Only You

The soft rustle of silk sheets accompanied the deep, ragged breaths echoing through the luxurious penthouse suite. The city lights spilled through the tall windows, casting golden reflections over the two bodies tangled on the king-sized bed. “Karl…” the brunette moaned, her lips pressed against his as she straddled him, her hips rocking slowly, teasingly. Karl Johnson, billionaire CEO and the city’s most wanted bachelor, let out a low growl. His hands slid up her back, gripping her waist before flipping her over with one swift motion. Now on top, he pressed his lips against hers hungrily. “You talk too much,” he whispered against her mouth, his voice dark and amused. She giggled breathlessly, wrapping her legs around him. “You love it.” But he wasn’t listening anymore. His body moved with hers in a rhythm he knew too well. It was the same dance he did almost every night with a different name, a different face, but the same outcome. Heat. Passion. Release. Then nothing. Their naked bodies tangled as the night wore on, the room echoing with moans and breathless laughter. But when the sun peeked over the skyline, warmth and intimacy were nowhere to be found. Karl stood at the edge of the bed, shirtless, pulling on his designer pants without so much as a glance back. “Leaving so soon?” the girl asked, sleepily curling into the sheets, her makeup smeared and hair a mess of curls. He fastened his watch, eyes cool. “Meeting at nine. I’ll call you… or not.” She smiled knowingly. They all did. He left her in the suite, just like he always did. No regrets. No promises. Downstairs, his black car was already waiting. The driver opened the door, but Karl paused as a gust of morning breeze swept past him. There was a strange tightness in his chest but he shook it off. Another night. Another forgettable face. But across the city, at a crowded bus stop, a girl clutched a worn suitcase to her chest. Her eyes were wide with hope and nerves. She stared up at the tall buildings as if they held dreams. Her name was Olivia Benson. She had never been kissed. Never been touched. By noon, the morning sun had sharpened into a golden blaze pouring through the wide windows of one of the city’s most prestigious rooftop restaurants. The air was laced with the scent of grilled steak, cigar smoke, and money. Karl sat at his usual table, private, secluded, overlooking the skyline. Dressed in a dark gray suit that clung perfectly to his athletic frame, he leaned back in his seat, sipping from a glass of scotch, a lazy smirk curling on his lips. Across from him, his longtime friend and business partner, Damon Wolfe, cut into his medium-rare steak. “So,” Damon started with a chuckle, “how was she?” Karl shrugged, not even bothering to remember her name. “Pretty. Flexible. Loud,” he said flatly. “But boring.” Damon raised a brow. “Boring?” “Yeah.” Karl swirled his scotch slowly, eyes fixed on the glass. “Nothing special. Same sounds, same moves, same fake moans. These girls don’t even try anymore.” Damon snorted. “Maybe you’re just getting hard to please.” Karl shot him a smirk. “No. They’re just too easy.” “Fair enough.” Damon leaned forward, grinning. “But I’ve got something for you tonight. A girl who isn’t like the others.” Karl’s brows lifted slightly. “Oh?” “Hot. Beautiful. Sexy as hell. But more importantly, she knows how to make a man like you satisfied.” Damon’s grin widened. “She’s not some random gold-digger. She’s been around the elite, knows how to work her body and mind.” Karl let out a low laugh and leaned in, interest finally piqued. “You’re selling her like she’s a luxury car.” “She might as well be. Every guy who’s had her swears she’s unforgettable.” Karl took another slow sip. “We’ll see about that.” “So, what do you say?” Karl set the glass down and smirked, his voice smooth and commanding. “Bring her to the club tonight. I want to test the merchandise.” Damon laughed. “Already told her you’d be there. She’s excited.” Karl leaned back, cocky and composed. “They always are.” But miles away, as the city pulsed with life, a young woman stepped off the bus, clutching a piece of paper with an address written in neat, hopeful handwriting. Her dress was plain, her shoes slightly dusty from her hometown roads. Her eyes, though, sparkled with determination. The city roared outside, cars honking, people yelling, and life moving faster than Olivia Benson had ever experienced. Clutching the strap of her worn canvas bag, she stood in front of a tall apartment building, the paper in her hand slightly