002~ I WAS

Leah

Climbing out of my car, I closed 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?

Sam went on, oblivious. "I mean, why take my dress too? Is he planning on wearing it?"

I laughed again, 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.

"Don't tell me you walked home naked?"

Definitely feels like something she would do.

"Fuck no. My dad would have me killed," she giggled. "He still hasn't forgiven me for the last scandal."

Sam was my best friend and 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," she sang.

I could imagine the mischievous glint in her eyes as she said that. And I swear if it's 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, steadying me before I fell.

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

My thoughts scrambled when a low rough voice murmured against my ear, the only words I caught were kissing and Doll.

My breath caught in my throat as I stammered, "Th-thank you."

He chuckled darkly, the sound vibrating through me.

Heat seeped through the thin fabric of my dress as his musky scent wrapped around me mixed with tobacco and something darker I couldn't name... something I probably shouldn't have wanted to.

I shifted, suddenly too aware 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. "Like lavender."

"Thank you... it's uh, my shampoo," I replied l, instantly hating how stupid I sounded.

What the fuck, Leah?

"Get your hands off me!" I demanded in a firmer voice as I tried to pull away."You are being rude."

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

"Let go."

This time, he did.

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

Damn. He was tall... and fucking hot.

Black hair tied back in a loose man bun, strands framing a face carved sharp and a scar cutting 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. And I hated myself for noticing.

My gaze flickered up to his piercing dark eyes that promised nothing but trouble, and I felt like a fucking prey.

He stepped closer, and my heart stuttered then hammered harder.

My brain screamed at me to run, but I couldn't bring my legs to move.

He reached for my face. "You have a mole here," he said, tracing the corner of my eye. "It's beautiful."

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."

He smirked. "Sorry, doll. I get a little handsy when I see something I want to keep."

"Something?" I glared.

He only chuckled.

"What's your name?"

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

Not when you have been nothing but an asshole.

He leaned in, so close I could feel his breath. "Your name, doll."

I tried to step back, but his hand caught my jaw, tilting my face up to his.

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

"Leah," I whispered.

"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, then, "Aiden."

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

"Say it."

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

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

"Boss!" Someone called from behind.

He didn't look away from me as he demanded, "What is it?"

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

He scowled, staring hard as if contemplating what to do next with me. Then, his lips curled into a dark smile as he stepped back.

"I'll see you around, doll."

And just like that, he walked away.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as I struggled to keep standing

I had no idea then how much that bastard was planning on breaking me.

And the worst part... I'd 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 who 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 per cent 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 even though my head was about to burst from the praises.

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?"