"Ma'am, just as I said earlier, you'll be called for an interview once you've scaled through the first stage. Do wait patiently, ma'am," the irritable voice of the woman on the other side of the desk explained to Delaney, her edginess evident in her voice.
"Uhm... Alright. Thank you," Delaney gave a courteous smile as she made her way out of the grumpy lady's office.
Anger washed over her as she wondered why the lady was so rude to her. It was almost as if the lady knew her from before. "How rude people can be to strangers." She increased her pace, opening her clutch to bring out her phone. For a minute while she was in there, she thought she heard it ring.
"Oh, my God!" Delaney let out a loud gasp as she felt a pair of strong arms grip her by both shoulders just before she fell to the ground.
She had just bumped into the hard frame of a masculine figure. Her large green eyes slowly traveled from his broad shoulders to the pair of arms which held her firmly in place, and finally, to his face. 'oops,' her cheeks flushed with embarrassment when her eyes met his beautiful Hazel eyes.
"Uhm..." she cleared her throat, becoming uncomfortable in that awkward position as it seemed the stranger was lost in a different world, forgetting to let go of her.
"Hey... Are you okay?" His calm, yet throaty voice finally asked when he found his voice, still holding her gaze.
"Sure. I am so sorry... I was... I don't really..." She let out a sharp breath, feeling uncomfortable under his scrutinizing stare. "I'm so sorry for bumping into you. I wasn’t watching."
She apologized, taking another look at the nan who had just saved her from breaking a limb. He looked really gorgeous and responsible. He was well dressed in a blue designer suit that exuded luxury.
"I should have watched where I was going," The handsome stranger tried to make her feel better by taking the blame. His deep hazel eyes took in her appearance with a sense of admiration and adoration. ‘Gosh! He could worship this goddess all his life,’ His thoughts ran wild.
"You don’t have to be too modest, you know," a slight, nervous smile appeared on her face, "we both know it was my fault."
The stranger felt his heart warm up at the sound of her soft voice which sounded like a melody to his ears, awakening something deep within him.
"That's nonsense, beautiful," he jokingly waved it off, "please, call me Kaiden." He stretched out his hand for a handshake.
"Delaney," she responded, flashing him one of the most beautiful smiles he'd ever seen, her dimples leaving a permanent imprint on the walls of his memory.
“A beautiful name for a goddess of beauty,” his voice tinged with warmth, “You are indeed beautiful, Delaney,” he held on to her soft, delicate hand which was covered by his large ones, unable to find the courage to let go of it while he held on to her gaze in the same manner.
The sound of her ringing phone chattered the moment for Kaiden. He was enveloped in a world he wasn't ready to leave just yet.
"I must run along now, Kaiden. It was nice meeting you," she hurriedly walked passed him, her heels clicking softly along the corridor as she made for the elevator.
"Wait. Can I at least get your contact?" He tried calling her attention, but she didn't even look back.
She was almost carried away by the moment. She hadn’t had any man look at her in that manner in a very long time. But, she was scared. The last thing she needed at the moment was any drama. She already had more than enough drama to deal with.
Kaiden watched with keen interest as she walked away. A part of him desperately wanted to run after her, but his pride and ego would bury him alive if he ever did that. He stood still, watching her beautiful, curvy figure walk out of sight while his pride and desire fought tirelessly, each wanting to take charge. And unfortunately, once again, his pride won the fight in the end.
"Fuck!" He cursed, taking another glance at the office she had just come out of. His face lit up with a smile again. "I guess we'll be meeting again soon."
***
Blaine dialed the line for the second time when she didn't respond to the first call. He knew she was still angry at him, but who gives a damn about that right now? He was already burning with rage when she finally answered the call just seconds before it'd have gone into voicemail again. 'lucky bitch'! He cursed in his head.
"It took you long enough, damn it!" He said through gritted teeth, his anger palpable, but he tried his best to conceal it, not wanting to flair up in front of his boss.
"I'm sorry, I was..." Delaney's soft voice tried speaking but was harshly interrupted.
