was much worse than the numbers, reports, and never-ending chores. James, his broad shoulders throwing a long shadow, stood b

as a quiet strength in him that made her spine tingle. She couldn't decide whether he frightened her

th and forceful, James's voic

s power, the way he made her feel little and unimportant one moment and t

d, "They're... ne

grew denser. She could sense him waiting for

r. Remember this, Sophia. You are my employee. Everyt

she wasn't sure if she meant it. Did she actual

ess. You think you are in charge, b

tion to clutch for the edge of the desk for support, her mi

g over her desk, Sophia was trying to do a few last-minute tasks before departure. The room's quiet

gh the creaking door, which opened completely, his presence engulfing the area. She coul

ng? he asked softly

in a game she wasn't sure she understood. Part of her wanted to declare she wa

ng out, he slipped a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fi

murmured gently, his breath hot against her ear

aying her struggle. He knew she was trapped in his web. His sm

thoughts, he came closer and murmure

o battle. James had pushed her boundaries once more, and she was left wondering

s, the rich environment, and the unending flow of champagne. But none of that mattere

gainst hers, how his voice had lowered as he spoke direc

t." Though the remarks should have been reassuri

an to realize how much she had changed since meeting James. He had drawn her into his world, one sh

ts to keep it steady, she gently

penetrable. He didn't have to speak. All

red gently, his voice like silk. Befo

he line between hatred and want had blurred beyond recognition, and she had

ious, so great. She might fight or she could give up. And f

ght knot of anxiety that had formed in her chest. Though James had gone for the night, his presence still lingere

the door made her turn and gasp in her throat. His familiar, carefree smile was a stark c

she said,

confidence that drew attention without trying. But his eyes were d

m but lacking the former fun. I

or a brief minute, it seemed as though they

, "What are you doing here?" Was this by

me here thinking you had involved yourself in some

le life here had become a battle between the overpowering pull of a m

lead you outside. But it's not going to be

what her life could be like should she depart James's grip. Her h

een unusually silent, James was plainly present in the background. She was conscious of her time

ng attitude than before. Though she could feel his gaze scanning over her every move, h

ss, over his shoulder. Visit

was unbearable. James was urging her to find out how far she could travel. Every step seemed like it

d at his desk when she walked into his office. His un

g without consulting me," his tone easy

tightened. I a

ning. Your duty is to imitate me. You for

d on hers, the area felt more cramped and narrower. He stopped just inc

ant to see whether you can really do this." Should

pushing her to the brink, challenging her boundaries. Would

with his fingertips softly brushing her flesh. Sho

t. Was this a test of loyalty? O

which choice wou