A Game of No Strings

"5306."

Sharon Hoffman shared her room number with someone other than her boyfriend, Bennett Lambert.

This idea came to her just half an hour after she discovered that her boyfriend had been cheating on her.

He had a woman's foot flirtatiously wandering between his thighs as if she was looking for something down there. Neither of them thought that anyone had noticed their little game.

When the doorbell chimed, Sharon snapped back to reality. She hastily adjusted the alluring lingerie she was wearing. She had initially purchased those for the birthday surprise for Bennett.

As the door swung open, Sharon was engulfed in a passionate kiss, nearly breathless from the intensity. In that moment, all she could perceive were a pair of desire-filled eyes locking with hers. It took a while for her to realize the identity of the person before her-Andrew Blakely.

Andrew didn't give the woman in his arms a chance to do anything. Upon glimpsing what she was wearing beneath her bathrobe, he applied a bit of force with his arm, causing Sharon to be pressed against the full-length mirror adjacent to the door. His arms wrapped firmly around her waist, holding her in place.

A woody scent of cologne emanated from him, filling the air around them. After a brief moment of being taken aback, Sharon closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the sensation and allowing herself to enjoy the moment.

Perhaps it was Sharon's own initiative that ignited a hidden desire within Andrew, revealing a side of him that starkly contrasted her initial impression.

Unbeknownst to Sharon, the elevator chimed, signaling Bennett's arrival just before he witnessed the unfolding scene before him.

With one hand firmly holding Sharon's hands above her head and the other gently tucking her hair, Andrew strategically positioned himself to block Bennett's view of her. Sensing Bennett's impending rush, Andrew turned his head, a wicked smile playing on his lips as he locked eyes with Bennett, silently asserting his presence.

In an instant, Bennett's face drained of color, his complexion turning pale. With a swift and powerful kick from Andrew's long leg, the door slammed shut, sealing off any further glimpse of the scene inside. The sound of a brief musical chime accompanied the closing of the door, adding an eerie finality to the moment.

Bennett would likely carry the unforgettable image of the scene he had just witnessed with him, perhaps in the rest of his life. However, Andrew didn't care.

"First time?" Andrew's voice resonated in the darkness.

Sharon remained silent, yet Andrew's movements became noticeably softer, a stark contrast to the initial fervor. Sharon's recollection of the night focused on her clinging to Andrew's waist throughout the encounter.

Suddenly, a memory flashed through Sharon's mind of a previous party where someone had commented on Andrew's remarkable physique, suggesting that he must be skilled in bed. In that moment, Sharon realized that she now had firsthand experience and a say in the matter.

At 4:30 in the morning.

After plugging in the phone charger, Sharon glanced at her phone and discovered a staggering number of missed calls: 30 in total, all from unfamiliar numbers.

Uninterested in returning the calls, Sharon surmised that they were likely from Bennett, who must have discovered that he was blacklisted and resorted to using different numbers to reach out to her.

The sky beyond the window remained draped in shades of gray. To her realization, she found herself alone in bed, suggesting that Andrew had likely departed earlier.

The previously scattered clothes had been neatly arranged on the sofa, indicating that someone had taken the time to tidy up. Additionally, the air conditioning had been adjusted to the optimal temperature, creating a comfortable atmosphere in the room.

Sitting up and pulling back the blanket, Sharon couldn't help but feel that people's evaluations of Andrew had been too shallow. Last night's intimate encounter had been undeniably pleasurable, providing her with an extraordinary experience that surpassed mere superficial judgments.

Nevertheless, Sharon had no intention of prolonging her stay. Initially, she had come to celebrate Bennett's birthday, but now she considered staying here a futile use of her time. Instead, she decided it would be more productive to return to work and resume her regular routine.

At least focusing on her work would bring satisfaction to her boss, whereas dwelling on the previous matter would only bring annoyance and frustration.

Sharon had never been one to willingly invite trouble into her life. As she rummaged through her suitcase, selecting clothes for the day, the bathroom door swung open, catching her attention.

Andrew emerged from the shower, completely surprised by the sight that greeted him. The woman possessed an enviable figure, despite her slender frame, boasting alluring curves in all the right places. Her long hair cascaded in gentle curls, beautifully accentuating her smooth skin. Perhaps due to the passionate encounter they had shared, a faint pink tint still lingered on her cheeks, adding to her overall allure.

She exuded an irresistible allure, resembling a captivating succubus.

