LOGINThe drive back to the mansion was a long one riddled with silence and lingering tension.
Damon steals a glance at Naomi, his hands clenching hard at the driving wheel. If there was a way to get them home fast enough, he'd take it. But he remained calm, getting them both home safe was very important, he knew it. Naomi was seated in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the blur of city lights, her heart pounding against her ribs. Is he going to say anything now or later? She folded her arm across her chest, fighting back the urge to ask him questions about what he wanted to tell her and about that earth shattering kiss. She wanted to know why he had said they "can't" do this, only to show up at Soonie's door, worried sick about her safety. Her eyes flickered over to Damon whose attention was glued to the road ahead of them. He remained silent, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. The air in the car was heavy, thick with a tension that made her skin tingle with anticipation. She was a woman swaying on the edge, waiting for a single word, a single look, to send her some sort of reassurance. But she got nothing. She waited patiently, crossing her legs as though to push back the throbbing in between her legs. She was soaked, just sitting here and staring at him and recalling that kiss only made it worse. The car finally pulled up to the entrance of the mansion, Naomi unbuckled her seatbelt, ready to make a silent escape to the room. He didn't say a word to her all through the ride, neither did he spare her a look. This must be it, he's never going to tell her what she wanted to hear, what she felt he felt too. Damon killed the engine and turned to her. His eyes, no longer fixed on the road, were replaced with something different, something vulnerable. He was out of the car before she could even step into the foyer, rounding the vehicle rather quickly. He pulled her closer to him, his hands on her waist, and in one fluid motion, backed her up against the wall of the foyer. Thea's eyes fluttered open in shock, scanning his face as though hoping he would give her answers to her silent questions. Maids and staff who were just finishing up for the evening, stopped in their tracks, their eyes wide with disbelief as they watched the man they knew as the composed and stoic CEO of Sinclair Enterprises lose himself completely. His mouth came down on hers in a devouring kiss, a desperate claim that sent a shockwave through her entire body. It was a kiss that wiped away their misunderstandings, a kiss that explained what he couldn't in words. Naomi’s arms, which had been frozen by her side, went around his neck, pulling him closer, her fingers tangling in the dark hair at the nape of his neck. The scent of his cologne, the taste of him on her tongue, and the feel of his firm body pressed against hers was intoxicating. They stumbled, a tangle of limbs and hungry mouths, around the living area. His hands, no longer hesitant, roamed over her back, tracing the curve of her spine, pulling her tighter against him until there was no space left between them. The world around them faded into the background. All that mattered was the feel of his lips on hers, the low growl that rumbled in his chest, and the moan that escaped her own throat. Members of staff watched in shock, but felt like a dream. Mr Sinclair? The one they've all worked for for so many years? This man seemed to have coordinated even his answers before the question was being asked yet here he was, seemingly to be lost in the Madam's arms. Patrick cleared his throat, of course the couple had swayed past him, clearly oblivious to everyone's presence in the house. His eyes went over to the staff, eyes narrowing into slits in warning. He didn't need to say the words. They all scattered and the mansion emptied in seconds. Patrick left the foyer, a knowing smile on his face, leaving the two of them to their…rather passionate display of love. The house was now empty, not a member of staff left within the building. Damon tore his mouth from hers, his lips moving to the soft skin of her neck, his breath hot against her ear. “Naomi..” He whispered her name, a sound that sent a shiver straight to the core of her being. She felt his hands sweep her up, her legs wrapping around his waist. He began to move, a slow climb up the grand staircase. Naomi stared at him, Damon was a mess. His eyes seemed glazed over and his hair was a mess, not to mention the lipstick stain she left on his lips. “You didn't say anything in the car.” She whispered. “I wanted to. But then I would have to look at you and I won't be able to look away.” He said, his eyes fixed straight ahead. Naomi smirked. “Like right now?” His grip on her tightened. “Like now.” Naomi kissed him, making him stumble to the side slightly. He pulled away, a playful smile on his lips."We're going to fall down this stairs if you keep doing that.” “You won't