ELAINEThe sleek black car hummed beneath us as we cruised toward the downtown hotel. One of Kingsley’s luxury finest.I sat in silence, clutching my leather-bound notebook as Kingsley scrolled through his phone.Finally, he put his phone down and turned his sharp gaze to me."Alright, Elaine," he said, his tone brisk and businesslike. "Here’s what you need to know about today’s investors. They’re already eager to work with us. It’s their job to convince me why I should let them.""Got it." I nodded, flipping open my notebook to jot down notes."They’ll posture," he continued, "talk about their capital, connections, and how invaluable they’d be to the company. What I need you to do is watch them closely. Pay attention to body language, hesitations, anything that feels off. Sometimes, what people don’t say is more important than what they do.""Understood," I said, scribbling furiously.Kingsley’s eyes flicked over to me. "You’re thorough,” his lips curved in a smirk. “I like that." H
KINGSLEYThe city skyline stretched out beyond the glass walls of my penthouse, glittering with lights against the dark canvas of night. It was well past midnight, yet sleep eluded me. I sat on the edge of my bed, shirtless, the cool air from the window brushing over my skin. My fingers raked through my hair as I exhaled sharply, trying to let my mind into silence. It was impossible.Elaine.She was all I could think about. Her scent, her defiance, the way her cheeks flushed when she was embarrassed or aroused. Every detail about her was burned into my brain, and it was driving me fucking insane.This wasn’t supposed to happen. She wasn’t supposed to dominate my thoughts this way.I was supposed to be the one in control. My gaze drifted to the corner of the room, where a small frame sat on a shelf. Amanda. My late wife’s face stared back at me, her warm smile frozen in time. A familiar pang of guilt clawed at my chest.I stood and walked toward the frame, my bare feet silent ag
ELAINEThe soft chime of the bell sent a jolt through me, signalling Kingsley wanted me in his office. I froze mid-typing, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as my heart thudded against my ribs. It had been weeks since he’d summoned me in person. After our moment in the car, that charged an overwhelming moment when he’d taken my panties as though it was his right, we hadn’t been alone together. Kingsley had kept his distance since then, attending meetings solo and sending instructions through his secretary. It left me feeling… confused. I didn’t know whether to feel relief or frustration. But now, as I stood and smoothed my skirt, my emotions were anything but neutral. Memories of that car ride flashed through my mind, his commanding tone, the dark hunger in his eyes as he pocketed my lace. What had he done with it when he got back home? Did he just keep it as collectable?Or did he sniff it, smelling my scent and inhaling my nectar?Just the mere thought of the latter made
ELAINEMy hands instinctively reached out, gripping the front of his shirt as if holding on to him would steady me.His body pressed harder against mine, pinning me to the desk as his hands moved to my waist, fingers digging into my curves as though he couldn’t get enough. I gasped into his mouth when his thigh slid between mine, pressing directly against the soaked lace of my panties. The firm pressure against my core sent a sharp jolt of pleasure straight through me, and instinct took over as I began grinding shamelessly against him.Kingsley chuckled darkly, his lips grazing my ear. “Look at you, so needy,” he growled. “Does this get you off, Elaine? Rubbing yourself all over me like this?”“Shut up,” I shot back breathlessly, my voice uneven as I ground harder against him, the friction only heightening the throbbing ache inside me. His laughter deepened, and his hands roamed, gripping my hips and guiding my movements to press harder against his thigh. I gasped. His hands slid
ELAINE“I hate him.”I plopped onto the couch in Gigi’s apartment, burying my face in my hands. Gigi snorted from the kitchen. “That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?” She gave me a look. “You didn’t seem to hate him when he had you bent over his desk and fucking you like no tomorrow.”“Gigi!” I hissed, my face heating up. “I’m being serious.”“And so am I,” she said, carrying two mugs of coffee over and handing me one. She sat down across from me, her expression far too amused for my liking. “What’s the problem now?” She asked.I sighed, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “He’s been…so neutral.” I grimaced.“Neutral?” Gigi raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean neutral?”“I mean, it’s like nothing ever happened!” I threw my hands up, nearly spilling the coffee. “Since that day in his office, he’s been completely unbothered. Like, totally professional. No teasing, no flirting, nothing. Just, ‘Elaine, can you file this report?’ or ‘Elaine, reschedule my meeting.’ Like I didn’t—li
ELAINE I walked toward the parking lot, my car sitting in the same spot it always did. The old sedan looked like it had been dragged through hell and back—a few dents here, a scratched bumper there, and the occasional puff of smoke from the exhaust. But it was mine, and as much as I hated it, I needed it.I climbed in, gripping the worn leather of the steering wheel, and forced myself to start the engine. The familiar sputter and groan made my stomach twist. I prayed it wouldn’t give out on me—again.The drive home wasn’t long, but it always felt that way. My shift at the nursing home had ended earlier than expected, and while most people would have been excited about the extra time off, I wasn’t.I wasn’t looking forward to going home.My mind wandered to what I’d find when I got there—Devin, my lazy husband, sprawled out on the couch, a half-empty bottle of something cheap at his side, maybe even a second one rolling under the coffee table. Heck, I was sure he was probably sti
