A Plaything For CEO Blackwood

The CEO, a handsome young man with dark hair and olive skin, walked into the room. He was tall and muscular, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. He was wearing a tailored suit that showed off his physique to perfection. He smiled at me, and I felt my heart skip a beat. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. Well, only until I learned that he was an asshole, a fucking asshole!

**

** Meet Ann**

"Where is the strangest place that you have had sex?" The unexpected question left me speechless.

I didn't think I heard it right, but it sounded as clear as day. Jennifer Gilbert had really asked me that. How could she do that to me? I thought we were best friends.

I swallowed hard and tilted my head to the right. "Um...Huh?" I muttered, hoping that she would ask for a different truth: Yeah, we were playing truth or dare.

It was game night at the Cruz house; the Cruz twins had hosted the evening's entertainment, and it always gets crazy at the Cruz house. Annabel, or Ann for short, or Anna if you prefer, is my name, and this is the pitiful, sad story of my miserable existence.

The game night was a little ritual that we, a.k.a. the girls, had picked up during our college days, and even one year after college, we didn't let go of it; rather, we brought the guys into it. Friday game night used to be a whole lot of fun when it was just us girls, but things can get crazy when both genders are put together. So now it is not just game night; it is freaky game night, and the fact that we were almost adults didn't change a thing!

"Well, that is an easy one; come on, Anna, tell us already; we are not going to wait forever," one of the Cruz twins urged excitedly. Was it Bella or Belle? I still can't tell them apart from each other, and that is one thing that makes them special; they are so identical that even their parents struggle to tell them apart.

Rumor has it that they switch places with their boyfriends and never get caught. But then I wouldn't really be surprised if that were true. I mean, it is the Cruz twins; they are capable of absolutely anything.

"Um, I think I would go with a dare," I said, forcing a wry smile at Jenny. I was so getting back at her for this; I won't let it slide!

"Oh wow, Annabel Joseph, asking for a dare-I thought I would never see the day," she smirked.

"Just hit me with a dare already," I chuckled softly.

"With all pleasure, babes... I dare you to kiss Gideon over there!" she yelled.

My heart flipped in surprise. Gideon? Eww! Definitely not Gideon! Now I had the feeling that she would dare me to kiss some boy, as she had been trying to get me out of a mood, but not the snobbish, nerdy, fat Gideon, who hasn't gotten any hotter in the past five years of knowing each other.

My eardrums couldn't hold the laughter that erupted in the room, and damn right, her request and my reaction were hilarious. There is no way I am going to kiss nerdy, fat Gideon; everyone knows that.

"Come on, Ann, kiss him! Kiss him!!" Jennifer started a chant, and every other soul in the room joined her. Of course, except for Gideon, his chubby, meat-filled cheeks remained intact like an overfed toad, or a frog, whichever one that looks like a drum.

"Okay, that is it. I am sorry guys, but I got to run," I said quickly, a veiled expression on my face, trying to hide my discomfort as I got up from the rug.

"Wait what? Come on, babes, don't ruin the fun," Jennifer voiced immediately, spreading her arms in disagreement. The Wolfish look on her face was replaced by one of disappointment.

"I am so sorry; I just remembered that I needed to meet someone by nine p.m., so I gotta run," I lied.

I have been depressed for a few weeks now, trying not to think of that jerk, and the first thing she does is ask me the strangest place I had sex. How do I answer that question without thinking of the guy who I had sex with-the fool who took my heart for a ride and then dropped it in a trillion pieces without remorse?

Thinking back to the strangest sex or the best sex I have had loosely translates to thinking about Jimmy, and I don't even want to remember that name, let alone think of him.

I left the Cruz house after bidding goodbye to the Cruz sisters and the rest of the guys in the friend group, quickly boarding a taxi home. I could tell that Stanley was giving me the bedroom eyes the whole evening, but I just got out of one; I don't have any energy for boy drama.

As you already guessed, I wasn't meeting anyone tonight, but I would rather be home crying than doing it out in public. Come to think of it, why should I even cry over that fool? He is not worth my tears; I have bigger issues to worry about.

Who would think that life got so difficult after twenty? Only if we can rewind the hands of time, but that can only be a dream. My twenty-third birthday was fast approaching, a reminder that I wasn't getting any younger.