let me fall, would you?” “I would rather die than let that happen." “Good.” She muttered against his lips, kissing him slowly and gently but it still destabilised his movements. Naomi laughed, she didn't know she had that much of a control over him and it felt good. “You're going to be the end of me.” He whispered against her lips, returning her kisses. He managed to get them both into the room without a scratch. He placed her gently on the bed, his body a heavy weight on top of hers. He kissed her again, but this time, there was a new intensity in his touch. He was no longer holding back, no. Hell, he was too far gone to do that now even if he tried. He shed his suit jacket and tie with a single, quick motion, his eyes never leaving hers. She helped him with his buttons, her fingers trembling slightly as they worked their way down his shirt, revealing the hard, muscular chest of his. Naomi reached for his pants but he grabbed her arm, a hooded look in his eyes. Her eyes met his, is he going to ditch her like he did the last time? If he does she's never going to forgive him, ever! Instead, Damon pulled her arm over her head gently and slipped his hands under her dress until he reached her bra before letting it free. He pulled it out, tossing it to the ground and then, his mouth went down to her nipples through her clothes. Naomi's eyes swung shut as Damon teased her through the dress. It was both pleasurable and agonizing, she wanted to be naked under him but this man was taking his time. He continued to tease her nipples until she couldn't take it anymore, pleading with him. He nodded, pulling the dress over head and tossing it to the ground. Gosh, she's beautiful. He's seen her naked a handful of times but now that she was in his bed, those seductive eyes staring up at him, he knew he was done for. Damon traced the line of her body, from the curve of her waist to the soft swell of her hips, his touch both tender and tempting. His lips trailed hot patches on every part of her, travelling from her neck to her collarbone. Naomi felt herself come alive under his touch, her body yearning for something she's never had before, like she had those many nights ago. She moaned his name, a sound of plea, a prayer for him to continue, to never stop. He kissed the sensitive skin of her inner thigh, his breath sending delicious shivers through her. She gasped, her head falling back against the pillows, her fingers tangling in the sheets. He was everywhere at once; his hands on her breast, squeezing and teasing her nipples, his tongue in between her legs, running kisses down her inner thigh and kissing the sweet part of her like his life depended on it. She wanted more. She wanted all of him. She needed to feel him, to feel the man who had haunted her thoughts and dreams for years now. She reached down to him, pulling him up to meet her lips again and her fingers fumbled with his pants. Damon leaned away from her, falling to the space beside her, his breathing ragged and face etched with a look of agony. Naomi's protests seemed to vanish when she met his gaze, he looked worried. “What's wrong?” She managed amidst her heavy breathing. "This is….This is your first time. I…I don't know.." Naomi stared at him, the hurt and confusion from the other night rushing back. She pulled away from him, getting out of bed and picking up her clothes from the floor. “Naomi..” Damon called, getting out of bed and trying to stop her. She shoves him off, snatching her bra off the ground. “I thought it would be different this time. I'm so stupid for thinking things would change!” She spat, picking up her panties and ready to leave this room. Hell, she would spend the night in the living area, far away from this man. Damon blocked her path, his breathing heavy and eyes full of apologies. He wasn't sure where to start. “Move.” She said, tears threatening to choke her. “Naomi, it's not what you think.” “What is it then? You're treating me like this because it's my first right? You clearly have something against that.” “No. It's just..” Damon sighed. “I promised your father I would keep you safe.” “Denying me sex is you keeping me safe?” She asked, a hint of ridiculousness in her tone. Damon ran his fingers through his hair. “Keeping you untouched and far away from my complicated life is me keeping you safe.” He said and relief washed over him. It felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Naomi exhaled, it all makes sense now, why he thought it was best to stay away. She moves closer to him, her eyes searching his. "You don't get to decide this for me. We are married. I am your wife. This is my choice." She whispered, her fingers reaching out to his face. She saw the last bits of his control crumble into nothing. His eyes finally meets her. “It will hurt. A lot.” He said. Naomi nodded. “I know. And I don't care.” He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a tender kiss. He led