The flight back home was beyond soothing.It was just me in the jet, with the exception of the flight attendant and the pilots, but that was okay. I rested my head against the soft seat, staring at the departing city of Paris with a faint smile.I can’t believe I just traveled to Paris.For a date. I shook my head, turning back to the empty space of the jet, still in disbelief.My gaze wandered a bit too many times to Mr Leota's seat opposite mine, and I bit my inner cheek at the empty seat. I’m already missing him..I sighed, leaning back as I thought about everything that had happened. How chaotic can one date go? We traveled, he bought a freaking mansion, we had a date on a boat, I nearly drowned, we had another date at a restaurant he completely booked, and now..Now I’m here.On my way back. Alone.What was so important that he couldn’t come back with me?I didn’t want to know the answer, staring out the window as the buildings shrank as we flew higher, and eventually the smoot
DIANA What was he doing here??? I stopped in my tracks when I saw Kevin outside the restaurant, his back turned to us.“Dee, don’t engage, let’s just leave.” Lily shook her head frantically as she pulled me away.“Can’t I have one day-” I scoffed in irritation. “-Just one day free of this asshole??” “Don’t let him ruin your day Dee, let’s go.” Lily held my hand, her eyes pleading as she led us away. I frowned at her, my eyes lifting to Kevin’s figure ahead.“Were you asking me to leave because of him?” I scoffed, staring at her with a scowl.“What, no! That’s not it ,” She turned to look at Kevin. “I’ll explain when we get to your apartment, but I don’t want a scene.” She stressed, leading us away.“You think I’d cause a scene?” My lips parted in disbelief.“When you and Kevin are in the same room? Yes, the both of you will cause a scene-” She pursed her lips, staring round. “-and we can’t have that with your current situation.” She shook her head.“What do you mean?” I took a step
DIANA The kisses were cold, the ones the wind left sporadically on my skin as I stood by the window of my apartment. A heavy sigh left my lips as I watched the sight before me - it was nothing like Paris. The streets of Paris would have brought out the artist in me, if I had stayed a bit longer. I would have filled pages with the unmatched charm they had to offer. I would give anything to go back there…To him. Was Paris really beautiful, or was it just him? The way he made me feel? The way everything he did made me believe I was special? That i was the only one he’d ever do those things for? Then there was a knock on the door, that pulled me out of my thoughts.I walked over to the door, wondering who it was when I opened it.My eyes widened as I came face to face with Kevin, my heart skipping a beat at the two figures behind him, their faces concealed with masks.“What are you doing here?” I felt utter fear at the sight, but I held my ground, staring Kevin dead in face.“To pu
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
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
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 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
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 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