002~ I WAS

Leah

I climbed out of my car, closing the door with one hand while pressing my phone to my ear with the other, listening to Sam rant about her one-night stand.

"...I woke up the next morning, and he was GONE," she emphasised. "And do you know what else was gone? My car key, purse, and my fucking dress!"

I laughed, "No fucking way."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man too imposing to ignore. His dark eyes caught mine for a heartbeat before I tore my gaze away, my heart racing.

What the hell was that?

"I mean, why take my dress too?" Sam continued. "Is he planning on wearing it?" She laughed. "I almost had to walk home naked if it wasn't for the hotel cleaning lady."

I chuckled, distracted now.

There was something dark and dangerous about the man that sent a cold shiver down my spine. It was brief but I could tell those eyes were trying to devour me. "That would've made the headlines."

"My dad would have me killed," she giggled. "He still hasn't forgiven me for the last scandal."

Sam was my best friend. We've known each other since diapers. She was wild, reckless, a complete opposite of me.

"Hey, I'll come over during your break," she said. "I got something for you."

I could imagine the mischievous glint in her eyes as she said that. I swear if it is another sex toy, I'll end our friendship.

I didn't notice the uneven patch of pavement until I stumbled, nearly hitting the ground when a strong arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me upright.

"Oh my God," I gasped, my phone slipping from my fingers.

"Another moment," a deep, rough voice murmured against my ear, "and you will be kissing the ground, doll."

His warm breath ghosted over my skin, sending an involuntarily shiver through me.

My breath hitched. "T-thank you."

He chuckled, low and dark, the sound vibrating through me. His arm tightened, drawing me back against the hard plane of his chest. Heat seeped through the thin fabric of my dress and his scent wrapped around me. A musky scent mixed with tobacco and something darker I couldn't quite place. Something I was better off, not knowing.

I tried to wriggle free, realizing how intensely aware I was of him.

"I-I'm fine now."

He didn't let go. Instead, his nose brushed against the shell of my ear, making me jerk. "You smell nice," he murmured, his voice a caress that prickled goosebumps down my skin. "Like lavender."

"Thank you, it's uh, my shampoo," I replied stupidly.

Why do you sound like that, Leah?!

He brushed my hair aside, his finger drawing a lazy circle on the sensitive skin at the back of my neck, and every nerve lit up.

"You have a mole here."

"Get your hands off me!" I demanded in a firm voice. "You are being rude."

"Am I?" He chuckled again, amused with my discomfort.

"Let go," I yelled.

This time, he released me.

I turned around to face him, my nose flaring and eyes promising hell, only to have my breath catch.

Damn. He was tall... and hot.

His black hair was pulled into a loose man bun, strands framing a face carved sharp. A scar cut from his brow down across his cheek. You would think a scar like that would look ugly on any man, but it only made him hotter than he had any right to be.

I trembled slightly under his piercing dark eyes. Eyes that promised nothing but trouble.

He stepped closer. My heart hammered like it wanted to break free.

I should have run. But I didn’t.

He reached for my face, tracing the corner of my eye. "Found another one," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

I slapped his hand away, irritated, not just at him for his blatant disregard of boundaries, but at myself for letting him touch me so easily. "Keep your damn hands to yourself."

His smile grew cruel. "Sorry, doll," he said, unapologetic. "I get a little handsy when I see something beautiful I want to keep."

"Something?" I glared.

"What's your name?"

"I don't think I need to tell you."

Not when you have been nothing but an asshole.

He leaned down so close I could taste the mint on his breath. "Your name, doll,"

I tried to step back, but his hand caught my jaw, tilting my face to his. Our noses brushed.

His voice dropped to a command. "Your name."

"Leah," I whispered, my heart racing.

"Leah," he repeated.

The way he said it intimately made my knees weak.

There were so many things wrong with this situation. The fact that I was reacting this strongly to him being on top of the list.

"That's a beautiful name. Just like your eyes." His eyes fell on my lips, lingering there a beat too long. "Beautiful," he whispered, his eyes returning to mine.

"Aiden," he said suddenly.

"I don't give a damn about your name."

"Say it."

"Go to..." His grip tightened, cutting me off. I whimpered, "Aiden."

He sucked in a sharp breath, closing his eyes. "Fuck," he muttered, as if my voice saying his name undid him.

"Boss!" A man called from behind.

He leaned away. "What is it?"

"We have to go. Something happened to the goods," the man informed.

He scowled. "The fuck happened?"

"We were robbed."

He cursed under his breath.

His gaze returned to me, staring hard as if contemplating what to do next with me.

Finally, his lips curled into a dark smile. "I'll see you around, doll."

And just like that, he walked away.

My legs nearly gave out as I struggled to breathe.

I had no idea then how much this encounter would ruin my life. How much that bastard was planning on breaking me.

And the worst part... I let him.

****************************************************

"...we dominated the market not only in this city but several others, surpassing last year's sales over the past quarter," I concluded.

The room erupted into applause, the board members nodding in approval.

I stood at the head of the table, a proud smile on my face.

The loudest claps came from the chairman. He winked at me, and my smile grew wider.

When the meeting ended and people began leaving in groups, I crossed over to him just as he was rising from his chair.

"A fifty percent increase in revenue compared to last year this same period is wild, Leah," he said, patting my shoulder. "I am proud of you."

"I think I am taking too much credit. Everyone contributed," I replied.

He chuckled. "You are right." He paused, then added, "Lunch is on me."

"I'd love to, Mr. Chairman, but I made plans for lunch with a friend today."

He feigned hurt, placing his hand over his chest. "Do I need to make an appointment to have lunch with my daughter?"