her towards the bed, laying her down gently before stepping away to undo his pants. His eyes remained fixed on her, how could someone be so perfect in every way? Maybe he was wrong. He could protect her and keep her close. It's possible.. He returned to her, his lips finding her warmth again and making her wet. He joined her, hovering over her and intertwining their hands on the bed before slipping into her gently. Naomi winced, her grip tightening around his. “Hey, look at me.” He whispered and she did, eyes slightly glazed with tears. He needed to distract her, pull her attention to something else. “I was stupid for staying away..” he started, moving deeper into her, inch by inch. “I felt like I had taken away something from you. You didn't understand what was going on and somehow you got tied to me..” Naomi's eyes focused on him, ignoring the pain as he moved slowly, not startling her or moving too fast for her to handle. “And then you came to my office that day with divorce papers and that fire in your eyes.” He was moving a little faster now but he studied her face. If he sees one look of discomfort, he'd stop. “You looked so…different and you called me out on my bullshit right there and then..” Naomi gasped as he went in deeper, her thighs tightening around his waist to pull him closer. “And I'm sorry..for not showing up when you needed me, I'm sorry..” Naomi moaned, her eyes glazed over with pleasure. She felt less pain now and all she could feel was him inside of her, every inch of him. “You're so perfect..” he muttered, allowing himself to get lost in the rhythm. He went on, going deeper and faster with his strokes but not without making sure she wasn't in pain… Naomi's grip tightened around him, her moans growing louder and louder, demanding him to move faster this time and soon, they climaxed. Damon groaned, his seeds spilling out of him. He met her gaze, concern all over his face. “Are you okay?” Naomi offered a faint smile and nodded. “I'm okay.”Damon didn’t remember the walk back to his office.The board was in chaos after Jack's arrest and he was forced to postpone whatever this was and address them once he understands what's going on. How did the police find evidence on Jack? He was still discussing with Caleb the last time he stopped by his house…The office door closed behind him. Patrick remained standing a few steps back, hands folded in front of him. The past few days have been difficult because of Naomi's demise. He had shed a few tears himself, recalling how sweet she had been and how much she brightened the life of his grumpy boss. Damon crossed the room slowly, dropping his phone onto the desk without looking at it. He stood there for a long moment, palms resting against the polished surface, head bowed slightly. Patrick wanted to speak but he couldn't find the right words to say. He'd taken him a lot to get Damon down to the office as soon as he learned Jack had called for a secret meeting. Now, the issue h
Jack stood in front of the mirror in his private office in Pearl, suit jacket already on, tie knotted, staring at his reflection. His phone lay on the counter, face down. He was yet to receive a response from the driver and it's been over four hours. He clenched the edge of the sink until his knuckles whitened; did he run to the cops like he said? He straightened his cuffs, smoothed his jacket. He had men in the police station who would call him if anything happened.Jack walked towards the door, today was for something else. “Cancel my next meeting,” Jack said as he passed his assistant. “And find the driver.”The assistant hesitated. “Sir?”“Find him,” Jack repeated, voice low. “And make sure he doesn’t speak to anyone. Ever.”The assistant nodded. “Yes, sir.”Jack picked up the folder prepared for the board meeting and headed for the elevator. The company bylaws were clear. A CEO deemed emotionally unstable could be removed by a majority vote. Damon had handed him that opportu
Victor didn’t sit down.He stood near the wall, arms folded tightly across his chest, eyes moving between Seraphine and Caleb like he was trying to make sense of a language he didn’t speak. “She’s alive?” Victor said again, slower this time.Maybe repeating the words would change the meaning. “You’re telling me Naomi is alive.”Seraphine nodded once.“And you both decided,” Victor continued, his voice tightening, “to keep that from Damon.”Caleb leaned back in his chair. “For now. Yes.” Victor exhaled sharply and turned away, pacing a few steps before stopping himself. His hand went to his temple, pressing hard.“You know what this will do to him if he finds out later,” Victor said. “You know how he’s been.”“That’s exactly why we didn’t tell him,” Seraphine replied. “Jack is watching everything. Damon included.”Caleb nodded, “I saw one of his men tailing us earlier. We lost him in the parking lot, switched cars.” Victor let out a bitter laugh. “So the solution is lying to him?”
