Chapter 1
My eyes flew open. My heart was rapidly beating with fear. My bed sheets were soaked as I was drenched in sweat from the nightmare that constantly plagued my nights. I looked over at the clock sitting on the nightstand, and it was exactly 3:00 am. I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. I had a hard time catching my breath as I leaned over the sink and then looked at myself in the mirror. I turned on the cold water and splashed my face, taking in a deep breath and closing my eyes.
I never told anyone why Amanda killed herself. I’ve kept this secret buried within me for the past twelve years. The only other person who knew was her sister, Ashlyn. She promised that she wouldn’t speak of it because she didn’t want people to think her sister would harm herself over a guy.
I rubbed my face as I walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. I picked up my cell phone from the night stand and saw a text message from Ashlyn.
“Connor, thank you for tonight. As usual, you completely satisfied me. I look forward to seeing you again for another round of tantalizing sex!”
I sighed and placed the phone back on the nightstand. I got up, put on my running clothes, and headed out the door for a run. Running always cleared my head, especially after having the nightmares. I ended up running four miles in Central Park. Once my head was clear and I could think straight, I made a mental note to call Dr. Peters. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, and I think it’s time that I start going back for some therapy sessions. I took out my cell phone, thumbed through my contacts, and decided to text Sarah.
“I need a stress release. Are you up for it?”
“Hi to you too, Connor. Do you realize its 5:15 am? Sure, I’m game.”
“Good, meet me at the penthouse in 30 minutes.”
“I can be there in 10.”
“No, I said 30. I need to shower first.”
“Yum, Connor, can I join you?”
“No thanks, I’d rather shower alone. 30 minutes, and don’t be late.”
I met Sarah through a business associate. Being newly divorced, she was more than willing to have casual sex with no strings attached.
I ran back to the penthouse and hopped in the shower to wash the sweat from my body before I f*cked her. I stepped out of the shower with a towel wrapped around my waist. I walked into the bedroom, and she was already lying on the bed ready and waiting for me.
“Drop that towel and get over here before I change my mind,” she smiled.
I dropped the towel on the floor and walked towards the bed. “I promise you aren’t going anywhere until I’ve f*cked you every which way, Sarah.”
“Now that’s one promise that I know you can keep,” she grinned.
Rough sex is all I know. It’s all these women want, and who am I to complain? Keeping it quick and rough is the best stress relief for me, especially after a long hard day at the office or whenever the occasion arises.
“Thanks, you may leave now,” I told her.
“Connor, it’s 6:30 am, so how about some coffee together before I go?”
I walked over to her as she was lying on the bed with only the sheet covering her naked body. I looked into her brown eyes.
“You know the rules, Sarah, now get dressed and go. I have to take a quick shower and head to the office.”
She got up from the bed. “Whatever, Connor, it’s just coffee for f*ck sake. Oh, and another thing, I’m going out of town for a couple of weeks, so don’t bother calling me for another stress relief.”
***
Some people often say that I’m too young to be the CEO of Black Enterprises and that the pressures and demands will ultimately destroy me. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve already been destroyed emotionally.
Black Enterprises is my company and my sole purpose in life. It’s all I have, and it’s all I want.
Sure, I date a lot of women. What millionaire CEO wouldn’t? The only relationships I believe in are the sexual ones with no strings attached. The last thing I need in my life is some woman tying me down and suffocating me. With that being said, I’ve composed a list of rules for the women I see.
No sleepovers. Once our sexual encounter is over, you must get dressed and leave immediately. There are no exceptions.
No strings attached. There will never be anything more than just physical sex.
No calling or texting. If I want to see you again, I will contact you.
When in my presence, you will act and behave like a woman. I don’t tolerate childish behavior.
No threesomes. I like my women one at a time. No exceptions.
No condoms. I get checked once a month, and I’ve had a vasectomy. I expect the women I’m with to be clean as well. Proof may be required.
Date night will only consist of dinner and sex; nothing more, nothing less. There will be no hand holding, walks, carriage rides, or movies. No exceptions.
I give this list out to women before dinner to ensure that they are fully aware of my expectations. If a woman has a problem with any one of the rules, they are free to leave. Women are nothing but sexual creatures to me. I’ve never been in love, and I never will be. The person who decided my fate to become this way had killed herself because I couldn’t love her, and I can never let that happen again. I have a group of women that I see on a regular basis. Ashlyn is one of those women. I started seeing her about a year ago when she showed up at my office, broke and with nowhere to go. I sat at my desk and stared at the door, remembering that day.
