"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, surrounded by assholes." - Sigmund Freud

+++

Caden's POV

"Where were you last night?" Cole asks me, his butt placed comfortably on the couch.

"At my boss's house," I say, nervous as to where this is headed.

The living room reeks of salty beer, which in the beginning, made me always want to gag, something Cole did not like.

I've gotten used to the smell by now, but knowing how disgusting our apartment must be, I try not to let anyone into my "home."

"Huh? Like last time?"

I gulp. He didn't make it a big deal the last time I slept at Silas's, which I will say, was totally accidental.

I had rested my head on his couch after just running two miles to a PetCo to get dog food. I don't even think Silas has a dog.

Now, you may think two miles is nothing, but with someone who's lived off of ramen and SlimJims the past four years, it might well have been 40 miles.

I definitely didn't make it past his 35 minute limit, which I then had to run an additional mile as my punishment for being 20 minutes late. Yeah, it wasn't fun. I'm beginning to think this job consists more of me running than actually doing anything else.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy I have this job, but I just feel so useless. It's as if Silas is deliberately sending me useless "assignments" for me to complete just to get on my nerves.

When I made it back to Silas's penthouse, I was exhausted, panting like a dog who's just been out for a run.

I rest my head against the wall on the couch and the next thing I knew, I woke up in the morning, my butt still planted on the couch, my head severely laid back against the wall, completely uncomfortable. My neck now aches from my sleeping position.

I don't know why he doesn't just wake me up. I mean I would assume he wouldn't even want me in his home as I am a lowlife, as he likes to bring up constantly.

"I'm confused." Cole turns his head to me, wearing an emotionless expression, but I know there's going to be more. "Why did you refuse to sleep with our landlord but you don't mind sleeping with your boss?"

My eyes bulge out of their sockets. "What?" I breathe out, completely shocked by his words. "Oh, don't fucking lie to me, Caden, you're definitely fucking you boss." He smirks at me but there is no amusement in his eyes.

"I mean why else would your boss cover our rent for the next twelve months?" He's already turned his neck away from me, not allowing me to see his face.

"What?"

They payed my rent? For the next year??

"You must've given them a good fuck because one of them came by here yesterday. Talked to Craig for a while before leaving," he continues. "Asked Craig what he said and he said that our rent was covered by a Mr. Sawyer Sanders."

So that's what Silas meant last night. That it was taken care of. Sawyer had paid my rent.

My heart bursts into an amount of infinite gratitude at his kindness but something else pricks my chest.

They really didn't have to do that. I just needed this month's check, that was all.

Don't get me wrong, I'm so grateful for the kind gesture but now... Now I feel a bit shameful for the lengths in which they took.

I could've handled it. Even if I didn't get my check.

God, Caden, you're so prideful, just be grateful you have a roof over your head for the next year.

You're right. What am I thinking?

"I'm not sleeping with my boss," I choke out.

"Mhm, whatever you say." There's a hint of amusement in his tone making me hopeful that he's in a good mood.

"By the way, we need more beer."

"Okay."

I bite back the fact that I haven't received my check yet since it seems that Cole is in a good mood and I feel like not having welts on my back for a change.

I already see Agnes waiting for me on the bus stop and a smile immediately spreads onto my face.

"Hello, Agnes."

"Hi, sweet bean."

I sit beside her and we go on with our routine of her nestling her head on my shoulder.

"A young man stopped by yesterday and spoke to Craig," she begins to say. "He looked very professional, with a suit and tie and a very handsome face."

"I've heard," I reply.

"Sadly, he bats for the other team." Now that makes my heart stop. "You know Sawyer Sanders?" I ask in disbelief.

"Yes, he is a very nice gentlemen. We've met on a few occasions," she replies simply.

Huh. I never thought Agnes would have ever met Sawyer Sanders. I've never even seen her leave her apartment, besides when we're waiting for the bus together.

"But he has two other brothers. I'm sure one of them would be lovely for you," she goes on and my stomach lurches.

