Ravished By The Rival

Chapter 1. Fated Night Out

Natalie rushed through the busy Manhattan streets, the cold wind nipping at her cheeks. Fifteen minutes late for work again thanks to the unreliable subway. She picked up her pace, mentally running through the list of tasks for the day ahead as Bach's Technologies' receptionist.

She smiled at the security guard as she tapped her ID badge on the scanner. "Morning, Bill."

"Cutting it close today, Ms. Greene," he remarked, holding the door open for her.

"You know me, I love playing it dramatic," Natalie joked. She smoothed her hair and straightened her skirt before settling in at the pristine lobby desk, firing up her computer.

The phone rang before she could even log in. "Bach Technologies, this is Natalie speaking, how may I help you?" she recited in her polished phone voice.

A familiar voice came through the receiver. "Nat, it's Brooke. Mom's asking for you again."

Natalie leaned back in her chair, sighing. "I know, I know. I'll stop by tonight. How is she seeming today?"

"Bad day. She thought I was you at first, then accused me of stealing her jewelry when she realized I wasn't. Which, harsh."

Natalie rubbed her temple. "I'm sorry, Brookie. I'll bring some soup over, see if that perks her up."

"You're a saint, seriously. Don't know how you do it all."

"Neither do I some days," Natalie admitted with a weak laugh. "Gotta run, work calls."

She glanced up to see two men in crisp suits exiting the elevator, deep in discussion. One she recognized as Andre, a programmer. The other was the illustrious Maximillian (Max) Black himself, founder and CEO. Instinctively she sat up straight.

Andre gave her a friendly nod as they passed. Max merely spared her a glance before continuing his conversation.

"We’ve hit our KPIs across all departments this quarter, sir," Andre was saying eagerly.

"Hmm, yes, well done," Max replied distractedly, his polished Italian leather shoes clicking on the marble floor.

The phone rang again and Natalie sprang into action. "Bach Technologies, this is Natalie speaking. How may I help you?"

The day wore on in a blur of monotonous administrative tasks. By evening Natalie felt drained, but she dutifully packed up to head to her family's cramped apartment. She paused by the lobby coffee kiosk, eyeing the artisanal vanilla lattes. Maybe just a little treat to get through the night ahead with Mom...

"Working late, Ms. Greene?"

Natalie practically jumped at the sudden voice behind her. She whirled around to see none other than Max regarding her curiously.

"Oh! Mr. Black, I was just, uh..." she stammered, cheeks reddening.

Max glanced at his watch, a model that likely cost more than her rent. "No need to explain. I find myself working later each night as well." He looked her over with new interest. "You know, I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I make it a point to know each employee."

Natalie shook the hand he extended. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm Natalie Greene."

"The pleasure is mine, Ms. Greene. I don't wish to keep you, but would you care to join me for a quick coffee? You can tell me a bit about your role here."

Natalie hesitated. She really should just go home to Brooke and her mom. But there was an undeniable magnetism to Max's larger-than-life presence. Before she knew it, she heard herself say, "I'd be honored, Mr. Black."

“Would you mind if I called you Nat?” Max asked as they stepped into the elevator and he pressed the top floor button.

“Hmm… It’s okay, you can call me Nat” Natalie replied as the elevator door shut. “I am only making an exception for you. It's only my family that calls me that”, she added.

“It's only even if I also make an exception for you to call me Max” Max replied.

Natalie soon found herself seated across from none other than the CEO himself at a sleek bar atop the company's skyscraper.

“Good evening Mr. Black”, the waiter greeted, as Max pulled out a chair for Natalie to sit down.

“AB, good evening,” Max answered. “Can we have a rare vintage Scotch Coffee?” Max ordered as he sat down.

“Scotch? I thought we were just having coffee.” Natalie said, puzzled, as the waiter left.

“Yes, my coffee is Scotch. It takes the edge off better than the black bean”, Max said with a smirk across his face. “I am sure that a trial will leave you wanting more”, he added, insisting Natalie try the Scotch Coffee.

"So Ms. Greene, what drew you to Bach Technologies?" Max asked as the Waiter set down their glass cups filled with a black chilled drink.

Natalie fiddled with her glass. "Oh, well...I've always had a passion for technology and programming. I'd love to be a programmer one day, but the logistics haven't worked out”, she replied. “I'm thankful for the chance to be part of such an innovative technology-driven telecommunication company, even just as a receptionist."

