Page 9 of Controlled By the Virgo

She'smine.

She's fuckingmine.

I'm never letting this woman go.

CHAPTERSIX

Valerie

I layon the tangled sheets of Van's luxury apartment in the city. I'm still breathless from our latest sexcapade. I glance at Van's strong back as he gazes out the window.

Ever since that day Van took me on the floor of his office, he's been ravenous for me. He corners me at work and fucks me in his office, and he finally talked me into coming over to his place after work today. I love the way he touches me, and the whole world seems to melt away when his lips are on mine.

There's an undeniable magnetic pull between us, a connection I can't quite comprehend, but my heart is heavy with confusion and anxiety, thinking about my mom's cancer treatments and the vast chasm that separates Van's world from mine. And that's not all.

"Van, what are we doing?" I ask softly, biting my lip as I struggle to put my thoughts into words. "I mean, this feels amazing, but I can't help feeling like there's a huge power gap between us."

He turns to face me, his piercing blue eyes searching mine for answers. He strokes my cheek tenderly. "Don't worry about anything, baby. I've got you."

I bite my lip, hating the way my heart skips a beat at his words. It's not that simple, though.

"But, Van," I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. "The way you coerced me into working for you... it doesn't sit right with me."

"Stop it, Valerie," Van growls as he pulls me close to him and holds me tightly.

Possessively.

As Van holds me close, I try to push aside my doubts and focus on the warmth of his body against mine. But my thoughts keep drifting to my mom.

Van must sense my tension because he takes my lips in a soul-searing kiss that short circuits my brain until all I'm thinking about is him and how good he feels inside me.

Van likes to be in control. He tells me what to do in the bedroom—and at work. But I know he hates that he can't control my thoughts.

So, he tries to distract me.

And right now, it feels good to let him do just that. I still don't know where this is going or what I'm going to do about Mom, but for now, I'll gladly give Van all the control he wants if he can take my mind off everything for just a little while.

* * *

The feel of Van's hands on my body lingers like a sweet melody. I try to shake it off, but the warmth spreads through me, leaving me confused and frustrated. I'm drowning in a sea of desire for a man whose world is galaxies away from mine. A billionaire executive with piercing blue eyes that seem to see right through me, while I'm just a nineteen-year-old waitress trying to make ends meet and take care of my mom.

My mom's cancer casts a dark shadow over everything, and instead of focusing on her, I find my thoughts drifting toward Van. How can I even begin to reconcile these feelings when there are so many obstacles between us? The power gap between us is as vast as an ocean, and I can't help but feel like a pawn in his game of control and dominance.

I remember the way he coerced me into working for him, and it doesn't sit right with me. But then, his soft touch and compassion shine through, and I'm torn. It's frustrating, and I hate feeling so vulnerable.

"Valerie," a voice snaps me out of my thoughts, "we need to talk."

I turn around to face Derek, Van's former personal assistant. He's a middle-aged man with a balding head and a potbelly that strains against his expensive suit. His brown eyes are sharp and calculating, resentment simmering beneath the surface. I've heard whispers about how much he despises me for replacing him.

"Alright, Derek. What do you want?" I ask, trying to sound brave.

"Van made a mistake hiring you. You're clearly not qualified," he sneers, cornering me against the wall of the office.

"Van saw potential in me," I defend myself, heart pounding in my chest because I know it's a lie. Van didn't see potential in me. He coerced me into this job as a way to control me.

"Potential?" Derek scoffs, his voice dripping with scorn. His eyes rake down me, making it clear what potential he thinks Van saw in me.

My cheeks flame in indignation.

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