I can't imagine dating any of the Sanders brothers. Particularly a dark-haired, blue-eyed man who hates my guts. "No, I don't think so."

"I'm not so sure about that."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing, dear. Nothing at all."

+++

"This coffee sucks," Silas barks at me.

Yeah, he's in a crappy mood today. He's rejected the coffees I've made for him three times.

So right now, I'm moseying to the kitchen office again to make him another coffee while he curses in his office and yells at his brothers.

It doesn't take a genius to know why he's upset. He lost his partnership with Nguyen Enterprises.

The thing I was most afraid of from last night was that he was going to fire me. But he didn't.

Which I am so very relieved about.

It's crazy how so many things have happened and it's been less than a week. I'm very much looking forward to my weekend.

"Hey," Izzie walks by the kitchen, a handful of paperwork clasped by her hands.

"Hi," I reply back.

She's been the only person I've talked to in the office besides the Sanders brothers.

Now if it was a couple years ago, I definitely would have felt kind of lonely, but since I've basically been on my own now, I don't mind it as much.

Besides, I'm too busy fulfilling useless errands for Silas to have any time to chitchat.

"What are you doing this weekend?" Izzie asks me with a warm smile.

"Nothing much," I respond. Since the problems of my rent has been lifted off my shoulders, I finally have free time instead of working night and day seven days a week.

So now I have an entire weekend to relax from all the running I've been doing this week.

And by "spend some time," I mean just walking around the city, looking at some clothes I know I can't afford.

Never actually had the chance to do it in the past since I worked a lot, but it's something I've been planning for a couple days now.

"Well, me, Leia, and Marcus were thinking of hitting a club. You want to join?" she offers me and my heart is now doing somersaults in my chest. It's such a normal thing to do; invite someone over on a Friday night.

But for me, it's something so foreign and I can already feel my fingers buzz with excitement. "Really?" I ask, afraid this is all some sick joke.

"Of course! We're friends," she beams at me.

I smile back and this is the first time I've been so overjoyed this week. "Okay."

"Cool. We're going at around 10 pm. Do you need a ride or no?"

"Yes, would you mind picking me up?"

"Of course. Marcus is taking all of us. Just send me your address."

"Ok- Okay."

She leaves before I can tell her that I don't have a phone.

It's fine, I will just send her a note, like the olden days.

"Mr. Sanders wants you," someone says behind me. I turn around and see a tall, man with long, curly blond hair.

His back is turned to me and but I can already tell he'll be attractive looking.

"Okay, thank you," I mumble.

I leave before he can saying anything. Yeah, I'm not great with meeting new people.

But it's fine. It's not like I'll ever be talking to him again.

Currently, my life is revolved around a very mean man with dark hair and ugly blue eyes. They're not ugly. But I wish they were.

Walking towards their office, I'm slightly nervous, afraid that I actually am fired and he just forgot.

"Um, you needed me?" I call out after stepping through the office.

I'm surprised to see Mr. Nguyen standing there with his son.

As soon as my eyes fall on Philip, my back immeditialty stiffens. I can feel my face reddening whilst my eyes dart back to Sawyer.

"Yes, we did," Sawyer calls out, his face expressionless although his eyes tell a different story. His usual sea blue eyes have darkened into a midnight blue, and his jaw is working tirelessly, tensing every few seconds.

"Hi, Mrs. Wilson," Mr. Nguyen takes a step toward me, his right hand reaching out to me. I shake it awkwardly before beginning to shift on my feet. "We met at the dinner a few days ago. Do you remember?"

"Yes, I do," I utter, though my tone is soft, barely above a whisper. What is happening??

Mr. Nguyen is smiling kindly at me, and I can tell he is a very sweet and genuine man. I can't say the same about his son, however.

"You have met my son, yes?" He speaks with a thick Vietnamese accent but his words are understandable and his English is very good.

"Yes, sir."

I don't meet eye contact with Philip, instead choosing to gaze at Mr. Nguyen as he continues to smile kindly.

