trying to catch my breath. The shower stall smells of sweat and sex, but the scent disappears quickly, washed away by the still-gushing water.
Slowly, I open my eyes, detachedly watching the evidence of my orgasm disappearing. Strands of wet hair fall into my eyes, but I don’t bother brushing them away.
The first thing that hits me is shame. Fuck, I didn’t mean to do that. Pleasure is one thing, and I’m no stranger to masturbation, but getting off on the thought of one of my employees? Especially one that I haven’t seen since I used to torment her back in college?
This feels like an all-time low, even for me. It certainly isn’t in line with my determination to be mature and responsible, especially with my new role looming.
More than a twinge of guilt fills me. Opal has no idea that I just pleasured myself to the thought of fucking her, but I do. How am I supposed to look her in the eye if I see her tomorrow?
Of course, with the way Opal will no doubt be avoiding me, I probably don’t have to worry too much about that. I shake my head as I remember my last encounters with her, the meetings before that fateful party. I remember making an incredibly overt, sleazy pass at her, but it was just one of many. Thinking back, I’m a little surprised that she didn’t just slap me for it.
I sigh and finish off my shower before stepping out into the steam-filled room, wrapping a towel around myself. My limbs feel like jelly and I yawn, suddenly incredibly tired. I rub myself dry. When I step into my bedroom, I discard the wet towel on the ground and fall onto my mattress, uncaring that I’m still completely naked.
What does it matter, anyway? I’m the only one here and, on top of that, it’s a warm night. The heat from my activities is still running through me, making me feel flushed and a little feverish. It’s a sensation that will likely fade soon, to both my relief and disappointment.
It’s almost too much hard work to crawl under my covers, but I manage it anyway and slump onto my pillows, more than ready to sleep.
I guess I should count myself lucky that I don’t have to head back to that branch of my father’s company once I’ve finished the report on them. If Opal is working there, it means I won’t be likely to run across her again either.
Right here and now, I make a decision. Those sordid thoughts had come to me after only seeing her for a second, so what would happen if I saw her again for a longer period of time? I can’t afford to be distracted by Opal when I have so much to do in preparation for my takeover. So, from now on, I’ll stay away from her as much as possible.
The thought is something of a comfort, and I slip into sleep. Everything will be okay from now on, I’m sure of it.
Chapter Four
Opal
Three months later, every hopeful thought that I’d had about receiving the coveted job, one that would soon become available, has faded in a spectacular fashion.
“Have you finished yet?”
I allow myself a brief scowl at the snapped question before I manage to wipe my expression clear and turn around, looking up at Sandra Lawrence. She stands behind me with a severe expression.
Several retorts rush through my mind, but I carefully ignore them all to find one that’s professional and not liable to have me immediately kicked out —something that I know my “superior” would love.
“I’m almost finished,” I say.
“The deadline was five minutes ago,” Sandra snarls. “Get moving!”
She stalks away. I resist the urge to make a face at her retreating back. It would be incredibly childish, if satisfying. I turn back to my work, noticing some of my fellow interns giving me a sympathetic look.
All except one. I shoot a quick glance at the desk next to mine. Paula Simmonds is staring at her own computer, typing away, but there’s no mistaking the smug glint in her eye.
And why shouldn’t she be smug? After all, everyone knows that she will be the one to get the single available job at the end of the internship. Sandra has made it very clear who her favorite intern is.
If I’m being honest, the rest of us never stood a chance. Paula is the daughter of Sandra’s sister and our mentor is doing everything in her power