The Sinner's Heart (SIN CITY Series: Book #1)

A preposition for you

ASHER'S POV

I sat behind my massive mahogany desk, watching as Drina was mortified. Her eyes widened in horror at the words that left my mouth. I smiled to myself, knowing I had her attention.

'Come on, little candy. Let me give you a treat', I thought to myself.

Drina hesitated for a moment, her eyes fixed on mine. I could see the flush rising to her cheeks as I leaned back in my chair, clasping my fingers together.

"Mr. Thorne, it's not what you think," she said, still stuttering. Was she that flustered by my very presence that she couldn't even utter a complete sentence?

I chuckled, swirling in my chair. "Just what do you think I'm thinking then?"

"Uhhh…"

I adjusted myself and leaned forward. "To tell you the truth, I was a bit surprised when I finally figured it out. So tell me, what's a barista like you doing in a place like this?"

I had to give her the benefit of the doubt. Even though I had investigated her as soon as I got her employment record. Imagine my surprise when I figured out that she was the frail human who spilled hot coffee on my expensive Italian suit!

I mean, what were the odds? At least for the first time in forever, I could maybe believe in fate.

Maybe this was destiny… who cared?

"That's for me to know, Mr. Thorne. My personal life is none of your business," she said, while adjusting the hem of her dress.

Oh wow. The little sheep had already grown some balls. Alright then.

"So, Drina," I began, my voice low and smooth. "I've been thinking a lot about you since that night in the private lounge."

Drina's eyes darted away, her face growing even redder. She stuttered over her words again, trying to speak, but I cut her off.

"No, no, let me finish," I said, leaning forward. "I want you to know that I've thought about you every day since then. I want you, Drina. I want you to be mine."

Drina's eyes snapped back to mine, shock and outrage written across her face. "I... I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered.

I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. "Don't play dumb, Drina. We both know what happened that night. And I want more."

Drina's face grew even redder as she struggled to speak. "I... I don't know what you want from me, but I'm not interested."

I smiled, undeterred. "Oh, I think you are," I said, my voice dripping with confidence. "I want you to live with me, Drina. Just for a while."

Drina's eyes widened in shock. "What? No, absolutely not."

I leaned forward, my eyes locked on hers. "Why not? I know everything about you now. I can take care of you, provide for you."

Drina shook her head, her voice firm. "Just because you know everything about me doesn't mean I can stay with you. You're a stranger, Mr. Thorne. And I live with my father. I can't just leave him."

I smiled, anticipating her objections. "I've thought of that," I said, leaning back in my chair. "I can make arrangements for your father to be taken care of, without him ever knowing what's going on. You can be with me, and still keep your life intact."

Drina's eyes went wide, shock and outrage written across her face. "You're...you're unbelievable," she stammered.

I just smiled, knowing I had her right where I wanted her.

"I know, little candy. And because I'm such an unbelievable person, I'm making you a believable offer, or trust me, my next course of action, would piss you off even further." I smirked at the scene before me. No longer did she have balls, now she was meek. Couldn't speak.

One thing about having money was that I could splurge on anything I wanted and, right now, I wanted her.

"Mr. Thorne!! Don't be ridiculous! Just because we spent a night together doesn't mean that you can just waltz into my life and try to control it!" She yelled.

As Drina spoke, I couldn't help but feel a surge of sexual energy coursing through my veins. I watched her lips move, her tongue darting in and out of her mouth, and I was captivated. I wanted her, right there and then.

"Well, you make me do the most unbelievable things, Drina! And yes, because of you, I'm making a ridicule out of myself," I replied, holding myself from yelling. It wouldn't help my case. "Can't you see what you're doing to me?"

She huffed at my statement, her forehead creasing with lines. "What the hell am I doing to you? All we had was sex. Nothing else!"

"You hold the key to my soul now. My every breathing moment revolves around you. I want you near me, Drina," I uttered, groaning in frustration.

"I'll think about it," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled, feeling a sense of pride surge through my veins. I knew I had her right where I wanted her. I got up from my seat, my eyes locked on hers, and made a move towards her. I could see the startled look in her eyes, but it didn't concern me. I was too far gone, my desire for her clouding my judgment.

"Come on, Drina," I teased, my voice low and husky. "Don't be shy. I know you want me too."

Drina took a step back, her eyes wide with alarm. "Mr. Thorne, stop," she said, her voice firm.

But I didn't stop. I kept moving towards her, my heart pounding in my chest. I could see the fear in her eyes, but I also saw something else - desire.

"Mr. Thorne…please," she whispered, her voice trembling.

I reached out and brushed a strand of hair out of her face, my fingers grazing her skin. Drina shivered, her eyes closing in response.

"Don't pretend you don't want me, Drina," I whispered, my lips inches from hers. "I know you do."

Drina's eyes snapped open, her gaze locking on mine. For a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us palpable.

Then, without warning, Drina turned and ran, dashing out of my office like her life depended on it. I was left standing there, feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.

But I knew I wouldn't give up. I would get Drina, no matter what it took, but for now, I needed a release and whoever I fucked right now, would bear the brunt of it.

I picked up my phone and called Vic. On the second ring, he picked up.

"Yes, boss," he said, his voice croaking.

I went to the window, leaning on the frame. "Send a girl to my office right now."