Damon James is a thirty-year old CEO of the top Architecture firm in Boston, Elkus Manfredi Architects. He is obsessive with detail, rigid with his schedule, and a hard boss to have for his staff, as well as a tough man to have an interest in.

He is also a Dom, and very casual with his dating life, if you could call it that at all.

Damon is six foot two and muscular, due to his workout every morning after he jogs for five miles. He keeps himself in the best shape that he can be in, though he is already gorgeous, with dark brown, spiked hair that is never out of place and crystal blue eyes that are capable of expressing what he is feeling most of the time, much to his dismay. They can turn cold or burn hot, depending on the situation he is in and the emotions that he is feeling. Normally, he is in control of such things, and it is an intimidating factor about his looks and his personality.

He is a hard worker, even being head of the company, and he keeps it successful and top rated in the nation. He is worth billions of dollars, in part due to his father passing away when he was ten and the trust fund that was started for him at the time by his mother. She’s remarried to the owner of the company, who decided to give Damon the reins once he retired to travel with his new wife at the age of sixty. That is where the rest of the money comes from, but he is Kenneth Matthews only child and heir, once he passes away, along with Damon’s mother.

Damon lives alone in the top story of one of the best buildings in Boston, with no pets and just a few staff members who he pays well to run the house and keep his life private.

Elisa Moore is twenty-one, and a junior at MIT in Boston. She is at the top of her class and was recommended for an internship at the firm, which has two openings.

She is five foot seven and curvy, though still slender. She has pale, strawberry blonde hair and eyes the color of green grass, with a hint of shimmer. Her skin is pale and dusted with light freckles and full pink lips.

Elisa is confident where school is concerned, but shy otherwise. She’s put her all into school, after seeing her single mother work up to three jobs to support her after her father left the family when she was eleven. Elisa got a scholarship to college, a full ride, and she’s worked every minute of every day to stay at the top of her class.

Some would say that she’s a nerd, but Elisa thinks that it all paid off when she’s notified of the internship. Elkus Manfredi is the best, and it would look great on a resume, but it would be even better if she was hired on once she graduated from college.

With that money, she could get her mother settled in a better part of town and not working so hard, since Mary was fifty-five now. Elisa could also get out of the tiny dorm room that she shared with three other people, and into her own place, where there would be some peace. She wasn’t a social butterfly, and the girls that she lived with drove her crazy sometimes. There were only two bedrooms and a tiny living room, and sometimes the girls acted like they owned the entire room.

Elisa blamed that on the fact that she didn’t truly enjoy her college experience, but she was withdrawn to begin with.

There is a panel interview for the position, and Damon is on it, along with five of his best managers. He and Elisa both feel the sparks between them, despite the fact that it was all business, and he fights the attraction, as well as the idea of hiring her.

His managers make him realize that she is the best candidate, and he agrees to hire her to work under one of them, somewhere on a different floor where he wouldn’t be tempted by her. She is beautiful and comes off as shy, as well as intimidated by him.

To a controlling man like Damon, she is the perfect victim, and he needs to keep his wits about him. He’s earned a lot of money in his position, and Damon cannot afford to lose everything over a woman that is in his building. He knows plenty that would satisfy his needs.

She is s stellar employee, and he soon cannot resist the urge to bring her in as his personal assistant. Damon has something of an obsession with Elisa and wants to see her as much as possible at the office, which eventually breaks down the walls they both have.

They give in to their desire, and nearly have sex one late night, alone in the building, which is when Damon realizes that he has to tell her what he enjoys in life.

Elisa is pulled into a world that is new to her while she tries to take care of herself and her mother, as well as her future. She knows that she is falling for Damon, but is he too much for her?

Is she too much for him?

Part 1

Damon

I ran one of the most successful architecture companies in the world, well-known to everyone in the business. I was involved in every aspect of the daily activities, though one of my least favorite parts was interviewing for interns every year.

It was something that came along with the company. and it was a great learning tool for the students, so I kept the policy. I just typically left it to my managers, who were more hands-on with the teams, to decide who to hire out of all of the faces that we saw.

I started caring more, however, the moment that Elisa walked in the door. She was everything that I didn’t look for in a woman: sweetness, innocence, and inexperience. She was guarded and intelligent, and I fought to keep her out of my company, against the wishes of everyone else at that interview.

Elisa

I was excited about the interview to intern at Elkus Manfredi Architecture, since it carved out a perfect future for me. I excelled at school and was recommended for the position, a condition that wasn’t easy to fulfill. I dressed the part, made the perfect resume outlining my experience, and went into the building with my head high.

Then I saw the most gorgeous man that I’d ever seen in my life. He first caught my attention in the elevator and then in the room where I was to be interviewed.

I knew that, regardless of whether I got the position or not, I’d never forget the way that he had made me feel. I’d never forget the way he heated me up and shook me to my very core.

Could I handle working with him? Could I ignore the intensity between us with my future in mind?

Damon

It was dark and cold outside as I left my building for my morning run, nodding as the doorman told me to be careful. I loved fall in Boston and preferred it to the crowds that jogged in the summer, getting in my way and throwing off my day. I started to jog at an even pace and headed towards the crosswalk to go over to the Boston Common Park as I looked around at the empty streets, apart from cabs and early morning commuters. This was when I liked the city—when I could focus.

It was still dark outside, and I took deep breaths of the chilled air and started through the trail that made its way through the center of the park. Everything was in shades of fall now; the leaves, yellow, orange and red as they drifted down to the ground in the early morning. It made it worthwhile to avoid this place later in the day, when everyone would gather with their cameras of various kinds and go on about the foliage.

Yes, it was pretty enough, and I appreciated fall. I just didn’t see the need to keep talking about it. I wanted quiet and peace. I wanted to think about my day and prepare my mind for the hour-long workout that I’d be doing after this five-mile run. It was a ritual of mine, followed by a long, thorough shower before I dressed for work.

I was the CEO of one of the most successful architecture companies in the world, Elkus Manfredi. The company was established fifty years ago, and had several locations in some of the bigger American cities and even in a few other countries. I could work wherever I chose to, though I preferred to stay in Boston. I knew the city and could find my way here without a lot of fuss, though I traveled when needed for the company. It was a welcome break from my day-to-day routine, and I enjoyed seeing what was happening in the company, feeling great pride over the growth I’d seen in the last six years.

Home was home, though.

I ran past the pond, where the ground was covered with leaves and the wind blew around me. I was dressed in my new jogging clothes, light enough to run in, but warm enough to keep me comfortable. I jogged steadily as I let my mind move ahead to what my day entailed.

Every fall, we hired interns from some of the top schools in the area, depending on our current needs. This year, we would hire two to help with the teams that planned our buildings, some of which were world famous. Working with interns wasn’t something that I dealt with personally, apart from being involved in the panel interview. I wanted to make sure that they were a good fit for the company, given that most of them were close to graduating, and we did consider hiring them after graduation. I just didn’t have any part of the training and, therefore, took on a lot of responsibilities myself.

I learned about hard work from my father. He ran a construction company, until he passed away from a heart attack when I was eleven years old. In the summers, I went into work with him, learning everything that I could. Being from a family of wealth didn’t make me lazy, and I wanted to be the one running a successful company.

My father had nothing to do with my current job, though he’d set aside a generous trust fund for me before his death, as well as seeing that Mom was well taken care of. Apparently, at eleven, I could not take over his company, so his brother did and ruined it within three years. I always vowed to be better than that.

My job had belonged to my stepfather of five years before he decided to travel with Mom at the ripe old age of fifty-three. Mom was five years younger than he was, and they were in great health to go all over the world on their adventures.

I ran by the statue and toward the other side of town as I thought back to those first days. Some men were capable of taking over the company, men that had a lot of years invested as well as the talent. Kenneth saw me for what I was: sharp, intelligent, with a mind for business, and offered me the position of CEO. Some people resented me there, even hated me. I heard the whispers when I walked around, but I didn’t care. This company improved after I had started running things. I had five managers that I got on well with and could share ideas with, knowing that it stayed between us.

Those were the men who were joining me in the panel interview in just a few hours. The interns would be working under them, making their opinion valuable, even though I wanted to be involved in any of the final decisions. They understood that, and the process generally went smoothly, giving us a handful of new employees over the years.

I had changed a few things within the company after I had taken over, considering the internships. However, Kenneth explained the value of the program to me. It made the company look exemplary to the public, as well as offered some brilliant students who worked hard a chance for a good future, or even just experience. I’d agreed, kept it, and muddled through the interviews every time they came around. Some of the kids were still dumb as rocks, and I wondered how the fuck they did so well in school.

After I had graduated from Phillips Academy with honors, I had tooled around a little with college. I had a degree in Business as well as a minor in Accounting, because it made sense from a business perspective. I didn’t have to struggle with finances or even worry about scholarships, living in one of the nicest apartment complexes in town as I made my way through the three years it took me to get my BA.

I turned the corner once I hit the main street and headed towards the gym in my building. It suited my needs without all of the bright lights and crowds that some of the others offered. I just wanted to do my routine and get upstairs to get myself ready for work.

I wasn’t oblivious to the looks that I got from women in the building. I was just aware that many of them weren’t what I was looking for. I was darker than most, craving control in the bedroom, and some of the younger women these days were far too feisty for my tastes. I looked for submissive women who would give in to my every need, quiet and quick to follow my orders.

I did abdomen exercises today, since it was Wednesday. I made it hurt and stayed stoic through the pain as I listened to my guilty pleasure of old eighties rap. I ran late by five minutes and cursed the elevator as I rushed into my penthouse. I showered, quickly working through my products faster than I preferred, before spiking my dark hair to perfection and ensuring that I looked like the boss that I was in my crisp Armani suit.

I met my car on the curb, a brand-new Bentley, driven by a trusted man, Mark Collins. I’d known him for years, and we had an understanding. He drove while I relaxed, caught up on work business, and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee.

It was my moment of peace in a busy day, and I cherished that drive as well as the one that took me home every time I left the building.

Elisa

I stood in the tiny bathroom and stared at my wavy hair with despair in my eyes. I didn’t have time to straighten it and make it to Elkus Manfredi for my interview, so I reached for one of my ponytail holders and secured the strawberry blonde locks into a classic low bun, instead of leaving it down. I made sure that it was smooth on the sides before I added some black mascara to my bright green eyes and brushed a little powder over my pale skin to even it out and hopefully keep it from looking like an oil slick later in the day. I finished off with some deep plum stain on my lips, then dressed in the black pencil skirt and blazer combo with a white silk shirt underneath that my best friend Lorna had insisted that I buy when she came for a visit. It was a button up, short sleeved shirt that didn’t show too much cleavage, but also didn’t make me look like a nun.

I knew the truth, though. I practically was a nun. with all of the focus that I put into my schooling. I worked my ass off for the scholarship that provided me with a free ride to MIT and a little money to afford my living expenses. Mama worked two jobs just to support herself, and I’d never ask her for anything. As it was, I was working hard on my future, so that I could someday take care of her. She was fifty-five now and should be living somewhere better than one of the more run-down apartment complexes in Boston. It was my turn to pay her back for doing her best as a single mother after my father left us when I was five. Her mother helped for a time, but she was gone when I was thirteen, making Mom work long hours while she left me at home.

I was a good girl who didn’t complain, working on my homework and studying endlessly. I didn’t have more than a couple of close friends, but I stayed home when they went out, given our financial situation. I was thrilled when I found a tutoring job that would help to provide money to the household and worked long hours doing that after school. It was busy and chaotic, but it was my life.

It wasn’t much better at this time, living with five other girls in a four-bedroom apartment. It saved money, though, so I could eat real food every now and then, and the dorms were too expensive for me. I didn’t love sharing a room, but Melody was quiet, like me, and it was bearable.

I looked at the clock by my bed as I slipped my feet into my black heels and felt the nerves inside of my stomach twist painfully. I knew that I qualified for this internship and, with my teacher’s assistance, I’d prove that today. I was good at school, and it felt like that was the only thing that I was good at sometimes. That would get me into this company, where I could build a future and try to get hired on. Even if I weren't studying architecture at MIT, I’d know that Elkus had a remarkable reputation in the business world. They were responsible for some of the most beautiful structures in the world and very generous to their employees. I could find myself a clean place to live, as well as one for my mother, and even see if she could be added to my benefits. I did my research once it was brought to my attention that I was one of the students recommended to Elkus, quickly realizing that it would be pathetic and stupid not to go to this interview.

I left the apartment with my thrift store purse and tossed my keys inside as I looked for the Uber car I’d asked for a few minutes ago. It was too far to walk, even if I wasn’t in heels, and I’d have to cut back on something to afford rides if I got this job, at least when I wasn’t in school. I could walk from there.

I saw a little yellow Focus sitting at the curb with a pretty redheaded girl looking around. “Elisa?” She asked through her passenger window, and I nodded as I slid into the back. “Where are you going?” She glanced at a screen, then gave me another look before pulling away from the curb. “Job interview?”

“It’s for an internship. I’m not graduating for another year,” I responded with a soft smile as she merged into traffic with a sharp twist of the wheel. I swallowed and held onto the back door as I prayed for a safe trip, knowing my dislike of cabs and other public transportation. It was a jerky ride as the girl sang along to the radio and took the turns seemingly without using brakes. My eyes remained wide and my stomach shifted uncomfortably.

“Good luck!” She told me, as she stopped in front of the massive building and grinned at me. I thanked her and got out, regretting the five-dollar tip that I’d given her on the app. That was insane. I looked up at the glass that seemed to reflect all of the light back out into the street for all to see, all the while looking flawless. I walked forward and looked into a panel near the door, making sure that I still looked presentable as I pressed my full lips together.

Entering the massive lobby, I looked for the desk to let them know that I’d arrived. The cold blonde woman, who looked almost fake, directed me to the bank of elevators and instructed me to take one to the tenth floor. From there, the receptionist would direct me where to go. I thanked her and felt her eyes looking me up and down as I walked away, aware that it wasn’t in a good way. I shook it off, pressed the button, and waited with a group of similarly dressed people that split up as the three doors opened simultaneously.

I ended up with two guys and two girls who nervously discussed the interview. I remained quiet as I glanced at them and tried to decide if they were dressed better than I was and if they went to a better school. We all appeared to be the same age, and I looked away as one of the guys moved his eyes towards me. “Are you here for an interview as well?”

“The interview? Yes, I am.” I smiled as I responded, and he nodded as he looked me over. It was uncomfortable, and I was relieved when the elevator stopped on the fifth floor, opening to reveal a gorgeous man who walked in and stood by me as we waited to go. The guy ogling me turned forward as I shuddered and wrapped my arms in front of my chest. I knew that I had a decent figure I should be proud of, but I didn’t want others appreciating it. I glanced at the man beside me to see that he had a scowl on his face, and I wondered if he’d done something to the student looking at me.

The door opened a few floors up, and I let everyone else get off before I stepped forward. I felt shaky, and I tried to take a deep breath as the last arrival slid his hand in front of the sliding doors for me. I looked at him and murmured thanks as I looked to the left and right to see the other group going towards the middle of the floor.

It was stunning here. I wouldn’t even begin to guess what the square footage was in this building, and everything inside was clean and, in some cases, sparkling. I looked outside and realized that the glass offered some sense of a tint so as not to blind you in the building. The floors were some sort of a gray marble, and I didn’t see a speck of dirt on them. There were couches scattered about with tables, and not the kind just for looks. These could be used for the nap that I felt like I needed right now.

I approached the desk as the others left and glanced behind me to see the man from the elevator looking at me before he disappeared down a hallway. He was intense, though I couldn’t pinpoint what it was about him. “Good morning. I’m here for an interview,” I told a brunette with resting bitch face as she asked me my name in a monotone voice. “I’m Elisa Moore.”

“They’ll be calling you in order as the interviews move along. Have a seat anywhere in this lobby.” This girl made me miss the driver’s bright smile and enthusiasm.

“Thank you,” I told her with my own bright smile, wanting to make a good impression every step of the way. I’d blown it with the guy on the elevator, but what were the chances of him being involved in the interview? This was a huge company and, even if I got the position, I might never see him again.

He was handsome. It was a shame that I didn’t have the confidence for a man like that.

I went to sit and wait off by the window, not looking for conversation today. I checked a few apps on my phone to kill some time as I only proceeded to become more and more anxious as the minutes ticked by.

Damon

I knew that I had to get back to the sixth floor for the interviews, so I pressed the elevator button and waited. As the doors slid open, I saw a group of who I recognized as potential interviewees, so I moved past them and stood beside a young woman. When I glanced over, I saw one of the men looking at the quiet girl wolfishly and shot him a dark look with my icy blue eyes. I knew what he was capable of. I didn’t even look at women that way, and I was a dominant. There was something called tact that I appreciated as a man past my early twenties.

