She pops into my mind out of nowhere and I groan when my body reacts before I even know it. I can't understand why she has this effect on me even though I didn't even get to see her face.
There's one thing to do. I grab the iPad on my desk and start typing on it.
Famous café with the hot girl. I don't even know what I'm doing at this point but I'm so damn curious about who this woman is and it's killing me.
I slide my finger on the iPad and through the G****e results until one photo appears and the corner of my lips lifts up. There you are.
There's a picture of her in her motorcycle and Keith's words replay in my mind. I haven't even met her yet I can recognize her.
Looking at the iPad's screen, I find myself too immersed in this. Her hair is long and black, bringing out her blue eyes. She looks unique and exotic, perhaps that's why people recognize her easily.
I can't believe I'm admitting a woman is beautiful, gorgeous even, but she is one to praise.
"Keith," I click on his number on my phone and call him. "Get me some coffee."
"Oh." I know he understands what I mean so there's no need for any explanation. "Right away."
Ending the call, I stare at the CCTV outside of the building and wait for the motorcycle to park there. I have to say that she managed to attract all my attention because I'm forgetting about all the stressful work and the anxiety I'm feeling.
Maybe she'd be of any help to keep me distracted, who knows?
I watch her while she makes her way inside the building, her head turning left and right as if she's lost. She reminds me of myself and how I felt out of place the first time I came here.
I run my fingers through my hair, brushing off my thoughts and memories with it. And a few minutes later, I hear her knocking on the door.
"Come in." I say with my best voice before I clear my throat and look back at the iPad as if I have so much work and I'm busy. Well, I do, but there are more important matters now. And it's the woman standing in front of me.
I glance at her and she's just staring at me with surprise. Of course, anyone who sees me in real life is expected to be shocked even. I look better in person, the cameras don't do me justice.
"You must like what you see." I hear myself say and I mentally roll my eyes at myself.
She snaps of her trance and steps forward as I look her up and down. "Excuse me, here's your order." She says and places the drinks on my desk. I reach for one and put the straw inside, feeling my dick tingle. Her eyes on me make my skin heat up for some reason and I find myself staring at her while I'm about to taste her coffee.
"Sit down." I don't intend for it to sound this demanding but before I know it, she's sitting down on the chair in front of me. Interesting. "That drink is yours."
I watch her as she frowns and stares at me in confusion. "I'm sorry, but I'll have to decline." What? Now that's not what I expected. I mean, Zayne Laurier gets you coffee and you refuse? Who the fuck are you?
"As you like." My blood is boiling because no one turns me down, I do. Women are craving to spend one second with me and I went out of my way to get her here and spend time with her only to get this?
I'm frustrated, but the moment I taste the coffee, I feel all the frustration and stress rush out of my body. The taste is exquisite for some reason, and I can't help but want to drink more. But not with her here.
"Why does this taste like shit?" I love it when she's taken off guard while she looks back at me with a raised eyebrow. Her hands form tight fists and I smile. "You made this?"
"Yes."
I feel the corner of my lip go up. "I was told there's a hot girl who works at that café and who makes impressing coffee but I guess that's not you." So many lies it's hard to even convince myself, but I'd never I've her the impression that I like anything about her.
She's no one special, just a hot body that I want to bend over my desk and fuck. But she makes me want more.
"I'm sorry, but this is the coffee we provide for all our customers. If you have any complaints, feel free to contact our boss or come by to meet him." I hear her say and I scoff. It's bold of her to assume I'd want to go to such a lowly place.
"Why? Do you wish to see me again?" I watch her while she rolls her eyes and stands up, putting her hands on my desk as she leans forward. Her eyes are mesmerizing and so blue that they make you drown in them.
"I don't expect you to come yourself, because apparently, you can't even make a proper phone call to make an order so you make people do it for you." Her words strike a nerve in me. She doesn't know anything about me, so how can she run her mouth as she likes?
No one knows me and no one will know what I went through to be where I am today. This woman right in front of me is no exception.