"Save it!" His voice was barely above a whisper, but it passed on the message it was meant to. "I left some documents on the couch this morning. Seen them?"
"Yeah, I did."
"Cool. Bring them over to my office immediately. It is very urgent. I wouldn't want to keep my boss waiting, so, you'd better hurry up." He instructed angrily before adding, "One more thing..." He paused, bringing his voice a little bit lower, "Try not to embarrass me with your looks." With that, he dropped the call.
Adonis was staring at him intently all along, but he hadn't noticed. He turned to meet his piercing blue eyes on him, expressionless and unreadable. It's the unreadable expressions in his eyes that made him so mysterious. Blaine quickly avoided his gaze.
After a moment of silence, his deep baritone voice filtered into Blaine's ears. "Your maid, I guess... A funny manner of approach you got there, even to a maid." He said flatly, his attention fixed on the papers he was working on.
Blaine chuckled nervously, "She's actually-"
"Save it, Blaine," Adonis said dismissively.
***
As soon as she got the instruction from Blaine, Delaney hurried out of the massive building of DazzleGlide Technologies where she'd just dropped her application for a job, flagging down a taxi. She knew better than to keep him waiting.
Luckily for her, she was already beautifully dressed. So, she was good to go. Blaine wouldn't have to feel embarrassed about her looks. All she had to do was to hurry home, pick up the document and hurry over to Blaine's.
A pang of worry hit her at the thought of the dress she had on. Blaine never liked it when she was dressed in this manner, but she was sure he wouldn't mind since he was specific about how he wanted her to look.
He works in a place where class speaks, men and women of class frequented the premises. And, of course, his colleagues... He wouldn't want them to think he went for the least.
These were the thoughts running through her head as she tried convincing herself that it was safe looking this sizzling hot without getting Blaine mad at her.
In less than twenty minutes, she was already at home. She hurried into the house and got the documents from the couch, as she quickly hopped back into the waiting taxi.
Delaney was fully aware of Blaine's dreaded boss and his reputation for cruelty. She'd heard countless tales about the cold, ruthless man, and she wouldn't want Blaine to get in his bad books nor fall out of favor with such an unforgiving person. It'll only worsen her suffering.
Delaney alighted in front of the very huge building where Blaine worked. She stood transfixed, her eyes wide with wonder as she stared at the towering building before her. As she took in the sleek design and the gleaming glass facade, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mingled with a touch of apprehension. She felt excited because the opportunity was finally here, and now, she gets to step foot into a place she could never step into, except in her dreams and wild imaginations. She's always admired this beautiful place for so long, wondering what it feels and looks like inside. And sometimes, when her imagination gets the best of her, she'd close her eyes and imagine herself working here and being like every other successful lady she sees and admires. But, she felt really nervous going in there because she already knew what caliber of people she'd come across, and she couldn't help but feel a little out of place. Delaney took in a deep breath as she made her way into t
Delaney held his cold gaze as the air around her suddenly became suffocating. Her hands trembled in fear, and she could hear her own heart pounding.Blaine stared in confusion, desperately trying to decipher what was happening. "Was his boss lusting after Delaney?" he asked himself, noticing that the look in Adonis' eyes was different from his usual unreadable expression. It held something more."You?" His baritone voice finally broke the long silence that hung in the air, his riveting stare penetrating her eyes.Delaney had a thousand questions racing through her mind. What had she done wrong? Was her attire inappropriate? Did she say something offensive? Perhaps he didn't like how she addressed him when she entered? Could she have put Blaine in trouble?"I'm sorry, sir, but have I done something wrong?" Delaney finally mustered up the courage to speak, confusion and concern evident on her face."You... You really don't..." Adonis stuttered, feeling a pang in his heart as realization
