#batch coding Machine

[shhitechsolutions01]

Boosting Traceability with a Modern Batch Coding Machine

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and packaging industries, traceability is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. From pharmaceuticals to food and beverage, and even cosmetics, brands are under increasing pressure to ensure that every product can be tracked from production to delivery. This is where a Batch Coding Machine plays a vital role in streamlining traceability processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

What Is a Batch Coding Machine?

A Batch Coding Machine is a specialized device used to print essential information such as batch numbers, expiry dates, manufacturing dates, barcodes, and more on product packaging. These details are crucial for product identification, traceability, and regulatory compliance. The machine prints directly onto surfaces such as plastic, glass, metal, cardboard, or flexible packaging materials.

Modern Batch Coding Machines come with advanced features like high-resolution printing, fast speed, automated operation, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into production lines. These features make them indispensable tools for any manufacturer looking to enhance quality control and supply chain management.

Why Traceability Matters More Than Ever

Consumers and regulators demand transparency. Whether it's a bottle of medicine or a carton of milk, knowing where a product came from, when it was made, and which batch it belongs to can be critical. In the case of recalls, accurate traceability allows companies to isolate the affected products quickly, minimizing health risks and financial losses.

Moreover, global standards such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) or the EU’s Falsified Medicines Directive require companies to ensure end-to-end traceability. A Batch Coding Machine is essential in meeting these standards by printing accurate and consistent batch information on every unit.

How a Batch Coding Machine Boosts Traceability

A Batch Coding Machine enhances traceability in several significant ways:

1. Consistent and Legible Coding

Modern Batch Coding Machines ensure that every printed code is sharp, clear, and legible. This consistency helps scanners and quality control teams accurately identify products, even in high-volume production environments.

2. Real-Time Data Integration

Today’s Batch Coding Machines can be connected to centralized systems or databases. This integration allows real-time updates to be reflected in the printed codes. Whether it’s a change in the batch number or a new manufacturing date, the machine adjusts automatically, reducing human error and improving traceability.

3. Automation and Speed

In high-speed production lines, manual coding can lead to errors, misprints, or inconsistencies. A modern Batch Coding Machine automates the process, ensuring accuracy while keeping up with production demands. Faster and error-free coding significantly boosts operational efficiency and traceability.

4. Support for Multiple Packaging Types

Manufacturers often use different types of packaging. Whether it’s PET bottles, flexible pouches, cartons, or jars, a Batch Coding Machine is designed to handle a wide range of surfaces and shapes, making it versatile and adaptable for any industry.

Choosing the Right Batch Coding Machine

Selecting the right Batch Coding Machine is crucial for maximizing traceability benefits. Here are a few considerations:

Print Quality and Resolution – Ensure the machine offers high-resolution printing for barcode and QR code readability.

Ease of Integration – The machine should seamlessly fit into your current production line.

Support and Service – Choose a reliable supplier like SH HITECH SOLUTIONS, known for quality equipment and excellent after-sales service.

User-Friendly Interface – A simple control panel helps operators make quick adjustments, reducing downtime.

Real-World Applications

From a small food packaging company to a large pharmaceutical manufacturer, a Batch Coding Machine is essential across industries. For example, a dairy company may use it to print production dates and batch numbers on milk cartons to comply with food safety regulations. Meanwhile, a pharmaceutical brand can use it for secure and precise date and batch marking to meet strict medical standards.

Final Thoughts

Traceability is not just about following regulations — it's about building consumer trust, improving product quality, and protecting your brand. A modern Batch Coding Machine empowers companies to do just that by delivering fast, accurate, and durable coding on every product.

As industries evolve and the demand for transparency grows, investing in the right Batch Coding Machine becomes more critical than ever. With advanced coding technology and support from trusted partners like SH HITECH SOLUTIONS, businesses can ensure flawless traceability from start to finish.

[creatureindustry4u]

Batch Coding Machine: Revolutionizing Efficiency in Manufacturing

In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, batch coding machines have become indispensable tools for businesses striving to maintain accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. These machines ensure that products are labeled with critical information, such as batch numbers, expiration dates, and barcodes, which is essential for both consumers and regulatory agencies. Below, we dive deep into the world of batch coding machines, exploring their types, functionalities, benefits, and how they are transforming industries worldwide.

What is a Batch Coding Machine?

A batch coding machine is a device designed to print or emboss essential information on products or packaging. This information includes manufacturing dates, expiration dates, batch numbers, and other identifiers that help track products throughout the supply chain. These machines are widely used across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, cosmetics, and electronics.

With advancements in technology, batch coding machines now incorporate features like high-speed printing, automated adjustments, and error detection, making them more reliable and efficient than ever.

Types of Batch Coding Machines

1. Inkjet Batch Coding Machines

Inkjet printers are among the most common batch coding solutions. They use tiny nozzles to spray ink onto surfaces, creating clear and precise codes. These machines are suitable for high-speed production lines and can print on a variety of surfaces, including paper, plastic, glass, and metal.

Advantages:

High-speed printing

Suitable for various surfaces

Low maintenance requirements

2. Laser Batch Coding Machines

Laser coding machines use focused laser beams to etch information onto surfaces. These machines are ideal for industries requiring permanent and tamper-proof markings.

Advantages:

Permanent markings

No need for consumables like ink

Eco-friendly and cost-effective over time

3. Thermal Transfer Batch Coding Machines

Thermal transfer printers use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto the surface of a product or label. These machines are commonly used in industries where high-resolution printing is required.

Advantages:

High-quality prints

Ideal for flexible packaging

Durable codes resistant to smudging

4. Contact Coding Machines

Contact coders use a stamping mechanism to transfer ink onto a product. Though older than other methods, they are still used in industries where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are priorities.

Advantages:

Simple operation

Low initial cost

Reliable for low-volume production

Key Features of Modern Batch Coding Machines

1. Versatility

Modern batch coding machines are designed to handle a wide range of materials, including cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. This versatility makes them suitable for diverse industries.

2. Integration with Production Lines

Advanced models can seamlessly integrate with production lines, ensuring that coding operations do not disrupt workflow.

3. User-Friendly Interfaces

Most machines now come equipped with touchscreen interfaces and intuitive software, allowing operators to easily adjust settings and monitor performance.

4. Compliance with Regulations

Batch coding machines ensure adherence to regulatory standards, such as those set by the FDA, ensuring that products meet legal requirements.

Benefits of Using Batch Coding Machines

1. Improved Traceability

Batch coding ensures that products can be tracked from production to distribution, which is critical for quality control and recall management.

2. Enhanced Brand Reputation

Accurate and professional-looking batch codes enhance the perceived quality of a product, boosting customer confidence and brand loyalty.

3. Cost Savings

By automating the coding process, manufacturers can reduce labor costs and minimize errors, leading to significant cost savings over time.

4. Increased Efficiency

Modern machines operate at high speeds and require minimal supervision, allowing businesses to optimize their production workflows.

Applications of Batch Coding Machines

1. Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical sector, batch coding is crucial for ensuring product safety and compliance. Machines print batch numbers, expiration dates, and barcodes on medicine bottles, blister packs, and cartons.

2. Food and Beverage Industry

Batch coding machines help maintain food safety by providing essential information, such as expiry dates and batch details, on packaging.

3. Electronics Industry

In the electronics industry, batch coding is used to label components with serial numbers and manufacturing details, ensuring proper assembly and quality control.

4. Cosmetics Industry

Batch coding machines play a vital role in labeling cosmetic products with lot numbers and expiration dates, meeting both consumer demands and regulatory requirements.

Choosing the Right Batch Coding Machine

When selecting a batch coding machine, consider the following factors:

Type of Material: Ensure the machine is compatible with the materials used in your products.

Production Speed: Choose a model that matches your production line’s output.

Budget: Factor in both initial costs and long-term operational expenses.

Regulatory Compliance: Opt for machines that meet industry-specific standards.

Ease of Use: Look for user-friendly features like touchscreen interfaces and automated adjustments.

Future Trends in Batch Coding Technology

1. AI Integration

Artificial Intelligence is being integrated into batch coding systems to enhance error detection and predictive maintenance.

2. Sustainability

Manufacturers are focusing on eco-friendly solutions, such as laser coding and biodegradable inks, to reduce their environmental impact.

3. IoT Connectivity

The Internet of Things (IoT) allows machines to be connected to central systems, enabling real-time monitoring and data analysis.

Conclusion

Batch coding machines are essential for modern manufacturing, offering unparalleled efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. By investing in the right batch coding solution, businesses can streamline their operations, enhance product traceability, and build consumer trust.

[sh-hitech-solutions]

The Importance of Batch Coding in Manufacturing

What is Batch Coding?

Batch coding is printing unique identifiers on products or their packaging. These identifiers can include:

Batch numbers: A unique code identifying a specific group of products made during the same production run.

Manufacturing dates: The date when the product was made.

Expiration dates: The date the product should be used or sold.

Serial numbers: Unique codes assigned to individual items for tracking purposes.

These codes are essential for keeping track of products as they move through the supply chain—from production to distribution and retail.

Why is Batch Coding Important?

Traceability and Recall Management

One of the most significant benefits of batch coding is its ability to help companies quickly identify products in case of a recall. If a safety issue arises—such as contamination or defects—batch codes allow manufacturers to trace affected products back to their source. This quick response helps protect consumers and maintain the company’s reputation.

Quality Control

Batch codes provide valuable information that helps manufacturers monitor product quality. By analyzing data related to specific batches, companies can spot trends or issues in their production process. For example, if multiple complaints arise about a particular batch, manufacturers can investigate and resolve any underlying problems.

Regulatory Compliance

Many industries, especially food and pharmaceuticals, are subject to strict regulations that require accurate labeling and traceability. Batch coding ensures that companies comply with these laws, reducing the risk of fines or legal issues.

Inventory Management

Effective batch coding helps businesses manage their inventory more efficiently. By tracking production and expiration dates, manufacturers can minimize waste and ensure that products are sold while they are still fresh.

Consumer Trust

Clear and accurate batch coding fosters transparency with consumers. When customers see detailed information about a product’s origin and freshness, it builds trust and confidence in the brand.

Choosing the Right Batch Coding Machine

Choosing a reliable batch coding machine manufacturer is essential to implement effective batch coding. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a machine:

Technology Type: Different machines use various technologies such as inkjet printing, laser marking, or thermal transfer printing. Choose a technology that fits your production needs.

Speed and Efficiency: Look for machines that can print quickly without slowing down your production line.

Versatility: Select machines that can handle different materials (like plastic, glass, or cardboard) so you can use them for various products.

Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface will make it easier for your staff to operate the machine without extensive training.

Support and Maintenance: Partnering with a manufacturer like SH Hitech Solutions, known for excellent customer support and maintenance services, ensures your machine runs smoothly over time.

Conclusion

The importance of batch coding in manufacturing cannot be overstated. It plays a vital role in ensuring traceability, maintaining quality control, complying with regulations, managing inventory effectively, and building consumer trust. By investing in high-quality batch coding machines from reputable manufacturers such as SH Hitech Solutions, businesses can streamline their operations and uphold high standards in product management.

In summary, adopting effective batch coding practices not only protects your brand but also meets the expectations of today’s informed consumers who value transparency and quality assurance. As you consider enhancing your manufacturing processes, remember that effective batch coding is key to achieving operational excellence.

[krishnaengineering25]

Automatic Plastic Tube Filling Machine - Abhisara International

[seoagency26]

Batch Coding Machine: Print MRP, EXP & Barcode on Your Products

Batch Coding Machine is a compact, portable, hand held batch coding machine. Those machines are designed for small corporations and startups wherein mobility is essential. Batch coding machine is main utilized in small scale manufacturing of meals and liquids, prescription drugs and cosmetics. while some unique functions can also range relying at the version and production.

This machine is used inside the packaging and manufacturing industry to print vital information on merchandise and items which includes MRP dates, expiration dates, production dates, batch numbers and other identity marks on merchandise or packaging substances. This information is important for monitoring, stock management and excellent manage functions.

Read More: Batch Coding Machine

[darthkote]

need tech here to tell me what the fuck to do

[clangrogu]

Characters Who are Autistic, Because I, an Autistic Person, Said So (Animated Edition Pt. 1)

*gifs not mine*

Entrapta (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power)

difficulty with social cues, practices & behaviours

has a special interest

difficulty connecting with people

uses a literal mask to mask neurodivergence

difficulty communicating emotions

difficulty recognising the emotions of others

object personification

stims, infodumps & hyperfocuses

*canonised by nd stevenson 2020*

Marcy Wu (Amphibia)

hyperfocuses

infodumps

hyperfixates

“i have trouble looking people in the eye sometimes”

admits to struggling when it comes to making connections with people

has special interests

excitable about things that interest her

socially awkward

often ‘off in her own world’ (especially in social settings)

Katie Mitchell (The Mitchell’s vs. The Machines)

has a special interest

socially awkward

feels like she doesn’t fit in

stimming

connection with an animal

probably audhd

honestly, is anyone in this family neurotypical?

