Ivana lost herself in the rhythm, her worries forgotten amidst the pulsating lights and thumping bass. Beatrice had excused herself to the restroom, leaving Ivana alone on the dance floor.
Suddenly, a familiar hand grasped her waist, pulling her close. Ivana's heart sank as Leo's hot breath caressed her ear.
"You're still seeking attention, Ivana?" Leo growled, his voice low and menacing. "Parading yourself like this?"
Fear crept up Ivana's spine as Leo's grip tightened. She tried to push him away, but he held firm.
"Leo, stop," Ivana demanded, her voice trembling.
Leo's hand slid lower, his fingers digging into her hip. His body pressed against hers, his erection grinding against her ass.
"You're mine, Ivana," Leo hissed. "No one else's."
Ivana's eyes frantically scanned the crowd, searching for Beatrice or an escape.
"Let me go, Leo," Ivana pleaded, her voice barely audible.
Leo's grip intensified, his fingers bruising her skin. Ivana's vision began to blur.
Just as suddenly, Leo vanished. Ivana stumbled forward, gasping.
Beatrice rushed back, concern etched on her face. "Ivana, what happened?"
Ivana's eyes welled with tears. "Leo...he found me."
Beatrice's expression hardened. "We're leaving. Now."
As they pushed through the crowd, Ivana glanced back, fearing Leo's return.
Ivana and Beatrice hastily exited the club, the cool night air a welcome respite. Ivana's heart still raced from Leo's unexpected appearance.
Beatrice guided Ivana to a nearby bench. "Sit. Catch your breath."
Ivana collapsed onto the bench, her eyes welling with tears. "He won't stop, Beatrice. He'll never let me go."
Beatrice enveloped Ivana in a comforting hug. "We'll protect you. File a restraining order, report him to the police."
Ivana nodded, determination sparking within. "It ends now."
As they sat, Keal Vanderbilt's sleek car pulled up. He stepped out, his eyes scanning the scene.
"Ivana, are you alright?" Keal asked, approaching cautiously.
Ivana's gaze narrowed. "What are you doing here, Keal?"
Keal's expression turned concerned. "I was nearby. Saw you leaving the club hastily. Is everything okay?"
Beatrice stood, positioning herself protectively beside Ivana. "We've got this, thanks."
Keal's eyes lingered on Ivana before nodding. "Very well. Be careful."
With that, he returned to his car, disappearing into the night.
Ivana watched him leave, confusion swirling within. Why had Leo appeared?
Ivana's thoughts lingered on Keal's sudden appearance. Coincidence or something more?
Beatrice broke the silence. "Let's get you home, Ivana. You're shaken."
Ivana nodded, still lost in thought.
At home, Ivana tried to shake off the uneasy feeling. Leo's possessiveness and Keal's mysterious concern swirled in her mind.
The phone rang, jolting her. Ivana hesitated before answering.
"Ivana Smith," she answered cautiously.
"Ivana, it's Keal Vanderbilt," his deep voice said. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Ivana's wariness spiked. "What can I do for you, Keal?"
"Just checking in," Keal replied. "I saw the way you left the club abruptly. Everything alright?"
Ivana hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks."
"Good," Keal said. "If you need anything, don't hesitate."
The genuine concern in his voice caught Ivana off guard.
"Why are you checking on me, Keal?" Ivana asked.
"Consider it a business courtesy," Keal replied. "Our partnership is important."
Ivana nodded, though he couldn't see her. "Appreciated."
The call ended, leaving Ivana pondering Keal's motives.
Was his concern genuine?
*************
Ivana arrived at Vanderbilt Industries, her professional guard up. Keal's assistant escorted her to his office.
Keal stood, smiling, as she entered. "Ivana, thanks for coming."
Ivana nodded, taking a seat. "What's the marketing strategy?"
Keal leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. "Our teams will collaborate to boost Smith Enterprises' visibility."
As they discussed business, Ivana glimpsed a different Keal – engaged, passionate and genuinely interested in her insights.
As the meeting concluded, Keal walked Ivana out. "Thanks for your input. You're a valuable partner."
Ivana smiled, feeling a spark of connection. "Likewise, Keal."
In the elevator, Ivana pondered Keal's dual personas – ruthless businessman and thoughtful collaborator.
Beatrice's words echoed,"Maybe he's not as one-dimensional as you thought."
Ivana stepped out of the elevator, her mind still on the meeting. Keal's contrasting personas intrigued her.
As she turned to leave, Keal called out, "Ivana, wait."
She turned back, curious.
"Join me for dinner tonight," Keal said, his eyes holding hers. "We can discuss further strategies."
Ivana hesitated, unsure if mixing business with pleasure was wise.
"Strictly business, Keal?" she asked.
Keal smiled, his expression softening. "I promise."
Ivana nodded, her heart racing slightly. "Okay."
