Chapter 1 Marlene Fawcett had been both Kenyon Burt's secretary and his lover for five years . In bed , he was tender , almost addictive . Outside of it , he turned cold again - the untouchable CEO , while she played the obedient employee . On her twenty - eighth birthday , she finally broke . She placed her resignation letter on his desk . Kenyon sat in his sleek office , his rolled sleeves revealing lean muscle , a platinum watch catching the light . " At three this afternoon , the Los Angeles project will be finalized . Double - check the guest list for tonight's banquet . Tomorrow at seven sharp , I'm flying out for the ribbon - cutting . Make sure my charcoal suit is pressed and ready , and send the black tie to the dry cleaner's . Remember , it needs to be back by eight tonight . " " Mr. Burt , " Marlene cut in , her voice steady but resolute , " I'm resigning . " Kenyon's eyes flicked up from his computer screen , locking onto hers for the first time that day . " Why ? " Kenyon asked , his slender fingers tapping the desk with a crisp , authoritative rhythm . Marlene took a deep breath , forcing herself to meet his piercing gaze . " Mr. Burt , my family has found a date for me . " 08:22 Chapter 1 298 ( Vasichers Kenyon let out a dismissive chuckle , as if she'd just told a bad joke . j " Marlene , come on . I told you from the start - we're in a no - strings- attached relationship . If you want to walk away , fine . But don't cook up such a ... flimsy excuse . " You'll get a raise next month . Drop this nonsense . " As she stepped out of his office , her phone buzzed . It was her mother , Caleigh Fawcett . " Marli , how's the resignation going ? Get it done and come home . Your aunt's setting you up with a nice guy . That man's a doctor . He had a steady job and good prospects . " Marlene didn't respond right away . Her gaze drifted back toward Kenyon's office door . On the other end of the line , Caleigh seemed to sense her daughter's hesitation . " Marli , listen to me . You and your boss live in different worlds . The sooner you cut ties , the better . Don't keep clinging to something that's going nowhere . " Marlene's chest tightened , a lump rising in her throat as her eyes stung with unshed tears . " I know , Mom , " she whispered before hanging up . The very next second , Kenyon emerged from his office . His tailored suit hugged his tall , lean frame , and the casually undone collar added a languid charm to him . His gaze landed on Marlene . " Get ready . We're meeting Mr. Lambert for dinner at five . " In the car , Kenyon noticed Marlene's subdued mood and instantly 22,75 % 08:22 Chapter 1 connected it to their earlier talk . " Your family's pressuring you to settle down ? " he asked . Fidgeting with her fingers , Marlene gave a small , stiff nod . Kenyon chuckled . " That's an easy fix . Just get a guy to act like your boyfriend for your parents . They'll back off in no time . " His eyes were striking - charming , but with a certain merciless detachment . 288 Vouchers Staring at his eyes , Marlene hesitated , then ventured , " Mr. Burt ... would you mind helping me with that ? " Kenyon went quiet for a few seconds before letting out a chuckle . " Marlene , don't be ridiculous . " The car pulled up to the restaurant , and the anticipation on Marlene's face faded . She put on her flawless , professional smile and said , " Just a joke , Mr. Burt . Sorry . Don't take it to heart . " Then she stepped out of the car and walked in , her high heels clicking sharply against the pavement with each deliberate , crisp step . Inside the private room , the drinks flowed freely , round after round . As the perfect secretary , Marlene masterfully took most of the drinks meant for Kenyon . Even with her impressive tolerance , the room started to blur at the edges . Then , a clammy , heavy hand slid onto her thigh under the table . " Well , well , " slurred Dewey Lambert , his voice dripping with sleaze . 48.89 % 08 22 Chapter 1 " Mr. Burt's got himself a real stunner . You're a lucky man . Marlene's expression didn't waver . She shifted her leg , away from his grasp , her eyes darting toward Kenyon for help . 1280 Vouchers But Kenyon remained unfazed , a faint smile on his lips , the earring on his right ear sparkling under the chandelier . " Mr. Lambert , " he said , standing up , " Excuse me , I need to use the restroom . Enjoy yourself . " The door clicked shut behind him , and Dewey immediately shoved himself against Marlene , roughly pulling at her blouse . " God , you're gorgeous . I've been dying to be with you , " he muttered . " I've been asking Kenyon for you multiple times , but he kept saying no . This time , I paid big . I gave him a prime lot on the south side of the city just to get you . " Marlene fought back . Then she caught a glimpse of the silhouette lingering in the doorway through the crack . A bitter realization hit her , sharp and cold . " Kenyon , help me ! " she cried . But her voice was quickly muffled as Dewey's hand clamped over her mouth . " Don't kid yourself , Marlene , " he sneered , pinning her down . " Kenyon isn't going to save you . This whole dinner ? It was his idea . " You've been with him for five years , haven't you ? Gotta hand it to him ... He's got a ruthless streak . " The silhouette at the door shifted , and the door clicked shut , sealing 08.22 Chapter 1 Marlene in with her fear . 263 Vouchers 99.43 %