He turned and faced the doors again, and I smirked in response. I watched her out of the corner of my eye, and the woman shivered as she crossed her arms over what even I could admit was a generous chest. With a slightly closer look, I realized that she might be here for an interview. She was young and dressed in what one would term a ‘power suit,' something that was common in the business world. She looked beautiful, and I turned my head as I saw her start to look at me.

Beautiful and far too pure for my kind, particularly if she was here to interview to become an intern. That was against my own rules, despite the numerous women who had attempted to seduce me here. I didn’t mix business with pleasure, and I had an entirely separate place for the latter, somewhere I doubted that any of these people would be found.

We came to the floor that I suspected everyone needed, and few who were talking in their young voices and immature sense strolled out first. I sensed the other woman holding back, so I stepped to the side and gestured to keep the door open so she could exit.

Based on what I’d seen, she had more of a chance of getting any kind of position here over the others, even if she was nervous. She walked out and looked at me with bright, wide eyes that were green, held a touch of shimmer, and were highly unusual. Her pale cheeks were spotted with pink, and she blushed further as she thanked me and gave the lobby a long, lost look.

Interview. Fantastic. I could not be attracted to anyone that I worked with, and a part of me hoped that she’d blow the interview. I was drawn to this girl, something that was atypical for me at work, and it was best nipped in the bud. My imagination was already going to dangerous places with her. I wasn’t known for avoiding something that I wanted if there was a strong enough need.

I joined my managers in the large conference room, and we sat in our places at one end of the table with our coffee and notebooks. I always jotted down bits and pieces of information about what made one person stand out, as did the others, so as to compare notes later. We were interviewing seventy-five students total, thirty of which were here today. I knew from experience that half would be weeded out based on the resume, most of which was provided by the school, as these kids hadn’t worked yet. I dug deep into their school career, though, dating back to what they were involved in during middle school. This wasn’t an intelligence contest; it was a look into who you were as a person.

Though we could all lie, couldn’t we? I didn’t let on to many about my extracurricular activities after hours, being the private man that I was.

We started bringing the candidates in, one by one. A lot of the applicants were young and immature, despite their recommendation and accompanying paperwork. They weren’t ready for this step, and I dismissed them in my head as they each left. When the douche bag from the elevator walked in and sat down, I made a point of staring him down as his face paled. He was gone before he even had a chance.

I listened through the following three and found them to be boring. I knew that my tolerance was getting low as I glanced at my Rolex. I needed to go to lunch, or at least my office, and decompress from this nonsense.

I glanced down at my list to see that a woman named Elisa Moore was up next, and sipped my lukewarm coffee as the door opened and she stepped inside. I sat up instantly, taking in the soft pale skin and those unforgettable eyes. Elisa smiled, but I could tell that she was still scared as she sat at the table while one of us went to retrieve her resume.

I stared at her as she handed it over. Her eyes flickered over me and dread filled her face for a fleeting second. She knew who I was just as much I did her, and it turned me on to see her cheeks turn pink as I licked my lips. “Miss Moore,” Brent started, as I forced my eyes to her paperwork.

Elisa was exactly what we were looking for, and I fucking hated that. She had previous job experience, and it was complimentary to boot. She’d been involved in all of the right things through middle school and high school, but still had time to earn the highest possible grades each year. She was top of her class at MIT, which was a feat in itself.

She’d be a valuable asset to this company, if only my cock weren't throbbing underneath this table. I imagined her tied to my bed and spread out for me, with her pink pussy exposed and ready.

I sensed that she wasn’t entirely confident about the questions, but someone had schooled her well. She answered with the right amount of enthusiasm and what I took for a facade of confidence. That was all we needed, and I glanced around at the other guys, seeing grins on their faces. Shit. I needed to stop this before it even began. I felt a drop of sweat slide down my face as Jacob thanked her for coming, his tone warmer than it had been with the others. He assured her that she’d hear from us soon, and she thanked us, taking the time to make eye contact with each one of us, just a flash shorter with me than the others.

Elisa stood, and I watched her hips sway as she walked out of the room, feeling a strong need to push her down and bare that ass. It was tight and juicy, and I pictured her skin with marks from my hands staining it…and more. The door closed as I blinked and Ryan set his pen down. “One more like that one and we’re set. Is anyone else sick of talking and hungry like I am?”

“I’ll have Brynn order in sushi, and we can speak in the small room, though I think we all agree on Elisa,” Brent said, as he pulled out his sleek phone and sent a text before he stretched.

No, we didn’t. Maybe they didn’t want her, but I did. I wanted, with every inch of my soul, to be the one to make her scream my name.

“I let Rachel know that we’re breaking for lunch as well. We’ll start back in a couple of hours,” Ryan told us, as he stood and the others followed. I was the last to stand and leave the room, swearing that I could still smell her cherry blossom scent. Fucking hell. We went to the smaller room located in the corner of the building, where we wouldn’t be disturbed. I made some coffee and sat down as I pinched the bridge of my nose to tame the headache that was forming, while the others talked about the interviews.

“Elisa is in. She’s a natural for this place,” Brent said, as he took a long drink from his Coke and paced the room. “Pete seemed good as well.”

Douchebag. No way in hell was he working here.

“I wasn’t into either of them,” I said casually, as they all stared at me.

“What the fuck, Damon? She’s great, and that track record is flawless. She’s a hire, not just an intern.” Ryan argued, as I took a sip from my cup.

“Elisa was young and Pete…seemed like an asshole,” I said, as I stared at the table.

“Last I checked, they’re college students and naturally younger than we are,” Brent pointed out, as I tried to find someone else to bring up instead. Inside of my heart, I knew that it wasn’t going to happen.

“Elisa is hot, but we know the rules here. Don’t shit where you eat. She’s fantastic,” Ryan acknowledged, as I fought not to give him the same look that I gave Pete.

A couple of delivery guys that we knew brought in trays of food and some plates, and my managers reacted enthusiastically. I was the last to get my plate and fill it with a few pieces of sushi before I sat at the end of the table. “So, we’re all on board with Elisa, right?” Ryan checked and slowly looked at me.

I had to think of the company and nodded slowly as I chewed around some salmon. Once I’d swallowed, I spoke up about Pete. “I don’t want him, though. He was a dick in the elevator, and I didn’t like him at all.”

“Okay, he’s off the list. We’ll finish up today and see if we can find a second.” Brent said, as he slipped another roll into his mouth. We lingered for a while in there, not wanting to be back doing more interviews. The guys were probably just tired in general. I was thinking nonstop about Elisa and what I could do to have her work here without running into her.

Interns generally worked on the fifth floor with the teams, right in the action. While the managers had offices on this floor, they spent lots of time down there, whereas I didn’t necessarily have to. I could cut back how much I was down there, and it could work. Hell, I was the CEO and could send emails all day and jack off if I wanted to. There was stuff for me to do that was less involved.

The other interviews passed in a blur, and we called it quits at four o clock. They were talking about a guy named Devin who seemed great for the company and, from what I could remember, he was. I agreed just to be able to get to my office and be alone for a moment, though I wasn’t certain why.

At least we didn’t have to suffer through this again tomorrow. I walked in and closed my door as I trudged to the desk with my shoulders tense and aching. I needed a drink, a massage, and I needed to come and get this out of my system. I dropped into my seat and pulled out my phone, setting up a private massage in a local room that I used for such events. I headed over there to shower and pour some scotch to ease my mind. Sharon was a good masseuse and familiar with me. She wouldn’t mind working naked and letting me pinch her ass before she gave me one of the best hand jobs to date. Sharon would probably do anything that I wanted her to, since I tipped so well on top of paying her fee.

I answered the door with a towel wrapped around my waist, about two glasses of scotch into the night. She gave me a curious look with her topaz eyes that were done in dark makeup. “That’s quite the welcome, Damon. I can’t say you’re not ready, though.”

I let her in and watched her move towards the bed. She lay down the thick towel that she used to protect the blankets from the oils that she used. Sharon was dressed in a tiny black skirt and boots that she removed before she placed her jacket on a chair. Her shirt was a thin tank top that hinted at her red lace bra, and I pressed my lips together.

“Take everything off,” I growled, as she looked up at me with wary eyes. She looked into my face, probably to make sure I was sane and not going to turn into a serial killer on her. Her eyes drifted to my cock tenting against the towel. “I’m just incredibly horny, Sharon. I don’t want to hurt you, at least any more than usual.”

I could see that my words turned her on, and she removed her clothing with eager hands as she told me to get on the bed. She loved the tease of a sensual massage. I jerked the towel off and moved onto my stomach as the need to come throbbed between my legs. I smelled her oils as she slicked them over her hands, a mix of peppermint and citrus that she used to stroke my muscled back with firm hands.

Once she was beside me, working my shoulders, I reached over and palmed her ass as Sharon moaned. I gripped hard, and she fumbled against my skin before she found my neck and rubbed it firmly. I hated that I pictured Elisa standing there, and closed my eyes as I massaged Sharon before finding her clit with my hand. I wasn’t normally this forward, and almost always made it about me, but fuck if I wanted to hear a woman come tonight, even if it wasn’t the right one.

Sharon grabbed at me as I stroked and teased her with my thick finger, crawling on the bed to part her legs further for me as I slid a long, thick digit inside of her. She rocked against me, and I pictured Elisa with her skin flushed and her lips parted when I heard her moan my name.

She came with a wash of warmth over my fingers and pushed me over onto my back, forgetting all about the oils. “Mother fucker, what’s gotten into you? Normally you’re good for a hand job, after a mostly professional massage, but that? That was hot.” She bowed her head over me and took my cock into her mouth as I pulled her closer by her hair.

“Eat my cock, Sharon. I want you choking on it,” I murmured, as I let my imagination take over for me, replacing Elisa in every image.

Elisa

I heard my alarm go off too early in the morning, considering I’d been dreaming inappropriately of Damon all night. I was with him an hour tops, if you combined both times during the day, but there was something there. Every man in there was young and good-looking, but he had made an impression in the elevator even though I wasn’t sure what had happened in there.

If I had a room of my own, I’d just get myself off and sleep all day, but I was me. I would go to class and do the right thing. Groaning softly, I made my way out of bed to try and sneak in a quick shower. It wasn’t easy in an apartment with five girls, and I needed it after sweating all night. I rushed back into the room in a towel to pull on some jeans and a comfortable sweater, way over being modest, by now. in front of Melody. My hair was half dry, and I tugged it into a ponytail before I grabbed my backpack and headed out the door.

My phone rang somewhere in the depths of my bag as I locked the door, and I almost didn’t answer it, but I remembered the interview. It was utterly presumptuous to think it was Elkus, or even Damon, calling. It hadn’t been twenty-four hours, and I wasn’t sure if the panel went that well, if I was honest. I had been nervous and had felt like I was babbling through the entire thing.

I didn’t get calls from a lot of people, though.

I slid the bag to the ground and dug around my front pocket for the phone, not even looking at it as it rang a fourth time. “Hello,” I breathed into the phone, as I struggled to get the keys into a pocket.

“Can I speak to Elisa Moore?” The voice was masculine and calm, and I tried to determine if it was Damon.

“Yes, it is,” I replied, as I bent over and got everything I needed before walking to the bus stop. A car wasn’t happening, even with a scholarship and a little money. My mom had a vehicle that barely got her to work at the local Walmart.

“This is Brent, from Elkus Manfredi. We met yesterday.” Brent. Cute blonde guy, but not the greatest guy that I’d ever seen.

“Good morning, Brent. How are you?” I asked, as I waited anxiously.

“I’m excellent. I’m pleased to be able to offer you a position as an intern here, working with my brilliant team. You made it.” He sounded happy, and I felt my mouth drop open, reminding me how chapped my lips were feeling.

“Oh sh…wow. That’s wonderful,” I corrected myself quickly and smiled. “Thank you so much!”

“There’s the usual paperwork to be done, so if you could come in soon to sort through that, it would be great. I’d like to get you started as quickly as possible,” Brent told me, as I fast forwarded through my day.

“I can drop by this afternoon. Will that work?” I asked, and I heard him tapping on something.

“Perfect. Ask for me where you checked in for the interview and we’ll get you started. I’m looking forward to making you a part of my team.” Brent ended the call, and I sat down on the bench at the bus stop as I stared forward for a long moment.

This was surreal. I was going to be working at Elkus Manfredi. Well, not working, but closer to that than I was before. I watched as my bus pulled up and stood up with an impulsive spin on my toes before I blushed and got on the bus with a nervous giggle. I found a seat in the middle and reached for my phone as I Googled the place that I’d be interning at soon. I clicked around their site, found staff listings, and read through the list, looking for Damon’s name. I’d forgotten his last name, but he’d mumbled the first when he’d introduced himself the day of the interview.

There it was! I read down and looked at his picture for a blissful moment before my eyes widened, and I gasped. Damon was the CEO? He looked to be in his late twenties, at the oldest. I slumped back into my seat and sighed before I shook my head. A girl like me doesn’t have a shot with Damon as a regular architect, much less anything else. I surrendered the fantasy that I had for a fleeting moment and kept reading about the company, as I pushed Damon to the back of my mind.

It was a good company with a great future, as I already knew. I would get wonderful benefits, were I hired, an excellent wage, and a lot of perks. I thought back to the interview and tried to recall my impressions of the panel. While they were guys in suits, they had seemed friendly and welcoming toward me, and willing to help me as needed. All of them had been talkative, apart from Damon, and I wondered if he just assisted in the decision making.

Did Damon choose me?

I watched as we approached the beautiful buildings, sat up, and took a deep breath. This internship is what mattered. My future and being able to help with my mother is what mattered. Not some school girl fantasy about Damon, who could have anyone, and probably did. Some of those girls were beautiful at the office, if a bit cold. He was probably some seductive player who could melt panties with just a breath. The idea made me laugh, and I waited until the bus stopped before I got off and followed the cluster of students onto campus.

I thought a lot about the internship and what it could mean for me during the three classes that I had that day, which wasn’t the best idea. Everything moved quickly at school, and I would end up jobless if I blew school off, so that needed to stop. I forced myself back into the moment, took some better notes, and paid attention until it was time to leave for the day.

I caught the bus again to go downtown, toward the Elkus building, as I looked at my clothes doubtfully. I was just doing paperwork, and this would give me a chance to see what the dress code would be, as well clarify a few other things. It was all right to go straight from school this time.

I hoped that I didn’t have to dress like I did for the interview every day, since that could get expensive.

I got off at the stop across the street from the building and walked over as I stared at it. It was exciting to think that I’d be spending my time here after all of my hard work. I glanced over to see Damon walking with a girl who had multi-colored hair in shades of blonde and brown. She looked upset, and he seemed frustrated. I watched as he swung his head around and met my gaze. I looked away and rushed into the building.

I nearly ran to the elevators, bypassing the desk this time, and slipped inside of an empty one as I watched Damon enter the building alone. The doors closed, and I jerked as it moved upward. I hoped that I’d avoid him today, at least. He was too gorgeous to even deal with.

I made my way to the desk on the sixth floor and asked for Brent as the girl at the desk once again looked me over. It was the same girl, with the same expression, making me think that it was a good thing that I wasn’t here to make friends. She typed something into the computer and told me to sit down in the same chairs. I walked over and looked out of the windows, comfortable in my jeans and converse today. I felt like myself. The other day was uncomfortable, but today I was here after seeing all of the other people interviewing.

I’d made it.

Brent came out in Docker-style black pants and a blue button-up that matched his dark blue eyes. He smiled and welcomed with a handshake. He seemed casual and comfortable today as he led me to the corner of the building and into his office. It was spacious, with a fantastic view, and he watched me take it all in with wide eyes. “It’s nice, isn’t it? You’ll have a view in the rooms that you’re working in on the fifth floor as well.”

“Good. I love this,” I said, as I sat down in the seat across from him and smiled. “I’m sorry. This is just…overwhelming.”

“You earned it. Everything about you impressed us yesterday, Elisa. You’ll be a great fit here.” Brent reached for a folder and smiled ruefully as he handed me a pen. There was a lot of the common information needed that I wrote in carefully, as he typed something on his computer. I noticed a section asking for tax information and asked him about it as he smiled at me. “That’s for later, if you get hired. We like to have information on file.”