I dart my eyes to her chest and I feel my breath hitch. She's so fucking hot, I can't help but feel myself want to touch her all over and make her moan my name.
"Are you trying to seduce me?"
I watch her as she straightens her posture and open her mouth over and over again, flustered. The red that creeps to her cheeks make her hotter and more attractive than she already is. Shit, I want to fuck her so bad.
"What- who's seducing who?" Her eyes are wide open and I just shrug. "You're wasting my time, I need to go back to work."
"How much is the coffee?" It's not like I'm interested or whatever, but the coffee does taste so fucking good and I can't help but feel like shit for lying to myself.
"4 dollars." I hear her say and I look for some cash in my drawer. I rarely carry it but I keep it here in case I need it. When I find the one hundred dollar bill, I take it out and throw it at her. There you go, it's more than enough and it should tempt her to spend more time with me.
"You can keep the change."
She stares at it for a while and I stand up and make my way towards her. I bet she'll want more, people are always greedy and would do anything to have money and power the easy way.
But all I see is her grabbing it and putting it on my desk before I even have time to react. What the fuck? One moment she's glaring at me and the next one, she's walking to the door.
Before I know it, I hold her hand to stop her from going. "Let go of me." She turns and stares at me with glistening eyes and fuck my heart for racing inside my chest. For some reason, my eyes are glued on hers and I forget to breathe for a second.
Then I feel her grab my hand and yank it away, leaving me taken off guard. This can't be possible, she should have taken the money and asked for more. "Don't order from our café again, we don't want customers like you."
It's the first time I feel like a piece of shit when I stare at her leave the office, making me stand there for a solid minute without thinking straight.
I can still feel the warmth of her touch and my heart is still beating so fucking fast I have to take a deep breath to calm myself and my aching cock.
"Shit..." My head is pounding and the annoyance is building up and I can't help but sit back in sigh, one single name on my mind.
Myla Bright.
"Was he really that bad?" I hear Alex ask while I make coffee for the customers and I sigh heavily at the unwanted memories. I have decided to put them in the never-recall part of my mind but Alex is not helping."Yes, Alex. So bad I could have killed him right then." He just laughs at my response and then stares at me with concern. "No, he didn't do anything.""Myla, tell me." I stop and turn to him, my lips forming into a straight line."Where do I even start? He was expecting me to suck his cock or whatever because it looked like that's why he called me there. Next time they order, you go." I point to his chest and his eyes widen."No. I don't want to get fucked." He laughs and I roll my eyes at him. "On a serious note, that's expected from someone like him. I mean probably everyone wants to sleep with him for both his looks and his wealth. He must be used to it.""Yeah, but not me. I didn't expect him to be such a dick but-" I stop for a second while holding the two drinks in my h
We slowly pull away from each other while I think about what the fuck just happened. All I remember before my desire took over me is the fact that I just wanted to make her shut up. And the only way I could think about is kissing her. Way to go, Zayne.She's looking at me like I'm some maniac before she wipes her swollen lips as if she's disgusted by me. That's not the reaction I was expecting. Women love kissing me, and I doubt I'm a bad kisser. Now she even makes me doubt my kissing skills?"You talk a lot." I know it's a lame excuse but that's all I can manage to say. She really makes me go speechless. There are cameras in the place and I just hope she doesn't report me for assault because the look on her face is not one of satisfaction."What is wrong with you?" Her eyebrows are furrowed and I watch as she licks her lips, making my eyes widen. "Do you go around kissing people to shut them up?""No, but it's definitely a good strategy for dealing with people who never shut up." She
The car that stops in front of us is the same one that was parked near the café some time ago and I scoff, turning to Zayne. "I see you were stalking me.""I wouldn't call it stalking. I was waiting for the café to close."I stop in my tracks and put my hands on my hips as I frown. "You've been planning on taking me out since the start?""I say it wasn't spontaneous." I hear him say while he opens the door for me to get inside. I hesitate for a second because he's still a total stranger and I'm trusting him not to kidnap me. "I won't-""Hello!" Zayne is interrupted by the sudden voice inside and I look at the driver who happens to be a familiar face. I feel myself smiling when I remember him from the café. He's one of the kindest and sweetest customers I can ever forget."Oh? You're Zayne's driver?" He nods and smiles at me and I feel at ease. With him around, I doubt Zayne would do anything wrong. "You're Zayne's guest?" It's my turn to nod and his eyes widen as they dart to Zayne.