Tech (Star Wars)

*i’m not crying! you’re crying!*

difficulty with social cues, practices & behaviours

highly intelligent due to mutation (autistic savant)

has special interests

becomes more animated when talking about something that interests him

“i may process moments and thoughts differently, but it does not mean that I feel any less than you”

infodumps

difficulty connecting with people

Tina Belcher (Bob’s Burgers)

socially awkward

obvious discomfort with lying & breaking rules

neutral facial expression & voice

has special interests

often becomes overwhelmed

difficulty understanding social cues

literal thinking

stimming

difficulty maintaining eye contact

difficulty understanding jokes & sarcasm

sleep issues

[royalinksequipmentspvtltd]

Royal Inks & Equipments Pvt. Ltd

Welcome to Royal Inks & Equipments Pvt. Ltd.

Royal Inks & Equipments Pvt. Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of Marking Inks, Coding Systems & Packaging Machines. We are proud to supply both domestic & international markets with a wide range of premium quality products including Water Based Flexo Graphic Inks, Solvent Based Poly Inks & Offset Inks etc. Presently we are supplying a good clientele base in areas of Pharmaceuticals Companies, Asbestos sheet, FMCG, Agro Industries, Corrugated Boxes Manufacturing Companies etc.

Royal Inks & Equipments Pvt. Ltd. Manufacturer & Exporter

We provide Batch Coding Machines, Inks, All Types of Packaging Machines.. for details enquiry about product feel free to contact us..

[shhitechsolutions01]

Boost Traceability and Compliance with an Inkjet Batch Coding Machine

Stay ahead of industry standards and meet regulatory demands effortlessly with an Inkjet batch coding machine. Designed for precision and adaptability, these machines provide fast, non-contact coding for a wide range of materials and packaging formats. Ideal for fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products, an Inkjet batch coding machine allows you to print detailed data—like manufacturing dates, expiry information, and serial numbers—directly onto your products. With features like quick-dry ink, variable font sizes, and customizable settings, it enhances traceability, prevents counterfeiting, and boosts brand credibility. Make your packaging smarter and your production line more efficient with this powerful tool.

[nexgendryingsystems]

Coding and batch Printing machines Pune India

Discover cutting-edge Coding and Batch Printing machines in Pune, India, exclusively brought to you by Nexgen Drying Systems Pvt. Ltd. Our state-of-the-art machinery ensures precision and efficiency in coding processes, catering to diverse industrial needs. Contact us at +91 95943 53681 or reach out via email at pradnyesh@nexgendrying.com or vikas@nexgendrying.com for inquiries. Explore our comprehensive range of innovative solutions on our website http://www.nexgendrying.com/. Nexgen Drying Systems Pvt. Ltd. is your trusted partner for advanced coding technology, providing reliable and high-performance batch printing solutions tailored to elevate your production processes.

[creatureindustry4u]

A Batch Coding Machine is a specialized device used to print essential details like batch numbers, manufacturing/expiry dates, and barcodes on products. 📦 It ensures product traceability and compliance with industry regulations. Often used in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, these machines improve efficiency and accuracy.

Key Features:

Versatile Printing: Works on various surfaces like plastic, metal, and paper. 🏷️

High Speed: Prints quickly, ideal for large-scale production. ⚡

Precision: Ensures clear, smudge-free prints. ✔️

User-Friendly: Easy to operate with minimal maintenance. 🔧

Customizable: Adapts to different coding needs. 🛠️

A must-have for seamless and professional product labelling! 🏭

[sh-hitech-solutions]

Batch Coding Machine Manufacturer | SH Hitech Solutions

The Complete Guide to Batch Coding Machines: What They Are, How Much They Cost, and Top Manufacturers

By admin / October 18, 2024

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about batch coding machines, including what they are, how much they cost, and which companies make the best ones. We’ll also highlight SH Hitech Solutions, a leading provider of batch coding machines.

What is a Batch Coding Machine?

A batch coding machine is a device that prints essential information like batch numbers, manufacturing dates, expiry dates, and other details on product packaging. These machines are widely used in industries like food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. The main goal of batch coding is to ensure products are easy to track and trace, which helps in quality control and regulatory compliance.

Why Are Batch Coding Machines Important?

Batch coding machines are crucial for several reasons:

Compliance: Many industries are legally required to print batch numbers and expiry dates on their products.

Quality Control: If there is an issue with a product, batch codes help companies trace the faulty product back to its source.

Consumer Trust: Accurate labeling gives customers confidence in the products they buy.

Types of Batch Coding Machines

There are different types of batch coding machines available, each designed for specific uses:

Inkjet Coding Machines: These machines spray ink onto the product’s surface. They can print on various materials like plastic, glass, and metal.

Laser Coding Machines: Instead of ink, laser coders use a laser beam to print information. The print is permanent, making it ideal for high-end or durable products.

Thermal Transfer Overprinters (TTO): These machines are commonly used for flexible packaging, like plastic wrappers or foils. They offer clear, high-quality printing.

Hot Stamp Coders: These coders use heat and pressure to print codes. They’re often used for simpler printing jobs, like date stamping.

Features to Look for in a Batch Coding Machine

When buying a batch coding machine, here are some important features to consider:

Versatility: The machine should be able to print on various surfaces like paper, plastic, or metal.

Speed: If you have a high production rate, you’ll need a machine that can print quickly without slowing down your operations.

Durability: A sturdy machine will last longer and need fewer repairs.

Ease of Use: Choose a machine that is easy to set up and operate, so your staff doesn’t need extensive training.

Compliance: Make sure the machine meets industry standards and regulations.

How Much Does a Batch Coding Machine Cost?

The batch coding machine price can vary based on the type of machine and its features. Here are some factors that affect the price:

Type of Machine: Inkjet machines are generally cheaper than laser machines. However, inkjet machines require consumables like ink, which adds to the running cost.

Technology: Advanced machines like laser coders or thermal transfer printers cost more but offer better quality and longer-lasting prints.

Speed and Capacity: Machines that print faster and handle higher production volumes tend to be more expensive but are worth the investment for large-scale operations.

Customization: Some machines offer extra features like different fonts, barcodes, or integration with other production systems, which can increase the price.

On average, a basic batch coding machine can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on these factors.

Leading Batch Coding Machine Manufacturers

If you’re looking to buy a batch coding machine, it’s important to choose a reliable manufacturer. Here are some of the top batch coding machine manufacturers:

SH Hitech Solutions: A leading provider of batch coding machines, SH Hitech Solutions offers a wide range of coding machines suited for various industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages. Their machines are known for their durability, precision, and easy operation.

Videojet Technologies: This company is well-known for offering a variety of industrial coding solutions, including inkjet and laser coders.

Domino Printing: Domino is a global manufacturer of batch coding machines with a reputation for high-quality products.

Linx Printing Technologies: Linx provides a range of inkjet and laser coders, known for their long-lasting performance and user-friendly interfaces.

Markem-Imaje: This manufacturer offers a variety of batch coding solutions, including inkjet, laser, and thermal transfer printers.

Why Choose SH Hitech Solutions?

When selecting a batch coding machine, you want a company that provides not only the right product but also excellent support. SH Hitech Solutions stands out for several reasons:

Tailored Solutions: They offer batch coding machines customized to meet your specific needs.

Industry Expertise: With years of experience, they understand the challenges businesses face and offer solutions that work.

Customer Support: SH Hitech Solutions provides full support, from installation to maintenance, ensuring your machine runs smoothly.

Affordable Options: They offer a range of machines at competitive prices, making them a great choice for businesses of all sizes.

Batch Coding Machine Manufacturers in India

India is home to several manufacturers producing high-quality batch coding machines. Batch coding machine manufacturers in India offer solutions that meet both local and international standards, making them a great option for businesses looking for affordable yet reliable machines. Some of the top batch coding machine manufacturers in India include:

SH Hitech Solutions: Known for their innovative and reliable coding machines, SH Hitech Solutions is a trusted name in India.

Control Print: Another major player, Control Print offers a range of industrial coding machines designed for the Indian market.

Conclusion

A batch coding machine is an essential tool for any business that needs to print batch numbers, manufacturing dates, or other key information on their products. These machines ensure compliance with legal standards, improve product traceability and boost customer trust.

By choosing the right machine, such as those offered by SH Hitech Solutions, you can streamline your production process while ensuring that your products are properly labeled. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, investing in a high-quality batch coding machine is crucial for long-term success.

If you’re looking for reliable and affordable batch coding machines, consider SH Hitech Solutions, one of the leading batch coding machine manufacturers in India.

[rosemaryhoney27]

Operation: Gaslight the Billionaires”

aka: How Danny Phantom Accidentally Became the Perfect Wayne

The chaos of the Batcave had mostly settled. Danny had been with them for three days, and Vlad Masters was officially on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

It wasn’t the ghost attacks. It wasn’t even the rogue AI that tried to merge with the espresso machine (thanks, Tim). It was the fact that Danny was actively making him look insane.

Bruce entered the kitchen expecting the usual post-patrol disaster: someone bleeding, Jason frying something suspicious, Damian glaring at vegetables like they insulted his honor, and Tim unconscious on the table with a Red Bull IV.

Instead… the kitchen was sparkling.

Alfred was humming. HUMMING. And Danny?

Danny was wearing an apron that said “I cook with spirit (and some ectoplasm)” and was gently stirring a pot of something that smelled incredible. He handed Alfred a tray of prepped vegetables with the air of a beloved sous-chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

“Knife is clean and set aside, Mr. Pennyworth. Do you want the counter disinfected again before the meat’s on?”

Alfred smiled. Smiled. “That won’t be necessary, Master Daniel. You’ve done splendidly.”

Bruce stood in the doorway like a man waiting for a piano to fall on him. “…Who is this child?”

Alfred replied calmly, “The most helpful young man we’ve had in this kitchen in years. I daresay Master Richard could learn a thing or two.”

Danny looked up, beamed at Bruce, and said, “Good morning! You want coffee? I just finished a batch of Colombian roast. Tim said you like it strong enough to dissolve crime.”

Tim, from under the counter where he’d been sleeping with a tablet as a pillow: “That’s not even a joke. I’ve seen it eat through one of Damian’s throwing knives.”

Bruce walked over and took the mug Danny handed him. It was the perfect temperature. The exact strength he liked. He took a sip.

His soul briefly ascended.

“…This is better than Alfred’s.”

Alfred gave an approving nod. “Indeed. I showed him once.”

Vlad stormed into the room like a man preparing to perform an exorcism. His hair was frazzled, one of his slippers was missing, and there was what looked suspiciously like slime on his sleeve.

“BRUCE. Tell me honestly, what have you done to him?”

Bruce blinked. “To Danny? Nothing.”

“HE MADE A THREE-COURSE MEAL AND ASKED IF I WANTED A MIDNIGHT TEA.”

“I like being helpful,” Danny said, halo practically visible. “Uncle Vlad gets stressed so easily.”

“I DO NOT—!”

“He also helped Damian organize the armory,” Alfred added serenely.

“Color-coded the blades,” Damian muttered, glaring slightly less than usual. “And sharpened them.”

Jason walked in, paused, sniffed the air. “Is that real garlic bread? Did we finally break the food curse?”

Danny handed him a plate. “You should eat. You looked hangry yesterday.”

Jason stared at him. “I could kill for you.”

“I’d prefer you didn’t.”

“Nice. Boundaries.”

Vlad was gaping. “You are all being tricked! This is an act! He’s a little gremlin with teeth! He ate my briefcase!”

Danny blinked innocently. “It smelled like almonds. I thought it was marzipan.”

“IT WAS NOT MARZIPAN.”

Cass wandered in, stole a breadstick, and gave Danny a high-five. “Nice work.”

Vlad turned to Bruce, furious and hollow-eyed. “This is not fair. He fought a space god last week, and now he’s making quiche.”

Bruce just shrugged. “Some people contain multitudes.”

“He bit a vampire diplomat in Prague.”

“He was undead and had no permit for summoning circles,” Danny added cheerfully. “Also, he was rude to the hotel staff.”

Stephanie peeked in. “Did I hear someone say quiche?”

“Spinach and mushroom,” Danny called.

“I’m going to implode,” Vlad whispered to the heavens.

Danny wiped his hands and turned to Vlad with a kind, innocent smile. “Uncle Vlad, I know it’s hard to accept, but maybe… I’ve matured?”

Vlad squinted. “You turned your teacher’s car invisible three weeks ago.”

“She parked in the ghost zone exit lane,” Danny said, wounded. “I was helping traffic.”

Bruce sipped his coffee and studied the boy who had seamlessly infiltrated his house like a social trojan horse. “How did you convince him to stay with you again?”

“I blackmailed the adoption agency and offered full scholarship access, six haunted properties, and a personal lab,” Vlad muttered.

“Reasonable,” Tim said. “Sounds like a good pitch.”

Bruce looked at Danny. “Would you like to stay a bit longer?”

Vlad: “No.”

Danny: “Sure!”

Jason: “New little brother unlocked.”

Vlad looked down into his empty tea mug like it had betrayed him. “This is how I die. In a Wayne manor. Smothered by domestic competency and passive-aggressive hospitality.”

Danny patted his arm. “It’s okay, Uncle Vlad. Want me to make you some chamomile?”

Vlad hissed like a vampire at dawn.

[punkshort]

Evergreen | Chapter Five: Acceptance

Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader

Chapter Summary: It's almost Christmas, so you take the time to reflect on your accomplishments while enjoying the peaceful life you've created with Joel.

Chapter Warnings: language, soft!joel, smut (18+ MDNI), unprotected piv sex, food and alcohol consumption, Christmas, so much fluff it hurts

WC: 5.1K

Series Masterlist

"Alright, try some of this."

