I'll lose my job!

Clyde’s POV

“Turn back. I forgot an important document,” I said lazily, my eyes glued to my iPad.

Without a word, my driver quickly turned the car back toward the hotel.

“You know we’re already late,” Diego muttered, but I ignored him.

He, of all people, knows my moods and should know better than to push me.

The city looked different from the last time I was here. Ten years away had changed everything, yet returning brought back memories, some good, some bad.

The penthouse was on the top floor, so I took the private elevator.

Usually, I’d send someone else for things like this, but for some reason, I decided to go up myself.

The moment I unlocked the door, an uneasy feeling washed over me.

I knew instantly I wasn’t alone. This sensation wasn’t new to me, and I knew exactly how to handle it.

I stepped into the room, my hand already on my pistol, ready for anything.

Then I noticed the hotel cleaning cart pushed to one side, with freshly changed sheets on the bed.

I chuckled at my imagination. It must have been room service doing their job.

But then something else caught my attention—women’s clothes scattered on the floor.

My brow furrowed as I noticed a pink bra and matching underwear among them.

Was someone taking a bath in my room?

The sound of water splashing from the bathroom confirmed my suspicions.

My feet moved instinctively, and what I saw left me momentarily stunned.

A woman, completely naked, lay in my bathtub with headphones on her ears.

She seemed harmless, blissfully unaware of my presence. If she’d been an assassin sent to kill me, this would’ve been the worst plan ever.

I scoffed at the thought, leaning against the doorframe to take in the scene.

Her beauty was undeniable. Smooth skin, as flawless as porcelain, and an air of innocence that piqued my interest.

After a few seconds, her eyes met mine, and I could practically smell her panic.

My gaze roamed her body shamelessly. She was a sight to behold.

“Sir… I… uh… I’m so sorry!” she stammered, her voice trembling.

“It wasn’t my intention to disrespect you. You see, uh… the weather was hot, and I thought you’d be gone longer, so I decided to—”

“You decided to soak in my bathtub,” I interrupted, my tone flat.

Her fear was evident as she cowered in the water, crossing her arms over her chest in a feeble attempt to shield herself.

Blonde hair, blue eyes like a clear sky, and lips so small they looked untouched.

Something about her drew me in.

“Get out of the water,” I commanded, my voice firm.

Her eyes widened at my words. She glanced at the stack of towels a few steps away and then back at me.

“Could you… uh… please step out first?” she whispered, barely audible.

A chuckle escaped my lips. Poor thing, she had no idea who I was or the kind of trouble she was in.

“I’m not moving an inch. Get out.”

Her lips trembled, and her long lashes fluttered in fear.

***

Allison stared at the imposing man in front of her, her heart hammering so hard she thought it might burst.

He was tall, with raven-black hair that fell over his forehead.

His black shirt, tucked into matching pants, emphasized his broad frame.

The sleeves were rolled up, revealing tanned, tattooed arms.

He had an aura of authority that demanded obedience, like a god walking among men.

Allison bit her lip. This stranger had just ordered her to get out of the water, naked.

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” he said, his voice sharp with irritation.

Terrified, Allison braced herself. Slowly, she stood, water dripping from her trembling body as she tried to cover herself with her hands.

His gaze followed her every movement, lingering on her exposed skin.

Her attempts to shield herself were useless against his piercing eyes.

Clyde stood still, his face expressionless, though his eyes darkened with each passing second.

“Come here,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Allison, trembling with fear, took cautious steps toward him. She could feel the heat radiating from his body as she got closer.

He lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her to meet his intense gaze.

Their eyes locked, the air between them charged with an unspoken tension.

“Do you know where you are?” he asked, his deep voice breaking the silence as he caressed her face.

Her confusion showed on her face. “Uh… the penthouse?”

He chuckled, amused by her innocence.

His eyes roamed her body again, lingering on her chest.

For a man like Clyde, such a situation would normally be dealt with swiftly.

Anyone else would’ve been fired on the spot.

But this woman was different.

The strange pull he felt toward her was undeniable, and thoughts of her body clouded his mind.

“Sir, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to take a bath in your tub. Please don’t report me. I’ll lose my job!” she pleaded, her voice shaking.

He listened, his gaze fixed on her.

“Would you do anything to keep your job?”

“Yes, sir! Anything!” she replied without hesitation.

“Are you sure?” he asked again, studying her face.

“Yes, sir,” she whispered, nodding.

A smile curved his lips. She was right where he wanted her.

“Close your eyes,” he whispered, his tone low and seductive.

Allison, her heart racing, obeyed. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for whatever this dangerous man had planned.