After breakfast, I hurried upstairs to shower quickly before rejoining Andra. I slipped into a yellow sundress that ended mid-thigh and grabbed a pair of sunglasses—hardly the attire of a married woman, but then again, I was still a virgin, so it didn’t count. When I came back downstairs, Andra and I stepped outside and into her car. The drive to Chelsea felt like a slow descent into memory. The streets, wide and alive, pulsed with the energy of a neighborhood caught between its artistic roots and creeping affluence. Rows of red-brick townhouses stood tall and proud, their facades softened by ivy crawling up the sides, whispering of a past that refused to be erased. Gallery windows shimmered with abstract paintings, and boutique cafés spilled warm laughter onto the sidewalks, their tiny round tables crowded with people who had nowhere to be but everywhere to talk. But for me, Chelsea wasn’t the art or the boutiques—it was home. Andra drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, steal
The door opened, and I heard the smooth lilt of a woman’s voice before I saw her."Layden," she purred, her tone carrying the easy confidence of someone who knew she was welcome.Layden chuckled, his voice lighter than it had been with me all day. "Cassidy, come in."Then she stepped inside and everything about her set me on edge.She was tall—statuesque, even—with cascading blonde waves that framed a face too perfect to be real. Her scarlet dress clung to her curves like it had been painted on, dipping scandalously low in the front and ending dangerously high on her toned thighs. She smelled of something expensive, a floral perfume that carried through the air, seeping into my space as she glided toward me.Her eyes—striking blue, like shards of ice—swept over me, assessing, measuring. Then, she smiled, slow and knowing and extended a perfectly manicured hand."You must be Janice."I wiped my palms against my dress before taking it. Her grip was firm, lingering a beat too long."And
He noticed my silence and smiled, the kind of smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, it’s just work, babe. You know how it is." I wasn’t sure how to respond. My stomach churned as I forced myself to stay calm. The fact that Cassidy was staying the night, and he’d failed to mention it until now, stung. It’s just work, he said. But it didn’t feel like just work. Cassidy, oblivious to the growing tension, smiled brightly at me. "Don’t worry, Janice. It’ll be fun. We’ll keep it quiet, won’t we, Layden?" I clenched my fists at my sides, struggling to keep my composure. I didn’t want to make a scene—didn’t want to show just how hurt and betrayed I felt. But the thought of her here all night, so close to Layden, made my skin crawl. Layden caught my eye again, but this time his expression softened. "Jan, it’s really nothing to worry about," he said, his voice almost coaxing. Nothing to worry about? I could feel my frustration bubbling up, but I pushed it down, swallowing the bitte
The door opened immediately after they left, and I paused. Could that be Lay? Was he coming back for me? My heart leapt at the thought. He was way too in love with me to leave me like this, wasn’t he? I jumped to my feet, hastily wiping my tears, only to be met with Andra’s voice. “Girl, your husband is fineeeeee!” she called out, her tone teasing as she stepped inside. She tossed her purse onto the couch and made her way to the kitchen, her heels clicking against the floor. “And is it just me, or did Lay look different this morning? I bet marriage sex hits different,” she added with a chuckle, her laughter filling the room. But her laughter faded as she took in the sight of me—the broken glasses on the floor, the spilled juice staining the carpet, and me, standing there with red, puffy eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. “OMG, are you okay?” she asked, her expression softening as she carefully stepped around the broken glass to get to me. I shook my head, unable to respond, fresh tea
The afternoon melted away in a haze of snacks, laughter, and the soft glow of the TV. The heaviness in my chest, which had been my constant companion for weeks, began to loosen its grip, thread by thread. I lay sprawled across Andra’s lap, my head resting on her thighs as her fingers idly twisted through my hair, her nails grazing my scalp in a rhythm that felt like a lullaby.She took a sip of her wine, her lips curling into a smile as she hummed along with the movie’s soundtrack. “You know,” she said, her voice light but deliberate, “I think you should let me style your hair tonight. Something bold. Something that says, ‘I’m not just Jan anymore. I’m Jan, the goddess of bad decisions and good wine.’”I snorted, tilting my head to look up at her. “As long as ‘bad decisions’ don’t involve scissors, I’m in.”Andra gasped, clutching her wine glass like a scandalized Victorian lady. “Scissors? Darling, I would never. But a little volume, a little drama—oh, Jan, you’re going to make Lay r
"Seriously, stop fussing with your robe. It's starting to get annoying," Andra said, swatting my hands away from the gray robe I was nervously clutching. I had been scrunching it tighter around my body, as if it could shield me from whatever madness she had dragged me into this time.I glanced at her, my eyes narrowing. She was wearing the same robe, but somehow, she made it look like high fashion. Her black heels clicked confidently against the floor, her hair styled in a sleek high ponytail, and her brown eyes gleaming with determination. She looked stunning, as usual, while I felt like a lost puppy trailing behind her."Where are we?" I muttered, my voice barely audible over the sound of our footsteps echoing in the dimly lit underground passage. I had no idea where we were headed, but the two burly men following us—who looked like they’d been plucked straight out of a mob movie—didn’t exactly ease my nerves."We’re almost there," Andra cooed, grabbing my hand and pulling me along.
