Roxy’s POVI could tell Sarah didn’t want to talk about it.But my vines? Yeah, they had a mind of their own. They weren’t backing off. If anything, they were spreading fast—growing, reaching, pushing. I knew I should stop, but something inside me just... wouldn’t.“I don’t mean to meddle,” I said quickly, giving her my sweetest I-care voice. “It’s just that I saw how it affected you when Rachel mentioned her.”That made Sarah look up. And I mean really look at me.She paused. Debated. Weighed her options like I was a courtroom jury and she wasn’t sure how much to give away. Then finally—she sighed. A long, tired sigh. Her face changed. More serious now.“Amber is a low-grade school teacher who’s suing SPECTRUM, one of California’s finest paint factory,” she said.“She thinks their paint is making their workers sick because her son, who used to work there five years ago, just died from unknown causes. Although there’s no clear report to prove it, she insists he started showing signs w
Roxy’s POV“Goodnight, Roxy!" Greg from corporate law called out.I waved, flashing a smile. “Night!”Then Emily from paralegal passed, already halfway out the door. “You saved my life today.”“Anytime,” I said, keeping it casual.But inside?I was glowing.I mean, come on—I crushed it. Research? Nailed. People? Impressed. Mood? Roxette Bennett in full queen mode. I could almost hear the invisible crown settling on my head.That’s what I do—slide in, solve the unsolvable, walk out without breaking a sweat.The office was practically empty now, the silence was so loud, I could hear my own heartbeat.I started to pack up... but then I saw him.Through the glass.Aaron West.Still at his desk, sleeves rolled up, deep in work mode. His brows drawn together in that signature frown. One hand gripped a pen, the other raked through his hair like he was searching for answers in the strands somewhere. He was completely locked in.God, he had that kind of focus that felt like magnet. Like he cou
Roxy’s POV There he was. Sitting at that big, intimidating desk, totally lost in whatever lawyer stuff was flooding his brain. Papers everywhere. Tension in his shoulders. And then—he looked up. And he saw me. Not like a “Hey student, what are you doing here” kind of look. It was quick, but it was there. First, surprise. Then something else. Something slower. Like… interest? Curiosity? Maybe even heat? I don’t know. I couldn’t pin it down exactly, but it made me feel powerful. Like I was actually doing something right. I walked slowly. On purpose. I knew the dress was pushing the envelope. The buttons, the hips, the slight sway—yes, I leaned into it. Maybe too hard, but Aaron West isn’t the type you get by playing it safe. The man is basically an ice sculpture in a suit. Subtle wasn’t going to work on him. So I brought the fire. Then came the mood shift. His face snapped into that usual “I’m-the-boss-here” vibe. “What are you still doing here, Ms. Bennett?” He asked it
Roxy’s POV He was looking at me—waiting for me—daring me to respond with those stormy gray eyes. Damn. I swallowed hard. Go on, Roxy. Charm him. Charm him so hard his pants fall off. Charm that serious, lawyer-face wall off his face. Have zero mercy. “I know you finished Harvard Law with a first class. I know you developed a method of cataloging procedures at Harvard, that’s now taught to first year students. I know you have never lost one single case in the courtroom. I know you made your name with your own blood, sweat and sleepless nights—not because of favors or anyone else's name. And I know you're the best damn lawyer in this firm and probably in all of California. Should I go on, Mr. West?” Oh yes, I definitely did my research. For a second, just a split second, something flashed in his eyes—surprise, sure. But there was something else, darker... intense. Something that sparked like a flame and vanished just as fast. “You’ve said enough,” he replied, voice hard a
Aaron’s POVI felt different tonight. Something inside me was wild, but I didn’t know why. It was like a strong energy was running through me.Like a beast, hungry and wild looking for escape.And for some reason, I kept thinking about her—Roxette Bennette.Could she be the reason I felt like this? No, that didn’t make sense.Sure, she knows a lot about me. But people can find things online these days. It’s not hard. Maybe she just looked me up.I’ll admit it—I liked the way she talked about me. The things she said and the way she said them with that thirsty look in her eyes. It felt nice. But that didn’t mean anything.Still... the way she stared at me. Like she wasn’t scared. Like she knew exactly what she was doing. She walked in like she owned the place. Her face changed so fast—sweet one second, bold the next.Her eyes. The way she moved. The way she ended her boyfriend’s call so fast. She says she doesn’t have one.Lies ofcourse.But damn, she did that on purpose. She wanted to
