Feeding On My Ruthless Boss

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I used to be a ghost in the neon haze of the citya pureblood succubus masquerading as the most expensive escort in the most exclusive high-rise clubs. In my last life, I flew too close to the sun. I played too hard with the heir to a political dynasty, a mistake that ended in his accidental death and my own brutal murder.

When I opened my eyes again, I wasn't in hell. I was in the sprawling, gilded estate of the Emerson family, reincarnated as Janice, the pampered daughter of a high-ranking political strategista man they call the Kingmaker.

I had planned to spend this second life in quiet luxury, hiding my true nature within the thick walls of the manor. But a succubus is a creature of hunger. Lately, my skin has been humming with a restless, agonizing heat. My instincts are screaming.

As fate would have it, the citys most powerful figurea man whose influence rivals that of the Presidenthas issued a summons. Its an "Elite Selection," a strategic social vetting for the daughters of the nations power players. The prize is a position in the inner circle of the "Blackwood Empire."

Rumor has it that Killian Blackwood, the head of the empire, is a man possessed by a primal, volcanic energy. They call him the "Executioner" in boardrooms and a "Demon" in private. The whispers are scandalous: hes obsessed with dominance, with the bite of leather, and he possesses an endurance that borders on the supernatural.

The women who have been "selected" before? They say they were carried out of his penthouse on stretchers, broken by the sheer intensity of his appetites.

The debutantes of the city are terrified. Ive heard of girls trying to shave their heads or eloping with gardeners just to escape the "honor" of his bed. My father, the Kingmaker, has aged ten years in a single night, even whispering about sabotaging his own career just to keep me off Killians radar.

But me? I listened to the rumors and felt a familiar, wicked smile tug at my lips.

"A man who brings his own toys and never runs out of steam? A high-octane tyrant with energy to burn? Honey, thats not a nightmare. Thats an all-you-can-eat buffet."

The selection took place at the Blackwood Plaza, in a ballroom that felt more like a throne room.

Outside, the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and desperate fear. The other girls stood with slumped shoulders, looking like they were waiting for the guillotine. My fathers hand was a vice around my arm, his palm slick with sweat.

Janice, listen to me, he hissed. When its time for the draw, stay in the back. Do not catch his eye. The man is a monster. Entering that inner circle is a death sentence.

I nodded obediently, but my heart was hammering a different rhythm.

The succubus within me was clawing at my ribs. I licked my lips, my eyes fixed on the velvet-lined box on the dais. A man with a relentless drive and a penchant for the whip?

He wasn't a monster. He was my cure.

Mr. Blackwood has arrived.

The room went dead silent. Everyone bowed their heads as if a god had walked in.

Killian Blackwood was a silhouette of sharp lines and dark shadows. He wore a bespoke charcoal suit that looked like armor. He moved with a predatory grace up the marble stairs, the embodiment of cold, masculine power.

I swallowed hard. The contrast was intoxicating. In public, he was the picture of ascetic restraint. In private? A man who lived for the burn. My legs pressed together instinctively.

The selection began.

One by one, the debutantes stepped forward, pulling white cards from the boxthe signal that they were safe. They would exhale, offer a shaky thank-you, and practically run out of the room.

Then it was my turn.

My father tried to hold me back. Janice, just grab any card and get out!

I shook him off and stepped forward with a confidence that turned heads. As I passed Killian, I executed a calculated stumble.

Im a pureblood; I know how to fall. I did it with a precision that ensured I collapsed directly toward him. It was a move designed to let him catch my scentthe unique, pheromonal musk of my kindand feel the curve of my body against his.

Except, he didn't catch me.

Killian stepped a half-inch to the side with surgical indifference.

I hit the polished floor with a dull thud. It hurt like hell, and I had to grit my teeth to keep from swearing.

A wave of muffled giggles rippled through the room. Tiffany, a socialite known for her razor-sharp tongue and fake "innocence," leaned over with a smirk.