“Okay,” I replied, as I filled it out and moved on to the next paper. It seemed like forever before I was finished, but, realistically, it might have been an hour or so. Brent gave me a tour of the sixth floor and took me down to the fifth to show me where my break room was located. He also showed me where the restrooms were, introduced me to the team that I’d be working with, and gave me a badge to get in.

My schedule was based on school, so I’d be working a few afternoons and one full day on the weekend. He made sure that I was fine with that, and I loved the idea. Everyone on the team was so kind and enthusiastic, so it would be great to spend time with them, learning. There was a part of me that wanted to ask him why the receptionists were so bitchy, but I bit my tongue.

I left with a smile and hope for my future, knowing that I had a four-hour shift the following day.

Damon

Sharon was a pain in the ass today. Things got out of hand the other night, and we fucked, which was something that I had started to regret. It was never my intention to go that far with her.

Apparently, she got attached in the process and suggested seeing one another on a more serious basis, which I immediately dismissed. I didn’t date like that, and I had only fucked her because I was so turned on by Elisa.

Of course, the sex was good for her. I knew what I was doing, and she liked things rough, but a relationship wasn’t going to between us. It had turned into a fight as I headed back to work from a late lunch, and I looked away for a moment, only to see Elisa going into the building.

Our building…one we would be sharing. She was officially an intern and, more than likely, here to fill out her paperwork. Shit. She looked younger today, and I felt my body respond. “Sharon, I have to get back to work,” I said, as I looked into her angry face. “You’re a massage therapist, and I seriously doubt that you’ve never fucked a guy before. You’ve had your hand on my cock since the very first time.”

“You’re such an asshole. I don’t sleep with clients, Damon. I thought that you wanted something more with me when we did that.” Sharon looked like she was going to cry and I shook my head.

“I don’t do relationships at all. Not with you or anybody else,” I told her, before I turned to hurry into the building. Elisa had run in after I met her gaze and I wanted to catch up with her. I threw away the idea of seeing Sharon again for a massage, but there were plenty of girls out there for that. I could replace her with another warm body. That didn’t matter right now, though, because I wanted to see Elisa.

I was just walking towards the elevators and watching the door close with her inside when someone called out my name. I turned to see one of the investors approaching me with a smile, and I smiled back as I cursed him silently. We shook hands as he launched into his business, and I faked that I was intent on his every word.

We scheduled a lunch the following week to go over one of the events, and I told him to call me to remind me. I was a busy man and, in the state of mind that I was in, I could easily forget and fuck up my company.

Finally, I went upstairs and took a look around. Elisa was gone, and I resisted the urge to check Brent’s office, since he’d chosen her for his team. There was a fight over it yesterday, but Brent won since he had seniority over the others. He was thrilled afterward when he followed me to my office and closed the door with a cocky smile. “She is going to rock the team, Damon.”

“I agree with that. She has an impressive history.” I fed him the general talk, as I walked behind my desk and looked over the city.

“I’m going to call her tomorrow and set up the paperwork,” Brent told me, as I looked at him. “I want her to start.”

I knew that Brent had a steady girlfriend, but I couldn’t help but wonder if he was interested in Elisa. Ryan was the one who pointed out that she was hot, but Brent would have a direct link to her. I felt something inside of me that I was unfamiliar with.

Jealousy. Fuck that. I wasn’t a jealous man.

We decided that Ryan would get Devin on his team, who was right up there with Elisa, only as a Harvard student. He would be a good fit as well and seemed like he had a natural personality.

Everything was set, and I could focus on running the company, even though I wanted to focus on Elisa.

I came back to the present as I went into my office and sighed. I probably wouldn’t see her too much, and this would fade away.

I tried to do some work on the computer and made a few phone calls, including taking the one regarding my upcoming lunch. Lincoln was persistent, or maybe he sensed that I was distracted. Who knows?

I stayed past six and finally gave up on trying to work. I headed out, finding the building emptier than when I had arrived. The sky was darkening as I walked out of the building and toward the car that was parked at the curb. I slipped inside and saw Mark look back at me. “Early night for you, boss man.”

“I suppose it is. Take me to Bait, Mark. I need a drink.” Mark looked at me, knowing that it was a club I frequented. It was a BDSM club, and, though it was no secret to Mark that I was interested in that, I hadn’t asked to go there with such conviction before. I might be done with Sharon, but there was no reason that I couldn’t find another girl.

“On my way,” he said, as he turned forward and pulled away from the curb, I wasn’t dressed for Bait, but I didn’t want to go home first. I wanted to give in to the feeling that came with a woman doing anything that I asked—anything that I craved. Nothing else mattered right now.

Mark picked me up when I called him a few hours later. I wasn’t drunk, but I’d say that I was tipsy. I had been in one of the more hardcore rooms tonight, and my cock ached from edging so much as I watched the depravity around me. There was a woman with her mouth around my cock while I had another bent over in just a leather thong as I whipped her with a paddle. She cried out with every hit, and I watched her come as she leaked through the edges of her skimpy underwear.

I felt out of control for a moment as I grasped the hair of the blonde on her knees before me. I started fucking her mouth in earnest as she let me slip deeper into her throat, and I pulled away to come all over her face as she looked up at me. I stepped back and went to one of the bathrooms to clean myself up as I stared blankly into the mirror. I didn’t understand what I wanted here. I didn’t know what I was feeling for Elisa.

The other girls weren’t helping me, and I hoped that would change. I wanted to soothe myself the way that I knew worked, the way that I was familiar with.

Elisa

I wore my usual casual clothing to school the following day, excited about my afternoon after my last class. I hurried home to change into a casual skirt and t-shirt, since it had been approved by Brent. If we were meeting with a client for any reason, then we were to dress up a bit more, but, otherwise, it was business casual. The other members of my team wore their own styles, from gamer-nerd to alternative. There was a girl named Autumn who had rainbow hair and the best laugh that I’d ever heard in my life, and then a guy that looked like the singer from Soundgarden. It was evident to me that, as detailed and technical as architecture was, it was also another form of creativity. This company welcomed personal style, and I smiled as I walked into the work room that first day.

“Hey, girl. Good to see you,” Autumn greeted me, as I smiled and looked at the group scattered around in chairs, trying to work on a design.

There was Brianne, a platinum blonde who was a new graduate from Harvard. She was twenty-three and quiet, but I thought that it might take time to get to know her. There was Vince, an unattractive guy with dark hair and big brown eyes who was obviously passionate about his work. He seemed to have an energy level that never faded, at least from what I’d seen. Landon was a surfer type who seemed subtle in his talent, but who was welcoming to me.

The last guy was Michael, and I was convinced that he was a gamer during his off hours. Though it wasn’t my thing, I didn’t judge people for what they did. If it made them happy and didn’t hurt anybody, then they were welcome to it.

We talked as we went over the new project, which was a museum in New York City. It was going to be massive and called for a contemporary design. I already knew that their buildings cost millions, sometimes, to build with all of the detail, and these people who I now worked with did very well doing this job. Elkus was a generous company that worked hard to keep their talent, and not a person that I was watching today seemed unhappy. They seemed motivated, like I wanted to be when I was done with school and working a job.

They came down to a mutual decision, and Autumn started to draw it out as they looked over her shoulder. I sat and watched, caught up in the moment before I glanced out into the hallway and saw Brent talking with Damon, their faces close together. I stared for a moment before I blinked and looked back at the group as they pointed at something and laughed. “Come on over,” Landon told me, and I smiled as I stood.

I felt like a part of them as I watched, and even suggested a few things. We had so many details about the project to work with, and it was fun to discuss, until Autumn dropped her pencil and took a deep breath. “I need a damn coffee. I was up brainstorming most of the night about this shit.”

“Come on. Group break,” Michael decided, as they stood and looked at me. I giggled as we went to the break room and made coffee in the Keurig one-by-one, as we talked about the city and what we did outside of work. I was the only student, of course, but they were all understanding about it.

I walked to the elevator at seven o clock, tired, but in the best way possible. I was smiling when I got in and leaned against the wall as someone slipped their hand between the closing doors. I looked as they opened again and Damon walked inside, staring at me. “How was your first day, Miss Moore?” His voice was rough, and I felt my body respond immediately as I dropped back against the wall.

“It was great. This whole place is so…enlightening,” I told him, as I felt the smile taking over my face. “You can call me Elisa. I practically work for you now.”

Damon looked pained as he pressed the button and we moved down towards the lobby. “Fine, Elisa. You can call me Damon as well,” he choked out, as I looked at him.

“Are you okay?” I asked him, as he dropped his eyes to the floor. He was gorgeous even as pain crossed his face, and I got lost in him. I had a boyfriend in high school, and we did all of the stuff that a couple was supposed to do, so I wasn’t a virgin, or completely inexperienced here. I had an idea of what was happening, but this was powerful. It was consuming, and I blinked as he lifted his eyes to mine.

“I need you to focus on your team and I need to not see you, Elisa. It’s for the best.” The doors opened and he was gone as I stared at his ass that was walking away from me. What just happened?

I stepped off of the elevator and shook my head. Autumn was talking to a tall guy with dirty blonde hair, and she glanced over at me. “Hey, Elisa. This is the other intern, Devin. He’s from Harvard.”

I stepped forward and forced a smile on my face as he reached a hand out to me. “Pleased to meet you, Elisa. I guess we’re the lucky ones.”

Damon’s words played through my head again, and I forced myself to look into Devin’s warm green eyes, darker than mine, and trustworthy. He didn’t look like I was making him ill, like Damon had. “We sure are. I think this is going to work out very well.”

“A few of us were going for drinks. Would you like to join us?” Autumn asked, as I thought about the low balance in my bank account.

“Maybe just one,” I replied, as she grinned and led us out of the door. Devin followed us, and I felt his eyes on me as we went through the door. He was a handsome guy, and seemed kind. Maybe he wasn’t a bad idea, coming from Harvard and all.

We hit up a bar around the corner, where I paid for one drink, and Devin covered the rest. I don’t know if he could see the panic on my face back in the building, but I appreciated his kindness, and I sipped the cocktail as I thought about my budget. This seemed natural to them, and I wanted to be a part of the team. I just needed a few more hundred dollars in my account to keep up with them.

We left the bar some hours later, and I realized that I had spent my cash on the drink and couldn’t get home. My apartment was several blocks away, and I bit my lip as I stared down the street.

A Bentley drove past me on the nearly empty street as I looked over to see Devin and Autumn slipping into separate cabs. They waved, and I smiled and waved back before I turned to start walking. I sighed and thanked my earlier self for wearing flats as I thought about the fifteen daunting blocks to the apartment. I wondered if I could just sleep at the Elkus building for the night, since it was right around the corner.

The couches there were more comfortable than my bed. It was quieter, too.

I walked and knew that the fancy car was still beside me as I stared forward. “Elisa? Are you walking?” I looked over to see a cab with Devin hanging out of it. “Want a ride?”

I looked past the cab to see the Bentley’s window lower just enough for me to see Damon’s simmering eyes. My mouth dropped open.

“Elisa?” I looked back at Devin and smiled weakly.

“I’d love it. I’m out of cash, but I’ll pay you back tomorrow?” I offered, as Devin waved his hand and said something to the driver. At the bar, I’d learned that his family was wealthy and paying for school for him, as well as his apartment and life in general. The cab pulled over, and Devin hopped out and opened the door as I watched the window hiding Damon from the world roll back up, the car speeding off into the night.

What the hell was going on? I slipped into the cab beside Devin and closed the door as the driver asked where I lived. I told him, and he pulled away from the curb as Devin slipped an arm around my shoulder. This was a guy who was interested in me, as far as I could tell. A night at the bar wasn’t deep, but he’d paid for several drinks for everyone and chatted a lot with me. I assumed that was how it worked out there, but I was too stubborn to go for it. I was focused on school and the end game, and I worried too much about my mother.

I let myself smile as we drove down the road, music playing loudly as Devin laughed at something that had happened that night. I didn’t want to think about the confusion surrounding Damon, who seemed like he was in pain earlier today, yet appeared to be following me home…in a Bentley! Damon had a driver like one of those crazy rich guys who you hear about on the news, but then I remembered. He was a millionaire in the high numbers and probably close to being more. Family money and success made him a wealthy man at a young age, which was all the more reason for me to get him out of my head.

The cab stopped in front of my building, and I saw the look that Devin gave me as I looked up at him. “Can I walk you up?”

“Sure,” I replied, as I slipped out of the cab and told the driver to wait for a moment.

I saw the Bentley across the street, parked with the window rolled down as Devin slipped his hand over my lower back. I felt scared inside, scared of my feelings as well as what was happening here.

Part 2

Damon

I watched Elisa get into the cab with the other intern and my blood boiled as they drove away. I barked at Mark to follow them and felt his eyes on me as he started the car and pulled out onto the street. “Who is she?” His voice was low, but I knew that he was wondering why I was into Elisa, since I usually kept women separate from any other part of my life. I went to great lengths to do that most of the time, but I felt like a man obsessed as I peered through the windshield to see the lights of the car.

“An intern,” I responded, feeling his gaze again. Mark was in my inner circle, and he knew my routine, so he knew that interest in an intern was something very different for me. I amazed many men when I told them I didn’t fuck at work, even though we had some beautiful women there. Beauty was a requirement for me when I hired, but not for my own personal reasons. I just wanted a beautiful face greeting clients and visitors.

I can’t count the number of times that the women hit on me, though. It went from casual flirtation to walking into my office to find a woman naked on my desk. People talk no matter what the company they work for, and I refuse to make any of the endless gossip a reality. I’d heard some of it. There was talk that I impregnated a woman two years ago, and paid her to disappear, as well as a rumor that I had an affair with a married receptionist and ruined her marriage.

Lies. People talked too much.

I kept my eyes on the cab as it turned and Mark kept up. I had no idea what I was going to do once this car stopped, but I had to have a glimpse into Elisa’s life. I also wanted to see if the cocky intern went inside with her, a thought that made my skin crawl. I hated the idea of anyone’s hands but mine on her body, and my cock hardened in my pants.

I saw the cab pull up and ordered Mark to park across the street, where I moved to the window and rolled it down to watch everything that happened. I noted that her apartment was not in a good part of town and that concerned me. I watched as Devin got out of the cab before helping Elisa out. He smiled at her as he asked something, and I leaned closer as she nodded and looked back at my car. I knew she knew that I was inside, essentially stalking her. Her eyes widened when they met mine in the dim light from the street. Elisa turned her head, and I clenched a fist as Devin placed his hand on her lower back and started up the steps with her.

Was she going to fuck him tonight? Did he expect her to?

They disappeared into the building, and I settled back into the seat. “Take me home.” Mark drove away, and I closed my eyes as I tried to sort my feelings about this woman and the way that she got to me. I pushed away the image of her on her knees as the intern fucked her from behind the way I longed to do. I remained quiet as we made our way back to my house and then got out at the curb.

“I’ll see you early tomorrow, sir,” Mark told me as I nodded and met his gaze. Could he see that I was coming unraveled? I walked up the steps and greeted the doorman as he held it open for me, before taking the elevator to my apartment.

Looking at the clock, I realized that it was past one in the morning. I knew that I should sleep, but was feeling like a manic. I strode into my office to get the laptop that was on the desk. I brought it to my room, warming it up on the bed as I stripped my clothes off and glared at my erection. I ran a hand through my messy hair and dropped onto the mattress to log onto the computer, find my favorite porn site, and try to work this out of my system. It was a hardcore site, and I skimmed the different types of entertainment before I found the amateur category. I clicked and watched videos made by people in various settings that were rough and sometimes sloppy, finding myself stroking my cock as I watched a woman who looked like Elisa get spanked by one man while another held her still and fucked her face. Her moans around his hard cock were making me harder as I moved my hand faster and dropped my head back.

Elisa replaced the woman in the grainy video as I found myself coming closer to release. It was me inside of her mouth as she looked at me with her big eyes, swallowing the load that I shot into her throat, instead of onto my stomach. It was me who was tugging her back and driving my cock inside of her as screams filled the room.

In reality, I was alone and covered in my own sticky semen. I pushed the computer away and went to shower to put myself back together as anxiety raced through my veins. I hated this feeling, and I reluctantly walked over to the drawers at the sink and opened one slowly. There had been a time when I took pills to calm down, a time when things were too much. I pulled out the bottle and took a deep breath before washing one down with a glass of water.

I slept poorly, at best, but was awake and running early regardless of that fact. I needed to burn energy, and I ran faster, passing everyone before I went to the gym and did my kettle bells. I worked out a little harder and took another shower before choosing another suit to wear to work, making sure that my appearance was perfect. Regardless of what was going on inside of my head, nobody at my company would ever see it.