Ellie set down her spiked hot chocolate on your kitchen counter and stood to take the spoon from your hand. She blew on the soup before sampling a small taste and vigorously nodding her head.

"That's fucking amazing, we should make that a regular item."

You grinned and tossed the spoon in your sink before maneuvering around her to reach the spice rack. Your new house was just a two-bedroom ranch and the small kitchen took some getting used to, but you finally made the rented space feel like home. Although when you and Ellie occasionally found yourselves crammed in your kitchen to test some new products for the food truck, you couldn't help but long for the beautiful kitchen you used to have.

"I think I'll add this and take off the turkey chili, it doesn't do too well," you said before turning to your fridge and scribbling something on the white board. It was close to Christmas and you had already introduced your cold-weather menu for the food truck, but you were always actively looking to make tweaks where it was needed.

"Sarah really likes the chili," Ellie reminded you.

"I'll make her a big batch and divide it up so she can freeze it when she goes back to school."

"Is she helping out on the truck tomorrow?" Ellie asked before picking her hot chocolate back up, then she wandered over to your living room to examine some ornaments on your tree.

"Yeah, she's helping all day. Joel's gonna get a kick out of seeing her on the truck for the first time," you laughed. You checked the time and turned off the burners before lifting the huge pot of soup with a grunt and setting it on an unused side of the stove to cool. Joel and Tommy's crew were working on a retail storefront and you had promised to stop by with the truck for lunch the following day. You had figured it was in a busy part of town and you were hoping to also capitalize on all the holiday shoppers.

Chicks 'n Chicken specialized in, well, chicken, as the name implied, but when the weather turned colder, you realized sandwiches just wouldn't cut it for the winter, so you began to add soups and stews to pair with your signature sandwiches like The Ellie, The Sarah, and The Joel. It was the first big idea you had when you finally took the plunge and started a food truck: every sandwich was named after someone important to you, including sandwiches named after Mia and Daniel.

At first, it was hard. Really fucking hard. Harder than you expected. There was so much to do behind the scenes: bookkeeping, inspections, keeping the truck and your machines up to code just to name a few. Joel was a huge help with the business side of things and you were eternally grateful for his insight. In return, you let him be your taste-tester, a job he adored and took very seriously.

Once you got the boring stuff out of the way, things got much better. You hired Ellie to assist you, and even her girlfriend Dina worked part-time. The two of them painted the truck these gorgeous, vibrant colors and helped you design the menu, and before you knew it, you were up and running.

The first couple weeks were slow and steady. You didn't expect to make much right off the bat, but you would have been lying if you said you weren't slightly disappointed you didn't do more business.

But then Sarah and Ellie came to the rescue, and your entire world changed.

They had clued you in to the latest social media app and helped you create an account. They must have been avid users because they always knew what was trending, which is how you managed to create a video that went viral overnight. It was the three of you doing some silly dance to a song you had never heard before inside the truck. When you watched it, you cringed and begged them to delete it, but they promised it would be a hit. And boy, were they right.

Just a few months later, you were closing in on one million followers. The girls kept your page fresh and relevant and if you were a lesser person, you might have been a little put out that your marketing degree essentially became useless when competing with two girls in their twenties who were apparently chronically online.

But you absolutely loved it. You were beyond thrilled you had been so unexpectedly successful so quickly. It was the best gift you could ever have received, and you told them so every time they pestered you for Christmas gift ideas.

"Your parents coming up for Christmas?" Ellie asked when she spotted a framed picture you had of them next to your couch.

"Uh... my mom is, yeah," you said, dusting your hands on the sides of your jeans as you moved around your kitchen. Ellie picked up on the tone in your voice and swiveled around.

"But not your dad?"

You shook your head and pulled out the biggest Tupperware containers you could find.

"No. He's not thrilled with some of the choices I've made," you told her, keeping your gaze focused on your work so she wouldn't see the hurt in your eyes.

"The food truck or Joel?"

You cleared your throat and shrugged. "Both. He thinks I'm investing Daniel's money in something where I'll end up failing and he is not okay with Joel being a few years younger than him."

"Shit. I'm sorry," Ellie said softly, joining you back in the kitchen. "That's fucked. But at least your mom sounds cool, right?"

"Well, she's coming around to it. It'll be her first time meeting Joel and I'm really hoping once she sees us together and how great he is, she can report back to my dad and maybe change his mind."

"Ha, no pressure, right?" she laughed. You grinned and finally turned to face her.

"You know what? I'm starting to not even care. Is that bad?" you asked with a guilty look on your face. But before she could answer, you continued. "I mean, I'm happy. I'm successful. Joel and Sarah are amazing. Should I even care if they agree with my choices or not? I'm an adult. I don't want to ruin my relationship with my parents but I'm not willing to sacrifice my own happiness for it."

"Hell yeah, man," Ellie said while toasting you with her hot chocolate. "You got the right headspace. Therapy is doing you good."

"Yeah, surprisingly, it kind of is," you said with a chuckle. An alarm went off on your phone and you glanced at it curiously before your eyes widened in panic. "Shit! I promised Joel I'd be over for dinner, I gotta clean up and get the hell out of here." You snatched your apron off and then your eyes locked onto the huge vat of piping hot soup on your stove.

"I'll handle it. Go!" Ellie said, waving her hands. "I'll lock up before I leave."

"Are you sure?" you asked, but you were already backing out of the kitchen.

"Absolutely. I'll watch some movie or something while I wait. Dina's working at the bookstore til ten, anyway."

"You're the greatest, Ellie, thank you!" you called over your shoulder as you disappeared into your bedroom to change.

"How is it you look prettier every time I see you?"

You giggled when Joel's scruffy beard scraped against the side of your neck, then melted into his arms when they circled around you from behind.

"Did you know you left the oven on? You're lucky you didn't burn the place down," you teased, tilting your head to give his lips better access.

"I was just takin' a quick shower, I knew there was plenty of time left."

He wasn't wrong. The lasagna he made still needed fifteen more minutes. Joel had actually gotten a lot better at cooking over the last few months. He liked to give you all the credit since he spent so much time watching you in the kitchen test new dishes for the food truck.

"And look at that," he murmured when he glanced at the timer. "Still got extra time. Any idea what we should do?"

"Are you looking to get dessert before dinner?" you asked, feigning shock. Joel chuckled against your throat before pressing himself against your ass and - shit, he wasn't joking.

"Been almost a week," he groaned against your ear. "Missed you so fuckin' much

"I missed you, too," you whispered before twisting around in his arms. You pressed your lips eagerly against his, getting lost in the familiar way you fit together. Whenever you were with Joel, your soul felt at peace. Everything seemed to make sense again and any stress faded away. But those things were difficult to explain to your parents without sounding insane, so you stopped trying, perfectly content with keeping the happiness he provided just between the two of you.

You blamed your weak resolve on the fact you had a stressful few days without him, craving the comfort only he could provide. That was why you found yourself less than five minutes later straddling his lap on the couch with your jeans abandoned somewhere on the floor behind you. Joel didn't even take his pants off all the way. He had shoved them down to his knees in a frenzy, desperate to feel you again after a long week.

The air stilled when you sunk down on his cock, the both of you too caught up in the feeling to remember to breathe.

"Oh, baby," he breathed, head tipping back to rest against the back of the couch. "Oh, that's it. That's my girl. There you go," he whispered, eyes glued to the way he disappeared inside you. You shifted and a small whimper slipped past your lips, pulling his gaze back up to you.

"How is that? Feel good?" he asked while circling his arms around your waist. You hummed and nodded before you started to move a little in his lap. You went slow at first while sharing deep, messy kisses. The hair from his beard burned your chin when he pried your mouth open wider, tongues swirling together amongst shared moans.

His big hands spread wide over your ribs, holding you against him to feel as close as possible while you slowly rocked your hips. He finally gave you a chance to breathe and broke the kiss, but then his mouth trailed down your throat and you held your breath anyway when his teeth grazed against the sensitive spot he made a mental note of last time.

"Missed you," he reminded you again as his lips ghosted over your collarbone. "Missed this. Missed feelin' this close to you."

"I know," you gasped, hands grabbing at his shoulders when he mouthed at your breast through your shirt. You started to move faster, encouraged by the delicious sting from his bite. "Fuck, Joel, do that again. Please," you whined.

He smirked and did the same playful bite to your other breast, cock twitching inside you when a low moan slipped past your lips.

"You like that?" he pressed. He loved it when you lost yourself in the moment, too engulfed with pleasure to hold yourself back. When he had you like that, you had no trouble asking for what you wanted. Your polite little filter vanished and you allow yourself to be selfish, to take what you want to make yourself feel good, and his chest puffed with pride every single time that you would choose him to be vulnerable with. You chose him to seek out everything you desired. You trusted him.

"Yes, Joel," you rasped. Your head was tipped backwards and your eyes had slid shut as you began to bounce faster on his lap. "Yes, Joel, I love it. I love it. Fuck, you feel so good. I can't - ah! - Christ, Joel, I love you-"

Time stood still with your words sitting heavy in the air. It took you a few seconds to realize what you said, then your eyes snapped open and you slapped a hand across your mouth in shock, hips freezing mid-air.

"I'm sorry," you mumbled, staring down at his surprised expression. "I didn't mean for that to be the first time-"

"But you did mean it?" he asked, stopping your muffled ramblings. Slowly, you nodded with watery eyes. He yanked your hand off your mouth and pulled you down for a searing kiss.

"I love you, too," he whispered happily against your mouth. His hips began to rock up into you, encouraging you to move with his hands firmly on your waist. "Keep going. Want you to come for me," he said with a grunt, lips still hovering centimeters away from yours. You nodded and began to move again, chasing the release you were moments away from tasting before you had panicked and stopped.

"C'mon, make yourself feel good. Take what you need, baby," he groaned when you bounced faster, breasts swaying underneath your shirt right in front of his face, teasing him. He lunged forward and pinched your nipple between his teeth right when his thumb began to work quick circles over your clit. You cried out his name, fingers clawing at his shoulders until he finally heard that content little broken moan and your release slowly trickled down his cock.

"Shit - gonna come," he growled. His hand left your clit so he could wrap both arms tightly around your middle, using you for leverage as he roughly fucked up into you. You had sagged forward, head resting on his shoulder while placing sweet kisses against his throat. You heard his harsh pants for air in your ear and smiled at the soft noises he made right before he stilled with a loud groan, pumping you full of his seed until his shoulders relaxed and he leaned back tiredly against the couch.

Your hand snaked around the back of his neck, turning his face towards you for a lazy kiss before whispering I love you one more time.

"I love you so goddamn much," he sighed, making you giggle. You pushed yourself up with a sigh, feeling groggy and satiated. You were in the middle of lovingly tracing the creases next to his eyes while he gazed up at you when the timer on the stove went off. You both groaned, neither of you ready to pull apart just yet, but the last thing you wanted was the smell of burnt lasagna permeating the house for the rest of the evening. With a gasp, you lifted yourself from his lap and turned to hunt for your panties on shaky legs.

"Go clean up, I got it," Joel said, standing and pulling his jeans up the rest of the way. You nodded and waddled towards the bathroom with your clothes while he tended to your dinner in the kitchen.

"So, you're comin' by the site tomorrow?" Joel confirmed around a mouthful of food. You nodded, only half listening to the television, your brain still blissfully quiet from earlier.

"Yep. Then after I'm meeting with this woman from the paper. They want to run a small piece on the truck, talk about the viral stuff, all that."

"My girl's gonna be in the paper?" Joel asked excitedly. You laughed, wanting to tease him for being one of the few people who still read an actual newspaper, but his support for you and your dream was so sweet that you didn't want to ruin it.

"Yep. Maybe even a picture, too."

"Well, damn. Look at you," Joel said softly, and you smiled at the tender look in his eye. "Gonna be famous. Can't wait to frame it. I'mma put one in my office at work and one here," he told you matter of factly. He pointed to the mantle, currently adorned with garland and christmas lights, where an old picture of him, Sarah and Mia sat, along with a picture of Tommy and Maria from their wedding day.

"I get to be on the mantle?" you asked excitedly.

"'Course you do. Woulda been up there sooner if we ever took a decent picture together."

"We take tons of pictures together," you began, but he quickly waved you off.

"And in all of 'em I look like shit."

"You do not! You look better than me most of the time with that goddamn smirk of yours," you teased, pinching his side when you added, "and you've lost almost twenty pounds."

Joel just laughed and wrapped his arm around your shoulders, taking your plate and stacking it with his before turning his attention towards the television. His thumb drew mindless circles over your arm and you listened to the peaceful, steady beat of his heart with your ear pressed against his chest.

Closing your eyes, you breathed deep and thought back on your life from the past several months. You had some curveballs thrown at you, sure, but given the circumstances, you were pretty damn happy with where you ended up: curled up next to the man you loved, listening to him mumble the wrong answers to Jeopardy amongst the twinkling lights from the Christmas tree.

"Howdy, girls!"

"Hey, Uncle Tommy!" Sarah called down from the window of the food truck. He grinned at her crooked black cap stitched with your company's name and logo on the front. Wild little pieces of hair stuck out from underneath, framing her face which was dusted with flour.

"Looks like you're workin' hard," he said, waving when he spotted you hurrying by behind her.

"It's crazy busy! We've been moving non-stop since we parked!" she exclaimed.

