Prologue Evie

“It”s an honor to have you here, my friend.”

When my father pulled his best friend in for a hug, I knew for a fact that I wasn”t hungover, and this was real.

Ethan Thorne, the most successful CEO entrepreneur in New York City, was here.

He single-handedly owned the largest Robotics company in the city. There was almost no field in robotics this man didn’t operate in.

A familiar pair of striking, blue orbs, complemented by jet-black hair, gazed blankly at me over my father’s shoulders.

I expected it before I felt it. It”s what I”d termed the stranger’s effect.

I’d seen him just once, under dim lights, but there was something about his gaze, seemingly blank but full enough to set my body on fire.

It”s what was happening to me right now. And that is exactly what happened yesterday at the club.

Restraining myself from letting out an involuntary moan at the memories, I quickly lowered my eyes to the ground. When I spotted my father standing on his tippy toes, I raised my eyes. That was even more embarrassing.

After a quick internal battle, I caved in and gazed at his lips. Instantly, images of his plump lips running against every inch of my flesh ran through my mind. I started to feel it all again.

My hands wrapped against his thick member, and his sinful, hot trails of pleasure on every inch of my body. As if that were not enough, I could suddenly hear his deep baritone voice whispering sweet nothings into my ear.

I could feel the painfully sweet clench of his teeth around my nipples. I could still hear the small groans that sneaked through his throat as he nibbled every inch of my breasts.

Good Lord.What kind of daughter was I, thinking stuff like this when my father was barely inches from me? I mean, granted, his inches were longer than—

“It”s nice to see you after a long time, James.” His baritone voice resounded through the room, and not to exaggerate, I was compelled to fall to my knees. So, this was what he sounded like when he wasn”t grunting in pleasure.

Commanding.

I watched in silence as he towered over my father’s bald head before taking his seat on the red couch. The seat suddenly seemed small. No, he made it look small.

With his tailored, charcoal grey suit that hugged broad shoulders, this man seemed out of place in our moderately-sized living room.

“I almost can’t believe you’re here.”

So, it is a surprise visit?

“And oh…” Suddenly, my father turned to me. “Evie, come here. I know for sure you haven’t forgotten my daughter.” A little awkward laugh followed his statement.

“Of course.” Mr. Thorne eyed me with a straight face. I was suddenly aware that my jet-black hair was a mess, and my pajama pants were two times larger than my frame. “Of course, I haven”t forgotten her. She was…eighteen when you left New York.” He returned his attention to my father.

Now, I’m twenty-one.

It’s no wonder he looked familiar in the club. Maybe if I hadn’t been so carried away by how he looked with the top three buttons of his black shirt undone and the luring club music, I would have recognized him and wouldn’t have almost had sex with him. Well, I wouldn”t have anyway. Not yet.

Three years wasn’t long enough to forget a face like his. But it was definitely enough to incite… odd reactions. Odd reactions I shouldn”t have toward my father’s best friend.

Dad talked about him frequently. I knew they spoke frequently. It”s how they were able to maintain their friendship three years apart in different cities.

***

The Day Before

It was Friday night, and I could feel the excitement brewing within me.

Usually, nothing happened on Fridays. Just dinner with my dad, maybe a movie, and that was about it. Tonight, however, was going to be different.

The thought of how excited Emma was over the phone put a smile on my face. I hadn’t seen her ever since graduation and now she was in Minnesota for a surprise visit.

She wasn’t planning on staying long, so her plan for a catch-up was ‘a wild night out’. Classic Emma.

I took a quick peek at my phone. 8:53 p.m. I was running out of time, but nothing I put on felt right.

Now, on my fourth outfit, I turned in front of the large mirror in my room. For a minute, I drowned in self-admiration.

This is it. I did a slow spin in the black silk mini dress that I had on.

It was sleeveless, had a low v-neckline, and hugged my curves in a way that screamed ‘danger.’ I loved every bit of fiery confidence that came with it.