Mark was at the curb with coffee, and I sipped it as I threw myself back into my routine, desperate for normality again. It was all good until I stepped out of the car and saw the man from the night before walking inside the building, laughing with someone as he made his way to the elevator. I followed from a distance, barely saying anything to anybody as I boarded another car than the one he was on and made a mental note of his appearance. He was tall and lankier than I was, with an arrogant smile and messy darker blonde hair. I didn’t see much else, but I hated the mother fucker and wanted him gone.

On the sixth floor, I got out and strode to my office. I had a list of the new interns there that I was going to check to find out his name. That was my first order of business, before I focused on any other part of my day, and I slammed the door closed as I walked to my desk.

I knew that I wasn’t liked here, so the gesture didn’t bother me. I preferred that they avoid me with the mood that I was in, causing me to shake another pill into my hand before I let this jealous rage take me over.

Elisa

Devin opened the door to the dingy lobby of my building as my heart pounded. He seemed confident in the fact that he was going to get somewhere with me, but I didn’t want that, even if I hadn’t lived with so many people. “Thanks for walking me in, Devin. I’d love to invite you in for a drink, but I have roommates,” I told him, as he reached a hand around my waist to stop me from walking.

What was Damon doing out there? Watching us? Did he follow me home? I didn’t know whether I should be terrified of him or turned on, but the latter was currently winning, and Devin was not going to benefit from it.

“How many?” He asked smoothly, as I narrowed my eyes.

“Several, since we’re all in college together. Just saving some money, you know. I don’t have company over,” I replied, as he eyed the entrance to the lobby.

“Want to go to my place? I live alone,” I knew what he was getting at, and I shook my head slowly.

“It’s late, Devin.” It’s late, and I don’t do one-night stands, much less one-night stands with people that I work with.

“Can I take you out sometime? I had a good time with you tonight.” His eyes sparkled as he shifted his attitude and I pressed my lips together. “I come on strong sometimes, and I know that. I’m just into you, but we can take this slow. How about dinner Friday night?”

I reasoned that there was nothing wrong with dinner, in theory. It was a public place, where I could get to know Devin further and see where this could go. I shouldn’t trash the guy because I had some kind of weird thing for a boss that I could never have, right?

“Sure, I’d like that,” I told him, as a handsome smile graced his face. I wanted it to do something for me, but sadly there was no reaction inside that didn’t have to do with Damon.

“We’ll talk at work tomorrow and plan something.” Devin leaned down and brushed my lips with his so softly that there was barely any contact. It was a good move, but again, I felt nothing. “I’ll see you to your door. “ He kissed me again at the door after I unlocked it and I told him good night before I closed it and locked it.

I walked quietly through the small rooms and cleaned up in the tiny bathroom before sliding through my door and out of my work clothes. I always slept in a big t-shirt, and I glanced over to make sure that Melody was asleep. She was. I could hear the sound of the ocean waves that she preferred going to sleep to when she was alone, as well as the noise from the street below. I slipped under the thin covers and found my headphones under my pillow. I plugged them into the phone and wondered what to do with the throbbing between my legs.

I clipped one over my ear and played some classical music as I brought up the internet. My phone plan sucked anywhere other than here, where I had Wi-Fi, and I had to make the best of the situation.

I pulled my knees up and searched for erotic stories, thinking that might do the trick. I liked the books that I’d read in the past, but I wasn’t about to pull one out right now. There had to be something online to read.

There! I found something that seemed to offer erotic tales, as well as a variety of something else. I chose the hottest thing I could search for and scanned the titles and descriptions, as I wondered what Damon was into. He looked like he would know just what to do with a woman, and I found a story that involved spanking before I clicked on it.

It was immediately hot, and I bit my lip as I read about the woman bent over the desk as her skirt was lifted, conveniently showing a thong. I never wore those, but it suited the story, right? I let my hand trace over my conservative cotton underwear as I devoured the words and started to stroke myself. I was careful to stay quiet and bit down hard on my lip as she was getting pummeled by his hand. I imagined the hand belonging to Damon as I was on the desk. Holy shit, what was wrong with me? I’d never even done anything close to this in bed, since my one encounter with a fellow nerd in his room during high school had been awkward and not enjoyable. It was at the point that I chose to focus on school.

God, my thighs were burning, and I slid my hand under the cloth as I moved onto the part of the story where he was taking her on the desk, all of her clothes ripped off as she clawed his back. I kept my body still, only moving my hand as my body tensed up with every press of my fingers.

Oh, God.

I came when the woman screamed his name, and was so tempted to scream out that I pressed my arm against my mouth and bit down. It hurt, but I came harder from that as I closed my eyes and remained quiet. If I lived alone, I’d do that every night. It was incredible. I glanced over at Melody, once I recovered, to see her still sleeping and wiped my hands on my shirt.

Just for fun, I read another story that made me repeat the process, slower this time and just for the release. I bookmarked the site and plugged my phone into my charger before I continued to listen to music.

I guess I fell asleep at some point, because it seemed like five minutes later that my alarm was going off. I groaned and hit snooze out of habit before I rolled over and pressed my face into the pillow.

Reality took over after the alarm went off again, and I opened my eyes to see that the room was empty. I must’ve slept harder than I thought not to hear Melody get up for class. I took a deep breath and stretched before standing up and grabbing my robe. I showered quickly and dressed in the usual jeans and shirt for school before I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail. I grabbed another skirt and sweater with some flats and placed them as neatly as I could into my backpack before I left for class.

I grabbed a large coffee today and blended in with the students as I played the night before through my mind again. It seemed surreal, knowing who I was. I was working at a fantastic place, with a possible future if I didn’t screw up, but attracted to the boss who seemed to like to follow me around town. That was creepier than I was allowing it to be, and I tried to reason with my normally logical mind.

I needed this internship and needed it to lead to a job. That was my future, not some dream about the CEO of the company who would make all of my hard work pay off for myself and my mother. What was Damon going to do, sweep me off of my feet and make everything right in my life? No, because this wasn’t Pretty Woman and people in the real world worked for what they had.

My thoughts drifted to Devin, who presented a more likely scenario. He was a great looking guy, and he was going to be successful in life. Devin was also close to my age, and it would be natural to settle into something with him as I worked toward my own career. It would be realistic, if I felt something for the guy. Would that come later, after a few dates, or perhaps a few more kisses? I wasn’t stupid enough to think life was like the books or television shows, but it seemed like I should feel something.

I walked into class and sat near the front as I unloaded my notebook. I wanted to ask my mom about this, but our time was precious when we talked, and I didn’t want to sound selfish. I didn’t want to seem like I was ready to move on and leave her behind. She never did that to me.

I managed to focus enough to take notes, and I felt a bit more normal when I left the campus for the day. I could handle all of this and concentrate on the prize at the end of whatever twisted tunnel this might be. That was who I was and what I did. I ordered some lunch at a campus deli and changed into my other clothes in the bathroom while I waited for the food. I added some mascara and a little lipstick to my face and noticed the weird look on the guy’s face as he called out my order. I blushed and took my tray to a corner table as I tried to study some notes before I went in for my shift.

Useless. I threw away my trash and shoved everything back into my backpack before I caught the bus to the office. I reasoned that, after a few weeks of doing this, it wouldn’t feel so new. Going to work would just be a daily thing, where I did what I needed to do without any confusion or ridiculous attraction. Maybe I’d like Devin and have something going with him by then, something that would fit well with the rest of my life.

As I walked into the building, I saw Damon talking to someone by the elevators as he held his phone in his hand. He looked angry, and I bumped into a man because I was so focused on Damon. “Sorry,” I apologized with a beet red face, as the suit looked down at me with a scowl. I looked at the floor and pressed the up button on the elevator as I longed for the floor to open up and suck me into it. As the door opened, I couldn’t help but to lift my eyes to see Damon’s eyes dark as he stared past me. I glanced over to see the man who I had bumped into and looked back at Damon with wide eyes.

He moved his gaze to my face and locked eyes with me before I walked into the elevator and pushed the button to close the door. I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath as I thought about the intimidating look in Damon’s eyes. He looked like he had wanted to kill the guy. But why?

Damon

I found out right away that the intern in question was named Devin and that he had an impeccable record, much like Elisa. They’d probably be a great couple, but I didn’t want him to have her.

I wanted to have her in every way that I possibly could. I wanted to own her, but that would wreck my tidy life where work and pleasure were completely separate. I read his information again. Devin wasn’t working with Elisa, or seeing her regularly, as far as I could tell. What they did outside of the office was fair game, but I didn’t even want that.

Heat flooded my veins as I thought about her, and I closed my eyes.

It was possible to fire an intern, but, in this case, based on what? I’d be the laughing stock of my friends and managers if I admitted that I was jealous of a workplace relationship, something I abhorred otherwise. I always told them to never go there, and, as far as I knew, they followed my advice. He’d been here just a few days, like Elisa, and I doubted that Devin had messed up significantly—certainly not enough to be let go. I wasn’t even going to go down the road of inquiring about him, since I knew how selective we were as a company when it came to bringing on interns.

I closed the screen and opened my email as I drank my coffee. I remembered that I had a meeting for lunch with a major client and was glad that I wore one of my best suits today. I knew that I needed to adjust my attitude. I had a few hours, so I spent the time in my office, not seeing a thing in my company, as I normally did. It felt antisocial and strange, and I left for lunch early just to get some air and avoid the temptation to go stalk Elisa.

I arrived early to the bistro and sat at the bar to have a drink as I waited for Stephen. He was one of the biggest clients that I had, and I couldn’t blow this. We needed the income and the good word around town. The whiskey calmed me some, and I felt loose and relaxed when Stephen showed up. We headed to a corner table.

He presented the idea of several hotels all over the world, hotels that he wanted us to design. We ate steak, and I looked over the plans, well-aware that this could be the contract of the year. It would bring in millions, if not billions, and we’d be in every magazine again, earning us more clients. He was going to give me a week to talk to my managers and get together a skilled team to get things started, and we shook hands after I took care of the bill. It was an expense that I was willing to write off, given the money I was going to make. I had another drink at the bar, something I rarely did, making me fuzzy as I made my way back to the office. I ran into one of the security guards who wanted to talk about an issue with one of the security cameras. I tried to focus as I covered my mouth and attempted to make eye contact with him. I noticed Elisa out of the corner of my eye and watched as she bumped into a tall man who glared down at her as she faltered and looked up at him.

I lost the conversation that I was involved in as I glared at the man before I moved my eyes to her face. She was embarrassed, and I could see that she wanted to be anywhere else as the elevator opened and she ducked inside. I walked away from the security guard and toward the man, then felt someone grab my arm.

“Mr. James? I was talking to you.” The guard looked confused as I pushed a button, slipped into the next elevator, and hit the button for the fifth floor.

I stepped out to see Elisa getting off the elevator. She began to turn left, then I called her name. “Miss Moore? A word, please.”

“About what?” Her voice was quiet and tense as she looked at me and back toward her office. I stared her down until she approached me and leaned against the wall.

“Are you all right? I saw your…interaction down there,” I told her, as she frowned and let out a sigh.

“Of course. I bumped into him, and he was a jerk. Nothing more than that,” Elisa explained, as she looked at me with a sharp gaze. “Why did you look at him that way?”

“I hate when men treat women like that,” I admitted, as she leaned closer to hear me. I remembered why I avoided drinking at lunch now and pinched the bridge of my nose as I closed my eyes for a moment.

“What’s wrong?” Elisa asked me, as I heard the elevator open behind me. Glancing around, I saw that it was empty and reached out to pull her inside and close the door for some privacy. I knew that alcohol weakened me and made me lose my inhibitions, and I stared at her scared face. “What are you doing?”

“I just need a taste,” I explained, before I cupped her face and kissed her soft lips. Elisa protested for a moment, then I felt her hands cover mine and she returned the kiss slowly. I reached back and pressed the button that would take me to the roof, where I found a private moment every now and then. Our lips crashed together as we rode to the top, and I heard the ding before I turned around and took a deep breath. The door opened, and I surveyed the light area to see that we were alone as I took her hand and led her outside.

I knew that I was feeling a little intoxicated and that this was a bad idea, but I needed more.

Elisa shivered and crossed her arms as she pulled her hand away. “What are we doing out here? I need to get to work, Damon. This is my job.” She wouldn’t look at me as she leaned against the door frame. “You’re acting weird. Are you drunk? I tasted the alcohol on your tongue.”

Shame filled me as I stepped back to look at her. Elisa was scared and, more than that, uncomfortable. I knew that she’d kissed me, but now she was uncertain of everything. “I had a few drinks at lunch. I saw you in the lobby, and I couldn’t let you go, but I don’t think that it’s just alcohol. I know I need to stay away from you, Elisa. I just don’t know if I can.”

“I need this internship, Damon. I can’t blow this chance, because I might never have it again,” She stared at me, and I saw strength in those eyes. “You’re not worth the risk, even if I do want you more than I’ve wanted any man. I have to go back to work. They’ll be looking for me.” I watched her turn to leave, opening the door and walking back to the elevator as I remained alone in the shade.

I felt empty and broken for the first time in my life, at least, for the first time because of a woman. They would usually do anything for me—anything for that last kiss. Elisa walked away from me, and I walked over to the edge of the rooftop and gazed over the streets at the city that I once felt like I owned.

Elisa

I rushed inside and pushed the button for the elevator, turning to look behind me. Did I want him to chase me and tell me that I could have him and the internship?

No, that wasn’t my path. I was supposed to finish school and get the best job that I could, to take care of Mom and me. I couldn’t lose sight of that because I was attracted to the boss.

I stepped into the car and pushed the button for my floor. I ran my hands over my clothes and my hair, as I tried to look around to see a reflection of myself. I couldn’t look like I’d done this with Damon, whatever this was. I stepped off the elevator and lifted my head as I headed straight for the restroom to find a mirror, and whatever was left of my dignity.

When I came out, Devin was passing by to go to the men’s room, and he stopped with a smile. I had fixed my makeup, and I knew that I looked back to normal, so I smiled back.

“Hey, you,” he greeted me.

I compared his kiss to that of Damon’s, and it was night and day. Devin’s was pleasurable at best, but Damon’s was like the air that I needed to breathe to survive. I know that I’d lost myself in that elevator and likely led him on, but he was intoxicating and, even now, my mouth burned for more. It felt like I would never stop tingling for him, no matter how much time passed.

“Hi, Devin. How are you?” I asked him, as he looked me over.

“I’m great. I’m really looking forward to Friday,” His eyes searched mine, and I nodded.

“I am as well.” I felt the sweat pooling in my hair as he looked at me and quickly licked my lips. “I need to get to my team, Devin. I’m running late today, due to traffic, and they’re expecting me. Can we talk after work?”

“Sure, that would be great. Are you all right, Elisa?” He looked concerned, and I brushed a drop of sweat from my forehead and smiled.

“I’m fine, Devin. I just hate being late.” There was a lot more that I could’ve added to the statement, but I left it alone. I didn’t need to give Damon any more fuel than I already had.

“Get to your team. I’ll meet you in the lobby after work, around six? That’s how long you work, right?” I nodded. Normally it was, but I was willing to stay if things ran late. I already felt like I needed to make up for what I’d done with Damon. “See you soon.”

I saw Autumn walking over and she watched Devin leave. “Did you guys hit it off?”

“Kind of. I’m sorry that I’m late, Autumn. There was traffic getting here,” I told her, as she shrugged.

“No worries. You work hard when you’re here, and this is Boston. Traffic is everywhere,” She smiled and pushed the bathroom door open. “Check out the plans!! They’re looking hot.”

I grinned and headed to our room to greet the rest of the team. I loved it here. I loved the vibe and the creative flow that existed here. I didn’t want to risk it for a fling with Damon, even if it would be the hottest thing I might ever do in my life. I needed this for my future more than I needed any man.

I looked over their progress and admired it. I longed to be a full-time employee here, doing this every day, but that would come soon. I just needed to prove myself, and I would have that.

I threw myself into the project, and we talked about ideas, jotting some down as Michael worked on the computer. Everyone had their place here, and I was going to find mine as well.

We ended up working until eight before we straggled out of there, and I knew I missed Devin. I didn’t care too much, though, which was something that I didn’t want to focus on. Devin was the right guy here, and the one that I should be with.

I accepted a ride home from Vince, who lived near me, and we talked shop the whole way home. I got out, went inside my apartment, and made a quick sandwich before I went into my room and read a book on my Kindle until I fell asleep. It was exhausting to have a conversation with all of the girls who lived here when we were all home, and I wondered when I’d be able to get my own place. Maybe I could get something nice with Mom, somewhere she could walk outside and feel safe.

