CONSUMED by Her | 18+ ✔️

CHAPTER 7

Skylar

Oh my God!

What just happened?

Sinking into my chair, I let out a heavy sigh before bringing the glass of water to my mouth. Taking a generous sip from the cold water, I hope for it to cool me down.

I was caught off guard when Alec just showed up in my office. Somehow, his piercing glare made my heart race and my body tense. My head was in such a spin, I was uncertain about how to behave and even questioned my decision to stay away from him. His deep raspy voice, intoxicating cologne, and touch made matters even worse. The entire time, I had to fight my inner desire with every fiber not to give in to him, but when his demeanor changed, my blood ended up boiling molten hot. My fist clenches, merely thinking of his arrogance and disrespect.

Who the hell does he think he is?

Alec's financial success makes him behave like a little spoiled brat who expects to always get his way and speak down to others. I assume the women in his social circle don't mind his arrogance and impertinence as long as they get wined, dined, and sixty-nined.

If Alec Grayson thinks I'm one of those women, he's got a thing coming.

I'm not one of his damn quests.

Wham bam thank you, ma'am.

The kiss was just a moment of weakness.

My experiences with Zack made me struggle for almost eighteen months to discover my true self. And even though I have a crush on Alec, I won't allow any man, including him, to disparage or abuse me again. I would rather be alone and content by myself than desperate for a man.

While slapping Alec was perhaps excessive, I don't regret kicking him out of my office. It could cost me my job, but he was the one crossing the line. First, the kiss, then he yells at me. That's going too far. On second thought, I'd excuse him for the kiss, because I enjoyed it too, but the yelling was a big no-no. Therefore, seeing his confused expression and deflated ego was satisfying when I forced him to leave. That will teach him a valuable lesson, that I am not one of his puppets on his string.

He messed with the wrong woman.

I try to continue with my financial reports as before my interruption, but am ineffectual. It is hard to focus on anything else when Alec's cologne lingers in my office, reminding me of him. Grabbing my bag, I stroll to Jenna's office and ask her to lunch, just to clear my head and get some fresh air.

*

Since the last I saw Alec a week ago, he's been sending me white roses every day with a card that says Please forgive me or I'm sorry. He has also called multiple times, but I keep hanging up when I hear his voice. I'm not typically one to hold a grudge, but if I forgive Alec, he may try to pursue me again, and I'm afraid I won't be able to resist his advances.

His peace offering already pulled at my heartstrings every day it arrived, but I have to protect myself not only from him, but from myself. Although he seems sincere, or maybe a tad desperate, knowing his preceding reputation among the women and not committing to any, I can't encourage him nor engage in any physical intimacy. If anyone were to get hurt, it would certainly be me, which is why I need to keep my distance from Alec Grayson.

To get my mind off him, I am spending my afternoon with one of my girlfriends, Lexi. The influx of new accounts and auditing kept me so busy the past four weeks, preventing us from hanging out, but we're finally doing it again. We usually switch between our places and spend lazy Saturday afternoons sipping on sweet rosé, while chatting about our usual girl talk. But we also like to pamper ourselves with facials, pedicures, and manicures from time to time.