“Mr. Black, there’s someone here to see you,” Valerie spoke over the intercom. “She says it’s important and that you know her.”
I sighed. I didn’t have time for unannounced visitors who think they can just come to my office and demand to see me.
“I’m very busy, Valerie. Tell whomever it is that they’ll need to make an appointment. I don’t have time right now.”
Suddenly, the door flew open as I looked up from my computer and nearly stopped breathing.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Black. I tried to stop her,” Valerie spoke.
“It’s alright, Valerie. Please shut the door.”
“Hello, Connor. It’s good to see you again; it’s been way too long,” the tall woman spoke.
“Ashlyn, what the hell are you doing here?” my voice angered.
She walked further into my office and made herself comfortable in the plush chair that sat across from my desk.
“Is that any way to talk to a friend that you haven’t seen in ten years?”
“Cut the bullshit, Ashlyn, and answer the f*cking question.”
She cleared her throat and shifted in her chair. “I’m in a bit of a situation, Connor, and I was wondering if you could help me?”
I sat down in my chair and glared at her. She really hadn’t changed too much in the past ten years.
Her black, straight hair was the same, and her dark brown eyes still displayed the same sadness as they did all those years ago. I folded my hands in front of me.
“What do you want, Ashlyn?”
“I’m completely broke. I was kicked out of my apartment, and I don’t know what else to do. I guess you can consider me homeless,” she said as she took in a deep breath.
“What about your parents? Why aren’t you going to them?”
“They told me that I’m a disgrace to the family and that I need to get my act together. They’ve helped me countless times, and they refuse to do it again.”
I got up from my seat, walked over to where Ashlyn was sitting, and leaned up against the desk, trying to figure out why she came to see me.
“Why me, Ashlyn? We haven’t seen or spoken to each other in ten years.”
At that moment, before she could answer, Valerie buzzed in and told me my meeting was about to start.
“I’m sorry, Ashlyn. I have a meeting, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you. So, if you’ll excuse me, I have to leave.”
She got up from her chair in a huff, grabbed her purse, and started towards the door. She abruptly turned around.
“You owe me, Connor Black. My life is a clusterf*ck because of you. My sister committed suicide because of you, and it ruined my life. I miss Amanda so much, and she would still be here if it wasn’t for you!” she yelled.
I stood there, unable to speak, as everything Ashlyn just said was true. She turned away and walked to the door.
“Wait,” I said. “I’ll take you to dinner tonight where we can discuss this further. Maybe I can help you. I’ll have my driver pick you up at 7:00 pm. Where are you staying?”
“I’m not staying anywhere. I just told you I was broke, and I sure as hell don’t have enough money for a hotel.”
I walked to the door and opened it, motioning for Ashlyn to step out.
“Valerie, please book a room at the Marriott Downtown for Miss Johnson and have it billed to the company.” Valerie nodded and picked up the phone.
“Thank you, Connor, I knew I could count on you,” she smiled.
“My driver will pick you up at 7:00 pm sharp.”
I turned away and shook my head. Why the hell would she just show up here after all these years and then throw Amanda’s death in my face?
***
I sat at my desk, pondering why she was still in my life a year later, and why I haven’t done anything about it.
I was startled by a knock at the door as Valerie came in and set a cup of coffee on my desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Black.”
“Good morning, Valerie. Do me a favor and clear my schedule for this afternoon. I have something that I need to do.”
“Yes, Mr. Black, I’ll get on that immediately.”
“Thank you, Valerie,” I said as she left my office.
I pulled out my cell phone, dialed Dr. Peters, and made an appointment for later this afternoon.
With the return of the nightmares, I figured it was about time. I finished up some paperwork, made a few business calls, and alerted Denny that I was leaving the office early and to come pick me up.
I stepped into the Limo and instructed Denny to take me to the penthouse, so I could pick up the Range Rover and drive myself to Dr. Peter’s office. I didn’t want him knowing where I was going. I consider Denny one of my best friends. He’s been with Black Enterprises for the past ten years. He drove for my father and now he drives for me.
Denny is in his early fifty’s, and he’s seen a lot from me in the past ten years. He’s always been there for me and even bailed me out of trouble a few times without ever telling my father. He’s like a second father to me as well as my confidant. I could always count on him to help me out if I needed it.
In return, I make sure that he and his family are well taken care of.