Finally, she shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary. I can take care of my living situation. I’d hate to inconvenience you. Please.” With her fierce plea, I know I won’t be able to convince her otherwise for now.

I drop the topic. She gets a cab and I watch her leave. Within the week, I notice that she arrives late, her attention is elsewhere, or her clothes are rumpled. I watch her, trying to smooth the creases of her skirt as she stands in front of me. I can’t bear her helpless look any longer. I’ll be the bad guy in this instance. I can’t let the issues she’s facing affect her performance as my assistant.

“Chasmin, you’ve been slacking off at your job, and it’s affecting your performance, and inadvertently the company.” She looks shocked and bites her lip. “I see your living condition is affecting your performance as my assistant. You know this job requires a hundred percent of your attention. Hence, I’m giving you two choices. Either you move in with me for the meantime till you’re able to afford somewhere better, or you quit working as my assistant to spare yourself from the stress of the job.”

I watch her closely, waiting for her decision. I’m not worried that she’ll pick the latter choice. She needs the job.

“I… okay, Lance. I appreciate this. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”

I laugh. “You’re always on your best behavior, Chasmin. Relax. I’ll take you to my place tonight. Get back to work.”

When she leaves, I wonder if I made the right decision. Having her in my penthouse and being attracted to her will make it hard for me to keep my hands off her.There’s no going back.After work, I follow her to the motel. I help her move her things into my car. We arrive at the Rosii residential estate, where my penthouse is located. We take the elevator to the top floor. Entering my apartment, I turn on the light to the spacious foyer.

“Welcome to my home. Let me show you to your room.” The awe and fascination on her face holds no greed. I take her hand, leading her to the room I prepared for her.

She opens the door, looking into the room. “Oh, my…”

“You’ll be staying here from now on. Get comfortable.”

“Sincerely, thanks. You won’t regret this, Lance.” She holds my hand, squeezing it lightly.

My heart beats faster, and I look at her lips wanting to kiss her.I don’t think I won’t.“Good. Excuse me.” I reluctantly take my hand from hers, leaving her alone.

Chapter 3

CHASMIN

Ipressmybackagainst the door, my heart racing. I press my hand to my chest in an effort to calm the erratic beating of my heart. The smell of him lingers in the room. I imagine him kissing me at the door, taking my breath away. How can I stay under his roof with my attraction to him being so deep?

He's my boss, and for the past week, I’ve been working hard to control myself and keep a professional distance.But he gave me no choice!I sigh, walking to the queen-sized bed.

With my emotions under control, I think back to everything that has led to this. The ladies gossiping openly about my living conditions, knowing I’m there, Lance finding out and offering me help, and ultimately being here. I feel a twinge of shame, knowing half the company knows I lived in a motel. Most of my anger is directed at Paul, and I feel a deep sadness toward Mom. She still calls to check up on me, but the hurt is still fresh from that day.

Suppressing my hurt, I take in the view of the room. It is spacious and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a stunning view of the city’s skyline. The furniture is modern and sleek, with a touch of glamor in the gold accents and velvet cushions. The walls are adorned with abstract paintings, creating a contrast with the minimalist design of the room.

I walk to the closet, opening the door to see it’s a walk-in with a full-length mirror in the middle. Everything screams luxury. My appreciation of Lance shoots through the roof. I need to find a way to repay him, but how? Whatever I give him won’t match the luxury tie he wears.

I clench my jaw, hoping to find a way to repay him. From today, I will start living in his home. I go to the bed; the difference in my comfort and sleep is plain the way I wake up the next morning. The soft light filtering into the room casts a hazy dreamy ambiance.

I sit up in bed, stretching my arms. Smiling brightly, I get out of bed. I tie my robe securely before leaving the room. I might not have the wealth needed to pay Lance back, but I can prepare meals as a little thank you. I leave the room, stepping into a corridor with a plush carpet. I head to the living area.

I feel a sense of awe as I enter it. It is wide and bright with a high ceiling and a chandelier that sparkles like diamonds. The walls are adorned with paintings and sculptures that give the space an elegant look. The furniture is white and plush, inviting me to sit. In the corner is a grand piano, likely there for a sense of sophistication. I walk on a lush gray rug to the large windows that offer a breathtaking view of the city. The rising sun casts an ethereal glow on the skyscrapers. It’s so grand that I stand rooted to the spot.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Lance’s deep smooth voice sneaks up my back, drilling into my ears. My body tingles with warmth.

“It is. I can’t look away.” I breathe out, trying to get my excitement under control. It doesn’t work. He stands behind me, the warmth from his body surrounding me.

“I’m glad you like it. I chose this spot due to its view. Have this.” He stands beside me, handing me a mug of coffee. “Full cream just how you like it.” He smiles, clinking his black coffee mug with mine.

I can’t help smiling back. He’s so majestic with his ruffled morning hair, his bare chest showing his sculpted body, and the V-line drawing my eyes to the thin fabric of his nightwear. And those veins,my God. The slight bulge of his member makes me blush. I’ve never found a man this sexy before.

I look away, sipping my drink to hide my embarrassment. “Thanks for the drink and letting me stay here.” I say seriously to convey my sincerity.

He is silent. He's so tall that I always have to look up at him. He savors his coffee, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down. He licks his lips, winking when he sees me staring. “If you keep on saying thank you for every little thing I do for you, then I’ll have to kiss you each time.”

I gape, staring at him with anticipation and hesitation. Is this a threat or what?

“It seems that shuts you up pretty good.” He leans down, raising his hand to sweep his hair out of his face, giving me a peek of his pubes. Every move of his is so seductive.God, why is he so handsome?This is a temptation from the devil.