ELAINE Turning on my heel, I marched straight to the closet, yanking open the door so hard it nearly came off its hinges. “What the hell are you doing?” Devin demanded, watching as I grabbed my duffel bag and started pulling my clothes off the hangers. “What does it look like I’m doing?” I shot back, stuffing jeans, shirts, and anything else I could grab into the bag. “I’m leaving, Devin. We’re done.” “Elaine, don’t be ridiculous.” He laughed—actually laughed—as if I’d just told a bad joke. “You’re not going anywhere.” I spun around, my fingers gripping a sweater so tightly my knuckles turned white. “Oh, I’m sorry. Do you think you get a say in this? Because you don’t. Not anymore.” His smug expression faltered. “Elaine—” “No, Devin.” I held up a hand, cutting him off. “I’ve put up with your shit for too long. I worked while you drank. I stayed while you did nothing. And I gave you chance after chance when you didn’t deserve them. This? This was the last straw.” He o
ELAINE The sound of the gavel hitting the block echoed through the courtroom, and I felt like I could finally breathe again. The judge’s words—“The divorce is hereby finalized”—rang in my ears like a sweet melody. I glanced over at Devin, sitting a few feet away from me, looking like someone had just sucker-punched him. His mouth hung open slightly, and his eyes were wide with disbelief. If I didn’t despise him so much, I might’ve laughed. But instead, I just smiled—a real, genuine, ear-to-ear smile. This was it. I was free. As soon as the judge stepped out, I practically skipped out of the courtroom. My heels clicked against the marble floor, my steps light for the first time in years. I felt weightless, like I’d just shed a hundred pounds of dead weight. “Elaine!” Gigi’s voice rang out from the hall. She stood there, leaning against the wall in a bright red jumpsuit, her curls bouncing as she waved at me. She was impossible to miss, radiating confidence like she owned t
ELAINE“I hate him.”I plopped onto the couch in Gigi’s apartment, burying my face in my hands. Gigi snorted from the kitchen. “That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?” She gave me a look. “You didn’t seem to hate him when he had you bent over his desk and fucking you like no tomorrow.”“Gigi!” I hissed, my face heating up. “I’m being serious.”“And so am I,” she said, carrying two mugs of coffee over and handing me one. She sat down across from me, her expression far too amused for my liking. “What’s the problem now?” She asked.I sighed, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “He’s been…so neutral.” I grimaced.“Neutral?” Gigi raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean neutral?”“I mean, it’s like nothing ever happened!” I threw my hands up, nearly spilling the coffee. “Since that day in his office, he’s been completely unbothered. Like, totally professional. No teasing, no flirting, nothing. Just, ‘Elaine, can you file this report?’ or ‘Elaine, reschedule my meeting.’ Like I didn’t—li
ELAINEMy hands instinctively reached out, gripping the front of his shirt as if holding on to him would steady me.His body pressed harder against mine, pinning me to the desk as his hands moved to my waist, fingers digging into my curves as though he couldn’t get enough. I gasped into his mouth when his thigh slid between mine, pressing directly against the soaked lace of my panties. The firm pressure against my core sent a sharp jolt of pleasure straight through me, and instinct took over as I began grinding shamelessly against him.Kingsley chuckled darkly, his lips grazing my ear. “Look at you, so needy,” he growled. “Does this get you off, Elaine? Rubbing yourself all over me like this?”“Shut up,” I shot back breathlessly, my voice uneven as I ground harder against him, the friction only heightening the throbbing ache inside me. His laughter deepened, and his hands roamed, gripping my hips and guiding my movements to press harder against his thigh. I gasped. His hands slid
ELAINEThe soft chime of the bell sent a jolt through me, signalling Kingsley wanted me in his office. I froze mid-typing, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as my heart thudded against my ribs. It had been weeks since he’d summoned me in person. After our moment in the car, that charged an overwhelming moment when he’d taken my panties as though it was his right, we hadn’t been alone together. Kingsley had kept his distance since then, attending meetings solo and sending instructions through his secretary. It left me feeling… confused. I didn’t know whether to feel relief or frustration. But now, as I stood and smoothed my skirt, my emotions were anything but neutral. Memories of that car ride flashed through my mind, his commanding tone, the dark hunger in his eyes as he pocketed my lace. What had he done with it when he got back home? Did he just keep it as collectable?Or did he sniff it, smelling my scent and inhaling my nectar?Just the mere thought of the latter made
