DIANA What was he doing here? I turned to the side with fluttering lashes, my gaze catching Annie’s flustered form. She fidgeted as she tried to sit straighter, her eyes resigning to her hand pressed together in the desk, twiddling in fear.“Why are you silent?” Jerome raised a brow at her. “You were very loud a moment ago.” “Sir, it’s not what you think I - “ Annie’s voice quivered as she tried explaining, but he only cut her off.“Who else dared to insult you here?” He swiveled his chair to me, cutting her off sharply.“It’s not necessary, I - “ I shook my head, but he only leaned forward, cutting me off.“Answer my question.” His eyes were sharp as he stared at me.I turned slightly, glancing at the women beside Annie. They were the ones gossiping about me in the bathroom.I could only imagine what they were all thinking right now.I bit the inside of my cheek, blood rising to my face. I turned back to him, surprised that he’d followed my gaze to the women seated, his eyes dar
DIANA I grabbed his neck, locking his lips in a passionate kiss. His eyes widened slightly at my sudden action, but he closed it slowly, grabbing my waist and pulling me closer in the kiss.I stared at Kevin with the corner of my eye, the shock that was pasted on his face eventually gave way to pure anger, his fist tightened as he watched us, my lips curled up as I deepened the kiss, watching him turn sharply, stomping away.The moment he was out of sight, I pressed my hands to Jeromes chest and pulled away from him gently. He stared down at me with an amused gaze, his brow raised as he watched me.“What?” The corner of my lips twitched as I cleared my throat, taking a step back.“Why the change of heart?” He smirked at me.“It’s just a kiss.” I shook my head, rubbing a hand through my hair. “-and everyone has seen it, apparently.”He stared at me for a moment, and I barely managed to keep his gaze.“Let me take you home.” He said. He didn’t seem bothered enough by my actions to ques
DIANA The silence that radiated in the cafe was a stark contrast to the discord my mind has been subjected to. As I sipped the latte in my hands, I could not savor the smoothness, or the smell, as I usually did. My mind was far from here. It was in my apartment, two days ago, listening to his words. His warnings. He had told me to more careful - why was that? I understood that my Identity had become public, but sooner or later that would have happened anyways, due to the nature of my work. But the worry in his eyes shook me greatly. Like he truly believed there was an impending doom waiting for me. Was it because of his position? His status? Or did he have some crazy ex that would hunt me down and kill me? I scoffed, taking another sip. That wouldn’t surprise me. Right now, I couldnt know for sure what he was talking about, because before I could ask, he received a call and left abruptly.We haven’t spoken since then. To be fair, I haven’t spoken to anyone since, I just
DIANA I turned away almost immediately, my grip tightening on the mug in my hands. I thought with the shades and the hat, no one would recognize me. How did he even know I would be here??Did he trail me from my apartment?? From the way he looked, he didn’t seem like a harmless reporter. He towered over everyone that walked by, and his face didn’t scream anything remotely close to friendly. He looked like he could pin to the ground and crush me beneath his feet in a second. What did he want with me? Mr Leota’s warnings rang in my ear - what if he’s armed? What if he wanted to kidnap me? Or worse? “Someone’s watching me.” I whispered, my eyes fixed on Lilly, laced with fear. “What?” She asked, her brows creased in confusion. “Across the street,” I said, my voice low. She turned to the window pane, her eyes glancing only for a moment before turning back to me, “There are several people on the street, Dee.”“The tall guy, the one leaning on the lamp post.” I said, my voice fi
DIANA“My what??” I gasped turning to the man standing across the street with wide eyes. “Your bodyguard.” He repeated like it wasn’t something out of the world.“You hired a bodyguard?” I turned back, and my mouth parted. “Why?” “To ensure you’re safe when I’m not there to protect you.” He said plainly.“I don’t need protection!” I scoffed, my brows drawing together.“You have people stalking you.” He stated. “You In fact do need protection.”“It was just one person, and he was just a journalist.” I shook my head, rubbing my forehead as I leaned back in my seat.“And what if he wasn’t?” He retorted. I rolled my eyes glancing out the window again - he was still there, staring.“But he was,” I stressed, looking away from him. “Having a bodyguard isn’t necessary.”“It is.” His voice was firm.“You’re overreacting.” I purse my lips.“Until you get hurt?” He scoffed through the line. “I won’t let that happen.”“One day, all this talk about us will die down, and people will lose interes
DIANA “What are we doing here?” I gaped, my brows drawn as I stared at him.“You’ll see.” He stepped out of the car with a smirk, walking over and opening my door smoothly, his hand reaching out to me.What was this man planning? I eyed him carefully as I took his hand and stepped out of the car, my eyes scanning my environment.Why on earth were we at an airport?? He walked to the back, opening the trunk of his car and bringing out a bag, slinging it over his shoulder.Suddenly, a man walked up to us with a professional smile, bowing slightly, and then Mr Leota threw the car key key at him.“Why are we at an airport?” I felt like I was watching everything through a screen. Like I wasn’t even present.What in the world was happening…?“Has anyone told you you ask so many questions?” He cocked his head to the side with a teasing smile, before reaching out and holding my hand, leading me across the open lane-And straight to a private jet.There were three people lined up next to the
