Once I had your heart

This story is (18+) and contains explicit language and situations that can be triggering to others, such as cheating, miscarriage, and depression.

***Zack***

“Ah, Fuck! You like that, don’t you baby?”

“Mmmm, hell yes, I love it!”

Here I am again, cramped in a shitty ass bathroom stall, fucking the living daylights out of this chick.

Do I care that the entire bar can probably hear us? No.

This was part of my routine after a long, busy work week. Get drunk with the fellas and find a sexy ass chick to stick.

I’m enjoying every moment of my life, and I can't complain. I am Vice President of Digital Marketing at my father’s company, Winston & Burke. In just a few years, I’ll step into the CEO role. With no children or wife to tie me down, I can explore new opportunities and pursue my passions without constraints. Every day feels like a new adventure, and I couldn't be fucking happier.

Not to mention I'm built like a warrior, rich like a king, with a dick the size of a pipe.

Yeah, I’m a bit cocky. What can I say? I was raised to be a confident man. Confidence is essential in the life I lead. The moment you display even a hint of weakness, you can be sure that opportunistic snakes will slither into your world, ready to exploit any vulnerability. In this traitorous environment, where challenges lurk at every corner, only the strongest, resilient individuals endure and thrive. Survival here demands a fierce spirit and unwavering self-belief.

I continued to thrust inside the tight little cunt I had pinned against the stall. I felt her walls tighten around my cock before she went over the edge, screaming in my ear. Finally, I released my load, grunting as I finished.

"Wow, that was amazing," she said with a grin.

I opened my eyes to a petite blonde with deep blue eyes, a large rack, and legs for days. She was cute, but that was it.

I smiled at her and gently placed her down.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I said while adjusting myself.

“Maybe we can do this again sometime.” She suggested.

And there it was, that relentless need, that overwhelming urge to cling to a status that remained just out of reach—a tantalizing glimpse of a world women like her could only savor in fleeting moments, never truly inhabit. I shook my head and continued to smile.

“Sorry, love, this is a one-time thing. I’m not looking for anything more.”

“Well, that’s too bad.” She shook her head, her eyes filled with disappointment, as she pulled her dress down. “I guess I’ll see you around,” she said as she exited.

“See you around.”

Relationships weren’t my thing, and I tried my best not to sleep with the same woman twice. My last few relationships weren’t that great. I always ended up with a gold digger or an overly clingy chick, or they simply didn't align with the qualities I seek as the alpha male.

I guess a certain someone doesn't make things any easier for me. She's always lingering in the corners of my thoughts. Her voice, soothing music in my mind, and those hypnotizing chestnut brown eyes, so warm and deep, stay in my memory like a bittersweet ghost. No matter how much time passes, the weight of regret hangs heavy with each passing day, but I push it away as I return to my table with the guys.

“Another one bites the dust.” Tyler joked.

“Man, you’ve got to leave us some women too.” Added Don.

“Look, I can’t help it. They flock to me; I just give them what they want.” I laughed.

“Oh yeah, I’m sure you do.” Chris chuckled.

Tyler, Don, and Chris are my closest friends. We all attended the same high school but ended up at different colleges. After graduation, we all came back home. Tyler joined my dad and me as our marketing director, Don became a lawyer at a local firm, and Chris is an engineer at a growing tech company.

“So I heard we are getting a New CMO next week,” Tyler said, taking a swig of his drink.

“Yeah, unfortunately. I don’t know why the old man refuses to give me the position.”

“You already have too much power in your pants. That position will only make it go to your head.” Don laughed.

“Fuck you. I’m taking over the company anyway, and I don't get why it's such a big deal. Now I'm stuck with two people over my head instead of one.”

“I wouldn’t sweat it, man; your dad's just trying to keep you humble,” Chris said.

“Well, it's too late for that. I mean, it's not like I go around throwing who I am in people's faces. Besides, he's the one who raised me like this.” I said, a little annoyed.

