Elena's POV
Rio assigned the meeting with the investors to his projects manager . I've never really met him.
So the one thing left was the board meeting,which I had to reschedule it.
I also sorted the charity event paperwork he'd sign tomorrow, and cleaned his office while he was gone.
Tired as hell, I slumped in my chair, sipping coffee and scrolling through tomorrow's schedule. Six PM. I figured I'd hang around in case Rio showed up and I could tell him the meeting's new date.
I heard his footsteps from the elevator to his office which isn't far from mine .
He's back.
My office phone rang — of course, it was him.
"Elena, my office. Now."
I rolled my eyes, hanging up. First day, and already drained. I grabbed my bag, ready to clock out after telling him the reschedule.
I walked in. Rio sat like he always did , back to me, staring out the window. I took a breath and slid into the chair across from his desk.
"You called?" I muttered, voice heavy with exhaustion.
He swiveled around, no emotion on that beautiful, unreadable face. God, I hated how I couldn't crack him.
"I did. We need to talk." He dropped his whiskey glass and leaned back, eyes locked on me. My cheeks flushed, and I hated myself for blushing.
"Alright. What is it?" I forced confidence into my voice.
"Your attitude." His voice snapped like a whip.
"Bratty as hell. You rolled your eyes at me in the elevator. Walked away when I tried to stop you. That shit needs to stop. First day, and you're already testing me."he snapped ,angry as hell.
Is this guy serious?
I blinked in disbelief. He Started this, I was only doing my job.
"Mr. Mariano, you yelled at me for trying to help earlier. So excuse me if I don't smile through your disrespect without an apology."i snap at him voice raised.
His jaw clenched, smoke practically pouring out his ears. The beast was pissed.
"I'm not apologizing. What I say goes. Apologize to me or you're fired."he yells at me leaning forward.
I scoff .fuck him.
Yeah, getting fired on day one was on brand for this asshole.
"Well, Mr. Mariano," I said, standing and grabbing my bag, "It was nice working with you."
I smiled, watching his smug grin fade into a glare as I took four steps.
"Stop!" he barked.
I froze. He was behind me in a flash. His hand pushed my hair aside; his breath was minty and hot against my ear. I sucked in a shaky breath, thighs clenched tight. How was I this messed up over him?
"Who the fuck do you think you are, walking away from me?" His voice was low, teasing.
He spun me around. Our noses nearly touched. My back hit the wall; every instinct screamed escape but I was rooted to the spot.
His hand slid to my waist, pulling me closer until I was practically glued to him. My body betrayed me,thighs trembling, heat pooling low.
I hate how he's making me feel . And him being this close all my confidence and self respect fly out the window.
"Cat got your tongue?" he whispered. "I'm your boss, Elena. I own you whether you like it or not. Apologize, or I'll bend you over this desk and spank it out of you."he warned.
I shut my eyes, biting my tounge slightly. The thought of what he said making my whole body tingle.
I stared at him. Did he really mean that? Before I could blink, he scooped me up and carried me to the desk.
I could stop him but I didn't .
Why? Because I wanted him to .
He sat me on his thigh, face down, ass on full display. His hand pressed to my back.
His other hand moved to my belt,unbuckled, unzipped. I gasped. Was he actually doing this? I could stop him. But I didn't.
"You've been a bad girl, Elena. Last chance to apologize before someone walks in..and finds you bent over for me ..,"his voice is raspy on my ear .
My lips fall into a thin line , biting back a smirk .
I stayed silent.
His palm landed on my ass with a loud smack. I yelped, soft pain and pleasure blooming,but then a slow burn underneath. He slapped me six times, each harder than the last, soothing after each sting.
My ass was a mess—his handprints glowing red—and I was wetter than shame allowed.
I couldn't hold it anymore.
"...I'm sorry, Rio. I'll drop the attitude."i whisperd.
He hummed, rubbing my sore skin. Then, steady hands pulled my pants up, zipped, buckled.
He got me off his lap , smoothening my pants like nothing happened.
I stared. He'd really done it.
"That wasn't so hard, was it? Reminder who's boss. I'm not firing you. You're mine Elena..let that sink .,"his voice is raspy deep staring at me with those eyes .
"When's the meeting rescheduled?""he suddenly asked completely changing the topic and it takes me a second to register.
I glanced at the floor. My cheeks burning hotter than ever.
He stood, approached, finger lifting my chin.
"Blushing, Mrs. Elena? Does that mean you liked the spanking? You're not as innocent as you look , huh?"he asks . Voice low raspy velvety.
On any other day, I'd have slapped him. Today? I swallowed the words, because I liked it. I hated that I did.
"Friday. I had to squeeze it in...your busy schedule," I stammered.
He smirked, sliding back into his chair.
"That's all. Don't be late tomorrow.."he says opening his laptop.
I grabbed my bag and bolted out, hearing his chuckle as the door slammed behind me.
Outside, the cold night air hit my face. My ass burned with every step.
Did I just let Rio spank me? Since when am I the submissive bitch? I felt disgusted and turned on.
I hate how messed up I am about him .
The drive back to my apartment was anything but peaceful. I could still feel his hands on me .his breath on my neck his hands on my hair.
How he ruined me and then put me back together in the same breath .
I peeled off my heels the second I got home, stripped out of my clothes, and showered hard enough to wash the thought of him off me.
But my mind betrayed me,his tattooed chest, his breath in my ear, those hands on my ass. I shivered and blushed.
I ordered takeout, collapsed on the couch, and finally checked my phone.
No texts from Sam. Typical. Probably lost her phone again.
I sat on my couch , going through my laptop,and then my laptop screen suddenly goes blank .
"Uh what the ?"I whisper pressing the power button .
It lights up again, a message appears in big bold letters .
My breath catches as I read through.
YOU DID RUN, BUT NOW IVE FOUND YOU. I WILL TAKE BACK WHAT YOUR FATHER TOOK FROM ME.
TIC-TAC EL.
My heart beat beats so fast , tears pull in my eyes as a single tear drops on the laptop keys.
And then my screen goes back to normal.
My whole body shakes , I tremble like a leaf shutting the laptop and throwing it on the couch.
I bring my knees to my chest trying to calm my nerves.
I gasp jolting up when a knock startles me ..my hand flying to my chest .
"Delivery for Elena Rosa," the voice said.
I stood up wiping my eyes as I opened the door .I grabbed my food, payed and tipped him .
But my hands shook as I closed the door.
I drag my table and chair to the door for just a little bit of extra security.
Locked tight.
I crawled into bed, hugged the covers, and cried.
"They found me .,"I choke hugging my self tighter under the covers .
Memories of my mom and dad swarm in my head . And I wonder if I should run or actually stay and fight this time .