Chapter 6

Ivy

With a deep breath, I forced my eyes shut as if trying to contain the raging inferno inside me. Every fiber of my being burned with white-hot anger, threatening to consume me whole.

I was angry, so angry!

Who did Aidan think I was? A hooker? The mere thought made my blood boil.

"Are you ready to go, Miss?" Joseph's voice cut through my seething thoughts, his smug expression only fueling the flames within me. I wanted to lash out and wipe that smirk off his face with my bare hands.

"I am more than ready," I spat, forcing myself to stand despite the numbness in my legs from being tied to the chair for what felt like an eternity. Each step towards the front door felt like dragging lead weights, but I refused to let them see weakness. I would make them regret ever crossing me.

"The car is right outside," Joseph said, leading the way.

The car was a sleek black sedan with tinted windows and leather seats. I slid into the backseat, feeling the coolness of the leather against my skin. Joseph got in the driver's seat and started the car.

I saw him looking at me through the rearview mirror, but I refused to acknowledge him. I stared straight ahead, my jaw clenched tightly as I seethed with anger.

As we pulled away from the mansion, Joseph turned on some music, trying to fill the silence in the car. But I couldn't focus on anything except for the rage boiling within me.

After what felt like an eternity, we arrived at my penthouse. Joseph opened my door and held out his hand for me to take. I ignored it and stepped out of the car by myself.

"Don't follow me," I turned around and snapped at Joseph.

I stormed into the lobby of my building, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. The doorman jumped to attention as I breezed past him without so much as a glance.

"Good evening, Miss Ivy," he called after me. "Shall I call for the elevator?"

"Don't bother," I snapped, heading straight for the stairs. I needed to burn off some of this furious energy before I did something I'd regret.

Taking the steps two at a time, I climbed until my legs ached, trying to outpace the toxic thoughts swirling in my mind. By the time I reached my floor, I was out of breath but no less angry.

Unlocking my front door, I stepped into the dark foyer and flipped on the lights. The familiar surroundings did little to calm my raging emotions.

"That asshole Aidan," I muttered as I stalked through the rooms.

I peeled off my clothes as if shedding a second skin.

A hot shower helped wash away the icky feeling he gave me. His cruel words kept replaying in my mind.

Why was I shocked anyway? This was Aidan, he had always been this cruel. And now he was some big-time criminal, so of course, he would act like a savage.

I pulled on my comfiest pajamas and headed to the kitchen to make some tea. But when I opened the cupboard, my favorite mug—a cutesy cat one my mom had given me—tumbled off the shelf and shattered on the floor.

That's when the dam finally burst. I collapsed to my knees amidst the broken porcelain, choking back sobs. The anger drained out of me, leaving only a cold, hollow ache in my chest.

This was all Aidan's fault. He'd broken something far more precious than a silly mug. My heart lay in jagged pieces that I didn't know how to begin fixing.

I can't believe I actually liked that sleazy bastard in high school!

~-~

The next day, I struggled to focus at work. My mind was preoccupied with the upcoming meeting with Aidan. How could I possibly resist the urge to chop off his manhood every time he made a move?

"Ms. Williams?"

That's it, I might just castrate him when he tries to bury his salami in my sandwich.

"Ms. Williams, I just wanted to...

Maybe I'll improvise and hide a tiny knife in my lady bits, just in case he tries anything funny...

"MS. WILLIAMS!"

I jolted back to reality as my assistant, Maddie, stood in front of me. I was so deep in thought I didn't even realize she was there!

Maddie hesitated as I looked at her questioningly. "I am sorry, Ms. Williams. I didn't mean to yell, but you seemed pretty out of it. Are you okay?" she asked.

"Eh, I am fine. What is that you need?" I asked.

Maddie shifted uncomfortably before speaking. "I was wondering if you had any instructions for the new project we're starting on next week? The team is waiting for your input before we can move forward."

I sighed, feeling guilty for being so distracted. "Yes, of course. I'll get back to you with my ideas by the end of the day," I promised.

Maddie nodded and left, leaving me alone in my office once again. I couldn't shake off the thoughts about Aidan.

Why did he want to make that stupid deal in the first place? When I thought about how things were back then, all I could remember was how he scrutinized my look and made fun of how I dressed or styled my hair. In fact, I specifically remember him telling me I was too flat-chested or something.

I shook my head, trying to clear my mind. There were more important things to focus on, like work.

But every time I tried to concentrate on a task, Aidan's smug face would pop up in my mind and I'd feel a surge of anger. How dare he make me feel this way?

I took a deep breath and pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to calm myself down. I needed to be professional no matter how I felt inside.

My phone dinged and I looked down.

Unknown number: "Wear something cute tonight."

I gritted my teeth. I didn't recognize the number, but I knew it was Aiden. Who else could it be?

There was no way I could concentrate at work so I decided to wrap things up early and head home.

Later that day, I rummaged through my closet.

What the hell did Aidan mean by dressing cute? Was he implying that I should dress like an escort for his pleasure?

My fingers slid across the silky material of a little black dress I had bought on a whim but never worn. I pulled it out, holding it up against my body as I peered at my reflection in the full-length mirror on the back of my closet door.

The dress was perfect for my figure, and I'd look like a million dollars wearing it, a very expensive hooker he couldn't afford.

Or I suppose he could afford me since he was apparently the almighty Don.

My phone dinged again, and Aidan's text showed up.

High School Douchebag: "Joseph will be at your place in an hour. Be ready."

I scoffed at the message and finished getting dressed. 

I slipped on the slinky black dress, admiring how it hugged my curves. As much as I hated to admit it, I did want to look good for my meeting with Aidan. Call it pride or vanity, but I refused to let him see me as anything less than gorgeous.

He probably thought humiliating me would make me cower at his feet, but I won't let him waver my confidence!

I spent extra time on my makeup, carefully applying smoky eyeshadow and blood-red lipstick. My chocolate waves fell softly across my shoulders, smelling of coconut from my favorite conditioner.

As I gave myself a final once-over in the mirror, the doorbell rang. I took a deep breath and headed downstairs, steeling myself for the night ahead.

I opened the door to find a burly man in a crisp suit waiting on my doorstep. He gave me an appraising look up and down.

"Are you ready to go?" His tone was more polite than before but firm.

I nodded, grabbing my purse and following him out to the sleek black town car idling in my driveway. Joseph opened the back door for me wordlessly. 

As we drove, I gazed out at the city lights streaming by. My heart pounded, though I wasn't sure if it was from anger or anticipation.

Before long, we pulled up to an opulent hotel downtown. Joseph led me through the luxurious lobby to the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor.

The doors slid open to reveal a lavish penthouse suite. And there, lounging on a leather couch, was Aidan.

His piercing blue eyes drank me in hungrily. "Well, well. You clean up good, Williams."

My cheeks flushed hotly at his brazen stare. I had to remind myself to breathe. This was going to be a long night.