"Well, get ready, 'cause I just brought twenty hungry construction workers," he replied while jutting his chin down the sidewalk where his crew had been carefully walking around piles of snow that had been packed down and pushed around by the feet of holiday shoppers.

"Good timing, 'cause we just got through the lunch rush," she said before straightening up and turning to you and Ellie. "Hey, guys - my dad and his crew are on their way! Want me to drop some chicken in the fryer?"

"Yeah, toss in a tray of breasts and a tray of tenders to get us started," you said, wiping your hands on your apron before turning to Ellie. "And-"

"Yeah, I know, I got the bread out of the oven already."

You grinned and turned to give the three soups of the day a quick stir and did a quick check on the stock of paper products, confirming you were in a good enough spot to take on another wave of business when you heard a woman's voice call your name from the sidewalk, stopping you in your tracks. When you saw it was the reporter you had promised to meet with for the write up she was going to put in the paper, you felt your heart sink.

"Carmen, hi! We're getting another rush, I'm so sorry!" you said while leaning through the window to shake her hand. "Can I get like, twenty minutes?"

"Of course!" Carmen replied. "I have some shopping to do anyway, take your time."

You were in the middle of expressing your thanks when the truck was suddenly bombarded with Joel and Tommy's crew, their deep voices laughing and talking over one another while Ellie began to take some orders at the register. Before you got back to work, you spotted Joel and excitedly waved him over.

"Hey," you grinned as you practically hung half your body out of the window to grab his face and pull him in. He chuckled and leaned up to kiss you, his cold lips pressing against yours and urging them apart so he could slip his tongue inside your mouth.

"Hey! People are tryin' to eat!" Tommy laughed while playfully swatting at Joel's shoulder. You both laughed and pulled apart, too giddy and love drunk on each other to care.

"You're cold," you said after you pulled yourself back inside the truck. "Do you want some coffee?"

"Yes, please," Joel replied, eyes glittering with pride as he watched you move around the truck. When you stretched forward to hand him the cup, you winked and said, "On the house."

"How's the job going?" you asked as you worked on slicing up the bread Ellie had pulled from the oven. Tickets fluttered in front of you and Sarah gave Joel a big smile and wave when she dropped off chicken fresh from the fryer.

"Alright. Glad we're workin' inside today but place ain't rigged for heat yet so we're makin' do," he replied, taking a sip from his cup. "How's business?" he asked, nodding towards the truck. His eyes drifted fondly over the front where you had printed out the menu in huge letters. Every time he saw his daughter's or his wife's names, his throat tightened. You didn't have to name dishes after them, but you did. Practically insisted on it. It made him emotional back then and it continued to make him emotional whenever he saw it.

"Great! I was hoping to capitalize on holiday foot traffic and boy, did I."

Your eyes were glued to your work, chopping and slicing, making sandwiches and wrapping them in paper while scooping out soup from the huge vats behind you and bagging everything with ease.

You were in your element. This was what you were meant to do.

"Joel! Did you order yet or what?" Ellie called from the register.

"He always gets the same thing," Sarah reminded her with a playful hip check. Ellie rolled her eyes and stifled her grin.

"Oh, yeah, duh. You," she said, narrowing her eyes in your direction. You felt your cheeks warm and you smiled but kept your focus on your work.

"You don't always have to order my sandwich, you know," you teased him.

"Now how can you blame me when you taste so damn good?" Joel smirked from the sidewalk, instantly eliciting a groan of disgust from each of the girls.

"He means the sandwich!" you laughed, feeling all flustered and praying your embarrassment didn't show.

"Do I?"

"Joel!" you hissed with wide eyes as Sarah called him gross and Ellie covered her ears. He threw back his head and laughed while you shook your head with a permanent smile stretched across your face.

This is true happiness, you thought. This feeling could never be topped.

Once Joel and his crew ate and slowly disappeared back down the street towards the storefront they were working on, you washed your hands and checked your reflection before stepping out of the truck with your coat draped over your arm. You glanced around the now mildly crowded street, searching for Carmen and smiling when you locked eyes with her a few doors down carrying a couple shopping bags.

"Perfect timing," you said when she was within hearing range. "Thanks again. My boyfriend is working around the corner and brought his entire crew."

"No apology necessary," she replied warmly, then glanced around with a shiver. "Mind if we pop into this coffee shop? Shouldn't take more than half an hour."

You happily agreed and followed her inside the warm café, breathing in deep the scent of cinnamon and smiling to yourself when you heard the faint sound of Christmas carols filtering through the speakers.

Carmen wasted no time. She dove right in, asking you how you came up with the idea for the food truck and then segueing right into the viral video Ellie and Sarah created that got you such a cult following. You explained that Ellie was a friend, leaving out how you met for her own privacy, and how Sarah was Joel's daughter.

"I'm noticing these names are familiar," Carmen said with a smile.

"Yeah, I named sandwiches after important people in my life. It felt like a sweet way to honor them and express my gratitude," you explained. Carmen hummed and reviewed her notes, phone recording quietly on the table between you.

"May I ask, then, who are Mia and Daniel?"

You cleared your throat and gave her a brave smile.

"They're no longer with us," you began. Softly, Carmen murmured, oh, I'm sorry, while scribbling something on her notepad. "It's okay. Daniel was my fiancé. He passed away over a year ago from a car accident. And Mia was Sarah's mom."

Carmen nodded thoughtfully as she continued to write.

"Oh, so you knew Sarah's mom, too?"

"Well, no," you said, "but based on how much Sarah and Joel have told me, it feels like I've met her."

"That's sweet," Carmen said, letting her pen drop on her notepad. "And these sandwiches - do they reflect anything significant about the people they're named after?"

"They do," you replied while straightening in your chair. "I tried to make the sandwiches based on each person's preference. For instance, Mia loved spice, so hers is a fried spicy chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo. Which I find hilarious because neither Joel or Sarah can handle any amount of spice," you said with a soft laugh.

Carmen nodded and laced her fingers together.

"And how about the sandwich named after you?"

"Well, that was the very first one we created and decided should be on the menu," you said. "I hadn't even thought about names yet but the girls convinced me I should name it after myself and I guess they've got a knack for persuasion."

Carmen laughed and you felt your shoulders relax a bit, not even realizing you were tense until that very moment.

"Well, it's incredible, I must say. I was sneaky last week and got one for myself when you were out on Brunswick."

You gasped, feigning dismay and making her laugh.

"Thank you, I'm so happy to hear that," you replied with a wide smile. "It happens to be my boyfriend's favorite, too."

"Joel doesn't order The Joel?" she asked, cocking her eyebrow.

You shook your head and tried to forget his earlier comment when you said, "Guess not. But he helped design The Joel. In fact, he also helped with The Mia. Sarah did, as well."

"That's so lovely to hear," Carmen said softly, pressing her lips together and leaning forward. "I think it's such a wonderful detail, by the way. How the two of you came from relationships that ended in tragedy and managed to find peace and happiness with one another. And to honor your partners in this way is incredible."

"Thank you," you answered. Your chest warmed at her compliment. "Even though I never met Mia, she was important to the people I love the most, and therefore, she's important to me. Joel and Sarah feel the same about Daniel. Grief is a complicated thing, but I like to think I've found a way to live beside it."

Carmen smiled and dropped her gaze to the table. "That's so comforting and reassuring to hear. And an incredible quote to leave me with because it looks like our time is up."

"Quote?" you asked with a tilt to your head.

"I usually like to run a quote from my subject as my byline," Carmen said while she packed up her things. She began to stand and you stopped her.

"Wait - could I give you something else to put as your byline instead?"

She grinned and sat back down before pulling out her phone and pressing a button.

"Of course."

One Week Later

"You nervous 'bout your mama comin' up?" Joel asked, tugging you closer to his side as you walked up the snowy sidewalk.

"A little," you admitted. "But whatever she ends up thinking doesn't matter. I love you, Joel," you said, tilting your chin up to meet his eye. "I love you and nothing is ever going to change that."

He smiled and gave your lips a quick peck as you rounded the corner, closing in on the nearest grocery store.

"Well, back in my day, I used to be a big hit with a girl's parents."

"Oh, yeah?" you teased.

"Yep. They all loved me. I'm real respectful, you'll see."

You wanted to tell him to just be himself and to not stress about your mother's visit, but you knew there was no use. He was going to do everything possible to win your mother over and while you found it admirable he cared so much, you didn't want him to feel like he needed to make your parents come around. In your several talks with Ryan in therapy, you had come to the conclusion that nobody's approval was needed for you to be happy. It would be nice, sure. It would make holidays and special occasions easier. But nothing was going to change anything between you and Joel.

"Alright, now. Here we go," Joel said excitedly when the automatic doors slid open and you were met with a blast of warm air. You grinned and squeezed his arm while letting him drag you towards the newspapers and magazines. You both scanned the rows of periodicals before Joel spotted it first and grabbed the whole stack. He handed you the extras and eagerly flipped through the pages of the one on top before he paused with a slow smile.

"What? How does it look? What picture did she-"

You cut yourself short when you peered over his shoulder. Your breath hitched and you caught Joel's eye before looking back at the page.

Unbeknownst to you, Carmen and grabbed a quick shot of you leaning out of the food truck to kiss Joel. You were both smiling as snow lightly fell around you, the background highlighted by twinkling Christmas lights and laughing holiday shoppers. It looked like a photograph straight out of a movie: two people finding a quick moment for love in the midst of a busy street.

"You think that's a good enough picture of the two of us?" you asked, looking up at him adoringly, but his focus was on the byline. His eyes kept scanning the words over and over until you swore you saw tears begin to cloud his vision.

"You like it?" you found yourself whispering. He swallowed and nodded, bottom lip quivering before he let the paper drop to his side so he could cup your jaw and pull you in for a kiss.

"I love you," he murmured.

"I love you, too," you said softly against his lips. He gave you one more kiss before he sniffled and opened the paper again so he could reread the words:

This was all made possible because of Daniel, who taught me what true love is, and because of Joel, who showed me love during my darkest days - I owe you everything.

Please follow @punkshort-notifs and turn on notifications for fic updates ❤️

[enoiocean]

𝓳𝓮 𝓿𝓮𝓾𝔁 franklin saint x black!reader

૮ ․ ․ ྀིა 12k words — set in LA Beverly hills in 09, rich!business man!franklin saint x black!fem!reader , age gap - ( reader is 21 , Franklin is 30 ) porn with plot , Rough Sex , Daddy kink, veryyyy long read , multiple parts coming , this is for a mature audience , please read with caution !

This job didn't really feel like a...job.

You didn't have to abide by a certain dress code, you didn't work around only women , the building was beautiful, and the first day you arrived for the interview, you wore a black skirt with matching stockings and heels and a white long-sleeve top to balance it out—nothing too revealing, nothing too vulnerable, just a blank slate. Your hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail , so taut it made your temples throb, but there was something satisfying about the control of it. and The black-framed glasses weren't prescription, but they made people trust you. Smile wide. Lip gloss is subtle. You'd rehearsed it in the mirror. Professional. Approachable. Just enough. You couldn't help but be excited.

The building was enormous—a towering monolith of glass and steel. Inside, it was a time capsule sealed in style. The decor hadn't been updated since the 1970s, but not in the way of disrepair—more like reverence. Golden-hued lighting bathed everything in a soft, cinematic glow. Velvet chairs in jewel tones sat beneath smoked glass tables. Brass fixtures caught the light like secrets. The air smelled faintly of aged leather and expensive cologne, like the ghosts of men who once closed deals with handshakes and half-truths still lingered in the wallpaper. It was retro, yes, but effortlessly, arrestingly beautiful. Like stepping into a beautiful memory .

The woman who greeted you was tall, alabaster-pale, and sculpted into her perfectly pressed ivory suit like she'd been born in it. Her hair was lacquered into place, not a single strand out of line, and her heels clicked with surgical precision as she walked—sharp, efficient, utterly devoid of hesitation. She didn't smile. She didn't need to.

She guided you past the front lobby, a space so unnervingly quiet it bordered on the sacred. The silence wasn't peaceful—it was pressurized. The hum of office phones rang out in soft, rhythmic pulses, like a heartbeat barely holding on. Somewhere behind frosted glass, voices murmured—thin, bloodless conversations spoken in fragments, too hushed to decode. No laughter. No interruptions. Just the mechanical whisper of a machine well-oiled and too proud to acknowledge its own humanity.

Her eyes—those eyes—slid over you like she was appraising livestock. No warmth. No welcome. Just a quick inventory. Your shoes. Your posture. The way you held your purse like it was armor. Her gaze was clinical, transactional, the kind of look someone gives a thing they're considering purchasing—not a person, a product. She didn't bother with a smile. She nodded. Once. Like she'd already met ten versions of you and decided you were just another mold from the same batch.

18th floor.

The elevator ride was long. Too long. The silence felt oppressive, like the air was thick with something unseen, something waiting. It binged like the pulse of a dying animal. When the doors opened, you were hit with the sharp, cold sting of perfection. Marble floors. 70s walls. A decor that screamed luxury, A hallway extended in four directions, each path ending in a sealed door—identical, marked with a gold nameplate. Outside every door sat a single desk, and behind each desk, a woman. Perfect posture. Impeccable grooming. Typing with the precision of gunfire. Their fingers danced across the keys in exact, rhythmic motion, inhuman in their steadiness, like they'd rehearsed this moment to death.