Seraphine's grip on the steering seemed to tighten as she turned the corner, she couldn't do this anymore. She just couldn’t do it.She parked across the street and sat in the car for a moment longer than necessary, her hands still on the steering wheel even after the engine had gone quiet.She wasn’t angry.That was the strangest part.Anger would have been easier. Anger would have given her something to hold onto but what sat on her chest was guilt.“Fuck this.”She stepped out of the car and locked it, then crossed the street quickly.Inside, the building smelled faintly of dust and old paint. The hallway lights flickered on the moment she walked in. Seraphine climbed the stairs, her boots quiet against the concrete. She stopped at the third door on the left and knocked once.Then again before pushing the door open. Naomi stood at the other end of the room.She was thinner. Paler. There was a faint bruise near her temple that makeup hadn’t fully hidden, and her hair was pulled bac
Damon had not changed the sheets. They still smelled like her. It's been two weeks and the only thing the police managed to find was Naomi’s coat. Stained with blood. He had demanded that they continue the search.They had to find something, anything.. Damon refuses to accept she was gone until there's proof of that. A physical proof… The house was too quiet, like a dark cloud covered the mansion, refusing to go away. The staff moved quietly, avoided his study, and avoided his eyes. No one asked him anything anymore. No one offered condolences. That would mean they think she was really gone and he refuses to accept that. Damon sat in the study with the lights off, the city barely visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. His phone lay on the desk in front of him. No missed calls. No messages. Nothing new from the police. He hadn’t slept. He hadn’t eaten. And each day felt like a punishment without her. At some point, Patrick knocked but Damon didn’t
Naomi had insisted on going to work. She knew Damon had left hours ago, asking her to stay home, rest, and recover. He was right, she needed the break but she didn’t want people whispering behind her back, assuming she was skipping work because her husband was the CEO. She wanted to feel normal again. She asked the HR to give her a day off and she's to resume back to work today.That's more than enough rest and more than enough sexual escapades for one week even though she wouldn’t mind another. The city streets were busier than usual. Early morning sunlight reflected off the glass of office buildings, and the air smelled faintly of exhaust. Naomi’s hands tightened around the steering wheel, her knuckles pale as her stomach growled. She’d barely eaten, and the exhaustion from the night before still clung to her.All thanks to Damon who couldn't keep his hands off her. She ignored her hunger, she'll help herself to a cup of coffee once she's settled. A deep beep startled her. Her
Naomi made her way to Damon's office, trying her hardest to ignore the curious glances that went her way as she walked. Today was unbelievably long too. Maybe she should have taken Damon up on his offer, maybe she should have stayed back home with Charm. That dog was quite something, wouldn't lea
Naomi did not remember how she got home.She remembered stepping out of Damon’s office, the hallway stretching too long in front of her, the sound of her heels against the floor echoing too loudly in her ears. She remembered Patrick’s startled face when he saw her leave without Damon, the way he s
The television volume was low, but no one in the Sinclair living room missed a single word. Their steaming cups of morning coffee sat on the center table untouched, eyes glued to the screen on the wall.The headline crawled across the bottom of the screen in bold white letters: ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING
The hospital smelled like antiseptic and Naomi was starting to get sick and tired of stopping by the hospital every three business days. Damon guided her down to a private ward, his hands gentle and reassuring. She glanced up at him, tears almost welling up in her eyes. He cared. He always had an







