Chapter 16 16 Chapter 16 - Power Play Monica's POV After reading my boss's last text message, I was seething with anger. If Morris thought I would cower in fear of his intimidation tactics, he had another thing coming. Never in my life had I reacted so boldly to a man before. My personality had always leaned toward the reserved side- I'd never been promiscuous or driven by impulsive desires. Yet somehow, this infuriating man had awakened something wild within me that I couldn't seem to suppress. I leapt from my bed and flung open my closet doors, scanning for the perfect weapon. My eyes landed on a black dress that would serve my purpose perfectly-appearing office-appropriate at first glance while being devastatingly sexy in execution. The form-fitting fabric hugged every curve, the hemline stopped mid-thigh, and the V-neckline hinted at cleavage without crossing professional boundaries. I paired it with striking red stilettos and a black lingerie set featuring the tiniest panties possible to avoid visible lines. I decided to leave my hair down in loose waves -perhaps not the most professional choice, but acceptable enough. Professional etiquette was the least of my concerns today. My mission was clear: make his day absolute hell and ensure he regretted playing his little games with me. I had to wake up earlier than usual to perfect my appearance and still make it to the office on time. I scribbled a quick note for Natalie before rushing out. Today's agenda: drive my boss completely insane. The arrogant man thought he was clever, sending provocative messages in the middle of the night. But I was prepared to give as good as I got.. I arrived at the office twenty minutes before our scheduled meeting-perfect timing. After brewing some coffee, I positioned myself strategically behind my desk. I didn't want Morris to see my outfit immediately upon arrival; I needed the element of surprise. When he appeared, I would play the innocent assistant while secretly watching him lose his composure. Every detail of my plan was carefully calculated to ensure I emerged victorious from this power struggle. He would regret not maintaining professional boundaries. At precisely the appointed hour, the elevator doors slid open. I pretended to be deeply engrossed in my computer screen, though I caught his tantalizing cologne before I even saw him. He stopped directly in front of my desk, and I heard a subtle grunt-he'd already noticed my neckline. With a devilish smile spreading across his face, he addressed me in that slightly husky voice that sent unwanted shivers down my spine. "Good morning, Miss Hayes! How was your night?" "Good morning, Mr. Lorenzo. I slept like an angel. And you?" I flashed him a smile dripping with feigned innocence. "I needed some extra physical activities because of you," he replied with a wolfish grin. I quickly realized that while I had planned to torture him, he had clearly devised his own counterattack. "Let's go to my office, please." 16 Chapter 16-Power Play "Of course, sir." As he gestured toward the door, I grabbed my tablet, stood up, and deliberately walked ahead of him. The satisfaction of hearing him curse under his breath confirmed my dress was having precisely the effect I'd intended. I entered his office and started walking toward his desk when he interrupted my path. "Let's sit on the couch, Monica. It'll be more comfortable for you to share your tablet screen with me." Though finding his suggestion unusual, I complied and headed toward the enormous black leather couch. I positioned myself at one end and crossed my legs, allowing my dress to ride up slightly to reveal the lace tops of my thigh-high stockings. I made no effort to adjust my hemline -provoking Morris was exactly my intention. His audible grunt confirmed he was losing his composure, his obvious arousal proving my strategy effective. "Any problem, sir?" I asked with mock concern, pretending not to notice his predicament. "Oh yes, Monica, a big problem," he replied, glancing pointedly downward. I struggled to contain my laughter as he settled beside me, deliberately close enough that his thigh pressed against mine. "Monica, we need to resolve something, as I can't show up to a meeting in this condition." I was thoroughly enjoying myself, celebrating my apparent victory. But I had underestimated just how direct and uninhibited Morris Lorenzo could be. "Well boss, maybe you need to control yourself," I suggested, uncrossing and recrossing my legs. inated movement designed to heighten his torment. I felt confident he wouldn't dare a cross professional boundaries further. I was wrong. The man completely lost control. He lunged forward, pressing me against the arm of the couch, one hand braced on the backrest while the other traced the back of my leg. His face hovered inches from mine, his eyes burning into me. "Or maybe I need to fuck you right here on this couch with nothing but those damn ridiculously sexy red shoes on!" My body betrayed me instantly, responding to his words with an intense wave of desire. I swallowed hard-his lips were temptingly close, his intoxicating scent making me want to surrender to his suggestion. I felt his hand grip my backside, adjusting my position on the couch as his weight settled over me. He ground his hips against mine, buried his face in my neck, and trailed his tongue along my sensitive skin. "Damn, woman, you're driving me crazy!" he growled against my ear while pressing his unmistakable arousal against me All thoughts of my revenge plan evaporated-I only wanted him to tear my dress off. But suddenly, he pulled away, turning his back to me and running his hands over his face in apparent frustration, leaving me bewildered. 16 Chapter 16 16- Power Play #289 Before I could process what was happening, he grabbed me and claimed my mouth in a lustful kiss, his passion overwhelming as if he wanted to consume me completely. He positioned himself above me, pushed my dress up to my waist, and while teasing my breasts through the fabric, seized my panties and tore them off, leaving me exposed. I was drowning in sensations I'd feared I might never experience again. Only one other man had ever made me feel this way, and the memory of that pleasure was overwhelming. Morris's fingers explored me, his smile. indicating his satisfaction at finding me so ready for him. When he circled my most sensitive spot, I couldn't suppress a moan. He slid a finger inside me, the circular motion leaving me breathless. Then, abruptly, he stopped and withdrew. "This isn't right-I'm not some jerk boss who sleeps with his employees in the office, but you're pushing my self-control to its limits. You're driving me crazy, girl, and that's only happened to me once in my life. We need to figure this out somehow," he declared, relocating to the opposite end of the couch, burying his face in his hands. I remained frozen, exposed and frustrated. Was he seriously not going to finish what he'd started? And then claim we needed to "resolve things"? Let him resolve his own issues since he'd chosen to leave me unsatisfied. Furious, I stood up, yanked my dress down, and frantically searched for my torn underwear without success. It was only the second time in my life I'd lost my underwear in such circumstances, and now I faced spending the entire workday exposed. I refused to humiliate myself by asking about the panties he'd destroyed. Taking a deep breath, I decided to regain control of the situation. I sat down again-carefully avoiding crossing my legs this time-assumed my most professional demeanor, retrieved tablet, and addressed him as if nothing unusual had transpired: my "Mr. Lorenzo, I believe I can bring you some chamomile tea to help you calm down." is exploure He stared at me with frustration evident in his expression. It was almost comical seeing how a powerful man who controlled a vast business empire could resemble a child denied his favorite toy. He rose to his feet, fixed his gaze on me, and pointedly indicated the obvious bulge in his pants. "Or maybe I should take care of this with my own hands!" he huffed. Turning away, he added, "Monica, I need a minute, you can return to your office." I rose and walked toward the door, but as I reached for the handle, Theard him call out with unmistakable mischief in his voice: "Aren't you forgetting something?" My face flushed crimson-of course he had my underwear, but I refused to acknowledge it. "No, sir." 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