Chapter 8
Emily's heart pounded as the gang leader's hand inched closer to her chest, her grip tightening around the scissors she held.
Just when it seemed like there was no way out, a cold,commanding voice cut through the tension.
"If you lay a finger on her, you'll regret it."
"Who the hell are you?"
The gang leader spun around, locking eyes with Patrick's deadly glare.
The Rivera Group was a name everyone knew, especially with Patrick's face plastered all over town from his interviews.
"Well, Mr. Rivera. Heard a lot about you1. Gotta say, you're even more impressive in person than on TV."
Patrick's face twisted in disgust as he yanked Emily to his side.
"What do you think you're doing? Back off!" Patrick said coldly.
"No, it's a misunderstanding. Her mother owes us $5.5 million and hasn't paid a dime. I'm just here to collect. If I'd known she was yours..."
Patrick cut him off, "Debts need to be paid, but there's a proper way to handle things."
The gang leader's eyes lit up, relieved he hadn't messed with Patrick's
woman.
Patrick said. "But she's mine now. If you don't want to die.leave.Come to the Rivera Group tomorrow for the money."
The gang leader, drenched in cold sweat. quickly signaled his men to retreat.
The Rivera Group had its hands in both legal and illegal dealings.
"Ill be waiting in the car downstairs. Don't keep me waiting."
Patrick left. leaving Lisa in shock, tears streaming down her face.She had thought Emily had a good job. not realizing she was in debt and had been sold off.
"Emily, tell me, what's your relationship with Mr. Rivera?" Lisa asked.her voice trembling.
Emily looked down, silent.
Lisa had a sinking feeling, "It's all my fault! I failed as a mom!" She covered her mouth, choking back sobs.
Emily looked at the wounds on Lisa's face. wanting to wipe away the blood.
How did Lisa owe so much money? They had just paid off the last debt last month.
Emily felt a wave of unease.
"Mom, tell me, you didn't start using drugs again, did you?"
Emily gripped Lisa's arm, but Lisa avoided her gaze, remaining silent.
"Let's go to rehab!"
"No. I can't go. I can't handle it, Emily. You care about me,right?And what about your brother?"
Lisa saw Emily wasn't budging. She pushed Emily out the door with all her might.
′′Iwant nothing to do with you anymore. You can pretend I don't exist."
The door slammed shut,leaving Emily outside.
No matter how much she knocked, Lisa wouldn't open the door.
"Emily, maybe you should go. I'll talk to your mom," Carol,who had been helping the family for years, suggested.
Emily left, feeling lost. She didn't remember how she got into Patrick's car or how they got back to his apartment.
"Why did you do that?" Emily stood at the door, furious, glaring at Patrick. "Why did you humiliate me in front of my mom?"
Patrick hadn't thought much at the time; he just wanted to resolve the situation quickly.
"Who said you could leave? Did you get my permission? If you choose to ignore me, don't say I didn't warn you."
"I..." Emily wanted to argue but realized she couldn't. Given the
circumstances, how could she quit? She had to send Lisa to rehab and cover her brother's special school fees.
Exhausted, Emily didn't say anything more and walked into the bathroom.
Thinking about everything that had happened, she felt dirty and scrubbed her body vigorously.
When she came out, Patrick was waiting in the bedroom.
"Put this on," he said, pointing to a dress on the bed.
Emily hesitated but put on the dress, realizing it was the burgundy gown she had worn before.
How did it get here?
She looked up, only to find herself face-to-face with Patrick's muscular chest.
Patrick didn't give her much time to react. His eyes filled with an intense, indescribable desire.
His breath was warm and familiar, making Emily's heart race.
Then, his passionate kisses rained down on her, melting away her doubts and fears.
At first, Emily resisted, but soon she was lost in the sweetness and passion, her arms wrapping around Patrick's neck, responding to his kisses.
His hands roamed her body, exploring every curve. until they reached the depths of her being.
Their bodies pressed tightly together. like magnets drawn to each other,inseparable.
Their heartbeats echoed in each other's ears. their breaths quickening.the air thick with heat and anticipation.
Patrick's head dipped. his lips trailing from her chin to her collarbone.her breasts. her stomach, moving lower, warm and lingering.
Emily gasped uncontrollably.
Patrick smiled, savoring the moment. as Emily's leg wrapped around his waist. Feeling the warmth of her embrace, he gently lifted her legs onto his shoulders. diving deeper into their shared passion. He moved rhythmically, exploring the lush terrain, their breaths intertwining and growing heavier with each gentle thrust.
Patrick picked up the pace, wanting Emily to feel the power of his thrusts. As their movements grew more intense,they reached a climax.Patrick slowly releasing Emily.
Emily panted, her face flushed, the red dress discarded on the floor.She didn't know how long it had lasted, but she felt a long-lost joy,quickly replaced by shame.
"Here," Patrick tossed a card at her, "The password is your employee number."
"Be at work on time tomorrow!"
Patrick pulled up his pants and left coldly.
Emily stared at the ceiling, feeling helpless.
Emily thought. 'Am I just a passing thought, or do I mean something more to you?