crumpled and smudged from her nervous grip. “Apartment 5C,” she mumbled to herself, her country accent still thick. She made her way up the stairs, dragging her suitcase behind her. Her cousin, Mia, had promised her a place to stay until she found a job. A fresh start. A new life. A break from the small town where everybody knew everybody… and judged everything. When Olivia reached the door, she found a key under the mat just like Mia had said. She slipped it into the lock, turned it, and slowly pushed the door open. The apartment smelled like perfume and vanilla candles. Cozy, bright, and nothing like the simple wooden house she’d grown up in. The place was modest but neat. A few jackets hung by the door. Some pink high heels were abandoned in the hallway. A Polaroid of Mia laughing with friends sat framed on the kitchen counter. A small note was taped to the fridge. “Liv! Sorry I couldn’t wait, had to rush to work. Make yourself at home! There's food in the fridge, and the couch pulls out into a bed. I’ll be home after midnight. Love ya! -Mia-” Olivia smiled softly and sighed, finally letting her shoulders relax. She walked through the living room slowly, her boots clicking softly on the wooden floor. Everything felt… different. A little overwhelming. But exciting. Dropping her bag beside the couch, she looked around, taking it all in. The view from the window showed tall buildings and blinking signs. Nothing like the quiet trees and dirt roads of her hometown. She touched the curtain gently, almost like it was proof this was real. Then, with a tired huff, she sank onto the couch, letting her body melt into the soft cushions. “This is really happening,” she whispered, staring at the ceiling. Her heart raced with a mix of nerves and hope. Tomorrow, she’d go job hunting. Maybe as a waitress or at a shop. She didn’t need anything fancy. Just something honest. But for now, she let her eyes flutter shut. The music pulsed like a heartbeat, low, rhythmic, sensual. Velvet lights bathed the club in shades of crimson and gold. In the VIP section, behind a low glass partition and guarded by private security, Karl Johnson leaned back on the leather lounge, a crystal glass of bourbon in hand. His dark suit was perfectly tailored, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, exposing a hint of his sculpted chest. He looked at his watch, then at the dance floor below. “She’s late,” he muttered. Damon, lounging beside him with a cocktail in hand, chuckled. “She likes to make an entrance.” Karl didn’t respond, just took another sip of his drink. He wasn’t a man who liked to wait. But the promise of something “different” had piqued his curiosity enough to sit still. For now. A few minutes later, the crowd parted slightly. And there she was. The woman Damon had promised him. Tall. Curvy. Dressed in a slinky red dress that clung to every inch of her body like silk poured over skin. Her heels clicked with confidence as she approached their table, her eyes locked on Karl like a predator that had spotted its prey. Without a word, she slid onto the seat next to him, her perfume thick and intoxicating. “Mr. Johnson,” she purred, brushing her fingers down his arm, “I’ve heard… delicious things about you.” Karl gave her a slow, lazy smirk. “Let’s see if you live up to the hype.” She leaned closer, placing her hand on his thigh, fingers teasing just enough to make him twitch. He didn’t flinch, he was used to this game. But her next move made his brow lift. She cupped his chin, her eyes smoldering, and bit her lip slowly before capturing his mouth in a hot, unhesitating kiss. Karl didn’t stop her. He deepened the kiss with practiced ease, his tongue sliding against hers as her body pressed closer. She moaned softly under the pressure of his lips, heat radiating between them. Without breaking the kiss, she straddled his lap, her dress hiking up just enough to reveal smooth, bare thighs pressing against his. His hands roamed her legs with ease, fingers tracing slow, possessive circles. The kiss grew hungrier, deeper. His other hand slipped to the small of her back, pulling her even closer. Her hips moved subtly against his, and his breath grew heavier. But just when she leaned in to whisper something in his ear, Karl broke the kiss, his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he spoke, voice thick and low. “I’ve got a room tonight.” He smirked wickedly. “You up for something… unforgettable?” She pulled back slightly, eyes gleaming as she licked her lips. “Lead the way.” Karl stood, adjusting