Midday Seduction

Chapter 3. My greatest fear

Emily's Point of View

My eyes fluttered open, my mind pounding violently, my lips dry. The morning light raced through the curtain, falling on my eyes, and I squinted to get my pupils accustomed to the harsh rays of sunlight.

I sat up, the sheets falling off and revealing faint marks on my fair, sensual shoulders. I got out of bed, my eyes falling on the bloodstains on the sheets.

The room spun as I tried to sit upright, clutching my head.

“s**t!” I groaned as I tried to stand, but I staggered and fell back onto the bed. I was still lost in a drunken haze.

Just then, the memories of last night came flooding into my mind. I tried to restrain myself from believing that I had a one-night stand with a stranger, but my naked body did the convincing.

I couldn't believe I slept with someone I had barely met thirty minutes earlier, and to think of it, I enjoyed every bit of the pleasure.

As I steadied myself, studying the spacious room I found myself in, I whirled around, and my jaw dropped at what I saw.

A tall, muscular figure stood beside the curtain, his chiseled features and raised brow exuding a striking handsomeness that commanded attention.My eyes were drawn to the tattoo on his broad chest: ‘Isabella’ inked in bold, black letters.

I trembled as the knowledge that I wasn't dressed hit me like a bolt of lightning. I quickly covered myself with a blanket, my cheeks crimson as shame washed over me.

My mind raced back to the memories of last night. I had gone to drink myself into a stupor, not to sleep with strangers. I remembered the crowded room, the loud music, and his face which sort of lured me.

“You lured me into this?” he asked, raising his brow, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“I…I don't know what you're talking about, Sir,” I replied, my voice quavering.

He rolled his eyes in annoyance as he stepped closer to the bed.

“Nonsense!” he yelled, clenching his fist. “If you aren't a street girl, then why the hell did you approach me, huh?” he asked.

His words and cold demeanor sent shivers down my spine. I was afraid of the unknown. Who was he?

“I did?” I asked in confusion. I couldn't get a detailed memory of how everything happened; all I could remember was kissing him passionately and moving into a room with him.

“Oh, I get it,” he scoffed, nodding his head. “You are one of those ladies, huh? Strippers sent to lure me,” he accused boldly.

My eyes widened at his accusations, and my palms sweaty as I stared at him, my breath coming in quick, short gasps.

Before I could say a word, he dipped his hand into his bag and pulled out a wad of cash, throwing it in my face.

“This is for a night well spent. Mention this to anyone, and I'll have you dealt with!” he roared, adjusting his clothes and bolting out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

I had never felt so humiliated and shameless. I was boldly accused of luring him into intimacy, and to crown it all, he thought I was a stripper.

I exhaled and inhaled, trying to steady my racing heart.

“He is rich,” I muttered to myself. I had to remind myself that I wouldn't see him again, and I could bury this like it never happened.

I rose from the bed, standing on my feet as I picked the money from the floor; I needed it for my house rent and Emma's school fees.

“A thousand dollars,” I whispered.

A glance at the clock made me realize I was late; I was going to meet the new boss who had bought the company today. I slipped into my dress, picking my purse.

Without hesitation, I sprinted out of the room and rushed into the elevator, the door closing in.

I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at the eyes which bored into my skin. I was aware I had an hourglass shape and unparalleled beauty which attracted unnecessary attention, but the stare coming from the lady beside me was mind-draining. Maybe my haggard nature attracted the attention. I don't remember running a comb through my hair, so they probably thought I was insane.

Just then, the elevator opened, and I rushed out of the hotel and into the street. I hailed a taxi which drove me to my apartment.

I rushed down from the car and sprinted into my apartment. I could see Emma at the other side of the room, her eyes piercing into my skin. She wanted an explanation of why I didn't return early last night, but I was late.

“I’ll tell you about it, okay? I'm late for work,” I replied, slipping into a dress and rushing out. Just as I was about to close the door, I bumped into the landlord.

“Going somewhere?” he asked, holding a straight face and raising his brow.

“Mr. Adams, how do you do?” I asked, giggling nervously.

“Where the hell have you been?” he asked, ignoring my question. I was aware he was here for my house rent.

“I…I,” I stammered. Before I could finish my statement, he interrupted rudely.

“Well, I don't care! Get me my money, or you leave my house, Emily. I'm done playing your pathetic games,” he growled, tapping his feet furiously on the floor.

I knew Mr. Adams well enough; he hated stories when it came to his house rent.

“I expect you have my money now, hmm?” he asked, frowning a bit.

I let out a sigh, digging my hand into my purse and dragging out a few dollar notes.

“This should do for the month,” I said, handing him the money and walking out of the apartment.

I stepped through the glass door of the firm, my heels clicking confidently on the polished marble floor. My gaze darted around the corner of the offices as I searched for the new boss.

“You are late, Emily,” a voice said behind me. It was unmistakably Philip's voice. Ever since I turned down Philip's proposal, he has always been a thorn in my ass.

“Mind your business, will you?” I warned, forcing my way through the bustling lobby and into my office, slamming the door.

I traced my steps to my seat and sank there, relaxing on it as I exhaled loudly. I shut my eyes for a while, steadying my breath.

After a while, I heard the lobby go still. What was happening? Why was everywhere quiet?

I listened closely to hear a masculine voice addressing the staff. I was sure it was the new boss. The urge to give out a good impression overwhelmed me.

I applied lipstick on my, ready to greet him.

“Where is my secretary?” I heard him ask.

“Right here, Sir,” I replied, my hand grabbing the doorknob and twisting it as I stepped out, a smile tugging at the side of my lips.

My eyes widened as I looked at the face before me, my breath caught in my throat. His presence was unmistakable—his broad shoulders, his chiseled jaw, and the same tattoo peeking out from the collar of his shirt.

He looked casual, as if he didn't recognize me.

He walked towards me, his gaze locked on mine. I wanted to flee, but I found myself glued to that spot, unable to move.

“Hello,” he said, stretching out his hand for a handshake.

“Nice meeting you… officially,” he said, a smirk on his lips.

“Likewise,” I whimpered, stretching out my hand, his grip firm.

“I’m Regan, you?” he asked, still maintaining the smirk on his lips.

“E…Emily,” I replied, my voice quavering.

I could feel my knuckles go weak as he walked out on me, the realization hitti

ng me; I just had a night stand with my boss!

“s**t,” I mumbled as I ran to my office, tears dripping from my eyes.