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.

The car ride was a world away from Cade's tense silent treatment, sandalwood scent, and Eleanor's pointed stare. Guess she has seen the comments and told her boss already.

"You look like you're on your way to your execution, not some lunch break," Lucan said, gazing at me.

I unclenched my hand in my lap, took a deep breath, and relaxed my back on the posh seats.

The car glided to a halt outside the elegant restaurant. Lucan didn't wait for the chauffeur, instead, he opened my door himself and guided me inside with a light hand on the small of my back.

We sat at a quiet secluded table. I nervously checked my phone since it's been vibrating in my bag.

Three missed calls from Sab, she probably wants the latest gists. I'd call her back, I thought, shoving the phone back into my bag.

Lucan began after we ordered "Now let's talk about why a professional historian is sorting through old, dusty receipts and being publicly humiliated by my brother's...

"You've seen it?"I flinched in my seat.

"The photo? It's hard to miss. The Thorne family has a dedicated gossip column. Isla, my point is that the word does discredit you. I read your paper on Venetian trade routes. It was brilliant. You shouldn't be Cade's secret shame."

I bowed my head in disappointment.

"But my prized asset," he added.

I blinked in confusion."The foundation project is important Mr Thorne, and I intend to see it through"

"I admire your loyalty, even when misplaced." He leaned forward, his eyes intense and sincere.

"Come work for me," he whispered.

I nearly choked on my water. "What!!"

I'm starting a new venture Isla, a private archival and acquisition firm that includes clients who need experts like you to authenticate and procure historical artifacts."

I remained calm trying to process everything.

"It's the work you were born to do."He added, reaching for my hand on the table.

"And not playing secretary to a man who can't keep his hands off his employees. The pay is double what Cade is giving you Miss Campbell and the reputation... well, it would be built on your hard work, not your... associations."

The offer hung in the air, captivating and dangerous at the same time. It was everything I wanted. My one shot at fulfillment. But it felt like betrayal.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur of delicious food and Lucan's persuasive conversations. By the time we were done, it was pouring heavily and Lucan had to rush to work. He insisted on taking me back to the mansion but I declined because I needed some time alone.

He gave me his card and told me to call him if I had a change of heart.

The heavy downpour was replaced by a drizzle and I decided to walk home instead of taking a cab. Ten minutes later and I'm drenched from the "drizzle"

Should have just let Lucan drop me off, I thought inwardly.

I fumbled with my keys before pushing the apartment door open while taking off my shoes and setting them aside.

"Sab...I could use some hot coffee" I said as I stepped into the dining area.

"I'm sorry Isla... I called" Sabrina said throwing me into a state of confusion.

"Enjoyed your lunch?

My heart leaped into my throat and I was met with my infamous boss. He was still in his suit, but his tie was gone, and his top button undone. The look in his eyes was not of business but primal and raw.

"Mr. Cade, what are you doing here? How did you get in?"

The missed calls from Sab; she wasn't going to gossip but was trying to warn me.

He moved towards me with a slow predatory gaze."You let Lucan of all people take you out after I warned you"

"You don't own me" I whispered, my body trembling, but not from the cold.

"Don't I?" He said moving towards me. His scent envelops my nose. His fingers traced the wet fabric of my blouse making my nipple harden against my bra, his touch burning my skin as he traced His fingers down my arm.

"Isla, I wouldn't be back till tomorrow" Sab yelled winking at me and mouthing "Have fun"

"Let me go, you need to let me go Mr Thorne" I tried to free myself from Cade but he grabbed me with both hands and pulled me closer.

" I know I told you to forget everything and it was a mistake, but Isla, seeing you with him...I can't forget. I can still taste you on my lips" His confession made me weak.

All the confusion, hurt, and humiliation melted under the heat of his gaze."I need to feel you..." He breathed on my neck, his palm squeezing my boobs. A gasp escaped me but it was swallowed by his mouth as he crashed his lips onto mine. He dove his tongue down my throat, grabbed my ass while pressing his hard bulge against my crotch. 

