Chapter 16 THE CEO'S HOUSE
We got into the car, maintaining a tense silence, wary of provoking any unexpected reaction from the CEO, whose demeanor had changed drastically. As I noticed we were driving away from the city, my expression became puzzled. I remembered Mr. Patrik's penthouse apartment, a strategic location close to the publisher, avoiding possible delays in getting to the office.
“Where are we going?” I asked curiously, biting my lip as I turned to him, who kept his eyes closed in a relaxed manner.
“To my house,” he replied evasively, smiling.
“Mr. Patrik, isn't your house just a few minutes from the publisher?” I queried, raising an eyebrow as I analyzed him.
“Always so suspicious?” He smiled, opening one eye to look at me. “Or are you afraid of me?”
“Lately, Mr. Morgan, you've given me good reasons to fear you…” I spoke harshly, measuring him. “Is this a kidnapping?”
I was surprised by the burst of laughter that echoed from his chest, his eyes watery with amusement.
“Kidnapping? That sounds sexy, did you know?” Leaning forward, Patrik placed his hands on my knees, caressing the skin exposed by the tight pencil skirt.
Shivers ran down my body, warming the most inappropriate corners. How could such a simple gesture excite me so quickly? I swallowed hard when I felt his eyes penetrating my mind intensely.
“This isn't funny, Mr. Morgan.” I pushed his hands off my legs. “I demand to know where I'm going!”
“It seems you're very demanding after work; that intrigues me.” Patrik grabbed my legs again, with more pressure in his fingers, moving up to my thighs, causing the skirt to arch a bit. “I'm going to take you to places you never imagined reaching.”
His husky voice made me blush and excite simultaneously. Ignoring him, I crossed my legs, trying to contain the subtle throbbing that started in my intimacy. I felt his intensity like a flame ready to ignite my whole being with any touch.
“Oh, Ms. Elisabeth, your naughty mind is a delight to me.” He smiled arrogantly, closing his eyes again.
I preferred to ignore him, looking out the window until exhaustion enveloped me. I fell asleep without realizing it, waking up when the car stopped. Furthermore, I looked out the window without recognizing the location, which was surrounded by huge trees. Furthermore, I was startled when Greg appeared beside the door, opening it and almost making me fall flat on the ground.
I was pulled by Mr. Morgan, who was staring at me seriously.
“Be careful, Ms. Lis. I don't want you to hurt your beautiful face,” he said, with a hint of irony in his voice despite the seriousness.
“I'm fine, Mr. Morgan, thank you,” I said, stepping out of the car with firm steps.
As I looked around, I realized we were in a secluded cottage in the middle of nowhere. I furrowed my brow, mentally freaking out at the CEO's constant mood swings, his peculiar way of treating me, and his mysterious demeanor that was starting to scare me. Now this?
I swallowed hard, feeling a bit shaky. A warning signal echoed in my mind when I saw Greg get back into the car and drive away from the location.
“Hey, where is he going? And my things? Why am I here?” I asked, breathing unevenly, filled with concern.
He seemed to notice my restlessness and stopped calmly behind me. The warmth of his body was present, as was the woody scent mixing with the forest aroma around us, indicating an imminent rain.
“Ms. Elisabeth, there are items at your disposal inside the house. Greg will return in three days, and you are here because you are my apprentice; I will train you more intensively,” he said, turning to face me and smiling lazily. Patrik was inserting himself inconveniently into my life.
The bigger problem was the growing curiosity inside me. His “training” was becoming more daring, and I wondered how it would be intensified.
Damn, I shouldn't think like this. He's my boss, and if his games with me were discovered, my career would be jeopardized. Furthermore, given Mr. Patrik's reputation, I was nothing more than a fun pastime for him, where he played as he pleased.
“Aren't you coming in? It's getting cold, and it will start raining soon,” Patrik said from the door, patiently waiting for me.
I walked slowly towards him, staring deeply.
“Mr. Morgan… I don't feel comfortable with this situation and would like to go back to the city.” I said it softly, almost pleadingly.
Pulling me by the hands, he guided me into the cozy cottage.
I looked around, intrigued and admiring the surroundings. The fireplace crackled as if it were awaiting our arrival. Snacks were arranged on the table next to a bucket of wine and two glasses. Blankets were delicately arranged on the huge cream sofa. I sighed, realizing that he had planned everything and that our coming was not unexpected.
“Are you sure you're not kidnapping me?” I nervously bit my lip when a bold thought crossed my mind.
“Would you like me to kidnap you?” Patrik whispered in my ear, standing behind me. His steps were so subtle that I hadn't noticed his approach. “I like to treat my guests well.”
“Then do you have the habit of forcing your guests to come to your house without consent? It sounds a bit psychopathic to me.” I smiled, taking two steps forward away from him.
To my surprise, Mr. Morgan closed the distance, pulling my hip back and rubbing his erection against me from behind.
“In fact, you are the first guest to come here... So, I'll make an effort to be a great host!” Inhaling the scent of my hair, he sighed on my neck, making me shiver and tremble. “Sit down, let's eat; it's late; you must be hungry and tired.”
I nodded, still trembling, unable to speak a word. Patrik led me to the sofa, placed the blanket over my legs, filled the glasses with the aromatic liquid of the wine, and brought the snacks closer.
“You had already planned to bring me here... Haven't you?” I nibbled on a tasty cheese cube.
“What gave me away?” He smiled playfully. “I told you we would have to work well on the contract with Forbes, but to avoid any mistakes, we need to relax a bit, and there's nothing like an environment in the middle of the forest, far from everything and everyone.”
“Well, I'm here... So, it's not far from everyone. But if you ask Greg to pick me up, I could comply with your request!” I challenged him.
“I'm sure you'll comply with my wishes here.” Patrik teased, bringing a deep blush to my face. “Mrs. Elisabeth, you can try, but you'll spend three days here with me; you better get used to the idea.”