by Rachel Star
Fatal Attraction
The Complete Alpha Billionaire Box Set Series
Adriana
I grew up in a small non-traditional household, raised by my grandmother after my young mother, who could no longer bear the responsibility, dropped me off at her mother's door step never to be heard from again. Before I was born, she had a dream of becoming a performer on Broadway, and sadly made the mistake of falling for an Actor in the show she was performing in. I say sadly because he turned out to be a complete jerk. She told him about her pregnancy and through his outrage she later found out he had a secret life as a husband and father of two, back in this hometown. She couldn’t hold it together enough alone to be a single mother. I promised myself growing up that my children would never face the same pains of abandonment as I did.
After my mom skipped out, my grandmother raised me as her own daughter. I called her Nana, and she did everything she could to ensure that I had a normal childhood. She was there for me through all of my dance rehearsals and Soccer games. In many ways, she filled the void my mother and father left behind.
One summer, when I came home during my semester break during my freshman year of college, she sat me down to tell me she was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. It was like a truck hit me. I couldn’t help but think, why Nana? She had the heart of goal and was the last person to deserve this! To this day, I shiver at the thought of entering another hospital.
I can remember those countless days and nights by her bedside. She had wires all over her fragile body that would grow weaker by the day. She would tell me not to allow her illness to break me and rather to see it as motivation to make a difference for others. At that time, I couldn’t comprehend what she meant. She was the person I loved most in the world and she was being taken away from me. All I could do was be mad at the world and everyone around me. That was a very dark time of my life.
Eight months after her passing, I pulled myself out of depression. My best friend Lydia kept me company and truthfully kept me sane. She reminded me that Nana would not approve. I decided to take Nana’s final advice to heart. I enrolled back into school and completed my Accounting Degree.
I even knew where I was determined to work after school. I made up my mind that Luxor Pharmaceuticals would be my ticket to being a part of helping cancer patients so they could have what Nana could not—a second chance at life.
I started working for Luxor Pharmaceuticals about three months ago. When I got the job, I thought everything was coming together and the role was meant for me. Based on what I knew about the corporation, this was the closest I would get to breakthrough cancer solutions.
Luxor Pharmaceuticals has been in the public eye for years, now more than ever and all thanks to the shrewd business owner, and not to mention most eligible bachelor, Erik Westbrook. I guess you could say working for Erik has its perks. Everything he touches turns to gold. He’s well-educated, intelligent, capable, and gorgeous. His looks alone are a magnet to every female in a twenty mile radius. Being labeled one of the top eligible bachelors on every young socialite’s society blog doesn’t hurt his stock either. I passed him in the hallway a few times, but he always seemed to be in such a rush. He wouldn’t recognize me on the street, but then again I wasn’t here for socializing anyway.
Although, I wouldn’t mind picking his brain. Something about my findings at work in the last couple of weeks has been bugging me to no end. There are these inconsistent test results sent from our leading laboratories in South Africa, and the amount of errors within the paperwork. Based on my research, a number of test results show that instead of helping patients, the drug masks symptoms and causes series complications with the heart. There are email records of lab scientists raising the questions and the corporate division shutting them down, stating that all drugs have their side effects and we’ve invested too much into this drug to back down.
As the company accountant, I’m privy to corporate records and honestly very bothered by what I know. I have always taken my accounting profession seriously and realize that it’s up to me to take the uncomfortable steps and raise issues like this, even if it means losing my job. But, for the moment, I don’t have enough evidence to prove my case, and, I have a short window of opportunity to do something before the drug goes to the market.
But for now, its lunch time, and I need to recharge. After finishing lunch and grabbing my daily coffee, I headed back across the street to the office. I knew the caffeine boost would help me focus on my next move.
I pushed the elevator button, and waited. I’d normally use the stairs, but when you work on the 30th floor, the elevator becomes your only choice – awkward long elevator rides and all. The doors opened and I stepped inside, realizing with some surprise that I was alone. The elevator was normally wall-to-wall packed with people.
I glanced at my iPhone to catch a quick glance of the time and noticed an urgent email popped up from my supervisor titled – 'DROP EVERYTHING WE NEED TO MEET ABOUT FIRE DRILL NOW!!!'
I started feeling nervous. Even with the super short notice in the middle of lunch- I was always expected to drop everything if and when asked. Working at a leading Pharmaceutical company came with its demands. Once number 30 finally lit up, I rushed out of the elevator like a hurricane. In my haste, I crashed into someone standing on the other side of the door. I lost my balance and my coffee flew out of my hand, drenching the poor sap I’d bumped into. Great, now I was even later and I felt like a jerk!
I was about to give a short apology and offer to pay for dry-cleaning when I looked up and realized, with mounting horror, that the poor sap I doused with my five dollar Starbucks was none other than Erik Westbrook.
He stood before me, phone in one hand, wiping mocha caramel latte off of what I presumed to be a several hundred dollar tie with the other. “Warren, I’m going to have to call you back. Something just got dumped in my lap,” he said, looking right at me.
