*Shelby*“He needs to know, Shelby. He is the one that got you into this mess; he needs to help get you out of it,” Aubrey said, her arms folded across her chest. She had become really protective after she found out I was being blackmailed.“There are two of us in that picture, Aubrey. I was actually the one to get in the water first. I don’t know what got into me; I slipped out of my clothes to go for a swim. Micheal walked up, and I invited him in. Well, more like dared him to get in. We got a little carried away,” I responded, my cheeks warming at the memory.“Are you blushing? What exactly do you mean by carried away?” Lin said, eyeing me with a suspicious grin. I laughed, “Yes. I, uh, didn’t tell you guys this, but we almost had sex that day in the water.” I decided it was finally time I talked to them about it.“Oh, my god, Shelby! How are you just telling us about this?” Lin said excitedly. “I’ve just been trying not to think about it, but the tru

*Michael*My driver pulled up to the front of the Express Air Building, and I immediately jumped out to scan the crowd for Shelby.I lived only a few blocks away from the office, and I left as soon as I’d gotten word that she had been to my office. If I was lucky, maybe I would catch her before she left. I stood in the middle of the crowded sidewalk and scanned the surrounding street; just across the street, I caught a glimpse of bright red hair. My heart skipped at the chance that It might be her. My designer dress shoes slapped the pavement hard as I tried to make up the distance between us. I did my best to avoid a collision with the other pedestrians as I ran, but I knew I was doing a poor job of it, hearing the mutters of frustration in my wake. Despite knowing I was being rude, I pushed myself harder as the gap between Shelby and me started to lessen. I was halfway down the block from her when I saw her tiny arm shoot up, hailing a taxi. I had

*Shelby*“That son of a bitch,” Michael cursed and released my hands, standing up and walking toward the balcony. My hands feel empty and cold without his touch.“Who?” I asked Michael as he retreated, opening the door and walking outside. I stood, intent on following him when he didn’t answer my question. I slowly made my way out to the balcony, somewhat awestruck. I'd never been inside any home as nice as this. The balcony was huge and had a fantastic view of the New York skyline. The buildings in the distance illuminated the night sky like grounded stars. It would have been beautiful had it not been for the tense conversation we were having. Michael took a seat on an outdoor sectional in front of a fire pit contained in the coffee table. The things money could buy never ceased to amaze me.I took a seat next to him and looked at him expectantly, but when he still did not answer my question, I pressed further.“Michael, who is trying so hard to d

*Shelby*When I woke up, it took me a few moments for my eyes to adjust to the morning light streaming through the skylight. I was at Michael’s house, in his bed. The smell of his sandalwood cologne lingered on my skin and the silky sheets. I rolled to my side and realized that I was alone.I sat straight upright, holding the sheets to my bare chest, as I looked around the room. The door was cracked open, and I could hear the clinking of dishes coming from down the hall. I draped my legs over the side of the bed, scanning the floor. After an unsuccessful search, I realized my clothes were still on the balcony. I made my way into what I assumed was Michael’s ensuite, pulled one of his shirts from the closet, and slipped it over my shoulders.After rinsing my face in the sink, washing away yesterday’s makeup, I silently made my way down the hall back to the kitchen.Michael was humming a light tune while he was scrambling eggs in a frying pan. I stood and watc

*Shelby*My heart pounded with anxiety as I waited on the sidewalk, leaning against a brick wall and shuddering despite being under the sun.My reputation, as of right now, was majorly at risk. My stomach clenched, swirling with negative emotions and sheer, utter fear. I worked so hard to get to where I was so that I could lead a successful life. Now, this could ruin it. I didn’t want to be stuck in a low-paying job, barely scraping by! Was Michael a curse or blessing, at this point? No, I couldn’t think that way. Blaine was the one causing issues not Michael.The kissing and sex had felt so good, and I really felt like Michael cared about me. I licked my lips, recalling the memory of him ravaging me in bed, allowing my eyelids to droop just a little. For just a second, a cap was put on the fear, but that only lasted for a brief moment before the wave of negative emotions crashed into me. I began to pace, trying to assure myself that everything would wo