Twisted Fate Prologue

Ambition. A simple word in itself, but the complexity of its meaning defines every aspect of my life. Objectives, goals, desires, I pursue with tenacity, never ceasing even after I achieve the desired outcome. My ambition is what got me where I am today.

At the age of twenty-five, I have achieved more than most men twice my age. I went the entrepreneurial route, starting Rhodes Image Consulting straight out of high school. It took about two years to climb out of the red, but now the profit is astronomical. Instead of sitting back and reaping the benefits, I do most of the leg work. So, here I am, still at the office, eyes glued to my laptop, answering emails and setting up business meetings.

The visibility is slowly fading as night falls, but I do not turn on the lights in the office. The glow from the laptop and the city lights that shine through the wall of windows behind me are all I need. I type in the company web address. My beautiful mug graces the home page. I can never get enough of seeing myself immortalized in cyberspace. Caleb will have to update the site, though. The picture is over a year old. My hair is shorter now. I don’t know what ever possessed me to grow my hair long. I would spend hours manipulating it, only to achieve an unkempt appearance. Looking back, I am disgusted by it. The quick fix, tousled style is much more appealing.

I pick up my mobile phone and send a text to Caleb demanding that he update the page immediately. My reliable assistant responds within seconds, sending a recent photo for review. The photo is flattering. My emerald green eyes pop out of the screen. The light brown highlights against my chestnut brown hair portray a professional appearance. As I reply in approval, I realize that I didn’t mention specifically what I wanted him to update. Caleb and I are always on the same wavelength. It’s scary how well he knows me. I guess that’s why we get along so famously.

The light clack of heels startles me. I lose my breath as the sound grows louder. All day, I have been distracted by thoughts of her. Lavinia. It has to be her. As the door slowly opens, my wildest dreams are confirmed. Lord, help me!

There she stands in the doorway. Her knee-length, purple satin coat is tied at the waist, accentuating her slender figure. Her large brown, puppy dog eyes seem to smile at me through her mile long lashes, but her lips are set in a hard line.

As she approaches me, my head begins to spin. I have been pining over this woman for months, ever since Caleb introduced us. She has always been just out of my reach, which makes me want her even more. The fact that she is here now, after hours, has my nerves running amok.

Lavinia sits on the side of the desk and leans in toward me. Her soft voice vibrates through me as she says, “Hello, Damien. You look surprised. Didn’t Caleb tell you I was coming by?”

I loosen the knot of my tie, gulping nervously. “He neglected to mention it.” I breathe in as much air as I can manage as she rotates her body to my side of the desk, crossing her legs and resting her stiletto shoe on the arm of my chair. Black stilettos and no hose. How incredibly sexy!

“I couldn’t believe it when Caleb told me you were still here. I had to come see for myself.”

“An image consultant’s work doesn’t follow a nine to five schedule.” I can tell by the way her eyes slightly roll that she thinks I’m nuts for being here this late.

“The city sure is beautiful at night,” she says, sliding off of the desk and walking over to the windows. She places her hand on the window and looks outside. “The view from here is spectacular.”

I rise from my chair and walk toward her. Lavinia’s spiky onyx hair tickles my neck as I stand behind her. “It’s definitely breathtaking,” I say quietly. My hands move across the soft satin, settling on each side of her waist. I catch the scent of lilac and I breathe it in deeply. Can this woman be any more perfect?

Her hands slide across the back of mine, her touch as smooth as the satin. She grabs the knot, untying the straps of her coat. I stare at her reflection in the window, at a complete loss for words as I take in the sight of her flawless body. If there was any doubt in my mind, it is now eradicated. This is going to happen. My lips softly kiss her neck. I can feel my body trembling out of control.

“Relax,” she whispers. I back away from her slightly as she turns around to face me. “This is destiny.”

I smile, gently pulling her body against mine. This is certain to be the most memorable night of my life.

Reviews

[Annabelle-adonna]

Wow, this is really good! I'm definitely reading more of this. Good characters, with an easy-to-read flow. Nice and steamy there at the end, too ;)

[easybreezy]

Thank you! That's very kind.