They didn't look up. Not really.

One of them glanced at you—brief, slicing, surgical. Eyes like frosted glass.

Your stomach flipped. Not a flutter. A full inversion. That sick, hot tumble of instinct trying to speak before your brain can form words. But you kept walking, heels clicking across the marble like you belonged here. Because you needed the job. Because "figuring it out" doesn't pay rent, and retail was starting to feel like a punchline to a joke you'd already heard too many times.

Your landlord was hiking the rent again—like your building had suddenly earned the right to call itself luxury just because they painted over the mold and installed a broken security camera in the stairwell. Going back home wasn't an option. You couldn't stomach your mother's passive-aggressive sighs or your father's not-so-subtle lectures about "readiness" and "real-world responsibility." They still talked about you like you were a kid who wandered too far from the sandbox. Moving back would only make them right.

You heard about the job from Vince. Your sister's boyfriend. The guy who drank straight from the bottle and always smelled like car grease and weed. He said his friend needed a secretary. Some executive downtown. Something vague and high-paying. You didn't ask questions. You just said, "Tell him I'm interested."

Next morning: bing. Inbox. One new message. An email dressed up like an invitation to a secret club. Subject line: "Thank you for your interest in FS Enterprises."

No job description. No bullet points or salary range. No qualifications or application portal. Just a single line dripping with urgency: "Show up here Friday."

No signature. Just an address. Downtown, where all the high-profile politicians and businessmen are.

You Googled. Nothing.

You searched and searched. Still nothing.

No company website. No mission statement. No reviews. Just a trail of digital dust—like the whole thing had been scrubbed clean or had never existed to begin with.

And still, you got dressed. Still, you showed up. Because your sister trusted Vince, and Vince didn't seem like the kind of guy who'd sell you into something.

Not on purpose, anyway.

Right?

Your fingers gripped the folder tighter in your hands as you walked toward the door at the end of the hall. Heavy wood, dark-stained and polished to a mirror shine. A gold nameplate sat flush in its center, gleaming like it had just been cleaned, though no one ever seemed to touch it. The letters engraved were too clean, Franklin Saint.

You knocked. Three short, quick taps. The sound of someone pretending they weren't terrified.

The silence that followed was too thick, too heavy. You almost felt like the sound of your knuckles hitting the door had been swallowed by the walls. You didn't know what you were walking into. Not really. It was all so surreal—the smell of cologne mixing with the faint undertone of something artificial, like the air had been scrubbed clean of any trace of humanity. The hallway behind you felt a lifetime away, everything shrinking into the space just in front of the door, everything focusing down to that very moment.

You could hear your heart beating in your ears.

And then, the door creaked open, slow, deliberate.

You'd imagined Franklin a hundred different ways, but now that you were here, staring at him, all those versions faded. He was tall, maybe too tall, with a suit that swallowed him whole, sharp and tailored to perfection. His skin was beautifully dark with no imperfections, and his eyes—those eyes— they lit up when they saw you, squinting a little. His smile was bright, white, and straight.

You couldn't help yourself. You smiled back. It was the only thing you could do in that moment, the only thing your body would let you do. Your hands got sweaty, your breath shallow. You were a thousand miles away from the girl you thought you were before you stepped into this room. Now, you were something else—something in-between, trapped in the tension of his gaze. And you couldn't look away. Couldn't stop.

His voice came soft, almost too soft for the size of his frame, "You must be... (❀), right?" His eyes flickered over you, a quick scan that felt like a full-body examination. He smiled more.

You nodded, trying to keep your hands from trembling. Your mouth was dry. You couldn't even remember the last time you’ve been this nervous.

He stepped back, letting the door swing open further, a silent invitation that felt more like a command.

"Come in. We have a lot to discuss."

The door clicked shut behind you, and for that moment, it was just the two of you.

He didn't ask you about your work history. He didn't ask why he should hire you. He didn't even look at the paper you clutched in your hands, the one you had memorized the night before. He didn't care about any of that. Instead, he asked about you about who you were, not what you did. His voice was soft and polite, the words cutting through the air with a precision you could almost feel on your skin. He asked if you were still in school, if you liked it, where you grew up, and if you were from California.

It felt almost casual, like he wasn't trying to dissect you. Like he wasn't testing you. But you could tell that, couldn't you? You could tell he was watching. He was listening not to your answers but to the way you gave them. He wanted to know how you thought and how you felt. What you cared about.

And each time you answered, you found yourself talking longer than you intended, telling him more than you meant to. You rambled about things you loved, about places you'd been, and about the little things that made you feel like you were truly alive. The way the ocean smelled after a rainstorm. The way the sun felt on your skin when you woke up before anyone else did. Why you loved photography. Why you loved fashion. You couldn't stop yourself. You couldn't even try. You were unraveling, piece by piece, and you didn't know how to stitch yourself back together.

He didn't write anything down. He didn't interrupt you. He didn't glance at the clock for the time and didn't look anywhere else but at you. And every time you spoke, every word you let slip, he leaned in a little more. Not physically, no. But emotionally. His eyes locked onto yours, absorbing you. He wasn't just listening. He was consuming.

And all the while, you felt like you were in the middle of a dream—a dream that was beginning to twist, beginning to become something dangerous. You couldn't name it, couldn't put your finger on it, but you knew that in this room, in this space with him, you weren't in control anymore.

And you didn't want to be. Not really.

The interview lasted an hour, but it felt like a reunion with a long-lost friend—someone you'd forgotten you needed, someone you hadn't realized you missed until they walked into the room. You didn't remember exactly when it happened, but somewhere between your rambling answers and his unblinking stare, the clock seemed to disappear.

You stood up to shake his hand, your legs slightly unsteady under you, like you were waking from a dream you hadn't wanted to end. Your mind raced in that final moment—was that enough? Did you say the right things? Did he see through your act? Did he see you as just another ditzy, young girl, spinning in circles, thinking she could handle belonging in a place like this?

But before the doubts could claw their way up your throat—before logic or fear or that sick little voice in the back of your mind could poison the moment—he shattered them. Just like that. His hand found yours, firm and warm, grounding, pulling you back into the room, into your body, like a lifeline tied to something you couldn't quite name.

"Sign these," he said. His voice was smooth in that dangerous way—like silk hiding the blade. He slid three pristine sheets of paper across the desk. Blank. No headers. No legal jargon. Just space. Space waiting for your name.

"Bring them back to me Monday. You'll start then."

And that smile—God, that smile. It didn't sell a job. It sold something else. A promise, maybe. Or a secret you weren't ready to be trusted with. You didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Your pulse was sprinting. You were vibrating with questions—about the papers, about the man, about what this was.

You didn't know if you wanted to bolt from the room, heart hammering like a warning, or stay and crawl deeper into whatever rabbit hole he was offering.

But your mouth moved before your mind could catch up.

"Mister Saint, are you sure you don't want to look at my resumé—"

He cut you off, clean. Didn't even glance up. just opened a drawer and pulled out a pen and a leather-bound book. The kind that smells expensive. The kind that's meant to hold things you're not supposed to share.

"Here," he said, eyes still bright. "This is all you'll need; go over it and remember everything in it."

You barely heard the next words, not with the way your blood was rushing in your ears.

"What type of computer do you prefer?"

It was the kind of question that made no sense in that moment. You blinked at him, thrown off, suddenly aware of how little you truly knew about this man, about this space, about what was even happening here.

You glanced at the pen in your hand. It was small, silver, and engraved with what looked like a symbol, a logo, but it was so tiny, so simple, you couldn't make out the detail. The book, thick and bound with care, felt heavier in your hand than it should have, like it had weight beyond its pages. But all you could do was stare at him, waiting, trying to process what just happened, trying to figure out how the hell you were supposed to answer that question.

Your voice stuttered out, softer than it had any right to be. "I... usually work with Macs. But I'm flexible."

And then—he looked at you.

Really looked at you.

He nodded, like that was the answer he expected.

"Beautiful," he said. Slowly. Like the words were designed to be unwrapped one syllable at a time. "That's why I chose you."

Your breath caught.

"I'll have something set up for you by Monday," he said, casually. Almost like a favor. Like he was offering you a seat at a table you didn't know existed.

Then his eyes flicked back to yours, and something in his voice curled, slow and deliberate:

"You'll be fine."

Just like that, you were here. three months in. Sitting in front of his door every day, behind a desk that you could do anything with. A blank canvas waiting for you to carve out something real, something personal. You looked at the MacBook Air; you couldn't believe he got it for you, like it was some cheap thing to play with. You placed your small trinkets on the desk. A small plant with deep green leaves, hopeful and stubborn, clinging to the light that never seemed to be enough. A picture of you and your friends, their laughter forever frozen in a frame that suddenly felt like a memory you didn't want to forget. A cup holder, silver star-shaped, And the small stuffed bunny—like an Easter relic.

You liked the space. The lighting. The way the windows let in just enough natural light to make everything feel alive, like it wasn't all just polished steel and glass. The small details grounded you in a way you hadn't expected. The world outside might've been spinning out of control, but this little corner was yours. And that was enough, for now.

The four women sat in front of you; beautiful older figures leaned over their own desks. They didn't speak much to you. No casual introductions, no offers of friendship. They just murmured the occasional "Good morning" as you walked past them every morning to your desk; they'd talk to each other, laughing and gossiping. Your heel clicks a little heavier, a little more uncertain. You were always a few minutes late. Never much of a punctual person. And every time you passed them, you felt their eyes on you, their glances lingering longer than necessary. But they never said anything, and you never asked.

You sat at your desk, fingers hovering over the keyboard, your mind a little too distracted to focus on anything "important." You thought you'd be dealing with endless emails—replying in that perfect, overly polite tone that corporate types love. Or maybe scheduling meetings for Saint, organizing his calendar like you'd seen secretaries do in the movies. But nope. None of that.

Instead, your day started off with coffee and a doughnut. His coffee, just the way he liked it: black, no frills. And the doughnut—glazed and sweet, the kind that makes you feel like you're doing something right. You gave it to him with a smile, like a ritual offering, and he took it from your hands like it meant something.

His fingers brushed yours—accidental, probably. But they lingered. His eyes met yours. They didn't just see you. They read you.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

Simple question. Too simple. But the way he said it—it unzipped something in your chest.

"I'm okay," you said, soft, almost shy. Your smile slipped out on instinct, like it had been waiting for permission.

He watched you smile. Really watched. And then he nodded, slow, like he already knew the answer before you gave it.

You let him in at ten o'clock. A man in a charcoal suit, cologne too expensive, nerves twitching in the corners of his mouth. Mister Saint didn't rush. Didn't bark orders. He just stood when he was ready, nodded once, and disappeared behind the door with the man trailing behind him like a child being summoned by his father.

It was quiet. Peaceful, almost. You took a moment, enjoying the stillness, the calmness of the space. You didn't have to fake it. It wasn't a rush of anxiety or pressure. Just... you. And a desk.

You tapped the keys, barely noticing the rhythm. A soft click-click that soothed your nerves more than it should. Instead of working, you found yourself scrolling through clothing websites. You didn't need anything, but hey, it was fun to look. So many pretty dresses and shoes that made you feel all sorts of ways—cute, fun, alive. You had the money for what you were scrolling past now, the way Franklin was paying you. You're imagining what you'd look like in them. A little daydream, a little fantasy.

Maybe he'd like this skirt.

Maybe he'd hate it.

But notice? Oh, he'd notice.

Your lips curled. Just a little.

You didn't ask how old he was. Didn't need to. Thirty-something. Close enough to know better. Far enough to ruin you.

And you?

You were starving.

You drooled.

Not in the cute, girly way either. No, you thirsted. Hard. Quiet. Secret. Like an addiction that made your palms sweat and your stomach tighten. Every time he walked into the room, your spine snapped straight like you'd been caught doing something wrong. Because you were. At least in your head.

I mean, who wouldn't?

Franklin Saint was perfect. Not in the glossy, magazine way. No, this wasn't boy-band pretty. This was grown-man, carved-from-concrete perfection. Big. Broad shoulders under tailored suits. Thick forearms veined like tree roots. Biceps you wanted to lay your head against after he ruined you.

He looked like he could pick you up without effort—over the shoulder, into his car, across state lines—and no one would stop him.

But it was his hands that really did it. Those hands.

You found your eyes drifting to them mid-conversation like gravity had a preference. Watching the way his fingers flexed when he gripped a glass. Watching how he rolled a blunt—slow, neat, precise. Watching the calluses catch the light when he touched his jaw or rubbed the back of his neck

You stared like a fool.

You tried to stop. Tried to keep eye contact like a grown woman. But then his thumb would stroke the rim of his glass, or he'd drum those thick knuckles against the table, and it was over. Your mouth would go dry. Your thighs would clench. And your brain? Gone. Just static and heat and the thought of how those hands would feel between your legs.

That's all it ever was—just fiction you played in your head.

Smutty little flickers of a world that didn't exist while you clicked through YouTube videos, watching tutorials on makeup, how to get the perfect glow, and how to do a bouncy, fun curl without frying your hair. You smiled at the thought of trying those things at home later. Maybe a new look for the weekend? Who knows? You liked how it felt to just zone out and let the hours pass by. You weren't thinking about deadlines or pressure. Just... being. The soft buzz of the computer felt like a constant hum that kept you company.