I arrived at my place a few minutes before nine p.m.; although it was a moderate house, I lived in a very poor neighborhood, a place Jennifer and I had secured right after college. I had thought I would find a job immediately and, after three months, move into a better apartment, but who am I kidding? This is fucking New York City!

It has been a year and six months since our graduation, and here I am, still jobless. Well, not entirely; I have tried the petty jobs that are not even suitable for a person with my degrees, but you know what they say: when life gives you lemons, you make lemonades.

I paid the taxi as I got to my place, and I dragged my small ass across the fence. I had arrived at the door when I noticed a shadow by the side of the apartment. I freaked out and took a step back, right before I recognized him.

"Jimmy!" I yelled.

"Hello Ann," he said softly in his deceptive voice, those charming eyes staring into my soul. No, not today!

"What are you doing here?" I yelled and clenched my fists.

"You blocked my number; I wanted to talk." He said it softly, trying to lure me in with that seductive voice.

I scoffed with a glazed expression and shook my head. "There is nothing to talk about; leave my house!" I muttered and immediately proceeded to unlock my door.

"Just give me a few minutes," he pleaded, but I turned a deaf ear to him, afraid of what he could accomplish in those minutes.

If I did give him a listening ear, I would be on the bed, moaning his name, in less than ten minutes. Yes, that is how good he is with words, but I won't let myself be deceived anymore by this snake.

I rushed inside and locked him out immediately. I wasn't going to hear a word he said; I don't even want to see him.

Tossing my handbag onto the couch, I headed straight for the bathroom. Hopefully, that creep doesn't come up to my bathroom window. I washed my hands after using the bathroom and then returned to the sitting room.

The knocking had stopped, and so I believed that Jimmy had left. Even he wouldn't be that shameless; moreover, that endless knocking would have only attracted the neighbors and eventually the police. He knows too well to stay out of trouble.

I went into the kitchen in search of what to eat; my cupboard was almost empty, and that freaked the hell out of me. If I run out of groceries and food stuff, then I might just end up on the streets. I thought America was the perfect country, but I guess that doesn't apply to immigrants, or maybe I just had bad luck.

An immigrant... That is right, I am a small-town girl from Italy. I moved to New York for my college education, and I remained here after graduation. There is nothing there for me back at home-poor parents who had to take loans to send me to school, no siblings, and no friends. My story might not be the saddest, but it will sure make that list.

I was still contemplating what to have for dinner when I heard another knock on the door. Fucking son of a bitch! I want to hit him with a banana!

I cursed and stormed towards the door. Maybe I should give him a piece of my mind.

"Don't you get it? Fuck off!" I yelled as I pushed the door open, but then I froze. It wasn't Jimmy at the door; it was Mr. Jordan! Oh my good lord, I am done!

**

"He... Hello, Mr. Jordan, good evening." I stuttered, hoping he ignored the cuss words I just threw at him. I mean, I didn't know he was out there.

"You have been avoiding my calls and those of my lawyer!" Mr. Jordan accused

Yeah, that would make him the second person today. When I don't know how to deal with a problem, I just decide to run from it, even if it eventually catches up with me. This is quite the case with Mr. Jordan here; he was my landlord, and I am three months behind on rent.

"Oh. No, hehe," I laughed nervously, hoping that he found this funny as well, but his crumpled face said something different; he wasn't having any of it. "I have not been avoiding you, Mr. Jordan; I have just been really busy." I lied for the umpteenth time today.

"Of course you were. I would take it that you now have my rent," he muttered in between his mustaches, and my heart skipped.

"uhm... I... I... Mr. Jordan, I need more time," I stuttered.

If I thought he was angry before, I was wrong. Right now, it felt like his face was going to burst into flames. I could see the anger contained in his eyes.

"More time? What more time exactly do you need? If you can't pay for the house, then you should have left with your friend." he barked.

"I am really sorry, Mr. Jordan; just give me one more month," I pleaded.

"Are you kidding me right now? One whole month?" He retorted, his tone reeking of disapproval.

Mr. Jordan was right; I shouldn't have stayed back after Jennifer moved out of this apartment; I should have left with her. I just thought I could handle it on my own, but I was just being foolish. Jennifer footed sixty percent of the bills while we lived together, but then she moved into a new apartment with her boyfriend, leaving me to pay the rent for the entire building.