Oh, Janice. Are you that desperate for a man? Even a common gold-digger knows not to trip over the King himself.

I ignored her, pushing myself up and smoothing my dress. Fine, Killian. Play it cool.

I walked to the box and reached inside. There was only one card with a raised embossed sealthe one Id paid a staffer a small fortune to place there. I gripped it and held it high above my head.

Ive been selected.

The room gasped. My fathers eyes rolled back, and he fainted right there on the carpet. Tiffanys face contorted into a mask of pure jealousy. Thats impossible! How could she get it?

I turned to Killian, a daring smile playing on my lips.

Mr. Blackwood, when do I move into the penthouse?

I was already imagining the leather and the long nights.

Killian turned to look at me. His gaze was heavy, lingering on my face with an intensity that felt like a physical touch.

Who said anything about the penthouse?

I blinked. Isn't this a selection for your personal circle?

Killian let out a cold, dry chuckle and turned to his Chief of Staff. The man stepped forward, adjusting his glasses, and announced in a booming voice:

By order of Mr. Blackwood: The selection for a domestic partner is indefinitely suspended.

He paused, looking directly at me.

However, the Emerson daughter, having drawn the seal, is hereby appointed as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman. A three-month probationary period begins tomorrow.

The silence lasted two seconds before the whispers exploded.

I stood there, stunned. Im ready to strip, and youre giving me a desk job?

Killian stopped in front of me, looking down from his towering height.

Janice Emerson, right?

Yes, I managed.

Six a.m. sharp in my office. Be late by thirty seconds, and youre fired.

He swept past me without another word.

I watched his broad shoulders disappear into the inner sanctum, my temper beginning to simmer. Oh, I see. You want to play the boss-assistant game? You want the thrill of the forbidden office tryst?

Fine, Killian. You have no idea what youve just invited into your office.

The next morning, I arrived at the Blackwood Tower. I was wearing a silk blouse that was just sheer enough to be questionable and a pencil skirt that left very little to the imagination when I sat down.

I walked into the executive suite and ran right into Tiffany.

She was actually there.

Janice, look at you. Are you here to work or to audition for a street corner? Tiffany sneered, looking me up and down.

I rolled my eyes. None of your business. You didn't even get a card. Why are you here?

Tiffany lifted her chin. My aunt is on the board. Ive been appointed as the Office Manager. Which means, technically, Im your boss.

Great. A legacy hire with a grudge.

I didn't give her the satisfaction of a response. I walked straight to the heavy mahogany doors of the inner office and pushed them open.

Killian was behind his desk, illuminated by the floor-to-ceiling windows of Manhattan. He was reviewing a stack of contracts.

Mr. Blackwood, Im reporting for duty, I said, my voice dropping into a low, honeyed register.

He didn't even look up.

Theres a copy of the Corporate Governance Manifesto on the table. Transcribe it by hand. A hundred times.

I walked over and picked up the book. As I turned to leave, I accidentally let it slip through my fingers.

Oh!

The book hit the floor, pages splaying. I knelt down to retrieve it, making sure my skirt rode up just enough to flash a scandalous amount of thigh. I looked up at him, my eyes wide and pleading.

Mr. Blackwood, Im so clumsy. Would you mind helping me?

In my past life, men would have been across the desk and tearing my clothes off by now.

Killians gaze dropped to my legs. For a split second, I saw his pupils dilate. The air in the room grew heavy. My inner succubus purred, sensing the fire in him. I was ready to do this right here on the mahogany.

Then, his eyes cleared. He looked back at his monitor.

Janice, are you in heat?

The smile froze on my face.

If you cant pick up a book, get out. This office doesn't have room for useless baggage.

His voice was like ice. He wasn't joking.

I was fuming. Is this man broken? The rumors said he was a beast with a primal hunger, yet here I ama pureblood succubusand hes treating me like a nuisance?

