Page 10 of Controlled By the Virgo

"Maybe he wanted someone with a fresh perspective," I retort, trying to keep my composure.

"Or maybe he just wanted a new plaything." Derek's eyes narrow, and I feel a chill run down my spine. The implication hangs in the air between us, heavy and suffocating.

And what I hate most about it?

It’s fucking true.

* * *

The next day at work, I catch Derek glaring at me from across the room. His face is a twisted mess of bitterness and indignation as he watches me. He folds his arms tightly across his chest, and I can practically hear the gears turning in his head.

"Valerie!" Van calls out from behind his desk, his voice commanding yet warm. "Could you come here for a moment?"

"Of course," I reply, trying not to let my nerves show as I approach him. As I stand before him, our eyes lock, and I feel the heat rising in my cheeks, remembering our passionate encounter. My stomach flutters with butterflies, but I'm also filled with uncertainty. The power dynamics between us are impossible to ignore, and it's hard to shake the feeling that I'm being manipulated.

"Have you had a chance to type up that report I asked for?" Van asks, breaking the spell.

I nod, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. "Yes, I'm almost done with it."

"Great," he smiles, and there's a warmth in his eyes that makes my heart skip a beat. "Let's go over it later." His eyes hold a promise that makes my cheeks flame. By "go over it," I'm sure he means bend me over his desk like he did yesterday after everyone went home.

I hate my body for instantly getting wet at the thought.

"Sounds good," I manage to say, turning to walk away before Derek's venomous gaze can find me.

As I return to my desk, I notice Derek lurking nearby, watching me with a predatory intensity that sends shivers down my spine. He leans against the wall, arms crossed, and his lips curl into a cruel sneer. It's clear he's been eavesdropping, and I can only imagine what thoughts are running through his vindictive mind.

"Listen, sweetheart," Derek says, stepping closer to me and closing the distance between us. "Everyone knows why you're here. You're just Van's latest toy. And once he gets bored, you'll be tossed aside like the low-class piece of trash you are."

"Shut up, Derek," I snap, my blood boiling with anger and embarrassment. "You don't know anything about me."

"Of course I do," he smirks. "I know exactly how you got this job."

With a snarl, Derek stalks away, leaving me trembling with rage and humiliation. It doesn't take long for the whispers to start, and soon everyone in the office is casting sidelong glances and smirking behind their hands.

"Did you hear?" one co-worker asks another. "She slept her way to the top."

"Figures," the other responds, rolling their eyes. "What else is new?"

Hearing the rumors spread like wildfire, my heart sinks, and I can feel the walls closing in on me.

And suddenly I don't care about my stupid deal with Van anymore. All I can think about is getting the hell out of here.

So, I run.

CHAPTERSEVEN

Van

I standin the sterile hospital hallway, heart pounding in my chest as I finalize the arrangements for Valerie's mother's cancer treatment. I can't help but feel a sense of urgency to ease their burdens, even if it means doing so secretly. The last thing I want is for Valerie to think she owes me anything.

"Everything will be taken care of, Mr. Carter," the oncologist assures me, shaking my hand firmly before disappearing behind the door marked "Staff Only."

I exhale deeply and force myself to walk back to my office, my mind racing with thoughts of Valerie—her fierce independence, her vulnerability, and the way she makes me feel alive for the first time in years.

When I return, my assistant informs me that Valerie has fled work, leaving behind a whirlwind of rumors. My blood runs cold as I catch whispers of coworkers suggesting she was nothing more than a plaything for me. Rage boils inside me; how dare they reduce her to such a degrading status?

"Shut the fuck up, or you're all fired," I warn, my voice tight with barely contained fury. The entire room goes silent as all eyes turn to me.

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