The CEO Is Obsessed With Me

As I returned home, I tried not to dwell on Veronica’s words. I distracted myself with soft music, but her slithering voice kept creeping into my mind, breaking through the barriers and effortlessly deluding me.

‘The man can only handle so many women.’ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

What the hell did she mean by that? And why did it bother me so much?

Yes, I knew a man of his caliber would not settle for one woman, but it was written in the contract that we were to be exclusive to one another, or did that apply to only me?

Oh lord, now I was even more pissed off.

I reached my apartment building, shaking my head as if I’d help with the intrusive thoughts, and as I did so, I spotted a sleek vehicle parked in the parking lot. One that I recognized in a heartbeat.

I gasped, almost tripping on my own feet from shock.

It was the CEO’s car.

Without thinking, I took off, running at a speed that matched the rate of my heart. He was here! My lips spread into a relieved smile as I approached the car, a new hope shining in my eyes. The driver seat door flung open, causing anticipation to swell in my chest.

The CEO was here!

“Luke-”

My steps screeched to a halt as the person who stepped out was his driver. Breath hitching in my throat, I felt my fire

anticipation vanishes with the strong wind of

disappointment.

But even still, I looked for him. I turned to check the passenger seat, and then to the backseat, but the car was empty. He wasn’t here.

“Miss Ravenwood.” The driver called for my attention, but his words flew over my head as I absentmindedly stared into nothingness. I zeroed my gaze on my reflection in the car’s glass window, shocked at my impulsive action. Why did I run? Why was I so excited? What was that rush of happiness? Did I want to jump into his arms on seeing? To celebrate that he was well and alive? Or was it something deeper than that?

Embarrassment soon trickled in, followed by a subtle ache that seeped into my subconscious.

What the hell was wrong with me?

I heard the middle-aged man clear his throat before speaking once more, but what he said next caused my blood to freeze and then boil in my veins. A phenomenon I didn’t know was possible until now.

“Mr. Graham instructed me to bring you to him.”

***

“Mr Graham will be with you shortly.”

I forced a smile as the butler bowed slightly before leaving the room. Luke’s room. I held my breath as I looked around, soaking in every intricate detail, from the dark brick walls to the deep color of the marble tiles that sparkled beneath my feet.

Fuck I was so nervous.

I stood still in my spot, fiddling with the hem of my dress, as my gaze bounced about the room. The last time I was here, I was welcomed in the lounge, but this time, I was brought to his room. Such a change would make anyone nervous.

I felt like my heart would burst out of my chest, and then eerie silence wasn’t doing anything to help matters. In my efforts to distract myself, I noticed a few lone sketches on the reading desk in the corner of the room. Pieces of paper that were sprawled against the mahogany like tasteless art. I was immediately drawn, and before I knew it, my feet moved, answering the siren’s call.

My eyes widened in awe as I realized they were drawn by the CEO, designs of dresses that exuded all forms of fashion. It was beautiful, every delicate curve and stroke, and I couldn’t help but be fascinated. He was truly talented.

I reached for a particular design that caught my eye, a gasp escaping my lips as I examined it. This sketch was more than a dress, it was a full portrait of a beautiful woman, a woman with features akin to mine.

Impossible. I thought. But I blinked once then twice, the gears in my head turning as I traced each line that looked more like me with each passing second. There was a flutter in my chest, a warmth that spread from the depths of my heart, extending to embrace every inch of my body.

This…. was a drawing of me in my gala dress.

“What are you doing?”

I yelped, my hands flying to my chest as I whipped my head forward. I jolted in my spot as I came face to face with the CEO. My eyes rounded into saucers, my breath hitching in my throat as I took in his appearance.

Luke stood at the entrance of the room, wearing nothing but a small towel wrapped around his slender waist. He was probably fresh out of the shower, judging by how his dark hair deepened in a sinful black when wet, and droplets of water trickled down his skin, worshiping his highly defined muscles in the most daunting way. I noticed his stab wound had been bandaged expertly, and that seemed to snap me out of my daze.