I was pressed against the wall while Cade continued devouring my mouth in a frantic, desperate, jealous rage. He slipped his hand under my shirt and ripped off my bra in one swift motion. I hesitated for a moment, making him slap my ass, causing me to moan and finally kissing him back.

One hand was at the back of my head holding me in place and the other was traveling down my skirt fondling my pussy. He bent me over the dining table, raising my skirt and spanking my ass.

"You're mine," He growled above me

"Tell me you're mine," He said, guiding his hard cock to my wet entrance making both of us moan. 

I was lost, my whole being shaken with desire and need for one thing I can't seem to get enough of "My boss' cock"

"Who do you belong to Isla?" he demanded, pulling my hair back while tightening his grip on my hair.

"You daddy, I belong to you," I said, biting my lower lip, and waited for him. He teased my wet pussy with his two fingers before sliding in.

"Never forget you're mine" He commanded, driving harder and deeper into me.

I let out a loud moan and gripped the table as he began pounding relentlessly with his palm placed carefully around my neck followed by his deep moans.

He turned me to face him and lifted up while walking towards my room. He carefully laid me on the bed, and continued with his torturous stroke sending me to the ninth cloud.

As we lay breathless still tangled in the sheets, bodies covered in sweat, the rain pattering on the window; Lucan's offer a million miles away, I drifted off in my own world; I was still his plaything and in the heat of his touch, a part of me was terrified to admit how much I still crave it.

And before my eyelids finally shut, I heard a faint "I'm sorry baby" whispered against my ear.

The sun rose with a slow, warm cheeriness peering through the window into Isla's room. Her scent of vanilla filled my nose, her curls scattered over my chest as she snores softly."Gosh, I could get used to this"

Her back was pressed against my chest, ass peeking out making my crotch excited, while my arm locked around her waist; holding her while it lasted.

The world was silent except for the sound of our breathing and her light snores. The frantic energy of the night before; the jealousy, the raw claiming passion has gone away, leaving behind a strange feeling- peace?

This feeling seems different. The other time at the hotel, the library had been about possession, trying to prove a point I couldn't even understand myself. But now, this...this feels like I'm surrendering to my tiny little historian. She has me wrapped around her fingers.

I tried to keep my breath even with hers while she slept, wanting to prolong this fragile warmth. The Thorne in me knew this was a vulnerability I couldn't afford. But, the primal and possessive part of me pulled her closer.

She was mine and seeing her with Lucan had unleashed something in me, a possessiveness so deep it felt like a physical ache. But having her here in my arms felt like the beast had been calmed.

She stirred, attempting to put distance between us. I couldn't allow it. "Stop moving too much Campbell" I murmured into her hair.

She stilled "Cade..."

"In the flesh baby," I answered winking at her.

She blushed immediately, covering her face with her palms.

The sound of my name on her lips did something to my insides. I buried my face behind her ear inhaling her scent.

"Five more minutes baby, the world can wait," I said trying to convince her.

She laced her fingers over mine where they rested on her stomach and something deep in my chest, something I kept locked down for years gave a painful resonant thud. This was a beautiful chaotic mistake.

When I finally let go of her, she turned to face me with wide doe eyes. She looked ravished by me, with hickeys scattered over her neck, her lips swollen from kisses...I could get used to this look. It was breathtaking.

"Good morning," I said with a raspy voice.

"Morning" she shyly whispered back.

I reached out and tucked a curl behind her ears, my knuckles brushed her soft cheek and I saw her breath catch, the trust in her eyes...I could get lost in them. I need to regain myself.

"I'm making breakfast" I announced, swinging myself out of her bed. I needed to be occupied to stop myself from unraveling her all over again.

She appeared at the doorway of the kitchen, wearing a loose worn-out T-shirt, watching me with an interested look.

"Who knew Cade Thorne was domestic?" she asked.

I glanced back at her smirking. "Contrary to popular beliefs, I wasn't born behind a CEO's desk, as an only child, I simply evolved and learnt how to cook because I'm a picky eater." I said, winking at her." 

