A Complicated Obsession

That Prick

Adeline POV

It has been over a month since that first day, and things could not be going better! Josh and I have a great working relationship. We are in sync with almost all of the business matters we discuss. I have seen Sebastian around, but he has been extremely busy. I knew the job of a CFO was consuming, but he never let on that he was overworked when we first met. I have yet to meet Josh’s soon to be fiance, but I am also not looking forward to that so I am not in a hurry to cross that bridge. I have been going out after work with some of the girls from the office and it’s been good for me. I love to dance and social drinking always helps to soothe the tension of a hard day's work. 

I’ve been frequenting this bar and lounge near work and the girls have decided to go to an actual club tonight . I have gone to bars and lounges in my time, but a club was going to be my first. 

It feels as if the week has flown by and I am on pins and needles. I finish off my work and pack things up. As I am heading out the door I bump into Sebastian. 

“Hey, sorry I was just on my way out.” I said as I closed the door to my office.

“I’ll accompany you down, since we haven’t had much time to catch up if you don’t mind.” I couldn't turn him down. His tie was undone, his suit jacket was open and he was wearing a devastatingly handsome smile that tore through my defenses. 

“Yes, please.” I was finally able to muster out.

The ride down was pleasant, we talked about our plans for the weekend and what restaurants we should go to if we can find the time in our busy schedules. It has been so easy to confide in him and this kind of friendly conversation is always something I look forward to. He has helped me in more ways than one and every exchange we make is making me want to rethink my stand on office romances. 

We say goodbye and part ways. I need to get home as quickly as I can to get ready for what promises to be an amazing girls night out! 

I jump in the shower and allow the warm water to caress my skin as I inhale the steam it's creating. It’s been a while since I’ve fantasized about Josh and I have been functioning better that way. All business is how I cope best with the emptiness in my life due to the lack of male companionship. I would love to go on a date or even join a dating site, but my busy work schedule hasn’t allowed it. I can’t consciously get involved with a man knowing that I will not be able to give him even half of my attention. I chase those thoughts away with the promise of tonight's fun and finish my shower. 

It took me a while but I finally decided to wear a gunmetal, low V, backless,  shimmery mini dress I own. I can’t even remember the last time I wore this. I am filled with the excitement of going somewhere new. As I am putting all the finishing touches to my makeup my phone rings. 

“Hey Mary,” Josh’s secretary and a very cool chick to hang out with, “I am almost done. I will be outside in five minute.” I hang up the phone and dab myself with my favorite perfume Good Girl. One last look in the mirror, I grab my purse and head out into the night.

Mary has become a vital person in my life, she started out as just an acquaintance, but has quickly become a friend. I had the limo pick her up first since she was the furthest away from the club. We were acting like giddy school girls as we picked up two more, Steph from accounting and her cousin Margery. I’ve been hanging out with these girls for the past three weeks and it’s been a godsend. I grew up here in the city of Manhattan, but  I wasn’t old enough to club before I left so I am not as experienced as these three. We are heading to a prestigious club called Marquee. We have reserved the VIP section so we can dance without feeling too claustrophobic. 

The limo drops us off right at the entrance, as we get ushered in by the biggest bouncer I have ever seen, I notice all the dirty looks from the jealous on lookers waiting to get in. It’s good to be the next CEO in line!

The music is transforming and the drinks are flowing. I am enjoying every minute of this outing! The girls are all dancing together without a care in the world. I tell Mary that I have to go to the bathroom. She offers to accompany me but I told her to stay and dance away, I will be back soon. 

The bathroom is not a long walk from the VIP luckily, and there is no line which is a win. I almost reach the bathroom when I am grabbed my waist catching me off guard. I turn around ready to slap the hell out of the person restraining me and as I turn I see… “Sebastian?” He smiles at me but he looks as if he’s been drinking. 