This was the thought that consumed Andrew's mind in that moment.

Sharon was momentarily taken aback, but swiftly composed herself and looked in Andrew's direction.

Sharon didn't shy away from her scrutiny, openly observing Andrew. In contrast to her previous impression of him as disciplined, reserved, and aloof, last night had revealed a different facet of his personality-a side that was more unrestrained and audacious.

Andrew met her gaze without evading it, patiently waiting for her to take in his appearance from head to toe.

Droplets of water continued their descent, tracing the contours of his sculpted muscles before cascading down his thighs. Bathed in the soft, dim yellow light, Sharon felt an impulse welling up within her, tempting her to release a whistle of admiration, like a mischievous rogue.

"Mr. Blakely," Sharon began, her voice betraying a hint of huskiness as soon as she opened her mouth.

A faint chuckle escaped from the man, clearly amused by the situation.

Realizing that the current circumstances were not conducive to casual conversation, Sharon chose to abandon any attempts at small talk and straightforwardly addressed the issue at hand. "I don't believe it's appropriate for you to stare at me in such a manner," she stated firmly.

Indeed, Andrew had a towel to shield himself, whereas Sharon found herself with only her long hair as a modest covering.

She was completely naked.

"Do you want to do it again?"

Andrew's words echoed in the room, causing Sharon to freeze in place.

Her body stiffened as she turned her head, contemplating whether she had misheard him.

With a soft click, the final light in the room extinguished. In the darkness, Andrew lifted her effortlessly, his arm supporting her waist, and Sharon instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, succumbing to the momentum of the moment.

During their intimate encounter, Sharon heard Andrew's voice whispering in her ear, "I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist."

Sharon had no idea when Andrew had departed. She woke up at 2 p.m.

Given Andrew's busy schedule, she never anticipated him having the opportunity to engage in a conversation about their casual fling.

Ultimately, Andrew was attractive and skillful in bed, making it a satisfactory arrangement.

Surprisingly, their second encounter occurred much sooner than Sharon had anticipated.

The newly developed resort was renowned for its serene surroundings, situated far away from the bustling city. Consequently, Sharon was taken aback by the unexpected challenge of finding a taxi in such a remote location.

"Get in." When Peyton Alvarez halted the car in front of her, Sharon was taken aback. She hadn't expected the son of the owner of this recently developed area to recognize her.

"It's challenging to find a taxi around here. Where would you like to go?" Peyton asked casually.

"Downtown."

"It's on our way. Get in."

Given his assurance, Sharon no longer declined. Her interactions with Peyton had been brief and fleeting. Most of the time, she encountered him when she was with Bennett. However, she was aware that Peyton had a reputation for being a gentleman who treated women exceptionally well, despite his tendency to change girlfriends frequently.

Soon, Sharon felt an instant pang of remorse. She should have anticipated the outcome when Peyton casually mentioned "on our way" moments ago.

Sitting in the back seat, the man was engrossed in his computer, dressed in impeccably tailored suit pants and a slim white shirt. His tall, slender figure seemed to emit an innate air of aristocracy. It was Andrew.

With the driver having already stowed her luggage in the trunk, Sharon had no choice but to summon her courage and step into the car. As soon as she settled in, a faint woody fragrance enveloped her senses, reminiscent of the scent she had been engulfed in all night.

Silence enveloped the car, and neither Sharon nor Andrew uttered a word for some time. Sharon made an effort to minimize her presence, almost blending into the surroundings. She shifted her gaze towards the window, seeking solace in the serene environment outside.

Peyton glanced back, intending to strike up a conversation with Sharon. However, as he caught sight of the expression on Andrew's face, he swiftly averted his gaze. A flicker of intrigue crossed Peyton's features, hinting at an interesting dynamic at play.

The atmosphere inside the car was serene until the unexpected buzz of a vibrating phone disrupted the tranquility. Unconsciously, Sharon looked around to search for the phone, which was soon grabbed by Andrew.

As the phone screen came alive under the touch of those very fingers that had explored every inch of her body the night before, a wave of nostalgia and longing washed over Sharon. Lost in a sea of contemplation, her mind drifted away from the present moment.

Andrew had anticipated it was a work-related message, but it was not. Instead, it was a surprise communication from Peyton, catching him off guard.

"Last night, she called for room service, specifically asking for a box of condoms. Little did I know that Bennett would exceed expectations between the sheets."

