The Irresistible Bond

"I need to leave. If I keep staying here, I'll die."

SLAP!!

"What did I tell you?! You're utterly incapable of anything! You're worthless!" My adoptive mother, Diane, hurled the words at me with venom, her voice echoing off the walls before she shoved me forcefully, sending me crashing to the cold floor, my backside absorbing the impact.

A sharp intake of breath escaped me as a jagged fragment of shattered plate pierced my skin, a crimson bloom staining my hand as I clutched it in pain, my eyes betraying the agony I felt.

I shot a scowl at Rachel, Diane's daughter, who deliberately pushed me, causing all the plates I was carrying to crash to the ground. With an air of entitlement, she chastised me, her tone dripping with disdain. "You need to be more careful next time! You nearly ruined my shirt!" she whined, her words a twisted mockery of concern.

Frustration simmered within me as I rose from the floor, meeting Diane's furious glare with defiance. Before I could utter a word, her hand connected with my cheek in a stinging slap, sending me reeling to the side.

"Don't you dare look at me like that!" Her voice crackled with fury.

My eyes widened in disbelief as I stared at her. "I wasn't doing anything wrong!" I protested, straightening up defiantly. "I apologize for breaking the plates, but your reaction was completely uncalled for!"

Diane chuckled, her face twisted with evident disdain. "Oh, is that so?" she retorted dismissively. "Two months' worth of your salary will be deducted to cover the cost of the plates you've shattered."

I was stunned by her audacity. "What?" I exclaimed incredulously.

"Clean up this mess and find some work to occupy yourself. You'll be staying here until midnight," she ordered, brushing past me without a second glance.

A scoff of disbelief escaped me as I glanced around the bar, noting the curious stares of the customers witnessing the confrontation.

"Now, what's your next move, Lexi?" Rachel taunted me, her expression dripping with mockery.

"What do you mean, 'what's my next move'?" I shot back, raising an eyebrow in frustration. "You must be thrilled by this turn of events, aren't you?"

She nodded, a sinister smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Indeed I am. It brings me immense pleasure to witness your suffering," she remarked, her tone dripping with malic, causing me to frown at her. I began to take hesitant steps backward in response to the sudden hostility etched across her expression.

"You were never truly accepted into this family," she continued with disdain evident in her voice, her words cutting through the air like a sharpened blade. "So it's only fair we can do whatever we want to do with you. It's only fitting that we treat you as nothing more than a lowly servant," she spat, her words laced with contempt.

With a forceful shove, she sent me stumbling backward, my back colliding with a solid object, while a firm hand gripped my waist, steadying me.

As I struggled to regain my bearings, I noticed Rachel's gaze fixated on something behind me, her expression shifting from malice to something akin to awe as she stared at an unseen figure with a dreamy gaze, her eyes alight with wonder as if beholding the impossible.

Blinking in confusion, I turned to see what had captured Rachel's attention, my breath catching in my throat as I beheld a towering figure standing before me, his enchanting green eyes boring into mine, his dirty blonde hair impeccably styled, radiating an aura of undeniable charisma and raw magnetism.

"Oh my God," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, feeling spellbound by his striking appearance. Could someone truly be this breathtaking?

Before I could gather my wits, Rachel pushed me aside with a dismissive gesture, her focus now directed towards the enigmatic newcomer. "My name is Rachel Atkiss, what's yours?" she inquired, extending her hand towards him with a coy smile, her demeanor shifting from hostility to intrigue in the blink of an eye.

The man took a subtle step backward, his hands casually tucked into his pant pockets as he regarded Rachel with a quizzical expression. "And why do you wish to know?" he queried.

"I'm pretty sure a lot of women have told you that you're handsome," Rachel asserted, her demeanor bashful yet forthright.

With a nod of acknowledgment, the man turned his gaze towards me, his smile possessing an irresistible charm capable of melting even the sternest of hearts. "But she hasn't," he remarked softly, his words carrying a weight of sincerity as he closed the distance between us, leaving me rooted to the spot, utterly transfixed by his presence.

"You might want to tend to your injured hand," he suggested with a smirk, his voice laced with playful amusement, before gracefully making his exit from the bar.

"Who was that man?" Rachel exclaimed in awe, her eyes wide with wonder. With a sigh, I lowered my gaze and resumed my work.

My name is Lexi Denova, and that's essentially all I've known about myself, thanks to the necklace I've worn ever since my stepfather discovered me. Sadly, he's no longer with us, may he rest in peace. His wife, Diane, never welcomed me into their home, and her animosity towards me was obvious from the start. There was no logical explanation for her hatred, but it only intensified after my stepfather's passing.

I've endured more than enough and if I keep staying with them, I'll never move forward, or I'll just die. Deep down, I've always believed that my life holds more significance than being confined to the role of a waitress in a bar frequented by horny old men.