I should have moved out to a smaller apartment, maybe a single room or a flat. Why did I think I could deal with the bills all on my own?

There was silence between us as Mr. Jordan didn't seem to be moved by my pleading eyes; he sighed and turned his back to me, placing his arms funnily on his waist. But this was a bad time to laugh, so I held it in.

This was no standard apartment, and Mr. Jordan wouldn't show up so late at night, harassing me over the late payment of his rent fees.

Slowly he turned back to face me, and I noticed this scary smugness on his face. I immediately guessed that he was up to no good. Who knows what he's going to say next; he wouldn't serve me an eviction notice, would he?

"Alright, it is okay. I understand that things are difficult in the country right now; everyone is having a hard time, so I am willing to make a compromise." He smiled.

I was surprised to hear him say that. I didn't know Mr. Jordan to be that kind and generous; maybe the Holy Spirit had touched his mind tonight.

"Really? Thank you so much, sir; this means a lot to me. I promise I will pay you as soon as possible; you can count on me." I said it joyfully, pressing my palms together in appreciation.

"You didn't let me finish. It is a cold night, so how about you let me spend the night here with you today, and in return, I would count off the already existing three months due for payment?"

I froze, trying to make sense of what he said. He could not mean what I thought he meant, could he?

"I am sorry, Mr. Jordan; I don't think I follow," I said with squinted eyes, slowly clenching my right fist.

He smiled, exposing his tobacco-damaged teeth. "Come on, Anny." I almost puked when he called me that. "Don't act like you don't understand what I mean; you are not a baby anymore," he whispered and slowly rubbed my right arm with his finger tips.

I immediately withdrew my arm and took a step back, holding back the urge to throw a curse at him. What was he thinking? Even if I were that sort of girl, why would I sleep with a man three times my age? This man was older than my father, and yet he was trying to get into my pants.

"I am sorry, Mr. Jordan, but I can't do what you are asking for," I said calmly and bit my lips.

He growled softly and then scoffed. Oh, I see, I am not good enough for you to whore with, but you seem to forget that you live in my house. If you want to sleep around with small boys, I don't care. But you have just two days to comply with the house regulations, or I will have my lawyer throw you out." He swore furiously.

Please, Mr. Jordan, I am really sorry."

"And I am sorry too, Miss Annabel. You have two days to pay up or get evicted. Goodnight!" He said this and then turned around dramatically to leave.

I stood there dumbfounded as I watched him leave. Why was this happening to me? Life hasn't been fair to me at all. Perhaps I was cursed, and this curse had followed me all the way from Italy down here to the United States of America.

As I bang the door hard in tears, I turn around and run down to the sitting room. I was confused, not knowing what to do. There is no way I could raise that money in 2 days, and even a lawsuit against Mr. Jordan would do me no good; I am going to end up on the streets anyway.

Am I just unlucky or cursed? What is special about everyone else that makes them succeed? Nothing works for me, not even relationships. Obviously, I wasn't good enough for Jimmy, and that is why he cheated on me without regret.

I slumped down on the couch and let the tears trickle down my cheeks, ruining the make-up I had done earlier today. I felt like drowning myself to make it all end; my life was miserable, and nothing was going right. I have been fired from four jobs in the past year, many times because I wouldn't open my legs to jerks.

Was it a crime to be beautiful? The irony of it all is that the guy I did let into my pants and my heart was the one to betray me. Of what use is my dignity if I can't even feed or live? I can't take it anymore.

I stared at my cell phone lying on the couch, and something crossed my mind. I think I know what to do; I need to do it; I have no other choice.

I cleaned my tears, quickly grabbed the phone, and after thirty minutes of combing through my call logs, I found his number. Mr. Maxwell Blackwood, my last hope!

I dialed his number and said a silent prayer, hoping he would take the call. He didn't answer until the phone had almost stopped ringing.

"You know it is not so nice to call a man at this time of the night, Princess." I heard that deep voice rumble from the other side of the phone, and my body vibrated in anxiety.

"Mr. Blackwood?" I stuttered.

"One and only," he replied. "How may I be of help to you, Miss Annabel?"

I was surprised to know that he saved my number. I mean, he did recognize the caller, so he must have saved my number. It had been over two months since my encounter with him, which didn't end so well that I don't even know why I kept his number.

"Can... Can we meet?" I muttered nervously, trying hard to hide that I had been crying.

