Craving My Father's Right Hand Man

Valencia’s POV “I need another drink.” I yelled on the top of my voice, slamming my shot glass on the table. Reaching out for the half filled bottle of whiskey, I filled my glass generously, taking the first shot, then the second and third but I wasn't done yet. Instead, I was just getting started. The room spun slightly, but I didn’t care. Music pounded through the speakers in the club. It was loud and messy, but did I care? A big NO. This was everything I needed tonight and I was going to enjoy every bit of the moment. A few hours ago, I stepped out of the state university as a graduate of business administration. I was officially done with pulling all-nighters, the endless assignments and the group projects that made me furious. Now, I could breathe and celebrate with no restriction. “You’re going to black out at this rate,” my friend Nina laughed, snatching the bottle from me. “Let her be,” Mari chimed in. “Tonight is her night, she earned this.” Derrick, my boyfriend, wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me against him. “Babe, slow down, you're not built for whiskey like that.” He mused, caressing my neck with his nose. Tossing my hair over my shoulder, I locked eyes with him, “You don't have to worry about me, huh.” Hitting my chest with my face gleaming with pride, I said, "I’m built for anything, I'm Valencia Palmer don't you forget.” They all cheered at that, making my heart bubble even more. Leaning against Derrick, I wanted to remain there but I was too hyper to stay still. Pushing my chair backwards, I lifted my glass above my head. “To me!” I chirped. “To Valencia.” They cheered and it was followed by laughter and clinking glasses that filled the air. I swayed a little, heat crawling up my face. I wasn’t just celebrating my graduation. This time next week, I will be chairwoman of Langston Holdings. My father’s empire was finally mine to run and I was more than ready. Emptying three more glasses of whiskey down my throat, I staggered forward, “I have to pee,” I mumbled, placing my glass down. “I will come with you." Nina offered, extending her hand to me but I refused. “I will be fine on my own.” I burped, staggering away from the table. Waddling through the hallway that was dimly lit and packed with half-drunk bodies, brushing past them was a hassle but I held out. In my drunken state, I could barely make out the numbers on the doors. Every step I took was a little more off-balance than the last. I was literally floating but as long as I was alive, I had no issue. Finally I found a door. Fifth on the right? I think? It didn’t matter, I pushed the door open. Inside the room was quiet, dark, the complete opposite of the chaos I had just left. The light from outside flickered in through the half closed door. There was a bed in the middle of the room, some clothes were scattered about but as soon I spotted the bathroom door, I rushed towards it. Finally! I relieved myself, washed my hands, and stumbled out. I should have left, I should have gone back to my friends but the bed looked so inviting and soft and… I didn't remember plopping on it as darkness overwhelmed me. ** The next morning, bright sunlight hit my eyes as my skull throbbed like someone was doing woodwork on my head. Groaning, I nuzzled into the soft pillow only for something to click that sent my eyes flying open. “Where the hell—” My voice cracked with the dryness of my throat. Blinking into consciousness, I took in my surroundings. The ceiling was strange, the same as these sheets. This was not my apartment, neither was it Derrick. Then I felt it. There was warmth next to me. Slowly, I turned my head and immediately, I screamed in sheer horror. Lying next to me was a naked man. Scrambling backwards, I dragged the sheets up to my chest, my breath ragged as my heart slammed against my chest non stop. My scream must have awakened him because he stirred, groaning softly as he rolled on his back. And that was when I saw him. Even though he was groggy and half-asleep, the man was stunning, I meant beautiful. His face looked like it had been carved by the best sculpture in the world. His jawline was strong with high cheekbones. His sharp nose and lips were way too full for a man. His tousled black hair fell over his forehead in just the right way. And his skin was smooth, golden-brown, glowing like he hadn’t known stress in years. Then there were his eyes. When they opened, they were piercing gray, cold and curious and framed by lashes so long that made it look fake. And his body, God. Perfectly sculpted, well defined. He had broad shoulders, tight abs and strong arms which made my stomach do a backward flip. “Why are you screaming?” His voice was low and hoarse from sleep, but still ridiculously sexy. “Who—who the hell are you?” I demanded, wrapping the sheets around myself as panic set in. Instead of responding to my question, he sat up, rubbing his temples like he was nursing his own hangover. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking that? You’re the one in my bed.” Oh no. Oh hell no. “The bathroom!” I said, eyes wide. “I was just—I came in here by accident! I thought this was—Oh my God.” I ratted out, my face red. To my disdain, he smirked, leaning against the headboard and watching me like I was doing a stand up comedy. “Let me guess. You were drunk, thought this was the restroom, used my shower, got comfortable, and ended up passing out next to me.” He spelt out, his deep voice making me tighten my thigh. I clutched the sheets tighter. It was a miracle I hadn't passed out yet. I was embarrassed. “I didn’t use your damn shower!” “Really?” He chuckled, amusement glinting in his eyes. For the first time, I looked down at myself. I was still in my dress but it was wrinkled and twisted like I had tossed and turned all night. I had no underwear on and my bra was unhooked. “Oh my God,” I whispered again, horrified. Jumping out of bed, I went about picking up my stuff, his gray eyes following my every movement. “I didn’t mean for this to happen,” I snapped, shoving my stuff into my bag. “This was a mistake. I don’t even know your name!” He chuckled, throwing the covers off his body like he had no shame. “Is my name important?” I found myself staring at his v line and then downwards, he was massive down there. And… “Last night I couldn't get my eyes off you…" He mused and with just a stride, he closed the gap between us. “I swear, if you’re making fun of me—” “I’m not.” He cut in more seriously now. “You were out cold. You came in, knocked out, and that was it.” “So… we didn’t…” “Nope.” He shook his head, his expression unreadable. “You were drunk. I don’t touch drunk girls.” I stared at him, trying to decide if I should believe him. I didn’t not believe him but I still felt naked under his gaze. “You’re not from around here, are you?” He observed, tilting his head. “What does that mean?” “You look too expensive for this club,” he said with a crooked smile. “Like someone with a penthouse and a security team.” I was too embarrassed to stay back and speak with him so I quickly waddled out of his room, clutching my shoes and purse. It wasn't long after when my phone buzzed and I yanked it out of my clutch. Your father wants to see you. Now, come home immediately. — It was a message from my father's personal assistant.