Tom's hand was inches away from Emily's chest, and her heart was pounding like crazy. Her grip on the scissors was so tight, her palms were sweaty.
Right then, a cold voice cut through the tension.
"Who the hell do you think you are, touching her?" Patrick's voice was ice.
Tom spun around to face Patrick's deadly stare. "And who the hell are you?"
Everyone knew about the Rivera Group, especially with Patrick's face plastered all over the news.
Tom's eyes widened. "Oh, Mr. Rivera, what a surprise. Gotta say, you're even more dashing in person."
Patrick's face twisted in disgust as he yanked Emily to his side.
"You want to touch her?" Patrick growled.
Tom stammered, "No, no, it's a big misunderstanding. I'm just here to collect a debt. Her family owes us a million bucks, and they can't pay up. I had no idea she was your girl."
Patrick spoke up, "Debts need to be paid, no doubt."
Tom's eyes lit up. He had been worrying about getting involved with Patrick's woman, but it turned out to be a false alarm. This mother-daughter pair sure knew how to stir up trouble.
"But she's mine now. If you don't want to end up dead, get out of here and come to the Rivera Group tomorrow for your money."
Tom's face went pale. He mumbled something, then signaled his guys to scram.
The Rivera Group had a reputation for dealing in both the legit and the shady.
Patrick turned to leave. "I'll be waiting in the car downstairs. Don't keep me waiting."
Lisa, who had been standing nearby, was in shock, tears streaming down her face.
She thought Emily had landed a good job, but now it seemed she was in deep debt and had even sold herself.
"Emily, what's going on with you and Mr. Rivera?" Lisa asked, her voice trembling.
Emily stayed silent, her head down.
Lisa's face crumpled. "This is all my fault! I've dragged you into this mess." She covered her mouth, sobbing.
Emily's heart ached seeing the wound on Lisa's face. She wanted to wipe away the blood.
Wait, how did Lisa end up with so much debt? They had just paid off the last one, hadn't they? Emily's mind raced with worry.
"Mom, you're not using again, are you? Look at me, Mom, tell me the truth!"
Emily grabbed Lisa's arm, but Lisa wouldn't meet her eyes, staying silent.
"We're going to the rehab center, now!"
"No, I can't go back there. Emily, you care about me, right? And what about your brother if I go? Just leave me along."
Emily didn't budge, so Lisa shoved her out the door.
"Just pretend you don't have a mother like me!"
The door slammed shut, leaving Emily outside.
She knocked and knocked, but Lisa wouldn't open up.
"Emily, why don't you head home? I'll talk to your mom later," said Carol, a woman in her sixties who had always tried to help their family.
Emily left, feeling numb. She couldn't remember how she got into Patrick's car or how they ended up back at the apartment.
"Why did you do that?" she finally asked.
Emily stood at the door, glaring at Patrick with fire in her eyes. "Why'd you have to humiliate me in front of my mom like that?"
Patrick hadn't really thought it through; he just wanted to handle the situation fast.
"Who said you could leave? Did I give you permission? If you don't follow the rules, there are consequences."
Emily wanted to snap back, but she felt completely drained. How could she even think about quitting? She had to get Lisa into rehab, and all her brother's special school expenses were on her shoulders.
She didn't say another word and dragged herself to the bathroom, feeling utterly exhausted. Thinking about everything that had happened today, she felt filthy for the first time and scrubbed her body hard.
After what felt like forever, she finally felt a bit better. When she stepped out of the shower, Patrick was already in the bedroom.
He pointed to some clothes on the bed. "Put these on."
Emily, confused, slipped into the clothes and realized it was the burgundy dress she wore that day. How did it get here?
Before she could think too much, she bumped into Patrick's solid chest. He didn't give her a moment to react. Like a wild beast, he kissed her fiercely, his eyes filled with raw passion. His breath was warm and familiar, making her heart race.
His kisses were intense, melting away her doubts and fears. At first, she resisted, but soon she was lost in the sweetness and passion. Patrick held her tight, and her hands found their way around his neck, responding to his kiss.
His hands roamed from her chest to her abdomen, then lower, finally lingering at her entrance. Their bodies pressed together like magnets.
Their heartbeats echoed in each other's ears, breaths quickening, the air thick with heat and anticipation. Patrick's lips trailed from her chin to her collarbone, her breasts, her abdomen, moving slowly down, warm and lingering.
Emily couldn't help but moan softly. Patrick smiled, indulging in the moment, and one of her legs hooked around his waist. Seeing this, he lifted her legs onto his shoulders and began the main event. He moved with a rhythm, exploring her, their bodies colliding intensely.
Patrick picked up the pace, wanting Emily to feel the full force of his passion. As their movements grew more frantic, the climax hit, a release of pent-up desire. Patrick slowly let go of her.
Breathing heavily, her face flushed, the red dress lay discarded under the bed. She didn't know how long it had lasted, but she felt a mix of pleasure and shame.
Patrick tossed a card at her. "The password is your employee number. Be at work on time tomorrow."
He pulled on his pants and left without another word.
Emily stared at the ceiling, feeling utterly defeated. "What the hell just happened?"