Two Choices

Seven ~ Elizabeth

I don't stop running until I'm out of the building. 

I know I'm not supposed to run from my problems, but I'm ashamed of what happened. No man has ever made me feel as turned on as I'd been in that conference room. 

I can't entertain the ideas running through my mind, even if I don't know why my body reacted the way it did.

I spent the next three hours walking down Front Street, admiring all the shops lined up and down the road. 

Many are part of corporations, but a small percentage are mom-and-pop shops. I have nothing against corporations, but something is rewarding about shopping at the smaller stores. 

It gives the little guys a shot at making it in the world and everyone has to start somewhere.

I've bought several work-related items and also stumbled across a lingerie store.

I wasn't sure what drew me here, because the lord himself knows I have no one to dress up for. 

However, I still walk through the door. 

A satin-black one-piece immediately caught my attention. I search for my size before walking to the knee-high stockings, choosing a ruby-red fishnet pair to complete the look. 

I can afford to spend the money since I just got a decent-paying job. Though I know I'll have to survive on ramen for the week until my first paycheck comes in.

I find myself lost in my thoughts as I walk down the street to finish the rest of my errands.

The power that Niko holds is astounding. 

The look of pure rage sent me running in the end. If I had known that mentioning another man would've caused all that, I'd have kept my mouth shut. 

I need to learn when and where not to say things. It's proven, time and time again, that my mouth will always land me in trouble.

I'm ashamed that I enjoyed that moment when he pushed me on the table. My panties are damp thinking about it, making me realize that I have to face him again soon. 

I'm not sure how I'll be able to work for him, but I know that as long as Amendment Four is in place, I'm safe from any further advances. 

I'll have to keep my distance to work for a man like Niko.

Once I'm about finished with my errands, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. 

It's Niko letting me know that the contract is ready to be signed. 

I sigh, looking at my Cinderella watch. The time reads five in the evening, knowing that I'll get to go home right after is a relief. 

I quickly discard my trash before walking back to Caspen Industries.

In the heat of the moment earlier, I ran out without bothering to find Greg, my feet now paying the price. 

By the time I reach the building, they are screaming for me to get off them. 

I make my way into the lift, back to the same floor that sent me running for the hills only hours before. I need the money, though every fiber of my being is telling me to run the other way.

I offer Maggie a smile as I walk past her. She smiles back, although it falters when she sees where I'm headed. 

Niko has informed me to meet in his office, something about being on mutual ground or some bullshit. 

I don't believe him, but my curiosity piqued. I knock on the door three times, only to be met with silence. 

Taking a deep breath, I ready myself for what I'm about to do. I wrap my hand around the handle, slowly open the door, and walk inside.

Niko has taken a shower, and with no bathroom in sight, my curiosity only grew about the floor above us. 

He's wearing faded dark blue jeans, and nothing else. 

His hair lay in all directions, water droplets dripping from the tips. I follow a droplet as it hits his shoulder, slowly making its way down his chest and ending at the waistline of his jeans. 

Images flashing through my head have my body temperature rising, making my cheeks turn a deep shade of red.

"Fuck me," I whisper to myself, not fully knowing where this meeting is heading.

He's mouth-watering, and I know he's trying to get a reaction out of me. 

When I look up at his face, he's wearing his signature smirk. His arrogance oozes out of him, and I don't know if it's a turn-on or off. 

With incredibly conflicted thoughts and emotions, I realize there's only one way to handle this.

"Let's begin. I have plans for this evening and I'd rather not be late, Mr. Knight." Amazed that I maintained eye contact the entire time I spoke.

"I thought you enjoyed the show for a moment there, Elizabeth. The contract is on my desk. Have a seat and we can get started." He chuckles, making his way to his desk, and grabbing a t-shirt from the drawer.

My right leg gives out as I make my way towards the seat, tumbling to the ground. 

My bags fell all around me, and clothes scattered around his office. I look up to see the sight I've created, noticing the lingerie I bought landing right in front of his feet. 

He picks it up, his eyes slowly glazing over.

"Elizabeth, are you trying to test my patience? I promise you, if any man even glimpses you in this, I will rip his eyeballs straight from their sockets. I'm not a nice man, and certainly not one to be fucked with," he growls, making his way towards me.

I stand up quickly, ready to stand my ground against the man who thinks he can control my love life.

"You have no business in my love affairs, Mr. Knight. I believe it'll be in our best interest to sign the contract and have a fresh start tomorrow." I say calmly, getting up and taking a couple of steps back.

He grabs my hips, pulling my body towards his, and bringing his lips inches from mine.

"Let's get one thing straight before we work together, Ms. Montgomery. I'll respect your wishes for not getting involved with me right now."

"I will not, however, allow another man to have what is mine in the meantime. I'm not a good man, Elizabeth. I'd be careful teasing me. I'll only allow you to go so far before I take that pretty ass across my knee. Giving you the punishment we both know you're craving," he says, leaving me breathless.

"We'll sign this contract, but don't have my intentions twisted. I will have you one day, and until I do, I dare another man to so much as look in your direction. I've never been one to shy away from violence, and I won't hesitate to use it when it pertains to you." He states, finally backing away from me.

I'm not sure what to say, so I opted to not say anything at all. 

I know suddenly that this man isn't all that he seems. 

My research said he's been rising rapidly in the finance world for the last couple of years with his legal business, but this man seems more dangerous than your normal CEO of a finance company. 

I make my way over to his desk and pick up a pen, hesitating over the line where my name is supposed to go.

Can I work for this man?

Will we be able to work closely together after all that he said?

However, I need the money more than I need my pride.

I reluctantly place my signature on the paper and set the pen down, walking out of his office. 

If I stay there one more second, I'll take him up on his offer. It's been so long since I've gotten laid, and it isn't until now that it's bothered me. 

I send Callie a message asking her if she wants to go out tonight while getting in the SUV this time, so Greg can take me home. 

I opt for a TV dinner before jumping in the shower to get ready for the evening. 

A/N: Updated 06.25.24