Chapter 2 I WAS

Leah

I climbed out of my car, closing the door with one hand while pressing my phone to my ear with the other, listening to Sam rant about her one-night stand.

"...I woke up the next morning, and he was GONE," she emphasised. "And do you know what else was gone? My car key, purse, and my fucking dress!"

I laughed, "No fucking way."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man too imposing to ignore. His dark eyes caught mine for a heartbeat before I tore my gaze away, my heart racing.

What the hell was that?

Sam went on, oblivious. "I mean, why take my dress too? Is he planning on wearing it?"

I chuckled, distracted now.

There was something dark and dangerous about the man that sent a cold shiver down my spine. It was brief but I could tell those eyes were trying to devour me.

"So... did you walk home naked?"

"Fuck no. My dad would have me killed," she giggled. "He still hasn't forgiven me for the last scandal."

Sam was my best friend. We've known each other since diapers. She was wild, reckless, a complete opposite of me.

"Hey, I'll come over during your break," she said. "I got something for you."

I could imagine the mischievous glint in her eyes as she said that. I swear if it's another sex toy, I'll end our friendship.

I didn't notice the uneven patch of pavement until I stumbled, nearly hitting the ground when a strong arm wrapped around my waist, steadying me before I could fall.

"Oh my God," I gasped, my phone slipping from my fingers.

My brain scrambled when a low rough voice murmured against my ear, the only words I caught were kissing and Doll.

My breath caught in my throat as I stammered, "th-thank you."

He chuckled darkly, the sound vibrating through me. Heat seeped through the thin fabric of my dress and his musky scent wrapped around me mixed with tobacco and something darker I couldn't quite place. Something I was better off, not knowing.

I tried to wriggle free, realizing how intensely aware I was of him.

"I-I'm fine now."

He didn't let go. Instead, his nose brushed against the shell of my ear, making me jerk. "You smell nice," he murmured, his voice a caress that prickled goosebumps down my skin. "Like lavender."

"Thank you, it's uh, my shampoo," I replied stupidly.

Why do you sound like that, Leah?!

"Get your hands off me!" I demanded in a firm voice when I tried to break free again and he didn't let me. "You are being rude."

"Am I?" He chuckled again, amused with my discomfort.

"Let go," I yelled.

This time, he released me.

I turned around to face him, my nose flaring and eyes promising hell, only to have my breath catch again.

Damn. He was tall... and hot.

His black hair was pulled into a loose man bun, strands framing a face carved sharp. A scar cut from his brow down across his cheek. You would think a scar like that would look ugly on any man, but it only made him hotter than he had any right to be.

I trembled slightly under his piercing dark eyes. Eyes that promised nothing but trouble.

He stepped closer and my heart hammered like it wanted to break free.

My brain screamed at me to run, but I couldn't bring my legs to move.

He reached for my face. "You have a mole here," he said, tracing the corner of my eyes. "It's beautiful."

I slapped his hand away, irritated, not just at him for his blatant disregard of boundaries, but at myself for letting him touch me so easily. "Keep your damn hands to yourself."

He smirked. "Sorry, doll," he said, unapologetic. "I get a little handsy when I see something beautiful I want to keep."

"Something?" I glared.

He ignored me.

"What's your name?"

"I don't think I need to tell you."

Not when you have been nothing but an asshole.

He leaned down so close I could taste the mint on his breath. "Your name, doll."

I tried to step back, but his hand caught my jaw, tilting my face to his until our noses brushed.

His voice dropped to a command. "Your name."

"Leah," I whispered, my heart racing.

"Leah," he repeated, the way he said it intimately making my knees weak.

There were so many things wrong with this situation. The fact that I was reacting this strongly to him being on top of the list.

"That's a beautiful name. Just like your eyes." His eyes fell on my lips, lingering there a beat too long. "Beautiful," he whispered, his eyes returning to mine.

"Aiden," he said suddenly.

"I don't give a damn about your name."

"Say it."

"Go to..." His grip tightened, cutting me off. I whimpered, "Aiden."

He sucked in a sharp breath, closing his eyes. "Fuck," he muttered, as if my voice saying his name undid him.

"Boss!" A man called from behind.

He released me just enough to turn, jaw right. "What is it?"

"We have to go. Something happened to the goods," the man informed.

He scowled. "The fuck happened?"

The man didn't reply and he cursed under his breath.

His dark eyes returned to me, staring hard as if contemplating what to do next with me. Then his lips curled into a dark smile.

"I'll see you around, doll."

And just like that, he walked away.

My legs nearly gave out as I struggled to breathe.

I had no idea then how much that bastard was planning on breaking me.

And the worst part... I'd let him.

***********************************

"...we dominated the market not only in this city but several others, surpassing last year's sales over the past quarter," I concluded.

The room erupted into applause, the board members nodding in approval.

I stood at the head of the table, a proud smile on my face.

The loudest claps came from the chairman who winked at me, and my smile grew wider.

When the meeting ended and people began leaving in groups, I crossed over to him just as he was rising from his chair.

"A fifty percent increase in revenue compared to last year this same period is wild, Leah," he said, patting my shoulder. "I am proud of you."

"I think I am taking too much credit. Everyone contributed," I replied.

He chuckled. "You are right." He paused, then added, "Lunch is on me."

"I'd love to, Mr. Chairman, but I made plans for lunch with a friend today."

He feigned hurt, placing his hand over his chest. "Do I need to make an appointment to have lunch with my daughter?"