Chapter 20

**Sarah**

My breaths came in shallow gasps, struggling to fill my lungs.

Why did I leave my medication in my bag? Regret gnawed at me as I entrusted everything to Jakob and silently made my way to our office to retrieve my medicine bottle. Taking a moment to steady myself, I acknowledged the need for a consultation back in Dubai. The tightness in my chest had become alarmingly frequent since last night.

Gathering my composure, I proceeded down the corridor leading to the restroom. As I walked, muffled voices reached my ears, drawing my attention. Peering behind the corner, I observed Megan and Mr. Steele deep in conversation, their tones subdued as if trying to conceal their words from prying ears.

"Ms. Megan, what about my job? I'm certain Boss Philip will remove me from the project," Ethan Steele's voice trembled with emotion.

I became increasingly convinced that they were conspiring!

The project manager added, "You told me this was a directive from Boss Philip, so I trusted you! Why is he suddenly threatening to terminate my employment?"

My gaze narrowed in response to what I had just heard. Did this imply that Philip was completely unaware? My mind instinctively wanted to challenge that notion.

With a forceful shove, Megan addressed the man, her tone accusatory. "Why drag me into this mess? And let's not forget, it's all Sarah Mitchell's fault! If you find yourself out of a job, point the finger at her for sticking her nose to the drama! She's merely Jakob's secretary; she has no place meddling in our affairs! You solely acted out of your desire to help your nephew, Lucas..."

Well, it turns out Lucas and the project manager are acquainted. Tsk!

That woman! I was desperately seeking to unravel the mystery of her true identity. She leaned in, her words a mere whisper to the project manager, shrouded in secrecy, slipping through my grasp like smoke in the wind.

"What are you sneaking a peek at?" A hot, whispering breath caressed the nape of my neck, igniting a cascade of tingles down my spine, each like a spark in the dark, setting my nerves ablaze.

I nearly jumped out of my skin, especially when Megan glanced in the direction of the hallway corner where I was concealed. I doubted Philip overheard Ethan Steele and Megan arguing.

With urgency coursing through my veins, I grabbed Philip, ensuring Megan was unaware of my eavesdropping. My main goal is to figure out what she wants.

I hurriedly ushered him into the cramped storage room filled with cleaning supplies; it was the only place I could think of. I could hear Megan's stilettos clicking closer.

Without hesitation, I shut the door, trapping Philip and me inside.

The space was uncomfortably tight, especially with Philip's size. I could feel his hardness pressing against my soft body, and I gulped nervously, only to find him smirking down at me. I had the urge to punch him.

"You, you pervert!" I hissed through clenched teeth, my frustration boiling over.

"Babe, you're the one who-" I quickly covered his mouth, my heart pounding as I heard Megan's footsteps outside the door where we were hiding.

The doorknob rattled violently, sending a jolt of panic coursing through me. Oh no! Megan was on the brink of discovering us! If she barged in and found me here with my erratic ex-husband in this confined space, I'd be utterly defenseless.

The mere thought of her accusing me of being a slut and delivering a stinging slap was enough to freeze me. I wouldn't have any excuse.

"Are you looking for something, ma'am?" a staff member's voice interrupted, sensing Megan's search. The rattling ceased.

In the cramped space, Philip unexpectedly sucked on my finger, the same hand I used to cover his mouth. My lower lip nestled between my teeth, fighting back the urge to let out a moan right then and there.

Philip, this fvcker, had me trapped against the wall. I couldn't break free from his embrace as he dry-humped me, his tongue exploring my neck with a sickening familiarity. His large hand roamed up my smooth legs, sending shivers on my skin.

Shit! Gasps escaped my lips, feeling Philip's finger on my wet, delicate center. No... the relentless voice of my head clamored, vehemently arguing why I should deny myself the blissful pleasure unfurling within me.

I clung to Philip desperately, my breaths ragged.

"Did you hear that?" Megan's voice cut through the fog in my mind, bringing me back to reality beyond the walls of this room, where I found myself trapped in Philip's grasp.