"Hmm..." he muttered, a tone of satisfaction in his voice. "You sound desperate; I like the sound of that. Yes, we can meet. Tomorrow, my office is at 9 a.m.; don't be late."

I rolled my eyes even though I knew he could not see me; he must be feeling proud of himself right now. Yes, I was desperate, or I would have never contacted him. His request might be absurd, but his offer was enticing as well.

I haven't gained anything from being a good girl the whole year; maybe it is time I drop my self-righteousness and be a bad girl. I am ready to do whatever it takes to survive.

**

As the elevator door opened, I made to walk out but accidentally bumped into a lady who was coming my way. "I am so sorry." I apologized immediately.

"Oh no!" she giggled, a nervous expression on her face. "I was at fault." She added it immediately and rushed into the elevator.

I couldn't help but notice that she was buttoning her shirt while at it; that is why she had bumped into me; she was distracted. I also caught the easily discernible stench of sex, sweat, and cigarettes. I chuckled lightly and shook my head as I turned away.

Of course, this company has to rebuild Sodom and Gomorrah. I just hope I get what I want and get out of here as soon as possible. How are they progressive if everyone is having sex with everyone? Do they even follow work ethics?

Kicking that out of my imagination, I took the familiar turn, heading to the CEO's office. I had been here before, twice, as a matter of fact, and the last time didn't end too well. Let's just say I might have ruined all my chances of getting employment here.

I soon arrived at the large glass door, and even though I knew he could see me through the inside, I was still hesitant to knock.

"Are you going to come in or what, Miss Owl?" That annoying British accent cut through the air. Well, the accent isn't annoying, just the voice.

By the way, did he just refer to me as Miss Owl? Are my eyes that huge, or was he just being annoying? I groaned and clenched my fist as I walked in. Mr. Blackwood didn't seem impressed by my presence; he barely looked up at me as I walked to his desk.

The CEO of Blackwood precious stones and jewelry was seated at his desk with one foot placed on the table, his well-polished black shoes complementing his stunning yet simple attire. He was dressed in a long sleeve and a tailored small, sleeveless jacket; I could tell it was from a suit set. His sleeves were rolled back up to his elbow, exposing his well-built arms.

With my eyes, I took a quick scan of the room, and everything in the office seemed to be in order. I guess Miss Hot Pants had not come out of here, which means she was sleeping with someone else in the company. Was the Boss even aware of this?

"Do you not know how to greet, Miss Owl?" He muttered without looking up at me, or maybe he did, and I just couldn't tell from under those dark shades he had on.

"It is Annabel," I replied coldly, clutching my bag tight like someone was going to snatch it from me.

His face lit up with a smile as he looked up at me. "Sassy as before, I remember you promising to plunge your heels into my eyes if I did ever look your way again," he mocked.

I sighed and swallowed hard. I was really pissed the last time I was here; the HR department had confirmed my qualifications, but the CEO had his own demands. I left in a rage.

He took his foot off his table and pushed the chair out from behind the desk, I guess to have an unobstructed view of me. "So tell me, Miss Annabel, what brings you back to my office?" he asked. His face was cold again, expressionless.

Oh my! That accent would have been better if it came from a nicer guy. This man gives me the chills. He was damn hot, yet cold as ice. Why do the handsome guys have to be jerks? I haven't stopped asking myself that question for months.

"I accept your offer, and I apologize for the way I behaved the last time," I said softly with my head bowed, trying hard not to choke on those words.

He scoffed and pushed his mobile chair closer. "I am sorry, I don't think I heard you the first time. Can you be more audible?" he teased.

I sighed and looked out the window, catching a quick view of the city below, and then I turned back to face him. "I said that I am sorry for the way I behaved last time, and I am ready to accept your offer now."

He smiled, revealing that wicked dimple on his left cheek. I want to stab him right there with a fork, a nail, or even a toothpick, as long as he gets stabbed in that intimidating dimple.

"I would rather beg on the streets than suck your cock; those were your words; isn't that right, Miss Ann?"

I growled inward, already regretting why I had returned here. This man is a jerk-a rich jerk!

"I... I... I take those back. Everything wrong I said that day, forgive me." I stuttered, swallowing hard.

He chuckled again, and then he stood up. I stood still as he walked towards me and then slowly went behind me. My heart skipped, and I had the strong urge to turn around and face him, but I remained still.

