When her phone buzzed with a call from her assistant, Evelyn didn't hear it but Gerald was already tugging her into the backseat of the car. Outside, the rain poured in relentless sheets, blurring the city lights. Inside, the air was thick with tension and something far more like desire.
Without fully realizing it, Evelyn leaned in, her lips brushing against the taut skin of Gerald’s neck, right where his adam’s apple shifted with each breath. Her hands gripped the armrests for balance, and Gerald tilted his head back, his slender eyes fluttering open and closed with each heated kiss against his throat.
Then came his voice which was low, raspy, and full of temptation. “Wanna play?”
Evelyn’s eyes shimmered with a crimson haze, her breath uneven. “Let’s play.”
Gerald’s large hand slid down her back, his smile wicked, relaxed. “Whatever the game is... just don’t blame me afterward.”
It was the kind of game adults played, no strings, no emotions, just two people chasing something they both craved.
Outside, the rain intensified, a furious rhythm on the windows. Inside, the heat only grew. The moments blurred with moans, whispered names, the sharp bite of passion. When it reached its peak, Evelyn sank her teeth into Gerald’s shoulder.
He hissed, his hand adorned with a white jade thumb ring gently brushing her neck. With a half-laugh, he lifted her like she weighed nothing and murmured against her ear, “Easy... you bite too hard.”
Evelyn didn’t reply. Her body trembled as she leaned into him, breath warm and laced with the scent of wine and orchids.
When the storm within them calmed, Evelyn’s red dress was askew, its shoulder strap slipping down her arm. Her skin glistened with sweat, as if she'd emerged from water. Bending forward, she fished her high heels from the crevice of the car seat.
Gerald’s shirt hung open, buttons undone, his gaze lingering on her waist. A slow, knowing smile touched his lips. “Did you drink something you shouldn’t have at the party?”
Evelyn didn’t respond immediately. Then, with a cool detachment, she said, “Thank you for today, Mr. Gerald.”
Gerald raised an eyebrow, chuckling lightly. “‘Thank you’? That’s it?”
Ignoring his amused expression, Evelyn pulled herself together and added quietly, “I’ll treat you to a meal someday.”
Without waiting for a reply, she opened the door and stepped out, heels clicking on the wet pavement. Gerald had been rough, too rough and though she appeared composed, her legs wobbled with every step. Still, she held her head high.
At the roadside, she flagged down a cab. Once inside, she pressed her lips together, forcing herself not to unravel. When her hands finally stopped shaking, she took out her phone and typed:
I'm feeling a bit unwell tonight. Going home now.
Her assistant replied immediately: Manager Evelyn, are you okay?
Evelyn stared at the screen for a second, then replied: I’m okay.
But whether she was truly okay and only a few knew the truth.
Everyone at the party thought she’d just had too much to drink. None realized her drink had been spiked. A quiet attempt by jealous colleagues to bring down the rising star who’d sealed too many high-profile deals too quickly.
Their method had been cruel.
Back in the car, Gerald remained still, his thoughts distant as his gaze settled on a faint bloodstain on his pants. A knock on the window pulled him back.
The door swung open. Bryan, his childhood friend, leaned in, one hand braced against the frame, grinning. “Well, well, Gerald. I'm going to admit to this, I never thought you had it in you. Shaking a whole car? That’s impressive.”
Gerald shot him a flat look, barely lifting an eyelid. He reached into his coat, pulled out a silver cigarette case, lit one without a word.
Bryan watched, amused. “I recognize her, by the way. Evelyn, the new project manager from Copart Group. Didn’t she just transfer from Arlington? If I’m not mistaken, she’s got a boyfriend… Vice president of some listed company. What was his name again…”
Gerald took the cigarette from his lips and, without looking at Bryan, flicked ash out the door. His voice was casual, almost bored.
“Really?”