DIANA A fire blazed in the pits of my belly as his lips touched mine. It burned in ways I had never felt before… it was a flame I would willingly give my soul on a platter to be consumed by, completely. The taste of his lips had an undertone of the sweetness from the champagne, somehow the champagne tasted better on his lips, like a new mixture had been created… something divine, not of this earth. And I would devour that mixture like it was the potion to heal this painful hunger inside me… because it was. I gave into his touch as my body melted into his arms, obeying his every command. His hand rested on the small of my back pulling me closer to him, incinerating the little distance between us, till all that separated us was the fabric on our bodies, begging to be ripped off. His grip on my neck tightened and a gasp escaped my lips as they part, giving way for his warm tongue to break through and intertwine with mine. My hands wandered to his broad back, my nails
DIANA My eyes fluttered open as I felt his lips graze mine, his bluish gray eyes sparkling in shadow of the dim orange hue emanating from the walls. Before I could speak, he crashed his lips on mine, his hands firm on my waist. His lips no longer tasted of champagne, this time it tasted of an elixir dripping like honey, it was intoxicating. My eyes drifted close as I savored the sweetness. He lifted me from the chair, bridal style, and I leaned into his arms and wrapped my arms around his neck. He never tore his gaze from mine, not even for a second. I didn’t even notice we had reached the room, until he placed me on the bed gently, and he didn’t give me room to reason, to think hard about what was about to happen. He pounced on me, his lips attacking mine ravishingly, the taste of desire filling our mouths. I gave into the attack, willingly gave myself up as prey to be devoured by him. And then he paused, and jumped off me abruptly, like he had been stung. I frowned, I coul
DIANA It felt like forever since I felt his soft lips on mine, it was only then I realized I had been starved. His hands tightened their hold on my waist, pulling me closer to his chest as he dived deeper into my lips, his tongue breaking through and claiming me. I threw my arms around his neck, locking him on my lips. But I was not strong enough. He departed from my lips, his eyes fixated on my lips, dowsed in desire. His finger came up to my lips, grazing them lightly, “You really have no idea how beautiful you are.” He breathed out, as he gazed into my eyes. His finger left my lips, moving slowly down my neck, to the buttons on my shirt, and then paused on the last button. It was right above the band of my trousers. What was this man planning to do? I swallowed as he ventured further, his finger dipping passed the band, rubbing the lace over my crotch - just inches away from my core. It became hard to breathe, my heart pounded against my ribs as he looked at me, “I’ll sto
DIANA In less than an hour, I would see him again. I didn’t if the knot in my belly was that of excitement, nerves or fear. What would I even say to him? What would he say to me? Was there even anything to say? Any explanation to give? Nothing any of us would say would change my reality. This was how my body would look forever… irreversibly flawed. “Ma’am, we’re here.” William’s voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I stared at the skyscraper before me with near dread.“Thank you.” I said, giving him a small smile before exiting the car.I had actually insisted on using a cab, but if it wasn’t obvious, Williams wasn’t the type to take no for an answer… especially if he’s been given an order.Yes, I would talk to him about that. I no longer require Williams’ services. I don’t feel comfortable with it anymore… not that I ever did, but now it’s different.Things just aren’t the same anymore.I walked into the building with only one thing in mind - go for the meeting, tell him t
DIANA Sleep has been difficult this past week…She has refused to bestow her presence upon me, drifting far beyond my reach.Maybe it’s because I have been chugging down coffee now more than usual. I’d like to believe that was the reason, and not because the darkness has now become an unsolicited invitation for my demons to come out of their hiding place, and feast.I took another sip of the coffee in my hands as I read the email again on my laptop.There was a meeting happening tomorrow, and every one on the committee must be present. I couldn’t avoid him any longer.I had spent the last week confined to the walls of my apartment, desperately dodging any reason to go the office… stalling the inevitable. I leaned back on the couch as I sighed, shutting the laptop on my lap. I would have to see him eventually, there was no escaping it. That, and I had a job to do.I wouldn’t let my brand suffer because of a personal matter. I’ll just go for the meeting and leave immediately. I won
