alive, Naomi. Because only one of us is walking out of here alive and it¡¯s obviously not you since you¡¯re strapped to a fucking chair.¡± She gives me a psychotic look.


    Bianca sits back on the chair as she slowly takes off her blonde wig.


    ¡± Tell me, what exactly were you hoping to find when you dropped off at my workce unannounced?¡± She asks, as she tosses the blonde wig aside.


    Bianca stares at me as she unties the pigtail on her red hair. I¡¯m tongue tied as I stare at her.


    ¡± You seem surprised.¡± She says, whipping her hair around to release the strands.


    Her red hair is not that long, it¡¯s past shoulder length and the strands are curly.


    ¡± Like I said living someone else¡¯s life can be tough, especially when you have to be careful so you don¡¯t get caught.¡± She says as I watch her take off her double eyelids.


    What the hell is going on?


    ¡± God, this past five years has been hell. Especially having to live with you and faking being broke.¡± Bianca says, chuckling.


    I watch her take off a lot of things from her face that turn out to be prostheses. Her eyelids, her chin, her nose, and her contacts. When she¡¯s through undressing her real face, I¡¯m awed by what¡¯s staring back at me.


    ¡± When I started making money and after Lily, my baby, died, I had to undergo a few facial touch ups. Not a lot, if you¡¯re wondering. Did a little cheek job, and lips too. I guess if you wanna disappear after faking your death, you need to go beyond extreme measures to look different. And it worked. I learned how to use make-up and prosthetics, it took a lot of learning, but I still got it.¡±


    Bianca doesn¡¯t look like the Bianca that I know. What¡¯s staring back at me is the older and maybe richer and more beautiful version of Gianna Haines.


    ¡± So all these years you¡¯ve been living like this? Wearing all these just to conceal your true identity? Can you be any more sick?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna tell you a short story which I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard from Killian. But like they say; there are two sides to every story.¡±


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡± When I first met Killian, I knew he was a yer. I mean he was hot, rich, the next best thing and he was hot in the market. He has a techpany and he was literally a millionaire. Every girl wanted him. I was young, naive, maybe stupid, I agree. We were different from each other, we know that, but we were willing to give our rtionship a try. I never wanted his money, all I wanted was for him to love me. Then what? A few monthster he was already tired of me. He wanted to get rid of me. I knew one day, sooner than I wanted, our rtionship was going to go down the drain. I did what every desperate girl who isn¡¯t willing to let go of the one thing she loves most in the world; I stopped using birth control. I didn¡¯t tell him. I couldn¡¯t tell him. Then I got pregnant and I was happy that finally we were gonna be together. God, I was fucking stupid. I was so stupid I thought he was gonna be happy and excited that we were expecting a baby. Killian was anything but happy. He was furious, I was hurt. I felt betrayed. I mean, I liked kids, I¡¯ve always wanted to have babies at a young age and I was d the baby had toe from Killian. I didn¡¯t ask him to marry me or even see my parents, all I wanted from him was to be there for me and our baby, to love me. Instead, he broke my heart.¡± Bianca sniffles, as she wipes the tears from the corner of her eyes.


    ¡± I lost. He wanted me to abort the baby and for us to never see again. Can you believe that? I didn¡¯t want to abort my baby, Naomi, our baby. If I couldn¡¯t have him, I want to at least have his baby. I made his driver lie to him and then I skipped out of the city. Wrong move, I should have left New York entirely, instead I settled in this apartment outside of the city. It was perfect to raise a child. I felt alone and every day I¡¯d see Killian on TV and curse him for hurting me. I guess the universe didn¡¯t want me to have a baby, because they took her away from me too.¡± Bianca pulls out her phone as she turns the screen to face me.


    Disying on her screen, is a baby¡¯s photo. She is pretty, with dark brown hair and eyes like Killian¡¯s. The baby is beautiful and she¡¯s smiling in the photo.


    ¡± Those eight months were the best months of my life. I¡¯ve never been happier. And when she died, a huge part of me died that day. That day at theke, I actually wanted to kill myself, to just end everything. I felt so alone and empty. I mean, Killian left me because he imed he didn¡¯t deserve me.¡± She scoffs. ¡°I had a daughter and she died and I couldn¡¯t save her. There was nothing to live for. But just when I was about to end it all, I had this bright idea. I just had to fake my death, change my name, start afresh and destroy Killian¡¯s life just like he destroyed mine.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you, Naomi. I mean I didn¡¯t like you because, in a way, you are the bane of my existence.¡±


    ¡± I did nothing to you.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s sad to think you didn¡¯t do anything to me. You did a lot to me, Naomi. The first time we met in college, that was me starting afresh.¡±


    ¡± You mean like owning your own clothing line all these years?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. That was also hard. Living behind the shadows while making money. I used to watch you, Naomi, and Killian too. I mean we were friends and all, but the minute you started working at Club K, it¡¯s like I knew you two were gonna date sooner orter.¡±


    ¡± If you¡¯ve always had a thing for Killian, why give me the push?¡±


    ¡± You needed it. And the only way for me to get to Killian without him knowing who¡¯s behind all of it, is by using you. And it worked.¡±


    ¡± So all of this is because I¡¯m with Killian? You were in Miami, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡± Wow, you¡¯re smart. How did you figure that out?¡±


    ¡± God, I can¡¯t believe this.¡± I scoff. ¡± You poisoned my drink?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I was your waiter at the party. I¡¯ve known you for years, Naomi, and I know when you¡¯re angry, your next best choice is drinking. It was easy. And Celine was just the pawn in the game. I¡¯ve never liked that bitch. I needed someone to take the fall for everything and Celine was the perfect choice.¡±


    ¡± That was why you wore her exact dress at the party so that I would think Celine pushed me and poisoned me? God, you¡¯re fucking crazy.¡±