"Well, I was just informed of an incident between you and my son and I just wanted to personally apologize for my son's behavior." A wave of shock glides down my spine at his words. He's apologizing to me??

"That is not the son I raised," he continues, his eyes dancing to Philip, a deep frown pulling his lips down as he studies him.

As if on cue, Philip steps forward, an apologetic smile plastered on his face as he reaches out and grabs my hand. "I'm very sorry for the incident that occurred last night." His tone is calm with a hint of sorrow. "It was not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable."

With one smooth, long fingered hand, he pulls my palm onto his lips. A small gasp escapes my throat at the contact of his cool, thin lips and I feel a weird feeling settling into my stomach.

"I hope we can put all of this past us," he finishes off, detaching his lips from my hand.

I immediately pull my arm to my sides, feeling slightly uncomfortable at what just happened. Without thinking, I wipe the back of my hand against my dress, wanting to get rid of the feel of his lips on me.

I look up to see Silas, his hands balls up to fists at his side while his jaw clenches. Sawyer looks about the same as he does while Sage just looks confused.

Yeah, I'm thinking Sage is the one usually left out in the dark.

Nevertheless, he follows his brothers' approach and sends an icy glare towards Philip, one I can tell he noticed through his peripheral vision.

"Mr. Sanders, I hope this incident doesn't stray you from us becoming business patterns?" Mr. Nguyen asks, sending his attention to Silas.

His gaze shifting to Mr. Nguyen, Silas says gruffly, "Of course not. We only have a few more paperwork to sign before we are officially working together. Let me just go get them real quick."

Striding toward the door, Silas wraps is fingers around my wrist and pulls me out the room with him.

"Wash your hands," he demands after we step outside his office.

Before letting me reply, he walks away toward my office where the paperwork is located.

Quickly making my way to the bathroom, I scrub my hands clean of any traces of Philip's lips. Knowing his intentions, I know that his apology was far from sincere, although he did a good job of making it look like it was.

It seemed to satisfy his father though, as he gave a wide smile after his "apology."

Walking out of the bathroom, I step into my office, only to find Silas rummaging through the cabinets of my desks.

"Where is the paperwork?" he asks harshly, telling me he is still upset, either about Mr. Nguyen being here or the fact that Philip kissed my hand, I'm not sure.

Without saying anything, I walk to my desk, pulling out the paperwork from the bottom of my desk.

"Here," I say, not looking at him.

He doesn't say anything, just walks out the room, slamming the door hard, I was sure the whole office just shook.

Great.

+++

Silas's POV

I swear, I want to slug that douchebag where the sun doesn't fucking shine.

After slamming her office door unnecessarily hard, I made my way to my office, where I knew the dickface and his father still waited for me.

As soon as his lips touched her hand, I wanted to strangle the bastard and throw him out the window.

I'm still thinking of it when I stroll into my office, Mr. Nguyen waiting for me.

I hand him the papers, instructing him where to sign and I soon escort them out of my building.

I put up some lame excuse as to why they needed to leave urgently, and then finally, for the first time that day, I relaxed.

I was still livid beyond belief, but now I could be angry without that shithead staring back at me with an innocent gaze.

God, he is such an asshole.

I had shown Mr. Nguyen the security footage of last night, and while I was a bit nervous to show me beating the life out of his son, I wanted to prove what a motherfucker Philip really was.

And while Mr. Nguyen was shocked at first, he began to make an incredulous amount of excuses for the behavior of his son's actions. "Oh, he has been really stressed." "I'm sure he just wanted to go out with your lovely assistant." "There's been so much going on in his life."

Lame excuse after another, and to be honest, I can't blame the guy. Philip puts on such a believable act that it's no surprise his father would defend him.

Poor guy. Mr. Nguyen seems like a good man and husband, but his parenting skills are a bit questionable based on how his son turned out.

My veins still pulse with fury and god, I just need to let off a little steam.

Hm?

Maybe Sage is right.

