The Affair

Chapter 9

Mark walked into his office with Richard close behind, shutting the door behind them. Mark went straight to the bar cart in the corner, pouring himself a generous drink.

“She’s Rebecca’s daughter. My future stepdaughter,” Mark stated, as if saying it out loud would remind him of the boundaries he needed to uphold.

Richard just chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, that is complicated then.”

Mark threw back his drink in one smooth motion and immediately poured himself another.

Richard watched him with an amused expression. “So, you going to tell me what happened?”

Mark stiffened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Richard smirked knowingly. “Come on, mate. We grew up together back in London. I know when you get that look in your eye.”

Mark clenched his jaw, his grip tightening around the glass in his hand. Richard was one of the only people he truly trusted, the only one who could read him like an open book. With a frustrated sigh, he set his glass down and ran a hand through his hair.

“It was a mistake,” he admitted. “I met her at the bar before I knew who she was. She spilled her drink on herself, and I offered her a clean shirt in my room. I had no ill intentions, but then… when I saw her standing there, in just her bra and leggings…” His voice trailed off as he exhaled deeply. “I lost control. We kissed. That was it.”

Richard let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “Well, you handled it better than me.”

Mark gave him a questioning glance. Richard took a sip of his drink then asked, “What is she? Latino? Italian?”

Mark sighed, rubbing his temple. “Rebecca is Italian. Her father was Honduran.”

Richard’s eyes widened slightly before he let out a slow fox whistle. “Damn. Spicy and hot-blooded. That’s a very dangerous combination, my friend.” He smirked, leaning forward. “No wonder you got it bad. I hear women like that—once you get a taste… you’re addicted.”

Mark shot him a sharp glare, but the heat rising in his chest told him Richard wasn’t entirely wrong.

Richard gave Mark an amused smile, the kind that said he could see right through his friend’s internal torment. “So, what are you going to do?”

Mark grabbed his glass and downed the rest of his drink in one swift motion. He set the empty glass down with a sharp clink. “Nothing.”

Richard raised an eyebrow, shaking his head with an exasperated chuckle. “Right. Because ignoring it is going to make it go away.”

Mark shot him a warning look before quickly steering the conversation elsewhere. “So, do we have your business? Kendra satisfied Vanessa’s shopping spree and survived the ordeal.”

Richard laughed, swirling the drink in his own glass. “Of course, you have my business, my friend. You always did. I just like messing with you when you get a new assistant.” He smirked knowingly. “Though, this one’s a little different, isn’t she?”

Mark tightened his jaw and turned away, pretending to check something on his desk. “She’s my fiancée’s daughter.”

Richard leaned back, sipping his drink with a teasing grin. “Exactly. Which makes her completely off-limits, right?” He let the words hang in the air for a moment before adding, “Shame, really. That kind of chemistry is rare.”

Mark shot him a sharp glare, but Richard just laughed, clearly enjoying watching him squirm.

Before Mark could say anything, Richard stood and told him he had to go—he and Vanessa’s flight leaves in an hour. Richard pulled his friend in for a hug but gave him a warning: if he didn’t get his feelings and emotions in line, it could all end badly.

Richard walked out of the room and grabbed Vanessa.

Before leaving, Richard shook Kendra’s hand, thanking her for all she had done for Vanessa. He gave her a light kiss on the cheek, a gesture of gratitude and charm.

Then, Richard and Vanessa were gone, leaving Mark and Kendra alone in the lounge.

Silence stretched between them.

Mark exhaled, running a hand through his hair before turning to Kendra. His blue eyes locked onto her, unreadable.

“Well,” Kendra started, shifting on her feet. “That was… interesting.”

Mark let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “Richard likes to test my patience.”

Kendra smirked. “I noticed.” She crossed her arms. “So, did I do well? Vanessa didn’t seem too miserable with me.”

Mark stepped closer, just enough that she could catch the faintest whiff of his cologne. “You handled her perfectly,” he said, his voice low. “And Richard… well, he was very impressed with you.”

Kendra arched a brow. “And you?”

Mark’s jaw tensed slightly before he responded. “Let’s just say, you continue to surprise me, Miss Stone.”

Something flickered in his eyes—something Kendra didn’t want to analyze too much. She cleared her throat and stepped back. “Well, it was exhausting, but mission accomplished.”

