Tangled with my ex's boss

Chapter 7 Who the hell was that?

Layla’s POV

My eyes fluttered open, only to snap shut again as a sharp, throbbing headache pulsed behind my temples. A low groan escaped my lips.

“What the hell…” I muttered, my hands flying to my head like I could press the pain out. My entire body ached in places I couldn’t even name.

I blinked slowly, trying to adjust to the unfamiliar ceiling above me.

This wasn’t my apartment. And it sure as hell wasn’t anywhere I recognized.

Where the hell am I?

“How much did I drink last night?” I mumbled, my throat raw. I rolled over sluggishly, my arm sweeping across the bed in search of my phone.

Instead, my hand landed on something solid. Something warm like a human body.

I froze. My breath caught in my throat as I blinked again, heart hammering. My fingers had brushed the unmistakable shape of a man’s chest. I yanked my hand back like I’d touched a fire.

Slowly….so slowly ... .I turned my head to look.

The man beside me was lying on his back, one arm resting lazily across his chiseled abs. The sheet was barely covering his waist. His chest rose and fell in steady rhythm, his lips parted slightly in sleep. His long lashes brushed against sharp cheekbones, and a light stubble lined his jaw, catching the golden morning light pouring through the massive glass wall behind us.

He shifted a little, and I got a clearer look at his face.

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

I slapped a hand over my mouth.

Asher Sterling. CEO of Veridan Tech. Ryan’s boss. He owned several multi million dollar companies in the state.

The same man I had only seen once or twice when I was still with Ryan. I remembered his face, the cool air around him, the way everyone else tensed when he walked into a room.

And now I was in his bed? Naked?

My stomach flipped violently. My skin felt hot and ice cold at the same time.

How did I even get here? Did something happen? What the hell did I do?

Images started flashing in my head; the car… his lap… my voice whispering things I couldn’t repeat out loud. His mouth. My moans.

I pushed the sheets off me slowly, wincing at the dull ache between my legs.

I tiptoed across the room like some criminal escaping the scene. I grabbed the dress, wriggled into it, scooped up my heels and purse from where they were tossed like afterthoughts, and bolted for the hallway.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I needed to leave before this man woke up.

The hallway outside the room was sleek and cold, all expensive finishes. Security cameras? The thought sent a fresh jolt of panic through me.

This was the kind of place I wouldn’t even be allowed to visit, much less sleep in.

I didn’t dare look back. I spotted the elevator at the far end.

Please work. Please be empty.

My heart hammered against my ribs, I jabbed the elevator button three times like that’ll make it come faster.

The doors finally slide open. I rushed inside. My heart pounded in my ears. My heels were clutched in one hand. The other braced against the mirrored wall as I tried to steady my breathing.

What the hell had I done?

The soft ping sounded unnaturally loud in the silence. The doors slid open. Empty. Thank God.

The morning air hit me hard. I rushed onto the sidewalk, flagging the first taxi I saw. I practically collapsed into the backseat.

The driver didn’t say anything. Just nodded when I gave my address and started driving.

Thank God for that. I leaned my head against the window and squeezed my eyes shut.

Everything was a blur. Bits and pieces came back to me, but I couldn’t put them in order.

The divider in the car going up. Me climbing onto his lap. His hand on my throat. His voice in my ear. That word falling from my lips.

Daddy.

Jesus. What the hell was wrong with me?

I didn’t remember everything, but what I did remember made my stomach turn.

My phone?

I had checked my purse twice for it but I couldn't find it. I might’ve dropped it at home. Or maybe I left it at his place. God.

By the time we pulled up to my building, I was barely holding it together. I dropped my heels by the door and walked straight to the bathroom. I splashed cold water on my face and stared at my reflection in the mirror.

My eyes were tired, red around the rims. My lips were still a little swollen. Red prints dotted my neck and collarbone. I loosened the robe slightly and looked down and saw more marks on my waist.

They were evidence that l wasn't hallucinating.

God, what was I thinking? What if he thinks I’m just some lost girl with no self-respect? Then again... why should I care what he thinks? I gave him what he wanted, and I took what I needed. End of story.

I backed away from the mirror, pulling the robe tighter around me.

I collapsed onto my bed, but the second my head hit the pillow, another flash hit me. My hands gripping his shoulders. His groan. His mouth on my breast. His fingers inside me.

I sat up straight, my heart pounding.

Where the hell was my phone?

I scrambled around the apartment, tearing open drawers, tossing aside blankets, digging through my purse again. Nothing. Checked the kitchen counter. Nothing. The bathroom sink. The couch. Still nothing.

I was about to search under the bed when a loud knock hit the door. I froze.

Another knock, louder.

“Hold on!” I called out, yanking my robe closed and walking slowly to the door.

I cracked it open an inch.

“Bitch, open the damn door! What are you doing in this hole all locked up?”

Maya, my best friend, stood there, curls tied up in a messy bun, Starbucks cup in hand, and an oversized tote bag slung over one shoulder. She brushed past me like she owned the place.

I stepped aside, rubbing my forehead.

She tossed her bag on the couch and turned to me. “You disappeared. I got back from New York last night.”

“You did?” I blinked at her. “Why didn’t you call?”

“I did. Like, Five times. But guess what?” She held up one perfectly manicured finger. “Some man answered your phone.”

My body stilled. “A man?”

Maya plopped onto the couch, looking entirely too amused. “Yup. Deep voice, all grumpy like I’d woken him up. I asked who he was but he didn't say instead he told me you were asleep and couldn’t come to the phone. Then hung up on me. But girl—he had that deep, bossy voice. It was sexy as hell.”

I swallowed hard. “He answered my phone?”

“Oh yeah. I’m still mad he hung up on me, though. But now you have to spill. Who the hell was that?”

I didn’t answer.

Maya narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tell me you finally went and got some dick.”

I blinked.

“Oh my God. You did.” She sat up straighter, grinning. “Girl, I’ve been telling you for months. Live a little! Forget that waste of oxygen fiancee, you've got. So tell me, who is he? How was it? Are we doing a walk of shame brunch or a celebratory one?”

My knees gave out and I sank onto the edge of the couch. “I… I need to sit,” I whispered.