Chapter 2 Whispers of Redemption

Stallion paced his office, adrenaline pulsing through him like wildfire. Mr. Henry had brought the report and it lay discarded on his desk. Stallion picked the report and began to read.

Ava Bennett was no ordinary woman. She was a survivor, shaped by a brutal past and bearing a quiet strength that drew him in like a storm.

He couldn't wait. The urge to meet her –again; to see her in the flesh, not just in words on a page, gripped him with a ferocity he hadn't felt in years. Without another thought, he snatched up his phone and called Mr. Henry.

"Now," he said, his voice like steel. "Arrange a meeting with her. No delays."

"Yes, sir."

Stallion could sense the surprised reply, but he didn't care. He was already moving, shrugging on his coat and making his way to the lobby.

He regretted how he spoke to her earlier. But that was just how he was. Still, he should have been gentle with her. She had been through so much. Such a strong woman she was, he thought.

He liked her in a strange way but now, all he could think of was to help her – to protect her. He wasn't considering having her in his bed like he'd fancied. That'd be really unfair.

Something in him which he couldn't explain was pushing him to just help her.

Moments later, a soft chime announced her arrival. He barely noticed the elevator doors sliding open, his gaze fixed on the figure stepping into the dimly lit room. Ava Bennett. She looked even more worn down than he'd imagined; hair pulled back, dark circles under her eyes, but there was a strength to her posture, a resilience that radiated from her like an aura.

Her eyes met his, wide and cautious, yet unyielding. Stallion took a step toward her, the room narrowing to just the two of them. She was right there, close enough to touch. He could see the faint tremor in her hands, her attempt to hide her nervousness, and something about that vulnerability struck him like a blow.

"Mr. Marc?" Her voice was soft but steady, her gaze unwavering.

"Yes," he replied, his own voice barely a murmur. He had to pull himself back, to remember why he'd called her here. But the intensity of her presence was overwhelming. "Ava... I needed to see you."

A flicker of confusion crossed her face, and she shifted slightly, glancing around as though searching for an explanation. "I'm not sure I understand, sir," She was ensuring she was being professional enough.

"Neither do I," he said, cutting her off, his voice more commanding than he intended.

He stood up and walked towards her. Ava could feel her heart pounding. It was as if there was a magnetic pull between them. Stallion was breathing hard.

He imagined dragging her by the waist and locking his lips with hers; touching her in weird places. He wanted her so bad, he had already gained an erection. He imagined entering her and hearing her moan with her melodious voice. Oh...and hitting hard, so much that she'd scream his name and beg for mercy.

He quickly snapped out of it and continued speaking. "But, Ms. Bennett, there's something you need to know. I don't want you just cleaning. Not anymore." He stepped closer, close enough to catch the faint scent of soap on her skin, to see the exhaustion in her eyes, and the fire burning beneath it.

She stiffened, drawing back instinctively. "I'm just doing my job, sir. That's all I want."

"No," he said firmly, his gaze holding hers. "You deserve more than that. You deserve better." The words tumbled out, faster than he could rein them in. "I read about your past, what you've endured. You shouldn't be fighting this battle alone."

Her eyes darkened, her jaw tightening. "I didn't ask for your sympathy."

"This isn't sympathy," he replied, his voice low, intense. "It's a chance. A chance for you to break free from all of it."

Ava's gaze turned sharp, wary. "I don't need your pity."

"It's not pity, Ms. Bennett," Stallion shot back, his frustration mounting. "It's respect. It's recognizing that you're stronger than any of this. It isn't just charity. You're educated, aren't you? Why are you even working as a cleaner? You'll be working as my PA" He took another step, daring her to turn away, daring her to deny the spark that had flared between them the moment she walked in.

She stood her ground, her expression hardening, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes - a vulnerability, a glimpse of fear mingling with hope. She didn't trust him. But she wanted to.

He reached out, his hand hovering near her arm, close but not touching. "You deserve a better life, Ms. Bennett," he said, his voice softening. "Let me help you."

For a moment, she was silent, her gaze dropping to the floor. Then she took a breath, looking up with a strength that both shattered and captivated him.

"This is really sudden. I don't understand. I'm not sure what to say," she said, her voice barely audible.

She wondered why he was bothered about her, so much that he felt obligated to help her. She had to make him understand that she wasn't a loose girl.

"If I do accept, it's on my terms. I'm not someone you can just save, Mr. Marc."

He let out a low chuckle, the tension breaking just enough to ease the coil in his chest. "I wouldn't dare try."

"I hope I won't have to pay for this nice gesture in your bed, please, sir?" With her face down, Ava asked.

"What?" Stallion was confused

"I researched you as well," she replied.

Mr. Stallion laughed heartily. Her sense of humor appealed to him.

"Come on." He continued to giggle and remarked, "you're so funny."

"Well, that doesn't answer my question," she responded, laughing as well. She was not heard by Stallion. He claimed to be hungry and snatched up his coat. She graciously declined his invitation to lunch when he inquired.