"Who are you? What have you done to me?" His voice was a desperate moan, riddled with bewildered pleasure. His body trembled like a leaf caught in a storm, a sign of an uncontrolled passion that seized his muscular frame.His skin was slick with sweat, bearing testament to the sheer intensity of his desire. "No one...no one has ever ignited such a fire in me," he confessed, his voice a hoarse whisper.His lips moved with practiced expertise, planting feather-soft kisses down her neck, tracing a blazing trail to her belly button before retracing the path back to her neck. His teeth grazed her earlobe teasingly, eliciting a soft gasp from her. His hands, like an artisan's tool, skillfully explored the rounded curves of her backside, setting her senses high with pleasure.She succumbed to the wave of pleasure, her body responding instinctively to his expert ministrations. Her moans were a sweet melody to his ears, an affirmation of the pleasure he was inducing within her. As he continued
"I'm sorry to bother you, but can I come in?" Adonis' deep voice snapped her out of her daze.Delaney was taken aback by the imposing figure standing before her. She felt like she was in a trance. What was he doing here? She wondered if he had come to see Blaine, and her mind raced with countless possibilities. The events from their encounter at his office earlier flooded her thoughts, and she panicked, fearing that the situation had gotten worse than she thought it was."Uh... Sure... Good evening… Mr. Langston," she stammered, breaking their brief eye contact.Adonis exuded an intimidating presence that made her shiver. She didn't even want to think about his attractive features at that moment because his deep ocean eyes already sent flutters through her stomach. Those eyes…"Please, Adonis will do just fine," he responded, still holding her gaze, his voice sounding almost like it was an order, carrying an air of authority."I'm sorry, sir…" she tittered nervously, nibbling on her l
Adonis stood under the shower, allowing the warmth of the water to run down his entire body from his head. He closed his eyes, immersing himself deeper into his thoughts.It's been days now, and he still hadn't gotten the perfect plan on how to get Delaney without getting her offended or angry at him. It's a card he needed to play with caution. He didn't want to lose her again.He was ruthless in his ways; he was cold and unfeeling. He could just abduct her and take her to a place no one would ever find her, and even the authorities wouldn't dare interfere. He could also easily get rid of Blaine, but that would only hurt Delaney. He needed a perfect plan for this.Adonis hasn't been able to look at Blaine the same way he had before. After discovering he was the so-called fiance of his dream woman, he'd grown such a dangerous hatred towards Blaine that he could kill him without blinking an eye. And to think that Delaney has been going through hell at the hands of the imbecile only enra
"I am not going to hand-feed you. Stand up and get your plate!" Greta's nagging voice filled the room."What are you talking about, Mom?" Didn't you tell me a few days ago that you already had a plan?" Laura retorted, already getting weary of her mother's constant nagging. "My plan didn't go as planned, but you also have to try on your own part," Greta spewed angrily, disgust written all over her face, as she grabbed the glass of whiskey beside her."Mum, I'm just 23, and marriage is the last thing on my mind at the moment. Why don't you make Delaney marry him instead? I am sure she wouldn't mind," Laura responded with an eye roll."Shut your trap! I never want to hear that from you again! How dare you mention that filthy tramp to my ears? Have you gone nuts?" Greta fumed; her anger and hatred toward Delaney were evident in her eyes."What would you have me do, Mom? Huh?""You are a beautiful damsel. Just find a way already. Work something out. Your sister, Velda, did it, and now she
"Delaney Duncan..." The calm voice recited the name for the fourth time, running his fingers around the edges of the file containing her credentials which sat on his exotic executive table at his mercy. How interesting.It was another typical 'office' day for him as he busied himself with his schedules for the day. But when he encountered a worthy distraction, he quickly paused to pay attention to it.He smiled at the file he held in hand, satisfaction easing through him. He hadn't lost her totally after all. In fact, he would see her more often than she'd ever imagined because she would get the job she'd applied for on a platter of gold.A wide smile played across his face one more time as he picked up the intercom. "Send an email to Delaney Duncan. She's the most qualified for the job. I'd like to have her interviewed personally. Schedule a meeting immediately." His monotone voice instructed his secretary before dropping the call without waiting for a response.'So, we meet again af