My eyes widened in horror. My palms were getting sweaty. My throat felt like sandpaper.
It’s over. I’m going to get fired right here, right now. How was I going to skirt out of this mess? And, why was he standing right in front of the freakin’ elevator? He rarely ever comes to our floor!
I knew I had to say something, as he was assessing the damages to his expensive suit.
“Mr. Westbrook- Sir, I am so sorry,” I looked at him in terror, waiting for his well-known temper to be released.
“Listen, I really don’t have time-,” I looked at him in terror, waiting for his well-known temper to be released as soon as he raised his head to see I was just an entry level employee who he could fire at the drop of a dime. Noticing that I have coffee dropping from my finger I quickly licked it off to avoid more spillage. I suddenly felt as though my every move was being carefully observed by Erik. My heart was beating a million miles a minute at this point and I was just waiting for a pink slip.
Then, through some miracle, he smiled.
“Well, now, no use crying over spilled milk, or in this case, coffee…,” he said with a wink.
I couldn’t help but exhale and giggle like a silly school girl.
“I’ve had many things thrown in my face, usually expensive alcohol, but never Starbucks coffee. That’s a first,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.
I couldn’t believe it. He was actually cracking jokes, standing there in a ruined suit, which probably cost more than my apartment.
“Please, let me take care of the dry cleaning Mr. Westbrook,” I offered.
“Call me Erik,” he replied. “And you are?”
“Adrianna. Adrianna Barnes.” My voice was still shaky.
“Adrianna. French, if I’m not mistaken. Meaning, from the Adriatic sea region, right?”
he asked.
“Yes, my grandmother is French and she named me after her favorite actress,” I wanted to praise his etymology skills, but my sandpaper throat would hardly allow me to say much more.
“Very well…”, Erik said before he paused for what felt like an eternity without saying anything. If I didn’t know any better I would say he was checking me out.
“I should get going. My boss asked me to make an urgent meeting. My apologies again for my clumsiness. I promise to me more careful exiting elevators”, I said with a nervous smile.
“Not to worry. I will send a note to your boss to explain the situation so you won’t have to worry about rushing back and possibly running into someone else. I would hope to be the only one with the pleasure of the run in,” he said with a mischievous grin, and then proceeded to walk into the elevator. As the doors began to close, he placed an arm in front of the door to stop it.
“Actually I have an idea. I know this may come across as forward but how do you feel about honoring me with your company after this evening’s corporate gala, which after you get to know me a little, you actually might want to throw a drink in my face!” he laughed loudly, and I almost joined in, but instead, released a pained groan.
“Oh, I’m not sure…,” there was no way I’d ever go out with my boss, who I am on the mission to investigate for unethical pharmaceutical development.
“I’m not taking no for an answer,” he said. A warm current passed through me. Everything about him was mesmerizing. This was nuts – how could I consider a date with my boss?
But then, it hit me. Maybe I’d be able to get some inside information.
I took a deep breath and knew what I had to do. “Alright,” I managed to smile.
“Perfect! My driver will pick you up at eight tonight. Don’t be late. Again,” he winked at me and went on his way, leaving me in a complete state of shock.
But, how would he even know where to pick me up?
Erik
I was on the verge of breaking a deal with Warren, when suddenly, I felt something warm on my chest. Someone spilled coffee on my shirt, my blazer and my pants. The fucking stuff was everywhere. And I had three meetings that afternoon! Shit!
I was about to unleash a string of expletives at the offender but then I looked up into deep aquamarine eyes that made me think of the Greek islands. The girl but had a classic elegance to her. Her hair was tied up in a bun which made me think of a ballerina, which turned me on even more because I’ve always had a thing for ballerinas.
Something told me that I needed to get to know this one a little better.
After fully checking her out, I decided that she was too tempting to let go. Curvaceous and oozing with sex appeal without even realizing her charm.
I knew I was taking a risk asking an employee out on a date in the middle of the day, but I had to quench the thirst. Tonight should be fun.
Adrianna
I needed to at least try for my date, or whatever this was, with Erik. I didn’t want him to be suspicious of anything and the more I could do to distract him, the better. All I needed was to get to his place and snoop through his files a little. Just to get enough dirt and then I’d be out of there. If only I could get his dark eyes out of my head.
Stay focused Adrianna. Take care of business. Getting involved with a crooked guy like Erik is a bad idea.
I opened my closet and looked inside. Nothing. Absolutely nothing I could wear that would be suitable for a date with a billionaire.
Luckily, my best friend Lydia was there for me and came as soon as I called her, bringing along her magical make up kit and a few dresses for special occasions. Being a costume designer who worked on Broadway, she had exactly the right stuff.
After trying out a few average looking dresses that somehow didn’t do me justice - I finally found it. It was a backless vision in red, with a belt around my waist, adding twice the edge to the whole outfit. I was feeling a little self-conscious since I couldn’t wear a bra. I wasn’t normally one to show off my goods, but the way this dress hugged me in all the right places and pushed the girls up nice and perky made me stand up with a little more confidence than I usually felt. All the better to keep Erik distracted while I tried to get the answers I was seeking.