    ¡± You can call me crazy, dearest, but I¡¯m just a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve trusted you.¡±


    ¡± Well, it¡¯s nice you did. Your trust brought me this far, sweetheart. And I know it¡¯s going to be hard for you to believe, but I never really wanted to hurt you.¡±


    ¡± And you want me to believe that?¡±


    ¡± No.¡± She stands up. ¡± When we first met, in college, I liked you. You were great, nice. You were like an open book and you were easy to read. I knew you had a good heart. But then, every man I dated wanted you. Did you know how that makes me feel? Inferior, Naomi!¡± She¡¯s yelling at my face. ¡± Every single one of them. There were nights I asked myself what did you have that I don¡¯t have. Nothing. You¡¯re as in as day and you have nothing. Since then I¡¯ve hated you. I had to ruin your rtionship with Haven. You remember Haven, right? The rich man¡¯s child who took your virginity? Yeah, well, I did that. I made him leave because I told him your father used to molest you when you were younger.¡±


    ¡± You fucking bitch!¡± I can¡¯t believe my ears.


    ¡± And George? Ah! He was hard to manipte. I kept feeding him lies upon lies and he wasn¡¯t really hard to break. I mean, since I couldn¡¯t be happy in a rtionship because of you, why would you? Did you know why Dean and I broke up? He moaned your name when he was inside me. Did you know how disgusting that was? Like you¡¯re some rare flower that every man can¡¯t wait to keep for themselves. And Lucky? DJ Lucky, he and I had a fight and hepared me to you, saying it to my face that he wished I was you. Do you know what that can do to every woman¡¯s self esteem?!¡± Bianca yells as she ps me again.


    Fuck. My cheek tilts to the side as she forces me to look at her. It stings, it stings a lot and my eyes are already watering.


    ¡± Of course you don¡¯t. You don¡¯t know how that feels, do you? The most painful part is when I had to walk in on you and Killian tongue tied. The only man I¡¯ve truly loved. The man whom I had a child for and the man who hurt and broke my heart. I knew I had to destroy you alongside him. I had to make you pay for the pain I had to go through all these years because I had to be your friend. You can¡¯t just destroy my rtionships these past years and steal the one man I¡¯ve truly wanted and you expect me to let you go scot free? You¡¯re not leaving here alive, just so you know. I¡¯m gonna watch you die and get rid of your body myself.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to do this, Bianca.¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I know.¡± She says. ¡± But I want to. It will give me satisfaction to watch you die. I called Killian. He¡¯ll be here soon. I want him to watch me shoot you till you bleed to death.¡±


    ¡± Bianca! Don¡¯t do this. Look, I¡¯m sorry your past rtionships turned out bad. I would never hurt you intentionally and I want you to know that. I¡¯m sorry Dean had to do what he did and I¡¯m sorry for what Killian did to you, you have to believe me.¡± I plead, eyes already stinging with my tears mixed with dried blood at the side of my head to my left eye.


    ¡± You should be scared. I like that.¡±


    Out of nowhere Bianca pulls out a gun. It¡¯s loaded. I know it is.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna give you a minute and let you say ast prayer or something.¡± She says as she turns to leave.


    ¡± Wait!¡±


    Bianca stops and turns around to stare at me.


    ¡± Why Antonio? Why did you date him? And how were you sending Killian photos and letters? You said you had a baby, you were lying?¡±


    ¡± When I say baby, I mean myte Lily. I had to find a way to rile him up and put a dent in your rtionship. If it makes you feel any better, there¡¯s no baby. You were never gonna be a step-mom. And about the letters, all I had to do was find a man online who¡¯s in desperate need of cash and make him deliver my letters. It wasn¡¯t that hard. And about Antonio¡­¡± Bianca sighs. ¡± That was real. I really did like him. I mean it just happened and I didn¡¯t fight it. And he was a good fuck, anyway. Why don¡¯t you say yourst prayer, hun?¡± Bianca smiles as she leaves the room.


    I quickly nce around, thinking of an escape n. I need to get out of here. I have to. The floor is made of concrete and the room is bare. It¡¯s obviously an iplete building and with the way the structure is, it¡¯s a storey building and we¡¯re at the top floor. There are about four windows here. One behind me, one in the corner, and two in front of me. All the windows are dirty and cracked, with the windows threatening toe apart with just one single push. I look at my wrists that are securely tied to the arms of this wooden chair.


    Hold up! A wooden chair. Jackpot!


    I have an idea but it¡¯s definitely going to hurt like hell. I stand up with the chair and move from my original position. I walk to the window in front of me and look at the environment through the dirty window. Wherever we are, it¡¯s quiet and no one will hear a thing if anything happens. I turn around, taking a deep breath at my suicide attempt to save my life from my supposed best friend who wants to kill me.


    I sprint towards the wall as I m the chair against the concrete wall.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I grit out.


    Okay, that hurts more than I imagined.


    I m myself and the chair against the wall again, this time one of the legs of the chair falls off. Thest option is to m myself against the concrete floor aggressively before Bianca returns. And that¡¯s exactly what I do. And just like I imagined, the chair breaks, leaving the arms still strapped to my wrists. My body hurts, but I don¡¯t care. I get to work, quickly releasing my left wrist from the shackles. Once it¡¯s free, I start to release my right one. I pause when I see Bianca enter the room. Slowly I stand up, staring at her stare at me.


    ¡± Wow.¡± She looks at the broken chair behind me as she takes slow strides towards me.


    With my arms behind my back, I work to untie my right wrist.


    ¡± You don¡¯t want to do this, Bianca. I might have hurt you unintentionally, but you¡¯re still my best friend.¡± I say, finally freed both my wrists.


    Tossing the shackle away, I hold the wooden arm of the chair in my hand, waiting to attack her before she can think of pulling the trigger.


