I was standing before Mr. Blackwood's office building, a tall intimidating building. It fitted his personality. It was sleek and modern looking. I stood straight, my shoulders squared and my chin held high. My heels made me tower with confidence. My makeup was done to perfection while my outfit was business chic. A black blazer with a satin red top underneath it. My dark jeans so tight around my ass and thighs it fitted me like a glove. I felt freaking gorgeous today.

It was my battle armor.

Deep down I knew I wouldn't run into the man himself but I wore this just in case I did see a glimpse of the devil. I'd hold my head high and show him the confident woman I could be. He only saw the coward in me, the woman who ran away when things got tough. Well, since we wouldn't be working together anymore I felt confident enough not to run into the man anymore.

Therefore my confidence was through the roof right now.

I flicked my loosely curled hair back and made my way to the front desk with quick steps, my heels clicking away on the marble tiles. The lady behind the desk looked up, surprised to see me. The way her shoulders slumped told me I intimidated her a little. I totally got it, I approached her with a serious looking face. Of course, she sat back a little, putting her guard up.

"Mr. Blackwood told me I could drop this off at the front desk." I reached into my shiny black designer back and slid the envelope across the white shiny counter.

She nodded, a smile spreading across her perfectly made-up face, "Thank you, Miss Merigold." Of course, the man had informed her about me.

No doubt she looked me up to make sure she talked to the right person. I'm sure people working for Mr. Blackwood were known to be as efficient as possible. That's how the man operated and that is what he expected of those around him.

Even the women he dated.

"Can you wait just a minute?" She asked me in a quiet voice, her smile warm and inviting. "Mr. Blackwood wanted me to inform him when you dropped off his key." She didn't wait for my response, making a call to inform the big boss.

She smiled at me as she informed Mr. Blackwood, "Miss Merigold just delivered the key." She nodded, "Of course, sir." She said after a minute of silence. She then met my gaze again and offered me her brightest smile, "Mr. Blackwood will be down in a minute. Can I offer you something to drink? Coffee or tea? Maybe some water?"

"Actually, I need to run," I told her, my confidence crumbling down like a stale croissant. It looked all pretty and inviting but up close it was just a mess.

"Mr. Blackwood kindly requests of you to wait just a minute."

Her smile never faded, it was kind of scary how it was now plastered on that perfect face of hers. It almost felt unnatural. I didn't dare to move afraid this woman who was the perfect receptionist would either call security to keep me in place or tackle me to the ground herself.

With her perfect creepy smile, she gestured to the waiting room, "If you'll take a seat Mr. Blackwood will be right here."

I told myself I wouldn't run anymore so I didn't. Instead, I made my way over to the waiting room and took a seat on the comfy looking read chair. I placed my bag on my lap and grabbed my phone. I wouldn't run from this all but I would let Nick know what was happening. He'd be my getaway car if I really needed it.

Nick,

I delivered Mr. Blackwood's key to his office.

His receptionist won't let me leave until I've talked to him.

Everything will be fine right?

Nina

I narrowed my eyes on my phone, willing a new message to be delivered right away. It didn't happen like that of course. It took maybe three minutes before I did receive a response from Nick. That was actually pretty amazing too. He was the best brother ever.

Nina,

Don't let him intimidate you.

You can do this.

Just let him say whatever he wants and walk away.

Don't run.

Nick

Nick didn't know about the conversation I had with the devil himself, but we'd meet up soon. I had been focused on my relationship with Lucas. I wanted us to have our little moment. We grew closer together just hanging out on my couch, watching a new episode of the series Owen got us hooked on while Lucas ate the food I made. It was so normal it made me fall for him harder.

Mr. Blackwood wouldn't ruin that.

I glanced up, hearing his deep voice. He was talking to the receptionist, sharing a laugh with her. Pretending to be the perfect boss. Maybe he was the perfect boss but I liked to dehumanize him so I wouldn't feel tempted. The woman batted her lashes at him, flirting with the man who was a darkly handsome man. If only he was taken by the receptionist so he'd leave me alone. My heart started beating faster when the receptionist gestured to me. Slowly Mr. Blackwood turned around and looked at me. I gulped when his lips tugged to a sinister smile. He approached me with quick steps, everyone who lingered in the lobby moved aside to let him through.