DIANA My eyes widened as I stared at the men as they walked into the alley. I walked backwards till I felt back against the wall, my heart palpitating wildly in my chest.“Why were you running pretty girl?” The first man leaned in, the stench of alcohol and cigarettes hitting my nostrils as he spoke.No no no no no-“She wanted us to go somewhere private, guess she wants to give us a show.” The other guy said, a disgusting smirk on his face as he slurred, more under the influence than the one holding me down.“P-please, let m-me go.” I pleaded, my voice coming out as a stutter. They both laughed, “You brought us here and now you want to leave?” The second one slurred, yellow teeth glinting under the moonlight.“I’ll g-give you anything y-you want!” I sputtered, my hands shaking as I gripped my purse. “Just name your p-price.” “You hear that Jim?” The first man turned to his friend. “She said anything I want,” then he turned to me, his eyes darkening as he grabbed my neck, callo
DIANA My vision blurred with tears as I rushed to the elevator, ignoring his voice. “Diana…Diana!” I could hear him calling after me, but I couldn’t look back. I couldn’t face him. How did he view me all this time?? An unfortunate case to be pitied? Enough to have around but never lust after? What went through his mind when he touched me? When he kissed me? Is that why he always stopped? Because he knew what I looked like underneath. I should have known. As I entered the elevator, I rapidly pressed the button to take me to the ground floor. As the doors closed, I looked at the mirror and I could see it all. Even though I was covered head to toe, somehow, all I saw were the scars… finally exposed.I wiped my tears angrily as I rushed through the lobby. As I broke through the doors, the chill in the wind hit me almost immediately. It was unusually cold tonight… or maybe it was just me, the sudden realization that he knew what I was. He’d always known. I decided to run, at
DIANA It was Mr. Leota at the door. He didn’t have the usual smirk on his face, he looked serious… too serious.“You’re here…” I mumbled. He didn’t say anything, just walking past me into my apartment.My heart pounded as I stood by the doorway, turning to him slowly as I shut the door.Did he already know?He wasn’t even looking my way, his back was turned to me instead, and my mind raced as I imagined what he’d do next.Would he yell? Cuss me out? Fire me? The suspense was killing me as I stood there.Finally, he turned to face me, walking towards me and closing the gap between us as my breath hitched.“I wasn’t expecting you to come here..” I watered my lips, staring at him with drawn brows.“Why?” He only raised a brow.“You were with your friend, so…” I looked away, hiding the anxiety I felt.“Hm.” He hummed, his eyes regarding me for a moment.“You guys seem really close...” I swallowed, my gaze flashing to his for a moment to catch his reaction.“We are.” The smile that rose
DIANAI tried so hard to conceal the shock on my face, as I stared at the man before me. He was almost the same height as Mr Leota, tall with a lean figure, his perfectly cut beard framing dark eyes that eyed me in judgement.I hoped deep down as I stared at the man that Mr. Leota was mistaken. What kind of Ill luck did I have??“Nice to meet you.” I managed to say said with a shaky smile, but he didn’t smile back, he only nodded and turned to Mr. Leota, completely ignoring me.“Shall we go?” He raised a brow. “-we’ll miss the reservation if we spend more time here.”“Relax, old man, we’ll make it in time.”Mr Leota waved him off with a scoff.Old man? I stared at the man with slightly raised brows.How old was this guy exactly?“You say that everytime and we miss it everytime.” Ryan rolled his eyes.“Have a little faith in me.” Mr Leota smirked.“And where exactly has that gotten me?” He raised a brow at him.“Desperately in love with me.” My eyes widened as Mr Leota nudged him sligh
DIANA I had this pressing urge to slap whoever just knocked on the door, but to also thank them - who knows what would have happened if we had gone on with it… I tried to distance myself from him, but his grip was rock solid.“Mr. Leota, there’s someone at the door.” I tried prying his hands away, but he didn’t even budge.“And?” He raised a brow, shifting closer:“They’re probably here to see you.” I furrowed my brows in amusement at his nonchalance.“Then they can wait.” Then he leaned in, placing kisses on my neck, each one a spark flying through my body.“They could w-walk in at a-any moment.” I managed to breath out, desperately holding on to the last thread of restraint in my head. “I don’t mind that.” His hands around my waist fastened their grip, with no plans to release me.“Well, I do.” I strained to say, my voice coming out weak and airy. He wasn’t listening to me. His tongue danced on my neck like a paintbrush on a canvas, I couldn’t tell what he was painting, but all
DIANA Why must the universe always be against me???“Whatever nonsense you have to spew from that smelly mouth of yours can wait, I have a meeting to be at.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes at his scowling face.“So you think you can talk to me anyhow you see fit??” He took a step closer as his scowl deepened, his grip firm on my arm. “I would have said worse if I had more time.” I sneered. I tried to release myself from his grip, but it was futile. “Let go of me!” I frowned at him as I let out a breath.“What did you do to get into his bed??” He practically spat out, his eyes wide in rage.“I’m not having this conversation with you.” I pressed my lips together, turning to the side in irritation.“Answer me!!” He yelled, his tone dark as he pulled me closer.“I owe you no explanation! You hear me??” I pulled back, my anger rising as I stared at him. “None.”“So the rumors were true after all?” He smirked bitterly suddenly, “-you did find at fuck your way into the company.”“Kevin!” I ex