Chapter 5 Five

The meeting concluded, and all employees returned to their duties.

I stood there, completely stunned.

How had he become my superior?

What did that unsettling smile signify?

Should I resign? Why did I feel as though I were caught in a trap?

"Did you see how Annabel kissed him? I suppose I'll have to stop holding a candle for her now," Kyle's voice broke through my reverie.

I had forgotten he was still speaking to me. "I'm certain you'll find someone else," I said, though my own doubt lingered in my tone.

"I doubt it. He's a perfect ten, with a status no one can rival, not to mention his appearance," Kyle replied, his voice heavy with resignation.

I could hear the pain in his words-he had loved Annabel for three years, but she had never once acknowledged him.

My heart went out to him. For the remainder of the day, I saw nothing of Raphael. He remained ensconced in his office, only summoning the executive board.

My heart continued to race, as though the weight of the world were pressing on my chest. I couldn't ignore my growing anxiety. Soon enough, I found myself researching him on my phone, and what I discovered startled me. He was an only son, though he had an older sister.

Though, his family was wealthy, from the get-go, He had forged his own path from the age of 22, and now, at 36, he was a powerful, wealthy man.

Wait...thirty-six?

He was eleven years my senior?

I could hardly believe it. He looked so young, for his age.

I continued reading about his vast fortune, his acquisition of companies, foundations, and growing businesses.

How had I not known of him before?

This man was a titan, a name I had never heard until now. And yet here he was, my superior-my boss. My stomach churned with a sense of impending doom.

At last, the workday ended, and I retired to my apartment. I wondered if he had forgotten I existed. That thought both soothed and troubled me.

On the bus, I listened to "Circles" by Post Malone, finding solace in its rhythm as it calmed my frayed nerves. I just needed to retreat to my bed and figure out a way to escape this company.

Upon disembarking, I began walking home, but I came to an abrupt halt. A figure leaned against a Range Rover. I squinted into the dim light, struggling to identify the person, as the streetlights flickered above.

Then, I heard his voice.

"Amanda," he called, low and sharp. The commanding tone sent a chill through me.

What was he doing here?

Was he here to silence me?

"Come here," he said, his voice simultaneously authoritative and enticing, as if he longed to draw me near. I crossed my arms, defiant.

"What are you doing here?" He sighed, as though exhausted, and approached.

Without warning, he seized my arm and pressed me against the car door. I swallowed hard. His earlier smile was gone, replaced by something more intense.

"Please... please don't hurt me," I whispered, not knowing what he intended. His finger traced my lips, and he spoke softly.

"I wouldn't dream of it, darling." Then he kissed me, a deep, consuming kiss. His hands roamed my body, caressing and claiming me as though I were something to be owned.

It was maddening-ecstasy that left me breathless. His sharp teeth sank into my neck, a mark of possession.

"Amy," he moaned, his hands exploring my body with abandon. I could feel his arousal pressing against me, and though part of me longed to continue, I knew I had to stop.

I pushed him away, though it did little to deter him.

"So damn sexy," he whispered, admiration and desire in his eyes. His gaze spoke of more, but I could not go further. The desire , radiating off him, was intense.

I felt ashamed of myself-how had I let this happen?. The second time!. THE FREAKING SECOND TIME!. This wasn't right. Especially to Annabel. I shouldn't do this to my fellow woman. What does that say about me?. The kiss they shared at the meeting today, already gave me all the evidence I needed, to know, HE WASNT SINGLE.

I should have stopped him. But instead, I allowed it. I felt disgusted in myself. This wasn't me. I would never kiss a stranger. Never.

"Sir, we..." I began, but before I could finish, his hand groped me.

"You only call me that in bed, Amanda. I told you, my name is Raphael," he said, bringing his lips near, intent on another kiss.

With newfound resolve, I pushed him away.

"Who do you think you are?" I demanded, my voice rising.

"How dare you speak to me like that when you know nothing about me? I don't even know you! And to learn today that you are my boss, engaged to Annabel, the CFO of our company-someone I admire? Have you no shame? Can't you feel the wrongness of this? It was never meant to happen!" I was breathing heavily, disgusted with myself.

How had I allowed this to unfold?.

He remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Then, slowly, he licked his lips and closed the distance between us, grasping my wrists above my head.

"Annabel is my fiancée, yes, and so what?" he spat, his chest heaving with anger.

"Does it look like I care? From the moment I saw you at the bar, I've wanted you. I can't think straight without your face in my mind. So no, Amy, I don't feel shame, especially when I can have what I want." He stepped away, his words leaving a bitter taste in the air.

As I moved to the driver's side of the car, he turned to look at me once more.

"Let this be the last time you speak to me like that," he warned, before getting into his car and driving off, leaving me to grapple with the confusion and turmoil swirling in my mind.