his jacket, and held out his hand. The crowd, the noise, the lights, all faded behind them as they exited the club together, bound for a hotel suite soaked in desire and luxury. But what Karl didn’t know… was that just hours ago, a girl with innocent eyes and a heart full of dreams had arrived in this city. And soon, his world of lust and luxury would collide with hers with a force he wouldn’t see coming. The hotel suite was dimly lit, with golden sconces casting warm shadows against the marble walls. Karl stepped inside first, loosening his collar, while the woman closed the door behind them with a soft click. She didn’t waste a second. With a sultry smile, she walked straight up to him, her fingers already working on the buttons of his shirt. One by one, they popped open, revealing hard, sculpted muscles beneath, smooth and chiseled from years of discipline and indulgence. “God, you’re built like sin,” she whispered, her hands gliding across his chest. Karl smirked, watching her. “Is that your best line?” She leaned in, lips brushing his ear. “Not even close.” With a push, she made him sit on the edge of the bed. Her fingers trailed downward, hooking into his belt. One click. A swift pull. Then the belt slid free. He let her undress him, watching her every move, his eyes dark with desire. Once his pants were off, Karl grabbed her waist and flipped the moment. In one fluid motion, he pinned her beneath him, his mouth finding her neck as his hands moved with the precision of a man who’d done this far too many times. Her dress slipped off with ease. He unclasped her bra, his gaze never leaving hers, then slid her panties down her legs, leaving her bare and beautiful beneath him. She didn’t shy away, didn’t hesitate. She pulled him down with her, lips claiming his in a kiss that burned hotter than the rest. Their tongues met in a slow, hungry dance, hands roaming each other's bodies like familiar territory. Her body arched beneath him, reacting to every touch. She knew exactly how to take control, to make him lose it and she did. Their rhythm built, shifting between dominance and surrender, hands gripping sheets, breath catching in throats. They moved together like flames chasing oxygen, burning fast and bright. Karl groaned, surprised at how deeply she pulled him in. The way she kissed him slow at first, then deeper, rougher. The way she held his jaw, like she owned every second of it. This wasn’t about love. Not even lust. It was about escape. Release. The illusion of intimacy. They changed positions, again and again, heat and sweat coating their skin as the night stretched on. His lips explored every inch of her, and hers returned the favor, leaving no part of him untouched. She knew exactly where to touch, when to whisper, when to take over. By the time dawn crept in through the curtains, Karl lay on the bed, breathless and spent her head on his chest. But he felt nothing. No warmth. No connection. Just another night blurred into a habit. Without a word, he stood, gathered his clothes, and headed to the shower. This was how it always ended. On the other side of the city, in a modest apartment tucked between two buildings, the soft clatter of plates and the delicious scent of homemade food filled the air. “Wow, Liv, this is amazing,” Mia said with a big smile as she took another bite of the creamy garlic chicken Olivia had made. Olivia, cheeks slightly pink, sat across from her cousin at the small dining table, feeling proud. “It’s just something simple. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I went with comfort food.” “Well, you nailed it,” Mia said between bites. “God, I missed your cooking. It’s been so long since I had a home-cooked meal that didn’t come from a microwave.” Olivia laughed softly, tucking a strand of her honey-brown hair behind her ear. The city was still new to her, loud, fast, and overwhelming but this dinner made it feel a little less scary. “So…” Mia set her fork down and leaned on her elbow. “How was your first day exploring the city?” “Exhausting,” Olivia admitted. “I must’ve walked at least ten blocks just looking at job boards. Everyone either wants experience or someone who knows ‘city pace.’ Whatever that means.” “Ugh, I hate that,” Mia said. “You’re smart, hardworking, and polite. Any office would be lucky to have you.” Olivia smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Mia. I just hope I can find something before my savings run out.” Mia hesitated, tapping her spoon against the glass bowl. “Actually… there might be something.” Olivia looked up, hopeful. “Yeah?” “My office has an opening. The executive assistant just resigned, burnout, I think. Our boss is looking for someone dependable and quick to learn. It’s fast-paced, but they’re willing to train the right person.” Olivia sat up straighter, her eyes lighting up. “Are you serious?” Mia nodded. “I can talk to HR and get you an interview. You’d be working directly under the CEO though. He’s a bit... intense.” “I don’t care,” Olivia said quickly. “I’ll take it. Please, Mia. I’ll work hard, I promise.” Mia laughed, raising her hands. “Alright, alright. I’ll email the team first thing in the morning.” Olivia’s heart fluttered with excitement, her fork frozen mid-air. This was it, her chance to finally start fresh in the city, to prove herself, to build something of her own. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I really needed this.” “Hey,” Mia smiled, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “We’re family. I’ve got your back.” Steam still clung to the hotel bathroom mirror as Karl stepped out of the shower, running a towel through his damp hair. Drops of water glistened on his sculpted chest as he stood in front of the mirror, slipping into a crisp white shirt, leaving the top buttons undone. Behind him, the soft padding of bare feet approached. The woman from earlier still in a loosely tied bathrobe and nothing else slid her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his back. "You're leaving already?" she murmured, voice husky with sleep and seduction. "The night’s still young... and I’m not done with you yet." Her fingers wandered across his abs, tracing every hard line, slow and teasing. He smirked at his own reflection before turning around, catching her chin between his fingers. "You’re trouble, you know that?" he said, voice low, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Only the best kind," she replied, licking her lips before pulling him closer. Without another word, Karl lifted her effortlessly into his arms and carried her to the bed, tossing her down gently. She giggled, then gasped as he leaned over her, his lips crashing into hers with renewed hunger. The room filled with breathless moans, tangled limbs, and sheets that twisted beneath their movements. Their rhythm returned like fire to dry wood burning hot and drawn out. The night turned slow and heated, different from the usual urgency Karl was known for. For once, he didn’t rush. They lingered in each other’s touch, drawing out every kiss, every caress, until the city lights dimmed and silence crept in through the windows. By the time exhaustion took over, her head rested on his chest, his arm lazily wrapped around her waist. He looked at the ceiling in the dim light and smirked to himself. Just another night. Just another body. Just another name he wouldn’t bother remembering. A week later… Olivia stood nervously in the pristine lobby of the high-rise building, clutching her small purse tightly. Her cousin Mia had given her the address and a bit of advice: "Be confident, even if your voice shakes." Easier said than done. “Miss Olivia Benson?” a poised woman in a sleek suit called out. Olivia stood. “Yes, that’s me.” “This way, please. Mr. Johnson is expecting you.” As Olivia walked through the long corridor, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Her simple blouse and skirt made her feel out of place in the glossy, luxurious surroundings. When the assistant opened the heavy office door, Olivia stepped inside slowly. The room was grand floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, a massive mahogany desk, and seated behind it… the most intimidating man she’d ever seen. Karl Johnson. He didn’t speak at first. He just leaned back in his leather chair, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. His jaw tightened slightly. His expression was unreadable, cold, almost arrogant. Then, so low it was barely audible, he murmured, “Beautiful…” She blinked. “I’m sorry, did you say something?” He shook his head, clearing his throat. “No. Take a seat, Miss Benson.” She sat down, hands folded tightly in her lap. He laced his fingers under his chin and looked at her with sharp, calculating eyes. “You’re new to the city.” “Yes, sir,” she said politely. “I arrived just last week.” He smirked faintly. “Country girl, huh? This city tends to swallow the soft-hearted.” Olivia lifted her chin a little. “I might be soft-spoken, Mr. Johnson, but I’m not weak.” That made him pause. Interesting. He glanced down at her résumé, though