Chapter 1: The Longtime Crush Becomes Real
Debra's POV
I had been a distant admirer of Tony DeLuca for years.
I was constantly in his presence as a low-level assistant at DeLuca Enterprises, but never near enough to draw attention. An untouchable billionaire with a presence that drew attention the instant he walked into a room, he was my boss. In the meantime, I was just myself. Typical. invisible.
However, I continued to steal looks despite that.
My heart raced every time he passed my desk. His rich, commanding voice made my stomach turn when he spoke in meetings. It was only a stupid crush, I assured myself. Something I'd grow out of.
However, I never did.
I almost knocked over my coffee when Tony's assistant put a shiny white envelope with his name engraved in gold on my desk.
"What is this?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.
She smiled knowingly and continued, "The boss asked me to personally deliver it to you," before turning to go.
I opened it after thinking. As I spread the exquisite invitation inside, my hands shook.
You are warmly invited to this Saturday's private DeLuca Enterprises Gala, Debra Evans.
A request. by Tony DeLuca.
My chest was slammed with my heart. This must have been an error.
I had persuaded myself a hundred times not to go by the time Saturday rolled around.
I wasn't the kind to go to prestigious business functions. Tony DeLuca's world was not for me. But in defiance of reason, I ended up standing in front of the opulent ballroom doors with my dress enveloping my contours and my nerves threatening to overwhelm me.
My breath was taken away by the sheer luxury of everything as soon as I entered. A live orchestra's gentle hum filled the room as crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Everyone appeared well-groomed, strong, and like they belonged.
I was uncomfortable.
Then I caught sight of him.
Tony's dark eyes scanned the crowd as he stood across the room in a sleek black tuxedo. Then—unbelievably—his eyes found me.
I briefly believed I was dreaming. However, he suddenly began to approach me with assured strides and an inscrutable face.
"Debra."
I got a chill as I heard my name on his lips.
"Hello, Mr. DeLuca."
A slow, almost amused smile tugged at his lips. "Tony," he corrected. "You look… stunning."
I just got to breathe out a "thank you" before he offered his hand.
"Dance with me."
I blinked. "What?"
His warm breath brushed against my ear as he leaned slightly closer. "Dance with me."
As I put my hand in his, the room appeared to disappear.
Tony gently but firmly guided me onto the dance floor. The world disappeared the once he drew me in.
With his fingers grazing my waist, he whispered, "You never attend these events."
"I wasn't certain I ought to."
"What's the reason for that?"
I took a swallow. "I didn't believe I would be accepted."
His grip tightened slightly as he laughed. "Debra, you belong wherever you want to be."
I felt a surge of warmth from his words, but before I could react, he spun me around with ease and drew me back into his embrace.
I was heartbroken by the way he looked at me. As if he had seen me. actually noticed me.
His voice was quieter now as he replied, "You've been working for me for years." "However, I feel as though I know nothing about you."
I muttered, "There's nothing unique to know."
"I don't agree." My cheek was touched by his fingers. "Debra, I've noticed you."
I screamed.
I thought I was dreaming for a moment when his eyes fell to my lips. I could feel the warmth of his mouth against mine as he leaned closer.
A kiss.
Gentle. Unexpected. Earth-shaking.
As he kissed me more deeply, I melted into him, my fingers grasping his jacket.
It was more than a dream. This actually happened.
I felt as though I was floating as the night went on. Tony made sure I was never left alone and kept me close by introducing me to influential people. I didn't feel like the invisible assistant for once.
However, my happiness was fleeting.
I felt a chill go down my spine as I stepped out onto the balcony to get some fresh air.
"Having fun?"
I turned around at the strange voice. In the shadows stood a man wearing a smart black suit. Even though his face was partially obscured, I was alarmed by his presence.
"Pardon me?" I said, stepping back cautiously.
He moved ahead slowly. "I hope that whatever you're doing with Tony isn't real."
I felt sick to my stomach. "Who are you?"
He didn't answer my query. "Miss Evans, leave now. Prior to it being too late.
I clinched my hands. "Is that dangerous?"
There was no warmth in his smile. "It serves as a warning."
With my heart pounding, I started to head back inside, but as I glanced over my shoulder—
He had left.
My lovely evening had suddenly devolved into a nightmare.
Tony's POV
Debra.
Soft-spoken, compassionate, and completely oblivious to her beauty, she was unlike anyone I had ever dated.
Long before she knew it, I spotted her. She worked harder than anybody else, she strolled into the office with her head down, and she always paused before speaking, seemed frightened of taking up too much room.
I was captivated by her.
I knew there was no going back when I finally gave in to my yearning and drew her into my world that evening at the company party.
I had her now.
I wanted to keep her, darn it.
I felt... different for the first time in a long time. Lighter. As if the burden of my obligations weren't choking me.
One evening, while we were sitting by the harbor, watching the waves, she asked me, "Do you ever get tired of this life?"