36
The day began like any other—early, precise, and calculated.
Meetings were stacked back-to-back, and my schedule was filled with the kind of noise I usually found tolerable.
But today was different. Today, Lenora had a role in the meeting, and even though I trusted her competence, my possessiveness stirred at the thought of her stepping into the spotlight before clients, especially the French delegation.
I arrived at the office before her, as usual, pouring over last-minute details of the presentation she had worked on tirelessly for the past week.
The layout was flawless, the numbers precise, and her ideas creative yet grounded.
My little star. But knowing the types of men we'd be hosting today—smug, arrogant, and far too entitled—I already felt my jaw tighten at the thought of anyone looking at her for longer than they needed to.
When Lenora finally arrived, my world shifted. She wore a black dress that hugged her curves in a way that was professional but criminally distracting. Her hair was pulled back, accentuating her graceful neck, and the light pink lipstick she wore only added to her allure.
"Good morning, Mr.Maroni," she said softly, her voice like a balm to my tension.
"Lenora," I greeted, my tone neutral trying to control myself from kissing her since we weren't in my office yet, though my eyes lingered on her longer than necessary.
Once I was back in my office I pretended to focus on my laptop, but in truth, I couldn't stop watching her as she settled at her desk.
She had no idea how intoxicating she was, no clue how easily she consumed every waking thought I had.
And yet, she carried herself with such innocence, such understated grace—it made my possessiveness burn hotter.
The boardroom buzzed with conversation as the French clients arrived.
They were led by Jean-Paul Lemaire, a sharp-tongued businessman in his forties, and his team of associates, which included a blonde named Camille.
I barely registered her presence, my focus entirely on Lenora as she prepared her notes for her segment of the meeting.
When it was time for Lenora to present, I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms as I watched her rise to her feet. She looked calm, confident—everything I had trained her to be.
My brave girl.
"Good morning," she began, her voice steady but warm. "I'm Lenora Williams, and I'll be walking you through the creative strategies we've implemented to align with your company's goals."
As she spoke, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Her words were articulate, her delivery flawless. She commanded the room effortlessly, holding everyone's attention—including mine.
But my pride was quickly tainted by a surge of jealousy when I noticed Jean-Paul watching her a little too closely. His gaze lingered on her curves, and the slight smirk on his lips was enough to make my fists clench under the table.
When Lenora finished her presentation, the room broke into polite applause. She returned to her seat beside me, and I leaned over slightly, lowering my voice so only she could hear.
"Impressive," I murmured, my lips brushing the shell of her ear.
She glanced at me, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Thank you, Luca," she whispered.
I was about to savor the moment when Camille, the blonde associate, decided to open her mouth.
"Miss Williams, you were remarkable," she said, her French accent thick. "And so lovely to watch. I imagine working with Mr. Maroni must be quite the experience. He seems... intense." She gave her a smile, a flirty one to be exact.
Which only made my blood boil.
Lenora offered a polite smile, but Camille's insinuation made my blood boil. Men or Women, only I was allowed to give her that look.
"Miss Dupont," I cut in, my voice like ice. "Lenora's contributions are valued for their substance, not for your assumptions. Let's keep the focus on business, shall we?"
Camille flushed and quickly nodded, but the irritation lingered in my chest.
By the time the meeting ended, I was barely holding it together. Lenora was oblivious, chatting with some of our team members, but I couldn't wait any longer. I stalked toward her, my hand wrapping around her wrist as I leaned down to speak in her ear.
"Come to my office. Now," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.
She looked up at me, startled but obedient, nodding as she followed me out of the boardroom.
The moment the door closed behind her, I turned the lock and rounded on her. She looked up at me, confused by my sudden shift in demeanor.
"Did I... do something wrong?" she asked softly, her voice uncertain.
"You were perfect," I said, my voice low and dangerous as I stalked toward her. "But the way they looked at you—like they had any right to you—drove me insane."
She stepped back instinctively, but I followed her, crowding her space until her back hit the wall.
"Luca..."
I placed my hands on either side of her, caging her in. "You're mine, Lenora. Do you understand that?"
She nodded, her breath hitching as I leaned closer.
"I don't like sharing what's mine," I murmured, my lips brushing against hers. "And I don't like when anyone thinks they can take you from me."
"I wasn't..." she began, but I silenced her with a kiss—deep, hungry, and possessive.
Her hands found their way to my chest, and I could feel her trembling under my touch. I pulled back slightly, my hands moving to her waist, gripping her tightly.
"You're going to listen very carefully, Lenora," I said, my voice dark and commanding. "From now on, I want you to remember who you belong to."
Her cheeks flushed, and I could see the way her pupils dilated, her body responding to my words.
"You," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Good girl," I said, a smirk tugging at my lips.
I pulled her toward me, lifting her onto my desk as I kissed her again, my hands roaming her body. She gasped as I nipped at her lower lip, my teeth grazing the sensitive skin before soothing it with my tongue.
The tension between us was electric, and I could feel her surrendering to me completely. It was intoxicating, knowing that I had this effect on her—that I could unravel her so easily.
"You drive me crazy," I murmured against her lips, my hands sliding up her thighs.
"You're not exactly calm yourself," she shot back, her voice teasing but breathless.
I chuckled, my grip tightening on her. "You're lucky I like your sass," I kissed her jaw.
Our moment was interrupted with my phone ringing, annoyed I looked at it to see it was one of the clients wanting to meet up about the latest market discussions.
"I should go," Lenora says snapping me from my thoughts as she hopped off my desk. I pull her back sealing our lips in a kiss before pulling back. her cheeks pink.
"Wait up, I'm dropping you off today."
She shook her head, "I'll get the uber, now you finish up."
Like hell-
"Luca," she gave me a knowing look. "I'll be fine, I'll drop you a message once I reach home."
Sighing I nodded not exactly liking it just as Lenora gave a quick peck on my cheek and dashed out the door, her laugh lingering in my office as I tried to get my focus on work.