I have always been drawn to the classic and timeless look of black dresses on women. There is something undeniably captivating about the way a black dress can accentuate their body curves while also highlighting their beauty and confidence. So, when Myla steps in front of me with the black slit dress on, I scream inside. I feel my eyes widen and my heart beat faster than ever when my eyes travel from her upper body to her leg and thigh. Whoever chose her dress is a fucking genius and I owe them one. The simple, yet elegant design draws attention to her every move and I let out a heavy breath, feeling myself getting hot. The way the fabric moves with her and the way the light dances off it are so fucking attractive that she drives me crazy. "Your men are waiting in the lobby," Keith informs and I nod, directing my gaze to Myla who's sitting silently by my side. She's still wearing my jacket and her hair is in a low bun that matches the black dress. Although it slightly hides her fac
Fuck Zayne Laurier. Now I hate him to the core.After what happened and after I got out of his car, I make my way back to the café and change from that fucking dress to my clothes. I put it back in the bag along with the jewelry and mentally remind myself that I have to give it back to him, which I'm already dreading.It was never mine and it will never be. I would never keep anything that fucker buys. I can't understand why I'm so frustrated or why I expected him to be nice when he was the worst asshole I've ever met since I first met him. It was all too good to be true, he would always spend time with women and toss them away like we were some worthless junk he didn't care about.I refuse to be like that, I'm worth more than all the wealth or power he has. Riding my motorcycle back home, I park it in front of the house and step inside while I look for my mother in the living room. "Myla? You're home?" Her voice feels like a warm blanket around my shivering body. "Hey, mom." She's
Evelyn and I are all over the news and I can't help but feel relieved they didn't get any of what happened with Myla. It's not even about me, I'm used to scandals and rumors. I just don't want her to be harassed by paparazzi and crazy people.She didn't sign up for that when we first met and I'm not planning on exposing her to millions of people who would only be a pain in her ass. "Mr. Laurier," Kevin, one of the employees, speaks from outside and I tell him to come in. "Excuse me, here are the papers you asked for.""Thank you. You may go back to work." I dismiss him and look at the stack of papers that he put on the desk. As much as I want to complain about the amount of shit I have to do, I have to work in order to keep my position and distract myself from thinking about Myla.I review some strategies and make a few changes when needed, all while thinking about not thinking about Myla. I hate when something is distracting me and I hate when I don't get what I want right away.And
What the fuck, Myla? I step out of Zayne's office with a fucking smile on my face and weak knees because the way he looks at me makes me forget to breathe. When I tell myself that I have to push him away as much as possible, I find myself getting more attracted to him. Memories of last night's dream are still haunting me and deep down, I want him to pin me against the wall or grab me by the chin and make me look at him. I say I won't let a man touch me or demand anything from me but Zayne Laurier is an exception my fantasies might be concerning but a woman like me can only dream about someone like him. Is he attractive and so fucking hot? Yes. But, is he a fucking asshole that frustrates the shit out of me? Also yes. So I'm confused between wanting to kiss him or wanting to kill him. A date with him in his place seems like a bad idea but I'm still going to go if he makes an effort. If he's late just a single minute, I'm canceling the date. Although, deep down I'm telling myself t
The feeling of Myla's lips against my cheek sends me to a whole other world. Somehow, I've never been kissed on the cheek. But for a moment, I'm reminded of when my mother used to kiss me on the cheek and tell me that everything would be okay and that I was the best son she'd ever ask for. I don't know why I'm thinking about the past when I don't even want to recall it. The last thing I want is to let Myla read through me like an open book so I smile and rest my hand on her waist, pulling her closer. "Your service is truly excellent. I only told the truth." Yeah, well. I don't go around saying things even if they're true but I somehow wanted to do something that would make me seem a little bit less of a dickhead. "Okay, that might get me a raise so thank you. I mean it." The smile on her lips and eyes makes me somehow feel at ease and I feel the corner of my lips going up. "Come on." I lead her to the car, opening the door for her before she gets inside. The way the black fabric
