Chapter 2

The next day, I spent an hour searching through the wardrobe, but in the end, I ended up looking like what he wanted me to look like.

Sign...

"Bring me the file on the construction of Java Textiles," he ordered me through the intercom while I was sitting in my office, searching through various files and trying to figure out how to organize them. I searched for the file and walked towards his office. Halfway there, I remembered I had to take off my overcoat. After taking it off, I entered his office, attempting to adjust the dress that hugged my curves tightly and revealed a large portion of my cleavage. His head snapped up, and he leisurely studied all my curves with a smirk on his face.

"This is the file you asked for," I placed it in front of him. He licked his lips as he took the file from my hands.

"Hmmm, this looks good," his eyes traveled all over me, lingering a little more on certain areas of interest. "Is there anything else, sir?" I asked, trying hard not to notice how he was looking at me. "Yes," he picked up a pen and threw it away.

"Pick that up for me," he smirked again. Silently, I went and bent down to pick it up. What did this mean, I thought as I bent down. But then I realized, as I looked back and saw his eyes fixed on my ass. I picked the pen up and placed it on his table. I glared at him, wanting to wipe that smirk off his face.

"Are you finished with me, or is there something else?" I said through gritted teeth, but I instantly regretted it because he left his chair and started walking towards me. I started walking backwards until my back hit the wall. He caressed my cheek with his knuckles, and his body pressed against mine.

"Crystal," he whispered, and I felt goosebumps on the back of my neck. Why was his breath so intoxicating? Why was he still capable of making me feel all those things I could never imagine with another man?

"Oh, Crystal," his hands snaked around my waist, holding me even closer.

"Landon," I tried my best to push him away, but I couldn't. My walls had already started breaking down, just like they always did, only for him.

"I've waited five years for this," he nuzzled my neck, "Five damn years. I worked for days without sleeping or eating so that I could get you back. So just let me hold you, let me feel you," he cupped my face and looked deep into my eyes.

"So that I can punish you better." With that, he went back to his chair while I stood there, fighting back my tears, looking at him in disbelief, and trying to calm my racing heart that threatened to explode.

-----------

As I looked up, I noticed Landon getting up from his chair and reaching for his coat. "Are you going somewhere?" I asked, trying to hide the concern in my voice. He turned towards me, and without looking me in the eyes, replied, "Isn't that obvious?" The curt tone of his voice took me aback, but I continued, "But... but you have a meeting with Mr. Mario, the CEO of Tesla, in five minutes!" I stood in front of him, hoping to stall him from leaving.

"Cancel that. I am going out with my girlfriend," he retorted, pushing past me. My mouth fell open, and he seemed amused by my reaction. "What? You never expected I would go out with someone?" he asked with a hint of sarcasm. I replied, "I thought you were already married." He bit his lip, a bit disappointed with my not-so-broken reply. "I don't trust women... thanks to this one girl I met when I was eighteen. But I think this new girl is different. I am considering getting married." His mocking comment stung, and I bit my lip in frustration.

"What should I tell Mr. Mario? He'll be here any minute?" I asked, not interested in his new amorous adventures. "That's your problem," he replied with a sadistic smirk and left.

I paced back and forth in his office, trying to think of a solution when I heard a knock on the door. I jumped up and went to open the door. Standing before me was a man slightly taller than Landon, with light brown hair and delicate features. He didn't seem pleased with his surroundings or the circumstances that had brought him here. "Hello, I am Mario. I had a meeting with Mr. Landon?" he said.

"Ah, yes. I am so sorry something urgent came up, and he had to leave. Please come inside. I'll arrange for some refreshments," I said, trying to smooth over the awkward situation. He seemed even more annoyed and checked his watch for the time. Then he motioned me to lead him inside the office. The two men with him, who were either his bodyguards or assistants, stayed outside.

"So, what exactly was so urgent that he had to leave?" he asked, seating himself on the sofa while I kept standing. "Um, it was something personal..." I trailed off, not wanting to divulge too much information. "How did you end up here with a person like Landon, if you don't mind me asking?" he questioned, seeming curious. "I am here for training," I replied, hoping that would suffice as an answer.

I poured Mr. Mario a cup of coffee, he fixed his steely gaze on me and asked, "Training for what exactly?" I hesitated for a moment before answering, "For my new position as Landon's assistant." Mr. Mario's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and I could tell he was sizing me up. "Interesting," he said, taking a sip of his coffee. "Well, I hope your boss doesn't make a habit of canceling meetings with me." His tone was polite, but I could sense the underlying threat.