Coveted Obsession (Book One)

by K.T. Houghton

Katharine Michaelson is a twenty-four-year-old college graduate on her way to a new-found life. She goes to an interview at Everest Enterprises Holdings, INC, where she meets Markus Viscidi. They begin in a world wi relationship of sex, pain, hurt, and even love. Will Katharine's budding feelings for Markus cause a rift between them or will she be able to hide her feelings for him?

1. Chapter One: Introduction

Chapter One: Introduction

I yawn, fluttering my eyes dramatically. I turn over in my bed, glancing out of the window, the blinds concealing the light on the other side. I sigh and slide out of bed, my bones cracking quietly as I do. I open the blinds, immediately shielding my eyes from the blinding light.

Fuck! It's bright!

I grab my phone and check the time.

6:02 AM.

I have an interview at Everest Enterprises Holdings, Inc at twelve-thirty.

I groan and wipe the tears from my eyes as they burn intensely. Once they adjust, I tie the blinds and enter the bathroom. I brush my teeth and change into some clothes to exercise in. I decide on a neon pink Nike Bra Top and a matching pair of Nike leggings. I grab a pair of white Huarache sneakers and make my way into the kitchen.

I pass Shayla as I do; she's sitting in the middle of the living room, directly in front of the television. She's in a very incredulous pose that I can't even comprehend explaining. Something that only a genuine person that does yoga can achieve. I shake my head, hiding a smile. I grab a granola bar from the cupboard and my large, cold-water bottle from inside the refrigerator. I take a swig and close the cap, grabbing my car keys and coat simultaneously. A second later, I'm leaving out of the door.

I drive down the rainy streets of Seattle, tapping my fingers against the car's wheel. The song "I'm Good," by David Guetta, Featuring Bebe Rexha, blasts through my car stereo. I turn the corner into Planet Fitness and park my car. It's raining harder now; my windshield wipers can barely clear the windshield. Unfortunately, my father bought this car—a Volvo EX30. It's all four-wheel-drive and electric. It's the best thing ever—besides the windshield wipers.

I shake my head as I enter the bright yellow and purple building. The lights are shining bright inside—the complete opposite of the dim atmosphere from the outside. It's all muted and grey.

I place my Nike duffel bag in my usual locker, squinting my eyes as I undo the lock. I set everything inside, thankful that I had changed before coming here. I've been coming here for a couple of years, yet I'm still not confident changing in front of others.

It makes me uncomfortable.

I tighten my shoes and relock my locker, randomizing the numbers as I do. With my large water jug in hand, I make my way out and walk toward the treadmill. I put in my usual settings and begin on my journey. I watch the muted television hanging above the room, only somewhat aware of the people around me. I increase my pace and start on a slow jog, sweat beading on my forehead. I bite my lip, feeling the heat build within my body. I'm only five-foot-seven. I have a medium build. My weight is average—only one-hundred-and-sixty-five pounds with large hips and a giant ass to accompany my C-cup breast implants.

I wasn't always such a looker. I used to be depressed, obese, and dirty while living in community living. The depression was the hardest. At one point, I hadn't showered in seven months, my teeth were caked with plaque—with over sixteen cavities, and my weight doubled daily with each cheeseburger I had consumed. It was unfortunate. And the tons of pills I had to garble down to keep me somewhat sane and docile weren't helping. I've had a history of mental health issues, being on the Schizophrenia spectrum being the main culprit. I wasn't heading anywhere, with only a dream of becoming an accomplished writer, publishing something worth reading, a story worth investing your time in. I had always loved erotica, with The Fifty Shades Trilogy, among others being my favorite. I had dreamed of amassing success. It was a wonder how I could accomplish my dream when I couldn't even get a job.

I was overweight, tired, and lazy. How would I be capable of success if I couldn't even associate with the human populous?

Then one day, I was saved! Well, more like rescued from a life-or-death situation. One moment I was crossing the road, and the next, a white Ram rammed into my 2004 Hyundai Santa Fei. My unfortunate harmful frame offered no protection to the five momentous flips my large black SUV took. My body sustained copious amounts of injuries only marred by death to come. Thankfully, my guardian angel came afoot in the form of my adopted father, Joseph, dragging me out of the smoking wreck; the Ram only sustained minor injuries justifying its name.

