Chapter Three: Practice Makes Dangerous

The morning after the coffee incident was a whirlwind of nerves and carefully concealed anticipation. Lola Foster arrived at the office with a mixture of dread and curiosity, each step echoing in the sleek, marble-floored lobby. She tried to tell herself that it was just another day, but the lingering memory of Adrian Blackwood’s touch made her pulse quicken and her clitoris stimulated.

As she entered the executive floor, she was met by the cool, composed receptionist who gave her a knowing smile, as if she could see the chaos brewing beneath Lola’s calm facade.

“Miss Foster,” the receptionist said, her tone both professional and subtly sympathetic. “Mr. Blackwood is expecting you.”

Lola nodded, her heart pounding as she followed the assistant down the corridor. The walls were lined with accolades and magazine covers featuring Adrian with each image more compelling than the last. He seemed to command attention effortlessly, and Lola couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration and apprehension.

When she finally stepped into Adrian’s office, the atmosphere was a blend of power and sophistication. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, and the sleek, minimalist furniture spoke of wealth and precision. Adrian stood by the window, phone in hand, and turned to face her with that same unreadable expression.

“Come in,” he said, his voice smooth and commanding.

She entered, and the door closed behind her with a soft click. The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words.

Adrian ended his call and turned fully toward her, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her skin tingle.

“Sit,” he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Lola hesitated for a moment before taking a seat, maintaining straight eye contact. The air between them was charged, and she could feel the weight of their shared secret pressing down on her.

“You’ve had a busy morning,” Adrian remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. “But we have a lot to cover.”

She nodded, her nerves tingling with anticipation. “I’m ready.”

He leaned forward, his eyes never leaving hers. “Good. Because today, we’ll practice the art of public appearances. We’ll need to be convincing.”

Lola swallowed, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Adrian’s presence was overpowering, and she couldn’t deny the way her body responded to his proximity. She was definitely falling for him or just turned on by his aura. Which was it? She did not know.

He stood and moved closer, his movements deliberate and controlled. “You need to get used to this,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate.

As his hand rested gently on her waist, Lola gasped, again, her breath catching in her throat. The sensation was electric, and she could feel the heat pooling in her stomach. Adrian’s eyes darkened slightly, and he smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent a shiver down her spine.

“Relax,” he whispered. “This is just the beginning.”

The afternoon was filled with rehearsals and meticulous attention to detail. Adrian guided her through every step, from the way she held her glass to the subtle tilt of her head. Each movement was a lesson in control and poise, and Lola found herself drawn to the intensity of the moment.

At one point, as they practiced a staged dinner scene, Adrian leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. “You’re doing well,” he said, his voice a tantalizing whisper. “But we need to push the boundaries.”

Lola’s heart raced as she felt the heat of his body close to hers. Every touch, every glance was charged with a heady mix of power and desire. She couldn’t deny the way her body responded, the way her pulse quickened with each passing second.

As the day progressed, the line between reality and pretense blurred. They shared moments of laughter, shared glances that lingered just a beat too long. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and Lola found herself caught in the web of Adrian’s magnetic presence.

By the time evening arrived, Lola was both exhausted and exhilarated. She returned to her apartment, her mind spinning with memories of the day and how she wished she could sink her lips into his. The new recruit had fallen in love with the boss. The city lights outside her window were a blur as she sank onto her sofa, her thoughts a chaotic mix of anticipation and confusion.

Three weeks, she reminded herself. Just three weeks.

But as she closed her eyes, the memory of Adrian’s touch, the intensity of his gaze, lingered. She clutched her right breast and let out a soft moan. She knew that the journey ahead would be filled with challenges and temptations, and she couldn’t help but wonder how far they would go.

As she drifted off to sleep, she realized that the line between reality and pretense was growing thinner, and the danger of losing herself in the lie was becoming all too real.