The second I stepped into Sabrina's apartment, I dropped my bag and collapsed dramatically onto her velvet couch.

"Tell me everything, how was the first day of work," she demanded, handing me a glass of wine before I'd even taken off my shoes.

I groaned, "It was... a lot."

Sab raised a brow. "That's not a real answer. You met him, didn't you?" she said moving towards me while stroking my curls 

I took a long fortifying sip before answering. "Yes. Cade Thorne. My boss, New York's Adonis, is every woman's dream.  And he is every bit as dangerous as the rumors said."

Her eyes widened. "Dangerous-hot or dangerous-dangerous?"

"Both." I sank deeper into the cushions. "The library is unreal, Sab. Like something out of a gothic dream, mahogany shelves, frescoed ceilings, the works were all first editions. But the second I was alone, he showed up in some white sleeves unbuttoned, muscles popping with large veins, and"

"SLUT!!!"Sab smacked my arm giggling

Sab's mouth curled into a knowing smirk. "Let me guess. He happened  to drop by for a casual chat?"

"If by chat, you mean eye contact that could set my pussy on fire? Then yes, we chatted."

Her laughter was sharp. "God, I'm living for this already. What did he say or do?"

"He asked if I was admiring his family's history." I mimicked his low, velvety, teasing tone, then blushed at the memory of our library hanky-panky.

 "Sab, he stood so close I could feel his breath. He's like... fierce, sexy, Intense. He says the kind of things that make your knees buckle"

"Girl," Sab grinned, swirling her wine. "You are royally screwed."

"Urgh, I wanna keep it professional, but I can't, I don't think straight when he's near me".I said as my voice lowered.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table. I peeked at the screen and froze.

My stomach dropped and flipped at the same moment. "It's him."

Sab scrambled over beside me, her wine forgotten. "Put it on speaker," she instructed

"Absolutely not." My heart rammed against my ribs threatening to burst out as I stood and walked to the balcony, my cheeks pink and hurting from blushing. My thumb hovered over the green icon, then I took a breath and answered.

"Mr. Thorne," I said, trying to keep my voice calm, curt, and professional.

"Isla." His voice was velvet over smoke. "Eleanor's called in sick."

"Oh," I blinked. "I hope she's alright."

"She'll live and that leaves me without a handler for the Drenmoor art auction."

"Oh..."I gulped, my throat tight.

 You're coming with me."He cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I blinked. "The art auction in Marseilles?"I. questioned

"Yes Isla, we leave at six, pack light"

My heart skipped a beat. "Of course, sir."

He was quiet for a beat too long. "Isla."

"Yes sir?"

"Bring something that makes you..."He paused as if I could hear him selecting his words.

"Never mind Isla, have a great night"

The line went dead but I continued to stare at my phone as it had just whispered secrets to me.

Sab popped her head out. "What was that look?"

"He said to bring something that makes me feel powerful."

She gaped, then squealed. "You're flying to France with your tall, brooding boss who may or may not want to undress you with his tongue."

I didn't answer. My mind was already racing.

Three days alone with Cade Thorne.

God help me.

CADE'S POV:

She smelled like vanilla and books. The moment I leaned against that library doorframe and saw Isla Campbell tracing her fingers over the edge of my desk, I knew I was in trouble.

But I was the one who broke first. The way she trembled when I got close, the way her lips parted like she was already halfway to moaning my name...

She says we have to be professional, but the way her body reacted otherwise

Now, I had three days to prove it.

When Eleanor called in sick, I didn't hesitate. I told Isla she was coming. The auction was the perfect excuse. 

But I'd barely hung up the phone when the real complication arrived.

My stepbrother. My rival in everything that mattered...business, reputation, and legacy. None other than Lucan Thorne.

The moment we stepped into the Drenmoor estate's atrium, Lucan appeared like a devil conjured from smoke and salt. Tall, sharp-suited, smirking, and already looking at her like she was dessert to devour.

"Well, well," he said smoothly, his eyes raking over Isla with a slow, appreciative gaze. "You've finally found taste, Cade. Who's this?"

"My historian," I said tightly.

Isla offered her hand politely, and Lucan took it, brushing his lips against her knuckles. "I'm fascinated and lucky me,  I'll be spending the next few days surrounded by beauty and intellect. A rare combination".

I stepped between them before she could respond. "We're here to work, Lucan"

He just smiled that infuriating smile. "Of course. Just don't be surprised if she decides she prefers someone with better manners."