You read over that book he gave you over and over; it didn't consist of anything top secret like you thought it would. The pages were lined in his handwriting—tight, clean, no wasted motion. Like him.

"Monday: Pick up suit from dry cleaners in Beverly Hills. Dark navy, double vent, Brioni."

"Coffee: black, hot, touch of honey if I'm pissed. No cream, never sugar."

"Call Mama on Thursdays. Remind her I'm breathing.”

"Jerome likes the good cigars. Louie, don't. Don't bring 'em to the club."

His blood's in these pages. His rhythm. His rituals. Shoe sizes—11.5, Italian cut only. Suit sizes, jacket preferences. Pocket square colors.

And then the numbers. Phone numbers are like pressure points.

His mother's. His aunt and uncle. a lawyer. The second lawyer. A name you don't recognize—Twanda (DON'T ANSWER UNLESS BLEEDING).

You read that part twice. Maybe three times.

You didn't know who she was.

But now you want to.

"You like the job?" A smooth voice pulled you from your thoughts, and you looked up, slightly startled. One of the women from the desk across from you was smiling. She wasn't typing anything, just turned toward you, her posture confident, arms casually crossed, legs crossed in that effortless way people do when they're just... comfortable.

For a moment, you couldn't help but take her in. She was beautiful. Like, really beautiful. Reminded you of someone—a little like Vanessa Williams, if you had to put a name to it. Her skin glowed, rich and smooth, her hair slicked back in a professional yet somehow effortless way. She had that vibe, that calm, controlled energy. Like she knew something you didn't. There was a nameplate at the edge of her desk, half-blocked by a stack of blank papers and a glass of water that hadn't been touched.

Gina Camplee. You tucked the name into your mind.

You blinked, trying to focus. "I-I like it," you said with a smile, your voice a little higher than you wanted it to be. Your nerves were still making themselves known, even though you were happy. You were always happy. That was just who you were. "It's... quite a bit easier than I expected." You chuckled a little, hoping it sounded natural. It did to you, but who knew what it sounded like to someone else?

She raised an eyebrow, her smile turning a little more knowing. "Easier than you expected, huh?" Her voice was smooth, almost teasing, but not in a mean way. She seemed genuinely curious, like she was giving you a chance to explain.

You nodded, giving a shy smile, trying to ease into the conversation. "Yeah, I thought there'd be more... pressure? Or a lot more to do, but... I don't know. It's been calm." You shrugged, not really sure why it felt so strange. It was just a job. But it wasn't just a job, not really. There was something else, something off about it that you couldn't quite put your finger on.

She studied you for a moment, eyes narrowing just a little. It felt like she was measuring you, seeing if you were hiding something or if you were just really that... naive. Maybe it was the way she sat, the way she carried herself. It was the kind of confidence that only came with experience, with knowing exactly how much to reveal and how much to hold back.

"I'm sure it's calm now," she said, breaking your trance. "But things have a way of getting... interesting around here." She uncrossed her arms, leaning back just a little. "Franklin likes to keep things unpredictable."

You nodded, smiling brightly. "I'm up for interesting!" You couldn't help it. The optimism just bubbled out of you, no matter what. You weren't about to let any of the unknowns get to you, not yet. You hadn't even been here long enough to feel any of that "pressure" everyone seemed to talk about. Right now, you were just... here, and that was enough.

She smiled again, this time a little softer, but there was something behind it that made you pause. It wasn't a judgmental smile, but a knowing one. Like she had seen this story before, maybe more times than you'd ever know.

"You'll find your rhythm," she said, her voice lighter, almost reassuring. "just show up and do what he says, easy."

You nodded, trying to let the words sink in, but your thoughts were already drifting somewhere else. Somewhere that was just a little too far ahead. "I will," you said, smiling again, because that's what you always did.

You couldn't help but wonder, though, if she knew more. If she knew what he did outside of this perfect, pristine office. She had to, right? She must have seen something, heard something. Franklin Saint wasn't the type of man to just be... normal. You knew his name, his age, and that he hated smoking. That was it. Nothing else. Not a single glimpse of what lay beneath the tailored suits, the sharp eyes, and the polite smiles.

You glanced up at her again, catching her eye. "Hey, uh..." you said, your voice softer this time, tentative. "Can you tell me more about him?" You weren't sure why you asked. Maybe it was the curiosity. Maybe it was the way he made you feel—like you were just a little out of place, but in the best way possible.

She turned toward you again, this time raising an eyebrow, her expression almost teasing. "You want to know if he's married?" she asked, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

Your face heated up, the flush creeping up your neck. "I—" you stammered, embarrassed that she'd caught you so off guard. Of course, that wasn't what you meant. You just... wanted to know more. But she could probably tell the real question before it even left your mouth.

"If he was," she said, her voice almost a whisper, "the wife wouldn't appreciate the way he looks at you." She said it matter-of-factly, like she had seen it a hundred times before, like it was just an obvious truth in the office.

Her words hung in the air like a sharp breath. You stared at her, stunned, trying to figure out what exactly she meant. Your heart fluttered in your chest, and you quickly forced your gaze back to your desk, your fingers playing nervously with a pen. You couldn't dwell on it—couldn't let yourself get lost in that thought, not now, not when the office was so... quiet and unpredictable.

Just as Gina's words began to settle—curling around your ribs like smoke you couldn't exhale—the call box on your desk crackled to life, that familiar static popping like a nerve firing too close to the surface.

"Sweetheart, I need you."

Franklin's voice oozed through the speaker, thick and smooth like honey sliding over a blade. That word—sweetheart—again. Always, sweetheart.

He never used your name. Never "Miss," never the clipped professionalism he reserved for everyone else in his orbit. With you, it was different. There was always a softness laced with something heavier. Darling. Honey. Sweetheart. Like you weren't on his payroll but his tongue. Like you were meant to come undone just from the sound of him.

You told yourself it didn't mean anything. Just a generational thing. Men like him always spoke like that—charming, old-school, slightly patronizing. You told yourself not to linger on it. Not to romanticize the way his voice dipped when he said it. Not to ache when he lingered on the word like it tasted good.

But gosh, you ached.

You wanted it to mean something so bad it stung.

You rolled your chair back and rose slowly, smoothing your skirt with trembling fingers before you walked to his door. You opened it just in time to see the older man he'd been meeting with step past you, cologne thick and sour in the air as he muttered something under his breath. He didn't look at you. He just nodded stiffly and shut the door behind him with a soft click, like punctuation.

Then it was just you and Franklin.

He stood by the window, backlit by late-afternoon gold, arms folded across his chest, the fabric of his suit hugging him like it was tailored by God himself. Still. Regal. A statue made of heat and ego.

His gaze landed on you—so pretty. he thought

From your hair, pulled tight and neat, to the subtle gloss on your lips. Down the curve of your chest, the gentle dip of your waist. The way you chose a light pink blouse today that matched with your brown pleated skirt, tight enough to make him wonder how long you'd stood in the mirror, smoothing it, adjusting it, planning it.

He noticed.

He always noticed.

The shape of your thighs. The way your knees knocked ever so slightly inward, like your body didn't quite know what to do under his gaze. The heels were modest, office-appropriate, but the way your toes pointed—nervous, uncertain—lit something in him. Something interesting.

"Hi, Mr. Saint... How did the meeting go?" You asked, soft and stammering, your voice slipping out too gentle, too exposed.

The smile you offered was all surface—mirror-polished, practiced to hell. It was the smile you wore when you needed to pretend your hands weren't twitching, that your pulse wasn't sprinting behind your ears. But Franklin saw right through it. Saw how your fingers danced at the hem of your blouse, tugging, fiddling, betraying you in real time.

He tilted his head, just slightly. That look of his—half amused, half predatory. Like he knew exactly how to unravel you and was only deciding how long he wanted to take.

He didn't speak. Not yet.

He let the silence bloom.

It stretched long and thin between you, a thread pulled tight. The kind that holds breath hostage. The kind that says, Don't move.

Then, one step.

Just one.

He moved closer to his desk, dragging his fingers across the edge—mahogany catching the gold of his watch, glinting like a threat. Every gesture precise. Controlled. Like even his silence was curated.

"The meeting went..." He paused, like he was choosing his words for effect, "...very well...Did that guy look trustworthy to you?" He asked, like it was a genuine question.

"I... I'm not sure," you said, truthfully. Your arms instinctively folded in front of you, a light barrier, your smile thinning. "He didn't say much."

Franklin hummed, a low, amused sound that vibrated more in your chest than your ears. He kept his eyes on you, like you were the one under investigation.

"Exactly," he murmured, jaw tightening for just a flicker of a second. "and people who don't talk much? They're either hiding something, or they think they're smarter than everyone else."

He leaned back on the desk now, hands gripping the edge behind him, legs slightly spread, relaxed like a panther in the sun—gorgeous and deadly. Watching you. Reading you.

"Which do you think he is, sweetheart?"

Your throat went dry. You shifted your weight from one foot to the other, like that'd help you dodge the heat crawling up your spine. Franklin had a way of making a question sound like a test, like the answer mattered more than you realized.

"... I think he just doesn't say much, like he... he lets his business do the talking," you said, finally. The words came gently but whole, carried by a thread of courage you barely felt. Your eyes held his—just enough to show you weren't scared, but not enough to drown in him. Not yet.

And then—he smiled.

Not soft. Not kind. Not the sort of smile you earn. This one was sharper. Like he'd already solved the riddle and just wanted to hear what shape your mouth would make trying to solve it, too.

It wasn't approval.

It was interest.

"Good girl," he said, and the sound of it coiled straight through you. Low. Warm. A little too pleased.

Your body lit up before your brain could catch up. That phrase—good girl—you'd only ever heard it in those private little daydreams. The ones you had no business entertaining. The ones that made your thighs clench under your desk while you chewed your lip and tried to remember how to breathe.

Now it was real.

And it wrecked you.

You didn't know what to say. Didn't trust your voice not to give you away. All you could do was stand there and feel the heat rise from your chest to your cheeks to the place between your legs that tightened, traitorous and alive.

"I like that," he murmured, the edges of his voice rougher now, velvet fraying at the seams. "That you pay attention."

He moved, slow and sure, circling the desk like it wasn't furniture but a piece of terrain. Like you were the destination. Each step quiet, deliberate—like he had all the time in the world to close the space between you.

Your spine straightened, like instinct, like prey spotting the slow approach of something much larger than itself.

"Thank you, Mr. Saint—" you started, breath catching on the edge of your words.

"Just call me Saint, lovely," he cut in, flashing a grin that was all sin dressed in silk. Teeth barely visible. Heat behind the charm. A joke with a blade tucked in its belly.

"I'm only thirty."

"Okay..." you said, hesitating for the briefest second before letting it fall from your mouth, "Saint." The word felt strange on your tongue—too casual, too intimate—but it came out anyway, soft and unsure, like you were tasting it for the first time. And maybe you were.

He heard it.

Felt it.

Watched it settle in the space between you.

He leaned back in his chair like he owned gravity. Legs spread, one hand lazily draped over the armrest, the other toying with a gold pen like it was a cigar. His smile was a smirk now, slow and knowing. Like he'd just slipped a key into a lock and was waiting to see if the door would open.

"How lovely does that sound?" he said, voice dipped in molasses, eyes trained on yours. "You should use it more often."

And fuck, your face burned.

The heat crept down your neck, across your chest, blooming in your belly. You blinked hard, trying to keep still. To hide how your body betrayed you. But it didn't matter. Franklin saw it. He always did. You shifted just slightly on your feet, and that was enough.

He clocked everything.

"You like working for me so far?" He asked, tone light, but there was nothing innocent about it.

The way he looked at you made the air feel thicker. Like if you breathed too deeply, you might swallow more than oxygen.

"I... I do," you said finally, the words barely above a whisper. "It's different here. Quiet. Clean."

You looked around, pretending to study the office like that was what had your attention, not the way Saint was watching you like he could read the heat under your skin.

"...And you're not like the other bosses I've had."

He chuckled, low and amused, like you'd just handed him a compliment wrapped in a secret.

"No, I'm not," he said. "And I don't plan to be."

There was a pause. Heavy. Lingering. Then—

"Come here for a second," he said.

Not a request. A command, soft-wrapped in charm.

Your legs moved before you could even think about it. You stepped around his desk, your heels clicking against the marble floor like a metronome marking time, every beat louder in your chest.

He watched as you approached—like he was measuring your steps, your breath, and the way your skirt moved when you walked.

When you were close enough to smell his cologne—sharp, woodsy, expensive—he slid papers over to you.

"Read the small paper to me first, out loud," he said, his voice even, casual. Then added, "Then the two others—go over them for errors."

You blinked, thrown for half a second by how mundane the request sounded. That's it? Just read?

"Read it?" you asked, like maybe you hadn't heard him right.

"Mhm," he hummed, settling deeper into the leather, thighs parting just slightly. Just enough. And you knew it wasn't for comfort—it was deliberate. Calculated. The kind of move meant to short-circuit whatever train of thought you were clinging to.

"Out loud."

Your fingers reached for the paper with a shake you hoped he couldn't see. It felt like silk against your skin—thick, creamy, clearly expensive. Not something that got printed on an office copier. It looked like it belonged in a gilded envelope, carried by hand, maybe with a wax seal to match the weight of his name.

