Page 14

Under the chandelier’s warm, golden glow, I sat in my expansive living room, cradling a glass of whiskey in my hand. The soft light draped over the room’s dark wood accents and plush, cream-colored furnishings, adding a sense of warmth and sophistication to the space.

The scent of old leather and the faint hint of smoke from the modern fireplace wafted through the air. The crackling flames cast flickering shadows across the walls, adding to the room’s ambiance. Towering floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering city skyline, the polished marble floor refracting their delicate silhouettes.

Seated on the plush couch with a hand over the headrest, a small smirk lined a corner of my lips. I stared blankly into space, the soothing silence of the living room punctuated by the occasional soft clink of ice in my glass.

I took a sip, my legs crossed. My mind was flooded with thoughts of my dear doctor and our little adventure the other night. I’d yet to get over her: her beauty, her smile, and the way her cheeks flushed at my remarks.

It was an incredible night—a night to remember—and I was certain that I’d reminisce about that date for a long time. Despite being on a date with me, she still hadn’t let her guard down, the professional part of lingering. However, by the end of the night, I got to spend some time with Clarice Evelyn, not the shrink assigned to me by the DA’s office.

I lifted the glass to my lips and took another sip, my mind drifting back to our conversation and the shocking truth it had revealed. Nothing could have prepared me for this revelation, and honestly, now I just wanted her even more.

My lips curled into a sly grin as I let myself recall the conversation.

“So, tell me, Clarice,” I began, leaning back in my chair, my eyes locked on hers. “What's the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?”

Her cheeks turned a pink hue, and she looked away for a fleeting moment, a smile playing on her cute, full lips. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not really the…adventurous type.” She let out a delicate chuckle, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Well, that’s a shame,” I teased, my grin retained. “You’re missing out on a whole lot of fun stuff.”

“Oh, trust me, your idea of fun and mine are not the same at all.” She laughed lightly, her perfect whites glittering in the lights.

“What’s your idea of fun?” I inquired, curiosity lacing my tone.

She exhaled sharply with that charming smile still playing on her lips. “I don’t know. Netflix and chill, maybe,” came her reply, her tone dripping with uncertainty.

My brows arched at her words. “With what, your cat?”

Clarice beamed, sipping from her flute. “I don’t have a cat. But thanks, I think I’ll consider that now.”

Her response cracked me up, and I didn’t realize when a light laugh escaped my lips. I hadn’t been this free and comfortable around a stranger before, and it sure felt really nice.

“In that case, I think you need to get a life—something other than your job,” I said, never taking my eyes off her.

Her shoulders slumped downward in a rather playful manner. “Maybe I'll do that, especially since everyone keeps telling me the same thing.” She paused for a moment, staring into my eyes before quickly breaking the silence between us. “Although, I do have a crazy idea in mind.” Her lips curled into a mischievous grin.

My eyes narrowed, and I leaned forward, intrigued. “Okay, I’m interested in hearing your ‘crazy’ idea,” I confessed, my voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

“Of course you are,” she teased and cleared her throat. “Well, I've always been scared of heights, and to conquer that fear, I’d like to go skydiving someday.”

“Skydiving?” I raised an eyebrow in surprise, my smile broadening as I stared at her. “That’s impressive.” I leaned back in my chair. “I wouldn’t have pegged you as the daredevil type.”

“Oh, trust me, I am not.” She laughed, slightly raising her hands in the air as if in opposition. “Chances are, I might not make it down to the ground alive.”

“Cut yourself some slack,” I said, my gaze pinned on her. “Focus on the good part. That adventure will help you conquer your fear, and it'll be fun, too.” I winked at her.

Clarice scoffed, her expression soft and her smile genuine. “Yeah, I can imagine.” She met my eyes, and for a moment, we just stared at each other again.

I could feel my heart throbbing in my chest, and the sensation jolting across my body was alien. I’d never felt this way before: relaxed, comfortable, and still somewhat nervous. Was I nervous? I hadn’t exactly found the right word for the way she made me feel, not yet, anyway.

The air was thick with tension, and the more we stared into each other’s eyes, the more I felt my heart race like a galloping horse.

My gaze dropped to her enticing full lips, drinking in the perfect curve and the bold shade of red painted over it. Her charming smile had me enchanted, and there was something about her that pulled me in like a moth to a flame.

