The pain of your absence was constant. In the garden of the house, lying in the hammock, the book rested on my lap. A lot has changed since your letter ten months ago. I took over the publishing house with praise, and we prospered increasingly. The merger with Forbs was a success, and soon Celdric became one of the active CEOs in decision-making.Greg was my right-hand man, responsible for legal matters, security, and investigations. I couldn't believe it. Whenever I came home, I had the feeling that he would be there, waiting for me, with a glass of wine, half-naked, and his mischievous smile on his lips.“You are missed, Patrick.” I whispered, closing my eyes as the breeze caressed my face. I hadn't been able to read the book until that moment. It seemed that reading your last words would be a farewell I was never prepared to say.I hesitated for a while longer, then opened the book. In the dedication, my eyes filled with tears:“For Mrs. Eva, for having raised and loved the sweetes
POV: GREG“Are you sure you need to leave? You could stay with us, you're the best grumpy security guard,” said Elisabeth, her eyes sparkling with happiness.Seeing Elisabeth like this was a relief. Since Patrick's departure, she had buried herself in work, trying to avoid the pain of loss. The impact had been devastating. It wasn’t fair how the CEO told her about his illness, and even less how he left, leaving a void that was hard to fill.Everything changed the day my phone rang. Patrick Morgan had defied death. Against all odds, he had achieved remission, and his prognosis was surprisingly positive. He was getting better, almost miraculously. Excited, I rushed to get him and bring him back into our lives. I had sworn I lost my best friend and brother, and I felt aimless if it wasn’t for the constant presence of his apprentice, who kept me sane and focused.When I saw Patrick coming down from the jet, emotion overwhelmed me. I ran to him and hugged him tightly. “Patrick, you idiot!”
My heart raced as I walked towards CEO Patrik Morgan's office. My friend Mandy had inadvertently sent the file of my book to our boss, sparking his interest and putting me in a delicate situation. I feared that if it was discovered, we could lose our jobs, and there was a lot at stake.As an amateur writer playing the role of an executive secretary at Seattle's largest book publisher, this position represented a dream full of opportunities. However, I didn't feel ready to reveal the contents of my secret book. It was a different kind of romance, with an approach that intensely explored physical contact. The thought of my boss possibly reading that made me blush with every step.Standing in front of Patrik Morgan's door, I stopped, staring at the handle, trying to gather courage. The idea of grabbing my things and simply leaving, leaving everything behind, crossed my mind. However, as I bit my lip, I remembered the heavy bills from my writing course. A cold sweat ran down my forehead.
I glanced around quickly, aware that we were beyond the conventional boundaries of the office. The luxurious surroundings and soft lighting highlighted the tension of the moment even more. I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the situation, but a part of me also recognized a flicker of challenge ignited within.“I...” I began, hesitant, but his intense eyes silenced any words that might escape. I continued reading, diving back into the intense narrative that, somehow, now merged with our reality in that office committed to secrets and desires.His eyes sparkled with daring as I took out my notebook and opened my book. My skin blushed with shyness, and I bit my lip, feeling my boss's perceptive eyes examine every little detail of my reactions.“Mika entered the nightclub, determined to bury the wounds caused by an ex who had hurt her deeply. Inside, she encountered a promising young man willing to guide her through overcoming pain and fears. Pleasure then became her refuge." My voice
I didn't recognize my actions; desire guided the moment. He smiled, lifting my leg and keeping it pressed against his hip. His hand slid up my thighs, reaching my wet pants. With his finger, he caressed the fabric, teasing, tracing the edge of the lace, and pressing against my groin. My intimacy throbbed, craving his direct touch, but, strangely, he pulled away, gripping my neck and pressing me against the wall.“Do you feel all of this? This excitement, this need for touch, teasing, and desire for more?!” Patrik leaned close to my lips, running the tip of his tongue along my upper lip. “This is what readers desire—to feel the touches, even if only in their imagination; they want their minds to make their bodies yearn and pulse with excitement!”Then he let me go, stepping back and leaving me stunned in place.“What?” I asked, confused.“Write about this and present me with a better chapter by tomorrow after work. You will be trained by me every day until I feel you have met my expect
“Update me!” Patrik ordered, turning his attention to the car window, while I sat in front of him in the limousine, watching him closely.“Certainly. The meeting we have today is with a potential author, Phil Sam. His first works were launched digitally, and the client wants to expand to the physical format. Phil is an exceptional candidate, with fascinating writing and a creative mind. I believe that, with the guidance of your publishing house, we will have a significant discovery for the literary market!” I explained enthusiastically. Phil was a close friend who was gaining prominence in the digital world, and I didn't hesitate to help in this meeting.“That's not what I meant, Miss Lis.” Patrik turned his gaze back to me with a provocative smile on his lips. “Update me on your book. I couldn't finish reading the last chapter!”My eyes widened, I immediately felt the blush taking over my face, and my hands grew cold. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I stared at him:“We are on our
