Page 51 of Boss of Her

“The resentment she harbored for my father was far stronger than her love for me,” Simone said. “Everything she did—everything they both did—was to hurt each other. They didn’tcare what I wanted, what I needed. Eventually, I learned that I needed to look out for myself because no one else would.”

And when she turned eighteen and left home, neither of her parents made any attempt to stay in contact with her. Her mother lost herself in a bottle, drowning out her misery and resentment over her broken marriage. Her father simply disappeared.

Jade placed her hand on Simone’s chest. “That’s horrible. You were just a kid. You deserved better.”

“Perhaps. But everything I went through made me who I am. It made me determined that my life would be different. I resolved that I would never have to depend on anyone else, that I’d always have a stable home, the security I was missing as a child. I would build a life for myself, one that no one could tear away from me. And I’ve done that. It’s taken hard work, sacrifice, but I’ve done it.”

“And you think it’s all been worth it?” Jade asked.

“I do.” Simone turned to face Jade again. “Because it led to this singular moment. It led me to you.”

As she swept Jade into her arms again, a familiar voice rang out in the back of her mind.

Love makes you weak. You need to be strong.

Simone would allow herself to be weak for one night, no longer. Because what was between them could never be anything but a carnal affair.

Even if a part of her wanted something more.

CHAPTER 21

“Good morning.” Jade placed a cardboard tray holding two cups of coffee on Simone’s desk, taking one from it and sliding it towards her. “Here’s your coffee.”

Simone murmured a hello and picked up the coffee cup, her eyes not leaving her screen. Jade took a sip of her own coffee, tossing the cardboard tray in the recycling.

“Would you like to hear what’s on the schedule for today?” she asked.

“Go ahead,” Simone said.

“You have a call with the investors from New York at ten. You have lunch with Olivia De Leon to discuss her upcoming trip. And legal wants to meet with you next week to finalize the revisions to The Ashton Star contract.”

“Tell them we’ll meet on Tuesday. That will give me time to go over the changes.”

“Sure thing. And it’s Maxine from reception’s birthday. I ordered some flowers for her from you.”

“Good. One more thing.” Simone finally looked up at her. “Come here.”

Jade rounded the desk. Simone swiveled her chair around to face her, plucking the coffee from her hand and setting it downon her desk. Then she took Jade’s hands and pulled her onto her lap, smothering her gasp of surprise with a fiery kiss.

Jade murmured into her lips, heat rising inside her. She drew her hands down Simone’s chest, pushing back against her playfully.

“I thought we weren’t supposed to do this at work,” she said.

“Shut up and let me kiss you.” Simone pressed her lips to Jade’s again. “I couldn’t resist with you looking like that.”

So Simone had noticed her new outfit? Now that she had a steady paycheck, she’d decided to treat herself to some new clothes. She’d all but given up on finding nice clothes that flattered her figure, but the designer outfits Simone bought her had inspired her.

And while her new clothes weren’t designer, they were far more stylish than the outfits she normally wore to work, not to mention more daring. Today, she wore a short, royal blue sheath dress and black heels that were both fashionable and comfortable enough to wear all day. Her hair was loose, but styled in a way that kept it out of her face, and she’d added a touch of lipstick. Even Jade had to admit that she looked hot.

“What’s even sexier than that dress is the way you wear it,” Simone said. “I don’t know how I’m going to get anything done today when all I’ll be thinking about is the hundred different ways I could fuck you right here in my office.”

“Are you saying that just to make me blush?” Jade murmured.

“It’s working, isn’t it? And while I do love to make you blush, I’m saying it because I mean it.”

Jade’s cheeks burned even hotter. Ever since that night in the penthouse, Simone had all but given up on keeping everything between them professional at work. Sure, when others were around, they maintained the facade of being nothing more thanboss and assistant. But when they were alone, they were barely able to keep their hands off each other.

“I’m certainly going to miss this when my old assistant gets back,” Simone said. “For all her wonderful qualities, you’re much better at serving me in the ways that really matter.”

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