The morning sun cast a radiant glow in the small kitchen where Delaney hurriedly prepared breakfast for Blaine.Today felt different, unlike every other morning. There was a shift in the atmosphere, and it stemmed from Blaine's recent change in behavior. He had been kinder to her in the past two days. He's been happier, always talking about work and some promotions he'd been promised, and Delaney was delighted... At least, so she thought.The recent turn of events left her puzzled. Adonis possessed more than enough evidence to condemn Blaine to a lifetime behind bars, yet he seemed to be treating him well, promising promotions and a salary increase. It simply didn't make sense. "Murphy's law... If your attack is going too well, it means you've walked into an ambush.""What is he up to?" Delaney pondered, arranging the table for breakfast."Hey, babe," Blaine called out, approaching her. "Something smells amazing," he teased, eagerly settling into his seat, ready to devour the meal."O
Delaney hesitated to answer the call when Kaiden had called, but now she was glad she did. He found a way to make her smile after all the drama that had ensued.“He texted me some minutes ago. Adonis must have forgotten that we are birds of the same feathers,” he chucked darkly.“For my sake, Kaiden, just let him be. Pay no attention to him. I’ll talk to him about our trip when he’s calm. Okay?” She pleaded. “I am sorry this had to happen. It’s all because of me.” Sadness laced her voice.Delaney had been blaming everything on herself. Maybe she should have ensured she reached Adonis before embarking on the trip.“Don’t say that, pretty. I don’t want you taking the blame.” He was so calm and collected that it surprised her.A few minutes later, Kaiden was already making her giggle like a high school teenager. She drew in a deep breath as she was already beginning to forget all that had happened some moments ago.*Adonis screeched his car to a stop with such force that the tires left
The afternoon sun was low in the sky, making the upscale neighbourhood where Delaney lived look golden. Adonis had been waiting impatiently in the shadows, every nerve in his body on high alert. The sight of Kaiden’s sleek black car pulling up in front of Delaney’s building was all the provocation he needed. His heart raced, consumed by a potent mix of jealousy, rage, and possessiveness.Every muscle in Adonis’s body tensed up. The pent-up anger, jealousy, and anxiety from the previous day now had a direct outlet, and he found himself taking quick steps downstairs before he even fully processed the decision. The door to Delaney’s front door flew open with a sharp bang, revealing a visibly agitated Adonis. He walked as fast as his legs could carry him, approaching Kaiden’s car.“What was Kaiden thinking to have stepped foot into this environment after all he did?” Adonis thought as his anger grew even worse.Kaiden, who was just stepping out of the driver’s seat, barely had time to
The morning light streamed in, casting a soft glow on the hotel room's luxurious interiors. Golden rays warmed the crisp white sheets of the bed, where Delaney slowly stirred from her slumber. The realization of the previous night's events came flooding her mind like a slowly developing photograph, revealing images and sensations that caused her heart to race. She felt a tinge of embarrassment.Blinking rapidly against the brightness of the room, she suddenly became aware of Kaiden's heavy gaze on her. She sat up immediately, brushing her disheveled hair off her face.Memories of their shared vulnerability, the unexpected kiss, the intertwining of fingers, the whispered moans; all these hung in the air like notes of a lingering melody.Delaney's heart fluttered with a mix of anxiety and an unfamiliar warmth. She could feel the flush creeping up her neck, tinting her cheeks like a soft rose. She swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper when she finally spoke, "Kaiden..." She mutte
"I need to make a call... Let me have my phone, please." Delaney, in her drunk state, said to Kaiden, who prevented her from taking her phone. Delaney, who was usually so composed and assured, was a different person tonight. The alcohol, which she had taken to calm her nerves, had taken a greater hold on her than she'd expected. It had loosened her inhibitions, causing a vulnerability to shine through that Kaiden had never seen before. Her emotions were raw and at the surface."You can call him tomorrow, Delaney. You are in no state to make calls at the moment." He said, concern etched on his face.He instantly regretted letting her have that much to drink. She had said a lot of things in her drunken state and it got him so emotional. Kaiden realised Delaney had been through a lot of shit and he wished above all things that he could be given the opportunity to take care of her.Kaiden knew his friend, Adonis. He knew Adonis could never change. He was so certain Adonis would break Del