“Do you think it’s too much?” I asked Lydia.
“Honey, it’s just right. Mr. Most Eligible Bachelor’s gonna love it! He’ll never know what hit him,” we both chuckled.
Just then, the doorbell rang. I took one last look in the mirror and I had to admit I looked damn good.
I tried to be nonchalant as I opened the door, while in reality, my heart was racing.
There he was, in what I can only guess is yet another insanely expensive suit. His hair was immaculate, and his aroma was amazing. Good God, could he be any dreamier? If only I didn’t suspect him of criminal activity? Could I be wrong about it? I guess he was going to be guilty until proven innocent.
I managed to cool myself down, and accepted the petite, yet exquisite rose bouquet he offered. I quickly placed them in water, with Lydia sending me surreptitious winks from the bedroom. I gave her a stern look to remind her why I was going out on this date and grabbed my coat, pulling the door shut behind me.
We talked about random topics, and for two people who were seemingly so different, we had a surprising amount in common. We both grew up in a non-traditional household. We both had a rough period during high school; we even had a similar taste in music.
I was honestly surprised that it was all going so smoothly, but, I wasn’t interested in becoming another notch on his bedpost. I had an agenda and I was going to be a professional about it – even if that meant leading Erik on for a while.
Erik
When I picked Adrianna up, I couldn’t believe my eyes. How could this beauty look any hotter than she already did at the office? I could see right away that she wasn’t wearing a bra. I almost leaned over to hug her, just to feel her curves, but I didn’t want to let this birdie fly away too quickly. So, I decided to give her a kiss on the cheek and leave the fun for later.
Patience, Erik. There’ll be more than enough time for that later.
The last thing I expected was that she’d be such good company. I found myself laughing out loud more than once, and as it turned out, we had similar childhoods. Not that I shared too much. I never do. But the stuff that everyone knows about me - that’s safe ground.
“So, you say that you never cheated on your boyfriends?” I continued our conversation.
“No. I think karma always get back at us so I avoid things like that. I also had only one long term relationship in high school and right when I started college, he began showing a more controlling side. It caused our relationship to fail.”
“Yes, it’s interesting you’d mention control.” She was coming right up my alley. But before I started to say anything, I needed to see if there’s at least a yellow light, revealing curiosity if not outright desire.
“Is it?” she asked.
“Well, yes.” I took a sip from my glass, taking my time. She seemed to think about my words, and this is exactly what I wanted. “They say self-control is what separates us from the animals. However, there are numerous other things which prove that, underneath it all, we are nothing but animals, indulging in our primal instincts. That’s what brings us the most pleasure,” I looked at her in anticipation.
“So, you think we’re animals?” she asked. I still couldn’t figure out where she stood.
“We are. But, if you can control the animal, it can be very rewarding,” I tried to explain.
“I’m an accountant. A person who enjoys numbers, order, and logic. It’s strange for me to think of myself as an animal, just because there are a few basic things that bring me pleasure.” I could sense that she was teasing, though modestly, waiting to hear what else I had to say. And there was no way I’d disappoint.
“And I’m the same at work. I mean, just look at me”, I had to laugh. “But
if you choose to let go, to willingly lose control and allow someone else to take the reigns- someone who knows exactly what to do- the results would blow your mind.”
“Let go of control you say. Well I guess that would depend on what type of control we are talking about. Either way, if I let that happen, it would have to be someone I trust,” she said.
“Of course. It wouldn’t work otherwise,” I nodded.
I was enjoying the evening here at the restaurant, but I could already feel a tension in my pants, urging me to try and close the deal. Enough chit chat.
“Would you perhaps like to continue this conversation in the privacy of my downtown apartment?” I could see she was hesitant. “The view is stunning. And you’ll get home safe and sound, whenever you wish. I promise you that.”
It seemed maybe she trusted me. I just didn’t know how much.
But I was about to find out.
Adrianna
I had decided to play along with his little game at the restaurant, to see what he was really like. Admittedly, I also found myself surprisingly intrigued by the conversation we were happing. I couldn’t understand what he was talking about when he talked about control, but he certainly had me engaged.
When Erik invited me to his apartment, reality struck and I began to wonder if I was nuts. Who knew what this guy was capable of? Was I willing to take a chance to be alone with him at this place? Not really.
Instead, I focused even more on finding out about the so called cancer cure and what the secret was behind it.
“Alright,” I heard myself reply resolutely.
When we got to Erik’s apartment, I was absolutely mind-blown. It was impeccably decorated, with every single piece of furniture having not only a practical purpose, but a hugely esthetic one as well. The pieces were exquisite and obviously expensive. I found myself wondering exactly how much money he spent on his place.
“What do you think?” his voice tore me away from my thoughts, as he stood in front of the open terrace door. A cool midnight breeze entered the apartment and made me feel light headed.