I grabbed the book, grit my teeth, and went to the side office to start writing.

When I finished, Tiffany blocked my path.

Janice, take this coffee in to him. He likes it piping hot.

She handed me a porcelain cup, a nasty little smirk on her face. I took it, sensing the trap.

I walked into the office. As I approached Killians desk, I tripped on the edge of the rug.

The coffee didn't just spill; it launched directly into his lap.

If you won't come to me, I'll make you react.

Shit!

Killian lunged to his feet, his face turning a dark shade of livid. His expensive trousers were soaked in a very suggestive area.

I whipped out a silk handkerchief and pounced, rubbing the spot vigorously.

Im so sorry, Mr. Blackwood! Let me help, let me get that

My hand brushed against him, and I felt the truth. The rumors were right. He was reactingand powerfully.

I looked up at him and gave him a slow, heavy-lidded wink.

Killians breath hitched. His eyes were boring into mine. I thought for sure he was about to grab me, maybe pull out that belt he was rumored to use.

Instead, he grabbed my wrist with a grip like iron.

Janice Emerson, you are playing a very dangerous game.

He shoved me back. I stumbled against a bookshelf.

He grabbed a towel to dry himself off, then roared, Tiffany! Get in here!

Tiffany rushed in, looking triumphant. Mr. Blackwood? Is everything okay? Did Janice mess up again? I told you she was incompetent

Shut up, Killian snapped.

He looked at Tiffany with pure vitriol. Did you tell her to bring me this coffee?

Tiffany blinked, her voice trembling as she confessed.

Security! Escort her out. Shes fired. And tell the board her aunt is next if I see her in this building again.

Tiffany began to wail as security dragged her away.

Then, there were just the two of us.

Killian stared at me. Janice, stop the games. The cheap tricks, the provocationsstop.

Or what? I challenged.

Or I will make your life a living hell. One you wont want to wake up from.

He turned and walked into his private suite, slamming the door.

I rubbed my sore wrist, staring at the closed door. A living hell?

Good. Because the more you resist, the more I want to see you break. Lets see who lasts longer, Mr. Blackwood.

That evening was the "Midnight Gala," a high-society fundraiser. As his assistant, I had to attend.

I wore a dress that was essentially a second skinsheer lace over nude silk. I sat next to him in the back of the limousine, leaning into his space.

As the car took a sharp turn, I let myself fall against his shoulder.

I feel a little lightheaded, Killian, I whispered.

He used two fingers to push my head away. Sit up.

I huffed and straightened my dress. This mans willpower was terrifying. Was he actually a saint? Or was he just... incapable?

At the gala, Killian was the center of gravity. Every woman in the room was watching him, but no one dared approach. Except for me. I sat beside him at the head table, my thigh pressed firmly against his.

The drinks flowed. Killian accepted every toast, glass after glass of bourbon.

I noticed his eyes beginning to cloud with a dark red tint. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. His breathing became heavy and rhythmic.

My heart leaped. This was it. The "Holy Fire"his internal heatwas becoming uncontrollable.

Youve had a lot to drink, I whispered in his ear, my breath warm against his skin. Why dont I take you to the private lounge to rest?

Killian didn't push me away this time. His body was rigid, his jaw clenched so hard I thought it might snap.

Fine, he rasped.

I led him away under a barrage of jealous stares. The moment the door to the private lounge clicked shut, he spun me around and pinned me against the mahogany door.

Janice

His voice was a low, agonizing growl.

I was ecstatic. Finally.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Im right here. Whatever you need, Ill give it to you

I arched my body into his, my own succubus heat flaring to match his.

I waited for him to rip my dress, for the "monster" to come out.

Suddenly, Killians eyes snapped into focus. He shoved me back, bolted into the adjoining bathroom, and locked the door.

I followed him, throwing the door open.