“Look, you're great at what you do, and your dad knows it. He had his reasons for doing what he was doing. This could very well be just a test, so don't take it personally.” Tyler said as he patted my shoulder.

“At this point, he’s testing my patience, but I’ll play his little game.”

“There you go! Who is the new person anyway?” Tyler said as he called the waiter over. “Can we get four more shots?”

“I have no idea. Some big shot named Lee. The old man wouldn't give me any more details. He comes highly recommended, and a lot of companies have been trying to get their hands on him. Lucky bastard.” I snorted.

“I guess you guys are going to have a pretty interesting Monday,” Chris smirked.

“Very interesting,” as the waitress brought over our shots. We all grabbed one and threw it back, ending the conversation there.

By the end of the night, I was completely trashed. Somehow, I managed to get back to my condo in downtown New York in one piece. I have no clue how I survived the weekend, but when I finally opened my eyes, it was five a.m. on Monday. I got up, headed into the ensuite, and took a hot shower. After that, I brushed my teeth and worked out my hair. It’s been a while since I got a haircut, and now it’s almost down to my back. Women seem to dig my hair, which I owe to my Puerto Rican mom, who has these long, dark brown Shirley Temple curls that go all the way to her hips. I ended up with those same curls, but mine are a sandy brown like my dad’s.

I threw my hair in a neat low bun and slipped into a fitted navy blue Versace suit, a gray button-up shirt, and a matching gray and navy tie. I topped it off with some navy blue G.H. Bass loafers, my silver Gucci watch, and my go-to Gucci cologne. I wanted to make a statement today because I was ready to let the new CMO know who’s calling the shots at Winston & Burke.

I had no idea that my world would be shaken up today.

The office was just a ten-minute drive, so I parked my sleek, all-black Mercedes Benz in the garage without hassle. It was 7 am, but I figured everyone would already be there since we were meeting the new CMO today. The elevator opened up to the lobby, which buzzed with activity as people hurried to their offices. Many folks nodded at me as they got on and off the elevator. Finally, I reached the 26th floor, and as soon as the doors opened, I could feel the tension in the air.

“Good morning, Mr. Winston,” Carla at the front desk said with a sultry tone.

I shot her a wink. “Morning, Carla.”

She was another attractive blonde I’d hooked up with once; it was just a casual fling, but she didn’t seem to mind trying again. So I let her believe she could, you know, just in case.

I made my way to my office across from the new CMO’s. Lee’s office door was closed, but his PA was at his desk, checking me out. I raised my eyebrows, and he responded with a cheeky wink.

He's clearly into men; unfortunately, he's out of luck with this one.

“Good morning, Mr. Winston.”

I turned to look at Sandra, my PA. She was in her late fifties, happily married with a bunch of kids. I liked having her around because she was a solid personal secretary and didn’t distract me like the younger ones tended to. She kept things strictly professional; honestly, I couldn't have asked for anyone better.

“Morning, Sandra. What’s on the agenda today?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary. You'll meet the new CMO later this morning, so you should have time to get stuff done,” she replied.

“Sounds good. I'll be in my office if anything comes up.”

After gently closing my door, I strolled over to my mahogany desk. As I settled into the comfortable leather chair, a strange sensation rushed through me, a tingling feeling that something was about to happen. I paused momentarily, letting the feeling wash over me, but I eventually brushed it aside and focused on my unfinished work.

A couple of hours later, my phone buzzed. I pressed the little orange button.

“Yes, Sandra?”

“Mr. Winston, Mr. Jackson is here to see you.”

“Send him in.”

Carl Jackson, my dad’s PA, walked in, and I figured he’d be the one giving me the introduction.

“Ready to meet our new CMO?” he asked, sounding upbeat.

I stood up and straightened my jacket as I walked toward him.

“As ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s just get this over with,” I said.

As we stepped out, he added, “I know you really wanted the job, but trust me, she’s an interesting person. I think you’ll like her.”

