6. Mary
Chapter 6
Mary
I couldn’t stand another minute at that wretched brunch with my judgemental mother and her superficial society wives’ friends. Their constant criticism about my clothes, my love life, and my entire existence was suffocating me. As soon as I could, I slipped away under the pretense of having urgent work to attend to.
My phone pings with another message from my mother scolding me for my ‘rude exit’.
Work on a Saturday? Preposterous.
Working on the weekend may seem absurd to some, but to me, this office is my happy place. In this room, I do not constantly feel lacking or incomplete.
Here, I can regain control and focus on what matters. My career.
And for now, that is enough.
I open the chat with Chris and type .
Mary: Why aren’t you answering?
Mary: At least let me know you’re okay.
I sigh, leaning back in my desk chair and closing my eyes. Even though I try desperately to forget him, he’s always on my mind, and every time I do the Savasana, he’s disrupting it. Our night together was so passionate, so tender…
I’ve replayed it countless times in my mind, analyzing every detail. What did I do wrong? Why did he leave without a word? The sadness in his note offering only a simple apology... I just don’t understand.
My mother’s voice creeps back into my thoughts. “You’re almost 30, Mary. All the good men your age are married by now. No one wants raisins. If you don’t hurry, you’ll end up alone!”
She’s right... maybe that’s why Chris left.
A sob catches in my throat. I thought I was cried out, but apparently not. Pressing my palms to my eyes, I try to dam the fresh wave of tears.
I gave him everything—my body, my trust, my fragile heart—and he threw it all away without a second thought.
No more blind, naive trust. It’s time to open my eyes to reality. From now on, I’ll rely only on myself.
I take a tissue and wipe my eyes.
I am proud of who I am and what I’ve accomplished on my own. My goals, my dreams... those are mine alone. Not my mother’s. Not society’s. Mine.
The glow of the computer screen in the dark office soothes me. This is my element. Success in my career may not fit the mold of what’s expected from a woman my age, but I won’t compromise my ambitions.
I don’t need a man.
Putting on my earphones, I lose myself in the rhythm of the music while cross-checking spreadsheets. Late evening is the most productive time for me. It always has been, even in college.
My phone lights up, and I glance down to see a notification from our group chat.
Earlier, I had asked them about two pictures I found in a local gallery. Both would fit in our living room. One shows the ocean with a sunset, and the other shows a field of flowers.
Gemma: The first one is nice. How much wall space does it take up?
Lil: No. The second one is better. Love it! So artsy!
Mary: Great. Now, my vote counts?
Gemma: Seems like it.
Mary: I don’t want to decide.
Gemma: Surprise us ;)
Mary: I miss you guys. Can’t you guys move in tomorrow?
Gemma: Sorry. We could come visit next weekend?
Mary: It’s fine. I’m just gonna cry alone on the couch.
Lil: * books tickets *
Mary: Love you, guys. But seriously, don’t come. I’m swamped with work.
Gemma: Let us know if anything changes.
Lil: How did your date go, btw ?
My latest attempt at finding Mr. Right ended in failure after yet another disappointing blind date set up by my mom. Maybe I’m too picky, need to lower my standards, or just give up altogether.
Mary: Honestly, nothing huge. Just super boring and self-absorbed. All he did was talk about himself and his job the whole time. I swear I know his entire life story now, but he didn’t ask me a single question.
Gemma: Sounds lame.
Mary: I’m so over these random setups that go nowhere. I would like to take a break, but my mom’s constant nagging doesn’t help.
Gemma: Try not to let her get in your head. This is your life, not hers.
Lil: Yeah. You get to decide when and how you meet someone, not her.
Mary: I’ll try. Some days, it just feels impossible, though. Like why is it so hard for me when it seems easy for everyone else?
It’s like holding the crow pose while everyone else is in child’s pose.
Gemma: Trust me, it’s not easy for anyone. I thought Oliver was my soulmate, remember? And then one-night stand guy…
Lil: And I almost got married. Yet, here we are…
Mary: I guess the perfect romance, I imagine, only exists in books and movies.
