CHAPTER 02 - FLEEING FROM THE CEO

I didn't recognize my actions; desire guided the moment. He smiled, lifting my leg and keeping it pressed against his hip. His hand slid up my thighs, reaching my wet pants. With his finger, he caressed the fabric, teasing, tracing the edge of the lace, and pressing against my groin. My intimacy throbbed, craving his direct touch, but, strangely, he pulled away, gripping my neck and pressing me against the wall.

“Do you feel all of this? This excitement, this need for touch, teasing, and desire for more?!” Patrik leaned close to my lips, running the tip of his tongue along my upper lip. “This is what readers desire—to feel the touches, even if only in their imagination; they want their minds to make their bodies yearn and pulse with excitement!”

Then he let me go, stepping back and leaving me stunned in place.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“Write about this and present me with a better chapter by tomorrow after work. You will be trained by me every day until I feel you have met my expectations!” He sat back, relaxed, in the armchair, pouring himself another glass of whiskey. I looked at his pants, where his excitement almost burst through the fabric of his dress pants.

He followed my gaze with a mischievous smile. “We haven't reached that lesson yet, Mrs. Lis; have patience!” Patrik whispered with malice. I closed my blouse, embarrassed, trying to compose myself, grabbed my notebook and belongings so quickly that I was impressed, and ran out of the room, leaving.

I arrived home with my heart racing. What was that? The exhaustion from hours of work? In years of working with the CEO, he had never been daring with me. Normally, women threw themselves at him, but his brusque manner easily kept them at bay. We had always maintained a professional posture, without suggestive looks, without measuring each other up and down.

So, why did everything change? What changed in him? It didn't matter. I wouldn't go back to that office. To hell with Patrik Morgan and his threats. He couldn't force me to work there! Determined, I lay down to rest after a few glasses of wine, risking a new chapter inspired by our scene in the office. Every memory of his touch sent shivers down my spine.

“Damn, his criticisms were more accurate than I thought!” I bit my lips, slightly tipsy. I put the computer aside and fell asleep, surrendering to my daring dreams with the CEO. My phone rang, but I ignored it. I would never return to work.

I heard sounds at the door. Furthermore, I thought it was a dream, but I felt someone sitting on the bed next to me. I woke up startled, facing my boss smiling next to me, amused.

“You snore!” He smiled boldly.

“Mr. Patrik, what are you doing here?” I rubbed my eyes, thinking it was a dream. “And I don't snore!”

“Yes, you do. I even recorded it. Want to hear?” Patrik brought the phone close to my ear.

“This isn't a dream!” I widened my eyes, jumping out of bed. “How... How did you get in here? What are you doing here?”

“So many questions for eight in the morning. By the way, you're late for work!” The CEO shrugged, ignoring me, leaving the room with his hands in the pockets of his dress pants.

I went after him, fist clenched, stepping firmly on the ground. He turned to look at me from head to toe, the playful smile still on his lips. I pressed my temples, taking a deep breath before forcing formality:

“Mr. Patrik, could you please explain to me how you invaded my apartment?” I breathed calmly, trying not to shout the curses that lingered in my mind.

“I bought the building!” Patrik replied casually as if it were nothing.

“You did what?” I widened my eyes, sitting on the couch and putting my hands over my mouth. “Why would you do that?”

“I don't think this is a safe place for a lady like you, Miss Elisabeth. So, I bought it and put security guards. With the right management, this place will easily prosper!” His businessman's posture was present as he spoke in a serious tone.

“You must be joking...” I sighed, squeezing my hands.

“Miss Lis, time is passing. We're already late for work...I hate waiting!” The CEO's impatient tone made it clear that his patience was wearing thin.

“Mr. Patrik, you have no right to invade my apartment…And…”

“Technically, the apartment has been mine since I bought the building.” He smiled seductively. “But, go on...”

I was speechless. “It's not ethical to enter your tenants' apartment without being invited, Mr. Patrik,” I pointed out as I responded. “And I already sent my resignation letter to our HR last night. I don't intend to return to the company.”

“I figured you'd do something stupid like this,” he smiled excitedly, opening a folder that was on the arm of the sofa. “You have a lot of debts, your writing course is quite expensive... Ah, but I think this is more important!”

He pulled out a document with the logo of the Seattle nursing home. I recognized the letterhead from a distance.

“How did you find out about this? It was not in my records!” I stood up irritated, snatching the paper from his hands.

“I am a very rich and powerful man, Miss Lis; you know that.” Patrik grabbed my wrist, holding it firmly and squeezing it, staring at me mercilessly. “So, do not test my patience. Go change and let's get to work, or I will follow through with my threat from last night!”

Releasing my wrist, I rubbed it, standing still and staring at him.

“Why are you doing this to me, Mr. Patrik? We've always had a good professional relationship.” I stuttered as I spoke.

“You will thank me later!” I saw a shimmering wave pass through his enigmatic eyes. “You have ten minutes to get ready. Your impeccable appearance befits our publishing house. Hurry up.”

I turned around, slamming the door to the room and sliding down it, sitting on the floor, trembling and pensive. How did I get myself into all of this?

“Nine minutes, Mrs. Lis!” He spoke from behind the door, forcing me to get up quickly, grab my clothes, and run to the bathroom.

When I came out, I found Patrik lying on my comfortable bed, reading the chapter I had written about the effects of alcohol and memories of his touches from the previous night.

I rushed over, taking the notebook from his hands.

“I'm glad I could help with your creativity,” he smiled seductively, getting up and running his fingers over my dress shirt. “I'm looking forward to contributing more to your development!”

“No... It's not necessary, Mr. Patrik. I learned enough yesterday.” I timidly bit my lips. “We have an important meeting today with a new writer, can we?”

I pointed to the door, but the CEO didn't move, still staring at me predatorily.

“Update me on the details, Mrs. Lis.” Patrik walked through the door, speaking over his shoulder.

I took a deep breath, speaking to myself.

“It's just another tough day at work, nothing more...” I murmured.