The bell rang loudly, a sharp chime cutting through the thumping bass—a signal that our time was up. I sighed, disappointed, my fingers reluctantly slipping from the pole as reality crashed back in. He didn't come out. I had felt his eyes on me, scorching, unrelenting. I had danced for him, dared him to reveal himself. But now, as I scanned the club one last time, all I saw were faceless men, eyes filled with lust but none carrying that dark, possessive intensity. Had I imagined it? Before I could dwell on it, Andra came barreling toward me, her heels clicking against the floor. "Girl!" she squealed, throwing her arms around me. "You were on fire! And guess what?" She pulled back, her grin wide with excitement. "You've been booked for a private show." My stomach flipped. A private show. "Oh," I muttered, realization hitting me like a slap. I had completely forgotten that Andra had signed us up for private shows. A sharp pang of guilt twisted in my chest. My eyes drifted to th
My fingers moved to unbutton his shirt as he deepened the kiss, his lips skillful, intoxicating. He followed my lead, shrugging off the fabric, and my breath hitched as I took in the sight of him-his chiseled chest, his sculpted abs, the ink marking his skin in a way that screamed dominance.A moan escaped me as his mouth found my neck, sucking hard enough to leave a mark.My hands trembled as I reached for his belt, my movements clumsy with need. His arousal pressed against my stomach, thick and insistent, but before I could go further, his hands caught mine mid-motion.He pulled away slightly, his breath warm against my ear. His gray eyes, now dark with lust, held me captive."You're not ready yet, mon chéri," he murmured, his deep French accent thick with want.My pulse skittered."Tonight, let me worship you."His hand slipped between my thighs, My breath hitched as he pushed it aside, the pads of his fingers gliding through my slick folds."You're dripping for me.""Please," I wh
I pushed into one of the stalls, closing the door behind me as I heard the soft shuffle of footsteps in the restroom. My breath hitched, my body stiffening instinctively.I couldn't let anyone see me like this.Not Layla. Not some stranger.Not even Icarus.Especially not Icarus.I pressed a hand over my mouth, swallowing down the emotions threatening to spill over. The tightness in my chest was unbearable, but I forced myself to stay silent, to breathe through it.Just a few minutes.Just long enough to pull myself together. Then I'd walk out of here like nothing had happened.The restroom door banged open, laughter spilling in like a cruel, creeping poison. I barely had time to stifle my breath before the voices followed."God, I still can't believe it," one of them sneered, her voice sharp, slicing through the quiet like a blade. "I mean, we knew she was shameless, but this? She's an actual slut."“Not even a high-class one,” another voice chimed in, dripping with mockery. “I mean,
"Padrino, ho trovato qualcosa su—(God father I found something about—)"Alessio."Oi, serpente, stai buono. Sto sistemando la tua regina, (Oi, snake, stay put. I'm handling your queen.)" Icarus said, his voice steady yet unfazed.Alessio froze mid-step. His breath hitched, his entire body going rigid as if something unseen had just wrapped around his throat. Then, as if on instinct, he took a step back."Pardonimi (Forgive me)" His voice wavered slightly.What just happened? What had Icarus say? And how had he known Alessio was coming—had he heard his footsteps, felt his presence before the door even opened?The weight of my situation crashed over me. I was naked. Two men in the house.Heat flooded my face as Icarus moved, his broad frame still a barrier between me and Alessio's gaze. Without looking away, he reached down, fingers finding the towel on the floor. His chest brushed mine as he pulled me with him, the contact sending a dizzying pulse through me—whether from the wine or th
The hum of the engine filled the silence between us. City lights flickered through the tinted windows, casting brief flashes across Alessio's face, but he remained unreadable. He drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on the gear shift, as if he hadn't just dropped a man to the pavement without so much as a second thought. My hands curled into fists in my lap. I was still breathing too fast, still feeling the phantom weight of Layden's grip on my wrist. Still hearing his voice, sharp and venomous, curling around my mind like smoke. Alessio didn't look at me, but I knew he was aware. He had been watching me all night. Hell, he was probably watching me now, even without turning his head. I forced my voice to steady. "You didn't have to do that." His fingers flexed against the wheel, but he didn't respond right away. Then, with quiet finality, he said, "Yes, I did." I let out a breath, leaning back against the seat. The scent of leather and something subtly spic
I took a deep breath, finally allowing myself to settle in. I wasn’t going to keep waiting for Icarus to arrive. Waiting would mean I had a thing for him—which I absolutely did not.Or you’re just lying to yourself, my subconscious taunted.I ignored it.Lying back on the bed, I stared at the ceiling. The room was silent, pressing in around me. It was unfamiliar yet oddly soothing. Maybe I should start getting used to it—after all, this was home now.My gaze drifted to the suitcase on the floor. Lupe had brought the rest of my bags earlier, stacking them neatly in the corner. I knew I should start unpacking, but the idea of a hot shower was far more appealing. A quiet thrill stirred in me, a flicker of curiosity I couldn’t ignore.I stood, gently undressed, and made my way into the bathroom.It was stunning—simple yet elegant. Soft white tiles stretched from floor to ceiling, reflecting the warm glow of recessed lighting. A deep soaking tub sat against one wall, next to a sleek glass
