Losses

"We are losing sales rapidly and our shares are down," Caleb informed Doran while going through the weekly performance data. They were in his top-level office and Doran was seated in his executive chair. Deep in thought, his frosty stare was on his friend, while his hands were clasped in front.

It had been seven years now since he had married Skyla and his company had been going downhill for the past three years or so.

"Why?" his voice was as cold as a snow-covered peak of a high mountain in the winter season. Although he knew the answer very well.

"Kincaid International. For the past few years, they have been developing rapidly and have surpassed us in all levels of business. They have even bid on our shares." Caleb revealed, gawking at his friend for his reaction.

Kincaid was their biggest competition in the fashion industry and recently they had broken off some of their top-tier clients, making them suffer heavy losses. A few of B-Couture's staff had also parted ways with them. If the situation kept escalating like that they would have to sell more of their shares to make up for the loss.

"What changed with Kincaid International? Don't tell me that senile old geezer had enough guts to make a move for our company," Doran couldn't believe his company was facing losses and might need to collaborate with their biggest competitors.

"It's Kincaid's adopted son. Rumour has it he is about to take over from him and is taking the company to new heights. We have been invited to attend their Annual Fashion Ramp event. They will offer us a deal afterwards," Caleb informed his boss and best friend.

Doran sat contemplating, he had seen and heard about the mysterious guy, who kept his face covered and had been making a huge wave in the fashion industry. He had been occasionally walking the ramp, flaunting his company's latest collections.

"What do we have on him?" Doran agitatedly picked up his golden pen and began drumming his lacquered table with it.

"Nothing, the guy is practically a ghost. But his mysterious aura and recent decisions have turned him into a fashionista and The Men's Paradise Magazine labelled him as the most eligible bachelor of Angel City," this was a title Doran had held for years before he married Skyla. Doran loved the attention of the media. He lived for it, the thrill it brought him when praises flew from people had him intoxicated on the power of fame.

An ugly surge of jealousy birthed inside Doran and spread in every vein of his body. Someone else had risen to stardom which used to be solely his and people hadn't even seen his face.

"We will be attending their event, I want to assess him myself," Doran declared, his eyes focused nowhere in particular. He wanted to find out what was it about him that was pulling the masses.

"Noted," Caleb nodded and began to read the report of Adams Export and Import. The company was doing exceptionally well and Doran was satisfied with the results. Although he had promised Mr. Adams, that he would teach Skyla the ins and outs of the business and once she was ready the company would be handed over to her.

But he hadn't kept that promise, all he had done was shield her away, confine her in his villa and torture her. Mentally and physically.

"Satisfactory. Seems like we have gained new clients there," Doran sounded a bit glib.

"Indeed, that's all for now. You want to grab a drink?" Caleb asked, clicking off his tablet. Trying to sense the mood of his best friend. But Doran had hardly ever opened up to him too and there were many deep secrets Caleb knew nothing about.

"No, I need to work. You go on," Caleb sighed heavily at his answer.

"Go home early today. Don't always keep Skyla waiting. She is an exemplary wife, you should spend more time with her," Caleb instructed and Doran half-heartedly smiled at his friend. It didn't even touch his glacial eyes.

"I will, Caleb," his answer made his friend smile in satisfaction. He left, closing the door behind him.

Doran picked up the extension phone and dialled. Once the call connected, he commanded.

"Come to my office." Replacing the receiver, he waited with his hands behind his head and his legs resting on his table. After all the disappointing news he had received today, he needed a release.

The door opened and Karen walked inside, injecting confidence in each of her long steps. Her garb was so formal and she even wore glasses to look the part. Halting right in front of him she crossed her legs.

"You called?" she seductively asked, biting her lower lip. Doran's slightly lusty gaze caressed her from the tip of her head to the three inches of heel she wore.

"Go to the diamond room and wait for me. Wear leather lingerie and keep the heels on. Ready the whip and choker. Wear the red wig," he slowly ordered, his smooth voice churning Karen's insides like a whirlpool of pleasure.

"Sir!" her smile widened as her eyes danced with the thought of another heated session that would pass between them. It had been nine years since she had stepped into Doran's life and she had never regretted the decision to become his mistress.

Even when he beat the shit out of her, she enjoyed his dominance, and she wore the scars with pleasure. For they were in places no one could see, etched deep on her skin and soul.

Today would be no different, she could sense the intensity of his gaze, he wanted to choke her until her eyes would roll backwards. The evils he carried, only she could sate and keep them at bay. They both knew it as if in a symbiotic relationship both of them leeched off each other.

From the moment Skyla caught them in the office, Doran had constructed a secret room where he kept all his toys, needed to fill the dark fantasies which roamed free in his brain.

Karen slowly retreated to the room, it rested smoothly behind his liquor cabinet and Doran swiftly followed soon after.

This was going to be a long painful night, littered with pleasure, here and there. For both of them.