A honk outside snapped me from my reverie.

“That”s my ride!” I muttered, grabbing my purse and stilettos. I paused in front of the mirror once more to fix my hair. Then took a few pics for the gram while I was at it.

The Uber driver held the door open for me, a slight frown creasing his brow as his gaze swept over my outfit. Maybe a bit too revealing, but tonight didn”t call for subtlety.

I settled into the worn leather seats, the anticipation buzzing through my body.

Emma”s Instagram text message lit up my screen. “I see you, girl! You look FIRE!” A grin curved my lips as I tapped out a quick reply, my pulse quickening as the city lights blurred past.

The car finally rolled to a stop, and I practically leaped out.

The line stretched down the block, the low rumble of a hundred voices mingling with the booming music from inside the club. I navigated the impatient crowd, finally spotting a familiar face.

Emma”s bright red hair stood out amidst the sea of bodies.

“Evie!” She trapped me in a hug that squeezed the breath from my lungs.

She was still five-foot-two compared to my five-foot-five height. And she had on a spaghetti-strapped golden-brown dress that reached mid-thigh. She looked good with her model stature.

“You look incredible!” I said as she finally released me, giving her a twirl.

“Don”t think I didn”t notice you either,” she winked, her smile wide. “Ready to party tonight?”

The line began moving forward. My heart pumped with a rhythm of excitement. “You know it, girl.”

Tonight was going to be unforgettable.

It was supposed to be a fun night out at my favorite club with my old friend. But it was also a way to unwind from all the declined applications I had received all week. We finally got in.

The jazz music was right, the mood was right, I was having fun dancing with Emma and starting to feel a lot lighter. But I didn’t feel light enough.

“I’m too sober for this,” I yelled in Emma’s direction before walking over to the bar. I hadn’t had this much fun in a while, and I was hoping to kick into the highest gear possible.

I settled on a stool at the bar and started exploring my options.

Briefly, I looked over my shoulder to find Emma invested in a skinny dude. Hmmm.

Getting involved with a stranger was definitely not in the playbook for tonight. But just as I was about to order a drink, he came along.

“A glass of your finest whiskey for me. And for the beautiful lady…” The stranger turned to look at me. “…whatever she wants… on me, of course.”

Who does he think he is?

I immediately wanted to put this stranger in his place for trying to act all bossy around me but one look into his blue eyes and I felt my knees buckle.

I didn’t really understand how I had missed it when he first showed up, but this man was a complete work of art.

Delicately sculpted jawline, strong chin, piercing eyes, and all the cliche hotness you could think of. I had never had so many reasons to want to make bad decisions, especially not all in one person.

From his jet-black hair to his captivating blue eyes, his face was an exact replica of what romance novels thrived on.

And his body? Even under his suit, his large muscles rippled. I could feel the fabric of his suit straining, begging to be freed. In that moment, I wanted badly to trade positions with his outfit.

I wanted to see him without all that heavy clothing, to run my fingertips across his skin, to trace those lines of power that adorned him. Looking at how huge he was made me wonder how large he would be down…

“Well, what will it be, Miss?” his deep, baritone voice boomed through the loud atmosphere, and it took every ounce of strength in me not to jump into his arms. Like he wasn’t already perfect enough!

Suddenly, I didn”t have the balls to decline him. ”How about I try something new? Perhaps something non-alcoholic that complements jazz music?” I turned to the bartender.

He shot me a smile. “An excellent choice. We have a lovely selection of house-made sodas. How about our ‘Raspberry Rose Fizz’? It”s made with fresh muddled raspberries, a touch of rosewater, and topped with sparkling water infused with rose petals.”

“Perfect.”

As he mixed the drink, I briefly glanced at the stranger. He was seated, also watching the bartender.

“First time here?” I didn”t know why I asked. Perhaps it was because something about his aura didn”t quite fit this place.

He nodded, bringing his eyes to me. Striking blue orbs held my gaze. I could have sworn that I knew his face from somewhere. But I couldn’t place where.

