GUILTY DEVOTION

“Don’t go! I don’t want to go home yet. Can you please stay with me a little bit?” my voice came across as a plea“Rough night?” a deep, smooth voice asked as he turned to face me properly.“You could say that, so do you want to keep my company?” I muttered, slowly releasing my grip on his clothes. The burn of alcohol chased away some of my nerves.He smirked, following my lead as we went back to the barstool for more drinks. “Bad breakup or bad decision?”“Both.”“I see.”A drunk guy almost brush past my shoulder but he quickly pulled me against him so I wouldn’t fall and a huge heat wave rose in my chest as I touched his sturdy body. I wasn't usually the type to flirt with strangers, but at that moment, those rules didn't exist.“I'm Rose,” I lied, my voice steadier than I expected.“Nicholas.” His gaze dropped to my lips for half a second before he met my eyes again. “You shouldn’t come to places like this alone.”I tilted my head. “Desperate times, you know?”He chuckled, low and

Get a grip, Cassie! This man is your uncle! Your mom's friend!I lifted my chin, determined to hold my ground. “Rose? I don't know what you're talking about.”He took a step forward.I stepped back.He took another.The counter dug into my lower back as I connected with it. No escape route anymore.Nicholas leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “You're a terrible liar, baby girl.”He didn't have to add the baby girl because that line made him sexy as fuck. My lips parted, a sharp inhale slipping through them. His scent was clean, masculine, and far too tempting.He reached out, his fingers grazing my arm, barely there, but enough to send a shiver down my spine. I hated how my skin tingled at his touch and how I didn't pull away fast enough.“Still pretending, Cassie?” His voice was velvety, teasing, and knowing. He purposely called my real name this time around.I swallowed hard. “You're full of yourself.”His lips twitched, the corner of his mouth lifting into amusement. “You di

“Good morning, sir. I’m here to report as your new secretary.” I quickly recovered from the shock, determined not to give him the upper hand no matter whatHis voice was calm, void of emotion, as the smirk on his lips slowly disappeared. “Ah, welcome. We’ve been expecting you.” He paused and studied my face for a few seconds. “Let’s keep things… professional, shall we?” Immediately, my head bounced with three nods. It was what I wanted, and I was glad he suggested that first because I wasn’t ready to deal with any of the emotional tension I felt last week.It’s not like I can quit my internship just because of him. It’s very important, and I just have to hold on to my determination for the next six months. “These are the documents available for review, sir. Please let me know when you are done so I can send them to the appropriate departments.” I dropped the files and took my leave. I could swear that his gaze lingered on me as I walked away, so I made sure to make the strutting w

I didn’t bother to stand up from my seat and just watched him getting all mushy with my mom as she ushered him in. She had always been vocal about how she likes him and want us to get married but never will that happen.“Why are you just sitting there? You should acknowledge his presence!” Her tone danced between a yell and a struggle to control her words through her gritted teeth.Standing up reluctantly, I grunted about how she’s always straight with table manners, and it’s not like this is Ryan’s first time in the house.She turned to him with a big smile, “Feel at home, just like always. She’s just getting adjusted to work, so she’s a bit sensitive. I hope you understand.” With that, she left for her room and gave us the privacy we never needed. “So, why are you here?” He stood there staring at me for a while before rushing to hug me. That only aroused the disgust and doubled the anger in me. With a hard push, he almost hit his head against the door frame, and I wasn’t a bit sor

I kept stealing glances at her throughout the day. At any little chance I had, I would scan her from head to toe. She was damn gorgeous; how could I not look? I would love to worship those perfectly built art pieces she had in all corners of her body.Her eyes were fixed on the monitor with all attention poured into her work. At least she’s learning fast and catching up; that would be something to make her mother happy. She begged me a lot not to be lax with her so she wouldn’t throw away the opportunity and I understood her perfectly.She raised her alone for years and invested everything in her. Victoria was never a slacker so she deserved every good thing that had come her way. I could remember when she called me about her appointment at the governor’s office.“I don’t think I deserve this. I cannot meet the expectations of serving the governor. I am so afraid that I will mess all this up. What if I am fired before I even learn anything?” Her voice shook over the phone that rainy n