Anna's POV
The bruises on Sean's face made me feel guilty as I walked into Rosa Villa.
He was arranging flowers in the living room, his movements careful and measured, clearly still in pain from Jack's assault.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, setting my bag down. The care in my voice surprised even me.
Sean turned, a soft smile lighting up his face despite his injuries. "Much better, Ms. Shaw."
I studied the purple-black marks marring his jaw. After all, he got hurt because of me.
"I'm staying here tonight," I announced, surprising myself with the decision. "Have the guest room prepared."
His eyes widened slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "Of course. Would you like dinner served in your room?"
Before I could answer, Rachel appeared with my overnight bag. She'd anticipated my decision before I'd even made it. Sometimes, I wondered if she could read my mind.
Later that evening, as I worked through emails on my laptop, Sean's soft voice interrupted my thoughts. "Ms. Shaw? Would you like a massage? I noticed you rubbing your shoulders earlier."
I glanced up, intrigued. "You're trained in massage?"
"We had extensive training at Olympus Club," he admitted, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "Not just... well, you know. They taught us proper therapeutic techniques too."
Something about his embarrassment made me smile. "Alright then. Show me what you can do."
His hands were surprisingly strong for someone with such a slim build. As his fingers worked the knots from my shoulders, I found myself relaxing despite my usual guardedness. There was something refreshingly honest about Sean no hidden agendas, no power plays.
The peaceful moment was shattered by my phone's buzz. A number that looked familiar.
Sapphire Sky Hotel, 3303
I frowned, about to delete it when another message appeared.
Come alone, Anna Shaw.
My heart stuttered. They knew my name. What did they want blackmail?
My brow furrowed. They probably knew everything about me, while I knew nothing about them. The feeling was uncomfortable for someone like me used to being in control.
"Sean, that's enough for tonight," I said, standing abruptly. "Get some rest."
His face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Of course, Ms. Shaw. Will you be—"
"I have a matter to attend to," I cut him off, already reaching for my coat. "Don't wait up."
The Sapphire Sky Hotel loomed before me, its glass façade reflecting the city lights. Everything about the place screamed money the private elevator, the hushed corridors. Whoever had summoned me wasn't short on funds.
Room 3303's door was unlocked. I heard the shower running as I entered the expansive suite. On the coffee table, something caught my eye a watch I recognized instantly. A limited-edition Patek Philippe, one of only fifty pieces worldwide. Each one cost more than most people made in a lifetime.
Who is he? I wondered, my earlier suspicion confirmed. This wasn't just a wealthy admirer. This was someone from an entirely different league.
The shower stopped. Before I could process what that meant, the suite plunged into darkness.
My instincts screamed danger, but as I turned to flee, strong arms caught me from behind. He moved with practiced efficiency, pinning me to the massive bed before I could even cry out.
"Let go!" I snarled, struggling against his grip. "Who do you think you are?"
He didn't answer. Instead, his lips found my neck exactly where he'd marked me before. My body betrayed me, responding to his touch even as my mind rebelled. His hands moved with devastating skill, remembering exactly how to unravel me.
"Tell me who you are," I demanded between gasps, but he silenced me with a kiss that was both punishing and passionate. In the darkness, I could only feel the expensive fabric of his shirt, the strength in his muscles, the intoxicating scent that teased memories I couldn't quite grasp.
What followed was a symphony of pleasure and fury. My arms trembled as he seized my wrists, pinning them above my head with one hand. His other hand tore at my skirt, rough fingers brushing my thighs, then higher. My breath caught as he found me wet, aching his touch unyielding, circling my clit before plunging inside.
I couldn't see, but I felt everything: his cock, thick and insistent, pressing against my entrance. He didn't ask, didn't wait just thrust, filling me in one brutal stroke. A gasp tore from my throat, my body arching under his control. His hips slammed into mine, relentless, my cunt clenching around him as he dictated the rhythm.
The darkness amplified it all his grunts, the slick sound of skin on skin, the heat of his shaft stretching me. He drove deeper, claiming every inch, until I unraveled, helpless, beneath him.
Dawn found me alone, pleasantly sore and thoroughly confused. On the nightstand lay a familiar check the same one I'd written at Olympus Club.
He's not short on money. So why pay... just to have sex with me?
Rachel burst in, sporting a bruise on her neck. Her eyes widened at the marks on my skin. "Ms. Shaw! Are you—". She stopped, rubbing her neck where a bruise was forming. "I woke up in the next room. They must have knocked me out when I arrived."
I sat up. "Find out who booked these rooms. Security footage, payment records everything."
"Already on it." She hesitated. "Should I get you... emergency contraception?"
"No." At least he'd been responsible enough to use protection. Small comfort, given how thoroughly he'd dominated me otherwise.
As Rachel helped me dress, my mind raced. Who was he? How did he know my name... my movements?