Roxy’s POVPersistent—that's my sister, Rosie. I'm stubborn too, sure, but Rosie? She doesn’t know when to quit. It’s kind of her superpower… and her biggest flaw.We were in Dad’s old garage—the one he turned into a workshop before he passed. It still smelled the same. Oil, dust, and old memories. I was sitting inside his broken Ford Thunderbird, fingers tapping on the worn-out steering wheel like I was actually helping. But honestly? I just wanted to talk about Aaron West.Rosie was under the car, legs sticking out, covered in grease. Her jeans had more oil stains than actual denim. That girl was serious about fixing this thing. I leaned out of the car, looking down at her.“So… when exactly are you giving up on this?” I asked, trying to sound chill, even though I already knew the answer.“Right after it starts,” she shot back from under the car. “Just wait till I see the look on Dad’s face when it does.”I rolled my eyes, even though she couldn’t see it. “Dad’s dead, Rosie.”Her re
Roxy’s POV Rosie’s phone buzzed, biting into our conversation. She glanced down, face scrunching up like she just bit into a lemon. “What?” I asked, already sensing the drama. “Nothing,” she muttered, stuffing her phone in her pocket. “It’s just Tommy canceling on me again... off to suck face with Rad.” Yup. Tommy Island. AKA Bad Tommy. The new guy who turned into a school jock overnight and somehow ended up Rosie’s boyfriend. For now. Hopefully not forever. Honestly, the guy’s only real talent is hurting her. I raised an eyebrow. “If you know he’s sucking face with Rad, why are you still with him?” “Because I like him,” she said, but even she didn’t sound convinced. “And since when does liking someone mean letting them treat you like crap?” I shot back. “We are not talking about me, Roxy,” she deflected fast, leaning forward. “We’re talking about you and your hot daddy crush. So… Aaron West really looks like Chris Hemsworth?” I pointed at her with two fingers. “Look
Roxy’s POVCatherine Bennett—my overbearing mother was always right. Every time she said I would get into trouble, I always did.I remember this one time when I was sixteen.There was this house party. Big one. Everyone was going. I wanted to go so bad. My mom said no, of course.“It’s a bad idea, Roxy,” she warned me. “You’ll end up in trouble. I can feel it.”But I didn’t listen.I waited until she fell asleep, changed out of my pajamas, and snuck out the window like some rebellious movie girl.The party was wild—music, lights, drinks I wasn’t supposed to touch. At first, I felt free. Cool. Like I finally belonged.Then the cops came.Someone called about the noise. People screamed, ran everywhere. I panicked. I tried to run too, but I tripped on the steps and scraped my knees. The cops caught me and called my mom.She showed up with Dad lin her robe and slippers. Silent the whole ride home. That was worse than yelling.When we got inside, she said one thing:“Didn’t I tell you?”Ye
Roxy’s POVMy room looked like a battlefield.Clothes everywhere.Nothing felt right.Not mine. Not Rosie’s.Not the black skirt, not the blue one, not the damn jeans. Nothing screamed seductive, revenge-driven temptress about to set her boss on fire.Crap.Why didn’t I just tell him?“Sir, I don’t own a single decent dress.”Too late for that now.My phone rang, vibrating under a pile of failed outfits. I dug through like a woman searching for treasure and finally found it.Sarah.My stomach flipped. Should I pick up?I hesitated too long, and it rang again. Okay. Okay.“Hi Roxy, your best girl here!” Her voice was a literal sunbeam.“Hi Sarah.”Wow. I didn’t know my voice could sound that stressed until she said—“You don’t sound good, Roxy. What’s up?”I pressed my lips together and finally admitted it. “I’m in the middle of a crisis.”“What crisis? Are you okay?”I exhaled. “I got invited to dinner… but I don’t have a dress to wear.”Instant regret.“Come on, I’ll take care of you
Roxy’s POV It was a new day at the office but my mission was still the same. Aaron West. I knocked mildly at his door before stepping into his office. And there he was. Mr. Hard Face. Mr. Commanding. Mr. “I-own-every-air-you-breathe.” He was on a call, pacing across the room, voice deep and rough like a devil whispering in a dark room. His tone wasn't loud, but it filled the room. I swear even the walls leaned in to listen. But it wasn’t just the room. It was me too. I was completely tuned into him. I stood still, trying not to stare, but failing miserably. Those black pants hugged his thighs too well. I was biting my lip but ofcourse he couldn’t see. I tilted my head, tracking him as he moved. No. I wasn’t tracking. I was digesting. I was digesting this tall, consuming man before me. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, exposing sculpted arms that looked like they were carved for sin. And that hair—God—I wanted to tangle my fingers in it, just to see how he’d
Roxy’s POVCatherine Bennette, my overbearing mother, and Rosie, my thorn-in-the-side twin, sat across from me at the breakfast table. Catherine was dressed in her usual prim attire, a pastel blouse neatly tucked into slacks. Her concern showed in the way she nervously folded and unfolded her napkin, her eyes darting toward me every few moments. Rosy, clad in her familiar denim jacket and plain tee, looked like she was bracing herself to play mediator in a battle that hadn’t yet begun—but we both knew it was coming. I sat there in a haze, pushing my eggs around on my plate without much enthusiasm, half-present, half-lost, my mind replayed scenes from yesterday—Aaron and I at Club Virgo, his firm grip on my wrist as he led me to his room. The vivid red walls—it takes a certain kind of man to choose that color. A man with fire steaming beneath the surface. Aaron had that fire; I could feel it come off him every second I spent close to him. Sarah had always said he was a good lover.
