"THEY LET HIM go?" Julie asked from the other line when Laavanya told her that one of her co-workers from her previous firm had called her with the news. "It's not surprising that they fired Fred. The expose has gone viral. Everyone has read it. Sydney really put your experiences in a beautiful and heart wrenching way while telling the truth.This might earn her a promotion. Her boss is extremely happy with that piece."

"Yeah, I couldn't thank her enough. And you too, Jules. I hadn't dealt with all those feelings and now with your and Ryker's support—I feel so much better. I'm thinking of inviting Sydney over for dinner. Why don't you come with Neel?" She asked as she waited for her order at the cafeteria.

"Neel? What? No!" Julie's voice turned high pitched and Laavanya could sense Julie's cheek colour. "I told you, we're just screwing each other. I am not inviting him for anything."

"You went to one of his family parties. How much more of a hint do you need?"

"As a fake date!" She reasoned.

"Alright, keep telling yourself that. But think about it. The dinner isn't for another few weeks." Laavanya spotted a waitress approaching her with her sandwiches. "Anyway, my break ends in 15 minutes. I have to go eat and get back to work. I'll talk to you later." She hung up when her sandwiches were placed in front of her. She smiled at the waitress and began munching her lunch down.

After lunch, she was on her way back to her office when her phone buzzed.

Mr. Edison: Come in my cabin

Laavanya headed straight to his office and knocked on the door as she opened the door slightly. Ryker was already sitting on one of the chairs in front of Mr. Edison. He nodded and she passed both of them a smile as she walked inside. Mr. Edison gestured to her to take a seat. Once she was settled on the chair beside Ryker, Mr. Edison leaned forward as he rested his knees on the desk.

"Alright, I have a new project for you, Ms. Shaw but I need Mr.Morris to pay close attention to every layer of process you go through with this one," he said gravely as he looked between the two of them. "It's an autobiography of a celebrity whose name I cannot disclose to you right now. He really liked Ms. Shaw's works on the previously two published books and specifically requested for you. Our client will be talking to you personally via email or–if necessary–phone call but no message will be exchanged without the approval of Mr. Morris. There will be a phone call meeting held soon. His assistant will contact both of you in a span of a few days."

"Okay, sir," she said.

"Now, Laavanya, I don't want you to rush with this project. Our client, let's name him Mr. Z, does not wish to publish his book until January. Hence, take your time. If you're in a rut, take some time off—I know creativity doesn't come easy but I need you to put in this project everything you have. This not only benefits Piper & Lawson but also your name."

"Yes, Mr. Edison. Thank you for giving me a shot and reconsidering my application." Mr. Edison nodded and looked at Ryker. An unspeakable look passed between them but neither of them shared any words. "Anything else I can help you with?"

"No, that's all. You both can leave," he said. Laavanya and Ryker got up from their seats and left his cabin together. She smiled and looked at Ryker with excitement.

"Elevator in 30," he said before sending her a look that brought shivers alive in her body. She sat back at her desk while thinking of the things she shouldn't have. Ryker passed her looks through his cabin while she tried to ignore the fire she felt from the anticipation. She pretended to work on a project and take notes but her eyes kept reaching the clock.

"What are you waiting for?" Samuel asked right when she was about to leave for the elevator. "I have been noticing you for the last ten minutes, you keep looking at your wrist watch."

"Ah, just waiting for a call."

"Oh, you know, so that guy–" Samuel paused abruptly and sank into his seat when Ryker came out of his cabin and met his eyes. He didn't say a word but his penetrating gaze was enough to remind Samuel that he is not here to chitchat. Ryker didn't look at Laavanya and headed straight towards the elevator. "He scares me sometimes. Yeah, so anyway, the gu—"

"Ah, Samuel. I gotta go. Text me the details!" Laavanya gave him an apologetic look and hurried towards the elevator. Ryker was standing there too. The door slid open and both of them paced inside. As soon as the door of the empty elevator closed, Ryker pinned Laavanya to the door and kissed her hard. He slid his hand in the strands of her hair and pulled them gently. A moan left her mouth as his lips pressed against her neck.

The elevator dinged and both of them separated quickly. The door of the lobby on the ground floor opened but no one walked in. "This isn't enough," he mumbled and pressed the button of the top most button.

"We have a roof?"

"No, something much better. Let's just hope it's empty."

A minute later the door slid open and they walked out just to find themselves in another lobby. A few metres away there were two large doors and beside it was a small podium with no one around it. Ryker pushed the doors open to reveal a large roof side pool with the city view in front of them. Laavanya's jaw dropped. She took in the view of the city from the 30th floor.

Ryker latched the door shut and shrugged out of his blazer. He loosened his tie and took off his watch as well as his phone from the pocket. He began taking his shoes off when Laavanya turned to him. "What are you doing?"

"Planning to show the stars in broad daylight," he murmured.

"What if we get caught, Ryker? My hair, cl–"

"Tie your hair up, they have towels here," he said. "Take your clothes off. I have to be back in an hour."

Laavanya didn't object. She slid out of her clothes as Ryker got naked too. Ryker dived into the pool when Laavanya unclasped her bra. Ryker rose up from the water and watched Laavanya with hunger. She blushed as she took down her panties. She bit her lips and walked towards the stairs. Before the water could reach her stomach, Ryker swam closer and snaked his arms around, carefully pulling her down. The water was warm but fire burnt in Laavanya's body when Ryker took one of her boobs in his mouth, his tongue sliding smoothly over her nipples. She moaned loudly when he pressed her against the edge of the pool, the cool metal bar sending shivers down her body.

"God, you taste so good," he muttered and lifted her up to make her sit on the edge. He pushed her legs apart and started to leave kisses on her thighs. "What do you want, baby?" Laavanya closed her eyes and cocked her head back. She moaned, no words coming out. "Say it, Laav. Tell me what you want me to do."

"I—" She gasped when he kissed her clit. "Ryker...uh."

He rubbed her softly. "I am not doing anything until you tell me."

"I–I want you to touch me."

"Where? Say those dirty words, I want to hear them."

"I want to ride on your fingers," she breathed out. "I want you to eat me out."

"That's my girl." He sunk two fingers inside and began with a gentle rub. He licked her clit while slowly increasing his pace. Laavanya had lost control over her body. She screamed his name as more fingers dug into her skin. He had found her spot in less than three minutes and she was already very close to coming. "You're not going to come until I tell you to."

"Ryker...I–" she began but her words dried out. "Uh...uh...I have to come. I—"

"No, you can't. Don't obey me and I'll punish you," he ordered. She groaned, trying to keep it inside. But she had already reached the peak of her orgasm and Ryker had increased his pace even more. She screamed his name when her legs spread farther apart and she came on his fingers. He smirked. "How dare you come without my permission?"

"I couldn't hold it anymore." She laid down and rested her back on the tiled floor. Ryker pushed her legs together and placed his hands on either side of her. He rose from the pool easily, his muscles flexing as he lifted himself up and rested each of his knees beside her stomach.

"I am your boss, how dare you come without my permission?" he repeated and leaned down to kiss her lips. "Now face your punishment." He brushed his dick against her clit. She cried out his name. A smug smile grew on his face. "That's right. Scream my name. It's yours to scream anyway." Without giving her the time to process his words or the feeling, he thrusted inside of her.

"Oh, my God!" She cried.

"There's no room for God here."

He thrusted again.

And again.

And again.

And true to his words, she saw the stars he promised to show her. Thrice.

*ahem*

*throws holy water*