A faint frown appeared on Andrew's face.

"Are you a pervert? That's invasion of privacy."

Peyton swiftly retorted, "I happened to pass by her room when the waiter sent in the condoms, and I overheard a man's voice that resembled yours more than Bennett's."

Andrew didn't reply.

He locked his phone directly.

"Answer me!"

"Did I hit the nail on the head?" After noticing Andrew's lack of response, Peyton sent another message.

Peyton felt a strong urge to inquire further with Andrew, but discovered that Andrew had blacklisted his number, leaving Peyton unable to reach out for any additional details.

"What the heck?"

Peyton shared the news in the group chat.

"Congratulations to Andrew on meeting a girl."

The news of Andrew's newfound relationship sent shockwaves through their circle of friends, igniting a flurry of inquiries about the identity of the girl. Some expressed genuine surprise, questioning if it was merely a playful prank or a genuine development in Andrew's love life.

After all, they had never seen Andrew in a relationship with anyone before.

As Peyton glanced at Sharon through the rearview mirror, memories of the first time Bennett introduced her to their group flooded back. Sharon had left a lasting impression on everyone present, not solely due to her physical beauty, but primarily because of the irresistible aura she emanated. Even in the most formal attire, Sharon exuded a captivating charm that had entranced the entire crowd.

Her mesmerizing allure naturally ignited a desire to conquer within every man, particularly accentuated by her feline-like eyes that exuded an air of aloofness and distance.

Peyton was sure that Bennett couldn't keep this woman, but Andrew's current relationship with her still took him by surprise.

Seated in the back seat, Sharon felt slightly overwhelmed, because she sensed Andrew's gaze upon her.

Andrew's unwavering gaze lingered on Sharon, each passing second stretching out as if time itself had slowed down.

Sharon couldn't shake off the sensation of being observed, akin to the presence of a panther in the jungle patiently biding its time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and claim its prey.

Summoning her courage, Sharon finally turned her head to confront Andrew about his intense gaze, only to discover that he had closed his eyes and was peacefully resting in the back seat.

A sense of relief washed over Sharon, and she released a sigh. Perhaps she had been overthinking the situation, she thought to herself, finding solace in the possibility that her imagination had run wild.

As they disembarked from the car, each of them would continue on their own separate paths, leaving behind any potential entanglements. This outcome, she believed, marked the best possible ending for their shared journey.

In addition, a man like Andrew would never find himself short of opportunities for one-night stands.

Peyton disembarked from the car midway, and Sharon disregarded any playful gazes from him. Determined to distance herself from Andrew, she intended to request the driver to stop at the next intersection so that she could make her way back home via the subway. The prospect of spending any more time with Andrew had become unbearable for her.

"Your address?" Andrew's voice was cold as he spoke.

"It's fine. I'll just get off here," Sharon responded, indicating her intention to exit the vehicle at the current location.

Andrew's eyebrows raised slightly as he glanced over at Sharon. As a result, she was unable to express her thoughts.

"Powine Eden." It was the name of the residential area where her apartment was.

The partition shield between the front seats and the back seats rose slowly, and Sharon's gaze suddenly shifted towards Andrew. The man, visibly restless, tugged at his collar and posed a direct question. "Are you afraid of me?"

"No." Confusion clouded Sharon's mind as she tried to comprehend Andrew's intentions. He couldn't possibly want her to write a report about what happened last night, could he?

Upon hearing Sharon's response, Andrew let out a light chuckle. The sound, combined with his typically impassive expression, created an air of surrealism, as if everything was veiled in an aura of unreality.

"Last night, you were quite daring, weren't you?"

After a brief pause, Sharon lifted her gaze and remarked, "If my recollection serves me right, our intimate encounter was a result of mutual agreement. I hope you're not implying that I should shoulder any responsibilities, Mr. Blakely."

Both Sharon and Bennett were unfaithful to each other, but Sharon displayed her astuteness by selecting Andrew, who Bennett couldn't afford to mess with. However, the one thing she hadn't anticipated was Andrew reappearing unexpectedly before her.

As the car smoothly cruised along the road, Andrew remained silent, leaving Sharon to wonder if he would respond at all. Just as she began to assume he wouldn't answer, he uttered something that caught her completely off guard.

"Do you mind if we turn this into something long-term?"

