Daniel's POV
I haven't stepped out of my office all day after the drama with Annabel.
Every reason to be furious with her burned in my chest, maybe for stepping on my ego, for hitting me in front of everyone.
But no.
I couldn't bring myself to do that. I had pushed her too hard.
It was written in her eyes. The words I hurled at her still taste bitter on my tongue.
An ache gnawed at me, urging me to call and beg her forgiveness.. Besides, she doesn't owe me any explanation. I shouldn't be this angry.
But why should it be Lucian?
I guess I underestimated him.
And she had to send me her location — for what exactly? Now I feel deceived. Dumb, maybe.
I just hate that I'm getting myself worked up over this. I was never the type to get jealous easily.
How do I explain this? I want her, but I'm too scared to keep a serious relationship with her. Not after how my father left us. The thought of opening my heart, only to be abandoned, terrifies me.
What scares me most is that I might be the one to leave one day. What if I behave like my father? What if I eventually have a child in the future and end up being a coward like my dad?
The thought of it scares me a lot.
I couldn't wait for the day to run down so I could go home and wrap my head around everything that has been going on between me and Annabel.
My steps traced the same path across the office floor, over and over. Moving from the desk to the chair, to the window, down to the sofa.
With my head bowed on the sofa, the sudden swing of the door cut through my haze. I wonder who could barge into my office in that manner, not even a knock.
At last, I lifted my head and found Annabel standing there.
She stood in front of me with her arms crossed.
My chest tightened. Then I saw the mess she'd become , eyes swollen from crying, make-up slightly smudged, face pale, her hair a mess, probably from running her fingers constantly through it. She looked distraught.
In her hand was a laptop, her phone, and a tiny object I think was a drive, although her hand swallowed most of it.
"I've something to show you," she said.
I did not stop her.
In fact, I wanted to hear her out. Maybe it was for the best.
My fingers shifted in a silent command for her to join me. She obeyed.
She flipped the laptop open, powered it on, and inserted the drive. Then she played a video from it.
It was footage of her and Lucian from the five-star hotel that night.
It showed a lady clothed in black, adding a substance into a drink. Then the waiter came back and took the drink to them.
After they had drunk it, they acted in a way that was no longer normal. The video continued playing — from how they went into the hallway and then their room.
A wave of guilt washed over me.
I was wrong all along. Someone must have planned all this.
But for what reason?
She finally ended the video. "I told you… nothing happened that night. I only went out with Lucian because…"
I couldn't hold it anymore. My eyes urged in something more intense as I silenced her with my lips. "Shhh."
My lips crashed against hers, devouring every inch of her mouth. She didn't kiss back at first, but later gave in. It was the best kiss I had ever had.
My hand slid to the back of her neck, holding her gently, kissing her deep, raw, with our breath not breaking.
She pulled my jacket closer to her. Our chests pressed together as we enjoyed the moment.
She was growing wild, it was clear she wanted more of this. But I pulled away.
Gosh.
I hate that something always stops me whenever I'm about to take her.
But this was for the best. I couldn't take her now, not in this state. She was too fragile and vulnerable.
And I don't think I'm good for her. I can't offer her more than sex. I'm broken, I can't offer any woman something real.
If I don't speak my intentions, I'll become the reason she falls apart.
Before she came into the picture, I had only had sex with ladies and then paid them off, not prostitutes though.
They all gave in willingly.
Most of them were not there for the money. I mean, I didn't have to pay them. They were girls with class, they had their own money, they just wanted me. And when I told them I didn't want something serious, they simply accepted it. None had ever fought it.
I need to state this clearly to Annabel too.
I want her. And with no doubt, she wants me too.
Surprised at the way I pulled away, she asked, "Dan… what's wrong?"
I did not answer her. My steps carried me to the bookshelf, where I retrieved a single file without a word. I got back and gave it to her.
She opened it and was stunned by what she saw.
"Dominant and submissive agreement?" Her voice came out loud.
She assessed the paper. "What's this about?"
My chest rose with a deep breath before the words left my lips. "Annie… I promise, you will not regret this. We cannot keep pretending there is no fire sparking between us. I want you, and your body is not telling me otherwise, you respond to my touch every time we are together. We cannot deny ourselves this."
A bitter chuckle escaped from her mouth. "And you think turning me into your slave is the way out?"
I moved closer to her, my lips hovering around her neck. "I will compensate you. Name your price. Anything you wish will be given to you."
My tongue traced the tender curve of her neck.
She responded.
Then I kissed her on the same spot. "Be my submissive… please."
As if something had woken her up to reality, she jerked, pulling away from my touch.
"You must have lost it." She pressed the paper against my chest and left me stunned.
Guilt flashed across my face.