He walked off, the scent of cologne and challenge trailing behind him.

I turned to Isla. She was watching Lucan, brow furrowed, lips parted in curiosity

"Don't trust him," I said, voice low.

"Is that professional advice?"A flicker of defiance in her voice as she asked teasingly.

"No, Isla," I said, eyes locked on hers. "That's personal."

IN THE HOTEL

"You need to stay away from Lucan, he is trouble" Cade yelled holding both my shoulders not hurting but firm.

"Why..."i stuttered 

"He looked nice and..."

"You listen to me when I give you orders Isla, I am your boss and employer"

Cade's voice boomed across the room shaking me to my core, his eyes red and not blinking, jawline hard. I could see he was visibly angry, something was up and I was going to find out.

I stormed out of his room, before twisting the doorknob, Cade called on me but boss or not, he doesn't get to yell at me as he did.

"Goodnight sir," I said loud enough for him to hear as I stormed out of his room, while the tears threatened to roll down my cheeks.

ISLA'S POV:

"Urggggghhhh" I groaned falling backwards on my bed, the plush duvet swallowing me

Despite my anger, a thread of guilt wove through me storming out of his room was unprofessional. He's my boss and my...

"Aaaaaahhhhhhhh, don't want to think about him anymore" I yelled into my pillow.

I tossed and turned trying to find the best part of the bed that would make me fall asleep. Every position felt constricting. I'm hot and bothered, and all I could think of was those heated glances, every low flirty word muttered from some hot male one room apart.

Frustrated, I roughly tied my robe and wore my flip-flops as I walked out of my room, I needed water, maybe some air.

 I yanked open my door and was immediately met with the smell of sandalwood.

My boss stood before me with gray sweatpants, wet hair dripping onto his bare broad shoulders.

I clenched my thighs together.

The world be damned at this point.

CADE POV:

Why did I yell at her like that? She looked so scared. I need to apologize and explain to her calmly.

"Isla, I'm sorry I..." too weak.

"Miss Campbell, just listen to instructions and we are good..." too authoritative

I cleared my throat," Next time, be a good girl for daddy and..."

I dragged a hand over my face." Get a grip, Thorne".

"I need to fix this now,"

I dragged myself to the shower for a quick bath, throwing on some sweatpants to go see my... my what actually?

Getting to her door, I knocked softly and twisted the doorknob only to be met by a familiar scent that went straight to my groin.

Vanilla.

She looked heavenly as the light filled her face. Her skin shone, her doe eyes had an expression I couldn't decipher, her plump lips parted, and her curly hair cascaded down to her waist.

Damn...I never knew her hair was that long. It was always in a tight bun. Her nipples hardened in her flimsy robe which did no justice in trying to conceal them, and I felt my briefs tighten.

She cleared her throat, bringing me back to reality

I stared at her and started:" I..."

"I'm sorry..."We chorused together.

"All right go first," I said

She started to speak and all I could do was stare at her lips as her words trailed into the night.

Damn everything she's saying, her apology, I don't care anymore 

"Isla," I said, stopping her from talking 

"Yes...Mr Thorne"

"Use those lips for something else"

Huh," I didn't let her think as I slammed my lips on hers, closing the distance between us.

Neither of us could hear the faint camera clicking as we were lost in our world.

Cade pulled me into my room without breaking the kiss. His kiss wasn't gentle; it was a claiming kiss. Which trailed from my jawline down to my neck, stopping to suckle as well.

He peppered kisses from my neck down to my hardened nipple and traced his tongue around my swollen bud, squeezing, flicking, and sucking.

"Let me worship you like the queen that you are Isla".His voice was a low vibration that echoed within me.

"Allow me to bend you, baby, let me hear my name on your lips" He muttered against my stomach

His fingers found the tie of my robe and loosened it. The silk robe fell open and his fingers dug into my pussy making me squirm and my back arched off the bed with a gasp.

"Cade..."I moaned.

He kept on working my vaginal walls circling his thumb on my sensitive bud as his teeth grazed my earlobe. Pushing his finger deeper while stretching and preparing me, he deepened the kiss, his thumb left my pussy  to twist and tease my hardened bud. I cried out in bliss.

"You're so wet for me baby" he whispered as he pulled out his fingers bringing them to his lips while sucking them off. The sight was so erotic that a fresh wave of desire pooled low in my belly.