Sharon's eyes widened in disbelief. She never anticipated that Andrew, the person surrounded by rumors, would make such a request. However, she remained resolute in her decision not to entangle herself with Bennett's circle of friends. Without any hesitation, she firmly replied, "I'm sorry, but I can't pursue a long-term commitment with you."

Simultaneously, Sharon's phone vibrated, signaling a message from yet another unfamiliar number. Apparently, Bennett decided to not call her and instead send her a text message.

"You're avoiding my calls, aren't you? Well, I'm waiting for you outside Powine Eden. If you dare, come back. I have numerous ways to handle you. Do you really believe that just because you got involved with Andrew, he will take you seriously? He has a multitude of women at his disposal, and you are insignificant."

What a psychopath!

Sharon composed herself and took a deep breath. As Andrew glanced away, she mustered the courage to place her hand on his thigh. "You know what? I might reconsider your offer. Would you be interested in coming to my place?"

Since sending that message containing her room number, Sharon felt like things had taken a chaotic turn, spiraling out of control.

As Sharon and Andrew stood inside the elevator, their silhouettes were mirrored on its reflective surface. The space between them was occupied only by a small suitcase, and an unusual tension filled the air.

The sensation of being hunted like prey resurfaced within Sharon, intensifying her unease.

However, considering the thought that Bennett might jump out from a corner at any time, she preferred to take Andrew home with her.

The elevator came to a sudden halt with a resounding "Ding" before a group of men entered, filling the once-empty space.

Sharon instinctively took a step back, but Andrew's large hand firmly encircled her waist, preventing her from retreating further. As she stiffened, his familiar scent enveloped her, causing a mix of emotions to surge within her. Through the thin fabric of her clothes, it felt as if his hand was inching towards the zipper on her side.

Sharon couldn't help but feel a sense of absurdity, even questioning if she was hallucinating. From the mirror-like wall, she could see the man appeared nonchalant and exuded an air of nobility, dressed in a respectable manner that would give no indication of his current actions.

"Hey, Sharon, aren't you going to work today?" A neighbor greeted her and cast a curious glance towards Andrew. "Is this your boyfriend? He's quite good-looking."

Sharon found it challenging to maintain a smile, her efforts hindered by Andrew's hand steadily inching its way upward.

"Just a friend," Sharon replied with a forced smile, hoping to downplay any romantic implications between her and Andrew.

The neighbor smiled knowingly and then winked at her. "I get it. I get it."

Sharon was left speechless by the neighbor's remark.

Thankfully, the elevator reached Sharon's floor, bringing her some relief from the awkward encounter. She leaned closer to Andrew and whispered, "This is our stop."

"Hmm." Andrew acknowledged in a low voice and promptly picked up Sharon's suitcase. With a protective gesture, he guided her through the elevator's open doors, ensuring they navigated the people in the elevator.

There were two residences on each floor. Andrew glanced at the door number.

As soon as Sharon opened the door and stepped inside, Andrew swiftly pressed her against the wall. The sensor lights flickered on, illuminating the room, while the door closed behind them. She could feel his hot breath brushing against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Just a friend?"

Andrew's voice carried a mix of amusement and mischief as his hand skillfully reached the zipper. "Can your friend do this to you?"

The soft, lightweight fabric cascaded down, pooling at Sharon's ankles, exposing her bare form. Andrew's hand gently traced the curves of her knees, his touch sending shivers of anticipation through her body. With a firm yet tender grip, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms. Her long hair cascaded around them, creating an intimate veil as their eyes locked in a mesmerizing gaze.

"Why did you have a sudden change of heart?" Andrew inquired directly, his gaze penetrating into Sharon's eyes.

Sharon hesitated, unable to voice her true reasons. Removing one problem could potentially lead to an even more significant and complex situation, and she wasn't prepared to take that risk.

Sharon's fingers traced the contours of Andrew's shoulder involuntarily, her clear gaze fixed upon him. With her captivating face, she possessed an irresistible allure that could be considered lethal. Andrew couldn't help but wonder if any man could resist such temptation. The self-control he had meticulously upheld for 27 years seemed to crumble in her presence.

"Do you want the truth or a lie?"

Andrew smirked, swiftly flipping Sharon over and supporting her with a single hand. His other hand began to explore her body in a tantalizing manner, catching her off guard as she never expected him to initiate such actions in this particular setting.

"You... You didn't use a..." Sharon's voice trailed off softly. This man must have forgot to use a condom in this moment.