Killian was fully dressed, sitting in a marble tub filled with ice-cold water. The freezing water was overflowing onto the floor. He was gripping the edges of the tub, his knuckles white, his whole body shaking.

He was using the cold to suppress the fire.

I was stunned. Is he insane? Hed rather torture himself with ice than touch me?

I walked over and knelt by the tub. Killian, youre going to hurt yourself.

I reached out to unbutton his shirt. Let me help you.

The moment my fingers touched his skin, his eyes flew openthey were bloodshot, primal. He grabbed my throat and pulled!

I tumbled into the tub with him. The ice water soaked through my dress instantly, making it transparent. I gasped, finding myself straddling his lap.

Even through the freezing water and his suit, I could feel the terrifying reality of his desire. He was at his limit.

Do you want to die, Janice? he hissed.

I met his gaze and gave him a wicked, beautiful smile. I want to die happy.

I leaned down and bit his earlobe, hard.

Killians body convulsed. He flipped us, pinning me against the edge of the tub, his hands tearing at the lace of my dress.

Yes! Bring out the whip! Do your worst!

But then, he stopped.

He was panting, staring at me with a mix of hunger and self-loathing.

Then he climbed out of the tub.

Get out! he roared.

I sat in the ice water, shivering and furious. Killian! What is wrong with you?

He didn't answer. He went to a cabinet, pulled out a small black vial, and swallowed a pill.

A sedative. A high-dose suppressant. Hed rather poison his own system than give in.

I climbed out of the tub, dripping and humiliated. He threw a heavy cashmere coat at me.

Cover yourself. Go.

I grabbed the coat, my eyes burning with tears of rage.

Fine, Mr. Blackwood, I spat. But I promise you this: Im going to break you. And when I do, youll be the one begging.

I walked out, the wet silk clinging to my skin.

The gala moved into its final phasethe "Silent Auction."

I had managed to bribe a server for a spare tuxedo and a mask. I stood in the shadows behind the high-backed velvet chairs of the VIP section, watching Killian.

He was sitting there, his back stiff, but I could see the slight tremor in his hands. The suppressant wasn't working. The heat was too strong.

I licked my lips. You threw me out of the tub, but theres nowhere to run now.

The lights dimmed for a presentation on a rare diamond. The room went pitch black.

I slipped through the shadows and reached his side.

Mr. Blackwood, I brought you something cold to help with the fever, I whispered.

He turned, his eyes searching the dark.

Before he could speak, I dropped a single, frozen grape into his lap.

He hissed, a sharp intake of breath.

Ill get that for you, I murmured.

I dropped to my knees and slid under the long, heavy velvet tablecloth that draped over the VIP table.

The lights came back on.

Down there, in the dark, the heat radiating from him was like a furnace.

Janice! Killian hissed, his voice a strangled whisper. He tried to pull back.

I grabbed his ankles, anchoring him. I pressed my cheek against the fabric of his trousers. Above us, the auctioneer was droning on about carats and clarity.

Under the table, I began to unfasten his belt.

Killians entire body went rigid. He reached down, his fingers digging into the back of my neck.

Get out he gasped.

I ignored him. I could hear the truth in his heartbeat.

Is everything alright, Mr. Blackwood? my fathers voice suddenly asked from across the table. You look a bit flushed.

Killians hand tightened on my neck. Im fine, Robert. Just the heat in the room.

I smiled and made my move. I heard him choke back a groan.

His hand on my neck went limp, then tightened again, but not to push me away.

Then, the guest of honor stood up. A toast to the Blackwood Empire! Killian, please, stand and join us!

The entire room turned toward our table.

If Killian stood up now, his disarray would be visible to every camera and every power player in the city. He was trapped.

He sat there, sweating, his hand trembling as he reached for his champagne glass. He tried to play it off, but I wasn't finished.

As he tilted his head back to drink, I gave him exactly what hed been fighting against.

Ah!

Killian let out a loud, ragged moan that echoed through the silent ballroom.