Roxy’s POV I dropped the file onto the table, standing with eager eyes. The entire place smelled like him—strong, masculine, with a whiff of something dark and forbidden. Of course, he owned it. Everything about this space screamed Aaron West. My legs moved on their own, leading me to the sleek brown shelving of his closet. I pulled it open, my head falling backwards as I inhale the scent that greets me, my fingers itched, trembling as I decided what to touch first. Stop! A voice inside me warned. But there was no way I was stopping now. I ran my fingers along the lineup of crisp shirts and suits, unable to resist the urge to pick out one. It was a deep gray shirt, just like his eyes. I brought it to my face, inhaling deeply, the scent of him filling my lungs, making my head spin. Something else caught my eye, and I carefully replaced the shirt. It was a journal, black and heavy. I lifted it, my fingers tracing its edges. What secrets could be hidden inside? I imagined him
Roxy’s POVI had made a big mistake. I called him by his first name. That was the one rule he had made clear—and I broke it.His eyes darkened, and for a moment, he looked truly scary. He leaned in closer, and his voice dropped.“I expect you to always be professional with me, Ms. Bennette. Just because we have an arrangement doesn’t mean you’re anything more than my employee. And I’m your boss. Do you understand, Ms. Bennette?”I swallowed hard. “Uh—yes, I understand, Mr. West,” I said quickly.“This is the first and the last time,” he said.“Yes, Mr. West,” I nodded.He leaned back again, putting just enough space between us to make me miss the closeness. I hated how his distance made me ache. He reached for his briefcase, and my eyes followed the movement instinctively.Stop staring, Roxy. Get it together.But my mind betrayed me, wandering to thoughts I shouldn’t be having—fantasies that didn’t belong in a room like this, with a man like him.What’s wrong with you, Roxy? I scolde
Roxy’s POV Stepping into the club—club Virgo—Austin had called it, my heart pounded like a drum. The dim lighting, the scent of expensive cigars, polished mahogany furniture, expensive perfumes. A real gentleman’s club—It smelled like power, secrets, and sin. As Aaron led me inside, I took in the place. Tall, dark wooden panels lined the walls, and the carpet underfoot was so thick it muffled the sound of our footsteps. Crystal chandeliers hung low, casting sparkling reflections that danced across the room like whispers of temptation. I caught sight of men laughing, cigars in hand, and women who looked like they belonged on magazine covers draped over the plush seats. My nerves tingled with every step, my skin prickling under the intense gaze of the other patrons. They knew who Aaron was—But they didn’t know me, and I felt their eyes on me, questioning, probing, wondering. “Hello, Mr. West,” a sultry voice broke through my thoughts. The front desk lady, stood as soon as she sa
Aaron’s POVWe arrived at Belvedere, and I found myself chatting with the concierge about getting us a table. It was all so last minute that I hadn't made a reservation, and Belvedere was strictly by reservation only. But, given that I was a regular, they were kind enough to bend the rules for me.“This way, sir,” the concierge said, leading us to our table. I turned to look at Ms. Bennette, whose eyes were wide with excitement as she took in the surroundings. There was something about that eager look in her eyes that I liked—young and full of life. When our eyes met, she quickly forced a smile and tried to compose herself, like she was trying to impress me or something. I couldn’t help but enjoy the way she followed behind me, almost like she was my little darling.We settled into a private area with a perfect view of the ocean. I always loved the ocean view, how the water moved, and the gentle waves that washed over the shore. It was calming, and in moments like this, my mind muddle
Roxy’s POV So I am right back at that night again. Lucas lies on the asphalt, his body crumpled and surrounded by a pool of dark, crimson blood. The car is gone, the black phantom that vanished into the night. My legs were shaking as I ran to him. A scream caught in my throat. His eyes… they trembled with a fear that split my heart in two. I dropped to my knees beside him. My hands were shaking as I pressed them to his wounds, desperate, useless. Trying to stop the bleeding. “Lucas, stay with me,” I begged, choking on my tears. “I don’t want to die, Ro-x,” he cried, voice wet with blood. I could see it—he was pleading. Silently begging for help I couldn’t give. I shook my head. Tears pouring. “No, no… you’re gonna be okay. Just stay with me.” But I didn’t believe it. Not for a second. The color in his eyes was fading. Then he reached for me. Clutched my shirt with the last of his strength, fingers digging in like he couldn’t hold on to life any longer. “Roxy…” He could
I stared out the window, my grip on the mug so tight I felt it might shatter. There he was again—the guy who picked her up that night, dropping her off again. Nick! She had called him, I felt stupid for even remembering the name. He was leaning in close, his eyes devouring her. The thought of him touching her, undressing her, twisted something deep inside me. What’s happening to me? Why am I reacting this way? I’ve seen plenty of women—more attractive, more experienced. Why should this naive college girl, my wife’s student, stir such a reaction?He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering longer than necessary. The intent was clear; he wanted her in his bed. And she—she just sat there grinning like an innocent little brat.And all I could think about was last night. The way she looked standing at the door after helping my drunk wife out of the car. The way she looked at me— Like she knew. That I was fucking burning for her.Damn it.I hated how close he was t