I was immediately flooded with a rush of various emotions, I couldn’t tell which was stronger. Happiness, relief, and…. longing.

Luke’s unwavering gaze darted to my hands, and I quickly hid the drawing behind my back, heat bursting in my cheeks.

“N-nothing.” I internally cringed for stuttering, but I couldn’t come up with anything better to say.

I had imagined this scenario multiple times through the week, of my reaction to seeing him. But out of all the possibilities I had come up with, this was the last thing I had in mind.

There was a long silence between us, and it made me want to pull at the roots of my hair in frustration. I had to say or do something to dispel the awkward air in the room, or I feared it might suffocate me.

I opened my mouth to speak, wanting to say I was glad to see he was alright, and it was the truth, but he cut me off before I could get a word in.

“What are you waiting for?” Irritation bubbled in his tone, causing my brows to arch in confusion. “Get on the bed and strip.”

“Excuse me?”

Did I hear that right?

Luke scoffed, and I straightened up, setting the sketch aside.

“What do you think you’re here for huh?” He raised his chin, glaring at me with eyes that I did not recognize. He had never looked at me that way before…. like I was nothing but a mere tool. “Get on the damn bed and spread your legs like the good little slut you are.”

My lips parted in awe as I huffed, unwilling to believe the words coming out of his mouth. I was hurt, my pride taking a blow and an uppercut.

Was that really all he had to say? After I saved his life? After disappearing for two weeks after staining my hands and home with his blood? Is this all I deserve to get?

“Don’t talk to me like that.” I snapped, and for a moment he looked shocked, but it was quickly replaced by anger.

“Are you talking back to me Ravenwood?” He raised his voice, approaching me with his arms crossed over his chest and his jaw set tight.

I stood my ground, even as my knees shook lightly. He was a step away from me now, but I refused to retreat. Instead, I tipped my chin a millimeter higher, matching his gaze with an intensity that sparked hot flames between us.

“If you haven’t noticed Mr. CEO..” my voice was surprisingly firm, and I was grateful for that. “This isn’t the office. You can’t boss me around.”

Luke threw his head back and laughed, a booming laughter that mocked my very existence. The sound was dreadful, and my instincts screamed at me to bolt that very minute, but I was more of a fool than a coward. So I didn’t run.

In a movement that was so swift and smooth, the CEO grasped my neck and shoved me back.

I gasped for air as my back sunk into the mattress of his King-sized bed. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes as I looked up at him.

He drew close, his lips merely brushing against mine. “But let me remind you, Miss Ravenwood….” He growled lowly and for the first time…I was scared. Scared of him. “… This is my house, and as long as you’re under my roof, you’ll follow my rules.”

Luke was ravenous as he towered over me, his hand tightening around the neck as the other moved to undo the buttons of my blouse. I struggled against his hold, but he was stronger, leaving me defenseless as he robbed me of my dignity.

“Luke…” I begged, salty tears rolling down my cheeks as I felt lightheaded from the lack of oxygen. “Please…. stop…”

My voice cracked as I felt the last remnants of my strength slipping away. I surrendered to him, losing the inevitable battle as my vision blurred, darkness closing in from the edges.

Then suddenly, Luke’s grip on my neck slackened. Confusion washed over me as I gasped for air, desperate to cool my burning lungs as I struggled to process the abrupt change.

With a heavy thud, Luke’s body slumped against me, the weight of him pinning me to the bed. Startled, I tried to push him off, panic surging anew as I realized he was unconscious. His eyes were closed, his breathing shallow.

“Luke?” I whispered, my voice trembling as a familiar dread settled within me. “Luke?”

I shook him gently at first, then more urgently, but he didn’t respond. Fear gripped my heart as I lay trapped beneath his heavy form, my mind racing with a thousand questions.

“Luke?!”