You cleared your throat, trying to keep your voice steady. "Please join us—"

"Skip that part," he said, with that same low firmness, like velvet wrapped around command. "Start from my name."

You swallowed. Nodded. Your fingers tightened just slightly on the edge of the paper. "Franklin Saint, you are invited to the 40th birthday celebration of Weston Port. RSVP at the number provided at the bottom of the invitation. We would love to have you here”—

He cut you off with a soft laugh. "Love to have you here," he repeated, his voice rich with something mocking. His mouth curled into that half-smirk, the one that always felt like he was letting you in on a joke with teeth.

Then he tilted his head, eyes still locked on yours.

"That guy hates me, by the way."

You lowered the paper slowly, pulse skipping, unsure if you were supposed to laugh or choke on the heat rising up your chest. "Why does he hate you?"

His smile stretched—wider this time, not kinder.

A quiet kind of cruelty in the corners of his mouth.

"Because his wife prefers me."

It wasn't a boast. It wasn't flirtation, either.

The way he said it—it was fact. Cold. Solid. Undeniable.

The air shifted.

The words didn't hit like a joke. They landed like a dropped match on gasoline, sharp and sudden, making something ignite deep in your gut. You froze—lips parted, breath caught halfway to your lungs.

Jealousy came quickly. Hot and ugly.

Possessive in a way that made no sense.

You had no claim on him. You weren't his. He wasn't yours.

But still—it burned. Low in your belly, a molten thing curled around your spine and made your fists clench just slightly around the paper.

Franklin watched you with that maddening calm, the kind that said he'd already dissected every inch of your reaction before you even had the chance to hide it. Like he could smell the jealousy on you. Like it pleased him.

You looked down at the papers again, tried to focus, tried to pretend the tightness in your chest wasn't there—but your hands were trembling now. Barely, but enough. Enough to betray you.

He waited a beat, letting the silence press in again like a thumb to your throat.

"Now," he said, slow and sure, voice thick with authority. "go over the other two. I want clean copies. No spelling errors. No missed details."

You nodded, eyes flicking back up to meet his.

You knew. But he was studying you again, reading every twitch in your face, every slight shift in breath.

You could feel it. The way his gaze followed your pupils as they darted from side to side, trying to keep up, trying to look like you knew exactly what you were reading—even though you didn't. Not really. Just enough to fake it. Just enough to please him.

and again, your mouth moved before your brain could stop it.

"Is his wife's name... Twanda?" You asked, voice low, almost ashamed of how badly you needed to know.

You risked a glance. And there it was. That smirk again. That wicked amusement curling at the edge of his lips like smoke.

He chuckled, soft and dangerous. "I'm glad you're remembering the book," he said, leaning back.

You could feel it radiating off him now—the satisfaction. Not just that you remembered. But what you remembered. He saw the jealousy in your question, bleeding through every syllable, and it lit something in him.

His baby. Jealous.

He liked it. He liked it too much. You didn't know it, but he did—every damn night he pictured you. His girl on her knees. Obedient. Beautiful. Unguarded. The thought kept him up, aching.

"You told me to, so I did," you murmured back, still focused on the pages in front of you.

You were done.

You’ve been done.

But flipping through them gave you something to do with your hands. Something to hide behind, because eye contact now would wreck you.

He huffed a little, leaning forward just enough to make you feel it in your chest. Then his voice dropped, close and quiet:

"Twanda is a close friend of my mother's," he said finally, his voice easy now, like he wasn't aware of the war he'd started in your chest. "She used to call a lot. And I mean a lot. Trivial things."

He shrugged, all casual indifference, like it didn't matter—but something in the way his jaw flexed said maybe it did.

"She got the hint, maybe," he added, more to himself than to you. "The last time I spoke to her was Christmas."

That landed in the air with a soft finality. No bitterness.

No regrets. Just a fact. And yet you couldn't stop the flicker of relief that bloomed inside you, wild and warm.

You nodded like it was nothing. Like you didn't just unclench your jaw.

"Got it," you murmured, going back to the papers with renewed focus, though the words on the page were a blur now, your mind far from ink and margins.

"Got a boyfriend?" he asked, his voice casual but dipped in something more—curiosity, maybe. Or calculation. Like he already knew and was asking for the sake of watching how you'd react.

Your fingers paused at the corner of the page, still touching the paper but no longer moving. You looked up slowly, caught between surprise and uncertainty, eyes just a shade too wide. The kind of look that wasn't rehearsed.

He caught it.

"Oh—sorry. A girlfriend?" His tone softened, a half-correction, eyebrow lifting like he was opening the door wider.

You laughed, quick and quiet, covering your mouth out of instinct. "No, no. Neither," you said, voice light, but the air around it felt heavier. "Ended something last year, around July. Since then it's just been... me."

You didn't mean to trail off like that, but the words sat strange in your mouth—familiar, but tired. He didn't speak, just nodded once, slow, like he was letting it settle. Like he understood more than he let on.

"Long one?" he asked after a pause, eyes still on you, but softer now. Less study, more presence.

You hesitated, your thumb brushing the edge of the paper. "Yeah. Long enough to feel like a part of me went with it. We were together for a while. Thought it was going to be... I don't know. Everything....He cheated, so”

Who the hell could cheat on someone like you? Franklin couldn't wrap his head around it. The way you walked into a room like sunlight—soft but impossible to ignore. Smart, sweet, with a voice that made even silence feel intimate. You weren't just beautiful; you were rare. The kind of woman a man should get on his knees for. And some idiot threw that away.

Good. That meant you were free now. That meant he could have you.

And Saint wanted you. Not later. Not in some slow-burn fantasy he dragged out over months. Now.

He watched you from his seat, jaw tight, chest heavy with it. Your smile. The curve of your throat when you laughed. The way your fingers curled around the edge of your chair like you needed to hold onto something. He wanted to be that something.

Fuck waiting.

He'd be lying if he said the thought hadn't crossed his mind—sweeping everything off his desk, your gasp swallowed in his mouth, his hands gripping your wrists as your back met the cold wood. Him, between your thighs, desperate and rough, finally tasting the thing he'd been circling for weeks.

And you'd let him. He saw it in the way your gaze lingered too long, in the way your thighs shifted when the room got quiet. You wanted it too. Maybe you didn't know how to say it yet. Maybe you were still telling yourself you shouldn't. But Franklin Saint didn't deal in shouldn't.

Just one word from you—one look—and he'd show you exactly what it means to be wanted.

When you finally put the paper down, ready to tell him you'd found no errors, something small thudded against the carpet. You looked down—pencils, a lots of them, scattered and rolling across the floor like tiny messengers of clumsiness. Your breath caught. You realized they'd slipped off the edge of the desk on your side. Your fault.

"I'm so sorry," you said quickly, already half-bending down.

What you didn't see was the flicker of a smirk slicing across his face behind you. It came and went like lightning—quick, precise, almost cruel.

"It's alright," Franklin said, smooth as velvet. "Could you get those for me, lovely?"

His voice was calm, but there was something heavier sitting beneath the surface. Like thunder building behind a polite sky. He wore that look again—the one that made your stomach dip. Gentle mouth, shadowed eyes. A man pretending at softness, while something darker simmered behind his gaze.

You nodded without thinking.

"Yes, sir," you said, your voice quieter than you intended.

Then your knees hit the floor, bare against the plush rug, and you bent to gather the pencils in your hands. One by one. Delicate. Careful. His silence stretched above you, a humid thing.

He watched, eyes hooded, as you reached further under his desk—watched the way your hand went instinctively to the hem of your skirt, trying to hold it down. Modest. Careful. But it was no use. The skirt was too short, and you'd worn nothing beneath it. No tights. No shorts. Just skin and nerve endings and a poor little excuse for a barrier.

His gaze didn't flinch.

The air in the room shifted, heavy and slow like molasses in the summer. Tension swelled, thick enough to chew. On the surface, you were just picking up pencils—a harmless task.

He turned everything into intention.

You could feel it, the weight of his stare glued to your body, and suddenly your own heartbeat was deafening. Slamming through your chest, echoing in your ears. You stayed on your knees, breath shallow, fingers curling around pencil after pencil, each one slower than the last. One by one. Deliberate.

It wasn't just tension anymore. It was anticipation.

Then—you felt it.

something you didn't think he would be so bold to do.

As you had been picking up the lines of graphite, he had tucked his leather shoe underneath your skirt and lifted it up, making your eyes widen. Your heartbeat falls into the depths of your innards as cold sweat starts to rear its existence after the catalyst of Saint's actions. You felt the tip of his shoe rub against the fat of your ass, and hearing his shallow breath added a hotter tension into the room that made you feel suffocated. All you did was look back as your body shook, feeling the nerves reverberate through you.

"... What are you-"

"Shh... You're so pretty like this... on your knees." He lifted your skirt even higher to expose the lacy pink thong and your exposed ass. "So sexy," he continued to whisper his seductive praises.

He sat back in his chair, letting the tip of his shoe press into the fat that made a plushy indentation that made his cock twitch within his trousers; you were so vulnerable, so unknowing, and he just wanted to take you right then and there as he felt your shuddering body to his touch. His smirk only widened when he witnessed you weren't doing anything.

But that was the point. You were simply there—kneeling, soft, unguarded. And that made it even better.

He saw the way your lip caught between your teeth, trying to quiet the sound building in your throat.

And gosh, that little motion? That was his favorite part.

"Oh, do you like this, sweetheart?" He wasn't going to make you answer; he liked you all nervous and too embarrassed to admit that you liked having your own boss appreciate and want to use your body. He felt like he had won the lottery with how willing your body was for him.

"Hm, I love having you around... It's so sexy when you walk around the place... But I want more than you just playing secretary." He watched as your pupils swallowed the color of your eyes as you looked at him through a shuddering chest from broken breaths.

"Turn around for me; I want to see that pretty face more clearly." At your own volition, you quickly obeyed without hesitancy, watching as he opened his legs and the growing bulge that was starting to develop underneath his navy trousers, imminently making you blush as you watched how your body affected him, how just the sight of your panties was making him rock hard underneath the cloth.

"You're a good girl , aren't you?"

"Mmhmm," you nodded in your timid response as you looked up at him with those 'fuck me' eyes.

"Yeah, you are," he said, his voice warm now, praising like a reward. He leaned forward, his hand finding your face with startling gentleness. Big, firm fingers cradling your cheek like it belonged there. Your body responded before your mind caught up—cheek nuzzling into his palm, chasing that heat, that gravity. Subconscious. Instinctive. You fit against him like you were made for it.

Whatever doubts you'd carried—those silly thoughts that he'd never even notice you, that someone like Franklin Saint couldn't possibly see you that way—they melted under the weight of his touch. Under the closeness. The heat that poured off his body like static before a storm.

"How about you take care of me... I've been feeling so stressed... I'm sure you can help me out with that, can't you?" His voice was just like whiskey, smooth in its feeling but also a sensation of burning with how warmth pooled around your core and started to soak around your slit as your clit throbbed under the desire to be touched and to touch him.

"What do... What do you want me to do?" You whispered, almost pathetically, as your pillowy and glossy lips parted as if you knew exactly where this was going; you weren't completely stupid.

"I want to use that pretty mouth of yours for something good," he said, voice low and heavy with intent, fingers moving to unbuckle his belt. The metallic clink cut through the thick air like a warning—or a promise—and your breath hitched on instinct. The sound made your thighs press tighter together, your pussy throbbing against the now-soaked lace barrier that barely held your arousal in check.

He lifted his hips just enough to slide his trousers and boxers down in one fluid motion, and there—his cock sprang free, thick and heavy, proud in its demand. The sheer size of it made your breath catch in your throat. It was flushed, already hard, with the tip glistening like it had been waiting just for you. He didn't need to say another word. That clock spoke volumes.

"Be a good girl and suck it..." he murmured, one hand resting lazily on the armrest as he stared down at you like you were his reward. "You wouldn't want your boss stressed, would you?"

You shook your head quickly, your voice trembling with need. "No. No, I wouldn't."

Your hands rose to wrap around the base, fingers struggling to meet on the underside as you pumped him slowly, reverently. The vein along the length of his shaft throbbed against your soft palms, your thumb swiping over the bead of pre-drip dripping from the swollen head. His breath stuttered—a sharp inhale through gritted teeth.

You looked up at him, locking eyes with that dark, unreadable gaze, and then leaned in. Your tongue dragged a long, slow stripe up from the base to the tip, savoring the heat and weight of him, the way his cock twitched under your attention. His hand tightened on the armrest.

Then you took him into your mouth, inch by inch, wet and warm, lips stretched around his thickness. The taste of him, salty and heavy with want, coated your tongue as you moaned around him—soft, muffled, sinful.

Franklin's head fell back, his jaw tightening.

"Oh, fuck, yes, you're so good at that." His fingers started to tangle in your previously neat hair, causing frizzy strands to strike up as he smoothed his palms over your scalp, gently bucking his hips to guide his cock further into the warm and soaking valley of your mouth and throat.

You softly gagged at the feeling of his fat cock pressing against the back of your throat; you loved this, feeling your glossy lips stretch around him and tasting his salty length as you continued to suck and feel him.

"A-aah, yeah, you're taking me so well," he whispered another praise before he started to feel a little greedy. "Why don't you take that blouse off... I want to see those pretty tits."