    I¡¯ve never been in a fight for a long time. And a woman my age, I know I can fight. Although my chances of winning are slim since she¡¯s obviously holding a gun, I¡¯m gonna take my chances with this one.


    ¡± I do not want to hurt you.¡±


    Sheughs. ¡± With what exactly? The arm of a chair? I¡¯m the one with the gun, remember?¡±


    ¡± Let¡¯s see about that.¡±


    Bianca aims her gun at me. The hammer is turned off, so she can¡¯t do any harm until she cocks that gun. I strike at her first, hitting the gun out of her hand with the weapon in my hand. The gun falls out of her hand, sliding to the corner of the room. Bianca lunges at me, throwing blows upon blows as I duck. We fall into a brawl, me trying to hit her as much as possible with the wood in my hand. She grunts, groans as she throws another punch my way. Her knucklese in contact with my bleeding head, doing more damage.


    I hissed in pain.


    Bianca knocks my weapon out of my hand as she punches me in the gut. Damn it, she¡¯s good. I push her against the wall, mming my knee into her stomach.


    ¡± Bianca, stop this, alright? I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± I say.


    ¡± It seems to me you¡¯re the one hurting.¡± She says, jabbing her elbow against the side of my head.


    My vision is starting to be blurry due to the loads of hits that I¡¯ve taken. I might even have a concussion. I taste my own blood on my tongue as I spit out the blood.


    Bianca ms me against the dirty window, hands already around my throat as she strangles me. I try to catch my breath, hands reaching out to w at her. She smirks, devilishly, as she increases the pressure of her hands around my neck.


    I can¡¯t breathe and I can already see my life shing through my eyes. I¡¯m going to die. The idea of dying is scary. I don¡¯t know what to do. I opt for a diversion as I pummel my knee into her stomach. She groans, freeing her hands around my neck. I throw my own punch across her cheeks and another until Bianca is spitting out blood andughing at the same time.


    ¡± You¡¯re good, I¡¯m gonna give you that.¡± She says, still cackling.


    ¡± You need to stop. Please.¡± I plead, back leaning gently against the dirty cracked window.


    ¡± You know I can¡¯t. Like I said, only one of us is walking out of here alive.¡± She growls and lunges at me again.


    Before she can reach me, I spin on my heels as I push her aside aggressively. Bianca collides against the already cracked window, crashing against the window as the ssese apart. Due to the force of my push, Bianca tumbles over the rim as I watch her fall down.


    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I rush to the edge of the window and look down in panic.


    Below is Bianca lying dormant on the ground covered in her own blood.


    What have I done?

 Chapter 89

    Killian¡¯s POV


    I am driving like a maniac, not caring if I break any traffic rule. I just needed to get to her. To Naomi. I needed to be sure she wasn¡¯t harmed and she¡¯s safe.


    My head is in a daze. I can¡¯t think. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m gonna lose her because of what I did. I got this text when I was in the office. It was from Naomi¡¯s cell but it wasn¡¯t Naomi who sent me a message. It was someone else, Lily Sanders or Bianca, Naomi¡¯s supposed friend and she was threatening to put a bullet in Naomi¡¯s head if I didn¡¯t get my ass there as soon as possible.


    Why would Bianca want to hurt Naomi? That was the first question I asked myself as I rushed out of my office and straight for my car. Since Alvin was still in suspension and I hadn¡¯t bothered to call in any of my other drivers, I¡¯ve been driving myself.


    I reach for my phone on my passenger¡¯s seat, one hand steering the wheel while speeding down the road like I¡¯m in a race or something. I stare at the message for the third time since I got it.


    How the fuck is Bianca doing this all this while? What did I do to her? When did I hurt her? Or is she somehow rted to Gianna and I didn¡¯t know about this? I open the glove box in my car, taking a look at the silver Glock in the box. Being a billionaire is scary. The whole world is always watching and as annoying as it sounds, a lot of people know you. A lot of bad people and anyone is willing to do anything to hurt you without batting an eye. To put it lightly; the business world is scary.


    I got myself licensed guns because of threats a few years back and I¡¯m pretty sure I won¡¯t blink an eye putting a bullet in Bianca if she decides to put her hand on Naomi. The address she sent me is way outside of the city. With a few houses, run-down buildings, iplete ones, shacks. A perfect ce tomit murder without anyone finding out.


    I look out my tinted car window as I stare at this quaint neighborhood. Bianca added a warning text to her message, saying I shouldn¡¯t think about calling the cops or bringing backups. I know this game. I know how this is going to y. The minute I got into my car, I sent the location to Liam and only Liam. He should be driving behind me, but just way back because I wanted him to.


    I look at the Google map on my phone and it confirms that I¡¯m indeed in one of Bianca¡¯s hideouts. It¡¯s a storey building, in and it looks iplete. Some of the windows are broken, others are cracked. I quickly get out of my car, with my gun tucked behind my suit jacket as I shut the door. It¡¯s quiet out here, with the only sound being the sound of my fast breathing.


    Taking onest look at this strange environment, I slip inside this house, slowly taking one step and another. There¡¯s no furniture in this house and surprisingly, the flooring is concrete. I pass a long hallway and appear in a quiet room that looks to be a living room. There¡¯s a flight of stairs and I take them one after the other in fast hops. I hear grunts and the sound of a broken window. I quicken my pace, looking through one room and another for the source of that noise.


    I can¡¯t live with myself if anything happens to Naomi because of my past mistakes. I burst through one room, it¡¯s in and with concrete flooring. Naomi stands by the window as she looks down. She¡¯s sobbing.


    ¡± Babe.¡± I call her as she whips her head around to look at me.


    Her eyes are wet and it seems like she¡¯s been crying. Naomi rushes towards me as she embraces me, with her thighs around my waist. I hug her back, holding her tight as I breathe out a breath of relief.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what I would have done if anything had happened to you.¡± I whisper into her hair.


