SPADE

Having a gorgeous executive assistant is bad. Getting hard for her is ominous.

I read her file before she became my assistant. She was one of the top employees while she was in marketing. I wasn't surprised, though. Robyn finished her college degree with honors. She was also punctual. That was why I chose her, even if she was too beautiful and distracting for the job.

For the last few months, she had lost some weight, and I knew why, but she was still gorgeous. This week, she'd been late twice. If she wasn't good at her job, I would have replaced her, but I also had reasons why I kept her at arm's length, and some might think it was dark and twisted. Maybe it was.

I hated tardiness. I wanted someone reliable who could work under pressure with that amount of money I paid them to do. Though I could give Robyn a little leniency, and she didn't have to know that.

People called me cold and heartless, but I never joked about my job where thousands of employees relied their paychecks on my capability to be their boss.

My phone buzzed on top of my desk. The caller ID showed Ozias Quinton, one of the ex-military men working at Osmium Resource Group.

I picked up the call. "What did you find?"

"She lives in a small apartment with a roommate, who left months ago. Her friend is the same person from her work. Her life is pretty much between her job and her weekends with her mother. She doesn't drink or party."

"Relationships?"

"Unmarried, no man in the picture, so to speak. Parents have been separated since she was in high school. Her father, Rusell Sharpe, is the head of Accent, a private resource group company. Her mother, Denise, is a nurse who was recently diagnosed with a rare heart disease and underwent an open heart surgery."

"Ha." Of course, I already knew everything he just told me. I thought something new had happened in the past few weeks.

"Anything else you want to know? Financial maybe? I can dig deeper into her personal life if you want, sir."

"No. That's all. Quinton?"

"Sir."

"What's her mother diagnosed with?"

"Atrial Myxoma."

"Thanks." I hung up the call and sighed deeply. "What the fuck am I doing? Haven't I done enough?"

***

I arrived at the Kross mansion an hour before dinner. Apparently, Adley was earlier than me.

"It's nice for you to show up." Adley's eyes lit up. She was Lex Kross's granddaughter, the heiress to his billion-dollar empire, Kross Industries and Corporations. She was also married to a reformed womanizer billionaire, Mykel Creed.

"Hey, Ad." I kissed her on the cheek. "I always showed up every weekend. How about you? What's your excuse?"

"You show up when we don't expect you." Adley was beautiful with her adorable face and big, sterling blue eyes. "No latest adventure? Like jumping into the warm hole at this moment?"

"Leave the poor man alone," Lex said from the backyard. He was brilliant with a mind that worked sharply through his experience.

"You heard the old man." I shrugged.

Mykel Creed was once his protégé until he married Adley. Many years ago, when I was lost and had nothing, Lex came out of nowhere, offering me two options: life or hell. He taught me everything I needed to learn in business, and he was also one of the few people who treated me as a human being.

Adley chuckled, "A poor billionaire, grandpa."

"How's Mykel and the kids?"

"You should come over for dinner on Friday." She then rolled her eyes and picked up her bag. "If you're not busy killing yourself."

"You're leaving?"

"Yeah. I had tea with grandpa. I promised the kids dinner and movie night. Unlike you, I have children, Spade. You should get married and spend your billions with your loved ones."

I inwardly groaned.

She noticed the look on my face and quickly grabbed my arm. "Hey. You can't be in love with nature while your heart is frozen. Love doesn't work like that. I know you've been through hell, but can you just give good women a chance?"

"What women?"

Her eyes narrowed. "You're unbelievable."

"Honey, just go. The kids are waiting," Lex said impatiently.

"Bye, grandpa. See you next weekend. I love you." She hit me in the arm before leaving. "Let that heart thaw, Spade. It's been years. You're too handsome to die alone."

A small smile broke from my lips as I followed Lex's voice.

"Hi." I took a seat across from him, overlooking the vast, well-manicured garden.

"How are you, son?"

"I'm as good as the last time you asked me last night. But thanks for asking." I helped myself to pour a tea into the teacup. "Do you want more?"

He shook his head.

I watched him sigh, as if he had something on his mind. "Is everything okay?"

"I should ask you the same. Is everything okay?"

I looked at him for a moment and sipped the tea. "Yeah. Business is great."

"Of course, business is great. I've seen the reports of your companies."

I put the teacup on the table. I hoped it had nothing to do with his health. Years ago, he underwent a successful kidney transplant, but there were always long-term risks and complications. 

"Then, what's the problem, Lex?"

