Sydney

 "I'm Trapped, and there's nothing I can do about it," I lamented, my head in my hands.
Mike was seething while Leah stroked my hair.

 "What a jerk!" Mike under his breath. "You don't have to do this, Sydney. Just quit your job and I'll take care of the money."

 I looked up at him and said, "No, you will do no such thing. You have already done more than enough. Without you both I would have been lost. I can't take money from you."

 "So, you're going to let him do anything he wants?"

 My fingers twisted and turned. "No! If he thinks this is a game, I'll beat him at his own game. I'll go to that ridiculous party if he wants me to. But he's not going to get me." I replied resolutely.

Mike's brows were wrinkled as he glanced at me "Aiden is a powerful man who has both powerful friends and adversaries. I don't want you to suffer any harm."

 I promised him, "I'll be OK," but the truth was that I was afraid.

 *********

In the full-length mirror, I peered at myself. For a little while, I couldn't help but admire the gown. It was the most stunning piece of clothing I'd ever owned. It had a sweetheart neckline and a halter neck. My back was exposed as the gown ended in a deep V. The gown had a slit at the left side.

"Wow!" Leah remarked, her gaze fixed on me. "You Look lovely!"
 I gave her a kind smile.

It's beautiful! too bad I can't enjoy it," I sighed.

 "Come on! I'll do your hair and makeup," Leah offered.

 "Thank you, you're a lifesaver." I spoke.

Leah began working on my hair, and after several hours of primping, curling, and pulling, she was finished. It was pinned on one side and had a few loose curls on the other. My make-up was light, with just a hint of red lipstick on my lips to match my dress. "You have a lovely figure!"

"Thank you, Leah," I replied as I looked in the mirror. I couldn't decide how I felt.

 "Don't think too hard about it; just enjoy the party." Leah remarked.

 I gave a nod.
 A man in a suit arrived at 7 p.m. to guide me. "Mr Reiner is waiting for you," he said, motioning for me to follow him to a dark-coloured Maserati parked between two spaces in our parking lot. Its darkly tinted windows only added to my apprehension. He motioned me inside the car by opening the back passenger door. I wasn't sure what to expect, yet it still took me by surprise. Mr. Pain-in-the-Ass was already there. He locked his gaze on me as I sat in the car. I was suddenly enveloped in his familiar musky aroma.

He smiled as he continued, "Thank you for joining me, Sydney, you look just wonderful."

 As I gazed out the window, the phrase "as if I had a choice" tumbled out of my mouth without consideration.
I couldn't look away from him. He was dressed beautifully in a dark suit with a red tie. I realised I was panting too late and tried to breathe normally. The car sped up, although it was scarcely noticeable. I'd broken out in a cold sweat from excitement. I swallowed hard and tried to look away, but I couldn't. The instant I stepped into the vehicle; every coherent thought had vanished from my mind. The only thing in my brain was the beautiful man in the other seat. His skin was even better than I remembered, and I just wanted to reach out and stroke him. Desperately, I tried to regain control of myself. Aiden had a little smile on his face as he reached over and took my hand. He started to rub my palm with small soothing circles. His touch seemed to quell the panting I still hadn't managed to stop.

"Did you get enough sleep last night?" he said, a tight smile on his face.

"That's none of your business!" I snapped at him cheeks blazing
In an instant, my out-of-control emotions moved from excited to enraged. After forcing me to join him, he had the audacity to ask that. The low rumble in his chest must have been a laugh, but I didn't care. Unexpectedly, I found myself sitting across his lap, my face just inches from his. He looked pissed, but still quite delicious. "Why are you so Damm rude?" He demanded. "Why are you so Damm pushy? Don't you see I don't want this! I never even wanted to be here with you. But you have made my life miserable." I shouted, his chauffeur must have heard us, but he didn't react or turn back.

"Now that's a lie," he smirked.

"It's not a lie, I don't want to see your face ever!"

"If you weren't so......soaking wet, I'd believe you." He whispered.
Red-faced I prepared to attack him with my hand lifted. In one swoop, he seized it and shoved it behind me, pinning it in his vice-like hold.

He smirked, "Feisty as ever."
In the faint light, his eyes burned, and my mouth was instantly crushed under his. His tongue glided along the seam of my mouth, asking access, those warm lips moving against mine. No way.
 I would have kept my mouth shut if I hadn't felt compelled to open up for him. I was powerless to stop him from slipping his tongue between my lips. His other hand moved to the back of my neck, firmly gripping me. The hand that had been squeezing my hand let go and travelled up my tummy to my covered breasts, softly massaging them through the fabric. He rubbed his thumb hard over the nipple as he slowly brushed the underside. I tried to resist, but I felt like I was on fire everywhere he touched me. He had a rich, red wine-like flavour. It was simple to get lost in it. I tried to shove him away with my now-free hand. I considered biting him again, but he had already left my lips before I could do so.

He smiled and cocked his head to one side "Insolence does not sit well with me, Sydney. As long as you behave, I will be a gentleman. Is it clear?"

I felt humiliated and flushed much more than before. It was best if I kept my mouth shut. I gave a nod.
After a while, the car came to a halt, and I realised we had arrived at the location. He nodded slightly to the front seat and his chauffeur exited the vehicle. The driver took a slip from the valet and opened our door himself, standing to the side as I slid off Aiden's lap onto the pavement. Aiden quickly followed me, and I felt his large fingers winding with mine.
"Stay with me." He whispered as we walked into a swanky hotel.
 In a pathetic attempt to remain professional and aloof, I just looked away.
"Aren't you worried about your reputation?" I asked as we walked through the gleaming hotel reception. The party was on the terrace ballroom.

"What reputation?" He asked puzzled.

 "I am just a normal employee in your company, and you are the CEO. You and me entering the party together. What would people say?"

"I don't know……. that I got myself a really hot date?" He replied casually.

"Or that I am sleeping with the CEO to jump ranks," I replied sarcastically.

 A rich throaty laugh erupted from him.

"We have arrived." He said as the lift door opened.

 I was almost blinded by the flashing light. Feeling panicked and a little disoriented I grabbed Aiden's arm. His lips curled into a smile as we walked through the crowd. We attracted stares and glares as expected. I didn't know most of the people present at the party. Since I was new, and I mostly interacted with my team.

"Hey Aiden, there you are," Marilyn walked towards us, dressed in a shimmering golden gown. She looked perfect as usual. Her eyes swivelled towards me for a second then it was back at Aiden.

"Marilyn, what are you doing here?" Aiden asked stiffly.

"Well, you invited my dad since he is one of your major clients. I came as his plus one." A perfect row of teeth glowed when she smiled.

 "I see," Aiden said.
She then turned towards me and gave me a dazzling smile. "You look lovely Sydney, I hope you won't mind, me stealing away Aiden for a few minutes. "

Before Aiden could object, I answered releasing his arm," not at all, he is all yours. I need to catch up with my colleagues anyway. "

 I then turned towards Aiden and said in my sweetest possible voice," I'll see you around dear."

Aiden was too taken aback by my gesture to stop me. Marilyn had already grabbed his arm in her claws and was dragging him away. I giggled at my deed and walked through the crowd looking for any familiar faces.