    Naomi continues to sob into my suit jacket. I run my fingers through her hair in a soothing manner.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t mean to. I-¡± She whispers incoherently, arms tightly wrapped around my neck.


    My gaze flicks to the broken window and the slight stain of blood on the few remaining ss that¡¯s still standing. With Naomi in my arms, I slowly walk towards the window. I look down and my heart skip at the sight in front of me.


    ¡± Shit.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t mean to.¡± She sobs against me.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay.¡± I whisper into her hair. ¡± You¡¯re safe now, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    Lying at the bottom is a woman covered in her own blood. It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s dead. The sight alone is disturbing to look at. I pull out my phone and dial in the three digit emergency number. It rings until someone picks up.


    ¡± 911, what¡¯s your emergency?¡±


    ¡± There¡¯s someone who needs immediate medical check up and someone who¡¯s presumably dead.¡± I say to the agent on the phone.


    My eyes flick to my woman in my arms and she¡¯s still crying. There¡¯s dried blood in her hair and her head is injured. Her clothes are stained with blood too. My stomach churn at the sight.


    Did I cause this? Did I do this without knowing? If I¡¯d been here earlier, would she be okay? Fuck, was that Bianca at the bottom of this house? Did they get into a fight and she identally pushed her over the edge?


    There are so many unanswered questions but all I need is to make sure Naomi¡¯s okay. I finish giving the woman on the line every necessary information she needs and I hang up. With Naomi passed out in my arms, I hurry down the stairs and straight to my car.


    ¨C


    ¡± What happened?¡± Antonio asks as we stand outside Naomi¡¯s hospital room while we watch her through the small window in her room.


    She¡¯s been administered treatment and she¡¯s unconscious, with a bandage around her head.


    ¡± She was in an ident.¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. And I guess Bianca kidnapped her and I don¡¯t know the rest of the story. Before I got there Naomi was crying and there was a dead woman.¡±


    ¡± Who was the dead woman?¡±


    ¡± Bianca. Or if you wanna call her by her real name Gianna.¡± I say, sighing as I turn to the doctor who¡¯s just stepping out of Naomi¡¯s room.


    ¡± Is she okay?¡± We ask.


    ¡± She¡¯s stable for now. She has a concussion but she¡¯ll be alright.¡±


    ¡± Thank you, doctor.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± You¡¯re wee.¡±


    ¡± Can we go in and see her?¡±


    ¡± Sure. Just don¡¯t wake the patient up.¡± The doctor gives us a warm smile as she walks away.


    Antonio and I walk inside Naomi¡¯s room. I take the seat next to her bed. I sit down, slowly take her hand in mine as I run my thumb down the back of her head.


    ¡± I did this. I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s paying for every fuck up that I fucked up these past years.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t do that to yourself, Killian.¡± Antonio says.


    From the corner of my eyes, I watch him sit down on the edge of Naomi¡¯s bed as he stares at his sister.


    ¡± She¡¯s gone through hell all because I was a dick and I couldn¡¯t even respect and trust her enough to tell her the truth. I couldn¡¯t talk to her because of my selfish reasons. Fuck.¡± Letting go of her hand, I rest my elbows on my knees and run my fingers through my hair.


    ¡± It¡¯s not your fault, Killian. We¡¯ve all made mistakes. Not one, not two. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s right that you¡¯re taking the me for someone else¡¯s doing.¡±


    I scoff, jaws clenched as I stare at Naomi. She looks pale, like someone with no blood running through her veins.


    ¡± Naomi told me someone was threatening to hurt her and you. She told me she didn¡¯t just slip and fall into the ocean in Miami.¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m sorry I lied.¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s really going on, Killian? What¡¯s this got to do with Bianca?¡± Antonio asks.


    I turn to look at him. He sighs and stands up as he slips his hands inside his pants pockets.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe Bianca is dead. It¡¯s just hard to believe. She was anything but a psychotic killer.¡±


    ¡± You two dated?¡± I ask.


    Antonio smiles sadly. ¡± At least I like to think that.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about what happened. I really don¡¯t understand why she would want to hurt Naomi, but I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s because in the past I hurt her and I guess she wanted to hurt Naomi just to prove how much she hated me.¡±


    ¡± What did you do to her?¡±


    I look away from Antonio in shame.


    ¡± It¡¯s a long story.¡±


    ¡± Well, none of us is getting out of here anytime soon, anyway. Also, I deserve to know what¡¯s really going on, Killian. This is about my sister and her friend who¡¯s dead.¡±


    I flick my gaze towards Antonio before looking away.


    ¡± How¡¯s your mom?¡±


    ¡± I couldn¡¯t tell her. She had hypertension about a month ago, I¡¯m not sure she can handle the news of her daughter in a hospital bed again for the second time.¡±


    ¡± I think she deserves to know.¡±


    ¡± And you think I don¡¯t know that? I just can¡¯t bear anything happening to her. She might have an aneurysm if she finds out what happened.¡±


    ¡± Right.¡± I sigh. ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about Bianca, Antonio.¡±


    ¡± I know.¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    There¡¯s a knock on the door as Antonio and I turn to look at the new guests. Raymond and Liam. I stand up, excusing myself as I step outside with both men.


    ¡± Hey, man. How¡¯s she doing?¡± Raymond asks.


    ¡± Thankfully, alive.¡± I turn to Liam. ¡± What do you got?¡±


    Liam exhales and pulls out photographs from his portfolio. He gives it to me.


    ¡± One is the photo of Bianca and the other is that of Gianna.¡± Liam says.


    I stare at the photo in my hand.


    ¡± What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡± They¡¯re the same person, Killian.¡± Raymond says.


    Why am I not surprised?


    ¡± Bianca, your girlfriend¡¯s friend was Gianna all along. I think she underwent a few cosmetic surgeries to look like this.¡± Liam says, pointing to Bianca¡¯s photo.