“Her?” I asked, a bit confused.

He pointed down the hall, and I couldn't help but stare. She was strutting toward us in this form-fitting sleeveless black dress and black stilettos that wrapped around her gorgeous long legs. Her black hair, curled under at the ends, fell over her shoulders, contrasting beautifully with her smooth, deep brown skin. Her lips were as full as I remembered, and those warm chestnut brown eyes… damn. The woman who constantly invaded my dreams stood right in front of me with her full breasts, Immaculate curves, and toned body. Fuck she was more beautiful than I remembered.

“A’lena?” Her name rolled off my tongue, and I felt my dick twitch.

I stood frozen in place, my mind swirling with emotions. It’s been eight years since I last laid eyes on her, and now she was, vivid and real, standing right before me. A rush of feelings surged through me—anger, happiness, fear, and there were those complicated feelings, the ones I couldn't admit, lurking just below the surface. Every breath felt heavy the closer she got. She's the only woman who can make me feel this fucking crazy.

“Zackery Winston,” she said, sounding professional.

“Miss Murdock, do you guys know each other?" Jackson asked, glancing back and forth between us.

“We are acquainted. I used to tutor him in college,” she replied, gazing over me with those hypnotizing eyes. “It's good to see you again.”

My heart was pounding. I looked at her, searching for any sign that she felt how I did at that moment. But there was nothing. Then she goes and casually says we were just "acquainted." Seriously? Like we were just two strangers who happened to bump into each other. I tried to stay calm, but inside I was boiling. Was she really going to act like there hadn’t been anything between us? I mean, okay, we weren’t officially a couple, but we were definitely more than just acquaintances.

“Well, that's good to know, especially since you two will be working together,” Jackson said.

I was about to jump in when Tyler cut me off, appearing out of thin air, his eyes locked on A’lena. “And who’s this gorgeous person?” he asked, checking her out.

Jackson made the introductions. “This is A’lena Murdock, our new Chef Marketing Officer. Miss Murdock, meet Tyler Matthews, our Marketing Director.”

Tyler extended his hand for a shake. “Great to meet you.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” she replied, shaking his hand with a smile that made me fume. She flashed him that grin but didn’t even smile my way.

“Well, I should head back to my office; I've got a lot to sort out. You all have a great day!” she said, smiling as she walked off.

Tyler and Carl waved goodbye, and we stood there watching as she made her way to her office, her figure confidently swaying with each step. I couldn't help but feel a warmth rising within me, igniting memories from our college days that I thought I had buried. Her ass was amazing, oozing an allure that was hard to look away from, and suddenly, the nostalgia of those youthful days was impossible to ignore.

Her PA cleared his throat, and I realized I wasn't the only one looking at her Assets.

Tyler, Carl, and I nervously gathered ourselves before we parted ways.

Tyler followed me into my office and quickly shut the door.

“Damn, did you see her?” He said excitedly.

“Of course I did.” I tried to keep my voice steady.

“I wonder if she’s single because I would love to take her out and do some things to her, some very inappropriate things,” he smirked.

“Ty, this is our workplace; keep your dirty-ass thoughts to yourself,” I said with a little more aggression than necessary.

His brows raised. “Says the guy who’s taken quite a few employees for a spin. What's got your panties in a bunch all of a sudden?”

I was sitting at my desk, trying to concentrate on the papers scattered in front of me. I battled physically and mentally against the urge to storm into her office. My heart raced as I fought the temptation to demand answers—where had she been all this time? What could possibly explain her suddenly working here? The questions clawed at me, a mix of confusion and frustration rising within me like a bomb ready to explode.

“Zack?” Tyler called out.

“Yeah.”

“You good? You seem kinda stressed. Is it because she got the job?” He looked at me with a curious expression.

“Nope.” I couldn’t figure out how to explain it. “It’s just that she’s the one I was looking for.”

He sat there, thinking briefly, then his eyes widened.

“Your best friend from college?”