“Hi Adeline, fancy seeing you here.” His words are slow and his breath reeks of alcohol. “You look stunning in that dress. I wonder how it would look in the corner of my room. I’ve been thinking about you and I think this no office romance rule you have is unfair. I’ve been wanting to make you mine since the day I first laid eyes on you. What do you say? Let’s leave this place and consummate our relationship.” I am ready to let him slide for his behavior, since he has been drinking. 

Suddenly, without warning, he grabs the back of my neck and my ass and pulls me in for a sloppy drunk kiss. I push on his chest as hard as I can, but he isn’t budging. Just as he is beginning to slide the hand on my ass up my dress, I feel a hard tug. I close my eyes as a pair of delicate hands grip me in a protective way. I look to see who is hugging me and it’s Mary to my relief. She’s looking behind me to where Sebastian is and I turn to see what she sees. 

I see Sebastian, laid out on the floor and Josh standing over him like a tiger about to eat his prey. The look on Josh’s face is that of a possessed man. Sebastian looks as if he is dead, but the steady rise and fall of his chest lets me know he is not. I am escorted back to the VIP section by two bouncers and Mary. I take a seat on the couch as she hands me a glass of water.

“Are you alright Adeline?” Mary asks with extreme concern.”Honestly,  I noticed what was happening just as Josh was about to clock Sebastian in the Jaw. If it wasn’t for Josh I am not sure what Sebastian might have done to you.” She was genuinely worried. 

I am shaking but I am able to nod my head to let her know I am okay. I clutch the water in my hand as if it is a life line that will take me away from what just happened. I hear a distant conversation between three men and when I look up Josh is standing in front of me. He has the look of a deranged man for a second, but when he notices my internal distress he softens up. He extends out his hand and I take it. 

“Mary,” he says loud enough for her to hear. “I will take Adeline home, please call my driver when you are ready to leave so the three of you can get home safely as well.” Even Though we aren’t at work it sounded like an order. Mary nodded her head in response, I am sure she would have said something but she is probably shaken up by what just happened as much as I am.

We make our way out of the club being escorted by the two bouncers that came to my rescue with Josh. The moment we get outside Josh shakes their hands and thanks them. I am a mute spectator. I couldn’t find my voice until I found myself wearing Josh’s suit jacket in the back of the limo. 

“That Prick,” he spits it out like poison.

I look up to thank him for once again saving my skin and he stops me.

 “Please Adeline, don’t thank me. I just worry about what might have happened if I wasn’t there. I am not quite sure you understand just how attractive and desirable you are. You ladies need to stick together in those kinds of places…” he is about to continue his lecture, but my eyes start to tear up and I can’t stop.

He reaches for me and brings me close to his chest. He strokes my head gently and allows me to cry. 

I’m not sure how long I was nestled in his chest. I must have fallen asleep because the limo wasn’t moving. I lifted my head and caught him staring at me. It wasn’t creepy in any way, it was sweet. He held me close one last time before informing me that we arrived at his place. 

“Thank you for everything you have done for me tonight, but why are we here?” I thought he was taking me home.

“Adeline please, after what happened to you tonight you are in no condition to be left alone. We are here at my building. You will spend the night in one of my guest rooms and when you are ready in the morning I will have Sam drive you home.” He sounds genuine and the sincerity of his words convince me to accept his offer. 

We ride in the Panoramic elevator all the way to the penthouse. I must be shaking because he is immediately at my side offering his hand and warmth. If I hadn’t had the night I just did, I might have loved this view and his company.

We make our way inside as I marvel at his belongings adorning the apartment, he offers me water and shows me the way to the room I will be spending the night in.

“The room has an ensuite, so please feel free to take a bath or a shower and get comfortable.” I was about to contest but he answered my question before I had a chance. “I know you don’t have any extra clothes, but if you give me a second I will bring back one of my shirts and drawstring shorts. They might be big on you but at least you will be able to sleep comfortably.” He briskly exits the room leaving me to my thoughts.

He is so kind. He is everything I dreamed of and more, but all I can feel is this stabbing pain in my heart. I can’t fall for him when he is going to get married to someone else. 