    ¡± Plus, if you take a good look at both pictures, it¡¯s obvious they¡¯re the same person.¡± Raymond says.


    Yeah, I just wasn¡¯t looking hard enough and I repressed every memory I had with Gianna so I could forget her. Can I be any more inhumane?


    ¡± So you had a thing with Bianca some years ago?¡± Antonio asks behind me.


    I turn to look at him, including Liam and Raymond.


    ¡± Sadly, yes.¡± I answer, sighing.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± Antonio curses.


    ¡± Who¡¯s this?¡± Liam asks.


    ¡± Naomi¡¯s older brother. Did you confirm if she was dead?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s dead. She was alive at the scene of the ident, barely holding on, but she was alive. She died on her way to the hospital.¡± Liam says.


    He opens his portfolio again and pulls out something.


    ¡± This is a recorder. We found it in your office. It was nted underneath your desk without your knowledge. I don¡¯t know how, but Bianca, Gianna, Lily Sanders, sneaked into your office and nted it there. We also did a thorough search of her bedroom, we also found her real ID card carrying her real name. She must have faked her death after the death of her child, changed her name to Bianca and started hunting you down.¡± Liam says.


    I stare at the recorder inside the evidence bag. I hand it back to Liam. This is all too much to take in all at once.


    ¡± So Bianca had a child for you?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± Yeah. I told her to get rid of it. She didn¡¯t, she kept the baby. The baby died a few monthster after she was born. Bianca faked her death, changed her name, went to college and became friends with your sister. That was a long time ago.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe this.¡± Antonio mutters.


    ¡± And Naomi¡¯s getting all the hits because of what you did six years ago.¡± Antonio says.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I sigh.


    ¡± There¡¯s something else.¡± Raymond says. ¡± Bianca or Gianna, I don¡¯t even know what to call her. Well, after she faked her death and changed her name, she started her own clothing line business. It¡¯s a big sessful Enterprise right here in New York City.¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Yeah. She even bought a penthouse here in New York city too. She was rich.¡± Liam says.


    I need air. I can¡¯t wrap my head around all this information.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna step out for a bit. Please, keep an eye on her.¡± I say to the men as I walk out.


    In the parking lot, I open my car and enter the backseat. I shut the door as I throw my head back on the car seat. Right now I¡¯m craving for a cigarette to keep my head in one ce. The guilt is eating at me and I feel like I¡¯m about to panic.


    My phone vibrates in my front pocket. I pull it out and look at the caller ID before answering.


    ¡± Hey, Keith. How¡¯s Hawaii? Having fun?¡± I ask.


    ¡± What exactly is going on? Eve¡¯s freaking out. She said something about Naomi being in an ident and maybe even hurt.¡± Keith says.


    ¡± Yeah, well, she was in an ident. She¡¯s fine, Keith.¡±


    ¡± Where are you? Eve and I areing over.¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to leave Hawaii ande to New York. Naomi¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡± Sure. We¡¯re at the airport in New York City. So where are you?¡±


    I smile. ¡± I can¡¯t believe you Keith. I¡¯ll text you the address.¡±


    ¡± You better do. Eve¡¯s freaking out here.¡±


    ¡± Tell her to take it easy that Naomi¡¯s fine. She¡¯s safe.¡±


    ¡± You tell her that yourself. She isn¡¯t listening to what I say.¡± Keith says.


    ¡± Kil.¡± Eve¡¯s voice says on the phone. She sounds like someone who¡¯s been sobbing.


    ¡± Hey, Eve. How are you?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m doing okay. What¡¯s going on? How¡¯s Naomi doing?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s doing okay.¡±


    ¡± Was she hurt?¡±


    ¡± Eve, you gotta calm down, okay? This isn¡¯t good for the baby. Why don¡¯t youe over ande see her yourself?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, we¡¯re on our way.¡±


    ¡± Be careful.¡± I tell her.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Hey, bro.¡± Keith says on the phone.


    ¡± You take care of her, yeah?¡±


    ¡± Of course I¡¯ll.¡± Keith says.


    ¡± See you then.¡±


    _


    By the time Naomi wakes up, it¡¯s almost 11am the following day. Eve and Keith stayed at the hospital, including Antonio, Raymond, and even my mom till the previous night. They left, except for Antonio, promising they would drop by the following day to check on Naomi again.


    When my mom asked what happened, I just told her Naomi was in an ident. The doctor in charge of Naomi checked her, gave a few shots and left. Antonio sits by her bed, his eyes are a little red fromck of sleep and tears. He still can¡¯t grasp the idea that Bianca was dead and I used to date her. I guess he was slowly falling in love with her before she died.


    The cops were here to ask a few questions but left when they discovered Noami was yet to wake up. They would be here today for further questioning.


    ¡± Hey, beautiful.¡± I whisper to Naomi, hand reaching out to run through her hair.


    She gives me a small smile as she turns to look at her brother.


    ¡± Hey, Luna.¡±


    Naomi doesn¡¯t respond, she just smiles at us. A weak smile.


    ¡± How are you feeling?¡± I ask her.


    ¡± Fine.¡±


    ¡± Do you wanna talk about what happened?¡± Antonio asks.


    ¡± Give her some time. It¡¯s too sudden for her.¡± I say to Antonio.


    ¡± Right.¡± Antonio mutters. ¡± I¡¯m gonna step out and give you two space to talk.¡± Antonio says as he leaves.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± I ask.


    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna talk about it. None of it. Not now orter. I just wanna forget.¡±


    I sigh. ¡± Sure. Take your time.¡±


    When the cops came byter, Naomi refused to talk to them. They are curious as to what transpired between her and herte friend. How they got there in the first ce and how Bianca fell off the edge of a window.