After tidying up the mess, I retreated to the restroom to tend to my injured hand, and washing off my blood covering it. Frowning in confusion, I stared at my hands, perplexed by what I saw. "Huh?" I muttered, my mind grappling with the inexplicable sight before me.

With a sense of bewilderment, I continued to scrub away the blood, my thoughts racing as I questioned the validity of my perception. "What the hell? I could have sworn I was injured."

There was no visible sign of injury on my hand, leaving me perplexed. "This is strange," I muttered under my breath.

With a heavy sigh, I gazed at my disheveled black hair, tied up in a messy bun, and felt the weight of exhaustion in my blue eyes. I couldn't blame them for feeling worn out; the situation had taken its toll. I needed to find a way out, but how?

Leaving the restroom behind, I made my way back to the counter to attend to the customers.

"One of the patrons wants a beer, Lexi. Are you alright? I thought you hurt yourself," Mia, my best friend, asked with concern evident in her voice. Glancing down at my left hand, I shook my head in response.

"No, I'm fine. Why don't I take care of that customer?" I reassured her with a smile, grabbing a bottle of beer and a glass cup before heading over to assist the waiting patron.

Approaching the table, the male patron, appearing to be in his early thirties, greeted me with an incessant smile that left me feeling uneasy. I couldn't help but wonder about the reason behind his persistent grin as I clumsily placed his beer and glass on the tabletop, my discomfort growing with each passing moment.

"Why don't you pour it for me, beautiful?" he remarked, his voice laced with a nauseatingly seductive undertone that almost made me frown.

Forcing a counterfeit smile, I obliged, reluctantly twisting off the bottle cap and pouring the beer into a glass. However, as I turned to depart, my senses were assaulted by a sudden sharp smack to my butt. Shock reverberated through me as I turned to confront the audacious patron, only to find him nonchalantly sipping his beer as if nothing had occurred.

With gritted teeth and simmering rage, I retreated to the safety of the counter, struggling to contain my anger.

"I saw what happened. I'm sorry," Mia offered sympathetically, her eyes filled with pity. I shook my head, hating being pitied.

"It's so ridiculous. Let's just power through today. I can't believe I'm stuck here until fucking midnight," I muttered angrily under my breath, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

It was just me when I closed the bar. Diane had driven off with her car, and Mia and the other bartenders left, except me. This wasn't the first time I'd been left alone at night, so I begrudgingly made my way out of the bar, steeling myself for the journey ahead.

Suddenly, a car pulled up beside me, and a man stepped out with a cocky grin plastered on his face. It was him-the asshole who had smacked my ass earlier.

"The bar's closed," I informed him tersely, eyeing him warily.

He sauntered towards me, and a surge of fear shot through me, causing me to instinctively take a step back. Then, with a smirk, he spoke. "Diane really needs to keep that bar open 24/7 and have a room where people can... you know... fuck. I'm sure you understand that term," he said suggestively.

I scowled at him, my irritation mounting. "Of course I fucking understand. I'm fucking twenty," I retorted, my tone laced with defiance.

"Ahh, that's good," he murmured appreciatively, and my back just had to meet the unforgiving surface of the wall as he advanced toward me, his proximity sending a shiver down my spine.

"Why does it feel good?" I questioned, a sense of unease creeping over me.

"Because then I wouldn't be breaking any laws," he replied abruptly, his hand suddenly reaching out to grope my breasts. Shocked and appalled, I recoiled, pushing him away with a sharp gasp.

"Get the fuck away from me!" I screamed, followed by the sound of a collision.

"You really wouldn't give me a chance to be a knight in shining armor, wouldn't you?"

Now, this was the man I was interested in.

But what the fuck is going on here?

The asshole customer had attempted to take advantage of me, and in response, I merely gave him a slight push, just a gentle nudge, only to watch him stumble backward and collide with his own car. Right now, he's probably writhing in pain.

"Curious, aren't you?" the man inquired, coming to a stop in front of me.

"Who are you?" I had to ask, not only out of caution but to identify who I might be spreading my legs for tonight.

"Since you've asked, I'll oblige. My name is Ace Drakonov," he replied, his mesmerizing smile causing my heart to race with anticipation.

But what the fuck? I've never felt this way towards men, no matter how goddamn handsome they may be. So why the hell is he different? Why do I just want to fucking kiss him? Why do I just want to hop into bed with him like some damn slut, even though I know damn well I'm not?

And why the hell does the name 'Drakonov' ring a bell?

"Why are you here?" I questioned him, my curiosity piqued by his unexpected presence.

He flashed a seductive smile and replied, "A young woman condemned to labor until the midnight hour, it wouldn't be safe for her to wander about at this late hour."