Philip silenced me with a forceful kiss, drowning out any protests in my mind. I found myself responding to his mouth, craving more of him. His touch was intoxicating, enough to silence my doubts and desires for resistance.

"No, I didn't hear. Oh, right! It's probably the centralized air conditioning system. The unit for the entire office is located here, Ma'am. Do you need anything?" The person Megan spoke with began to feel uncertain, particularly because Megan was a visitor at the BM Technologies building.

"No, thank you," Megan replied. "Um, did you just pass by here? Did you encounter anyone in the hallway before coming here?"

"I didn't encounter anyone," the woman replied.

"I just came from the ladies' room! I heard some rustling; that's why I asked. I'm with someone, and maybe they got lost. Sorry about that."

Their voices outside disappeared after a few moments. It was precisely the same time I reached my climax with Philip's magnetic finger!

"Oh, my God! Shit!" I exclaimed.

My chest rose and fell rapidly, and my legs trembled with the intensity of the orgasm. Philip sensually ran his tongue along his finger, sending waves of arousal coursing through me.

'That was so fvcking sexy!'

His lips reached my reddened ear, whispering, "So fvcking good! I can't wait to let my very own tongue caress your pussy!"

His words snapped me back to reality. Straining against Philip's grasp, I pushed myself away with every ounce of energy I had left, reassuring myself that no one else was around anymore.

"You, fvcker!" I snarled at Philip.

He smirked. "Sarah, it was you who pushed me into this tiny room. I merely gave you what you desired. Your body calls me! I've told you this, haven't I? I own your body, unquestionably!"

I despise that he was correct!

Feeling exasperated, I stormed away from him. My goodness! The intensity of desire coursing through my veins was unbearable!

That wild and dirty man!

I couldn't fathom how he still ignited such fervor within me! Tonight, I need comfort from my vibrator's embrace!

After composing myself, I returned to Jakob's office.

"Are you okay?" Jakob inquired, noting the flush in my cheeks and the redness of my neck.

"I'm fine," I deflected swiftly, changing the subject. "Are you sure you don't want to join me at the apartment?"

I offered him the spare room in my two-bedroom unit, considering the possibility of having a roommate. He hesitated, insisting he was content with his living arrangement with his male roommates in their four-bedroom apartment.

However, I couldn't rid myself of the nagging sensation that Jakob felt embarrassed about sharing living quarters with me.

"Here's my car key. Feel free to use it," I offered.

"Are you sure?" he inquired.

"Absolutely! My apartment is just a short walk from this building. Take good care of my baby!" I reminded him before bidding farewell.

With my suitcase in hand, I made my way to the rented apartment where I'd be residing for the month here in Henderson. My family could afford to cover my stay in the hotel, which was undeniably more comfortable. However, opting for an apartment was a financially prudent choice. I wanted to avoid any speculation about my financial means.

When I arrived at the address, I was taken aback to find the light on. Given my understanding that the apartment was available for my use tonight, this came as a surprise. Wanting to confirm, I promptly contacted Mrs. Henderson, the owner.

"Hello!" I greeted her.

"Ms. Sarah, have you already arrived at my apartment?" Mrs. Henderson inquired.

"I simply wanted to verify that the apartment I'm renting is apartment number 5, the orange building?" I sought confirmation.

"Yes, that's correct! Enjoy your stay! I'm off to Greece, so I won't be able to meet you tonight," she replied.

Having received the key from her earlier at the office, I didn't anticipate any issues. "Um, the light inside is on," I mentioned.

"Ahhh... Perhaps the cleaner left it on earlier. I'm already at the airport, and the caretaker assured me everything is in order. Enjoy your stay, Ms. Sarah!" Mrs. Henderson reassured me.

To avoid further inconvenience, I bid her farewell and stepped into the apartment, greeted by an ambiance that promised a perfect escape from the chaos of work. Yet, as I swung open the main door, my heart skipped a beat, and a jolt of astonishment coursed through me: there sat Philip, lounging on the sofa with eyes shut tight.

"W-what are you doing here?!" I exclaimed.