I dreamed about Damon that night. In the dream, we didn’t stop with a kiss. I let him take me in that elevator, in some alternate universe, letting him have me against the walls as I cried out his name. It was rough and intense, and I could hear the sounds of our bodies slapping together as I woke up slowly with a low moan. I pulled my hand out of my underwear and looked over, in horror, to Melody’s bed, thankful when I found it empty.

I couldn’t believe that I’d dreamed that and, judging from the throbbing between my thighs, had gotten myself off in my sleep. How embarrassing. I needed to figure this out and get him out of my head.

I showered and went to class dressed in a skirt and sweater for the office in order to save time. It was chilly out, but my tights and jacket took the edge off of the cold as I sipped coffee and tried to focus on class, taking lots of notes. A lot of the students used laptops, but I found that writing it down helped me to remember, something I learned early on. Most of the time I’d type them into a file for study purposes, to further the process. I had a hard time making sense of what I was writing today, and downed the last of the coffee as I frowned and looked at the board.

I grabbed a muffin before my next class and another coffee with a sigh. Everyone drank coffee all day at work too, and I suspected that I wouldn’t be able to avoid the addiction for too much longer. So far, I’d just treated it as something special when I was fatigued.

When I stepped off of the bus to go to the office, I glanced around to see a coffee shop on the corner, followed by another one down the street. I laughed, and watched as the door opened to the further one and Damon stepped out with Brent, taking my breath away. He was dressed in his regular suit, something that he managed to improve with a crisp black jacket. I drank in the sight of him and realized that he always looked so perfect, not a hair out of place, or ever shabby.

Apart from yesterday. Yesterday, he’d looked a little messy after the elevator. I watched as he turned his head to look down the street, meeting meet my eyes, and everything come back to me from the day before. Even with the distance, I could see his irises darken, and his mouth soften as I licked my own lips.

I turned to walk into the building, once again pushing away my feelings.

Damon

I was a wreck after I went back to my office from the roof. It took everything that I had not to go and snatch Elisa from her office and have my way with her in mine. I had the most spacious office in the building, and there were a lot of surfaces to christen, something I’d only ever wanted to do with Elisa.

Seeing her on the street made the situation far worse.

Her words played back through my mind as I tried to read through emails, applying them to my own life. I couldn’t risk anything, either, since dating her would be completely against the rules. I sensed that Elisa wasn’t the kind of woman to want to give it all up in order to be taken care of by me, like some of the others I’d encountered. For some reason, Elisa was adamant about getting this herself, and I knew that she had the talent. She wouldn’t settle for less, something that turned me on more about her.

Elisa was different.

I left a few hours after the incident, once I realized that Brent noticed that I was on edge about something. He was one of the only people who I considered a friend, but I couldn’t admit to him what was going on. I used the excuse of an appointment and ran out of the building to work out, something that seemed to keep me in control.

I worked out for an hour, noticing a redhead across the room who kept glancing my way. Her hair was a very artificial red, but she had a nice body, and I looked her over as she smiled my way. She made her way over to me once I was finishing up on the treadmill and met my eyes with her own hazel gaze. “Hi. I don’t typically approach men in the gym, I swear. I just couldn’t help it.”

“It’s not a problem. I’m Damon. What is your name?” I stepped down and still towered over her by several feet.

“Natalie. I just moved into the building a few weeks ago,” she responded, as I sized her up with my eyes. She did something in business to live in this building, and I looked for a ring on her finger. I learned at an early age that a wedding ring didn’t stop a lot of people from coming after me, but her hand was bare. Natalie was around my age, and I wondered about her as I looked into her eyes.

We made our way to the elevator, talking. She told me that she was the owner of a high-end cosmetic company here in town. I wasn’t too familiar with that kind of thing, but I knew the name enough to understand that it was successful. She invited me inside her apartment for coffee, an invitation that I accepted as I looked around her smaller unit with sharp eyes. She was single, and everything was simple but nice inside.

We sat down at the bistro table for coffee, and I told her about my company. I saw the look that I always saw in women’s eyes when I spoke about myself. She was impressed and interested, and I selfishly decided to take advantage of that as I sipped my coffee.

I let her kiss me first, but I took it from there. Her lips were nothing like Elisa’s, but I pushed past that, took her to her bedroom, and tore her skimpy bra from her body after I’d destroyed her tank top. I knew going in that Natalie wasn’t one of my usual kind of women, but she went along with everything that I did. She was naked before I was, sucking my cock as I forced it into her mouth from above as I slipped my shorts down. We were both sweaty from the workout, but the idea of her mouth cleaning me up excited me as I reached back to finger her clit, making her moan around me.

I remembered Elisa’s mouth as I started to rock against her and closed my eyes. I slipped a finger inside of Natalie, and she bucked forward as I felt teeth on me. I pulled out and stared down at her, red-faced and breathing heavily. “Do you have a condom?” I asked her, since I didn’t usually hook up with women in my own building. I didn’t carry them with me, particularly to the gym.

She reached for the nightstand, yanked open the drawer, and threw something at me. Even if I didn’t have my finger buried inside of her, I’d know that she wanted this from her eyes. I took the packet and ripped it open, sliding the latex over my generous cock before I told her to get on her knees. Natalie scrambled to do so, and I spread her legs and drove myself inside of her. She cried out, bucking against me as I took what I wanted and more, grabbing her hips as I moved again.

Natalie’s creamy breasts were bouncing in the light of the sun as I fucked her, and I reached around to cup one, finding her nipple with my fingers before I pinched down. Natalie screamed and tightened around me as I smiled and squeezed harder. She came all around my cock as I jerked inside of her and filled the condom, my thoughts filled with images of Elisa.

I was hard even after coming, and I turned her onto her back and sucked on her small nipples as I fucked her again. She was like a doll in my arms, and I felt her release again even though she could only moan softly now. I bit down as she arched her back and shot her warmth over me, coming again in the new condom that I’d demanded.

I felt my anger towards myself slip through the cracks of my need and pulled out of the woman underneath me. A quick glance told me that her world had completely changed in a different way than mine had, as I pushed up to go to the bathroom.

I checked back through my memory to make sure that I hadn’t told her where I lived in the building, or even where I worked. Natalie was busy trying to flirt while talking about herself, and I hadn’t had the time, something I was happy about at the moment. I hoped she had gotten what she wanted, because it was never happening again. I could already feel my walls going up around me as I exited the bathroom and picked up my shorts. I needed a shower.

“Damon, are you leaving?” Natalie asked, as I glanced at the bed.

“I have work to do,” The cold tone in my voice made its way through the room, and I noticed her pull her blankets up around her body as she shivered. I hoped that she understood that this wouldn’t happen again. I had let my need for Elisa control things for a moment, and that wouldn’t happen again.

“Oh.” Her voice was small from the other side of the room, and I walked into the living room to gather the rest of my things before I walked out.

There had to be a way to regain control of what was happening in my life.

Elisa

I worked past eight and wondered if that’s how this was going to happen. Was I slowly going to stay later and later and let it consume my life? Or was it just a way to keep Damon out of my mind? I took the offer of a ride home and went home to study for a test the following day before realizing that the next day was Friday and I had a date. I’d only seen Devin from a distance at work the rest of the week, but I knew that he’d find me tomorrow.

I let out a sigh and read through my written notes with a scowl, not having time to create a document this week. I sipped the energy drink that I used only when I needed it and glanced at Melody, who was hunched over her own books with some noise reducing headphones over her ears. I didn’t think she ever listened to anything, sometimes, since she was so still.

I focused my attention on the words in front of me and tucked the blanket further around my body. This apartment had central heating and air, but it wasn’t the greatest insulation in the world and the cold weather seeped through the walls.

I started thinking about the date and about what we were going to do. I remembered the look in Devin’s eyes outside the bathroom, and I knew that he’d want more than a kiss. He was into me, more so than I was into him. Should I just give in and let him have me? Maybe it would cure the itch deep inside of my body that all of the dreams and orgasms didn’t seem to stop. It was all too easy, and I read the words on the page over again.

I fell asleep around midnight, too tired to stay awake. The light was off already, and I was using the clip-on that I’d bought at the cheap corner store. I regretted not even having my computer in the late hour, and I whispered the words to myself as questions and answered them before I gave in to sleep.

I woke up in time for a shower before I ran off to school. I hoped that Devin would give me time to come home before we went out, since I looked like every bit of the overworked college student that I was. I took my test and felt great about it as I left the classroom to attend my only other class of the day.

The other students were noticing the change of attire, since I was now dressing for the office all day. I didn’t have a lot of friends, but I told them about my internship as the comments became more frequent. They were all impressed, I could tell. I wondered how many of them applied for my internship or others and didn’t get them.

I headed to the office after class to get in some hours. I knew that I’d be leaving earlier tonight, so I wanted to make that up, despite the fact that I was putting in more time than required. I reminded myself that there would be a time when all of this would pay off, and I’d be at peace. Devin was walking in with coffee as I got there, and we talked on the way to the elevators, planning the night. He told me that he’d pick me up at my place at seven o’clock after I told him that I wanted to change. I agreed. I didn’t think I had time to fit him into the chaos that was my life, but he was an appropriate man with whom to at least try.

I felt the afternoon fly by, and then I was leaving to catch a cab. I was starving, and relieved that the date included dinner plans, as the car weaved through the constant traffic of Boston. I rushed into a full apartment and ran to my room to put the only black dress that I had on over my other clothes before I fixed my face in the tiny bathroom mirror. I slipped on the heels that I’d worn to the interview and walked out into the living room as the other girls sat on couches and giggled. It looked like a club night to me.

“Elisa, you look so pretty! Are you going out?” One asked, as I smiled and nodded while taking water from the fridge.

“Date,” I said simply, as they looked at each other with wide eyes. I was not known for dating at all, and I knew that it came as a shock to them. I glanced at the stove clock to see that it was almost time and sipped the water slowly. How I needed out of this place! There was a knock at the thin door, and someone rushed to answer it as I opened my mouth to protest. It was no use, though, so I just made my way over, pulling on my jacket at the same time.

I could see all of the girls looking at Devin as he asked for me before their gazes turned to me. I could see the questions in their eyes as I pushed forward to smile at him.

“Do you live with all of them?” Devin asked, as he led me from the building with a careful look around.

“God, no. There are a lot of friends around on Friday and Saturday nights.” I felt him take my hand as he led me to a fancy car a few feet away. Devin opened the door for me, and I inhaled the scent of leather as he walked around to his side. “I prefer to get out, myself. It’s too small in there, even with just the residents.”

“You’re not close to them, are you?” Devin asked, as he started the engine and I paused to listen. It was so quiet compared to Mom’s car.

“It’s just a situation to save a little money,” I affirmed, as he frowned in the light from the street.

“Isn’t a dorm a better option?” Devin asked, as I took a moment to answer the most common question in my life.

“This I a cheaper option, until I get a job. It’s not so bad, since I’m at the office now most of the time. I just sleep and study there, and it’s decent.” I had practiced the response over and over, and it sounded confident and natural to my ears now.

“It could be in a better area,” Devin grumbled, as I smiled at him.

“That’s why I’m glad my roomies are sleeping with some of the guys from school that live there,” I said, as he laughed.

“But not you?” Devin asked, as I shook my head.

“No, not me.” I told him, looking forward to seeing where we were going. I was pleased when he pulled up to one of the best restaurants in the city and walked around to open my door before he handed the keys to a young man standing on the curb.

We went inside to find a crowd, and Devin led me right to the hostess stand to tell her his name. We were led to a table in the corner, where Devin checked to see if I liked wine, ordering us a bottle when I nodded.

I learned more about him over the meal, as Devin confirmed that he came from money and had a comfortable ride at school. He was the opposite of me. Once he asked me about myself, and I opened up about Mom and what our lives entailed, I saw the sympathy cross his face. I hated that, but he reached across the table and took my hand. “I’m sorry, Elisa. I can see why you’ve come so far.”

“Have I?” I asked, as I stared at him.

“Yes, you have. You’re in one of the best schools in the country, and you got the coveted internship, Elisa. You’re at the top, and you won’t live in that apartment forever,” Devin explained, as I frowned and looked into his eyes. “You have me on your side now, as well.”

“Okay,” I said shyly, as I released my hand to take a bite of the salmon with a smile.

We ended the meal a couple hours after arrival. He took my hand, and we walked down the street, past some shops, as I looked in and laughed at his jokes. This was fun, even if it wasn’t the heat that Damon made me feel. I could work with this.

He turned at the corner, and I found myself surrounded by apartment buildings as I looked at him. “Where are we?” I asked, as he ran his free hand through his hair and smiled at me.

“That’s my building,” Devin nodded towards a brownstone, and I looked ahead to see a building on the corner. He wanted me to go there, meaning he wanted to kiss me again. Devin might want to do more. I licked my lips and let him lead the way, as I tried to figure out if this was what I wanted. He was a good guy who treated me well, so far, at least. Devin was trying to understand who I was, despite our differences. He deserved a chance.

We were walking up the steps when we heard a car stop and someone clearing their throat. I looked first to see Damon watching us from his vehicle as Devin frowned. “I hope you’re treating my intern with respect,” Damon told him from the window, as I could see Devin try to place him.

“Your intern? Yeah, of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Devin waited for Damon to reply, but the window rolled up, and the car drove away. “What the hell was that?” Devin asked as he looked at me.

“No idea. He must recognize us from the office,” I replied casually, even though every nerve ending in my body was alert and awake. “Didn’t we interview with him?”

“Yeah, he did look familiar. That’s so weird,” Devin said, as he looked at me. “Let’s go, Elisa.”

I followed him up the stairs, letting my head turn to look for Damon’s car. What was he doing here?

Damon

I swore off women that were too close to my personal life. I’d already seen Natalie a few times in the building and had researched gyms in the city, just to avoid her. I just didn’t feel like being an asshole to her every time I saw her. She didn’t do anything wrong, but I could see the look in her eyes that told me she thought that she ha. This is why I kept it to the club, to those rooms where I knew I would never see the girls outside of. I’d degrade them and fuck them sometimes, never having to make small talk or buy them a drink.

Every time that I saw Elisa in the building, I felt weak. I wanted to break all of my rules for her, even though I knew that it was wrong. I didn’t speak to her when we’d pass in the lobby, but I felt her looking at me. I saw her with the other intern, and it made my jealousy rise as they’d leave together. She’d smile and laugh, but there wasn’t the intensity in her eyes that I saw when she looked at me. I wanted to kill him when I saw them walking into a brownstone together one evening, his hand on her back as he helped her up the steps.

I focused on a new gym. I would not stop working out because I needed to release everything inside of me and keep myself in top form. I needed to have control, especially when I was losing it with each sighting of Elisa.

I researched her as well. She was a top student at her school, and she lived in a part of town that was not safe for her, in my opinion. I realized that they were student apartments, once I dug deeper, and assumed that she had a few roommates, but what were a group of girls going to do against someone that wanted into their lives? I wouldn’t entertain the idea of a man living with her, since I considered her mine somewhere in my dark mind.

I went to the club a few times over the next week, when I had time after work. I watched as girls sucked me off, let me smack their asses with whatever device I wished, and fucked me in any position that I wanted. It felt good to walk away afterward and just go home, but it didn’t get my intern off of my mind. I think it made it worse, in some ways.

I found a new gym, a very elite one that cost a mint to join. I was assured that it was a place where I’d be left alone upon inquiry, since I was only there for one thing. I didn’t need women trying to pick me up and interrupting one of the most critical parts of my day. I started a new route for my jog to make sure I went there every morning, which wasn’t difficult since I wasn’t far. The members all seemed to be ignorant of the world, with earbuds in, listening to whatever was playing on their phones. I liked it, and I stuck to the same schedule that I did before, keeping a close eye on my form.

It was a month into the internship when I got an idea. Since it was driving me crazy not being around Elisa, why not make her my personal intern? I handled a lot of company business and could use an assistant to keep up. Brent had been telling me that for years now. She was a great addition to the team, and I had heard nothing but good things about her.

I called Brent into my office toward the middle of the week. He came in with coffee and circles under his eyes as he took a seat, and I eyed him carefully. “What’s with you?” I asked, as he shrugged and set his coffee on the table.

“I was out late last night. New girl and she’s younger. She has a ton of energy,” Brent chuckled and looked at me across the desk. “You should really date once in a while, boss.”

“I prefer to keep my life simple,” I responded, as he shrugged. “So, I wanted to run something by you.”

“What’s that?” Brent asked, as I rehearsed my delivery in my head again.