"This wouldn't be the first time and why the hell should you care?" I shot back, raising a skeptical eyebrow in his direction.

In an instant, he lifted his right hand to gently caress my cheek, sending a surge of heat coursing through my body, igniting a fiery desire between my legs. "I care because I do," he responded.

Suddenly, he pressed his face intimately close to mine until our lips collided, sparking a passionate kiss that I eagerly reciprocated.

I couldn't even ask myself why I was kissing him; I was just completely lost in the moment. Our mouths danced in unison, a battle for dominance ensuing. His hands seized my waist as mine snaked around his shoulders, our kiss intense and desperate. In that instance, I couldn't help but entertain thoughts of securing a private space, spreading my legs wide for him to enter. It was an overwhelming sensation that I couldn't control.

His grip ventured to my ass during our heated exchange, a welcomed move that had me yearning for more. In that moment, I fervently wished I had chosen a skirt or a gown, something that would grant him effortless access to my already wet pussy. My thoughts were running wild, and I couldn't control it.

His hands skillfully maneuvered to fondle my breasts while our intense kissing continued, the sensation enticing, but wait...

Too fast.

I abruptly pulled away, my breath labored as I took a step back. Words were on the tip of my tongue, but it got caught in my throat and I swallised hard. A sudden awkwardness enveloped me.

"You are not here to take advantage of me, are you?" I asked him, finding my voice.

He shook his head, his smile persisting. "While I'd love this intimate moment to linger, how about I drive you home?" he suggested, dangling his car keys.

"Why should I put my trust in you?" I challenged.

A deep chuckle escaped him as he responded, "If you didn't, you wouldn't have allowed me to kiss you."

I nodded in acknowledgment, conceding to the logic of his reply. A fair point indeed.

I should be asking myself that question. Why did I trust him? Handsome men like him are nothing but Playboys and I almost fell for his trap. I thought I was not that kind of girl but it turns out that I'm no different. I completely fell and I'm still falling.

The hole must be really deep.

I found myself following him toward where he parked his car and he drove me back home. I made sure he didn't directly stop me in front of the house to avoid trouble.

As we emerged from his car, he handed me his card with a sly grin and whispered, "In case you ever need me, darling, don't hesitate to call or seek me out. And oh, happy birthday,"

"Huh? Birthday?" I stammered in surprise, before he silenced me with a deep, passionate kiss that left me breathless. With a wicked smirk, he slid back into his car and sped off, leaving me utterly bewildered.

That bastard... he must think my lips are his personal playground, to be kissed at his whim. How dare he? I watched his car disappear into the distance, a mix of frustration and arousal coursing through me as I clutched the card he had given me before staring at it.

Ace Drakonov.

CEO of Diamond Tower.

Oh my God, he's rich!

Diamond Tower is rumored to be a trillion-dollar company, making its owner one of the wealthiest individuals in the country.

Oh my goodness, did I just strike gold?!

I chuckled to myself and discreetly stashed the card in my bag before heading towards my house. Upon arrival, I attempted to open the door, only to find it locked.

This wouldn't be the first time they locked me out.

With a resigned sigh, I settled onto the porch, feeling drained. Normally, I'd be furious, but for some reason, I'm not.

The only reason why I haven't been able to leave these people was because I haven't saved enough but stumbling upon someone as affluent as Ace Drakonov, who seems oddly interested in me, could be my ticket out.

Asking for his assistance wouldn't just be a favor-it could save my life.

All I need to do now is track him down.

"Ouch," I grumbled, wincing in pain as I woke up the following morning, still sprawled out on the porch with a dull ache resonating through my neck.

The morning sun illuminated the surroundings, signaling that Diane and Rachel were likely awake by now. With a weary sigh, I rose to my feet, gingerly massaging the sore spot on my neck.

Approaching the door, I rapped on it with some urgency, hoping to gain entry to the warmth and comfort of the house. However, my knocks yielded no response.

"Diane, Rachel, please, I've been outside all night. Can you open the door so I can freshen up?" I called out, the frustration evident in my voice, yet my plea was met with silence.

Feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity, I slipped my hand into my pocket, the crinkle of paper catching my attention. Retrieving the paper, I unfolded it to reveal Rachel's handwriting scrawled across the surface. She wasted no time in taunting me for my sleeping outside, then she went further to tell me her mom said she should quickly arrive at work, and that they were there already.

I scoffed, my frustration bubbling as I stared at the paper in my hands. They had not only locked me out but had also left me sleeping on the porch, with the door firmly shut behind them.

What were they expecting me to do? Head to work without even having a chance to freshen up?

My teeth clenched as I struggled to contain my anger, the paper crumpling in my grasp as my emotions boiled over.

I've had enough of this!