Gemma: At least we have each other. Screw men !
Lil: Screw them. We’ll have our own dates. Spa and movie nights.
Mary: Looking forward to it.
Gemma: Group hug!
Lil: Sending virtual hugs!
Mary: Hugs! Can’t wait to squeeze you both in person once we’re roomies.
I tap over to the chat with Chris. No answer.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I should write him. It took me several days and three margaritas. Sighing, I place my phone upside down on the desk. Let’s not think about him. I have work to do.
As I am about to return my attention to the finance proposal, the light outside flickers on.
The clock on my computer screen reads 1:00 am. Too late to be my father, or anyone else for that matter.
I take off my earphones.
Footsteps, definitely footsteps. Someone must be here… but who? It’s the weekend.
“Hello?”
There’s no response.
Tucking my phone into my back pocket, I walk into the hallway.
It’s empty and quiet. But the light in front of my father’s office is on. Why would he be here so late? It doesn’t make sense. Is it the security guard?
The door of my father’s office is slightly ajar, pitch black inside. Weird.
“Dad, are you in there?” I knock on the door.
No answer. I’m going crazy.
Cautiously, I step inside, squinting as my eyes try to adjust to the darkness. I fumble for the light switch, but my hands grasp at nothing. “Where is that damn thing?”
A low, gravelly male voice appears behind me. “What are you searching for?”
I freeze. Who was that?
“Aren’t you usually… chatty?”
I turn around. An unknown figure, tall and imposing, stands near the window.
I grab the next object nearby, a paperweight, holding it up like a weapon. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”
His lips curl into a smirk as he steps towards me.
“Not another step!” I wield the paperweight with my trembling hands, poised to defend myself.
“Relax. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Answer me! Or I’ll call security.”
“You mean the security I was able to bypass because he’s busy eating pizza?”
“I’ll call the police.” My heart pounds as I stare at the shadowy figure before me. Who is this man, and how did he get in here?
“Calm down, Mary,” he says smoothly. “I’m not here to hurt you. ”
He knows my name? And the way he said it sounded like…
“Who the hell are you? How do you know who I am?”
Despite his intimidating appearance—broad-shouldered, dressed in black, and wearing a hood to hide his face—his demeanor exudes confidence and control and feels oddly familiar.
“Your security system has some serious flaws. It was way too easy for me to get in here.” He gestures around the dark office, stepping closer.
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
“Look, I’ll explain everything. But first, can you put that thing down? I promise you, I’m not a threat.”
“Why should I believe you?” I grip the paperweight tighter, ready to strike if needed.
“I was hired to check the security of the building.” His gaze never wavers from mine. “And clearly, it needs improvement.”
I frown. “By whom?”
“Your father, of course.” He pauses out of arm’s reach, tilting his head as if assessing me.
“I don’t believe you.”
He shrugs. “You’re free to verify with him yourself.”
No chance. He would definitely win if it came to a fight.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have work to do.” He turns away, waving his hand.
Did he just… Is he dismissing me? If anyone dismisses someone, it’s me dismissing him.
“You should come back another time. When my father is here, and people are around.”
“People are around.” He points at me. “That reminds me. Say cheese.” The flash of his phone blinds me. “You really should be more careful.”
“Did you just take a photo of me?” I blink, dumbfounded and confused.
“Documentation.”
“Show me some kind of proof that you’re who you say you are, or I swear I will throw that thing.”
“Adorable.”
“Huh?”
“Throw it.”
“I… Why… Ugh. I will.”
“Do it.”
Is he crazy? I won’t throw it. What if I miss, and then I won’t have anything to defend myself? Nice try.
“Fine, I’ll go.” He raises his hands in mock surrender and backs away toward the door.
Just as I’m starting to relax, he closes the distance between us in two swift strides. I stumble back, and the paperweight falls to the ground while he catches my wrist, yanking me to his body.