His approaching steps snap me out of my depression. He hands me the neatly folded clothes and kisses my forehead before heading back out of the room. “Adeline, If there is anything you should need at any moment during the night please come find me. My room is the one at the end of the hallway to your left. If it helps, to put your mind at ease, you can lock the room and rest assured I do not have the keys to unlock any of the rooms, my housekeeper does.” He says with a smile as he closes the door behind him. 

I take a shower, change into his clothes, brush my teeth with the guest toothbrush provided and get into bed. I don’t have to wait long for sleep to take me. 

Josh POV

Everything has been going smoothly between us. Adeline is a willing trainee and is handling everything I throw at her with the expertise of someone more seasoned than her. I was hoping for us to get closer romantically, but her aversion to any outside of work outings with me had made it difficult. Luckily I put her in the path of Mary, my loyal secretary. They hit it off and have been going out every once in a while to the local bars and lounges. I know I can count on Mary to keep me informed of anything that might throw a wrench into my plans. Mary is not fully aware of what my intentions are. I led her to believe, since she is the Daughter of my partner and the future co CEO, she should report to me any issues that arise so I can protect Adeline. Our company’s future depends on her safety, I sold her. 

Nothing wild has been happening in Adeline’s life according to Mary. I have also been keeping that “Prick” Sebastian busy, ever since I saw him steal a kiss from an unsuspecting Adeline out in the lobby. It’s easier to control everything under my influence. Here in this company I am the last word. I am trying to be in the office as often as possible, but my other ventures are in need of my guidance and consultation. I can’t neglect everything I’ve worked tirelessly to build just for her. 

Lately I’ve been in a slump with my consorts, I’ll admit that with Adeline on my mind it has been mundane to please other women. I’ve been even trying b**m to spice things up with my call girls, but it too has led to disappointment.  Never have I ever had this feeling for another woman. If I can’t make her mine and punish her I will lose my mind.

“Sir,” Mary calls out over the speaker interrupting my thoughts. “Just thought I’d let you know, tonight we are heading to Marquee. I know you have connections there so would it be too much to ask if you could get us a reservation for the VIP?” it’s not the first time she’s asked me to use my name, but I am intrigued.

“Mary, when you say we, whom are you referring to?” I am waiting to hear the name that’s been haunting me.

“Oh, Steph from accounting, her cousin Margery and Adeline, sir.” That’s the name I wanted to hear.

“Yes Mary, I’ll call up the owner, he owes me a few favors.” I guess I am going out tonight.

Most people are not privileged enough to be in the owner's suit in a prestigious club, but I am not most people. From here I have an amazing view of the dance floor and all the space that I can’t view from here are easily seen off the monitors crowding the walls. I showed up early, not knowing what time the girls would show up. I am sipping bourbon on the rocks when I catch a glimpse of the most ravishing woman I have ever seen. I tell the guy controlling the security cameras to close in on her. Adeline, she is stunning! Honestly I am not sure of how comfortable I am with her being here dressed like that without me to escort her around. Her business attire makes her attractive but that small piece of fabric that they call a dress makes her so alluring that I am rethinking my plan of staying up here. “I need another drink.”

I am sipping my second drink , watching her move arouses me. If she’s that good on the dance floor I can’t wait to see what she can do in my bed. As I am entertaining the thought of Adeline in nothing but her pumps in my bed, I see another man seems to have the same idea I do. He’s walking towards her as she is heading for the bathroom and I can’t let that happen.

I head down the stairs as fast as I can. When I finally reach the bottom, I see that asshole force his way onto Adeline. I can tell that she is uncomfortable and she is trying to push him off as hard as she can, but she is powerless to. The guy is tall but not as tall as me and quite possibly drunk which makes him stronger than what she can handle. I am rushing to get to them. Once I see his hands are trying to go up her dress I prepare to annihilate the guy. Luckily I am able to get a grip before I kill the guy and hurt Adeline. My Krav Maga training has come in handy once again. I rip the insignificant flea off of her throwing him to the ground. I clock him once in the jaw to knock him out. I am standing over this guy and I realize it’s the f*****g prick Sebastian. I can’t hide the sinister smile that forms on my lips.