"So let me get this straight: you now agree to my terms and conditions, huh?" he queried.

"Yes, I will do what you want in exchange for the job." I answered.

He walked back to my side and looked into my eyes. "Something has changed in you since the last time you were here; what is it?" he asked with a mischievous smirk.

Great! I didn't know I smelled of heartbreak and poverty. He was right, though. The last time I was here, I had self-esteem, pride, and dignity, but I happened to have lost those along the way, and as it stands, there is no dignity in poverty.

"Does the offer still stand or not?" I queried, starting to get impatient.

"Chill, hothead. I am just giving you a little time to reconsider. You know, once you are in, the only way out is through the sack. Remind me what it is I want from you again." He requested it and went to sit on the office table, crossing his long, straight legs right in front of me.

I gulped down saliva, feeling nervous. Mr. Blackwood really knew how to get his revenge. "You want to have sex with me whenever you please in exchange for a high-paying job."

"Wrong, Miss Ann." He cut me short immediately; his expression became very serious. "I don't want to have sex with you, Miss Ann. I want to fuck you, really hard, whenever I please and however I please. I am asking you to submit your body to me for as long as you work here. I am asking you to be my plaything, Miss Annabel. So tell me, are you up for that?"

I could feel the tears forming under my eyes, but I wouldn't let them out. I can't show signs of weakness; I need to be strong for myself and my family.

"Yes, I understand that you want to use me as you please, and I accept. But..." I said it with a quick pause that cut off his attention. "I have a few conditions of my own," I announced.

He chuckled, exposing his sparkling white teeth, which disappeared soon enough. "Look at you, making demands. I didn't know you were capable of blackmail; I thought you were a saint." He taunted.

Son of a bitch!! I cursed inward, wishing I could grab him by his hero hair and bash it against the wall. I know I have these impulsive thoughts, but I couldn't hurt a fly in real life.

"Are you going to hear me out or not?" I queried.

He stood upright and folded his arms. "Let's be clear about one thing, Miss Ann. I do fancy you, but you are in no place to make demands. However, I would hear your demands and see if we could come to an agreement." He replied in a cold voice that sent shivers down my spine.

"I want two months' salary upfront," I quickly requested.

He stared at me quietly with those cold gray eyes, and I lost the ability to think straight. I had to look away immediately, unable to hold contact with those intimidating eyes.

"Very well, then, I accept that condition." He finally broke the silence. "What is the second?" he queried.

I swallowed hard before I started. "The second condition is that during the period in which I work for you, you will not involve feelings in this agreement; you won't fall in love with me for any reason." I stated it clearly.

There was an awkward silence between us, and then he suddenly burst into laughter. I was confused. What was so funny? The sound of his laughter was like a thorn in my flesh, and I just wanted to hit him with a pair of slippers like my mother would do.

"Are you serious? Tell me, Miss Owl, what makes you think that I will fall in love with you? I am not capable of loving anyone, Miss Owl," he admitted to my surprise. "And even if I had it in me to love, which certainly I don't, I would never fall for the likes of you. I mean, I would choose a pig over you, Miss Owl, is that clear?"

I gulped down saliva again, trying to hide my chagrined face. As much as I wouldn't admit it, even at gunpoint, it hurt my feelings to hear him say that and lowered my self-esteem. Would he really choose a pig over me?

"Good then." I forced a smile. "I guess it is a win for the both of us," I added.

"Hmm," he hummed with a nod. "I agree to your terms; you will receive the employment later before noon in your email. I believe the company still has your CV, but I still require you to drop your address and email contact details. You are to resume as soon as tomorrow, and everything you need to know will be communicated to you before then." Mr. Blackwood announced

I sighed in relief, glad that he accepted those conditions. I feared he would say no to the upfront payment as I have not even been tested on the field, but I had to give it a shot because I needed that money urgently.

I did as he instructed and dropped off my details before turning to leave. My heart was racing as I turned my back to him. Just as I got to the door, I heard him call my name. I paused and turned to face him.

"Just out of curiosity, Miss Ann. Are you a virgin?" he queried.

My heart began to beat fast as he asked that, and I couldn't decipher why he wanted to know that. What if he takes back the offer after learning that I wasn't one? What if he only needed a virgin for whatever diabolic sexual plans he had?

**