“Things have been piling up around here for me, and I’ve noticed how well Miss Moore is doing with your team,” I began, as his eyes darkened.

“Tell me you’re not going to make her your secretary, Damon. She’s at the top of her class, doing what she loves for me right now.” He stared at me as I leaned back in my chair. I was prepared for this.

“I am not suggesting that at all. I merely thought that she could help me one day a week, just to clean things up. I believe that your team is the best and could spare an extra pair of hands. I’ve looked at the numbers.” I looked at Brent as he seemed to think it over.

“Hire an assistant,” Brent challenged me, as I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t want someone around all of the time, Brent. Just a hand during the week with all this shit on my desk. I haven’t been checking in around the building lately, because of all of this busy work.” I was embellishing things a bit, since it wasn’t that bad. I just wanted to be alone with Elisa and get to know her better. Perhaps I wanted to find something wrong with her, so I’d get over her. I wasn’t even sure at this point. “You know that you can spare her.”

“I suppose, but you’ve never been all that interested in the interns before this. What gives?” Brent looked at me with a frown on his face.

I mentioned the new client and some of the upcoming meetings that I had and his eyes widened. “I need someone on this, just to keep up with appointments, research and things like that. We’re growing, buddy. There’s going to be money in it for everyone before you know it.”

Brent left excited and promised to send Elisa in to discuss the idea with me later in the day. I grinned as he closed the door, letting my mind fill with ideas about her, none of which had to do with work. I’d play the game while I tried to get inside of her head and see what she was made of. I wanted to know her desires and try to see if I could make them come true, and I stroked my cock under my desk.

I checked my upcoming appointments and worked my schedule around them, jotting down reservations that needed to be made and notes for meetings with my managers. Admittedly, I did need an assistant, but not just anybody would do. I needed her, at my desk, so I could see her and smell her. I longed to taste her again, and I stood after a while, walking over to the window after an hour of sitting.

I went for coffee after that, needing to loosen my muscles and perk up. My floor was quiet, with business being conducted with clients behind closed doors, as opposed to teams working out in the open. I thought back to the days when I was down there, just watching and learning, when this was Kenneth’s job. It was exciting and hands on, but I was excellent at what I did for the company. I was in the right place and earning a lot of money.

I made coffee in the machine and stirred in just a bit of cream and sugar. I wasn’t much into coffee, at least not when I wasn’t thinking too hard about something. My rigorous schedule of early mornings and exercise made me sleep well once I was in bed, though, lately, I’d been thinking about Elisa.

I walked back to my office and stepped inside, loosening my tie after I set the cup down on the desk. There was a tap at the door, and I called out for the person to come in, having left it cracked.

Elisa stepped inside, dressed in a flowered pencil skirt that clung to her curves and a button up gray blouse that grabbed one of the colors. She looked beautiful as she tossed her hair back and bit her lip, making me hard all over again. “You wanted to see me, sir?”

That word sent all of the blood rushing to my groin, as I sank down into my chair to hide what she was doing to me.

Part 3

A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance

Elisa

I was so nervous as I walked towards Damon’s door. My hands were shaking, and I could feel the sweat pooling in my hair as I mentally tried to pull myself together. I didn’t know what he needed—just that Brent asked me to stop by his office on a break.

What could it be? Was I going to be let go? I couldn’t be. As hard as it was to be close to him, I needed this job for a secure future for my family. I hadn’t done anything too wrong, apart from trying to distance myself, like he seemed to want me to do…like it seemed was best. What was I doing here?

I noticed that the door was cracked when I approached it, and I took a long, deep breath before knocking. Here goes nothing. He told me to enter, and I pushed the door gently and stepped inside.

This room was huge and featured a large cherry wood desk and a wall of windows. The view looked to be incredible, but I was distracted by the man walking across the hardwood floor to the desk. Damon was dressed in his daily black slacks, but missing the suit jacket. He tie hung around his neck, and I couldn’t help but stare at him.. I watched as his eyes widened before he dropped into his seat and took a deep breath.

I nervously shuffled for a moment and cleared my throat. “You wanted to see me, sir?” The order of things was confusing to me, as my head swam and I tried to focus.

“Yes, I did. Please, have a seat,”

Damn.

The desk was neat, apart from a few papers spread out and I suspected that he liked order in his life. The whole office was that way, and I took a slow look around as I sat down and licked my lips. I noticed that he was quiet and looked back at him to see what he was doing.

Damon was staring at me, and I tossed my hair nervously as his eyes narrowed. If he was going to let me go, he needed to just do it. He needed to get it over with and let me leave as I cried, not knowing that to do. I knew that was dramatic, but it felt real to me in that moment. “Sir, if you could just…” I let my voice drift off as he blinked at me and I blushed. “I’m sorry. Take your time.”

“Damon. It’s Damon. Don’t call me sir,” he muttered, as he tensed behind the desk. “I called you up here after a conversation I had with your manager, Brent. I spoke to all of the managers, as I regularly do, to check progress.” I felt my heart drop. Brent didn’t appreciate my hard work, and I was going to be let go. I tried to figure out what I had done as I stared at the wall past Damon. “I like to see how the interns are coming along, and Brent had nothing to say but affirmatory things about you, Miss Moore.”

I was shocked at his sentence but focused on the use of my name. “It’s Elisa,” I reminded him, as he stared at me. “That’s good to hear. Thank you.” I waited, more curious than before.

“I am a stubborn man and don’t ask for help enough. If I do, the person has to be the best, and it’s come to a place in this company where I need a little assistance. I am meeting with more clients than ever, famous and high-paying clients who need my full attention, as Elkus Manfredi continues to grow. It is because of this that I asked about the interns who were most recently hired, Elisa.” He made my name sound painful to say as he spoke. “I did not have in mind a full-time assistant, but just someone on a semi-daily basis to help out with appointments, phone calls, and emails. I need help with the tasks that take up the time that I could be using to promote the company. That is where you come in.”

I looked at him, not understanding what he was getting at.

“I would like you to assist me, Elisa. I like what I’ve seen, and I trust Brent implicitly in his review of your work.”

“What about the team?” I asked worriedly, as he took a breath and leaned back with a tired smile.

“You’ll be working primarily with them. I’ll need you for a little time during the week, but I understand what your internship entails. I know that you want to be part of a team later in your career, and I’d never interpose with that. I just need a little help, and I think you’re right for the role.”

“I’m flattered,” I said, though shocked was more the word I would use. This had never been a thought in my mind, and I blinked as I watched him trace his tie with his hand, lost in the movement.

“There are perks to the job. I am going to be logging the hours that you work for me and pay you the going rate for an assistant, since it is a separate entity from the internship. You’ll also be receiving an iPad that you can take home with you at night, a new cellular phone so that I can contact you, and access to this office and the programs that you’ll be using both on your iPad as well as my computer. I trust that you can keep company business to yourself, seeing as you’ll be getting a much deeper look at things, though I’ll have something for you to sign, if you accept my offer.”

A paid job? I knew that it wasn’t full-time, but it was something to put away, to help my mom. It was too much to think about, and I opened my mouth before closing it again. I wondered how I could work with him, given that my underwear was already dampening, just from sitting here. I needed to move past what happened with us, and this might not be a great idea, particularly since he had said that he wanted distance from me at some point. This was a great opportunity, as well as a chance to stay on with the company. “Wow, that’s a lot to think about. I…I think I’d like to do that. I’ll take you up on your offer.”

He seemed to be surprised, but soon nodded and reached for the papers on his desk. “These are for you to fill out. I had my lawyer look them over, and they’ll cover all of the bases.”

I scooted forward and took the pen that he offered as I moistened my lips and started with the first document. It was standard, apart from the document that he’d spoken about. I was asked to stick to a strict confidentiality rule and tell nobody what I saw and learned in here. “That includes the other interns whom you might consort with outside of the office.” His words were cold, and I looked up to see him staring at me with a burning gaze as I blushed.

“Of course,” I murmured as I remembered seeing him on the street that night. Not only was I his intern now, but I was also his assistant. “I’d never consider telling anyone anything.” The papers clearly stated that any example sharing information could be followed up with legal action, if the consequences were severe enough, and I couldn’t have understood the message any clearer.

I went back to the usual paperwork, surprised to see that he’d be paying me twenty-five dollars an hour as a part-time employee. That would add up, even if the hours were on the lower end of being part-time. I signed the last page, and he asked me to come around the desk, so he could show me a bit of what I would be doing.

We went over the programs, and I jotted down the passwords in a private note app on the phone that was charged and ready for me. I would see his emails and appointments and have control over them, something which scared me. I assumed that anything that was not company information would be located elsewhere, since Damon was clearly an intelligent man.

He was close to me as he pointed out things I would need to know, and I smelled the spicy scent of his cologne as I fought the shivers that were threatening to take me over with every word and brush of his skin. Damon was all man and complete sin wrapped in one. I jotted everything down and read back through it, trying to avoid looking like a fool on my first day. He seemed to have faith in me, so I could have confidence in myself as well.

Damon explained the devices that I’d be using for him, shocking me when he said that I could use them for personal use, as long as it wasn’t illegal or a threat to myself or the company. He insinuated that he could look into that at any point, but I wasn’t sure just what he meant. I wasn’t smart enough to be some type of hacker, and I didn’t look up much on the internet either.

I remembered the stories I’d read that one night, earlier this month, as well as a few others I’d read when I’d had some alone time. I had my phone for that, but was that what he meant? People openly read Fifty Shades of Grey, so was something online and unedited considered wrong? I decided that it didn’t matter, since I had my own phone and the fancy new one was for work purposes.

Damon directed me to a document that indicated what meetings needed to be set up, as well as appointments. “Why don’t we start with these? If they give you a hassle, remind them what company you’re representing. If that doesn’t work, use my name. They should be very compliant after that.”

“Yes, sir…Damon. I will.” I looked at him. “Want me to do that in here, while you’re working, or will it bother you?”

“Feel free to stay in here. There’s a small table over there if you’d like to use it.” Hell, yes I would. It was about ten feet away from Damon, and, after all of our closeness, the distance would be appreciated. I felt my attraction to him in every part of my body, and I asked him if he’d like coffee. I was dragging and already exhausted. “I’ll go with you. Those cups can be hot,” he said, as he stood and put his body on full display just to torture me.

We walked to the break room quietly, and I felt the stares of the few employees who saw us. What kind of rumors would there be about me now? I wanted a job based on my effort, not how I worked with the boss. I didn’t want to be the company slut, and the thought plagued me as I fixed my cup and added the proper sugar and cream to it. “What’s troubling you?” Damon asked, as he closed his door with a distinct click.

“I don’t want to be talked about. I don’t want anyone to think that I’m getting special treatment from you,” I voiced my concerns, as he looked at me and nodded slowly.

“I try and repress that kind of activity around the building, Elisa. I will remind of and enforce that rule with all of my managers, as well as the rest of my staff, but there is always a little chatter in a company this size. Try not to let it get to you, since you know yourself better than anybody else,” Damon suggested, as I stared at him. I was always the wallflower and didn’t attract attention, apart from school, so this was new to me. “I’ve heard it all, and I’m sure some of the rumors have spread your way, but I assure you that they aren’t true.”

I left that evening uncertain of anything but willing to try and work with the new arrangement. Devin sent me a text asking me to have coffee, but I begged off with the excuse of studying late that night.

Damon

I knew that Elisa could handle the position, though she seemed nervous at points during the day. She was a skittish girl and seemed concerned with what people thought of her, something that was confirmed after we went for coffee. It angered me that a woman as smart as Elisa would let that bother her, and I had meant what I had said about handling the situation. I wanted her comfortable and, oddly enough, happy. That didn’t generally concern me.

I wondered about that as I played back the day through my mind. She was scared and beautiful, with her full eyes and occasional inability to speak. I wondered how innocent Elisa truly was, as Mark stopped by a deli for my dinner. I was in the mood to be alone and dismissed my chef for the night, too wrapped up in my own thoughts for a big meal.

I entered my apartment and sat at my table to eat as I remembered the scent that Elisa wore today. She preferred sweeter scents of floral and fruit that made me want to nibble at her skin before I reached her thighs and tasted her thick honey. I was used to women who wore the expensive perfumes that turned my stomach, but seemed to impress others, though I was confused as to whom. They were always too heavy, and Elisa smelled more natural to me.

Her hair smelled like coconut and vanilla, and I longed to touch her soft curls. I wanted to pull them hard as I played with her and made her come hard, seeing a new side of her. What would she look like? The idea tormented me as I showered and rested in my room before looking over the reservations I’d given her to make today. Elisa had done well and deserved a reward, even though I had already started logging her time with me.

I chose her number from my sleek phone and paused for a moment as I checked the time.

Damon: I’d like you to keep Friday night at six free, Elisa. Let’s celebrate your new job.

I sent that to her business phone, knowing that it wasn’t my style at all. I had a reservation for one of the best seafood places in town and had made it with the idea of taking her out. This seemed like it was moving fast on some level, though it was moving slower, physically, than I was accustomed to. It was altogether different.

Elisa: Damon?

Damon: Yes, it is Damon. Will you join me for dinner?

Elisa: I have plans, and was under the impression that you wanted to quell any chance of rumors.

I wondered if they were with that maddening intern, and I thought over my answer before I sent back some shitty comment to her. I had to be careful now, given the choice I’d made to hire her.

Damon: Cancel them, if at all possible. I don’t have a lot of free time, and this is supposed to be one of the best seafood places in the city, if you like that kind of food. It recently opened. Don’t worry about any rumors. The building empties early on Friday.

Elisa: I’ll see what I can do. Thank you for the invitation.

I set my phone down and considered her answer as I watched the moon shining against my wall. I knew that she felt something for me. I also sensed that there was a deep sense of responsibility in her that would drive her to do the right thing, for whatever reason. I needed to see her out of the office, over a glass of wine. I needed to figure Elisa out, if only to find a reason to stop this obsession from growing.

I was up early to run through the chilly streets, liking the temperature drops as I moved steadily through the lessening crowds. The only thing that stopped me were blizzard conditions, and I reminded myself to further consider a gym and make a choice with that.

I did my usual route, taking the long way home, where I did a few exercises to replace my usual gym time before I showered. I felt inclined to jerk off in there, with all of the thoughts of Elisa in my head, and I came to the image of her on her knees before me, baring her ass, speckled from my hand. It wasn’t enough, and I told myself to get through the day and see what else I needed later.

I dressed in a black suit and a light blue shirt, with a darker blue tie. I slipped my shoes on and met Mark at the corner, sipping my coffee and checking my texts before my emails. Nothing from Elisa so far, but it was a bit later in the evening when I asked her to dinner. We had an understanding where I’d contact her if I needed anything early in the day, keeping in mind her other obligations and sticking to her schedule of afternoons on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at this time. I wasn’t going to fuck up my company or her internship, even though I knew that I’d happily have her in my sights all day long. I had to be sensible about this.

I arrived and went to my floor, giving a cold look to anyone who I felt looked at me with anything but fearful respect. I did greet them, but it was with a warning in my voice, before I disappeared behind my office door. I prepared for some upcoming meetings, getting together facts and figures to impress my possible clients and bring in more money. I knew that I didn’t need it personally, but it was good for the company, something that I took pride in.

I had my phone on for notifications, as always, and sitting on my desk while I typed and saved documents. I couldn’t help but wonder what Elisa was thinking about Friday, and, since this was Tuesday, there was a chance that I wouldn’t see her. I got up to make some coffee, cursing my growing need for the drink that I’d disliked for so long. It was a break and a chance to walk around to loosen my muscles, as well as one to see what was happening on my floor.

It seemed calm today, and barely anyone made eye contact with me, not even the newer receptionist who had been blatantly flirting with me before this. She was an attractive woman, but lacked anything else that I wanted or needed, and I was glad that my actions this morning cooled her off.

I went back to the office and checked the company accounts, pleased with where we were. There were the usual positive write-ups in the business papers and websites, and the earnings were impressive. Kenneth would be proud of me, and I smiled at the idea.

He was a good father figure to me, after losing my own dad too young. I wasn’t the spoiled brat that never wanted my mom to date or marry again, holding onto the memories of my family. I cherished them, but I wanted her happy, since she was just in her early thirties at the time of his death and still quite beautiful. She deserved a second chance at love and life, and I never stood in her way.

Now, she was traveling to some of the finest places in the world while I had control of one of the best companies in the world, one that was growing by the moment. I was guaranteed to be rich enough to live my entire life well, doing whatever I wanted.

That thought was killed by the sound of a text coming from my phone, jerking me back into reality. I snatched it from the top of my desk and unlocked the screen with my fingerprint to read the script.