I dared to take my gaze a little lower and settled on her cleavage. The tantalizing glimpse of her voluptuous curves shrouded by the fabric of her dress seemed to draw my attention. However, as pleasing as it was to stare at her bare skin, I was quick to look away, my gaze darting back to her eyes.

“What other crazy ideas have you cooked up in your mind?” I dared to press on in that aspect, driven by the tension hovering over us.

She looked right at me, her chest rising and falling steadily. But beneath that calm demeanor, I sensed her fear and anxiety. The subtle trembling of her lips betrayed her slipping composure, yet she masked her nervousness.

“I’m not sure,” she began, her manicured fingers pushing some loose strands behind her ear. Her eyes dropped to the table, and her voice fell below a whisper. “I think there are some…experiences I've yet to explore.” She paused, her eyes flying back to meet mine, her expression soft and endearing.

My head discreetly tilted to the side, and my eyes squinted in an attempt to understand her words. I had a feeling that I knew where she was headed with this, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.

She continued, her tone a little husky and sensual. “I've always been fascinated by the concept of firsts.” Clarice held my gaze, her chest heaving slowly. “You know…the thrill, the excitement, the uncertainty that comes with experiencing something for the first time.” The words were spoken one at a time, with a deliberate slowness that shifted the atmosphere to something more sensual.

My eyes narrowed, a small, knowing smile spreading across my face. She wasn’t talking about getting drunk for the first time or exceeding the speed limit while driving. No. She had just subtly told me that she was actually a virgin.

Back in my living room, I swiped a palm across my face, intrigued by the fact that she was still untouched. I sipped from my glass, my lips curling into a self-satisfied smirk. This revelation changed everything about my perception of her.

The thought of her innocence and the fact that she hadn’t been with a man before stirred up something primal within me. Now more than ever, I wanted her for myself. I wanted to claim her body, mind, and soul—to own her and make mine and mine alone.

This feeling brewing within me was an irresistible mix of fascination and possessiveness. It was a desperate need to own her, to claim her in ways that I’d yet to fully understand.

The attraction between us was subtle but undeniable. She wanted me as much as I wanted her, even though we both acted like we were in control of our feelings.

Why else would she reveal to me what seemed to be her secret? There was a magnetic pull between us, a force of attraction that we both couldn’t deny, but neither was willing to accept it yet.

However, after our dinner together, I concluded that denying what was clear as day was useless. The more I thought about her, the more my obsession for her grew. This feeling was mutual, and all it needed was just a spark to ignite the flames of passion burning within us.

Perhaps I’d start that fire and let it consume us both.

A mischievous grin tugged at the corners of my lips.

The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted my thoughts, snapping me back to the present. I sensed his presence even before he materialized in front of me, almost out of thin air.

Alex stood poised, his soft expression betraying his stoic gaze. “Sir, I have some news,” he began, his voice low and even. “But I’m afraid it’s not good.”

My brows knitted together, and I shifted my gaze to his, a pang of vexation swelling inside me. “If this is about Damon Barlow, save it,” I growled, my face contorting into a frown.

“It’s not,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “It’s about Clarice.”

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of her name, and I didn’t realize that I’d leaned forward, anticipating his report. I’d had Alex instruct some of my men to keep an eye on her—to monitor her every move and report back to me if they saw anything worth my time.

“What about her?” I asked, my voice deep and hushed, though my heart was hammering in my chest.

He’d begun his report by saying that he came bearing bad news. Now that I knew Clarice was involved in this, I couldn’t help the anxiety twisting my stomach into knots.

He hesitated for a moment. “She’s been involved in an accident, sir.”

My expression darkened immediately, and my jaw clenched as I tightened my grip around the glass until it shattered in my palms. The whiskey spilled over the floor, and pieces of the broken glass cut into my flesh, but I ignored the nasty stings.

Anger, frustration, and concern collided within me, prompting me to clench my fingers into fists. I rose to my feet, my blood boiling as I snatched my car keys from the side stool and stormed out.

“Let’s go,” I ordered Alex, my voice sharp and authoritative.

The mere thought of Clarice in harm’s way ignited a surge of protective anger within me, and I wasn’t going to rest until I knew she was fine.