You took your mouth off of him in a loud, wet popping sound that made him shudder as the cold air pressed against his cock, continuing to palm and pump his throbbing length as he watched you unbutton the silk blouse until it became discarded cloth on the floor, soon accompanied by your black lace bra.

You felt that pleasurable tingling feeling within your walls and a heated coil that was heating up as it tied together tightly when you squeezed the mounds of your chest for him, letting soft whimpers protrude from your lips as you squeezed onto the sensitive buds when looking into his darkened gaze.

Franklin leaned forward, slow and deliberate, like a shadow swallowing light. His hands peeled away from the armrests, the tension in his shoulders rippling as he shifted over you, dominant and calm, like he had all the time in the world to savor this.

Then—his palms landed on your chest, warm and heavy, cupping the weight of your bare breasts. No hesitation. No apology. Just need to meet with ownership.

He kneaded them slowly, thumbs rolling over your sensitive nipples, dragging them into stiffness. You gasped around his cock, the sensation electric, like he was rewiring your nerves. He never broke eye contact. He just stared down at you like you were his sweetest sin, his most beautiful disaster.

"Look at you," he murmured, voice thick with pride and lust. "Such a mess."

Spit trailed down your cheek, the slick sheen around your lips catching the light, your eyes glassy with pleasure and overwhelming need. Your thighs squeezed together as you moaned to him again.

You were flustered, ruined—his good girl brought to the edge.

His presence was demanding, yet arousing at the same time; a superior shouldn't be doing this to their secretary, but let's be honest, the fantasy has been around for as long as can be remembered; it wasn't like you were complaining that an attractive older man wanted to use you as a cocksleeve. Of course, there was the little voice in the back of your mind telling you that this power dynamic was wrong; you were his employee, and it was highly inappropriate for him to be treating you like this, but the libido soon squelched the rational down as your heated core was wanting to take him on further.

You made his head fall back onto the headrest of his office chair again when you continued to leave swirls from your tongue on the tip of his dribbling cock, tasting that salty and creamy precum as you watched his chest fall up and down in broken tandem to his labored breaths. You could feel your panties become completely soaked when a slow, gushing release came down in your finish as you wrapped your breasts around his large cock and heard his sensual moans fill his office room up.

"Fuck, aaah, keep going, don't stop, making me feel so good," he kept caressing your cheek as he watched you leave kitten licks on the tip of your warm, plushy breasts hugged around his shaft. "Such a perfect, sexy girl."

You sucked on the tip of his fat cock, watching him bite his lip.

"I'm so close... Stop for a moment."

The command was sharp but hushed, laced with restraint—his voice strained from holding himself back. You obeyed instantly, lips releasing him with a soft pop, breath catching as your mouth ached and your chin glistened with the evidence of just how good you'd been.

"Stand up," he said.

You didn't think twice. Your legs were trembling, barely holding your weight, but you stood—still buzzing from the heat of his hands, the ache of his cock in your mouth, and the denial that left you soaked and desperate. Your fingers ghosted over the hem of your skirt, trying to fix it, even though the fabric clung to your thighs, damp with your own arousal. You felt exposed. Ruined. Beautiful.

Your eyes never left him.

He moved with a smooth, unbothered calm, reaching into the drawer beside him like he'd done this a hundred times before. No urgency. No shame. Just pure, collected dominance. You watched him pull out his wallet, the soft leather creasing in his palm, and then—between two fingers—he slipped out a small, gold package.

Your breath caught.

"Get on the desk," he said, his voice low and rich, thick with the promise of everything he'd been holding back. "Spread your legs so I can see."

Your body moved before your brain could catch up.

You turned, the edge of the desk cold against your thighs as you climbed up, palms pressing into the wood for balance. Slowly, you leaned back, your knees parting inch by inch, the cool air meeting the heat between your legs as you revealed everything to him—lace soaked through, clinging to swollen lips, proof of your need written into every curve and shiver.

Franklin stood there, gold wrapper in hand, eyes locked between your thighs like a man staring at salvation.

"Fuck, baby..." he groaned, the sound raw, almost a whimper. There was nothing controlled about it anymore—just want. Heavy. Undeniable. His composure cracked in real time, and it only made your core throb harder, slick gathering with every second he looked at you like that.

He stepped closer, his hands finding the waistband of your panties, fingers curling into the lace.

One sharp tug.

The soaked fabric peeled from your skin like second nature, dragging across your sensitive folds and stealing a gasp from your lips. He didn't move slowly. He didn't ask. He took. The lace hit the floor in an instant, forgotten.

And there you were—open, glistening, your plump, wet cunt exposed to the thick air and his starving gaze.

you lean back a little more, and slowly spread your thighs more, opening up more so the ball of nerves would be exposed as well as your dripping hole. Your heels were gone, kicked off in the heat of it all. Now your soft, pretty white toes gripped the desk's edge, barely holding you in place as you arched slightly,

Your pussy sat there in the light, bare and soaked and ready, a perfect picture of surrender and need.

Franklin He stood frozen for a heartbeat—mouth parted, jaw slack. The raw hunger in his face wasn't subtle. It was worship. It was claiming.

"Shit ..." he breathed, more to himself than to you, like he wasn't sure how he'd held back this long.

The gold wrapper crinkled in his fist as he fought with it, hands no longer slow or calculated—now frantic, desperate to be inside you. He tore it open, pulled the rubber free, and with one long stroke, slid it over his thick, leaking cock. The sight of him standing there, hard and ready, made your hips twitch off the desk in anticipation.

He wrapped his fingers around the base, gave himself one firm pump, eyes never leaving your dripping cunt.

And then—he stepped closer to your legs.

Your legs instinctively slid closer together, thighs brushing, nerves creeping in like a shadow. For a moment, you let the reality of his size sink in—the sheer weight of it, the way it curved in his grip, thick and pulsing. You tilted your chin up, eyes wide and uncertain, a soft breath catching in your throat.

"Franklin... It's so big, I— I haven't had that big before—"

Your words came out like a whisper, stammered and laced with equal parts awe and fear.

But he didn't soothe you. He didn't stroke your hair or offer gentle words.

No.

His voice cut through the air like a blade—rough, commanding, dripping with authority and hunger.

"Spread them," he growled, stepping closer, the tip of his cock brushing your inner thigh. "Or I'll spread them for you."

That tone—it flipped a switch inside you. Something primal. Something submissive and aching to obey.

You weren't used to it. Not from him. Not from anyone.

Which is why your thighs flew open , trembling as you obeyed instantly, wide and dripping and ready. Your pussy glistened under the light again, exposed and aching, your core fluttering with anticipation and the sharp thrill of giving up control.

Franklin's hand wrapped around the base of his cock, thick and pulsing with heat as he dragged it slowly through your folds, letting your slick coat every inch of him. He moved deliberately, smearing himself in your arousal, the swollen head brushing over your clit just enough to make your back arch and a broken whimper slip from your lips.

Your hands lifted—finally—like your body couldn't stay passive any longer. They found his arms, fingers curling into his firm biceps, grounding yourself in him as he bit down on his bottom lip, gaze locked between your thighs. His cock slid up and down again, gliding with ease now, teasing your entrance as he groaned low and deep in his chest.

One hand gripped your knee and held, keeping you wide open. You tried to close your thighs reflexively, overwhelmed, but he didn't let you—not even for a second. His fingers dug in, possessive, commanding, holding you in place as his cockhead smeared your wetness across your folds again and again, each stroke making the tension coil tighter in your gut.

"You're so wet, baby..." he muttered, voice distant, lost. Like he forgot where he was—forgot about the office, the company, the windows overlooking downtown. None of it mattered now. Just your cunt, open and ready. His temple dropped back, jaw slack with a sigh that sounded like worship.

"Ahh, f-fuck." Your eyes couldn't leave his face. He was beautiful like this—undone, needy, lost in you. You were soaked, ruined, panting—his.

A mess.

Then, with one greedy, careless push—he found your entrance. You gasped. Bite your tongue. He slipped in too easily, too naturally, as if your body had been made for him.

He moaned under his breath, hips rolling as he fed more of himself into you, slow and relentless, until he bottomed out. His hips pressed flush to yours, his balls snug against the curve of your ass, and you let out a fragile little sound, something between a gasp and a moan, helpless to the fullness.

"You okay, baby?" He murmured, breath unsteady. One of his hands moved to your waist, his thumb stroking your side. "How does that feel?"

Your walls clenched around him involuntarily, sucking him deeper, as if your body didn't want to let him go. He shuddered from the feeling, his eyes softening, something dangerously close to adoration swimming there.

You could barely breathe. You were floating.

And then it came out of you—raw, unplanned, honest.

"Daddy... it feels so good," you whimpered, your voice all breath and silk, breaking apart under the weight of him inside you. Eyes wide, glassy, cheeks flushed—the picture of soft surrender. You looked like the sweetest kind of mess, like the type of girl who gets what she wants just by pouting pretty and parting her thighs. A spoiled little pillow princess laid out and ruined just right.

Franklin looked down at you, heat licking through his chest at the sight. His jaw tightened, but that smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth—slow, knowing, cruel.

"I know baby," he murmurs in a taunting way. "I know."

"Don't s-stop, i–i'm almost there—" you gasp, the words tumbling out in pieces, each syllable cracked open by the rhythm of his thrusts. You're begging now—for air, for mercy, for him to never stop. Because you're right on the edge, teetering on the brink of something too good, too deep. Bliss, heaven, him.

Franklin's grip tightens on your waist, and he leans in until his forehead presses to yours, eyes blazing.

"I won't," he pants, breath ragged, voice rough with focus and fire. "I won't. I promise, princess."

His words hit you like a vow, low and serious, each one chased by the sound of skin against skin and the heat of his body overwhelming yours. He doesn't stop—not even for a second. His hips stay steady, relentless, chasing your high like it's the only thing that matters.

And the way he's looking at you—like you're the only girl in the world, like nothing else exists but your shaking body under his—makes you fall apart just that much faster.

You were a dirty girl, and you knew it. You knew it the second you opened your legs and let him see how wet you already were, how easily your body betrayed every little game you thought you could play. You thought you'd last, thought you could take it and keep some kind of control—but Franklin Saint stripped that away from you with nothing but a look and a few deep, unrelenting strokes.

Now you were here—writhing beneath him, back arched and breath catching in your throat. You were moaning into his ear, the words filthy, soft, and broken. almost slipping, "I love you, I love you," like he was the last man you'll ever be with. It was just the way he filled you so deep it felt like he lived inside your bones.

You were so close.

"I can't, baby... Uh, fuck daddy." Your brain is already melting, and with it, your pussy starts to melt more. You wonder if he even notices such a thing from how he's basically fucking you now like his life depended on it.

"You want to cum pretty?" He pants on your face for a second, seeing how your eyes were starting to roll.

Your fingers find his shirt, skimming the side seam of the cotton separating you from his skin. He grabs onto you tighter, like he's afraid you might slip away. His thrusts turn rougher, deeper, and more desperate—driven by something primal and possessive. You can feel the muscles in his back shift under your hands, feel the heat radiating off him, and see the way his shirt sticks to his skin with the sweat he's working up just for you.

"Touching' me like that," he growls near your ear, voice thick with heat, "is going to make me lose my fucking' mind."

You can feel the tremble in his arms, the shake in his breath, and the way he fucks you like he needs it. Like you're the only thing keeping him grounded.

"cum for me, baby. I'll give you everything you want, princess ... whatever you need," he coos into your ear while fucking you hard, his voice so soft.

The cries tearing through the room are yours—but they barely sound like you anymore. They're ragged and raw, wrecked beyond recognition. So pathetic, so desperate, like a girl who's never known anything like this. Like a girl who's unraveling with him buried so deep inside, it feels like he's splitting your soul wide open just to claim it.

Your body jerks beneath him, hips twitching with every thrust like you're chasing the end, like you need to take him with you. And he matches it—his hips punching into you with purpose, power, like he's determined to finish with you, in you, no matter what it takes.

He expected this from you. Expected you to be needy, expected your sweet cunt to be this wet, this messy, this perfect.

And still, the way you clamp around him with every pulse of your orgasm nearly undoes him. It's a miracle he's still inside, thick and hard, when you're so slippery, so drenched, his cock sliding through the heat of you like velvet wrapped in wet silk.

He thrusts into you like he's got something to prove—like every brutal thrust is a punishment and a prayer. His rhythm is ruthless, unrelenting, the sound of his balls slapping against your soaked flesh echoing off the office walls like filth wrapped in rhythm. There's nothing sweet about it now—this is pure possession, raw and animal, like he's been saving this part of himself just for you.

Your orgasm rips through you like a wave pulling you under, leaving you limp, trembling, a boneless mess. But he doesn't stop. Not even a little. He uses your body like it's his right, his reward, barely coherent with the things he's saying—gritted praise, ragged groans, something about how tight you are, how good you feel, how his you are.

Then his muscles snap taut.

He throws his head back, curses low and feral, and pulls out of you so fast it makes your breath hitch. The condom's off in a blink. His jaw clenched, his hand jerks his cock once, twice—and then hot, thick release spills from him, shooting across your stomach, your cunt, painting you in sticky ribbons of lust. He groans through it.

And when he's emptied himself, when the haze finally lifts, he collapses into his chair, chest rising and falling fast. He's still facing you—still watching.

You're frozen in place, arched and open, breath coming in frantic little stutters. Your thighs twitch. Your body's ruined. Your mind Gone.

beautiful.