Elisa: It turns out that my plans fell through on Friday. Does your invitation still stand?

Damon: It certainly does, Elisa.

Elisa: What should I wear?

Damon: I’ve found everything that you’ve worn here to be appropriate for the evening, thus far. Use your best judgment.

I sat back, pleased with myself as I thought ahead to the night. I was accustomed to wining and dining women, the ones who were worth the effort. It wasn’t often that I did this, but I had both the cash and connections to make it happen Friday night.

I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I wanted more on this woman. I made some calls and left for lunch, pleased with my efforts. I noticed the intern, Devin, leaving with a group as he laughed confidently, unaware that I was tearing down whatever it was he wanted with Elisa. He would never be able to do what I could for her, Harvard brat or otherwise.

I wondered if he had seduced her the other night, touching the body that I wanted to claim as mine. I glared at him and stopped walking, until he turned to look in my direction and I turned to leave the building. I hated him, and I needed him to let me go about my business.

I didn’t need to trouble myself thinking of him with her, since Elisa was going to be very much mine, starting now.

I ate at a classy Italian place as I thought about Elisa and Friday night. I knew that pursuing an intern, or worse, an employee, was against every rule that was set up in the company. It was wrong, but she was worth the temptation, and it was my business to run. I could do whatever I wanted.

Elisa was arriving when I returned to work, dressed in a lovely dark green wrap dress that brought out her eyes, with the same pair of heels that she always seemed to wear. They were sexy, but worn, and I grinned as I slowed down and watched her board the elevator. I took out my phone and sent her a text, waiting for a reply before I got on my own car.

Elisa: You need my shoe size? Why?

Damon: Just tell me.

Elisa: Size 9, but I don’t know what you have in mind, Damon.

I grinned and stepped into the elevator, along with a few more upper-level employees. I greeted them with a smile and they glanced at each other for a moment. They must have thought I was bipolar sometimes, but I wasn’t, and it didn’t matter to me what they thought. I was used to shoe shopping for my mother, since she loved them, and I took great pleasure in sending her gifts.

I went to the website of her favorite store and did a little searching, finding several pairs of heels that I liked, but settling on two. I knew where she lived and found it to be a terrible area for her to live, much less one to send the finest of items to. I wondered about some of the properties that Kenneth owned as investments for a moment, knowing that he could afford less rent on some of the smaller properties. Hell, he could afford for Elisa to live for free in one of the apartments. They were fully furnished, and I could tell her that it was an employee perk, something that was true for relocating employees. There was normally on a time limit, but I knew that she’d be safer there, closer to work.

Closer to me.

I considered it as I gave the store her phone number in an email, so they could request her presence at the store. It would be a special moment that I wished I could see.

This was going to be so enjoyable. I scooted forward to start looking at apartments.

Elisa

I was leaving class the following day, dressed for my job in a plum colored pencil skirt and black blouse with a beautiful lace collar. As the weeks had passed, I had found things at some of the local thrift shops to wear and, so far, was very pleased. They were well-priced and looked good, and I wondered if Damon liked them. Shit. Damon was my boss now, and, even with all of his intensity, I knew that I shouldn’t play this game. Going out with him on Friday was idiotic on my part.

My phone rang, and I pulled it out, realizing it was my work phone. I wasn’t even due there for an hour. I answered it, not recognizing the number as I paused on the walkway and moved to the side. A woman with a friendly voice told me that she had something for me at one of the most impressive stores in the Boston area, and I frowned for a moment. “I don’t shop there. It must be a mistake,” I assured her, as I wondered what the hell was going on. Nobody had this number—nobody but Damon.

“I assure you that this is yours, Miss Moore. If I were you, I’d hurry down here because these are beautiful. Have a great day, and ask for Andrea at the shoe counter.”

I looked at the phone and shook my head. Shoes! He had asked for my shoe size, and I narrowed my eyes. What was he trying to do to me? I knew that he had money and could probably get any woman that he wanted. I stalked forward to the bus as I let anger rush through me.

This was my life. This was my future. I could handle it by myself, without his help and whatever game that he was playing.

My anger was still high as I stood in front of the building, and I took the elevator to the sixth floor. I wasn’t due in Damon’s office for a few hours, and I knew that the team needed me, but Damon needed to be put in his place. I walked toward his office, noticing the look on the receptionist’s face as I ignored her.

I had noticed that my current shoes were wearing down, but still. There were discount shoe shops, and I could get my own.

I was just approaching his door when it opened, and he stepped out, causing me to crash into him hard as I squealed. “Elisa, are you all right?” Damon asked, as he held me in his hands and stared into my flashing eyes.

“Why is Macy’s calling me to tell me to go to the damn shoe section?” I demanded, as he looked around warily before pulling me into his office. “What did you do? What are you trying to do? You’re my boss now, very literally and I—” my words were cut off with his kiss, as he pressed me against the locked door and tilted his head to take advantage of my shock.

I found my arms sliding around his neck as I pulled him closer and returned the passion in this embrace. My anger melted, and I turned into a needy woman as I felt him press harder against me. I lost all sense of reason as we kissed hungrily and only came back to reality when he lifted me and started to carry me across the room.

“Damon, we can’t do this,” I told him, as I pulled away and struggled to breathe. He was just lifting me off of the floor enough to carry me, and I felt my body being lowered to the couch. “You’re my boss…I’m your employee…I’m your intern. We can’t do this.”

“I don’t give a fuck what you are, Elisa. I haven’t wanted a woman the way that I want you in my entire life,” Damon said, as he pressed his body against mine. “I want to buy you shoes when yours are worn. I want to take you to dinner and learn who you are. I want to touch you more than anything right now.” He looked over my body at my carefully chosen outfit and leaned in for another kiss. I couldn’t push him away, and he molded his body over mine as he ran his hands over my body and up my sides to rest just under my bra. Our lips met hungrily as he kissed me and I kissed him right back, our tongues dancing together as he slipped his thumbs over my sensitive nipples.

I jerked when he slid the shirt from the skirt and then moved his hands up my bare skin. “I’m supposed to be with the team,” I whispered, as he gave me a small break in order to find the front clasp of my bra and unhook it. “Damon, this is so fast.”

His eyes went hard when he stared at me and he cupped my bare breasts as I let out a small moan. “Is it? Did you fuck the other intern the other night when I saw you going into his house?”

“Oh, God…Damon. No,” I pushed his hands away and tried to think as he leaned down to kiss my neck. “I didn’t. He kissed me and tried to get me to sleep with him, but I wasn’t ready. He’s not you.” He pulled away and looked at me as I took a deep breath. “I agreed to see him again because it seemed like the right thing to do in everyone else’s eyes. He’s a great guy on paper, but I haven’t been able to think about anyone except you since the first time that I saw you.”

“Elisa,” Damon said, as he kissed my neck again and moved down my chest. His mouth was hot and eager as he found my nipples and sucked slowly. I moaned and slipped my hands into his hair as I closed my eyes and gave in to the feeling.

We parted before things went too far, realizing that I needed to be elsewhere in the building. An obscene amount of time had passed, and I dressed quickly and dashed into his bathroom to check my appearance. I fixed my clothes and pulled my hair into a low bun before replacing my gloss. Damon asked me to come back after three, and I agreed as he kissed my cheek with a hungry look in his eyes.

I floated into the team office and greeted them with a smile as I wondered if I was insane. I didn’t stop Damon; I encouraged him. I knew that stopping us today wouldn’t last, because he set my body on fire. I knew that I was risking everything by being with him.

I just wanted him, though, and nothing else mattered.

Brent popped in and told everyone that I was assisting Damon with a few top clients in the afternoon, but it wouldn’t affect my work with them. I nodded and forced myself back to reality as they all gave me curious glances. Once Brent was gone, Autumn cleared her throat and looked at me again. “I’d watch that. He’s…something.”

“It’s just an extension of my internship. Don’t worry about me. I’m seeing a guy at school anyway.” I made up the lie to reassure them and smiled. Inside, I suspected that she was referring to the rumors and felt angry inside that Autumn believed that. She seemed so down to Earth and invested in her job.

“It’s not a bad opportunity,” Vince chimed in, as I gave him an appreciative glance. “Maybe he’s not as bad as we all hear he is.”

There was a long silence before everyone gathered around the table again. Once we were back on subject, it was easy to fall back into a rhythm, and I sighed in relief as I felt the passion for design fill the room.

We worked until lunch, and I watched as most of the team headed out to the streets to get something to eat. Vince lingered behind, as usual, and gave me a smile. “Don’t worry about them. The boss has a reputation around here, but it is an excellent opportunity for you. I mean that.”

“Thank you. I didn’t think it was a bad thing to learn about the business side of things,” I admitted, as I stood and looked around. “Want to grab a sandwich with me?”

We walked to the corner deli and ordered before taking a seat to eat. “So, you’re seeing someone?” Vince asked, as I looked at him and nodded. I had to stick with the lie now. “Is it serious?”

“It’s new and casual. I’m in school and essentially working here, so I don’t have a lot of time for a relationship.” I saw something cross his face and realized that Vince was interested in me. I didn’t notice before, but he was staring me in the face, and I thought back to the rides home and just the general conversations.

“Weren’t you seeing someone here?” Vince pressed, and I licked my lips.

“That was brief, but yes. I ended up with this new guy during that time, and, to be honest, I find dating at work a bad idea in most cases.” I tried to let him down easily, since Vince was such a nice guy. Nobody had a chance, since I’d seen Damon, something I willingly admitted to myself now that we’d started. I knew that it was risky and that I might pay hell for this, but I knew that I wanted him.

“You’re right. I know that, but I liked you when we met. I thought, maybe …?” Vince smiled, and I saw that he wasn’t devastated. We finished lunch and walked back, feeling lighter and laughing before we made our way back to the team. They seemed better, too, and we joked and worked through the day, until it was break time.

I went to make a cup of coffee and glanced at the clock. I was due in Damon’s office, and I felt my heart leap into my throat as I nibbled on my lip. This was cleared by Brent, and it was all right. “I’ll see you guys later. I’m going to go help out.” I smiled, and they nodded as they said goodbye and walked back to the office. I grabbed my stuff and went to the elevator to go to the sixth floor.

I stepped out and walked to his office, without the anger from before, tapping on the closed door before he invited me inside. I opened the door and found a woman leaning over his desk as she pointed at something on his computer. She was a few years older than me and beautiful, and I leaned against the door and took in the scene. “Thank you for your opinion, Caroline,” Damon said, as she giggled and stood, revealing her short skirt and slightly unbuttoned shirt.

“Sure thing. Anytime,” she responded, as she looked at him, and then at me, before she left the office. I felt the surge of jealousy as I wondered what the fuck I was doing with him. The door shut behind me.

“Come in further, Elisa,” his voice broke into my scattered thoughts as I stared at him and took a breath. Every look that my team had given me today played back through my mind, and I could hear Autumn’s words all over again. “Elisa,” Damon’s voice was sharp as I blinked and watched him stand and walk over to me. Damon was gorgeous, powerful, and beyond my wildest dreams. He cupped my face in his hands. “What is it?”

“Have you had sex with her?” I asked in a whisper before he covered my lips with his and reached down to click his office door, locking me in. Damon claimed me in this kiss, hard and slow as he pressed me against the wall behind me and pulled me against him. My thoughts scrambled together, and I reached around his neck to hold him close as he kissed me senselessly.

Within moments, I was back on the couch, and he was sliding my skirt up with his hands as I shuddered underneath him. I wasn’t even sure how much time had passed, or what was happening, until I felt him cover my needy clit with his mouth as his tongue circled me slowly and torturously.

I came with a sharp jerk of my hips as I cried out his name, reaching down to grab his hair, unconsciously, as he drank me into his mouth. “Oh, Elisa, you’re as sweet and as hot as I knew you would be. I can’t wait to have you wrapped around my cock as I fuck the ever loving hell out of you.” There was a darkness to his voice as he spread my legs and traced me firmly with his finger. I jerked again and bit my lip as new sensations flooded my body, the beginnings of a second powerful orgasm.

We rested on the couch afterward for a while, and I looked at him. “Was that to distract me from the question?” Damon rolled his eyes and looked me over slowly.

“You’re going to push things with this, aren’t you?” I watched as he pushed himself off of the couch and walked into another room, looking surprisingly together, considering what we’d just done. He returned with two bottles of water and handed me one before walking over to his desk. “Do you want a rundown of my sexual history, Elisa? Are you ready for that?”

“Probably not,” I responded, before I adjusted my clothing and sat up. I took a deep breath. “I know it’s quite different from mine.” His eyes were sharp as they looked at me, and I opened the water, sipping it gratefully.

“You’re not a virgin, are you?” His voice was low, and I shook my head slowly.

“No, but I’m not experienced either. I’ve slept with two men, both in college,” I admitted, as he raised an eyebrow and considered this.

“So different than what I’m accustomed to, Elisa. Why do I want you so much?” Damon seemed to be asking himself that question more than me, and I remained silent as I watched him look at the seat that I was standing beside meaningfully. I sat as he stared at me in wonder. “Maybe not.”

“What do you need?” I asked him, as I tried to recover from what just happened. “I mean, today?”

“Have you ever come like that before? It looked to be intense,” Damon observed, as I smiled and looked at the floor.

“No. I didn’t know that could feel so good. I think I believed that it was…gross, before now,” I admitted, as he nodded. “I suppose you’ll want me to do the same to you.” His eyes darkened as he nodded and I licked my lips. “Don’t you want more from me now? I mean, you didn’t get anything from that.”

Damon chuckled and looked out of the window for a long moment. “There’s so much more to this than that. Forget those college boys who were looking to get off, Elisa. This is going to be different than that was. This is going to be so different.”

Damon

I instructed her on the emails that I received daily as well as attempted to return in the same twenty-four-hour period. I made a list of the most important clients and gave her free reign in setting up appointments for me, using my calendar application on my computer. It was a tedious process, but it should be easier once she adjusted to it. I made Elisa understand that she didn’t need to answer any questions regarding the company, or what we were looking for right now. Those issues could be forwarded to my personal email, which I made sure she had saved into her contacts on her phone. She looked at the account that I’d set up for her assistant purposes and smiled.

[email protected]

“You chose this?” She asked, after I’d given her the password information, which hinted at the things that I wanted to do to her.

“I did. It’s true, based on my new knowledge of you,” I told her as I watched her blush beautifully. I had wanted to take it so much further earlier, making her hold her release as I teased her hot cunt and taught her control. I wanted to be able to make her come with a whisper, but I had to have her come in my mouth this first time. From there, I would make myself take stricter control with my own discipline, making her who I needed her to be. My mind wandered as I thought about this being exclusive with the two of us. Could I give up the spontaneity of the club, where I could have whatever I wanted with the snap of my fingers? I glanced at Elisa as she looked at my calendar and smiled at me, asking if it was okay to set up a lunch meeting.

I could sure as hell try for this shy, beautiful girl. I could mold her into what I needed, making her a regular part of my life. I could teach her to please me.

“Go ahead,” I told her, as she filled in the day of the meeting and time, as well as where we would be meeting, before emailing the possible new client back with the same information in a friendly and professional manner. She already knew how easy it was to get a reservation in my name and dialed the number of the restaurant from the information on Google, making the reservation with a polite thank you as she looked at the computer.

“How do you get in so easily? From what I’ve heard, these are nice places. Everyone says it’s hard to get in.” Elisa looked at me as she spoke, and I felt myself harden as I stared back at her.

“I run the biggest architecture firm in the country, Elisa. It came with an excellent reputation before I stepped into the position, and people want to impress me because of that. They’re willing to do anything to please me,” I explained, as she frowned for a moment. “Is there anywhere that you want to go?”

“I’m not a part of this world. I eat take out on the corner for excitement,” Elisa told me, as she paled and looked at my desk. “I don’t want to spend my money on one meal like that. I need to spread it out.”

I sensed that she struggled with money by the scared look in her eyes, and it made me want to give her a raise, as well as speed along the process of a new apartment. I had dated casually before, and treated the women well, if they were a regular part of my life, but never with the need that I was feeling now. “You’re not spending your money. I am, and I have plenty of it, Elisa.”

“You do?” She asked, and I nodded, leaning in to brush her lips with mine. She melted against me, and I stroked her full lower lip with my tongue as she moaned softly against my mouth. She was so pure and sweet. I slipped my tongue against hers and started a make-out session that reminded me of being a teenager with a curfew, not that had ever kept said curfew. It had driven my mother insane, but once she was remarried, she had seemed to settle down.

