The cheapest therapy no one talks about
535 Words
“Who would’ve thought two days could heal what five tried to break?” Cheryl thought numbly. The weekend had been refreshing, almost too good to be true.
Walking through the hallway toward the kitchen, Cheryl realized she hadn’t seen Leo since Friday. Curiosity tugged at her steps until she stopped in front of his door. Three knocks, then she turned the handle.
Chaos greeted her. Clothes scattered across the bed, wardrobe hanging open, the floor a battlefield of disorder. Leo’s room was never like this.
She stepped in, frowning—only to freeze. Something crinkled beneath her sock. Looking down, she paled. A condom wrapper?
“Ew, seriously?!” Cheryl muttered in disgust, retreating instantly. She slammed the door shut and leaned against the wall, trying to shake off the image. That’s when she noticed the small note taped beside the door:
“Little emergency to attend. Back before Mon.”
With a sigh, she called the house cleaner, then went off to change her socks. Whatever “emergency” Leo had, she’d rather not think about it.
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By late evening, the speakers were on full blast. Cheryl let herself unwind, dancing around in shorts and a tank top, rapping like Nicki Minaj and shaking what her mama gave her. She was lost in her own world—until the music cut and she heard clapping.
“Nice performance,” Leo said with a grin, stepping out of the shadows.
Cheryl spun around, cheeks flushing. “Glad to have you back.” She tried dodging his hug, but he caught her anyway.
Where did you even go? Your line wasn’t reachable. And ...have you seen your room?” she asked, voice edged with concern.
“Relax.” His chuckle was low, easy. “I didn’t mean to leave that way. And the room? I’m sure it’s been handled by now.” His eyes swept over her, deliberate, almost lazy. “But I’ll be honest, I can’t remember the last time I walked in on something this… distracting.”
Her blush deepened. She turned, ready to slip away, but he moved faster, caging her against the wall.
“Well,” his voice dropped, velvet and dangerous, “I like what I see.” His nose brushed her neck, making her inhale sharply.
“Leo…”
“Don’t tense up,” he murmured, lips grazing her ear. “It’s harmless… unless you want otherwise.”
A whimper escaped before she could stop it.
Her mind screamed danger. Snapping herself back, she asked quickly, “Do you even have your presentation ready for tomorrow?”
For a second, he blinked blankly. Then he smirked. “Of course. Can’t let down the board—or the women who’d rather look at me than the slides.” He tossed the words carelessly, already striding into the kitchen.
Cheryl exhaled, shaky. What was I thinking? Leo was off-limits. He was a woman magnet. The CEO’s stepson. And yet her pulse hadn’t settled.
If she hadn’t stopped him… she didn’t dare finish the thought.
“Stupid hormones,” she muttered, gathering her things. But even as she walked away, the image of what could have happened burned in her mind.
- Writer