“I come here all the time,” I started amidst the loud music. “Well, maybe not all the time. I mean, I visit clubs to unwind, but not this place. I don’t frequent this place.”

This place was somewhat out of my league. Expensive. Emma had paid for it.

“Hmmm.” His deep rumble ricocheted through my chest, and I clenched my legs shut instinctively.

He seemed to notice because his gaze fell to my thighs. I could feel my skin burning under the heat of his stare. It was a pleasurable burn that shot tingles straight to my core.

Just when it started to get too much, the waiter interrupted. With a small nod, he dropped our drinks.

I quickly sipped mine. A burst of tartness awakened my taste buds, followed by a wave of sweetness as the juice flowed through my throat.

Indeed, it was an excellent choice. But I couldn”t focus on it for long.

My breath hitched when I turned to find him drinking his glass of whiskey.

His head was tilted back to reveal a thick, long throat that bobbed with each sip. The movement was hypnotizing. I couldn”t deter my gaze until he looked at me.

Heat filled my cheeks. I was thankful he couldn”t see it. Still I did the only thing I could at that moment. Talk.

“I came with a friend.”

Briefly, I glanced in the direction I’d left her. Wait, where”s Emma?

“Friend?” He arched a brow.

“Her name is Emma. We were supposed to catch up on old times since I haven”t seen her in a long time but I don”t know where she went. We were over there just now, and I informed her that I—”

“How about we take a break? Just the both of us? And maybe look for Emma in the process?” His voice held promises. But not one to find Emma.

A delicious shiver jolted my spine as I struggled to let my words out. “And where might that be?”

“Where do you think?” His eyes darkened slightly, and a subtle grin stood at the corner of his lip.

“Let’s see,” he stepped closer. “Somewhere between your arms or your thighs.”

The tingling anticipation of pleasure overrode any emotions as I felt my primal urges starting to take over. My self-control was barely hanging by a thread.

“What if I don”t want that?”

There was silence until he rasped. “Tell me you don’t.”

My breath caught in my throat; I couldn”t.

He stretched his hand out to grab mine and pulled me off the stool I was on.

I could already tell he was huge, but standing right before him was more of a revelation. I was little compared to him, tiny even, but I didn’t mind one bit.

He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me closer to him. I felt myself melt as my forehead met his broad chest.

“How… cocky?” I played with fire as I reluctantly pushed myself back. I let my eyes roam freely across his frame.

The smile that played on his lips suggested that he could tell the effects he had on me. “Why don’t we find out what other things are cocky?”

With a single nod, he led me to the back of the club and into the restroom. Then locked it.

In a flash, his lips met mine, and the shock I had experienced earlier slowly turned into fuel for my lust.

His woody scent was almost intoxicating, and I wanted him. I wanted him bad.

My hands ran through his hair as we shared a deep, longing kiss. Our tongues tangled in a battle for dominance. I eventually gave him control.

He cupped the side of my head with one hand, and he let the other roam freely. I could feel the warmth from his hand cling to my skin, even through my silk minidress, as it traced down my neck all the way to my lower back.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he grunted against my lips.

A soft moan escaped my lips as his hand rested on the curve of my backside.

My reaction was an invitation, and his other hand slowly found its way to my breast. He firmly massaged it, and I pulled him closer.

I could feel his large member bulge against my body, and my desires grew.

Suddenly, he broke the kiss, and his tongue traced the side of my face down to my neck. Then to my chest. “I want to feel you. All of you,” he groaned.

I could barely contain myself as he kissed and sucked away at every part of me.

He grabbed me by the waist, his fingers digging gently into my skin as he pulled me closer.

I could smell the whiskey on his breath and hear the thrumming music pounding in my ears. Yet it all faded against the heat of his body pressed to mine.

His hands traced their way back up to my shoulders. As if compelled, I slowly lowered myself until I was on my knees.