After I graduated from college, he offered and funded my start-up business idea. Zacc & Kross Ventures established. With his guidance and connections, we made it to a multi-million dollar company. About three years ago, I started up Emergence Capital with my blood, sweat, and hard-earned money. From a cold, lost boy, I became who I am today because of him.

"Don't tell me you want me to find a woman and get married."

"I think you can find a woman on your own, if you haven't already found her." He smiled, his blue eyes glinting. "I'm done playing matchmaker with my granddaughter."

"Which you failed." I chuckled. "Adley found her own match."

"That's true. Anyway, I'm invited to an auction gala, but I'm too old to attend the event."

"Since when have galas become too young for you and everybody?"

"Just go and attend, Spade."

"Why not Adley or Mykel?"

He stared at me. "Are you seeing someone?"

My face turned uncomfortably hot. "No. I'm already married to my work. And I told you I'm not interested in dating right now after- oh-" Fuck. That kind of event. "You've got to be kidding me. Hard pass."

"Then go home." He turned and looked away.

I frowned. "You're not actually upset with me because I'm not going to that event. I'll donate a hundred grand in your name. I'm just not interested."

He dropped the invitation on the table. "Will saving women change your mind?"

Oh, fuck. That kind of auction. And here I thought it was a dating auction fundraiser. I mean, who the fuck does that?

I wanted to curse the hell out of Lex, but I had a huge reverent of respect for him as my mentor and the man who gave me the life I have today. I knew the moment he told me to go, I could never turn him down, even if I had to jump into the crater to please him. That was how much he meant the world to me.

I grabbed the invitation and checked the date. "You know, when you offered, it wasn't an invitation. It was an order."

"Enjoy the night, son. God knows you could use some days off."

After dinner, I used the gym in the mansion. Out of frustration, I threw some brutal punches at the punching bag hanging from the metal frame. I hit it over and over again, landing it with simultaneous kicks.

My chest was heaving, sweat dripping all over my face. I stood there with my gaze locked on the bag with the face of the monster, mocking me, bullying me, and laughing at me for being so small, weak, and pathetic.

With one furious roar, I threw a final punch. "You're not here. You're just a pigment of my nightmare."

After I showered, I went to sleep. 

I sucked in a breath. My heart was pounding so hard. For a moment, I felt disoriented until the very same warm blue colored wall caught my eye. 

I slept in my old room, the very first room where Lex brought me after running away from my last foster home. Sometimes, it gave me comfort that I wasn't sleeping and curled up on the cold floor anymore, or in the dark basement.

ROBYN

"Mom, are you sure you'll be okay?" Mom's house wasn't too far from my apartment, and I wanted to stay with her so I could take care of her until she got back to work. But the more I stayed with her, the more I made her angry.

She glanced back at my face from the sofa. "Ask me one more time, and I'm kicking you out of this house." 

I smiled and bent down to kiss her on the cheek. "Okay. Call me  if you need anything." 

"I don't have a fever anymore, bean. Just go and have fun."

"I know how to have fun, Mom." I grabbed my bag from the couch. 

"Watching stupid series on Netflix isn't fun, and I'm glad you're finally going out tonight."

"Well, I hope I'm gonna have fun." I hadn't reached the door, I heard her call my name.

"Get laid, bean." 

"Mom!" My cheeks burned because she knew I pretty much didn't have a life outside work. I was on a dry spell for years, but I got loyal boyfriends- my vibrators and my dildo, and, sooner, maybe an AI companion. I cringed at that thought. 

"You're an adult. Your last boyfriend was two years ago. Don't depend too much on electronics. Penises feel way better for vaginas than things that vibrate."

I barked out laughing. "You're such a nurse."

"I know cocks and dicks, too. And pussies, Robyn." 

I wiped the tears that formed at the corners of my eyes. "Get some rest. I'll see you in the morning." 

"No. Don't come home until you get laid, young woman." 

"Bye, Mom. I love you. Piper is here."

"Say hi to Piper." 

Piper smiled as I climbed into the passenger's seat. "Someone's excited tonight." She was wearing a two-piece white club dress, showing off her toned, flat abs. 

"Can you believe it? Mom doesn't want me to come home until I get laid."

"She's right, babe." She drove towards the main road. "When was the last time you had a walk of shame? Or just made out with a random guy? You worked so hard you forgot to have fun." 

"That's not true." I looked at her. "Are you seeing someone?" 

"At this moment, I prefer casual sex."

"Easy for you to say." I looked at her. "You're an ideal girl. Redhead with green eyes." 

"Irish blood, babe," she said proudly.

"Right. You're gorgeous, and I feel like I'm just an ordinary girl when you're around."

