CHAPTER 1PROLOGUE: THE GALA

Ethan's POV

I stood in the swarmed up hall, the suit itched, putting me in a state of discomfort. The bowtie seemed to be constricting my airflow.

"Dine and wine ladies and gentlemen."

My mother always had a charm to her that was exquisite and undeniable. She threw me a smile which I returned before she came down from the podium, amidst the hearty claps.

My eyes scanned the room till they settled on a messy headed man at the bar. He held a wine glass in hand. When our eyes met, there was this jolt of electricity that coursed through me as though electrocuted by his blue eyes. There was a devilish grin plastered on his face. The grin reached his highly seductive eyes. I pulled on my tie as my Adam's apple went up and down, pulling the lump in my throat down with it.

"If I were you, I wouldn't dare look that way." I jumped a little in fright.

" Mother!" She had her arms entwined in mine already.

" That's Liam Thompson." My mother responded before I could even ask, her voice low. "A self-made billionaire with a questionable reputation. We don't need someone like him tarnishing our family's name."

My curiosity was now heightened. There was an air of mystery around this Liam that tickled my fantasy. I loved a good mystery so I made a mental note to find out more about Liam Thompson.

As the night wore on, I found myself glancing at Liam more and more, our eyes meeting in fleeting moments of connection. My attraction to Liam was growing, despite my better judgment.

I tried to focus on the conversations around me, but my mind kept wandering back to Liam. Who was this man, really? What secrets was he hiding behind those piercing blue eyes?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my name being called. The voice was too familiar to be mistaken. I turned around and as expected, it was my father, Reginald Blackwood, approaching me with the stern expression I had seen growing up.

"Ethan, I need to speak with you." His voice low and urgent.

I knew better than to hesitate a single second. I followed him to a quiet corner of the ballroom, my heart sinking. What had I done this time around? I had come to the gala they had forced me to. What else could it be?

We stopped in front of a large window, overlooking the city which was full of beautiful light sceneries in the dark night sky.

"Ethan, I know you're not interested in the family business, but I need you to take a more active role. Your mother and I are worried about the future of Blackwood Industries."

I sighed inwardly. This was the conversation I had been dreading. "Father, I've told you before, I'm not interested in taking over the company. I have my own plans and goals."

My father's expression turned cold. Obviously fed up. "Your plans and goals are irrelevant, Ethan. You're a Blackwood, and it's your duty to carry on the family legacy."

I felt a surge of frustration. Why couldn't my parents understand me? I wasn't cut out for the corporate world, and I didn't want to be tied down to the family business.

As I stood there, arguing with my father, my eyes met Liam's across the room. For a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us, undeniable and unhidden.

My heart skipped a beat. Who was this man, and why did I feel such a strong connection to him?

"Father could we talk about this some other time." My eyes were trained on Liam who had slowly disappeared from the room with his eyes on me as tho he were leading me without words.

I made to move but my father grabbed my arm.

"In whatever you do. I want you to know that I won't have you destroying the family's name and reputation. I sacrificed enough to get it to where it is today."

I turned to him, upset.

" Including your love for mother and I?"

My cheeks stung as the back of his palm collided with my face.

"You know nothing!"

I turned to check if any of the guest had seen what had just happened. My mother stood out amongst the men and women that surrounded her in her high red stilettos and a black gown. She had her eyes on my father and I. I could read her eyes, they wanted me to let go.

"This conversation is over." I shook my hand out of his grasp and walked out, going the same way Liam had disappeared through earlier. It took me to a dimly lit hallway.

I tried each door but they seem to be locked. As I made to open the last one, it was flung open. Liam stood there in all his sexy glory.

"I was wondering when you'd come." His voice was deep and meticulous.

Before I could process what I was doing, I crashed my lips on his. They were so dangerously soft. He opened his mouth invitingly and I took that opportunity to skip my tongue inside, exploring every single part.

I raised my left leg and closed the door shut. He pulled away.

"I've been wanting to do that all night." His voice was low and husky.

" I have a few more ideas of mine too." I kissed him again and we quickly undressed ourselves.

"Are you sure?" He spoke against my lips as I took off his shirt hastily and pulled out his belt.

"To hell with clarity. I want to fuck you so bad right now."

He grabbed my balls through my trousers.

"You have no idea how much I want these babies to me slamming against my ass". He muttered against my lips.

My erection was already poking through my trousers.

Just as we were both done undressing each other, my arms holding his soft ass, the door opened.