Something about his dark, piercing orbs made me want to give everything to him– almost everything.

I stared up at him as his hands ran through my hair, and I didn’t hesitate to do what I wanted. Bringing my hand between us, I slowly traced the outline of his large member.

His head fell back with a low moan. “Good girl.”

His words made me bite my lips in anticipation.

When I stared back up at him, I could see the anticipation on his face. I’d done this a few times in the past. Oral.

A small smirk tilted my lips as I very slowly but teasingly undid his zipper. A small groan was his response.

My hands went into the dark crease, and my urges ran wilder as I felt his full length. Full, thick, long, and hard length.

I gulped, training my eyes on it as I brought it to my face. He was ready.

I rubbed him slowly, making sure to kiss his tip before slotting him into my mouth.

A deep moan escaped his lips, and it encouraged me to do even more.

His hands supported my head as I bobbed it in an up-and-down motion. I sucked steadily at him.

It was impossible to take all of him, but I took as much as my gag reflex could let me. The flickering grimaces that danced across his face turned me on even more. My panties were now a soaked mess.

I paused, then slowly circled my tongue around his tip. A loud growl ripped his chest.

“Good girl.” he fisted my hair even tighter. “I like how you take all of me.”

I continued to suck without mercy until he suddenly pulled me back up to my feet. But not for long. His hands came to rest on my hips, and he pulled me closer.

My eyes met his, and in a swift motion, he lifted me off the ground and onto the sink cabinet. His forearms circled my thighs, and as he leaned in closer, I instinctively hung my legs around his neck.

Insane pleasure surged through me as he traced a finger from my core to my dripping entrance.

I anticipated his touch when he reached my clit. Instead he retracted his finger and replaced his finger with his lips before repeating the motion. My heart was running wild.

In a flash, he moved my underwear with his fingers, and my body jerked as his lips hovered above my pussy. “Fuck.”

I’d barely let the word out when his lips engulfed me. With a loud moan, I dug my hands into his hair, my body consumed with pleasure and begging for more.

It was exhilarating as his tongue lavished every corner of my pussy.

My moans grew louder as he continued to suck and lick. His pace increased steadily. Soon his finger joined his motion, flickering my nub.

Pleasure ricocheted through my body as I felt the knots in my stomach tighten. Just as I was about to explode with wet happiness, he stood straight and moved his hips between my legs.

In a quick, reflex reaction, my body stiffened, and my thighs clenched shut, forcing him from between them.

He immediately stopped. He put me down from the cabinet as he silently cursed himself.

Shit.

And just like that, he was gone. I wanted to stop him, but I couldn’t get over the thought that it was my fault he decided to leave.

I quickly adjusted myself, clinging to the cabinet for stability.

It wasn’t my intention to freeze up like that, but I couldn’t help it. Past experiences had fairly traumatized me.

I couldn’t shake off the feeling of the hot stranger’s lips all over my body, but I was ‘sexophobic’? if that’s even a real word. Apart from orals and fingering, it was safe to say that I dreaded actual sex— because of my ex.

Almost immediately, I felt the pleasure drain out of my bloodstream, leaving a pang of pain.

‘You’re just a bitch, Evie, nothing more.’ I shuddered as I remembered my ex’s hurtful words. ‘You’re useless to me if I’m not fucking you.’

I got to see my seemingly loving ex-boyfriend’s true colors in the most shocking manner.

I was in love with him, but I was also a virgin and I wanted to take it slow. He was fine with it at first… until he wasn’t.

He grew impatient and one day, he decided to come clean. He called me names, broke my heart, and even tried to force himself on me.

Shaking my head in an attempt to dismiss the growing, disturbing thoughts, I looked into the mirror. Then adjusted my dress.

I hadn’t even asked for his name.

I stepped out of the restroom. The loud atmosphere that was so inviting minutes ago suddenly felt draining.

I made a mental note to leave Emma a text and decided that I’d had enough unwinding for the night. I brought out my phone and ordered an Uber…