"7 p.m. at Belle Vue Restaurant," Keal said, handing her a card.
As Ivana left Vanderbilt Industries, she wondered what lay ahead.
Beatrice raised an eyebrow when Ivana shared the invitation. "Dinner with Keal Vanderbilt? Are you ready for this?"
Ivana shrugged. "I'll keep my guard up."
But a part of her whispered, What if Keal's different.
Ivana arrived at Belle Vue Restaurant, her nerves fluttering. Keal waited outside, impeccably dressed.
"You look stunning, Ivana," Keal said, offering his arm.
Ivana's heart skipped a beat as she took it, his warmth radiating through her.
Inside, the ambiance was intimate, candlelight dancing across the room. Keal led her to a secluded table.
Over dinner, conversation flowed effortlessly, spanning business, art and life. Ivana found herself laughing, feeling seen.
Keal shared stories of his family's legacy, his passion for innovation and his drive to succeed.
Ivana glimpsed vulnerability beneath his polished facade, drawing her in.
As dessert arrived, Keal reached across the table, his hand brushing hers.
"Ivana, I'm glad we're partners," Keal said, his eyes locked on hers. "In every sense."
Ivana's pulse quickened, her mind racing. Was this a hint at something more?
Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows. Leo, Ivana's ex-boyfriend, stood at the entrance, his eyes fixed on her with a mix of anger and possessiveness.
Ivana's heart sank, her pleasant evening shattered.
"Leo, what are you doing here?" Ivana demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
Leo's gaze shifted to Keal, his expression darkening. "You're with him now?" Leo sneered. "You think he's better for you?"
Keal stood, his presence commanding. "Ivana's with me. Leave."
Leo's eyes flashed, but he backed down, disappearing into the night.
Ivana exhaled, shaken. "Sorry about that."
Keal's expression softened. "You have nothing to apologize for. Are you alright?"
Ivana nodded, grateful for Keal's support.
As they finished dessert, Ivana realized her feelings for Keal went beyond gratitude's.
Ivana returned home, still reeling from the restaurant encounter with Leo. She unlocked her door, expecting solace in her private sanctuary.
As she stepped inside, Leo emerged from the shadows, his eyes blazing with intensity. Ivana's heart sank.
"Leo, what are you doing here?" Ivana demanded, trying to hide her fear.
Leo's face twisted in a possessive snarl. "You think you can just move on? Meet other men?"
With alarming speed, Leo pinned Ivana to the ground, his body trapping hers.
"I left to give you space, not to let you indulge in affairs," Leo growled, his breath hot against her skin.
Ivana struggled, but Leo's grip tightened. He ripped her dress, exposing her.
"No, Leo! Stop!" Ivana pleaded.
Leo's lips crushed hers, silencing her protests. His hands roamed, claiming her body.
As Ivana's resistance waned, Leo's passion consumed her. Their bodies entwined, the intensity overwhelming.
Leo marked her skin with fierce kisses, his touch igniting a fire within. Ivana's thoughts blurred.
Ivana felt lost, her desires conflicting with her revulsion.
"Why, Leo?" Ivana whispered, tears falling.
Leo's eyes flashed. "You're mine. Forever
Ivana trembled, trapped beneath Leo's dominating frame. His eyes blazed with possessiveness.
"You think you can move on?" Leo sneered, his breath hot against Ivana's skin. "You think you can be with him?"
Ivana struggled, but Leo's grip tightened.
"I left to give you space, not for dangling you tails at other's," Leo growled. "You're mine, Ivana. Forever."
His lips crushed hers, silencing protests. Ivana's mind reeled.
Leo's hands roamed, claiming her body. Fingers teased her breasts, nipples hardening.
"You won't see Keal again," Leo commanded.
Ivana's legs parted, despite her resistance. Leo's fingers probed, sparking pleasure.
"No...Leo," Ivana pleaded.
"You Are Mine," Leo repeated.
He slid inside her, his rhythm intense. Ivana's moans escaped.
Pleasure and fear entwined. Ivana's thoughts fragmented.
Leo's grip tightened. "You'll never escape me."
In the tumultuous union, Ivana's emotions clashed. Hate, fear and unwanted desire.
Ivana trembled, trapped beneath Leo's dominating frame. His eyes blazed with possessiveness, the intensity unnerving.
Leo's lips crushed hers, silencing protests. Ivana's thoughts fragmented as his tongue invaded her mouth, the kiss fierce and demanding. She tried to resist, but Leo held onto her head overwhelming.
As he moved within her, Leo whispered possessive claims. "You'll never escape me. You'll never be with him." Ivana's thoughts clashed, hate and fear warring with unwanted desire.
"You're mine," Leo repeated, his eyes locked on hers.
Ivana lay still, her emotions raw. She knew she had to escape, but Leo's hold was suffocating.
As Leo's passion subsided, Ivana plotted her escape. She'd find a way to break free, no matter the cost.