I haven't gotten laid in months, with work and everything, and I think it's time to have a good fuck to let off a little steam.

Yes, this is good.

With that in mind, I bark out loud, "Wilson, where's my coffee?!" I hear a pair of feet shuffling outside my office and I let out a chuckle.

+++

Arriving at some random club, I park my Tesla and enter the building.

Loud music thumps in my ear and I can smell the strong stench of alcohol and sweat.

My feet finds its way to the bar and I just wait.

Yeah, I don't really need to do a lot to get a girl's attention. With a face like mine, everyone already gawks at it anyway, it's just slightly difficult in such dark lighting.

Ordering a whiskey from the bartender, I spot a girl in a sleek, black dress eyeing me at my 12 o'clock.

Making sure I don't make eye contact or gaze in her direction, I survey the crowd, eyeing a few girls with enough desire that it makes the girl start to come toward me.

Mission accomplished.

The girl is hot. Perky breasts almost spill out of her, as every inch of her curves is hugged by her short dress.

With a seductive strut through the dance floor, she finally sits beside me, ordering a scotch from the bartender.

"You new here?" she says to me with a husky voice.

"Who wants to know?" I reply back, still not making eye contact with her.

"Vanessa."

She turns to face me, and I face her back, finally able to see her face clearly with the close proximity.

She is actually quite beautiful, with chocolate brown skin and tight curls framing her face.

+++

Vanessa Olsen played by Cheyenne Maya-Carty

25 years old

+++

"Never been here. Wanted to check it out," I respond simply.

Her eyes flicker with recognition as she studies me more and her face goes wide. "Oh my gosh, you're him!" she exclaims out loud.

"I don't know you mean."

"Oh come on, don't bullshit me. You're that rich guy who owns that huge-ass company," she explains, staring at me with awe.

"Maybe."

"So what is a rich guy like you doing here in a club?" she asks, her face now curious. "Just wanted to meet some new people."

"Mhm."

"You want the truth?" She nods.

I am starting to like her. Seems really chill and laid back and I don't believe she will be angry with me if I were to be candid with my intentions of coming here tonight. "I came here to let off a little steam."

Surveying the crowd and eyeing some women here and there, she nods with understanding. "I see."

"You wouldn't happen to volunteer, would you?" She looks me over with a content expression before smirking. "It would depend on how good of a kisser you are," she answers back.

"Oh yeah?" Moving my face toward her slowly, I eye her with amusement. "Mhm," she responds back, her eyes closing, nose in the air.

Before I can kiss her, she turns towards the bartender, ordering a champagne.

A deep rumble of laughter escapes my throat and I give her a smirk. "Funny," I comment.

"I thought so," she replies back.

With one quick movement, I cup her cheeks and brings her lips to mine, kissing her with all my might.

She responds quickly, shooting her tongue inside my mouth confidently. I smile at that before doing the same.

Bold. I like it.

I stand up, her following me and kiss away all the built up anger and frustration that's been plaguing me all week.

My hands travel to her breast, molding it into my hands through her dress before making it's way down to her waist.

I hug her to my body, her front now flesh against mine.

My back is now leaning against the counter as Vanessa continues to ravish my lips. Her mouth travels from my lips to my neck, her tongue making circles on my skin.

Damn, this feels good. I forgot what it was like to be kissed.

I peek open my eyes at the club and my gaze is suddenly drawn to a girl in a tight fitting red dress that clings onto her waist. Her body is moving to the beat of the music and all I can do is stare at how amazing she looks. I have a view of her side profile, which isn't much since her hair is obscuring her face.

But then I see hands attach themselves onto her waist from behind her. My eyes search upward to see the owner of them and it belongs to a man no older than twenty-five.

He's cupping her waist tightly as she swings her hips against his body.

I can't see the girl's face but I can most definitely tell that she is attractive as hell, just by her movements.

They move together in synch, her hands around his neck as their bodies swing together with the music.

God, to be in his position. That's one lucky bastard.