"Take it out," Andrew instructed, handing her his wallet. Sharon swiftly grabbed it, hastily opened it, and managed to find a condom.

Humph, men! No matter how respectable they appeared, they were all the same underneath.

Andrew discerned Sharon's thoughts from the expression on her face, but he felt no need to provide her with an explanation. He had come prepared, and there was nothing inherently wrong with acknowledging that fact.

Lost in the depths of her desire, Sharon had let her guard down completely.

At that very moment, the phone resting on the cabinet near the entrance of the apartment began to ring. Neither Sharon nor Andrew had any inclination to answer it, yet the persistent caller refused to relent. Sharon furrowed her brow, already aware of the identity of the person on the other end of the line.

Oddly enough, Bennett hadn't intercepted Sharon at the entrance of the residential area, but he now began bombarding her with a series of relentless phone calls.

"Wait a minute..." she said.

It was ridiculous! No one would halt at a time like this. Andrew, disregarding her words, continued without pause.

As Sharon appeared somewhat uncooperative, Andrew let out a deep sigh of impatience. He reached out his arm and, with a touch of annoyance, answered the phone.

The caller, taken aback by the phone being answered, fell into a momentary silence. Then, all traces of his prior gentlemanly demeanor vanished as he erupted into a wild barrage of curses, unleashing his anger without restraint.

"You actually had the audacity to answer the phone? How dare you bring Andrew Blakely up to your place?" The caller's voice trembled with a mixture of anger and disbelief. "What on earth are you doing up there? It's been quite some time! Sharon, let me make this clear, without my support, you won't stand a chance of getting promoted in this company. Be wise and demand that Andrew leave immediately!"

There was no need to activate the speakerphone. In the already hushed atmosphere, Bennett's voice reverberated with malice and a distinct sense of warning.

Sharon's anger surged, causing her chest to rise and fall with each breath. She despised the fact that this despicable person had the capability to jeopardize her job at the company, thanks to his influential and affluent father.

Andrew playfully squeezed Sharon's cheek, his gaze fixated on her with a peculiar smile. His lips curled slightly, hinting at an enigmatic amusement. As Sharon met his gaze, she realized that he had read her mind.

"Relax," Andrew cautioned abruptly.

Blushing crimson, Sharon felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She didn't know where to direct her gaze, overwhelmed by the shame of being exposed in her vulnerable state while Andrew remained fully dressed.

"Let him hear you moan," Andrew suggested, parting his lips slightly. Sharon had been biting her lip tightly, suppressing the moan that threatened to escape her throat.

Noticing Sharon's continued silence, Andrew applied a gentle pressure, urging her to make a sound. Eventually, she was unable to resist any longer, and a soft moan escaped her lips. The alluring sound traveled through the phone, further infuriating Bennett.

"Damn it! Sharon, come down here immediately!"

Sharon cursed silently in her heart, believing that if Bennett had any courage, he should have confronted her face-to-face instead of resorting to hurling curses over the phone.

Bennett was well aware that he couldn't afford to provoke Andrew.

Sharon, recognizing Andrew's mounting frustration, became aware that his movements had become more forceful and rapid. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in, planting a proactive kiss on the corner of his lips. With a gentle tone, she whispered, "Can you help me?"

There was a gleam in Andrew's eyes, and he swiftly removed his glasses, revealing a newfound intensity. "You made a wise decision."

His actions confirmed that he was willing to assist her, as evidenced by his visit to her room the previous night.

He put the phone to his ear and asked, "What's up?"

When Bennett heard Andrew's cold and unwavering voice, his fear instantly gripped him, causing him to hastily end the call.

What a coward!

A flicker of disdain crossed Sharon's eyes. Considering that Bennett had been the one to cheat on her first, she felt no shame in seeking revenge and reciprocating his actions.

However, Sharon had not anticipated what was about to happen next. Andrew made passionate love to her throughout the apartment, leaving her utterly drained of strength by the end.

Andrew reclined against the headboard, his hand gently caressing Sharon's back intermittently. Frankly speaking, he possessed remarkable prowess in the bedroom.

"How does it feel, using me?" Andrew inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Sharon remained silent, primarily due to her exhaustion. Her weariness had consumed her thoughts, leaving her unable to discern whether Andrew was genuinely upset with her or not.

But she did fulfill his desires, didn't she? It wasn't like it was a one-sided deal.

"I'll give you a week to think it over," Andrew stated calmly. "I hope to receive a satisfactory answer by then."