CHAPTER 003

"So, did you guys finally have sex?" Beth asked, plopping onto my desk. We did nothing of the sort. Luckily I told him that I didn’t have any means of transportation as my old car was being repaired. He nodded and wished me luck and that was it.

I shot her a glare. "Jesus, Beth. For a lady, you talk like a sailor."

She just shrugged. "Well, I’ve seen the way you stare at him. You sex-crazed woman, I know exactly what you're up to."

I rolled my eyes. "Your assumptions are wrong most of the time."

Beth snorted. "Like when I predicted you were gonna sleep with Jeff Jack? And then it happened?"

I wagged a finger at her. "Don't ever say that loser's name again. The guy didn't even know the right hole to put his poodle in."

Beth burst out laughing. "At least it wasn’t as bad as what Gilbert tried with me."

I groaned. "I don’t wanna hear about your escapades. You’re insane."

Beth clutched her chest dramatically. "You wound me, my lady." Then she leaned in, lowering her voice. "Have you ever wondered what he’s like down there?"

"Who?" I frowned.

"Mr. Mark," she grinned, wiggling her eyebrows.

I shook my head, but now that she'd put the thought in my head... Damn it. I tried not to think about it, but I couldn't help myself.

Jesus, I need help.

Beth smirked like she knew exactly what I was thinking. "I’ll leave you to your perverted thoughts," she said, grabbing an almond candy from my desk.

"Hey!" I protested, but she was already skipping away, laughing.

I sighed and turned back to my computer. My workload had somehow doubled overnight. Maybe because I'd spent too much time daydreaming about my boss.

God, I needed a nap.

Yesterday, after Mark bought me a new car and asked if I needed anything, I’d almost blurted out my inappropriate thoughts. Thankfully, at the last second, my brain decided to save me from total humiliation. Now, I feel like a complete idiot. He'd done something so nice for me, and all I could think about was getting into his pants.

BUT I CAN’T FREAKING HELP IT!

Maybe I should just sleep with some random guy and get this out of my system.

The idea formed quickly in my head. There was a well-known whorehouse I’d heard about. Maybe there was a guy or two there who could help me forget about Mark for a while. Wait, Nathan! He could help. We had met the first time I visited the whorehouse, and we had quick sex but after it, he cracked a joke. I wasn’t someone who laughed that much but I did after his joke and we had become sort of friends……

Friends with benefits you mean?

I chuckled, then grinned at the thought.

"Morning, Sage," a deep voice rumbled.

I jumped in my seat. Looking up, I saw Mark standing there, smiling at me. His shoulder-length hair was tied up in a top knot, making him look even more annoyingly handsome and regal.

"Morning, sir," I managed.

"Mark," he corrected.

Damn it, let me call you sir. You're making this harder for me.

He sank into the chair across from me, his green eyes studying me like he could see right through me.

"I've been looking into your dad’s family situation," he said. "It’s complicated. They seem to have a legal claim as well. Didn’t your father leave a will?"

I shook my head. "Not that I know of."

"Mm." His voice was deep, almost like a growl. Did he smoke?

As if reading my mind, he pulled out a lighter and a cigar from his breast pocket, lighting it effortlessly. When he caught me staring, his lips curled into a knowing smile.

"Sorry, little bird," he said, exhaling smoke. "I’m a bad influence. I’ll leave."

"No, stay," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

No, stay? Seriously, Sage?

Mark raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"

I laughed nervously. "I meant... it’s okay to smoke around me."

He narrowed his eyes, thoughtful. "Is that so, little bird?"

I sighed. Normally, I hated nicknames, but somehow, it felt okay coming from him.

"I mean, I used to smoke sometimes," I admitted.

His laugh was low and rich, and for some reason, it made my entire body feel lighter.

"You? Smoking?" he asked, amused. "Why?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Teenage rebellion."

He nodded, then leaned back in his chair, watching me with a curious expression. "Paul said you were stubborn and hot-headed."

My gaze dipped before I could stop myself. Shit. I nearly got caught staring at his lap.

"I still am," I said, forcing my eyes back up.

His smirk deepened. "Are you?"

Something about the way he said that sounded like a challenge.

"I once broke a keyboard over the head of the last secretary before you came, she called my pussy loose” I said casually, staring at him in the eye. I wanted him to be aware that I was talking about my pussy like casual talk. He stared for a moment, his eyes devoid of emotion then threw his head back and laughed. A deep, rumbling sound that sent a shiver through me.

I just sat there, watching him, and when his gaze met mine again, I quickly looked away—but not before sneaking another glance at what was between his legs.

His smirk didn’t fade. "You’re something else, Sage."

I glanced at my watch. My shift was over. I stood up, stretching slightly.

"I’ll be heading home, sir... uhh, Mark."

He grinned. "Try not to break any more keyboards over people’s heads, yeah?"

I laughed as I walked away.

If only he knew what I was about to do.