clearly, his attention was still on her. “I’ll only ask you two things,” he said at last. “One, how well do you handle pressure?” She met his eyes evenly. “Pressure doesn’t scare me. I’ve had to earn everything in my life, and I’m still standing.” A flicker of something passed in his gaze. “And two…” He leaned forward slowly, voice deep and smooth. “Can you follow instructions, exactly no matter how demanding they are?” She swallowed but didn’t flinch. “If I take a job, I give it my all.” For a moment, the air was tense, as if some unspoken challenge hovered between them. Then he sat back, nodding once. “You’re hired.” Olivia’s breath caught. “Just like that?” He tilted his head with a slow smile. “I like taking risks. Let’s see if you’re worth it.” Still slightly stunned, Olivia rose from the chair and gave him a small, polite nod. “Thank you, Mr. Johnson.” Karl didn’t stand. He only watched her with that same unreadable smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Be here at 8 sharp tomorrow. Don’t be late.” “Yes, sir,” she replied, voice steadier than she expected. Just as she reached for the doorknob, the door opened from the other side. A tall, stunning woman stepped inside, wearing a fitted red dress that left very little to the imagination. Her eyes flicked over Olivia with casual dismissal before she turned to Karl. “There you are,” the woman purred, striding toward him like a panther. Without asking, she lowered herself onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’ve been waiting all morning.” Olivia froze. Karl didn’t push her away immediately. Instead, he looked past the woman to Olivia, who stood at the door like she’d walked into something she shouldn’t have seen. “Thanks, babe, but I’ve got work now,” Karl said lazily, slipping one arm around the woman’s waist before lifting her off his lap with one strong motion. “We’ll talk later.” The woman pouted. “You’re no fun.” But Karl’s attention had already shifted. “Close the door behind you, Miss Benson.” Olivia blinked. “Uh, yes. Of course.” She stepped out of the office and closed the door quietly, her heartbeat oddly fast. What the hell did I just witness? The hallway felt colder somehow. Her mind spun in circles as she walked back toward the elevator. She had just gotten hired by a man who oozed arrogance, dismissed beautiful women like they were nothing, and acted like the world belonged to him. And tomorrow, she would start working for him. Her first real job in the city. Too fast. Too confusing. And yet, despite her discomfort, her curiosity burned even hotter. Later that night, Olivia curled her legs up on the couch in Mia’s apartment, a bowl of warm soup in her hands. The TV played something in the background, but neither of them was paying attention. Mia had just changed into pajamas and sat beside her, her hair wrapped in a towel. “So,” Mia said, stirring her tea, “how did the interview go?” Olivia looked at her cousin with wide eyes. “It was… fast. Like, too fast. He only asked me two questions.” Mia chuckled knowingly. “Karl Johnson doesn’t waste time. If he wants something, he takes it.” Olivia raised an eyebrow. “That sounds… intense.” “That’s one way to put it,” Mia muttered. Olivia hesitated for a second. “Be honest with me, Mia. What kind of man is he?” Mia sighed. “Honestly? Be careful around him, Liv. He’s dangerous.” Olivia blinked. “Dangerous?” “I mean, he’s a playboy. The worst kind. Rich, arrogant, and ridiculously good-looking. The kind of man who changes women like shirts. Every night, someone new. Models, actresses, influencers, you name it. And he doesn’t even hide it.” Olivia made a face and placed her soup down. “Ugh. That’s disgusting. No offense, but why do women even go for someone like that?” Mia smirked. “Power. Money. Status. You know how it is in this city. Karl Johnson isn’t just a CEO, he’s the Karl Johnson. Some women don’t care if they’re just one night.” Olivia leaned back, remembering the woman she saw strutting into his office—then sitting on his lap like she owned the place. “I saw it,” she muttered. “Right after the interview… Some woman walked in, and he didn’t even care I was still there. She sat on his lap like...like they were lovers.” Mia’s expression turned serious. “Yeah. That’s him. He doesn’t do subtle.” Olivia crossed her arms. “He makes me sick.” “Then you should be fine,” Mia said with a smirk. “Just keep it professional. Do your job, stay out of his way, and don’t let that pretty face fool you.” Olivia snorted. “Please. Men like that? Not my type.”