"Pretty, do you have to meet him?" Zayne wraps his arms around me as I look in the mirror and I can see how worried he is. "I mean it makes sense the two of you should talk things out, after all, but I don't know. I just want you to be safe.""I don't think Alex would ever think of hurting me." I wince. "At least not physically.""Emotional pain can be as damaging, Myla." His voice is so soft as he pulls me closer, his warmth enveloping me. "I can't help but worry about what it might do to you."I turn to face him, cupping his face in my hands. "We both need to have this conversation. I need to understand things and he needs a chance to at least try and explain himself. It's been eating at me for a while." I'd like to have a conversation with Alex because deep down, I'm still hoping that he wasn't entirely pretending to be my best friend. Because I know that at some point, he genuinely cared about me. Zayne's eyes soften, and he gently intertwines his fingers with mine. "I know. I kn
Myla is back home. After the sleepless nights with her by my side, she's finally back home, where she belongs. It feels as though the world had regained its vibrant colors, and the weight of my worries lifted from my weary shoulders. Holding her in my arms, I can feel the gentle rise and fall of her breath, the steady rhythm that assures me she is indeed real and not a figment of my imagination. The scent of her hair, the familiar touch of her hand on my cheek, it all makes me feel as if all the pieces of my scattered world had finally found their rightful place. And I'm complete. We spent the whole morning making love. I'd call it fucking but it'd sound crude and devoid of everything we felt in those intimate moments. I kissed her waist and traced my fingertips along the curve of her spine, savoring the goosebumps that appeared in response to my touch. I made sure she knew how devoted I was to her, how her presence in my life had turned me into a better version of myself, how deepl
I stand in front of the house as I take a deep breath, calming down my racing heart. When I step inside, there's no sign of life. The kitchen is in pristine order, as if untouched for days. The place is very quiet and Keith's words hit me hard. He was right. I wonder if Zayne is alright. Our bedroom door is closed and I slowly approach it, my hand trembling as I reach for the doorknob. The laughter, the arguments, the stolen kisses in this very room feel like a distant dream when the door creaks and I catch a glimpse of Zayne huddled on the bed, his face buried in his hands. My heart sinks, and I rush to his side, kneeling down to meet his gaze. "Zayne," I whisper, my voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?" He looks up at me, his eyes so red and filled with pain. He looks at me for a moment, taking in my sudden presence and it breaks my heart to see him like this. He tries to speak, but his voice catches in his throat as he wraps his arms around me as if clinging to the last shre
I spent the past few days locked in my room, the blanket over my body not able to provide the warmth I desperately wish for. Time seems to stand still as I gaze at the world through my window, my eyes tracing the distant horizon. It carries on with its usual rhythm, laughter drifting in from a distance, mingling with the sound of passing cars and chirping birds. But in my room, I'm trapped. Zayne had been calling and texting but I had been unable to bring myself to answer. Although I miss him so much I find myself overwhelmed with emptiness, I don't think I'm ready to face anyone, actually. The thought of trusting someone is disturbed by the thought of them deceiving me, and I find myself questioning if this pain is worth the risk. Zayne said he wanted to protect me. Mom said she wanted to protect me. But all they did was make me feel suffocated as if I were a fragile bird trapped in a cage. I sigh and stand up from my bed, walking out of my room when I stop in front of the mirror
