Roxy’s POVHe took the file back, his eyes scanning over my signature before he closed it with a snap. Then, without missing a beat, he reached into his sleek leather briefcase and produced a crisp sheet of paper.“Here,” he said, his voice as smooth as the polished surface of his desk.I took the paper, and as my eyes landed on the amount printed on the cheque, they widened in shock. It was far beyond anything I had imagined.Before I could even formulate the burning question on my tongue, he spoke, his tone authoritative and assured. “That’s your first cheque.”“Cheque?” My brows knitted together. “What’s it for? I haven’t even done anything yet, Mr. West.”You will be getting paid for every extra hour you spend with me and every task you complete. Consider this an advance payment,” he said, leaning back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine.“Mr. West, this is totally unnecessary,” I protested, though the temptation of that insane amount was undeniable. It could change everythi
Roxy’s POVI sprawled out on Rosie’s bed, my legs stretching as far as they could reach, and my elbows digging into the soft duvet, excitement shooting from every pore on my skin. I was dying to tell her all about the car moment with Aaron and my passport but there she was flitting around her room, tossing clothes left and right like she was on some sort of mission.“Woah, Rosaline Bennett, classic Tom boy in a dress, Where’s the fire?” I asked, one eyebrow raised.She shot me a quick look, then went back to rummaging through her closet. “I have a date tonight.”“Oh, please tell me it’s not Tommy,” I groaned, half-hoping she’d deny it.Rosie froze, her hand gripping a hanger, before slowly turning to face me. She didn’t say anything, but the look she gave me said it all.“So it is Tommy,” I sat up. What Rosie had with Tommy was that consuming, chaotic type of love story that had one person burning out and it was usually person who seemed to have most of their heart into it and sadly,
Roxy’s POVIt was not Nick or Aaron—it was Sarah, I shot out an exhale as I stepped into the Lux lounge, the familiar pulsation of the music vibrated in my chest. I scanned the room, looking for Sarah, It didn’t take long to spot her—she was in the center of the dance floor, swaying to the rhythm with a drink in hand, her blonde hair wild and free.Seeing her this way—so uninhibited and free, in a sleek, black dress that hugged her curves and shimmered under the lights. She looked stunning like a force of nature, her moves commanding attention, her hair, dancing like waves, fell over her shoulders.As I made my way through, my heart pounded in my chest. When Sarah spotted me, her face lit up, and she dropped her drink, abandoning it on a nearby table. She glided over to me, her eyes bright with energy.“Oh hey, Roxy, darling!” she called out, pulling me into a tight hug. “Thanks for coming.”Her perfume, a heady mix of something floral and musky, enveloped me, I smiled, trying to matc
Roxy’s POVToday started weird. Not bad—just... weird.I dropped drunk Sarah home again last night. Slurring words, giggling at nothing, cuddling Aaron tightly. I still felt gross about the whole thing.This morning, Dad’s truck wouldn’t start. Again. Honestly, it’s hanging on by a thread. I stood outside in the cold, staring at it like it might magically fix itself. It didn’t. The engine made that stupid clicking sound, then silence.A new car isn’t an option. Not when every dollar I have goes straight into school. Tuition. Books. Supplies. It's always something.So I texted Nick.And he came.He showed up in that black car of his—windows down, music low. Like something out of a movie.“Need a ride, pretty girl?” he’d said with a grin.I rolled my eyes. But I got in.Now here I was, parked in front of the firm, cheeks hot and hands fidgety.I could feel Nick looking at me while I unbuckled my seatbelt. I kept my eyes forward. I didn’t want to make things weird. Not more than they a
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
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
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 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
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
Roxy’s POVToday started weird. Not bad—just... weird.I dropped drunk Sarah home again last night. Slurring words, giggling at nothing, cuddling Aaron tightly. I still felt gross about the whole thing.This morning, Dad’s truck wouldn’t start. Again. Honestly, it’s hanging on by a thread. I stood outside in the cold, staring at it like it might magically fix itself. It didn’t. The engine made that stupid clicking sound, then silence.A new car isn’t an option. Not when every dollar I have goes straight into school. Tuition. Books. Supplies. It's always something.So I texted Nick.And he came.He showed up in that black car of his—windows down, music low. Like something out of a movie.“Need a ride, pretty girl?” he’d said with a grin.I rolled my eyes. But I got in.Now here I was, parked in front of the firm, cheeks hot and hands fidgety.I could feel Nick looking at me while I unbuckled my seatbelt. I kept my eyes forward. I didn’t want to make things weird. Not more than they a
Roxy’s POVIt was not Nick or Aaron—it was Sarah, I shot out an exhale as I stepped into the Lux lounge, the familiar pulsation of the music vibrated in my chest. I scanned the room, looking for Sarah, It didn’t take long to spot her—she was in the center of the dance floor, swaying to the rhythm with a drink in hand, her blonde hair wild and free.Seeing her this way—so uninhibited and free, in a sleek, black dress that hugged her curves and shimmered under the lights. She looked stunning like a force of nature, her moves commanding attention, her hair, dancing like waves, fell over her shoulders.As I made my way through, my heart pounded in my chest. When Sarah spotted me, her face lit up, and she dropped her drink, abandoning it on a nearby table. She glided over to me, her eyes bright with energy.“Oh hey, Roxy, darling!” she called out, pulling me into a tight hug. “Thanks for coming.”Her perfume, a heady mix of something floral and musky, enveloped me, I smiled, trying to matc
Roxy’s POVI sprawled out on Rosie’s bed, my legs stretching as far as they could reach, and my elbows digging into the soft duvet, excitement shooting from every pore on my skin. I was dying to tell her all about the car moment with Aaron and my passport but there she was flitting around her room, tossing clothes left and right like she was on some sort of mission.“Woah, Rosaline Bennett, classic Tom boy in a dress, Where’s the fire?” I asked, one eyebrow raised.She shot me a quick look, then went back to rummaging through her closet. “I have a date tonight.”“Oh, please tell me it’s not Tommy,” I groaned, half-hoping she’d deny it.Rosie froze, her hand gripping a hanger, before slowly turning to face me. She didn’t say anything, but the look she gave me said it all.“So it is Tommy,” I sat up. What Rosie had with Tommy was that consuming, chaotic type of love story that had one person burning out and it was usually person who seemed to have most of their heart into it and sadly,
Roxy’s POVHe took the file back, his eyes scanning over my signature before he closed it with a snap. Then, without missing a beat, he reached into his sleek leather briefcase and produced a crisp sheet of paper.“Here,” he said, his voice as smooth as the polished surface of his desk.I took the paper, and as my eyes landed on the amount printed on the cheque, they widened in shock. It was far beyond anything I had imagined.Before I could even formulate the burning question on my tongue, he spoke, his tone authoritative and assured. “That’s your first cheque.”“Cheque?” My brows knitted together. “What’s it for? I haven’t even done anything yet, Mr. West.”You will be getting paid for every extra hour you spend with me and every task you complete. Consider this an advance payment,” he said, leaning back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine.“Mr. West, this is totally unnecessary,” I protested, though the temptation of that insane amount was undeniable. It could change everythi