Mag-log inElena's POV I let out a heavy sigh and rolled my eyes so hard I thought they might stay that way. Marcus's voice was still echoing in my head like an annoying alarm I couldn't shut off. "You're not going to the after-party like that, Elena." His words had been firm, his tone bossy, and the worst part? I had actually listened.I didn't argue, didn't roll my eyes in front of him, didn't even mutter something under my breath like I usually would. I just nodded like some obedient little schoolgirl. Ugh. The memory made my skin crawl.But I didn't have much of a choice. Ever since my dad married Marcus's mom, everything changed. My dad and his new wife had flown off for their honeymoon—or "business trip" as they called it, like I didn't know what that meant—and I got stuck here, with him.Marcus Romano.The guy who was now apparently in charge of me until they got back. Just great.He was only a few years older than me, but he acted like he was thirty and
The days after that first night with Mason turned into this addictive, filthy rhythm that consumed me completely.I’d wake up alone in my bed, my body still humming from the way he’d fucked me the night before, sheets tangled and smelling like sex and him. My pussy would be sore in the best way—swollen, tender, a constant reminder of how deep he’d been, how hard he’d thrust until I was screaming his name.I’d touch myself in the shower every morning, fingers sliding easy because I was already soaked just thinking about him. I’d circle my clit slow at first, remembering his mouth there, then faster, two fingers pumping inside me like his cock had, until I came hard against the tile, biting my lip to muffle the moan of his name.We texted all day, talking about dirty, desperate things that kept me wet and aching at work. He’d send “Still wet for me?” and I’d reply “Yes, Daddy.” I’d send him a photo under my desk—skirt hiked, fingers teasing my bare pussy—and he’d call on his break, voi
Dinner with Mason was on Wednesday, and I spent the whole day at work distracted, checking my phone more than I should have, wondering if I’d imagined the way he’d looked at me during coffee, the way his fingers had brushed mine and lingered just a second too long.I told myself it was just dinner. Just two old friends catching up, and nothing more.But when he texted me that afternoon: “Picking you up at 7. Wear whatever makes you feel good.”—my stomach did that flip again, and I knew I was lying to myself.I got home early, showered, and stood in front of my closet longer than I wanted to admit. I finally chose the deep red wrap dress I’d bought last year and never had an occasion for—the one that hugged my waist and showed just enough cleavage to feel sexy without being over the top. Heels, hair down, a touch of perfume at my wrists and neck.When he knocked at seven sharp, I opened the door and forgot how to breathe for a second.He was in dark jeans and a black button-down, sleev
I spent the entire next morning trying not to overthink the coffee date with Mason, but of course that’s exactly what I did. I kept replaying the party in my head—the way his eyes had lingered on me when I walked into the kitchen, the small smile that tugged at his mouth when he acknowledged I was definitely not a “kid" anymore, the brief touch when he tucked that loose strand of hair behind my ear. It was nothing and everything at the same time, and by the time I was standing in front of my closet, I’d changed outfits four times.First the sundress, it felt like doing too much for coffee. Then the leggings and oversized sweater, it felt too cozy, like I was trying to look cute without trying. I finally settled on dark jeans that hugged my hips just right, a soft cream-colored blouse that showed a hint of collarbone, and my favorite ankle boots that gave me a little extra height. I let my hair down in loose waves, did minimal makeup—just enough mascara and lip gloss to feel put toget
I hadn’t seen Mason Reed in four years, not since the day he left for basic training right after high school graduation, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder, giving Mia a quick hug and me a ruffle on the head like I was still the annoying fourteen-year-old kid who tagged along everywhere.Back then, he was twenty-two, already tall and built from years of football and whatever else he did to fill his time, with that messy dark hair that always fell into his green eyes and a smile that he didn’t give out easily but when he did, it felt like you’d won something.I had the biggest, most embarrassing crush on him— the kind where I’d blush if he said my name, where I’d find excuses to be at Mia’s house when he was home from college on breaks, where I’d replay the few times he’d teased me or helped me with homework in my head for days.He called me “squirt” or “kid,” and I hated it and loved it at the same time.Then he got enlisted, shipped out, and life moved on.Mia and I stayed best f
Every time Lucas and I ended up alone—whether it was a late-night revision session or a “quick sync” in the supply closet that turned into me on my knees with his hand in my hair—the next day in meetings we’d be twice as vicious to each other.It was like we were punishing ourselves for wanting what we wanted. Or punishing each other for making us want it.The Luxe campaign was in its final stretch. Client presentation was in two weeks, and everything had to be perfect.We were both perfectionists, we were both stubborn, and we were both losing sleep.One Thursday night, the office was empty again except for us. Rain had turned to sleet, tapping hard against the windows like it was trying to get in. We’d been at it for hours—arguing over the voiceover script for the TV spot.I wanted it sensual but empowering, he wanted it raw and unapologetic.“It’s too soft,” he said for the tenth time, leaning back in his chair at the conference table, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up. “It sounds li