Mark nodded, then glanced at the time. “It’s late. Let’s call it a day.”

Kendra didn’t argue. She grabbed her bag and turned toward the elevator, feeling the weight of his gaze on her as she walked away.

She told herself she imagined the heat in his stare.

The elevator doors closed behind Kendra, sealing her away from Mark’s intense gaze, but even as she descended, she could still feel it lingering on her skin.

She let out a slow breath, trying to shake off whatever weird tension had been building between them. This was her boss. Her future stepfather.

The moment she stepped outside into the crisp evening air, she checked her phone—several missed texts from her mother.

Rebecca: Hey, sweetie, how’s your day?

Rebecca: Let me know when you’re heading home. I’ll have dinner ready.

Rebecca: Everything okay?

Kendra sighed and quickly texted back.

Kendra: Yeah, all good. Just leaving now. Be home soon.

She flagged down a cab and gave the driver her address. As the city lights blurred past, she rested her head against the cool glass of the window, her mind drifting back to the day.

Mark had been nothing but professional. Well, mostly. But there were little moments, tiny flickers of something—when his hand brushed her leg in the car, the way his eyes lingered when he thought she wasn’t looking.

Kendra swallowed hard. No. Stop.

She had to get these thoughts out of her head.

Mark Bennett was just a man. An incredibly attractive, powerful, and frustrating man—but still just a man.

She was exhausted. Tomorrow, she’d go in, do her job, and keep her head down. No more distractions.

At least, that was the plan.

The cab pulled up to her mother’s house, and Kendra paid the driver before stepping out. The cool night air sent a shiver down her spine as she made her way up the driveway. She could see the glow of the kitchen lights through the windows, the faint sound of music playing inside.

As soon as she opened the door, the smell of pasta and garlic filled her nose. Rebecca was at the stove, humming to herself, while Ethan sat at the kitchen counter, scrolling through his phone.

“Well, look who finally made it home,” Ethan remarked without looking up. “How was day two? Boss make you fetch him coffee yet?”

Kendra rolled her eyes as she dropped her bag onto a chair. “No, Ethan. But thanks for your concern.”

Rebecca turned, beaming. “Kenny! There you are. I was starting to worry.” She wiped her hands on a dish towel and pulled Kendra into a warm hug. “Tell me everything! How was the shopping spree with Vanessa?”

Kendra tensed slightly, grabbing a glass from the cabinet and filling it with water. “Exhausting,” she admitted. “She bought half the city, and I had to keep up.”

Rebecca laughed. “That sounds like Vanessa. She grew up spoiled, but she’s a sweet girl. I bet she kept you entertained.”

Kendra let out a dry chuckle. “Oh, she definitely kept me on my toes. She’s got a lot of energy… and a lot of opinions.”

Ethan snorted. “Let me guess—she’s one of those girls who’s never worked a day in her life?”

Kendra smirked. “Pretty much. But she was actually nice to me, so I can’t complain too much.”

Rebecca smiled. “I’m glad you’re getting along with her. That’s good for Mark’s business.”

Kendra nearly choked on her water at the sound of his name. She quickly cleared her throat, forcing herself to stay composed. “Yeah… well, mission accomplished. Richard was happy with how it all turned out.”

Rebecca’s eyes gleamed. “That’s amazing! You’re already proving yourself.”

Ethan leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Right. Just what Mark Bennett needs—your daughter playing personal shopper for his clients.”

Kendra shot him a glare. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Ethan shrugged. “Nothing. Just saying, the guy seems a little too perfect. Rich, powerful, a little too smooth. You should keep your guard up.”

Kendra’s grip tightened on her glass. If only he knew.

Rebecca sighed. “Ethan, stop being so cynical. Mark is a wonderful man, and he’s been nothing but kind to me. He’s giving Kendra an amazing opportunity.”

Ethan scoffed. “I’m just saying, you barely know the guy.”

Kendra stayed quiet, Ethan’s words hitting a little too close to home.

Rebecca sighed, clearly wanting to change the subject. “Come on, let’s eat before the food gets cold. Kenny, sit down and relax. You’ve had a long day.”

Kendra nodded, grateful for the distraction. But as she sat down at the table, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Ethan might be onto something.

Because the truth was, she didn’t know Mark Bennett at all.

And after today… she wasn’t sure she wanted to. Or worse—maybe she did.