Max's brow furrowed. "Just a receptionist? Ms. Greene, every employee at Bach is valuable, from engineers to receptionists. Don't underestimate your worth."

Warmth rushed through Natalie at his words. She took a larger sip of scotch coffee for liquid courage. "Please, I thought there was an exception for you to call me Nat," She said as she set her empty cup on the table. “Or you have taken offense to my comment of just a receptionist?” She said, making air quotes with her hands at the ‘just receptionist’.

"Very well, Nat," Max said laughingly as he gestured for another round. "I must confess, some on my team did not see the value in installing an elaborate coffee bar and lounge in the lobby. But I believe every detail contributes to the employee experience. It encourages collaboration and creativity, the heart of innovation."

Natalie was impressed. She had assumed the luxurious new additions were merely vanity projects. "I think that's admirable, si- Max. You care about nurturing talent."

Max smiled, the expression transforming his face. "I want Bach to foster genius. We shape the future of telecommunication."

Natalie sipped her scotch coffee, feeling warm and loose-lipped in Max's presence. The posh bar was emptying, but he showed no signs of ending their unexpected evening yet.

"Tell me, why did you join my company as a receptionist? If you have always wanted to be a programmer", Max asked, refilling her glass.

The scotch brought honesty bubbling up in Natalie. "Oh, well...I just really needed a job to help care for my mom. Her health is declining rapidly."

Max raised his eyebrows, looking intrigued. "I wasn't aware. You have my sympathies. What exactly is wrong with her?"

Natalie hesitated, surprised at her candor. But alcohol had eroded her boundaries. "Early-onset Alzheimer's. Some days, she thinks I'm her sister from childhood. It's heartbreaking."

"That's unfortunate indeed," Max said smoothly. "And your father? Not in the picture to assist?"

Natalie swirled her glass pensively. "He, uh, passed away when I was fifteen. Car crash."

Why was she confessing these painful personal details to her enigmatic boss? But Max was leaning forward intently as if her struggles genuinely fascinated him.

"I can't imagine experiencing such loss so young," he mused. "You have a deep well of resilience. It's quite admirable."

Warmth rushed through Natalie at his praise. No one had ever called her struggles admirable before.

"I just did what I had to do to survive," she admitted. "My sisters helped some, but it wasn't enough. I had to give up dreams of being the first in my family to finish college and just find work."

"Seizing opportunity often requires sacrifice," Max said, gesticulating for another round. "But I will say your ambitions are merely delayed, not denied. Bach Technologies could provide the chance you crave to flourish."

Natalie's head swam pleasantly at the prospect. "You think someone like me could thrive at a place like Bach Technologies?"

"With the right mentorship, certainly," Max said firmly.

Max hung on her every word. "You have tremendous fortitude, Nat. Your story is quite inspiring."

Natalie blushed, unused to such high praise. She hadn't intended to ramble on about her ordinary life. "I'm sure I've taken up too much of your valuable time already-"

"Nonsense." Max interrupted her. He waved over to the bartender for another round. His eyes took on an intent gleam that made Natalie's pulse quicken inexplicably. Max glanced at his watch and slid out of the booth. "The night is still young. Dance with me?"

Somehow, Natalie was soon swaying in Max's arms to the bluesy jazz piped through speakers, her body humming from the scotch. She knew it was reckless, but in this twinkling, detached world high above the city, anything seemed possible.

A throat clearing broke the spell. "Ahem, pardon me, sir. We're closing up."

Max blinked slowly as if emerging from a dream. "Yes, of course." He helped Natalie into her coat. "May I offer you a ride home? It's getting late and we both have early mornings."

Natalie's mind swirled with bubbly exhilaration. Throwing caution to the wind, she heard herself say, "That would be lovely, thank you."

The sleek town car glided through the rain-slicked streets. Natalie felt suddenly shy sitting close to Max. He focused on his phone, giving her space to sober up.

When they pulled up at her apartment building, Natalie instinctively thanked him again. But quick as lightning, Max pulled her into a searing kiss that erased all thought.

As suddenly as it happened, he released her. "Goodnight, Nat. Until next time."

Natalie staggered inside in a daze, fumbling with her keys. She splashed water on her burning face.

“Sleep would be impossible”, she muttered. Looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, the electric memory of Max's kiss flooded her senses.

Natalie was startled as a cold hand brushed against her shoulder.