    Two weeks after Naomi was discharged, she gave a statement of what happened. It was blunt and the cops knew that too. She was in an ident which was caused by Bianca. The Uber driver died on the spot. Bianca pulled her out of the Uber, drove her to that abandoned house and tied her to a chair. She freed herself, they got into a brawl, and Bianca identally fell off the edge of the window. She wanted to save her. I know she would have done anything within her power to save her.


    And in order to get her mind off of what¡¯s happening, we went on a boat ride on my yacht the following week. Naomi leans against the railing as she stares at the clear body of water.


    ¡± Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± I ask.


    Naomi turns around to look at me. She smiles, although it¡¯s not like her smile that I¡¯vee to fall in love with but it¡¯s something.


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    ¡± Are you still mad at me?¡± I ask, taking a step forward.


    She¡¯s not been herself since the ident. The smile she smiles it¡¯s nothing like her real smile. And before the ident, I am aware we had a fight. She was mad at me for lying to her. And after she was discharged, I¡¯ve been trying to take things slow with her. I don¡¯t want to push her away farther when all I want is to pull her close to me.


    ¡± I¡¯m not.¡± She admits.


    I smile, taking another step as I cage her against the railing. I tuck her hair behind her ear and run the back of my forefinger down her check. Naomi takes a slow deep breath as her eyes flutter shut.


    ¡± What happened with Bianca is not your fault, babe. I want you to know that. I fucked up. I should have cared, even if it was little.¡± I whisper.


    She slowly opens her eyes to stare into mine.


    ¡± I know. She would have killed me anyhow. I just¡­ it doesn¡¯t matter. I think what matters is me trying to move forward.¡± She tells me.


    ¡± I¡¯m d you¡¯re thinking about moving forward.¡±


    ¡± And why exactly are you staring at me like that?¡± Naomi whispers.


    I smirk as I flick my gaze from her eyes to her lips. I run my thumb on her swollen red lips.


    ¡± I really wanna kiss you right now.¡±


    ¡± Is that it?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡±


    Naomi wraps her arms around my neck as she stands on her toes to give me a short, passionate kiss. I wrap my arms around her waist as I pull her closer to me. Even if I¡¯m not gonna admit it to her, afraid of scaring her or pushing her away, I really wanna make love to her again. I want to show her how much she means the world to me with my tongue on every sensitive skin on her body, my hands exploring her, with my lips. I want to whisper sweet promises that I¡¯ll very much keep to every inch of her body while I¡¯m buried deep inside her.


    That, and a lot more.


    So instead when she pulls away from the kiss and turns around to look at the body of water surrounding us and my arms around her, I bring my lips to her ear as I whisper.


    ¡± Move in with me.¡±

 Epilogue

    Epilogue


    Naomi¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s been two years since I lost my best friend. My best friend who turned out to be Gianna Haines, Killian ck¡¯s ex-girlfriend and baby mother.


    Thisst year, every night that I go to bed, I dream of that night. I dream of Bianca falling off that window and I can¡¯t get the look in her eyes out of my head. That look of fear as she tumbled off that window. I lived with guilt for months. Telling myself that maybe I should have done better. Maybe I should have talked to her about what¡¯s really bothering her before all of that happened.


    I visited her grave twice every week this past year. I just sit there and stare at her headstone. Sometimes I weep, I cry and constantly wish things were different. I wished things didn¡¯t have to be like this. I wished she didn¡¯t have to die. She might want me dead and she might have hated me for so long, she was still my best friend. Bianca was always there for me when I needed her the most. And whenever I¡¯m in a shitty ce, aside from my brother, Bianca¡¯s the one person who I can truly turn to.


    She was my best friend, my sister. I hated what happened to her. I hated that I couldn¡¯t save her. Antonio still misses her. Sometimes, he¡¯de with me to visit Bianca¡¯s grave. We would stand there in silence as we stare at her grave.


    I told my mother what really happened a few weeks after Bianca¡¯s death. My mother was shocked and she weeped. She loved Bianca as a daughter. Nobody would have thought she was capable of something like that.


    I¡¯ve been trying to get in touch with her family this past year and I sessfully got a hold of her mother. She was an only child ording to Killian and her family kicked her out because they thought her dreams weren¡¯t profitable. If only they know how much money she made from owning her own clothing line.


    Bianca told me she was an only child before her death. She never really told me about her parents kicking her out. She said she left because she needed a fresh start. Her mother was in tears when she heard the news of her daughter¡¯s death. I didn¡¯t tell her what really happened, I wasn¡¯t sure I wanted to give that kind of news to a grieving mother.


    Two years felt like two months to me. Killian asked me to move in with him this past year. I didn¡¯t give him an answer right away. I took my time to consider my options. It truly was what I wanted. I was still a worker at KB TECH and then I wasn¡¯t sure if I was ready to just move in with him. He was still my boss. After a few weeks of thinking, I agreed to move in with him. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve got a roommate anymore. Bianca¡¯s parents came in to move her things before I finally moved out of the apartment.


    Thisst year, I¡¯vee to understand there will always be ups and downs in every rtionship, mine included. Killian and I fought a lot over little stuff and we often make out and have sex. I fall in love with him over and over again every time I wake up next to him in the same bed. He¡¯s the best thing that¡¯s ever happened to me and I mean it. After Bianca¡¯s death, he¡¯s always trying to take things slow with me, and that includes sex.


    Since we¡¯ve been living together, I decided to cook the dishes even though Killian never lets me. Sebastian sometimeses in once or twice a week to take care of the kitchen and sometimes the house. Alvin got called back to work after I persuaded Killian to let him off the hook. It wasn¡¯t his fault. He was only trying to help.


    Killian bought me a car. A brand new car. It was a surprise and a birthday gift.


    At the office, after a long three hour conference meeting including every important staff member, Killian announced to everyone that we were serious and in love. He also said that he was not gonna treat me differently because we were in a rtionship. At the office, I was just his employee and when we¡¯re outside the office, I was back to being his girlfriend. He also went as far to threaten the job position of anyone who looked or talked to me like I didn¡¯t belong with the others.


