Chapter 1 Bewildering Night
Killian Thorne's breath was hot and heavy, with a faint scent of cedar, completely enveloping Lena Voss.
"Don't go..."
Killian's voice was hoarse, almost desperate.
His burning palm clamped around her wrist, the grip so tight it almost hurt.
Lena panicked, struggling to pull away, but he yanked her into his arms.
His body temperature was frighteningly high, his shirt collar disheveled, and his eyes swirling with a darkness she had never seen before.
"Mr. Thorne, please, get a hold of yourself!"
Her voice trembled as she tried to bring him back to his senses.
But Killian ignored her, his long fingers caressing her cheek, his fingertips brushing against her soft lips, the desire in his eyes nearly consuming her.
"You smell so good..." he murmured, his voice raspy and uneven.
The next second, he lowered his head and kissed her.
Lena's struggles were completely silenced.
His scorching lips and tongue forcefully invaded, stealing all her breath.
Her back pressed against the cold office desk, the mix of hot and cold making her consciousness blur.
As her clothes slipped off and their skin touched, she couldn't help but whimper.
"It hurts..."
Killian paused, his lust-filled eyes meeting her tearful gaze.
The burning effect of the drug ultimately won out, and he gripped her waist, fully surrendering to the chaotic night.
Lena whimpered, looking at Killian through her tear-filled eyes.
He was her boss!
If Killian woke up the next day, would she even survive?
As if dissatisfied with Lena's distraction, Killian thrust harder, moving with more force.
When the morning light filtered through the blinds, Lena abruptly opened her eyes.
Her whole body felt like it had been run over by a truck, and Killian's strong arm was still heavily draped over her waist.
He slept soundly, his sharp features softened in sleep, but the madness of last night was etched into her body like a brand.
Lena bit her lip hard, enduring the pain as she gently moved his arm away.
She was just an ordinary assistant, delivering a document to the CEO late at night, but she hadn't expected to lose herself like this!
She had never even been in a relationship!
Never held a man's hand!
She shook her head, trying to stop her chaotic thoughts.
But the pain in her body made her eyes well up with tears.
Her clothes were torn beyond recognition, so she wrapped herself in a towel, barefoot, searching for her belongings.
Phone, ID badge, hairpin...
Each item she picked up made her heart race.
If she left anything behind, she was doomed.
Killian wasn't the type to show mercy.
If he found out... not only would she lose her job, but she might be blacklisted!
She didn't care about herself, but she had an elderly, sick mother to take care of!
Medical bills, consultation fees, hospital expenses.
Each one was a significant cost.
Lena wiped the tears from her face and put on her still-intact trench coat.
She heard the sound of a cleaning cart outside the office.
Lena's breath quickened.
She had to leave before anyone came!
Quietly closing the door, she rushed into the elevator like a fugitive.
Lena held her breath, staring at the descending numbers.
Thankfully, the company lobby was almost empty in the early morning.
She ran to the street, flagged down a cab, and practically fell into the back seat.
"To the car apartments, hurry!" Her voice was shaking.
The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his expression odd.
Lena realized how suspicious she looked—disheveled, red-eyed, like she had just been through something unspeakable.
She clutched her coat collar tightly and turned her face to the window.
She couldn't be discovered...
Or everything would be over.
Back at the company, everything was normal.
No one knew what had happened last night, and no one noticed her pale face and slightly trembling fingers.
Lena forced herself to focus, handling the piled-up documents.
"Lena."
A deep, cold voice came from behind, and her spine instantly stiffened.
Killian stood behind her, impeccably dressed, his expression indifferent, as if the man who had lost control last night wasn't him at all.
"Prepare for a business trip to Aetherton this afternoon."
Lena's fingertips trembled slightly, but she maintained a professional smile.
"Yes, Mr. Thorne."
The flight was scheduled for three in the afternoon, just enough time to reach Aetherton.
Lena packed her things for the trip at her desk, the soreness in her waist and legs constantly reminding her of that absurd night.
'Nothing is insurmountable,' Lena told herself.
Being an assistant for so long had made her efficient, and soon, they were both seated on the plane.
The seats in business class were too close.
Close enough for her to see the veins on Killian's hand as he typed on his laptop.
Close enough to count the shadows cast by his eyelashes when he looked down.
Killian was replying to emails, his long fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.
His sleeves were slightly rolled up, revealing a distinct red mark on his wrist.
—A scratch she had left in the heat of the moment.
Lena sat across from him, pretending to be engrossed in her documents, but her nerves were stretched to the limit.
"Meeting materials."
Suddenly, Killian ordered without looking up.
Lena immediately handed over the folder, carefully avoiding any physical contact.
Killian took the folder, his brows furrowing.
The throbbing in his temples reminded him of last night's anomaly.
Fragmented memories kept flashing back.
The strange-tasting champagne at the celebration party.
The sudden heat erupted in his body.
And a blurry figure, carrying a faint scent of roses.
"Check the surveillance from last night's party," he said coldly, "Focus on Cullens' people."
"Yes, Mr. Thorne."
The plane began to taxi.
Killian closed his laptop, pressing his knuckles to his temples.
Drugged.
Sent a woman.
Such a crude tactic. Whoever dared to use this on him was either an idiot or a lunatic.
Was it those old geezers on the board?
Out of the corner of his eye, Lena was organizing documents.
Today, she unusually wore a high-necked shirt, her long, smooth hair cascading over her shoulders.
Soon, the flight attendant brought coffee.
Lena reached out to take it, her sleeve slipping down an inch—
A bruise was visible on her slender wrist.
Killian's eyes narrowed.
"Mr. Thorne?" Lena noticed his gaze and quickly pulled down her sleeve. "Is there a problem with the documents?"
The plane suddenly jolted.
Lena's body tilted.
Killian instinctively reached out.
A familiar rose scent hit him.
Not the scent from last night.
Then who else could it be?
Killian squinted his eyes.
No matter where this woman ran, he would find her!