As we entered, Phil was waiting for us in the building's lobby, while all the employees watched our joint arrival, fueling unfounded rumors about a possible relationship due to our frequent overtime hours at the publishing house. However, I did not let these rumors affect me, as I was there with the clear goal of building my career, ignoring baseless gossip.The CEO headed straight to the meeting room without saying a word to the writer. I decided to stop in front of him.“Good morning, Mr. Phil. We apologize for the delay; we had a setback with the car.” I smiled politely, maintaining courtesy. “Could you please follow me here?”Phil responded provocatively, smiling.“So formal, Lis.” He teased. “I didn't know this side of you!”“Keep it down.” I stared at him, almost glaring. “Here, I'm Mrs. Elisabeth to you.”“Okay, okay, Miss!” He rolled his eyes and followed me. “Did he say anything about my book?”“That's not how Mr. Patrik operates.” I sighed.“And how does he operate? Any tips
The day unfolded in its usual manner, filled with activities that demanded my constant attention. I ran from one task to another, busy formalizing new contracts, scouting potential literary talents, analyzing works, reviewing development charts, and implementing training sessions, all while outlining the agenda for the day's closure and dictating how operations should be conducted.Every time I entered the CEO's office, I was met with his tired gaze, sighing with each new batch of documents for his signature. His day, much like mine, had been marked by an intense series of shareholder meetings, partnership negotiations, and interactions with the film industry, among other commitments.“These papers seem never-ending!” he grumbled, looking at the freshly delivered documents and signing them.“You should read them,” I replied, squinting.“Have you read and evaluated them?” Arching his eyebrows, Patrik turned to me. “Do you think I should sign?”“Well... I've read them all, but I don't t
POV: GREG“Are you sure you need to leave? You could stay with us, you're the best grumpy security guard,” said Elisabeth, her eyes sparkling with happiness.Seeing Elisabeth like this was a relief. Since Patrick's departure, she had buried herself in work, trying to avoid the pain of loss. The impact had been devastating. It wasn’t fair how the CEO told her about his illness, and even less how he left, leaving a void that was hard to fill.Everything changed the day my phone rang. Patrick Morgan had defied death. Against all odds, he had achieved remission, and his prognosis was surprisingly positive. He was getting better, almost miraculously. Excited, I rushed to get him and bring him back into our lives. I had sworn I lost my best friend and brother, and I felt aimless if it wasn’t for the constant presence of his apprentice, who kept me sane and focused.When I saw Patrick coming down from the jet, emotion overwhelmed me. I ran to him and hugged him tightly. “Patrick, you idiot!”
The pain of your absence was constant. In the garden of the house, lying in the hammock, the book rested on my lap. A lot has changed since your letter ten months ago. I took over the publishing house with praise, and we prospered increasingly. The merger with Forbs was a success, and soon Celdric became one of the active CEOs in decision-making.Greg was my right-hand man, responsible for legal matters, security, and investigations. I couldn't believe it. Whenever I came home, I had the feeling that he would be there, waiting for me, with a glass of wine, half-naked, and his mischievous smile on his lips.“You are missed, Patrick.” I whispered, closing my eyes as the breeze caressed my face. I hadn't been able to read the book until that moment. It seemed that reading your last words would be a farewell I was never prepared to say.I hesitated for a while longer, then opened the book. In the dedication, my eyes filled with tears:“For Mrs. Eva, for having raised and loved the sweetes
I stared at the envelope, afraid to pick it up, fearing what was inside... Reluctantly, I opened it and found a hardcover book with our photo from our honeymoon, smiling happily in Cuba. In the image, Patrick was whispering something silly in my ear while hugging me from behind, making me blush and provoking a genuine smile. At the bottom of the envelope, there was a letter addressed to me, written in his elegant handwriting:“My sweet Elisabeth, if you received this letter, I'm afraid my time has come. You will probably hate me for how I chose to handle this, but I need you to know that I never wanted to hurt or upset you. In a cowardly and selfish way, I decided not to tell you my biggest secret. You had already suffered so many losses and so much pain that it didn't seem fair to put you through another turbulent time.”“What is Patrick talking about?” I bit my lip, growing nervous with every word, and continued reading.“I hid the truth about my joining the army. In reality, I disc