Cade tugged the robe off my shoulders as he dove down my nether lips, with one sharp snap he took off my panties and replaced them with his hot incessant lips.

"Oh my Gosh Cade...please" my fingers found their way to his silky hair as I pushed his head deeper. Steadying my thighs with both hands, he inserted his tongue into my wet pussy and lapped on my juices eliciting the most unholy sounds from me

"I want you, Cade "I begged.

A dark smirk covered his lips"Say that again"

"Cade please"

"Please, tell me what you want baby," He said lifting his head, his lips were glistening

Fuck me Cade please" I pleaded, shameless in my need.

"It's a good thing we're not at the estate" he smirked

"Why is that?"I asked looking confused

"So no one can hear you scream while I fuck that tight pussy of yours".

At this point I couldn't wait anymore, Cade rose above me as he positioned himself. The broad head of his cock pressed against my entrance pushing his thick cock into my tight pussy. I gasped at the size as his dick stretched me. He plunged his cock slowly, relentlessly into my tight walls as I  pulled him closer using my legs tangled around him so I could feel all of him.

My eyes fluttered open as I looked down on his hips where we've been joined. I could feel his cock twitch in excitement as he stroked me slowly, agonizing in pure torture, gliding his tip in and out, and pushing back.

He lifted his hips and stayed above me for a while, I dug my nails into his broad shoulders silently begging him in silent desperate plea to fill me back. He answered by slamming his cock picking up a pace, his breath on my neck as he groaned my name. It took everything in me not to come undone beneath him immediately.

Cade maintained a steady deep rhythm, pushing his hard thick cock in and out, both hands palming my breasts as he continued to pound me tirelessly. My mind went cloudy with lust and ecstasy overflowing me to the brim.

His cock slammed deeper into my sensitive parts hitting places I never knew existed within me sparking fireworks within me. I stared into his dark, hungry gaze, muffling my moans by biting my lower lip.

It was as if Cade could read my thoughts because without wasting time breaking his rhythm, he rubbed my clit in tight, frantic circles and kept on pounding. The added pleasure intensified and edged me closer to my orgasm. My body quivered as I squeezed my inner muscles tighter around his cock while he pounded me, the wet sound of his balls hitting me filled the room harmonizing with his husky groans.

His thrusts became rapid and erratic, my fingers squeezing the sheets as I allowed the wave of my first orgasm of the night to hit me, swirling as I convulsed underneath Cade releasing a blinding and shattering flood of ecstasy.

I knew he was close as his thrusts were harder. In a swift, shocking motion, Cade pulled his dick out and spilled on my boobs and stomach.

He looked down on me, sexy, and hot; his chest heaving. An impulsive thought quickly came to my mind as I spread his cum, the evidence of our passionate night around my boobs, and brought my glistening fingers to my lips licking them off.

The satiated sexy look Cade had was replaced with a dark, primal look.

His cock which was beginning to soften hardened against my thigh.

"Turn over Isla," he commanded. His voice was a deep rasp."Get on all fours".

---

We had a passionate night and I barely got time to sleep until morning.

I got up to pee and could barely walk properly as my pussy tingled while I moved. After brushing my teeth and taking a quick shower, I stepped back into my room and was greeted by Cade standing butt naked in front of me, his already cock pointed towards me making me squeeze my legs. He noticed and smirked.

"We should shower together next time, get ready, we have a flight to catch," he said, throwing on his clothes. With one final knowing glance, he stepped out of my room.

My phone buzzed with strings of messages from Sab. I carefully opened them and was stunned.

I was trending on social media, a picture of me and Cade kissing was displayed with the caption: "Cade's new plaything?"

The air left my lungs as I stared motionless.

I couldn't breathe as I got a text from an unknown number saying: "I'M CLOSE, YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE".

Everything changed in an instant. The ground suddenly felt unsteady beneath my feet and my reality shifted.

One minute I was staring at Cade's retreating, my body still humming from his touch and reeling in ecstasy; the next I was plunged into a reality of shock and terror.

My phone felt heavier than usual as sweat trickled down my spine with uneven breaths while I stared at the photo of Cade and me, locked in a desperate kiss. My head was thrown back, his hands tangled in my curls while both legs gripped his waist. My stomach churned from embarrassment. 

The picture was a bit blurry, taken from afar but it was unmistakably us. The caption burned my eyes, making them water:" Cade's new plaything?"

