The Teacher

18: SKYLAR

The sharp click of a pen against the conference table barely registers in my mind as I lean back in the plush executive chair, ostensibly focused on the quarterly projections being laid out before me. The figures and graphs seem insignificant to me now, as Wren's image floats to the forefront of my thoughts.

I can't shake the memory of last night; she checks off all the boxes in what I want in a woman. Seeing her at The Gibbs was the last nail in the coffin for me. I want her in every way possible. Bound and gaged. I'm aware it's unprofessional, maybe even risky, to entertain such thoughts in the middle of a corporate strategy meeting, but the idea of Wren becoming my new sexual partner is a flame that refuses to be extinguished, and I don't want it to.

"Styrke?" My name is called, and I blink, shifting my gaze to meet the expectant looks of the board members around me.

"Apologies," I say smoothly, "Just considering the long-term implications of these strategies." A lie that rolls off my tongue, my mind already spinning back to Wren. How would I convince her to step into the tangled web of desire I so desperately want to weave around us?

I cross my legs, the mere thought of her sparking a warm rush of anticipation deep within me. She's no timid soul — her fierce dedication to her students and her ability to speak her mind without hesitation proves that. But it's those very traits that sparked my interest. At first, I wanted to tame that mouth of hers, the challenge of it all. I am used to getting what I want, but with Wren, the usual tactics feel inadequate. Seduction must be a dance, especially with someone like her.

I tap a finger against the leather-bound notebook in front of me, pondering over the delicate game I plan to play with her. There's a thrill in the chase, a heightened sense of pleasure in the potential conquest of a woman who could very well turn the tables on me.

"Mr. Styrke, your input here would be invaluable," the vice president urges, snapping me back to the present. Fucking hell, I need this meeting to be over. I'm here but not here.

"Of course," I reply, my voice steady despite the turmoil of desire churning inside me. I offer a strategic suggestion, one that earns nods of approval from around the room.

The conference door opens, and Roxie walks in with her arm full of folders. Slowly walking around the conference room table, handing them out to the board members. Our new potential investment. Dropping the girls off at school this morning, Sharon Hunt, a mother to one of Wren's students, asked if I would look into her husband's company. Initially, I would have said no, but my thoughts were so consumed by Wren, I fucking said yes and there was no backing out of it, but the decision is not up to just me. My board will have a say in it as well, as I told her.

"Ladies and Gents, what you have before you is a tech company seeking investment from us to develop innovative educational software designed specifically for early childhood education. As you all know, I do have a vested interest in children's welfare due to my own daughters."

I glance around the table, watching as the members of the board flip through the pages, their expressions of intrigue and skepticism. Bringing education into our tech-heavy portfolio could be a gamble, but it also opens up a new avenue for growth and positive influence. We've branched out to invest in other tech companies over the last two years, so we are very selective.

"It's an ambitious project, Skylar. The potential for impactful societal contributions is significant. However, we must consider if this aligns with our core objectives and whether the return justifies the investment." Robert Laine, head of development, looks up from the folder.

"Yes, it's exactly that potential impact that caught my attention. Not only could this move carve out a niche for us in a booming market, but it also offers us an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way." I say.