The paper pulled apart in my hands and with a surge of adrenaline, I turned towards the door and unleashed a powerful kick, the impact sending me flying backward to the ground.

"Ouch!" I winced, rubbing my back as I surveyed the damage – the door now completely off its hinges. "Oh, my God,"

What just happened? What the hell just...

Getting off the ground, I walked into the house, my brain trying to think of ways on how I was able to fly myself off the ground or how I destroyed the door with a single kick.

There's an eerie undercurrent to all of this, a series of strange occurrences that I've barely had a moment to process.

First, I sustained an injury without any visible wound, then I found myself instinctively giving that asshole who tried to take advantage of me a good shove, and now, this inexplicable feat with the door. It's as if I'm trapped in a surreal dream, or perhaps, or this life is becoming too supernatural.

Now, what the fuck am I supposed to do?

Then, it hits me. I reach into my back pocket and pull out the card Ace slipped me, the thought of meeting him was becoming a sweet candy in my mouth.

Well, since the door's wide open, I might as well freshen up and grab the few things I have in this shithole of a house. I'm never setting foot in this dump again.

After a quick shower and a change of clothes, I scribble a snarky note for both Diane and her idiot daughter, Rachel, letting them know just how flimsy their door is and that they'll never lay eyes on me again.

With my backpack slung over my shoulder, I hit the road, heading straight for the Diamond Tower.

The Diamond Tower stood tall and proud, a beacon of success amidst the bustling city of Sunchess, its towering height dwarfing every other skyscraper in sight.

I gazed up at the impressive structure, my mind swirling with thoughts of Ace Drakonov. Could someone like him really be interested in someone like me?

How the hell was I supposed to approach him without coming off as a desperate beggar?

But fuck it, no time for modesty. When you want something, you've gotta swallow your pride and ditch any remnants of dignity. It's either get on your knees and beg or you just leave in the street.

Then again, the guy did seem intrigued by me. And yeah, I've always had the looks and assets that make men drool. Guess my beauty could come in handy for once.

With a determined stride, I entered the company lobby, flashing a smile at the receptionist. "Excuse me, I need to speak with Ace Drakonov,"

A strange tension hung in the air as everyone exchanged perplexed glances. "You... want to see the boss?" Karen, her name tag proudly displayed, asked with evident surprise.

Rita, her lip curling with disdain, chimed in, "What makes a lowly girl like you think you have the right to speak to our boss?"

With a scowl, Ashley interjected, "If you have any sense, you'll turn around and leave this company immediately!" She then proceeded to attend to another customer, leaving me bewildered and frustrated.

What the hell is happening here? All I did was ask to speak to Ace, and now these women are serving me a bitter cup of insult. What gives?

As if I haven't already endured enough of that.

But hold on. I didn't come all this way just to be turned away. If I don't speak to Ace, I'll be stuck in this mess, and my pride won't allow me to return to Diane's house. That would be like admitting defeat.

The alternative? Living on the streets. No, absolutely not.

"Why are you still lingering here? Scram this instant!" Ashley, the rude receptionist, spat at me with a contemptuous glare.

I let out a weary sigh and replied, "What's with the hostility? I need to speak with Ace Drakonov. He gave me his card, so please, either direct me to his office or take me there."

"He gave you his card?" Karen questioned skeptically. "Why would he do that? Where is it?"

Rita scoffed dismissively. "She's probably going to claim she lost it. Just like so many other girls like her. Typical."

Their unwarranted hostility and insults continued to rain down on me for no apparent reason.

In frustration, I slammed the card onto their desk, causing a slight dent, hoping they wouldn't notice. I needed to tread carefully, as I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Their eyes widened in surprise as they stared at the card.

"How can we be sure you didn't steal it?" Ashley spat, her hostility palpable as she eyed me with suspicion.

"I didn't fucking steal it, okay? He personally handed it to me last night. I really need to talk to him, so please..."

Their eyes widened in shock, their attention suddenly fixed on someone behind me. Perplexed, I turned to see who had captured their focus, and there he stood.

I could have sworn I heard one of those annoying receptionists mutter, "You're so dead now."

His gaze locked onto mine, and there was no surprise in his eyes. He approached me with purpose, acknowledging my presence with a simple, "You're here."

I nodded, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over me. It was as if he had been expecting me, which was oddly reassuring. At least I knew I wasn't intruding.

His steely gaze shifted above me, fixing on the receptionists. "If you want me to fire them, I will," he stated, his voice laced with authority.

Surprise flashed through me, noticing the seriousness in his gaze and tone as he addressed the receptionists. I turned to observe them, seeing their eyes lowered in fear, their apprehension palpable as they glanced at Ace, uncertain if he meant what he said.

Was he truly considering firing them on my behalf?