That was simply the truth, I didn't tell her about the years before the Thorne name meant anything. Those were scars I didn't want to share.

We ate in silence, both lost in our thoughts ignoring the outside world. But we both had an issue that we needed to address.

I set my fork down as I spoke, "The photo"

She flinched in embarrassment as she dropped her gaze to her plate, sending a wave of anger through me. Not at her, but at the intruder, and for myself for putting her in this mess.

"I saw," she said, her voice low.

My PR team is handling it" I laid out the plan, my voice cool, the professional, efficient CEO in me taking over.

It was the only way out. "Firstly, we emphasize your qualifications, then we frame the photo as a breach of privacy. I have Eleanor and the PR team on it, rest assured the media would forget about it in no time."

But I felt like a liar, because that kiss was from pure, unadulterated need

Then she asked the one question that made my heart flip, "And what about... us?"

"Us"?? The word hung in the air, fragile and dangerous. There could be no 'us.' 'Us' was a liability.'Us' was a distraction I couldn't afford. There could be no "us" in the word "Thorne"

"There is no 'us,' Isla," I said, my voice harder than I intended, while her face dropped. I had to make her understand. I had to build the wall back up. "Not in the way the world needs to define it. There is this." I gestured between us, a blunt acknowledgment of the undeniable chemistry. "That doesn't change your job. We will be professional at the estate. What happens outside of it... remains outside of it." I answered.

I saw the flicker of hurt in her eyes before she masked it, and it felt like a physical blow. She nodded, accepting my terms. "Okay."

But I couldn't leave it there. The other, greater threat still loomed. LUCAN. The mere thought of him speaking to her, of his lies sinking into her mind, made my blood run cold and boil at the same time.

"There's something else I need to discuss with you; it's Lucan."

Her defiance returned, a spark in her beautiful brown eyes. "You keep saying that, you keep telling me to stay away from him, but you never say why. He's been nothing but polite to me."

And then she delivered the blow I should have seen coming. "He even offered me a job, he wants me to stop working for you and start working for him."

"Of course he did, that cunning bastard," I said in a low growl. My body was full of rage and cold sweat dripping down my neck.

He'd seen the photo, seen the vulnerability, and he'd moved in for the kill.

Every word was a calculated move in Lucan's game, and she was the prize he wanted to steal from me.

"He's a lunatic Isla," I told her, the truth tearing out of me. "He doesn't want you for your mind; he wants you because you're someone he can use against me."

"Why?" she pressed, leaning forward, demanding answers I had never given anyone. "Why does he hate his brother so much?"

"Stepbrother," I corrected automatically, the old, familiar bitterness rising in my throat. "And the reasons are old and ugly." 

How could I explain a lifetime of resentment? How could I tell her about the twisted, bitter man who saw my father's love as a theft? 

"He believes he was cheated. He's spent years trying to undermine me." I paused. I had to make her understand the danger of associating with Lucan without dragging her into the full, horrific truth. "He has a... history, a dark one. There are things he's done, lines he's crossed, that you can never even imagine."

Her whisper was a ghost of sound. "What things?"

I shook my head in refusal. I would not stain her with the details of Lucan's corruption. The blackmail, the ruined lives, the cold-hearted manipulations... She lived in a world of old books and historical truths. She wasn't ready for the living, breathing evil my stepbrother was capable of.

"You don't need those details, Isla. Just trust me ok?. He is dangerous and his proposal is a trap."

I stood, abruptly ending the conversation. I had to get out, to put space between us because I said too much, and before I pleaded with her to trust a man who had given her every reason not to. I gathered my things, the fabric of my shirt from her floor a stark reminder of the line we kept crossing and the walls I kept failing to maintain. A sheer reminder of our passionate night.

At the door, I stopped, my hand on the knob. I didn't look back. I couldn't. If I saw her face, I might shatter completely.

"The car will pick you up in an hour. Don't be late."

I walked out, closing the door on the scent of vanilla and the ghost of a peace I didn't deserve. The storm had passed, but I was heading straight back into the heart of the war, and I had just left my greatest vulnerability behind me.