She's not home. When I can't find her anywhere, my heart sinks into a deep well of worry. I quickly grab my phone, trembling fingers fumbling to dial her number. Each ring feels like an eternity as I anxiously wait for her to pick up, but there's no answer, only the cold, impersonal voicemail greeting. I stand in the middle of the empty living room, my footsteps echoing in the silence as if mocking my growing unease. I never wanted to imagine a situation like this. I never wanted to hurt her. The thought of losing her make my breath catch in my throat. Guilt floods over me, adding to the worry that grips my heart. I figure she's back home with her mother so I call her, and when she answers, I feel a flicker of hope ignite within me. She says Myla is home and I let out a shaky sigh of relief, feeling the tension release from my body. Instinctively, I take my car and drive to her house because her mere presence can bring me to life again. But I know what awaits me and it breaks my hear
I stand at the door, staring at Zayne as he presses a knife to Alex's neck, not really sure if I want him dead or not. I thought our movie might end with us being friends again if we tried enough, but the ending credits are rolling and my heart sinks to the deepest pit of my stomach when the realization hits me. Alex was never my best friend. My whole life had been a lie. The people I once cherished, who I believed would always be there for me, had proven to be the very ones who would bring me to the edge of my own destruction. Mom, Alex, and now Zayne. "Myla... I-" His voice trails off as he tries to find the right words, but his actions have already spoken volumes. He lets go of the knife and it clatters to the ground as I take a step back, wrapping my arms around myself because I'm the only one I can trust now. I'm the only one who can protect myself now. "Is it true?" It feels as if I was separated from my body, and now I'm watching her almost from a distance. My whole body is
I stare at the video recordings playing on my laptop, blood boiling in my veins. My fists are so tight my knuckles are pale and strained. The thought of her fragile heart shattering into a million pieces makes me want to break Alex's face. Watching the recording feels like a knife twisting in my gut. I asked Keith some time ago to find out why I didn't get Myla's job application and here I am watching someone hand it to Alex in the parking garage with a bag I assume filled with stacks of cash. My mind is filled with unanswered questions about who the man is and why is Alex involved in this. I can't brush off how shady all of this is because the next thing I watch is another recording of Alex crumbling the papers before he threw them in a nearby trash can and got on top of Myla's motorcycle, driving away as if he had just committed the perfect crime. The sight of him callously destroying Myla's application makes me rage. I remember her telling me about how she had been hopeful that
Alex was my best friend. He's the kind of person to remind you of oversized flannels, baggy jeans, and messy hair. I loved that about him, he was effortlessly cool and the sweetest guy you'll ever meet. He had the ability to make me feel seen and he'd go out of his way to brighten my day whether that be cracking a joke about how he looked like he just rolled out of bed or surprising me with my favorite treat when I least expected it.He felt like adventure and freedom rolled into one. He was hungry for the unknown and new experiences. While others hurried through life, Alex would pause to appreciate the way the sunlight filtered through the trees or the sound of rain on a rooftop. He taught me to slow down. Yet here I am, racing through our memories together while standing across from him. His humor was like a ray of sunshine, brightening my world and reminding me not to take life too seriously. But now it feels like he's sucking his teeth into me, bleeding me dry of everything I onc
Seeing Zayne be happy and comfortable with himself brings me joy that I can't put into words. A weight had been lifted off both our shoulders and now we can love each other better. We're sitting in the meeting room waiting for the others to arrive, and he brushes a strand of hair off my face. His touch is gentle and the smile he gives me makes me melt. "Your eyes are beautiful." He whispers softly and his words sink into my heart, igniting a flame of affection and desire. I playfully bat my eyelashes at Zayne, feigning surprise. "Oh really? Well, I guess I'll have to start charging admission for people to gaze into them." "I would bankrupt myself a thousand times over just to have the privilege," His words send a shiver down my spine, and butterflies take flight in the depths of my stomach. "If the world knew the depth of beauty that lies within your eyes, they would willingly give up everything they own just for a fleeting glimpse." "Were you always this good at flirting? You're