1.

Rose's POV

I woke up to the feel of fingers slowly running up and down my bare back. The light strokes sent chills down my spine and I could feel a hot breath over my spine.

My head buried deep in my pillows, I didn't need to open my eyes to know who it was. It was none other than the guy I picked up last night.

"I know you are awake babe," he said in an alluring voice, which was followed by a hot breath fanning my ear. I raised my head and opened my eyes slowly, only to be greeted by the streaks of sunlight filling my room, making my head throb, and I shut them close as I sat up and rubbed my head with two fingers while I used the other hand to pull the sheets to my body, covering myself.

The guy, whatever his name was, spoke again, bringing me back to the reality of my decision last night, which was a result of taking a few drinks.

"Good morning babe," he purred into my ears, and I could tell by his freshly sprayed cologne and minty breath that he was trying too hard. "Ready to go down with me again?"

"Ughhh!" I let out a groan at the expense of my mistake. Memories of last night flashed through my mind. Being burnt out from working too hard, wanting to have some fun, having a few drinks and bringing this guy over to my place. My blood rushed as I recalled the world of pleasure I had last night. It was undeniable that this guy was good, but it was not enough to make my heart skip a beat have me crave for more.

"Are you still here Mason?" I opened my eyes and looked him in the eyes. He was propped up on one elbow as he laid on his side in only his underwear, like a model would, but all the effort made him look like an amateur. His smirk dropped, and his resolve fell at the sight of my cold stare. "Who do you mean, babe? And the name's Jack. Although I can be the man of your dreams," he tried to laugh it off as he regained his composure.

"You were a bit tipsy last night, but I can give you a trip down memory lane. If you want Mason, then Mason it is," he winked, making me roll my eyes.

"How stressful," I rolled my eyes. Why can't anyone get the cue these days?

My first mistake was taking him over to my place and second, letting him stay over the night for him to think that this was more than a one night stand. But I must have been exhausted that I slept away myself without kicking him out first.

"Well, it seems like you've already freshened up and taken a shower," I said, getting out of bed. "So, just scram already. I don't want to see you here once I am out," I said, getting out of bed and heading for the bathroom. "Oh, and lest I forget," I turned to glance at him. "My secretary will make sure you are well compensated."

The guy let out a gasp, sitting up abruptly. "What the f**k?! What do you take me for? Some gigolo?! How dare you treat someone like me this way!? How absurd!"

"Ugh. Whatever. Such a headache." I slammed the bathroom door shut and went straight for the shower.

Steam filled the bathroom while the hot water massaged my skin as it dribbled down my body. Soon enough, I came out of the bathroom, my teeth brushed, and my hair washed and blow-dried. Without wasting much time, I came out of the bathroom and headed to my walk-in closet.

Not long after, I came out wearing a crisp cream blouse tucked underneath black suit pants with a matching tailored brazer draped over my shoulders. One hand carried my designer Gouci handbag at my elbow while I tried to put on my sleek, golden Channel wristwatch.

The sound of my stilettos clicking against the cold tiles announced my presence to my driver, secretary and housemaid, whom, before that, were all busy doing something.

"Good morning miss," My maid, Miss Adam, a woman in her mid-forties greeted me while preparing breakfast.

"Morning boss," Alice, my secretary said briefly, as she sat on the kitchen bar stool. She was wearing a gray office suit, her hair in a bun while her face was expressionless as she tapped the ipad in front of her which was supported by its leather cover on the kitchen table.

My bodyguard, on the other hand, Cade, did not even look up as he sat across Alice while eating his breakfast. The three of them might as well be my family. Just three people I managed to adopt over the years. I placed my handbag on one of the stools close to me and as soon as I sat down at the head of the table, Miss Adams placed my breakfast in front of me, a plate of pancakes and a cup of strawberry smoothie.

"Did you get rid of him properly?" I asked Alice, so I dove my fork into my breakfast while Miss Adams placed a glass in front of me before filling it from a jug of water.

"Yes. He received compensation and won't tattle. They are all the same after all. Cade checked his phone for pictures or videos, but there were none," Alice replied, and I nodded in response. As a billionaire and CEO, in her late twenties, it was crucial to avoid unsolicited rumors that may cause any sort of ruin to my person or give my enemies something to feast on. I didn't get to where I was easily, and I wasn't about to let anyone think they would take it away from me.

Extending her arm towards me, Alice handed me the tablet she was working on while she briefed me on the details of today's event.

As the owner and CEO of a shipping company, for the past months, I have been busy trying to secure a partnership with two popular online shopping companies, build connections with three countries and secure places in their ports while dealing with taxes. But all of that will be over today as I finalized all the deals and celebrate the companie's 30th anniversary. If everything goes smoothly, this would be my biggest achievement yet, in my four years as CEO, and as much as I was confident, a part of me was nervous.

"Today, we will sign the final contract with Anazon. As for the event, this is the list of the VIPs, and it includes the shareholders, representatives and ambassadors whose countries we have secured a deal with," Alice continued to explain in detail while I went through the tablet. As always, Alice never disappointed with her job, making me glad that I decided to take her in all those years back.

"And that will be all," Alice concluded, at the same time I had my fill of the breakfast. "Alright," I took the glass of water and downed it in one go. "Let's go." I stood up, still going through the tablet in my hand. Alice and Cade stood up, with Cade taking the car keys from his pocket as he led the way to the parking space.

He opened the passenger side door and I entered before he closed it shut. He entered the driver's side while Alice entered shotgun, and he drove out of my mansion, heading straight for my workplace.