He looked at me as if I was a meal he wanted to devour.

I shifted in my chair, feeling slick between the legs because of that intense look he was giving me. Tossing my phone in my bag I zipped it up and quickly got to my feet. I wouldn't let him tower over me.

Not today bitch.

"Nina."

Hearing my name rolling from his tongue made me press my thighs together to stop the sudden rush which was going through me. I couldn't ruin my panties right in front of him. God, I was so weak.

"I thought you told me I could drop off your key and that would be it," I spoke quietly.

"We worked well together, didn't we?" He asked, "We should end this on a friendly note."

I sighed, "So you want to hug it out or something?" I asked confused.

He chuckled, "You think you can deal with it?"

I glared at him, "If you push me I'll push you back." I warned him in a quiet, threatening voice, "Jacob." I added just for good measure.

The glint in his eyes told me he liked me pushing back, maybe he was looking for a woman who challenged him. Someone who dared to talk back without being afraid of losing it all. No doubt the women he dated before did anything to please him. I was different so maybe that's why he latched on. If I suddenly talked in a sugar-coated tone and batted my lashes at him would he distance himself from me?

It wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

I batted my lashes at him just like the receptionist had done. He narrowed his eyes on me, his eyes glittering with amusement. He might have an idea of what I was trying to do.

"It was such a pleasure working with you." I coed in a high-pitched tone, "Thank you so much for the opportunity and who knows maybe our paths to cross again in the near future." I giggled, trying to be overly cute to the point I knew people would think I was annoying.

He folded his arms across his chest, his white shirt tightening around his shoulders and biceps. Oh God, this man not only worked twenty-four-seven, but he also worked out. Was he even human? Lucas had a great body to from what I felt of it when he pressed up against me or when he cuddled me. But I was sure this man before me was just more sculpted.

"I'm sure we will." He spoke in that deep, quiet voice.

Guess the cutesy route didn't make him back off.

"Okay then, see you around." I chirped and stepped around him.

I gasped when he grabbed my arm, keeping me in place. I didn't think he would actually touch me. Somehow I thought we silently agreed we'd never touch each other again. His touch burned me, making me shiver. He felt it, I wasn't lucky enough for him to ignore it either.

"Are we done playing games?" He asked.

"I'm not playing any games here." I lost the high-pitched tone.

"I think you are."

I turned and faced him, "Listen, I'll be the mature one here and admit that I do feel something for you which I shouldn't say out loud, but I have no intention of doing anything about it. I'm dating someone and he makes me happy. I'd appreciate it if you just back off."

"He makes you happy, that's fair." He stepped forward which left barely any space between us, "Does he also makes you want to jump him no matter the time and place?" He asked, he rested his hand on my lower back and gently held me close, "We both know right now you're fighting the feeling of kissing me."

I closed my eyes, a shaky breath leaving my lips. It was true, I wanted to kiss this arrogant man. I couldn't, I made a promise to Lucas. I needed to keep my promise. My future was with sweet and kind not dark and dangerous. Opening my eyes I placed my hand against his chest, biting my lip to keep in a sigh. I gently pushed him back and smiled at him.

"You're right I want that, but I won't do it. I'm happy with my boyfriend."

He shoved his hands in his pockets and viewed me with such a serious look he made me a bit nervous. He changed gears he was also done playing games. The cold look in his eyes made me step back.

"I won't touch you like that nor will I kiss you first. But I will make you want me, you'll see sooner or later you'll end up in my bed." He smirked, "Boyfriend or not."

I couldn't help but believe him. He would tempt me just to make me do what he wanted. The fact that I was so freaking weak when it came to this man worried me. I needed to keep my distance. I held my bag tighter in my hands, my knuckles turning white with the force I used.

"You're getting it. Well, have a nice day, Nina."

We were done, I was glad that I could now walk away. I didn't run away like a coward but maybe when things became intense and weird between us I should have run. I couldn't change things now though. With my head raised, I turned on my heels and walked away. I felt his eyes burning on my back but I kept on walking, praying that I would slip and fall flat on my face. Once out of the building I grabbed a cab and finally dared to breathe. I had no idea what Jacob was planning but I knew I was in for a ride.

What should I do?

I grabbed my phone and gave Nick a call. He knew what I should do, he was the voice of reason most of the time.