KINGSLEYThe city skyline stretched out beyond the glass walls of my penthouse, glittering with lights against the dark canvas of night. It was well past midnight, yet sleep eluded me. I sat on the edge of my bed, shirtless, the cool air from the window brushing over my skin. My fingers raked through my hair as I exhaled sharply, trying to let my mind into silence. It was impossible.Elaine.She was all I could think about. Her scent, her defiance, the way her cheeks flushed when she was embarrassed or aroused. Every detail about her was burned into my brain, and it was driving me fucking insane.This wasn’t supposed to happen. She wasn’t supposed to dominate my thoughts this way.I was supposed to be the one in control. My gaze drifted to the corner of the room, where a small frame sat on a shelf. Amanda. My late wife’s face stared back at me, her warm smile frozen in time. A familiar pang of guilt clawed at my chest.I stood and walked toward the frame, my bare feet silent ag
ELAINEThe sleek black car hummed beneath us as we cruised toward the downtown hotel. One of Kingsley’s luxury finest.I sat in silence, clutching my leather-bound notebook as Kingsley scrolled through his phone.Finally, he put his phone down and turned his sharp gaze to me."Alright, Elaine," he said, his tone brisk and businesslike. "Here’s what you need to know about today’s investors. They’re already eager to work with us. It’s their job to convince me why I should let them.""Got it." I nodded, flipping open my notebook to jot down notes."They’ll posture," he continued, "talk about their capital, connections, and how invaluable they’d be to the company. What I need you to do is watch them closely. Pay attention to body language, hesitations, anything that feels off. Sometimes, what people don’t say is more important than what they do.""Understood," I said, scribbling furiously.Kingsley’s eyes flicked over to me. "You’re thorough,” his lips curved in a smirk. “I like that." H
ELAINEThe soft chime of the bell sliced through the hum of my office, making me jump slightly and my fingers halting over the keyboard of the desktop. The bell signalled Kingsley, summoning me to his office.For what? I do not know. It wasn’t the first time Kingsley had summoned me like this, but it never failed to send a jolt of awareness through me.I exhaled sharply, setting aside the stack of papers I’d been pouring over for the last hour. My hands brushed down the front of my blouse as I stood, more out of reflex than necessity. Relax, Elaine. I told myself, but my heart was already racing against my ribs like a damn drumline.The walk to his office felt longer than it should have, my heels clicking sharply against the polished floors as I made my way past the rows of desks and muted conversations. I could feel the weight of anticipation pressing down on me with every step. My mind spiralled. What does he want now? More paperwork? Another meeting scheduled? Or… something
KINGSELYI stepped into the dimly lit club, the pulsing bass of the music immediately hitting my chest like a second heartbeat. The air was thick with the scent of expensive liquor, cologne, and a faint trace of desperation. This wasn’t just any club. It was one of mine, a personal playground where power and pleasure often mingled in equal measure.“Mr. Larson,” the club manager greeted me with a practised smile and a slight bow. “Your table is ready. Mr. Castle has already arrived.”“Good,” I said, adjusting the cuff of my tailored jacket as I followed him through the crowded space. The sea of bodies parted as we made our way towards the VIP section, a mix of curiosity and awe in the eyes of those I passed.Yes, I’m that big of a shot. When we reached the private lounge, the scene awaiting me wasn’t surprising in the least. Trevor Castle, my best friend since we were reckless teenagers, sat sprawled on the plush leather couch with a brunette on her knees in front of him. Her hea
KINGSLEYI leaned back in my chair, studying her as she stood in front of me, fire in her eyes and defiance in her stance. “Conditions?” I arched an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. Women rarely dictated terms to me, and certainly not in situations like this. I wanted to hear her out, just to amuse myself.“Yes,” she said firmly, her voice steady despite the obvious tension in the air. “This arrangement whatever you want to call it stays strictly no-strings-attached. This is about convenience, nothing more.”A flicker of amusement crossed my mind, though I kept my face unreadable. She was trying so hard to maintain control, to set boundaries, as if she had any power here. Still, I allowed her to speak, tilting my head slightly in encouragement for her.“And why is that?” I asked, keeping my tone light, as if we were discussing something mundane.Her hesitation was telling, the briefest flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “Because I don’t mix emotions with… anything like this.” She li
ELAINE“No. Freaking. Way.”I nodded, the disbelief still fresh in my own mind.“You’re telling me,” Her eyes widened as realization dawned, “your boss is the guy you slept with… and the guy you stole the wad of cash from?”“Yes!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands up.“Oh my god, Elaine!” she shouted, smacking my arm. “That is… I don’t even know what that is! What did he say? Does he know?”I groaned, leaning back against the couch. “Oh, he knows, Gigi. He made it very clear he knows.”Gigi stared at me, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “Okay, wait. Back up. Start from the beginning,” she demanded, scooting closer to me on the couch. “And don’t you dare leave anything out.” She ordered.I sighed, taking another gulp of wine before setting the glass down. “Fine. So, I show up at the office, right?” I throw my hands out. “All dressed up, feeling good about myself, ready to nail this new jobnliterally a fresh start. I walk in, and the HR head, her name’s Natalie, by