Authors Note:
I realize that I needed to add this note, my apologies to anyone that I may have upset. This is just my fantasy. It shows a toxic relationship being started between a boss and his personal assistant. If this is not your thing, I completely understand. Please do not read this if that triggers you.
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Rebeca was on edge and had been that way for the past few hours. It wasn't because of the intense situation of working with her boss. No... It was due to her ex-boyfriend. Normally she looked at her phone a few dozen times during these meetings for a list of reasons, to answer emails, take notes of specific dates, approve items to be placed in her boss's office, etcetera. But this was different. It was personal, and dammit if it didn't make her feel guilty as hell. Fortunately for her, her boss effectively handled himself and the banking associates. Her glances at her phone caused no disturbances. The last threatening message from her ex told her if she didn't call him, he'd do something that she'd regret.
She was tired of him, but more importantly, she was ready to start living her life the way she wanted to. Her eyes followed the beautiful landscape, the stretching island seemed almost like a painting, and the sunset couldn't have been more peaceful. As usual, when he was focused on something, her boss's plans came together so well. She could tell the partners had a good feeling about increasing the bar for her employer.
She loved working for him, handling every little task he gave her, from filing his paperwork to managing his schedule. The ride back to the villa they shared was marked by a relaxed atmosphere, which continued after returning home. As the two stepped back into the beachfront, Ethan's disposition was a rare delighted one. The purpose of their visit had been to meet with the executives at the bank where his company, Sutherland Enterprises, deposited much of its monetary assets.
It had been a very successful year for his business, and the account had reached its deposit max, so he had to convince those in charge of the bank to make an exception for him. Here in this small island nation, the financial rules were far more lenient than in the U.S., and so he'd found it lucrative to store his money here. But negotiating with the team of bankers was a tall order. Thankfully, his argument won them over, and they agreed to each of his requests. Not that he seemed to have any doubt that he'd win them over.
She watched him as he loosened the knot of his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt as he entered, pacing across the floor and taking in the ocean breeze that flowed through the spacious villa. The tapping of Rebeca's heels follows behind him as she eases out of her coat, collecting both of their discarded items, putting them away. He moved directly to the bar along one wall, pulling down a bottle of red wine and working it open as he smiled at his personal assistant.
He asked her now to join him for a drink, which made her cringe inwardly, but outwardly she smiled as she stepped across the perfectly finished room to the patio section. He'd made her try some of the oddest things and introduced her taste buds to things she'd never experienced before. Wine was one of those. He got her to try a few here and there. Some were good. Others were dreadful.
"Shall we celebrate and relax a bit?" he asked with a small grin.
He was a man of intensity, but at this moment he seemed to relax at least a bit. He was normally a stoic man, one who rarely showed much emotion, and one who gave little away about his thoughts or private life. Still, Rebeca was someone who knew him better than most, having worked with him for more than a few years as his personal assistant. She'd done well, anticipating his needs, being professional and prepared, and carrying herself the way someone who works for a man as powerful as Ethan should. Tonight would be a rare moment for the two to unwind, something he seemed to do infrequently, not even doing so with his wife.
Carrying two glasses, he moved to the back patio, beside the pool, and sat down, inviting her to the chair beside his. He poured both glasses and raised his in a toast. She looks down at her glass of wine. Curling her fingers around the glass, she swirls curiously, lifting it to her nose. She inhales, letting the aroma fill her nose, the scent wasn't exactly what she anticipated, but she found it pleasing.
"To a job well done, Rebeca," Ethan says smiling a rare smile.
"To a job well done to you, Sir." She smiles, nodding and toasting him. She sipped some of it and let out a pleased moan. The taste was even better than she expected "Now that... Tastes better than I could have hoped." She grins, gazing over her glass at him.
Ethan gave a knowing hint of a smile to the young woman. He knew she had been mostly inexperienced in plenty of the foods and drinks she enjoyed with him, and he also knew some of the tastes he enjoyed she didn't - at least perhaps not yet. So when it turned out he'd chosen a wine she enjoyed, he was pleased.
"Relax and enjoy it, Rebeca. It's been a busy few days, and there's finally a few hours to simply enjoy this place."
If he was being honest with himself, he wasn't at all eager to go home the next day. His relationship with his wife had fallen flat for years now, devoid of the spark it once had, and the thought of having to talk to her, eat with her, sleep next to her...it was entirely unappealing to him. But he kept up appearances, never letting on his displeasure at the situation.
"I haven't had a moment yet to check the news, but how is this virus situation affecting travel? Last I saw, Europe was closing all airports. What a mess..." he commented as he leaned back into the chair, crossing one leg over the other, his gaze moving out across the horizon, taking in the vivid colors of the sunset.