She stole a glance at my outfit. I put on a black mini dress with a deep plunge neckline. "Do you even look at yourself in the mirror? Do you know how hot you are? You're fucking hot. If I'm not straight, I will definitely finger-fuck you right now."

"Geez." I pressed my thighs together, making her laugh. 

"I'm just telling you the truth, babe. You're fucking hot, even in your wide pants and oversized blouse. You have the most gorgeous, toned legs that could walk a mile. You have nice tits and a doll face, and look at your eyes." 

"Brown?" I arched my eyebrows. 

"I didn't ask for the color of your eyes. You have big, round eyes. That's your asset. Girl, even our boss, I often saw him checking you out." 

I snorted. That sounded more like a pig than a human's snort. "Our cold, grumpy boss? That's impossible. I thought he hated me. He hates everyone."

"He can hate everyone, but he still has a dick. I bet a huge, thick, long dick." 

"Oh, my God." I rolled my eyes. "No wonder Mom likes you. Did she call you to tell me to get laid, too?" 

"No, but I'm telling you the truth. I think, Mister Kolby is into you." 

"No. Definitely not. He's handsome-" 

"No. He's drop-dead gorgeous with a ten-inch dick. If he wants to fuck me for a night, I will definitely let him. I don't care if he doesn't know me the next morning." 

"You're crazy, Pip." I laughed so hard.

"That's why you love me." So true. If it wasn't for her, I might have gone crazy, finding a reason why Barbie left me, for losing a best friend who apparently didn't even have the guts to say goodbye. Instead, she only left with a note, like we had never had years of friendship. 

It was crazy how it was easy for her to just leave the person who had became a part of her life for years. 

I also understood turning a page and be with the person you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. If that were her case, she could have said so. I would be happy for them, and maybe one day, I would get my own chance as well. But she was just selfish and a self-centered bitch. 

We arrived at one of the hottest nightclubs in the city. I expected it to be crowded on Saturday night, and I was right. We could barely move through throngs of people. The music became too loud. The smell became too much. The dance floor was packed. 

"Oh, look who's here." That was Bruna Periera. I called her Bruna the bruja. She roamed her gaze at me from head to toe. She was beautiful, sexy, with brown eyes and long wavy hair who had fifty thousand followers on Instagram. "I thought you would only show up on Halloween." 

I'd seen her ass more times than I saw mine. In all in fairness, she had a great natural ass. 

"Hi, Bruna." I smiled. Sometimes, I felt jealous and insecure around her. She could pull off the ugliest dress and make it look like it was tailored for her. Sometimes, she was also a bitch, maybe most of the time, but because she was confident in her own skin. 

"She hates Halloween, Bruna. It traumatized her when she was a kid by some bullies wearing Freddie Krueger and Jason Voorhees's masks." 

"That's all?" She scoffed. "Or she just doesn't know how to have fun." 

I wanted to roll my eyes and throw something on her pretty face, but tonight, I chose fun over my anger. 

"I'll get us drinks, babe." Piper went to order from the bar, leaving me with Bruna.

"So, why was our boss pissed at you?"

I didn't know why I disliked her. Envy? Or her annoying behavior was just pissing me off.

Bruna finally changed the subject while sipping a Margarita and arching her perfect eyebrow at me, waiting for my answer. 

The question was, when was the last time my boss wasn't pissed at everyone? Or in the world?

ROBYN

 I was too good to deal with Bruna, and I didn't want to ruin my night. So I came up with one uncomplicated answer. "Typos."

"He hates you, girl." I bet, but Bruna hated me even more.

"Not a surprise there, Bruna."

"He's a perfectionist. He works hard, too, so he expects someone to work as hard as him. I wish I were in your place. I would do my best to impress him. You're in the best position, and you ruined your job for typos? You can do better than that." Somehow, I agreed with her.

"I know." I moved my hips to the music. I loved music. Lately, I have enjoyed listening to pop.

"Do you know how many people want your job?"

Funny. He said the same thing to me today. Were they sleeping together? I didn't know anything about my boss' personal life, especially his dating life or his sexual escapades, because I'd rather not know it. I bet there was a long line of women who wanted to bang Spade Kolby.

I felt a little pang in my chest. I didn't even realize I had a crush on my boss until I thought of Bruna and Spade sleeping together. 

I snorted. "Don't worry, I got one more typo before he fires me. I'll make sure to recommend you as my replacement." The anger and sarcasm in my voice were evident, and she just shrugged it off.

Bruna was just being herself, and she enjoyed annoying everyone because she could. If I knew she would be here tonight, maybe I would have just declined Piper's invitation. But I was also doing this for Mom. I was not going to let her down for an overconfident bitch. 