    Thankfully, the tension at the office subsided. The hateful gazes and sidetalk also came to a stop. I was really d. Seriously, my first two months working at KB TECH was amazing, great, but hearing sidetalk about me was one of the downsides of working there. But after that long ass speech, everything slowly became normal. A lot of them even heard about my ident too. They showed love. I don¡¯t know if it was real, but it was something.


    Eve gave birth to a girl. A beautiful Latina baby. Eve and Keith named her Kourtney. A beautiful name for a beautiful baby. Over the years, Eve and I have been close friends, it feels like we were in highschool again. Derrick and Raymond got marriedst year here in New York. It was a st and Killian and I graced the couple¡¯s wedding in style. My brother, Antonio, and his baby¡¯s mother Grace have been going on datestely. ording to Antonio, he said he wants to give them a chance again.


    I squirm in Killian¡¯s hold as I blink my eyes open. It¡¯s Saturday and I¡¯m really tired. Killian and made love at 3am and we were going at it like rabbits. He made sure I had an intense orgasm, one I hadn¡¯t had for a while now. I stopped counting the minute I had my fourth orgasm. He was a nasty, dirty billionaire.


    Killiany behind me in a spooning position. His big hand grope my breast with my butt pressed to his naked erection.


    ¡± Good morning, beautiful.¡± Killian whispers against my hair in his deep sleep voice.


    ¡± Hey.¡± I whisper, turning my body while identally rubbing my ass against his length.


    ¡± Fuck. You continue to do that and I won¡¯t be able to stop myself from taking you right here and now.¡± He whispers against my neck, with his hand slowly gettingfortable between my legs.


    ¡± Yeah?¡± I ask, breathlessly.


    ¡± Yeah.¡± He groans when I turn around to fist him. ¡± Fuck. What are you doing to me, princess?¡±


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you sit back and I¡¯ll show you.¡±


    Killian smirks andys back. I straddle him, with my pussy slowly grazing against his hard-on. I lean down to kiss him and he kisses me back. The kiss is slow, with both of us taking our time to savor the feeling. I slowly grind against him, with my wet slit rubbing up and down on his erection. Killian groans into the kiss, with his hands on my ass as he gropes the flesh.


    He flips us, so that he¡¯s the one dominating our kiss that¡¯s bing more and more demanding. Killian kisses down my neck, biting into my skin as he marks me there. He continues the trail to my corbone, slowly taking his time to mark me there too. His tonguees in contact with my are. He teases the red bud with his tongue while cupping my full breasts in his hands.


    ¡± Ohh. Hmm.¡± I moan, thrusting my hips forward toe in contact with his erection.


    ¡± Keep still, baby.¡± Killian groans.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    His lips worship my skin down to my stomach. He runs his tongue as he adores my body with kisses. With Killian situated in between my legs, he pushed my thighs further apart. As he kisses and bites the spot, Killian¡¯s fingers tease my slit. He runs his forefinger up my wet slit. My legs spasm, threatening to close itself. Killian keeps my thighs apart, as he slowly pushes in one finger, past the opening and through my tight walls.


    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I gasp.


    He stretches my walls with one finger as he begins to thrust. With my wetness coating his long finger, Killian adds another. Killian kisses down to my pussy. His tongue tastes my sensitive and swollen bud as he licks and teases it with his tongue. I¡¯m a moaning mess as I watch Killian eat me out.


    I lean on my elbows, with my hand running through his brown locks. I bite my bottom lip, head thrown back with my eyes shut as I moan his name. My hips start to work as I start to fuck his mouth.


    ¡± Oh God, don¡¯t stop.¡±


    As his fingers work in fast and rough paces to bring me over the edge, Killian¡¯s tongue works his magic.


    ¡± Fuck.¡± I moan.


    My legs start to shake, my stomach tightens and I know I¡¯m about to climax. He pulls out his fingers and brings my thighs together, gently pushing them back so my thighs are touching my stomach. Killian starts to fuck my pussy with his tongue. Licking, suckling, and flicking his tongue in fast paces. He pushes back in his two fingers as he starts to finger me. His pace is fast. His fingers work me over the edge. I moan, loudly, not really caring if one of Killian¡¯s many workers might hear.


    And then I climaxed.


    I smile at Killian breathlessly as he climbs over me and kisses me. I reach in between us to grab him in my hand. He¡¯s hard, with pre-ejaction. I push Killian toy back as hey back down on the bed. I situate myself in between his legs, slowly stroking his length up and down. Killian groans as he stares at me. I lick his tip, tasting his precum in my tongue. Slowly, I start to tease the base of his length with my tongue. I roll my tongue around the hard and swollen tip, with my hand stroking him up and down. I put him in my mouth, earning a deep groan from Killian.


    I bob my head up and down, with his length in my mouth. Killian sits up as he fists my hair in one hand. He¡¯s moaning my name as he watches me.


    ¡± Faster, baby.¡± His voicees through in rasp authority and I obey.


    As I stroke him from tip to the hilt, I let my mouth work again.


    ¡± Fuck, you¡¯re gonna make me cum.¡± Killian groans. ¡± Come here, baby.¡± Killian makes me stop as he makes me sit on hisp.


    He kisses me and I kiss him back. We both taste like sex as our tongues glide together.


    ¡± I can¡¯t wait to be inside you again.¡± Killian whispers.


    With me in his arms and our tongues tied in a passionate kiss, Killian ces me on the bed. My legs automatically wrap themselves around his waist. He kisses my neck, my check, my jaw and my lips. I feel him rub his tip against my wet opening before he enters. I gasp into his mouth, sighing with pleasure. Killian pulls out again, before he slowly re-enters, and with ease, he pushes further inside me, stretching out my walls till he is fully inside.


