Chapter 23

Everyone left at the table knew Kathy was lying about her family; then, in a dramatic gesture, Luna Evelyn shoved her teacup across the table, shattering it on the floor.

"How dare she speak to me in such a manner?" Evelyn exclaimed.

“Sweetheart, don't let that upset you. We all knew she was lying; the proof is in her files. I'm assigning my men to monitor her and stop her from meddling.”

With the start of the day, everyone departed from the dining area, leaving the cleanup to the servants. Kathy was watching men and women train when she noticed Anthony removing his shirt. With practiced grace, Anthony moved, each punch and dodge creating fleeting shadows on his back. Kathy's gaze was fixed; she couldn't look away from the graceful power in his every action. Her breath hitched as he ducked low, the ripple of his abs stark beneath his skin. Unconsciously, she bit her lip, her chest fluttering and warmth rising to her cheeks. Kathy felt moisture between her legs, so she quickly crossed them as she was feeling aroused by Anthony's presence. With a slow movement, she got her phone and snapped a picture; sweat poured down his body. Kathy must go before she starts drooling on herself. To distract herself from thoughts of Anthony, she decided to read a lengthy book until he left her mind. While engrossed in the book, her boss, Kathy, called her, aware that Miller was calling, but understanding that she wouldn't be returning to work soon. Without her Bluetooth device, she was unable to answer the call, so they exchanged texts.

"Miller," Kathy said, "what is it?"

"Guess what? Ginger's pregnant!"

"No, I was unaware of her pregnancy. Wait she is?” lied Kathy

“I'm not ready to be a father, and I need assistance. I value my freedom and the responsibility of running my company.”

Kathy rolled her eyes at Miller; her boss's irresponsible behavior as a playboy annoyed her. Ginger should be cautious and use protection, as she could become pregnant by their boss or any man.

“Did you tell her? How do you feel about it?”

“No, I didn't; I don't know how.”

“Please talk to her; for goodness sake, don't pressure her into either keeping or terminating the pregnancy and then pretending nothing happened.”

“I will talk to her. What happens if she wants to keep the baby?”

“IF she keeps the baby or not, it’s her choice.”

Kathy prepared to resume reading when the phone rang—it was Betty. A sigh escaped Kathy's lips. "I'm not their therapist," she thought, bracing herself for Betty's conversation.

“Yes, Betty,”

“Kathy I told Miller that I am pregnant with his child. He didn’t say nothing to me,”

“Betty, you created this mess, so you can clean it up. Avoid romantic relationships with your boss or coworkers; such relationships are sure to create difficulties.”

“I feel really dumb. I'm torn between raising the baby myself and putting it up for adoption.”

Kathy read Betty's sentence, which stated that she opposed abortion and didn't believe in it. Miller is going to be unhappy about this. That's why workplace romances are a bad idea; they often lead to problems.

“Betty listens you have to talk to him. I can't make that decision for you; it's up to you.”

“I’ll speak with him.”

Kathy returned to her book but looked up to find Anthony still working out with the men, sweating heavily. A woman then came to give him a towel. She stood, retrieved a water bottle and clean towel from the cooler, and then positioned herself before the woman. Anthony feels that Kathy is jealous as another woman flirts with him, so he wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her closer to him.

“Ew. You are sweating,”

“I know, sorry you must be hungry. Let get some lunch,”

“Yes, after you shower,”

“We have a shower in the training building that we sometimes used when we spur outside,”

As they walked toward the building, Anthony held Kathy's hand; he planned to shower quickly before they went to her father's house to pack. Kathy was just about to sit down in the bathroom when Anthony pulled her into the shower, trapping her. She gazed at him, his golden eyes captivating her as he leaned into whisper.

I prefer not to have others detect your arousal, whether they are men or women.

Kathy was speechless; she didn't know what to say because of his smell after a long training session where he'd been sweating profusely. She tried to say something, but the words wouldn't come; it was like her tongue was tied. Anthony and Max feel envious when she smiles, wraps her arms around his neck, and kisses him passionately; she doesn't mind being covered in his sweat as long as she is with him. Kathy senses her underwear getting damp under her leggings and must act before it's too late. She is still a virgin, and this is not the appropriate moment to lose it to him. She tried to move away, but he reached behind her and turned on the water, getting both of them wet.

“Since you are completely wet, you have no option but to remove your clothes.”

Anthony intentionally wanted her to undress, but he could have asked nicely instead of turning on the water to make her wet. With her back turned, she undressed, teasing him. Kathy blushed, enjoying their embrace, hoping to remain unseen. She tried not to look down, but felt something hard against her stomach. Anthony prevented the cold water, avoiding a cold shower. He is playing a dangerous game with her; she loves him but he needs to stop. Anthony gazed over, then smiled evilly as someone approached.

"We have the bathroom all to ourselves now."

Kathy's in deep trouble; she's been testing Anthony's limits and just pushed the wrong button. She needs to devise an escape plan.