“There’s no need to be afraid.” The man reaches up and lowers his hood, revealing a handsome face with chocolate brown eyes that hold mine captive. Tousled brown hair and a slow, deliberate smile that makes me melt despite the situation. At least he can’t be, you know who .
He pulls out his phone again, and I reflexively shut my eyes, not needing to be flashed again. But nothing happens. I peek at him with one eye.
His phone is turned to me, and on it, there is an email exchange with my father detailing a security breach and a request to help improve said security. For all I know, it could be fabricated.
And he’s too fucking close for my comfort. “Let me go.” I struggle against his grip.
He laughs softly, his breath hot against my cheek. “Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to trust strangers?”
His face is mere inches from mine, eyes searching. For what, I can’t say. I lick my lips, and his gaze drops to track the movement.
“What happens now?” I ask.
He walks me back, pinning my wrists above my head against the wall. I gasp as he tangles a hand into my hair, tugging it to tilt my head to meet his eyes.
Then his mouth is on mine, hungry and demanding. At first, I’m too shocked to respond, but then something within me awakens, and I open my mouth, letting his tongue slip in. He groans, the sound vibrating against my lips. The grip on my hair tightens, tugging my head back as he takes control of the kiss and I’m drowning in the taste of him, a heady mix of danger and desire.
He kisses me like a man possessed, like he’s been waiting for this moment, like he knows exactly how to unravel me. And God help me, I’m letting him while my mind screams at me to push him away.
Any rational thought has fled, replaced by pure sensation. The rough wall behind me, the heat of his body pressed against mine, and the slick slide of his tongue. I’m lost in him, in this moment.
A whimper escapes me as he nips at my bottom lip, soothing the sting with his tongue. My head is spinning, my knees weak. If he wasn’t holding me up, I’m certain I would collapse.
I know this is wrong, that I shouldn’t be kissing a stranger in my father’s office in the middle of the night. But it feels so right.
He gentles the kiss, slowing it down, but somehow, that’s even more devastating. It’s tender now, almost reverent like he’s savoring me, memorizing the feel and taste.
I’m trembling in his arms, completely at his mercy. I’ve never been kissed like this before. Scratch that. It’s like Chris. Maybe that’s why I want it. It steals my breath and clouds my mind until there’s nothing left but the feel of his mouth on mine and—
He breaks away, panting heavily, his eyes on mine.
I feel drunk, adrenaline and desire cursing through me.
“These fucking perfect lips.” He skims his thumb over them, rough and calloused.
I open my mouth and see a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he presses down on my bottom lip. My lips part further, and he slides his thumb into my mouth. I close my lips around him and suck .
His eyes darken, transfixed, while I swirl over the pad of his thumb. I have no idea what’s come over me, but it’s arousing, making me crave more of his touch, his kiss. He appears enthralled, unable to tear his gaze away, and I continue sucking, feeling emboldened.
He removes it abruptly and steps back, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He looks almost panicked. So panicked, that he turns and strides out of the office without so much as a backward glance.
I stand there stunned, my lips still tingling.
What the hell just happened?
I plummet into my father’s desk chair, pressing my fingertips to my lips, swollen from his bruising kiss.
One minute, we were arguing, and the next, his mouth was hot and demanding on mine. And I responded. I don’t know why, but in that moment, it felt right. Natural, even. My body reacted before my mind could process what was happening.
This is crazy. I don’t even know his name. I should be afraid and upset. Why do I wish he would come back?
What is happening to me? Am I crazy?
Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it, and release.
I just kissed a stranger and loved—
The middle. Find your middle.
I put my hands together in front of my chest.
Namaste .
My phone. I should call my father and confirm. I reach for it in my back pocket, but it’s empty. Where is it? Didn’t I put it there? Is it still in my office?
I rush back into my office on trembling legs, searching for my phone. It’s not on my desk, not in my bag, not in the drawers, not on the floor.
Did—
My fingertips brush over my lips.
Did he steal it during the kiss?
Oh no.