I was airlifted to a hospital in a smaller city equipped with better technology. I was in a coma for three weeks before seeing the man that had saved me. He had black hair, hazel eyes accustomed to pinpoint pupils, and a large fit frame. He was everything that I had desired in a man. With my fantasies of finding a billionaire husband, the untold reality of finding a father figure in a fatherless household growing up was a surprise and a blessing I hadn't anticipated. He cared for me and aided me. Being my surgeon and primary doctor at the time, I was surprised by the bond that had developed over three months.

He took me under his metaphorical wing and nurtured me, aiding me to better health. A life I hadn't ever imagined achieving with the insignificant and obsolete life I had obtained in the small city of Des Moines and the state of Iowa. Nothing ever happened in Iowa. We were Midwesterners living an everyday day-to-day life of absolute nothingness. It was nice to get out, move to Seattle and start over with my life, even though my life almost had to end to achieve this newfound freedom.

I shake my head, ridding my thoughts of a past life, and continue. I increase the speed once more, beginning on an immediate run. The sweat beading above my temple falls effortlessly down my face and onto the speeding treadmill. I continue for another five minutes before stopping and starting on a new setting. I decide on some weights. It's what I do after every run. I need the cardio and the strength-building. I was to bit fit but not muscular. I want to be toned but not bulky. I achieve a somewhat average and healthy weight while being relatively small. My ass, however, had other ideas, and thankfully I have a Cool Sculpting appointment on the third of April. It's a week away.

While making my way to the weight section, I run into Whitney, my old friend from college. I started on a small college business course online when I turned twenty-three. I hadn't wanted to associate with actual people, but my father thought it would be a great idea. I, however, did not agree, so to help me associate, he hired someone to work with me. Our college course was at WSU. Sometimes we had tests, and she'd accompany me when we did. I had made other friends at school, but Whitney was the only one that had to be paid to be my friend. Yet, she became one of a couple of true friends.

Or so I think. Honestly, I'm unsure how many people my father had to pay. He has millions of dollars. He could have paid the entire school if he wished. At first, I didn't know who to trust.

Thankfully, Whitney and I kept in touch, going to lunch occasionally, but she had to visit her family in Oregon and was gone for a couple of months. I haven't spoken to her since.

I hug her happily, relief washing over me.

"How are you?" I ask, a bit breathless.

She nods and smiles.

"I'm well. Thank you!" She smiles fondly.

Whitney's two front teeth are slightly crooked, the right one slanting a bit too far to the left; her bottom teeth are the same. Sometimes I wonder why people with a slight indifference don't get braces or something to align them. It irks me. It's just a couple of teeth that fuck up the entire set. It's infuriating, and it's something that I can relate to. My teeth were full of plaque and cavity ridden, and they were spaced out and bucked-toothed. Unfortunately, my father had to see me in such a state. If I hadn't been unconscious, I would have been more conscientious of my flaws, but with all of the faults that had befallen me from the crash, my teeth seemed like the last thing to be worried about. Thankfully, my dad finally had enough and got them fixed. The teeth I have now are fake, white, and natural looking. My old teeth had to be shaved down. I was shark-toothed for a bit. I thought it was a bit more comedic than my father did.

"I'm doing well! Just trying to keep fit," I murmur, my arms lining my body.

She nods, "I understand. While visiting my family, I hadn't exercised at all. I had gotten out of shape. I have gained fifteen pounds." A slight frown mars her upper brow as she shakes her head in disgust.

I can understand. Your body feels unnatural when not at its natural and healthy weight, especially when reversing the hard effort and hard work that you've attained.

"Whitney?" A strange man says a couple of paces away.

I frown, looking confused and feeling somewhat worried.

She turns and smiles at the man, making her way over towards him. She jumps into his arms and wraps her arms around his neck. He kisses her cheek and twirls her around. He stops, and she plants a giant kiss on his lips. He lowers her back on the ground; she turns towards me, smiling widely. She's in her element. She walks back towards me, hand in hand with the strange man I've come to understand is her boyfriend.

"Katie," she huffs slightly. "This is my boyfriend, Jacob." She smiles at him.

I nod awkwardly. "Hi! I'm Katharine," I murmur.

He smiles, and I see that the formation of his teeth replicates hers. I roll my eyes and sigh irritably. Whitney turns towards me, frowning. I look at her, biting my lip nervously. I decide to come up with a quick excuse.

"Sorry," I whisper, "My period has just started." I roll my eyes once more and grumble. Whitney's eyes widen, her mouth forming into an 'o'. "Yeah. I'm sorry." I say apologetically, turning on my heel and walking away.