    ¡± Fuck. Every day, it just gets better.¡± Killian whispers against my neck. ¡± Tell me to move and I will.¡±


    ¡± Please, move.¡±


    I feel him smile against my neck as he starts to move. He¡¯s slow at first, pushing in and pulling out. Heced our fingers together, with our lips moving in an intense makeout as Killian starts to make love to me. My fingers are everywhere, running down his back, with my legs urging him to go faster.


    ¡± I love you so much, baby.¡± He whispers into my ear, groaning and moaning my name.


    ¡± I love you too.¡±


    Killian flips us together so that I¡¯m top of him and riding his length.


    ¡± Fuck, just like that.¡± He curses, eyes locked with mine as I move back and forth.


    We kiss again, desperately this time. Killian sits up, arms around my body and our lips locked. I increase my pace, with Killian¡¯s hands on my butt to give me assistance.


    ¡± I want you to fuck me real good, baby.¡± Killian groans into my ear. His voice is deep, dirty, and he¡¯s trying to make me cum again when he talks like that.


    My hands are everywhere, running over his body and tugging at his hair. I push him back on the bed as I ride up and down on his dick. I lean back down to kiss him again. Our lips are swollen and I can¡¯t feel my lips. Killian takes charge as he starts to thrust into me from underneath. I moan his name, alongside incoherent nonsense. I¡¯m cumming again and I can feel it. My stomach tightens, my walls clenches and the next thing I¡¯m cumming on his length for the second time.


    Killian pulls out and makes me lie next to him in a spooning position. He pushes my left thigh forward as he enters inside me again. I try to catch my breath, trying to calm down from myst intense orgasm. With Killian¡¯s arm hooked underneath the back of my knee, he thrusts into me fast. His thrusts are fast and hard with my butt bouncing at every of his long strokes. We¡¯re both moaning and sweating and cursing loudly. The next minute, Killian is fucking me from behind and me on all fours. His hands on my back try to keep me steady as he pummels into me.


    I moan. He tugs and pulls at my hair just as I like it. His right handes in between my legs to rub fast circles on my throbbing clit as he pushes in and pulls out. He¡¯s close. His breathing has changed. His strokes are long and fast and I¡¯m going to cum again. With a few long strokes, we¡¯re both cumming. His warm fluid coats the insides of my walls. My legs shake as I copse on the bed. Killiany next to me breathing like we just ran a marathon. We both stink of sex and we¡¯re sweating.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± He asks.


    I smile at him. ¡± Yeah.¡±


    Killian smiles back, pushing my wet strands out of my face.


    ¡± You¡¯re beautiful, Luna.¡±


    ¡± And you¡¯re handsome, Jefferson.¡±


    Killian chuckles. He hates it when I call him that, but I don¡¯t care. When he stops chuckling, we fall into afortable silence.


    ¡± I wanna do this every day. I wanna wake up next to you every chance that I get. On Christmas morning, New year¡¯s, on your birthday, my birthday, Halloween, Easter Sunday and every other day and festive celebration. I want to be there for you, Naomi. I want to be there with you. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve not been the easiest to deal with, I just want you to know that I¡¯m happy that I met you that day. I¡¯m d it¡¯s you I fell in love with. You make me happy, Naomi, and I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to put a smile on this beautiful face of yours. It¡¯s a promise that I¡¯ll forever keep.¡± Killian whispers, and every word hits differently.


    I ce my hand on his cheek. ¡± I don¡¯t know what to say.¡±


    Killian bites his bottom lip as he stares at something in his hand. I follow his gaze and I¡¯m awed at the shiny, diamond ornament in his hand.


    Holy shit.


    Killian brings the ring into my view.


    ¡± Will you marry me, Naomi?¡± He asks. His gray eyes are clouded with different emotions. He¡¯s the most beautiful man I¡¯ve ever seen and I love him so much.


    God, this is really happening.


    I¡¯m short of words as I stare at the ring in his hand. I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I want to do crazy shit with him. We¡¯re gonna fight but we¡¯re gonna work this out. I¡¯ve never actually thought about marriage before but I know I want to be with him.


    ¡± I know it¡¯s a bit early and it¡¯s happening so fast, but I want you to know that even if you¡¯re not ready to be with me, I¡¯m gonna wait. Whatever years it takes.¡±


    How¡¯s he this sweet?


    ¡± Yes.¡±


    ¡± You will marry me?¡±


    I giggle. ¡± Yes, I¡¯ll marry you.¡±


    Killian¡¯s eyes light up at my confirmation as he slips the ring up my finger. I stare at the diamond ring in my finger that obviously cost millions.


    ¡± It suits you, future Mrs. Naomi Alderson-ck.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.¡± I can¡¯t contain my smile as I stare at this man who¡¯s going to be my husband. ¡± I love you so much, Killian ck.¡± I whisper, straddling him.


    ¡± I love you too, Naomi.¡± He confesses as our lipse in contact for a passionate kiss.


    THE END.


    ? A Word From Your Author ?


    Oh my God!!!


    This is literally one of my best books so far. I don¡¯t even feel like ending it at all. But as they say; All good things must surelye to an end. I¡¯ve been writing this book for nearly 9 months now and I¡¯m finally done with it. I¡¯m so happy. It is with kind heart that I say I kinda miss Bianca. She wasn¡¯t all that bad.


    And for every person who stuck with this book from beginning to end, thank you so much for reading. And every reader out there who encouraged me with your reviews andments, I really appreciate it. Rmend this book to your friends, drop a review, I¡¯d really appreciate it. Sooner orter, definitely this year, Taming Mr. ck will be avable as a paperback and ebook on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble. Keep that in mind if you would love to get this book in a physical copy.


    Also, you can check out my other books, you might as well like them. Thank you again for reading, I love y¡¯all. Also, anticipate more new stories from me if you would love to read more of my works.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!