The bouncers assure me that they will take care of the c*m stain on the floor. My brain reminds me Adeline was also involved. I scan the area madly hoping I haven’t scared her off. My panicked heart finally calms when I see her sitting in the VIP area with Mary and the other girls. I calmly make my way to her so I don’t scare her and to allow my heart to settle. I tell the bouncers guarding her that we will be leaving now so they can escort us out. I stop in front of the frazzled Adeline and extend my hand to her. Surprisingly without hesitation she takes it. 

I help Adeline to her feet and turn to Mary. I tell Mary that I will be taking Adeline home and advise her to call my driver the moment they are ready to call it a night. 

Adeline’s hands are shaking, so I take off my suit jacket and throw it over her shoulders as we exit the club. I thank the bouncers one last time and get into my limo with Adeline. She seems out of it as Sam drives us out of the area. 

“That prick!” I finally let out not loud enough to startle her, but the fact that I voice what I was thinking at the moment caught me off guard. 

She has this look of guilt mixed with gratitude on her face but I need to get this off my chest. I was overcome with dread at the sight of what transpired in the club.  She needs to understand her vulnerability and I need to express to her the importance of safety in numbers. Tears fill her eyes and start to flow. I immediately take her into my arms and let her cry into my chest until she’s done. I hold her close to my chest and stroke her hair hoping to soothe her as best as I can.  

She tore through my defenses without words and I am left reevaluating my plans. I don’t know how much time has passed but after she fell asleep I advised Sam to head to my penthouse. There was no way after the events that took place tonight that I am going to let her go home by herself. We sat in the limo for what seemed like hours, but I didn’t mind. She is safe in my arms and right now that is all that matters. She starts to move, as I look down on her I can see she is waking up. Not sure what’s on her mind but she looks cute from this angle.

 I let her know that we took a detour and decided to go to my place.

“Thank you for everything you have done for me tonight, but why are we here?” she sounded so frail and confused. This is the second time I have rescued her and after what happened I need her close to me. I need to know that she is okay. I need to protect her and I can’t understand why.

We ride the elevator in silence. Any Other day I would be looking at the skyline from this elevator, but the only view that matters is that of the incredible woman I am taking home tonight.

I hold the door to my apartment open for her and I can’t help but swell with pride as she walks in with a look of wonder. I leave her to her thoughts and make my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water for her. I hand her the glass and politely ask her to follow me to where she will be spending the night.

I am letting her stay in the spare room closest to my room, so I will not be far if she needs me. Seeing her in that dress standing by the bed with her hair disheveled is making me want to finish what that fool tried to start. She needs me to be her support tonight, so I will behave. I have to get my hunger for her under control. I offer to get her a change of clothes because if she stays in that dress for too long my control will falter. 

I retrieve a pair of shorts and a shirt that I hope will fit and can’t help but smile. She’s going to look so good in my clothes. I can see in her eyes as I hand her my clothes that something is bothering her, so I lie to her. If she knows I can unlock her door she will never relax and I wouldn’t blame her. I let her know where she can find me if she needs anything and I secretly wish she will end up in my bed tonight. 

I close the door behind me and start walking towards my home office. I need to make a few phone calls, I can’t afford to have this happen again.  The phone rings and a husky voice answers the line. “Franco, I need you to take care of someone for me.” 

Franco understood immediately and didn’t hesitate, “Done.” 

I hang up the phone and start looking through our database for a new CFO. 

I am happy with who I found. Curiosity pulls at me so I tiptoe my way to the guest room to see if I can hear her. I reach for the handle and I can’t believe it’s unlocked. I make my way in as quietly as I can and notice she fell asleep as soon as her head landed on the bed. She was asleep on top of the covers and I can’t leave her that way. I go to the closet in her room and take out the additional duvet.  Just before I cover her I admire the way she looks in my clothes. I can’t believe this one night has me rethinking everything I thought I needed. If I am not careful, she might be the death of me.