Sera's Pov
The soft glow of early morning filtered through the massive windows of the hotel suite, casting golden light over the luxurious bedroom. My body ached in the most sinful ways, a reminder of the night before—Damien's hands gripping my hips, his mouth tracing fire along my skin, the way he had taken complete control, leaving me breathless and begging for more.
God.
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing away the memories before they could completely distract me. I had no time to revel in the aftershocks of last night.
I had an interview.
The biggest one of my life.
I pushed back the covers carefully, listening for any sign of movement from Damien. The suite was eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of the city waking up outside. A quick glance at the bedside clock sent a jolt of panic through me—6:02 AM.
Shit.
I needed to get out of here before he woke up. The last thing I wanted was an awkward morning-after conversation, especially when I had no intention of seeing him again.
Sliding out of bed as silently as possible, I grabbed my dress from the floor, grimacing at the sight of it. Wrinkled, slightly torn at the hem—damn it. I fumbled for my heels, wincing as I tiptoed across the room, scanning for my purse.
My fingers barely brushed the strap when a low voice broke the silence.
"Leaving so soon?"
Every muscle in my body tensed. Slowly, I turned.
Damien lay on his side, watching me with those piercing gray eyes, his expression unreadable. The sheets barely covered his lower half, revealing a perfectly sculpted chest and the kind of lazy confidence that made my stomach clench.
"I have somewhere to be," I said as casually as possible, slipping my purse over my shoulder.
His gaze trailed over me, lingering on my dress and my mussed hair. "I see."
For a moment, I thought he'd press for more. Ask for my number. Suggest we do this again. But instead, he smirked—like he knew exactly why I was running.
"Goodbye, Scarlett."
I hesitated for half a second before turning on my heel and walking out.
The morning air was crisp against my skin as I hurried down the city streets, my heels clicking against the pavement. I must have looked like a complete mess—a woman in last night's dress, hair still tangled from sleep, makeup slightly smudged.
I needed a shower. A change of clothes.
I needed to get home.
By the time I reached my apartment, I was already exhausted. My roommates—Ava and Riley—were sprawled on the couch, nursing coffees and scrolling through their phones. The moment I stepped inside, both their heads snapped up.
"Oh. My. God." Ava practically launched herself over the coffee table. "Tell me you did not just pull a walk of shame."
I groaned, kicking off my heels. "I am not doing this right now."
"You totally are," Riley chimed in, grinning. "Give us details–"
"I have an interview," I interrupted, making a beeline for the bathroom.
"Oh no, you don't." Ava grabbed my wrist, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Spill. Now."
"After," I huffed. "Right now, I need a shower and an outfit that says 'hire me.'"
Riley sighed dramatically. "Fine. But the second you walk through that door after your interview, we want details. All of them."
With that, I rushed into the bathroom, letting the hot water wash away the remnants of last night. I wouldn't think about Damien. I wouldn't think about his touch, his voice, or the way he'd smirked like he knew exactly what I was doing when I left.
Today wasn't about him.
It was about my future.
"Okay, this is the best we've got," Ava announced, holding up a navy-blue blazer and a matching pencil skirt. "It's professional, it's classy, and it makes you look like you run the damn place."
I took the outfit, running my fingers over the fabric. We had pooled together what little money we could spare for this, knowing how important the interview was. It wasn't designer, but it was enough to make an impression.
"Scarlett, you've got this," Riley said, squeezing my shoulders. "You're smart, you're capable, and if they don't hire you, they're idiots."
Ava nodded. "Now go. Before we start crying or something."
With one last deep breath, I grabbed my bag and headed out.
The company's headquarters was a towering glass structure, sleek and intimidating against the skyline. Standing in front of it, I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves settle in my stomach.
This was the company. The biggest in the state. Landing a job here would change my life.
Steeling myself, I stepped inside.
The lobby was nothing short of impressive—high ceilings, modern design, polished floors that reflected the light streaming through the massive windows. People bustled around in tailored suits, speaking in hushed, important tones.
I approached the receptionist, who barely glanced up before directing me to the waiting area.
The other candidates were already seated, a mix of men and women dressed in the finest business attire. Some looked like they had been born for this world—effortlessly confident, poised. Others fidgeted, adjusting ties and smoothing skirts.
I took a seat, ignoring the flicker of intimidation.
I belonged here.
I had worked my ass off for this.
A few minutes later, a woman stepped into the room, clipboard in hand.
"Scarlett Monroe?"
I stood, smoothing my blazer. "That's me."
She nodded, motioning for me to follow.