I just nodded my head. The guys knew about her but didn’t know the details surrounding our relationship. One day, she was here; the next day, she wasn’t.

“Damn, why do you think she's back now?”

“I don't know, but I have a lot of questions. She was gone all this time, and suddenly, she's here. It doesn't make fucking sense.”

He leaned back in his seat. “Maybe you should talk to her. I'm sure she has her reasons.”

“Yeah, maybe I should.”

I waited until the day was almost over before I went to her office. Her PA and mine left early, allowing me to talk to her without prying eyes.

I knocked on the door, and her soft voice told me to come in. When I stepped inside, she stood in front of the big glass window behind her desk, which was a lot like mine, just with a different view of downtown New York. This office used to be pretty plain, but now it was all decked out and fancy. There was a dark emerald sofa with many comfy pillows and some with green plants on them. The place had plants everywhere and cool green abstract art on the walls. In one corner was a cozy coffee and tea station with various blends. It looked amazing and was so different from the girl I used to know.

Then there she was, so damn gorgeous. Lena had always possessed this stunning allure, but she was like a rare jewel back then. With her tomboy attire that kept her beautiful figure hidden, she managed to conceal just how enticing she truly was. I loved that mystery—knowing that beneath those layers, a side of her was exclusively mine to appreciate. It provoked a sense of possessiveness within me.

But unfortunately, we had a shitty ending.

“I love what you've done with the place.”

She turned around slowly, her expression unreadable. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice lacking warmth or enthusiasm.

“It’s different from the girl who used to wear baggy jeans and anime t-shirts.”

She nodded. “Yeah, but she's still in there, just a bit more put together.” A small smile appeared on her face. “What can I do for you, Mr. Winston?”

Getting straight to the point, I see. “I just want to talk. We haven’t seen each other in 8 years.” I moved closer to her desk.

“I don't think that's necessary,” she said flatly.

I shoved my hands in my pockets, irritation creeping into my voice. “Why not, Lena?”

A flash of annoyance crossed her face.

“Because there’s nothing to talk about. Let’s not make a big deal out of nothing, Mr. Winston.”

I struggled to maintain my composure. “There is something to talk about when you just up and disappear, then come back acting like we're strangers,” I said, using air quotes.

She let the file slip from her fingers, the papers spilling across her desk in a chaotic scatter, before striding confidently toward me. “Mr. Winston,” she said, her tone firm, filling the air between us with suspense.

“Stop with the Mr. Winston bullshit, Lena!” I could feel myself unraveling.

She stopped in her tracks. Her face was empty of emotions. “Zack, you really don't want to go down this road.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I do. You left me, and I deserve a fucking explanation. And don't use what happened in college as a reason. You knew how I was, and you knew my lifestyle, so I don't want to fucking hear that excuse.” I said, practically yelling.

I always used to have the upper hand with A’lena. She wasn’t the type to be confrontational with me and would submit whenever I wanted her to. She was pretty mellow, always letting me take control. But it was only with me, her best friend, her world.

Well, that A’lena is long gone now.

“Get the fuck out.” She said with her face full of anger, a look she never had with me.

“What…no,” I said, shocked and confused that she would even use that tone and language with me.

She stepped closer, her presence enclosing me. The air filled with her scent of fresh blossoms blended with the sweetness of vanilla. As her piercing gaze locked onto mine, I felt an electric tension fill the space between us. I was mesmerized, rooted to the spot, caught in the spell of her sexy fury and the undeniable heat that radiated from her.

“Get the fuck out, and if you ever come into my office with that bullshit again, I promise I’ll make your life a living hell.”

Her voice was strong and demanding. She turned and strode off, full of confidence and the perfect amount of aggression. How she spoke to me gave me an intense Hunger in my body, and I knew I was in for a battle. My mind was gone, and I couldn't think of anything else to say. I wasn't used to this side of her, and I had no clue what to do next, so I just took off—leaving very angry and extremely horny.