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 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 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 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 POVIt 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 react.I shifted my weight
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