My Bestfriend’s Father

Chapter One Aria You probably think I’m out of my mind. Sick, even. You might think I’m a terrible, irredeemable person for the things that go through my head, for the man I have been completely consumed by since the day I saw him on my eighteenth birthday. But honestly? I don’t care. I am nineteen years old, and I am entirely, unapologetically ruined by anyone else. I lay tangled in my bedsheets, getting wet and moaning his name. But it wasn't the weather or any other man that was putting me in this mood, it was just the stolen photograph of my best friend’s dad. Mr. Damian. Just looking at his face sent a violent, heavy jolt straight to the pit of my stomach, making me o****m three times already. He was a billionaire titan, a man who carried his immense wealth and power like a loaded weapon. Broad shoulders wrapped in a ruthless, dark, tailored suit. A well shaped, unforgiving jawline. And those eyes, pitch-black, predatory, and endlessly arrogant. He was my best friend, Harper’s father. You might probably think I am mad. Well, you might be right. I still remember the first time I saw him. It was a rainy afternoon back at our college dorms. Harper had forgotten her credit card, and Damian’s blacked-out SUV had pulled up to deliver it. I had opened the door, expecting a driver. Instead, I found a god. He had looked down at me, his gaze sweeping over my oversized sweater and bare legs, his eyes darkening instantly. It wasn't a polite look. It was the look of a starving, feral wolf sizing up its prey. He hadn't said a word, but the tension was electric. I thought I was going to pass out but don't judge me, I controlled myself because I was just sixteen. Since that day, he has owned me. He didn’t have to touch me; he just invaded my mind and built a cage there. I dragged my thumb across the screen, tracing the fine line of his jaw. My breath hitched in the quiet room. I closed my eyes, letting my head fall back against the pillows. In my mind, I wasn't in this cramped college apartment. I was pinned against a wall, Damian’s big, imposing body trapped me in. I imagined inhaling his scent while his hands ran down my body. I imagined him finally dropping that cold, authoritative act. I imagined him leaning down, his voice was a low, rough growl against my ear, telling me how long he had been watching me. Telling me I belonged to him. My heart hammered violently against my ribs, as dull, aching heat throbbed through my veins. I was twisting myself into knots, waiting for a man who was untouchable. There were other guys, of course. There was a guy on my campus who thought we were exclusively talking, a sweet, oblivious boy who thought he had a chance with me because of the few times we’d kiss and make out. But whenever he looked at me, I felt absolutely nothing. Because every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was Damian’s arrogant smirk. I was burning alive from the inside out, completely lost in the delusion of Damian finally thrusting in and out of me violently while I moaned his name so loudly, begging him not to stop, when my phone vibrated so violently it nearly slipped from my hand. The caller ID flashed. It was Harper, my best friend. I let out a ragged, frustrated breath, and snapped back to reality. I raised my two fingers up, it was sticky white. I was dripping wet. I quickly picked up the call with my left hand. I cleared my throat, forcing my racing heart to slow before I swiped to answer. "Hello?" I said, sounding slightly husky, betraying the frantic state she had just pulled me from. "Babe, are you ready?!" Harper practically screamed through the speaker, her voice was shrill and bubbly, completely oblivious to the wicked, sinful thoughts I had just been having about her dad. "I’ve booked the flight! Start coming to Monaco right now, girl! I can't wait to see you!" My stomach dropped, completely bottoming out as a rush of pure adrenaline flooded my system. Monaco. "Is..." I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "Is everyone already there?" "Yeah! My mom flew in yesterday, and my dad has been at the penthouse all week for meetings," Harper chirped. "It’s going to be the best summer ever. Get your bags packed, the driver is coming for you in an hour!" "I'll be ready," I whispered, and ended the call. My phone slipped from my grasp, falling onto the mattress. Damian was there. He was already waiting in a luxury penthouse. The man who haunted every single one of my waking hours, the man who had made me o****m since my eighteenth birthday till now. I threw off my covers and happily marched straight to my closet, pulling my large suitcase onto the floor. I skipped the modest sundresses and cute, sensible shorts. My hands shook slightly as I reached for the back of my wardrobe. I pulled out some sexy see-through dresses, bikini tops that were little more than strings, and heels that were designed for one thing only: sin. Harper thought this was a girl's trip. She thought we were going to lay by the pool and drink cocktails or maybe chill with boys around our age. She had no idea she was inviting a wolf right to her front door. I threw a piece of crimson lace into the suitcase, staring at my flushed reflection in the mirror. My eyes were dark, dilated, and completely unapologetic. I was nineteen. I knew exactly what I was doing. Damian thought he could just stare at me like a predator and keep his distance? He thought his billionaire restraint was stronger than my desperation? He was wrong. Monaco wasn't ready for me. And by the time this summer was over, I was going to make sure the arrogant, untouchable Damian moans my name.