Chapter 7 ISLA'S  POV:

The car ride was a world away from Cade's tense silent treatment, sandalwood scent, and Eleanor's pointed stare. Guess she has seen the comments and told her boss already.

"You look like you're on your way to your execution, not some lunch break," Lucan said, gazing at me.

I unclenched my hand in my lap, took a deep breath, and relaxed my back on the posh seats.

The car glided to a halt outside the elegant restaurant. Lucan didn't wait for the chauffeur, instead, he opened my door himself and guided me inside with a light hand on the small of my back.

We sat at a quiet secluded table. I nervously checked my phone since it's been vibrating in my bag.

Three missed calls from Sab, she probably wants the latest gists. I'd call her back, I thought, shoving the phone back into my bag.

Lucan began after we ordered "Now let's talk about why a professional historian is sorting through old, dusty receipts and being publicly humiliated by my brother's...

"You've seen it?"I flinched in my seat.

"The photo? It's hard to miss. The Thorne family has a dedicated gossip column. Isla, my point is that the word does discredit you. I read your paper on Venetian trade routes. It was brilliant. You shouldn't be Cade's secret shame."

I bowed my head in disappointment.

"But my prized asset," he added.

I blinked in confusion."The foundation project is important Mr Thorne, and I intend to see it through"

"I admire your loyalty, even when misplaced." He leaned forward, his eyes intense and sincere.

"Come work for me," he whispered.

I nearly choked on my water. "What!!"

I'm starting a new venture Isla, a private archival and acquisition firm that includes clients who need experts like you to authenticate and procure historical artifacts."

I remained calm trying to process everything.

"It's the work you were born to do."He added, reaching for my hand on the table.

"And not playing secretary to a man who can't keep his hands off his employees. The pay is double what Cade is giving you Miss Campbell and the reputation... well, it would be built on your hard work, not your... associations."

The offer hung in the air, captivating and dangerous at the same time. It was everything I wanted. My one shot at fulfillment. But it felt like betrayal.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur of delicious food and Lucan's persuasive conversations. By the time we were done, it was pouring heavily and Lucan had to rush to work. He insisted on taking me back to the mansion but I declined because I needed some time alone.

He gave me his card and told me to call him if I had a change of heart.

The heavy downpour was replaced by a drizzle and I decided to walk home instead of taking a cab. Ten minutes later and I'm drenched from the "drizzle"

Should have just let Lucan drop me off, I thought inwardly.

I fumbled with my keys before pushing the apartment door open while taking off my shoes and setting them aside.

"Sab...I could use some hot coffee" I said as I stepped into the dining area.

"I'm sorry Isla... I called" Sabrina said throwing me into a state of confusion.

"Enjoyed your lunch?

My heart leaped into my throat and I was met with my infamous boss. He was still in his suit, but his tie was gone, and his top button undone. The look in his eyes was not of business but primal and raw.

"Mr. Cade, what are you doing here? How did you get in?"

The missed calls from Sab; she wasn't going to gossip but was trying to warn me.

He moved towards me with a slow predatory gaze."You let Lucan of all people take you out after I warned you"

"You don't own me" I whispered, my body trembling, but not from the cold.

"Don't I?" He said moving towards me. His scent envelops my nose. His fingers traced the wet fabric of my blouse making my nipple harden against my bra, his touch burning my skin as he traced His fingers down my arm.

"Isla, I wouldn't be back till tomorrow" Sab yelled winking at me and mouthing "Have fun"

"Let me go, you need to let me go Mr Thorne" I tried to free myself from Cade but he grabbed me with both hands and pulled me closer.

" I know I told you to forget everything and it was a mistake, but Isla, seeing you with him...I can't forget. I can still taste you on my lips" His confession made me weak.

All the confusion, hurt, and humiliation melted under the heat of his gaze."I need to feel you..." He breathed on my neck, his palm squeezing my boobs. A gasp escaped me but it was swallowed by his mouth as he crashed his lips onto mine. He dove his tongue down my throat, grabbed my ass while pressing his hard bulge against my crotch.

I was pressed against the wall while Cade continued devouring my mouth in a frantic, desperate, jealous rage. He slipped his hand under my shirt and ripped off my bra in one swift motion. I hesitated for a moment, making him slap my ass, causing me to moan and finally kissing him back.

One hand was at the back of my head holding me in place and the other was traveling down my skirt fondling my pussy. He bent me over the dining table, raising my skirt and spanking my ass.

"You're mine," He growled above me

"Tell me you're mine," He said, guiding his hard cock to my wet entrance making both of us moan.

I was lost, my whole being shaken with desire and need for one thing I can't seem to get enough of "My boss' cock"

"Who do you belong to Isla?" he demanded, pulling my hair back while tightening his grip on my hair.

"You daddy, I belong to you," I said, biting my lower lip, and waited for him. He teased my wet pussy with his two fingers before sliding in.

"Never forget you're mine" He commanded, driving harder and deeper into me.

I let out a loud moan and gripped the table as he began pounding relentlessly with his palm placed carefully around my neck followed by his deep moans.

He turned me to face him and lifted up while walking towards my room. He carefully laid me on the bed, and continued with his torturous stroke sending me to the ninth cloud.

As we lay breathless still tangled in the sheets, bodies covered in sweat, the rain pattering on the window; Lucan's offer a million miles away, I drifted off in my own world; I was still his plaything and in the heat of his touch, a part of me was terrified to admit how much I still crave it.

And before my eyelids finally shut, I heard a faint "I'm sorry baby" whispered against my ear.