"Plaything" The air left my lungs violently. The word ruined a sensual, blissful experience, and all it mattered to me. 

My career, my professional reputation suddenly torn apart in a single viral moment. The hate comments, and death threats from unknown numbers.

My life is royally screwed from the public humiliation unfolding online. I let the tears flow freely.

"Isla, you ready? The car would be here soon" Cade's voice laced with authority came from the other side of the door.

I couldn't let him see me cry as I wiped my tears and hurriedly tried to put myself together.

"Isla?" Cade called impatiently.

"Just a minute sir" My voice strained as I scrambled into my clothes. I felt every ache and sensation while I picked my clothes from the floor; a reminder of my night with my boss.

How stupid of me.

I looked at myself in the mirror trying to hide my red marks from the rest of the world. 

My eyes are puffy from crying, my lips swollen from kisses. I didn't look like a respected historian. It looked like the caption described me as a "plaything".

I splashed cold water on my face, fixed my hair, and applied a little blush on my cheeks. I had a job to do at the Thorne's estate.

I finally opened the door with a straight face that was ready to crack. 

"I hate to be kept waiting" His voice boomed in the hallway. The hunger in his eyes is now replaced with a sharp pointed look that screams "business".

"I'm sorry s.."

"Meet me downstairs," he said cutting me off and staring intently at me, softness returning to his eyes.

"Everything alright?" he asked.

"Yes sir, just tired" I lied

A smirk spread across his lips as he muttered "You should".

--

The flight back home was painfully silent. We sat in the plush seat of his private jet, the space between us was filled with everything we weren't saying. The memory of our bodies, our sweat mixed, his release on my boobs, how he made me say daddy repeatedly while he fucked me from the back. It all hung in the air, thick and unacknowledged 

He worked from his tablet, frowning at his documents. I could tell that he was stressed. His two top buttons were undone and all I wanted to do was just...

"Get a grip Isla"

I scolded myself and stared out the window at the endless clouds, seeing only the word "I'M CLOSE" which sent Cold shivers down my spine giving me goosebumps and forcing me into a deep sleep.

I woke up with a soft tap on the shoulder.

"Ma'am, we've arrived at the estate,"  the chauffeur said holding the door while I blinked in confusion.

"Mr Cade carried you to the car" I nodded as I watched him walk to the estate door.

Getting down, I tried to catch up with him walking in hurried steps as he continued striding towards the door.

He twisted the doorknob and stopped making me bump into his broad back.

He eyed me suspiciously and shoved his hands into his pocket."Isla about last night..." he spoke, his voice stiff not breaking eye contact.

"It was a mistake that can't happen again, the foundation project is way too important to be ruined by some...Isla, pretend it never happened."

I stood motionless remembering one word "plaything".

--

The longest walk of my life was from the front door of the Thorne estate to my office which Eleanor showed me before I went on my trip with Cade. It felt eerily silent and comfortable. I had a work laptop, a work phone on my desk, and some files.

I immediately got to work, the quicker I finished this job, the better for me and my mental health. I sorted out some files and pieced together some letters which I planned to take home to arrange. Going through some business transactions receipts, I failed to notice a shadow cast on my desk until a man cleared his throat; a soft apologetic sound.

"Mr Lucan" I stood up straightening my skirt, extending my hand for a shake.

"Miss Campbell... Luke if you like me, Lucan if you don't" He said kissing the back of my hand.

"Mr Thorne, it's nice to have you...have a seat please" He gave me a cheeky smile while my stomach growled loudly.

"Someone's hungry... Miss Campbell have you had a proper meal today or baby brother doesn't feed you? Lucan asked making me feel more embarrassed.

"I..."

"Meet me downstairs Isla, I don't like to wait," Lucan said cutting me short. I grabbed my bag and joined him downstairs whilst trying to ignore an angry Cade. I wondered why they hate themselves so much and I was going to find out

"Isla, it seems you have no work to do?" Cade spat, cocking his eyebrows.

"Relax brother, it's her lunch break she'd be back in no time" Lucan retorted with a pat on Cade's shoulders.

"Isla, to my office now!"Cade's voice boomed as he clenched his fist. I could feel the tension rising and a smirk on Eleanor's face, wondering whose side she was on.

"Don't be a killjoy" Lucan said in between laughs as he pulled me into his parked limousine.

Cade stormed into the mansion, with an indifferent Eleanor trying to catch up.