“Who else would take care of that arrogant and conceited CEO?” I looked at him, amused. “I already told you, Patrick Morgan is my idiot.”“Seems fair.” Greg laughed, and I joined him. Together, we walked to the designated chapel. It was a simple ceremony, just Patrick’s platoon and us.I entered the church, hearing the soft sound of the violin in the background. At the altar, Patrick Morgan stood out in the wedding setting with his imposing presence. He was tall and dark-haired, and he exuded charm and elegance in his tailored suit. The dark fabric enhanced his skin tone, and the white shirt contrasted with his complexion, creating a sophisticated and attractive look. His brown hair was impeccably styled, and his deep blue eyes seemed to pierce my soul, locking onto mine. His sculpted body showcased his good physical shape, confirming his sensual aura. He smiled seductively when he saw me, subtly biting his lips with mischief. I blushed instantly, reprimanding him with a frown, which
POV: ELISABETHMy body still throbbed with pain, echoing the overwhelming impact of what had happened. The relief of knowing Greg was alive, fighting to recover, barely dissipated the anguish consuming me. As I put on the black mourning clothes, my reflection in the mirror revealed a profound sadness, where the eyes of that little girl who had lost her parents so long ago resurfaced in my gaze. My only family, my entire world, and my best friend, mother, and confidante had left without me being there to comfort her in her most frightening moment. The guilt for not being by her side tore at my heart. The most important person in my life was taken from me, leaving an unbearable void, an overwhelming loneliness. Then I felt his warm hands on my hips and his gentle kiss on the top of my head, a gesture of comfort amidst the abyss of loss.“Are you okay?” Patrick looked at my reflection in the mirror with understanding. “I'm so sorry for your loss, Lis.”“So am I...” I bit my trembling lip
“It's okay, Lis; don't cry; everything will be fine.” I smiled gently at my apprentice, extending my hands for her to fasten the wristband. “Remember, I always come up with something in the end.”“What?” Elisabeth frowned before closing the wristband. Quickly, I pulled her behind me, and we all crouched as John, dragging himself, sat up injured with a gun in his hand, shooting five times at Pavel. He hit Pavel's leg, shoulder, arm, and neck.I pushed the wristbands off my hands, threw a knife to James to free himself and Robert, and went towards Pavel, who tried to raise the gun at me. I kicked his hands, pulled his body, and began landing several punches on his face.“You bastard, this is for torturing her for so long.” I punched harder, hearing the bones in his face crack and blood mixing on his face.“Is that all you got?” Andreev smiled with blood-stained teeth, diabolically. “You're too weak to protect her.”“This is just the beginning!” I smiled darkly when Lis came up behind me
“Damn it!” I threatened to rush in, but Robert held me back, shaking his head.“The gun is too close to her head; he'll kill her before you get close.” Robert kept me in place.“I can't stand here and watch him hurt her like this!” I clenched my fists, consumed by fury.“Major, your emotions are speaking. Think like a soldier. What would you do in this situation if we were at war?” John kept his tone low and calm. “He's just another enemy we need to take down.”I considered his words, looking back into the warehouse and thinking about what to do.“Robert, you and James go to the other side of the warehouse and start a shootout to draw his attention. Andreev won't want to kill Elisabeth so easily; he's a damned torturing psychopath.” My fists were clenched, and my hands squeezed tightly.“He'll want to take her out of here!” John observed, and I nodded. “And what will we do?”“Did you see where his car was parked?” I smiled, my eyes burning with determination. “We'll wait for him there
POV: PATRICKI left the room, wiping my face, while my legs wobbled slightly. Robert and James supported me, looking at me with concern.“Did you take your medication today? Eat anything?” John approached, examining me. “You're pale and cold.”“I'm fine!” I pushed them away, walking out. “Today isn't an easy day, as you might have noticed.”“We understand, Major, that's why we're here.” John stepped closer again. “But we need our commander to be well to proceed. We won't be able to save your fiancée if you're not well.”“John is right. I'll go to the kitchen to get a shake for you and fetch your medication.” James started to say when I punched the wall, shouting.“We don't have time for this! Elisabeth is in danger, and Heloise is extremely unbalanced. She killed her own son, what do you think she'll do to the woman she considers my lover?” I panted, breathless.“We know that, but if you're not well, how do you intend to save her?” Robert placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing firm
I ran, stopping to hide behind the enormous crates, desperately searching for something I could use as a weapon. I spotted an iron bar on the ground and pulled it, holding it tightly against my chest, ready to use it if necessary.“You know, my Light, I always wanted to play cat and mouse with you. It always excited me to see your need to fight for survival.” Pavel pushed some crates aside, looking for me and shooting at the spot afterward. “Can't you see we were made for each other? We are perfect together.”He laughed, moving to another part of the room. I walked slowly to the back, trying to hide even more, trembling nonstop.“When you left, it destroyed me. I realized where I was wrong—my light.” Kicking other crates and shooting, Pavel continued. “I wasn't giving you the necessary attention because of work; now I understand that. But it will be different; I bought a deserted island, and now it will be just you and me; no one else will interfere.”I covered my mouth, feeling the t