Seduced by His Touch

Episode-2

"Since you're nothing. You're a grunting pig."

The words had escaped his lips before he could grab them, and the delight of hearing his friends laugh drowned out the guilt that gnawed at his chest. Amara's face had crumpled, and she'd fled.

Like I said, I was an unforgivable asshole. A monster.

But it didn't change the fact that she never saw me. I was beneath her radar, just another underprivileged kid at Lyons College, surrounded by the elite. And if she saw me at all, it was as the kid who made her life miserable.

The truth was, I needed her to see me. And I did not know how to make her do that. So I struck out. Again and again. Until it was too late.

Lyons College taught me something worthwhile. The rich have power. They command respect. They get what they want without even asking for it. And I vowed to become one of them.

Years later, I made good on that promise. I worked harder than anyone, sailing through UoPeople with highest honors in business and management. I was a CEO of a multi-million-dollar company at the age of twenty-seven. I had built it from the ground up. And now, I had everything that I had ever wanted.

Or so I thought.

I look at the name on the resume in front of me.

Amara Denz.

I blink. It can't be.

My hand tightens around the paper as my heart pounds in my chest. I glance at the photo that's attached, and there she is. Older, more polished, but undoubtedly the same girl. Blonde hair cascades in long waves around her face, green eyes that once flashed with rebellion now confront the camera head-on with quiet confidence.

I swallow. This is insane. All these years, and she's sitting here, in front of me. And she's applying to be my personal assistant.

I lean back in my seat, watching her as I exhale in a gust. Does she recognize me? No, she couldn't. I'd legally changed my last name years ago, attempting to distance myself from my worthless father. Leo Winston no longer existed now. Now, I was Leo Miller. CEO of Baze.

Would she have applied if she'd known? No. No way in hell.

My gaze sweeps over her resume. College of Pinnsons. Two years as a PA in a high-flying tech startup. Impressive credentials. She's perfect for the job. But not for that reason is she going to get it.

She's going to get it because I have to see her again. I have to repair what I broke.

I glance down at the pile of resumes on my desk. White Queens was my top pick before this. Now? No comparison.

I pick up a pen and scribble one word on her application.

Approved.

Amara

"Mrs. Denz, I just got the call. I got the job!"

My mother's excited sigh is on the other end of the phone. "Oh, darling! That's wonderful news. I knew they would see how talented you are.

I breathe a sigh I didn't realize I was holding in. "I start Monday."

"You deserve this, Amara. You've worked so hard."

I grin, drumming my fingers on the kitchen counter. "Yeah. It's a new beginning."

And God knows I need one. The last few months have been brutal—losing my last job to budget cuts, falling behind on rent, watching my savings dwindle to almost nothing. This Baze job is a lifeline.

"Tell me about your boss," Mom says. "What's he like?

"I haven't met him yet," I admit. "HR did the interview. But from what I've heard, he's demanding, a bit of a control freak, but a genius. He built this company from scratch. People respect him."

"Sounds like someone you can learn from."

"Yeah." I nibble on my lip. "I just hope he's not a nightmare to work for."

Mom laughs. "Well, whatever happens, I know you'll cope."

I hope she's right.

Monday morning arrives, and I enter Baze with nervous anticipation. The modern, hip office is buzzing with action. I sign in at reception and am escorted to my new boss's office by a woman who possesses piercing eyes and a friendly smile.

"Mr. Miller is expecting you," she says, knocking softly on the door before opening it. "Go on in."

I take a deep breath and enter.

And my world screeches to a stop.

—

He's sitting behind a massive desk, dark hair perfectly styled, sharp suit impeccably tailored. But it's the eyes that make my stomach drop. Deep brown, piercing, and all too familiar.

Leo Winston.

No.

I stand frozen, holding onto my folder so tightly my knuckles turn white. He's staring at me, just as shocked.

"Amara," he says, his voice deeper, richer than I remember.

I swallow uncomfortably. "Leo."

A beat of silence stretches between us.

Then he leans forward, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his mouth.

"Welcome to Baze."