A few minutes later, Piper came with Martini, Margarita, and three shots of tequila. 

Ignoring Bruna's glare, I quickly took a sip of my cocktail and let it burn down my throat. I instantly felt a lot better. As I sipped my Martini and Piper with her Margarita, Bruna disappeared into the background. 

"Damn, she's beautiful." I watched her dance with a tall white guy on the dance floor. It was hard to miss when she was all sexy in her red dress. 

"You're a bitch. I find you beautiful than her."

"You're kidding. She has a lot of followers, mostly men."

"Try posting your ass or your tits online. You will triple your followers in a week. She just fixed her nose, eyes, and lips while you're all natural." 

I turned to Piper, sipping my drink. "You're kidding. I love her pouty lips." 

"Nah. They're like stung by a bee."

I laughed. "How do you know all of these?"

"She deleted her old photos, but I still found them, and you can't hide something like that from the internet. She's not that pretty. If what I heard is true. She was involved with a forty-year-old rich guy who gave her the money for enhancement." 

"But her butt is real," I said in dismay. 

"Yeah. That one is real. I bet that rich guy got a good squeeze out of it." Her remark made me laugh. "Let's go dance."

I emptied my glass and smiled. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. And she wants my job, too." 

Piper and I laughed as we made our way to the crowd. When the music changed to a pop hit song, everyone danced in unison. My heart started pumping hard. Adrenaline and the alcohol mixed in my system were making me all warm up. 

A strange, unfamiliar excitement ignited in my chest as Piper's words earlier flashed in my head. What if what she said was true? In a wave, heat rushed up my neck. I shook off the thought in my head.

I hate to break it to you, Robyn Maxwell Sharpe. He's callous, cold, and heartless. There's no way someone like Spade Kolby will look at you differently than his employee. 

I started to sweat behind my neck and forgot my insecurities. Mom was right. I should go out more often and have a little fun. Or even more. A voice in my head said, Maybe get laid tonight.

"I need to use the restroom." 

"Already?" Piper crunched her nose. "I'll order another drink." 

I stood in line along with the long line of girls. I hadn't made it halfway, a man in a black shirt approached. "You're Piper's friend, right? There's a restroom for employees. You can use it. Come with me." 

"Oh, God. Thank you." Grateful, I followed him. Don't tell me Piper had a hookup with this guy? He was in his late twenties, maybe an European based on his accent, but couldn't point out what it was, as if he was trying hard to lose it. "How do you know Pip?" 

"She came here a couple of times. I'm Aaron, by the way." He led the way to the hallway and opened a door. "Just turn right before the exit. The key is hung at the corner door." 

"Thanks, Aaron." I followed his instructions.

I hadn't grabbed the key, a big hand with a cloth covered my mouth, and a large arm looped around my chest, squeezing me tight before I could even react. Then something cold and sharp stabbed me in the neck. My mind floated, and my vision went black.

***

I snapped my eyes open as if I had just woken up from a terrible hangover. My vision was still blurry. I first became aware of the headache, like a drumbeat inside my skull. My neck was sore, too, and things seemed vague.

What happened? The first thing that registered was the white floor-to-ceiling curtain that didn't look familiar, definitely not my bedroom. Was I in Piper's bedroom? Definitely not. I'd been there a couple of times. 

Trying hard to crack my eyes wide open, I looked around and realized I was in bed in a room with a fine setup similar to a luxury hotel room. 

Oh, God. I froze in terror, utterly paralyzed as everything became clear- someone was behind me, the cloth, the sore neck. My heart pumped so hard in my chest. 

I jolted to sit, ignoring the intense pain in my head. 

Terror filled my chest with icy needles piercing my skin as I tried to get out of bed, but failed in doing so. My wrists were cuffed and chained to the bed.

My chest heaved. Oh, no.

"Help-" My lungs ceased to function. My voice was cut off when I saw a woman and two tall men looming behind her, and I didn't notice they were there. 

I wasn't alone. 

"Do you know what this is?" the intimidating woman asked, her cold hazel eyes narrowing. She was in her fifties and impeccably dressed in a fine white suit, showing me a small remote in her hand. Her short dark hairstyle was worth a thousand bucks. "A remote control. Do you know what's around your neck?"

My hands went to my neck. A collar. My breath came in sobbing gasps. 

"A very sophisticated collar bomb. One word you say that I don't like or make an inappropriate move, I will press this button, and your head will blow off." She arched her perfect eyebrows. From an icy demeanor, this woman just turned into an evil incarnate.

My body jerked. My throat clenched. "What do you want from me?"