On his way home, Adonis couldn't stop himself from feeling worried. He kept calling Delaney, but he still got no response from her. He felt uneasy.His sleek car pulled up to the entrance of Delaney's lavish residence, a modern structure with expansive, sweeping windows that contrasted the aged oaks and well-manicured gardens surrounding it.As soon as the car came to a stop in the large compound, he was greeted by the security personnel whom he had kept to mount the gate - a broad-shouldered man named Jared.The two had exchanged pleasantries several times in the past, but tonight, Adonis's demeanor was different—focused, with an underlying urgency.He had totally forgotten to call Jared earlier to ask after Delaney. He would have been in the best position to tell him what was going on."Good day, sir." Jared, the security personnel, greeted him.He couldn't fight the urge to ask after her, even though he could just walk into the house and find out."Jared," He turned towards him, "h
The room was dim and heavy with the sad smell of air that hadn't been refreshed and sheets that hadn't been cleaned.The curtains were only partly open, trying to block out the brightness of the world and making the room look slightly bluish.There were empty containers of food and crumpled tissues scattered on the floor. In the middle of the room, under a messy blanket, Blaine lay almost lifeless. He looked nothing like the man he used to be. The thought of Delaney hunted him.A sharp knock on the door jolted him out of his reverie. His heartbeat quickened. Was it Delaney? He hurried downstairs like his life depended on it and opened the door without hesitation. His heart sank when he laid his eyes on the figure in front of him."Mum? What are you doing here?" He asked frustratedly."I decided to come see you since you swore never to pick my calls." Tamara's sharp eyes took in his disheveled appearance and the state of the apartment when she walked in. She shook her head in utter di
Delaney tossed restlessly on the large bed, as her puffy eyes flickered open, staring weakly at the sun rays that filtered into the room. It was already midday. She was in no mood for work that day. She had to call in sick. She hoped Kaiden understood with her. He wasn't exactly happy about it. With a pair of sore eyes that had spilled out more tears than she could ever imagine she had, she wiped off her tear-stain eyes and made her way to the bathroom.Delaney had spent two nights crying. She thought this was supposed to make her feel less guilty about her affair with Adonis, but it hurt her instead. It hurt to know that Velda had been the other woman all along.Her phone beeped, and she took a glance at it. It was Blaine. He'd been calling and texting since the other night. He can go fuck himself.As soon as she was done from the bathroom, she laid back down on the bed. Today was all about mourning her life.Suddenly, her phone lit up again, and this time, she was determined to pi
"I didn't mean to make you feel this way. But I felt you had to know the truth, Dela." Adonis said, feeling remorseful when he saw how miserable Delaney looked."I know I am not a saint, Adonis. But... My sins weren't this bad. I loved Blaine with my whole heart." She sniffed. "He did this to me, even when he knows all I've been through at the hands of that lady and her mother.""What do you mean, Delaney?" Adonis got interested in the conversation. He moved closer to her, paying rapt attention to what she had to say."Velda is my stepsister, Adonis." More tears streamed down her face. "I have been through torture from my supposed family." She choked on her tears.Adonis was speechless. "Shhhhh..." He pulled her to himself. "You can talk to me about it some other time if you don't feel okay talking about it now." He encouraged her.Delaney was in no state to tell the story of her life. She was in shock and pain. Adonis felt his heart shatter. This explains it all. It explains the sadn
It was already getting late, and Blaine's worry was reaching another level. It was almost 10 pm, and Delaney was still not home, nor was she reachable.He considered so many possibilities. Was she safe? Had she finally left him? He felt like he was going insane. The thought of calling the police crossed his mind, but it was too early to report her as a missing person.He didn't even know how to start looking for her at a friend's place or anywhere else. He didn't know any of her acquaintances. He had neglected her that much and now felt sad so about it.Suddenly, he remembered she'd mentioned making a new friend at work. That could have been a lead to finding her, but he didn't know anything about this new friend of hers. Shit!As he paced around the living room, his phone lit up on the glass table at the center of the room, and he quickly picked it up.His eyes scanned the content of the text he had just received. He had hoped it was from Delaney, but he was wrong. It was from Velda.