I pulled away to let Elisa take a breath, noting the bright pink spots on her cheeks. Elisa seemed flustered as I looked her over and jumped as my phone rang. “Should I?” Her voice was hesitant, and I shook my head, leaning over to grab the cordless.

I handled the question smoothly and ended the call with the receptionist before I set the phone on the desk. “I don’t expect you to answer my phone, unless I’m not in the room, Elisa. I need help with the client meetings and scheduling mostly.”

“Have you ever been involved with an intern before?”

I shook my head. “Never. I haven’t dated at work for some years now. That’s a program that my stepfather began, and I kept it, since it helped both the company, as well as the students who were hired. We’re selective, and you know that we only pick the best of the best.” She smiled and blushed again, and I took a slow breath to control the need flowing through my veins. I must be crazy, taking her in this way when she drove me mad inside. “It leads to great opportunities for some of them.”

“That’s why I was so excited about it. I need this on my resume,” Elisa spoke with a reverence that made me curious to know what was going on in her life.

“I want you to tell me all about yourself over dinner on Friday. I want to know what makes you tick,” I told her, as she stared at me with wide eyes. “For now, I just want to taste your lips.” I kissed her again as she moved closer, eager to give in to me. I dragged it out, keeping the kiss deep and slow as I felt her come apart in front of me. I knew what she wanted as she whimpered against me and my fingers itched to rip off her clothes and take her right there on my desk.

I jumped as I felt her hand slide between my legs and touch my erection gently. Elisa had no idea what she was starting as she stroked me with her fingertips and met my tongue with hers. I tensed my thighs as my need grew inside of me and placed my hand over hers, forcing her against me. “Do you feel what you do to me?” I asked her softly, as she nodded. “I want your mouth wrapped around me, Elisa. I want you on your knees as I fuck your mouth.”

“Oh, God,” she said, as her eyes darkened and she licked her lips. I watched as she moved to the floor and stared up at me with an eager gaze. This was moving faster than planned, but she was so willing with me, and, fuck, if I didn’t want to come right now. I stood and leaned against my desk as I loosened my pants and dropped them around my ankles. She looked me over, seemingly intimidated by my size, before she leaned forward and kissed the tip of my cock gently. I sucked in my breath as my body hardened toward her naturally and she circled me with her tongue. My hands slid into her hair with a gentleness that I didn't feel as she opened her mouth and took me inside. Fuck, she was so hot, and her mouth tightened around me as I closed my eyes.

“That’s it, Elisa.” I slowly rocked my hips as she adjusted to me and felt myself in the back of her throat. “Relax and take it all, baby. That’s it.” I imagined her tied up in my bed, as she moved her mouth. I gripped her head tighter as she gasped. “Harder, Elisa. I want to feel you.”

Elisa moved harder, and I rocked against her as I held her still, telling myself to not come yet, as much as I wanted to. I was feeling the pressure deep inside my balls as I cried out her name with each thrust. “Coming—I’m coming,” I told her, as everything went black and I shot inside of her mouth. Elisa gripped my thighs as she struggled to take it all, with my hands holding her tightly as I released. Nothing had felt like this before now, and I stumbled back as I stared down at her.

What was happening to me?

“Was I not good?” She asked, as she wiped at her mouth where traces of me ran down her cheeks. I could tell that she was shell-shocked, but still upset that I didn’t like it. I dropped to my knees as I reached for a tissue from the box. I wiped at the corners of her ruined mouth, noting the tears in her eyes before I leaned closer to kiss her nose.

“You were…perfect,” I assured her, as she smiled and relaxed against me. I sensed that she needed that, that she felt bad about herself, even with all of her accomplishments. I wanted to know who had made her doubt herself, if it was even a man, to begin with. Was it a parent issue, or worse? I stroked her hair, messy from the encounter, as I tried to put it back into place and heal her.

I was getting in too fucking deep, but I knew that I couldn’t walk away from her now.

We left the office separately in a couple of hours, cleaned up and looking as though nothing had happened between us. Regardless of my intent with the rumor mill, I knew that the immature ones would still talk, whether or not they were warned not to. I watched from the elevators as Elisa left and met up with her team, smiling and laughing naturally, as if we hadn’t done the things that we did together. She walked with Vince, and I wondered if there was anything between them as something very unfamiliar reared its ugly head again.

Jealousy.

Elisa

I kept a neutral look on my face as I walked out, carrying the bag from Macy’s in one hand. Damon had surprised me in the office, after I was seated and recovering from him, by presenting me with the shoes that he’d purchased for me. They were heels, sexy and expensive. One pair was black, with the famous red bottoms that screamed Louboutin and money, as well as a pair of gray Jessica Simpson shoes. They were both beautiful, and he promised me more with a soft kiss at his door before he shooed me away with a reluctant gaze.

We didn’t have sex, but we’d done more than I was used to. I had given clumsy blowjobs before now, that didn’t end with completion. They were just a quick step, leading to equally awkward sex that apparently paled compared to what my body had experienced in that office today. I still felt his tongue between my legs as I got off of the elevator and walked over to the remaining members of my group. “How did it go?” Vince asked, as he smiled at me and glanced down at my bag. “Shopping?”

“There was a sale, and I had a break,” I smiled as I thought back to the bathroom in Damon’s office. Every hair was in place, and my makeup was perfect. I looked like I hadn’t done so much as kiss him, much less anything else. I was covered, if I didn’t blow it on my own. “Today was good. I think I’m going to learn a lot about the company this way. Who knows? Maybe I’ll run one someday myself.” I forced myself to laugh, and he joined in before asking me if I wanted a ride.

I accepted and told myself that I had to find a way to thank him. I knew that Vince lived near me, but it still took up his time to drop me off every day. When we were walking out of the door, I glanced back to see Damon staring at me. I fought a smile.

We chatted as we drove, mostly about the project. Vince told me that we were all up for bonuses for this project, including me. The company found ways to reward the interns for their hard work, and I bit my lip as I thought about the pay that I was getting for helping Damon. That was enough, wasn’t it? I felt my face heat up, and I thanked the sky for darkening early these days.

I got out at the curb and thanked him again before walking into my apartment. A couple of the girls were arguing about a class in the living room, and I crept by quietly on the way to my room. I longed for my pay to be enough to get a place of my own, but the idea almost made me laugh. It would be in the ghetto, probably, where my mother lived and that was hard enough to stomach. At least living here, I could help her out some while going to school. I glanced at the other bed to see Melody sleeping, surrounded by books. I smiled gently at her.. I felt the same way after letting Damon have his way with me, as well as working so hard to please me.

I dressed in some leggings and a long-sleeved shirt, to fight the chill in the room, before crawling underneath the covers. I couldn’t stop thinking about him and parted my legs underneath the covers as I stroked myself over my clothes. I was still sensitive from hours earlier, and I smiled as I slipped my hand down my pants to touch myself. I didn’t need any words to get off tonight. I had Damon’s tongue against me in my memory, and his teeth dragging against me as I came so hard in his mouth that I blacked out for a moment. It was intense and wonderful, and I imagined him inside of me, sliding that thick cock inside of my tight body, as I stroked harder. I could imagine how he would feel as he took me on my back, or maybe my knees. What did he like?

I remembered the way the woman looked at me as she left his office. He had never answered me when I inquired about her, but something deep inside told me that even if he had, it wouldn’t matter. I saw something in his eyes and face that made me think that this meant something to him.

It might be better if it didn’t, but, as I bit my lip and came, I knew that I was falling for him in some way.

I woke the next morning to the alarm, rolling over with a yawn as I glanced at the window. I had only the one class today and then it was off to the office, a thought that made me smile. In just a few days, it would be Friday, and we’d be at dinner. Was that a date, or just an honest celebration? He could afford to eat out every night, so money wasn’t the issue, but from what I’d seen online, the restaurant was fantastic. It was where everybody wanted to be, and he got in with just his name.

Who was Damon, apart from what I saw every day? Did he have siblings? Was he close to his family? What was he doing with me, someone younger than him and clearly just starting life? What did I even have to offer?

I slowly got up and showered before staring into my closet. I found a pair of clingy purple slacks and a deep gray turtleneck sweater that would match the shoes perfectly, dressing in the ensemble before I left for class. I wore a new-to-me pea coat, in a dark metallic gray, to keep warm and walked down the street slowly, feeling like a new woman.

I grabbed a coffee on campus and made my way to my seat, thankful for just the one class today. I could spend quality time with my team and learn some more today, since I didn’t have time scheduled with Damon. Did I wish that I did?

I made my way to the bus after class and rode it into the city as I watched out of the window. My iPad and phone were tucked in my worn messenger bag that I carried now, just in case I needed them. I didn’t use them at home too much, since I didn’t feel like they were really mine, and I had my personal cell phone for whatever I needed. Our wi-fi connection was spotty in the house, at best, which made getting homework difficult. I rolled my head back to massage my sore neck as I watched the bus approach the stop at which I was getting off.

I walked up to the building as I noticed Devin walking inside and stopped, allowing him time to get to the elevator. I hadn’t talked to him, but he also hadn’t contacted me. I assumed that Autumn told him that I was seeing someone at school, and he was likely confused about that.

I remembered back to the night we went to his place. Seeing Damon in his car had thrown me off, but I wasn’t in the mood for Devin to begin with. I couldn’t find anything too wrong with him when I thought about it. He was handsome, intelligent, and he had a great future. Devin was also funny and kind, and I might kick myself later for letting him go.

His kisses were nothing more than pleasant, though. They didn’t fill me with the desire that Damon’s did, or the urgency to feel more. They actually repulsed me a bit, since they came off just like the guys that I’d slept with. He seemed like he’d leave the moment I gave in, and that worried me, considering that we worked together. I didn’t want that hanging over my head, so what was I doing with Damon?

Us not working out could affect everything, and I knew that seeing the boss was foolish, particularly for an intern like myself. I would always have my degree, but being let go from a company like Elkus Manfredi, especially with a reputation, would be stupid. I could blacklist myself, and then what? Mom would never have a better life, and I would’ve wasted the years in school and all of the hard work. I thought of her and sadness filled me as I realized that I could completely disappoint her.

I blinked and made sure that the coast was clear before I walked slowly across the lobby to the elevators, pushing the button as I looked around at my surroundings. They still took my breath away, regal and beautiful as they were. I couldn’t believe that I worked here, even now.

I’d gone over some of the previous designs with Damon as he told me about the company, and they were impressive. It was something that I’d love to do for a living. I could see why he was so successful and famous around the country. I just didn’t know where I fit in, if at all.

I was relieved when the team seemed busy and distracted as I walked in. Setting my stuff down, I joined in with them to discuss the plans. I was already having doubts, and I didn’t need judgment with it to make my veins any colder.

Part 4

Damon

I knew that it wasn’t my day to work with Elisa, and it was killing me. I chose her to work with me three days out of the five, because I didn’t want to get addicted to her, but fuck if I hadn’t failed at that already. I picked up my phone and pulled her number up, staring for a moment before I set it down. I asked myself, yet again, why I was pursuing her, and my cock answered me as I bit my lip.

Elisa would be my finest reward, once I’d fucked her. I was going to turn her world inside out and hopefully move on with my life after that.

Still, though, there was something about her that more than just the way she enticed me sexually. She seemed genuine and kind at heart, which was a trait that I was not used to in a woman. Most of the notches on my belt were after something much more than a night, knowing that was I was wealthy beyond their imagination, and could get them far in this city. Elisa didn’t ask for anything, and was even annoyed by the gift of her shoes. I’d never argued with a woman over a purchase before Elisa, and wondered where her intense pride came from.

I heard my phone vibrate on the desk and reached over to see that it was Sharon. I hadn’t heard from her in a while, and I thought back to the last time that I’d seen her. I hoped that she wasn’t looking for a relationship, still, but I could use a massage to ease my tense muscles. I sent her back a text, making my needs clear, even as something nagged at me in the back of my mind.

She was agreeable to a massage, and I agreed to meet her in a few hours at the hotel. That was it; just a massage. I was horny as hell, but it wasn’t just for anybody. I made an excuse with my managers about a doctor’s appointment that they probably saw through, since I rarely went, but I didn’t have to worry about it, since it was over email. I was the boss and could do what I wanted, though I didn’t feel that way right now.

I felt weak, and resented the new emotion.

I locked my office and made my exit at three o clock, stepping out of the elevator as I started across the lobby and froze. Elisa was walking with Vince, holding a coffee as she laughed at something that he said. She looked sensational in deep purple pants and a clingy sweater, and I smiled as I looked down at the gray shoes that she was wearing. I knew she liked my gift.

Her face turned, and she looked at me with expressive eyes. I felt like shit, going where I was, but I didn’t owe her anything. Still, her eyes beckoned to me before she looked forward and walked toward the elevators again. We had to play it off. I walked across the lobby, feeling eyes on me as I left the building, and walked over to the car where Mark was waiting. “Early day?” He asked, as I climbed into the back.

“I have a meeting. Drop me at the hotel,” I told Mark as I caught his eyes in the mirror. I almost always had the window down that separated us, unless I had a woman in here with me. Mark could probably listen if he wanted to, though I was confident that he had his own life to worry about. Mark was a good-looking man and kept himself in shape, seeing that he was something of a bodyguard if the need arose. It was a requirement for this job, even though I could take care of myself just fine. It was just reassuring to have back up, since I was well-known in this city. Mark was a friend to me.

He pulled away from the curb and drove the few blocks to the hotel, pulling into the circular driveway to drop me off.. I told him I’d call if I needed a ride later, and he nodded as he gave me a look. “Are you okay, Damon?”

“I'm all right, Mark,” I assured him, as I smiled stiffly and walked into the lobby. Inside, I felt torn up as I made my way to the elevator bank and pushed the button, staring at the ground. Something was different today. I unlocked the door and showered, slipping on some lounge pants as I poured a drink at the bar. I paced the suite restlessly before going over to my phone and picking it up, staring at the screen. I was just sending Elisa a text when there was a knock at the door, and I watched as it sent before I put the phone down with a sigh.

I opened the door and let Sharon in, looking at her in the tight leggings and white shirt. She appeared more like a professional massage therapist today. “I didn’t know you owned clothes like that for work,” I told her, as her eyes darkened and she walked by, her head held high. Perhaps she had dressed like that in the beginning, but I couldn’t remember now. I sensed that she was going to have an attitude, and I almost sent her away, but remained silent as she covered the bed with her towel. “Why did you call?”

“I missed seeing you, Damon. You’ve been a client for a long time,” she replied, as I realized that she was right. I’d been getting massages from Sharon for a couple of years now. She was a good girl, and, as long as she knew her place, I’d keep her around. “I apologize for the last time we spoke. I lost myself for a moment, but I know what this is now.”

“What’s that, Sharon?” I asked, as I strode forward and stood behind her.

“It doesn’t go past that door, and I’ll have no expectations,” she explained, as she stared forward.

“Good girl,” I responded, as I dropped onto the mattress and kicked my pants off. As far as a massage, it felt good. Sharon’s hands pressed into my muscles as I tensed a few times, and my cock was even at half-mast, though I didn’t want to ravage her like before.

“You’re tense. Is everything okay?” Sharon asked, as she stroked my neck firmly.

“Work stuff,” I mumbled, as she continued to rub my skin. The oils were slick on my skin, and I closed my eyes, imagining Elisa doing the rubbing as I felt myself harden against the towel. Her hands on my body would be so hot, and I smiled as I felt Sharon move to my back, kneading as I relaxed into the bed. I was so into my fantasy that I believed it was Elisa that slid her hands over my ass and between my legs. “Fuck,” I groaned, as fingers teased my balls and stroked slowly, slick with oil.

“I knew you wanted it,” the voice was garbled as I lifted my hips and allowed access. The hand tightened around me as I moaned and rocked as someone encouraged me to roll over.

“Elisa, yes,” I moaned as I moved onto my back, ready for her.

“Who is that?” I opened my eyes to see Sharon staring at me with hurt eyes. “Are you seeing someone?”

“Get your mouth on me, Sharon.” My voice was firm, and she licked her lips before crawling over me and bobbing her head over my cock. She moaned with the movement, and I pulled the bun out of her hair to hold her still as I rocked against her. I heard her protest as I started to fuck her in earnest, needing the release. “Take it. Swallow my come,” I ordered, as I watched her move over me.

I shot deep in her throat as she gagged slightly, pulling away to stare at me.

“Is that all?”

“Finish the massage,” I told her, turning over on my stomach and closing my eyes. A part of me felt badly, deep down inside, a place that I’d never had feelings before. There would always be a part of me that was dominant and got off on women doing what I told them, but perhaps I was getting more selective now.