I left work early—per Icarus’ instructions, of course. A few minutes after I walked out of his office, he sent Layla to deliver the message.And I quote: "Tell Ms. Janice she’s excused for the rest of the day so she can get her things in order."The audacity.It was just a move-in, not a life-altering event. It wasn’t like we’d be sharing the same bed.Still, the whole situation felt entirely too personal for my liking. I wasn’t thrilled about it, but there was no point in dragging my feet. I’d pack my things, get this over with, and remind myself—this was strictly professional. Nothing more.It couldn't be that bad, I tried to convince myself—but I knew better. My mind drifted back—to the time we were assigned as project partners in college. We spent almost every moment together, and somehow, those moments always ended in stolen kisses and tangled limbs. I jammed the key into the door, twisting it in frustration before pushing it open. Icarus had said the driver would arrive by 5pm
The blaring alarm jolted me awake. A quick glance at the clock—just past six. Andra was probably already getting ready for work.I wasted no time, jumping into the shower and brushing my teeth. For a brief moment, I considered leaving my hair in its natural state, but one look in the mirror confirmed that was a terrible idea. With a sigh, I stretched, then gathered my hair into a messy bun, letting a few strands frame my face. A touch of makeup later, and I looked somewhat presentable.My gaze flickered to the shopping bags still sprawled on the floor as I contemplated what to wear. Rummaging through them, I finally settled on coffee-brown pants and a dark brown bodysuit, pairing them with simple blue-lens glasses. Satisfied with my reflection, I grabbed my laptop, phone, an extra copy of the divorce papers, and my new office bag from yesterday’s chaotic shopping spree.Black flats. Silver accessories. An eternity necklace, matching earrings, and a bracelet.Just as I was about to hea
After the call with Icarus, I sat there for a moment, staring at my phone like it had personally offended me. Andra, still buzzing from whatever that conversation was, flopped onto the couch with an exaggerated sigh."Alright, Miss Special-Assistant, what are we eating?"I rolled my eyes, setting my phone down. "I don't know, you pick.""Say less." She grabbed her phone, scrolling through the takeout options. "Burgers or Chinese?""Chinese," I said absentmindedly, my thoughts still spinning."Good choice," she nodded, placing the order before tossing her phone onto the couch. "So, you gonna tell your parents about your new fancy job?"I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, I guess I should."I dialed my mom’s number. She answered on the second ring, her voice warm and familiar. "Janice, baby! How are you?"I smiled, leaning back against the headboard. "I'm good, Mom."There was a pause, then her tone softened with concern. "Are you still having those dreams?"I hesitated, my
The door clicked shut behind me, but I still felt him on my skin.I exhaled slowly, adjusting my grip on my bag. The air outside his office was cooler, quieter, but no less heavy. Like stepping out of a storm only to realize I was still soaking wet.A sharp sound pulled me from my thoughts.Layla.She stood a few feet away, polished and composed, a folder in her outstretched hand. Her smile was professional—warm, but with an edge of unreadability that reminded me she worked for Icarus. That she had likely seen dozens of people walk out of that office before me, though perhaps not in my position."Welcome aboard," she said, handing me a folder."Thanks," I murmured, gripping it tighter than necessary.She didn’t waste time. "Come with me. I’ll show you around."Without waiting for a response, she turned briskly toward the elevators. I hesitated only for a second before following, matching her pace.We stepped inside, and she pressed a button."This building has ten floors and three ele
I hadn't even realized when the evening bled into night. One minute, we were unpacking, talking about Icarus; the next, we were laughing about that time we tried baking in college and nearly set my apartment on fire.Outside, the sky had darkened, swallowing the city whole"I think it's time we call it a day," Andra said, stretching at the doorway. "You'll probably feel better in the morning."I nodded, offering a small smile before pulling her into a life-threatening hug. "Good night."She snorted but squeezed me back before disappearing down the hall.Once she was gone, I turned to the mirror, catching sight of my reflection.I was still in the #breakuppackage pajamas from last night, looking an absolute mess. I can't believe I let Cassidy see me like this. My hair was still in a lopsided bun, stray curls escaping in every direction. I groan, running a hand down my face. A shower. I need a shower.I took my time under the warm water, letting it wash away the exhaustion clinging to m