I decide that I've had enough for today. I enter the women's locker room and grab my towel, shampoo, conditioner, and washcloth. I make my way towards the showers, changing out of my clothes and placing them onto the small wooden side table stationed directly outside of the shower. I'm grateful that I'm the only person inside the showers. I hear water falling several stalls away, but they're already inside. They haven't seen me.

I lather soap onto my sweaty body, letting the water particles clean me. I love Dove for sensitive skin. It softens my easily irritable skin and makes me smell good. It's the perfect combo! I wash underneath my arms, scrubbing lightly with my hand towel. I rinse off the soap and wash my hair. I lather and rub in the suds, moisturizing my scalp as I do. I close my eyes and groan, loving the feeling of my nails rubbing against my scalp. I have acrylic gel nail extensions; they get every pore and tendril of hair, cleansing and relieving simultaneously.

I finish and turn off the shower. I wring out my hair, letting the residual water fall to the shower floor. I peek out of the shower, grab my towel, and dry myself off. I tie it around myself and make my way out. I grab my stuff and make my way back towards my locker. I place my belongings down on the bench and continue drying myself off. Someone makes their way around the corner while I'm drying myself, causing me to seize in place. They notice my awkward silence and reaction and walk around toward the other side. I sigh and continue on my way, hurrying my pace as I do and change quickly. I make my way over to the multiple sinks and plug in my hair dryer, but before I do, I put in a leave-in-conditioner and a heat protectant.

I blow-dry my hair with my Dyson Hair Dryer, drying it effortlessly and leaving it with loose beach curls. I spray some hair spray in my hair and leave the long tendrils to fall effortlessly down my back. I grab my products and place them in my duffel bag. I fold my towel, place my dirty clothing into a plastic bag, and place it in my duffel bag. I always have clean clothing in my duffel bag. Every duffel bag I have has a pair of black leggings, a Stop And Stare Sage Sweater from Fashion Nova, and a pair of Banking On Me High Cut Sneakers in a pink combo from Fashion Nova. And because it's raining, I also put on a Sky Walker Long Jacket in Mocha from Fashion Nova.

I grab my bags and make my way out of the locker room and outside. I unlock my car doors and get in. I immediately turn on the heat, rubbing my hands together. I put on my seatbelt, reverse out of the parking lot, and return home.

I eat a burger from Culver's and sip my Pepsi. Shay takes a bite of her fries, chewing loudly. The doorbell rings, and I let Atonia in. She takes her seat and digs in. She was hungry! I shake my head and smile.

"How was work?" I ask, stuffing a fry into my mouth.

Atonia shakes her head, rolling her eyes and huffing. Wow!

"I'm not talking about it," she grumbles and takes another large bite of her sandwich.

I nod, "I understand."

Shay shakes her head and licks her fingers.

"No—we need to discuss you and your interview today." Says Shay.

I still, my body freezing.

Oh, fuck! I forgot about the interview today!

I grab my phone and check the time.

11:20 AM.

My interview is at twelve-thirty. I still have time. However, I should get ready. Thankfully, I already have my hair done. Now, I need to get my clothing and makeup on.

I take another bite of my food, sip my drink, and enter my private bathroom. I brush my teeth and wash my face before going to my vanity and putting on makeup. I put on some tinted facial moisturizer in chestnut, concealer, and contour. I have my brows tinted and waxed—all I need is some brow gel instead of brow liner. I also have eyelash extensions, meaning I don't need false lashes or mascara. I decided on some eyelash gel and ILIA Color Block Lipstick in Rumba.

I go into my walk-in closet and look for the best outfit. I scower the rows of clothing and decide on a black Victoria Beckham Cut-Out Jersey Midi Dress. I grab a pair of black Gianvito Rossi 105MM Crystal-Embellished Suede Sandals. I finish by placing my hair in a high ponytail, letting the soft, loose curls cascade down my shoulders.

I put on a black wool peacoat and a spritz of Eucalyptus perfume to finish off the look and leave my room. I twirl around and sashay as Shay and Atonia cheer supportively. I smile, blushing slightly. I decided not to apply any blush; being at the interview would make me red enough.

"You look beautiful, bitch!" Atonia yells while eating my French fries.

"Yeah, she's right." Shay smiles and makes her way over towards me. She hugs me tightly, kissing my cheek tenderly.

"Thanks," I murmur breathlessly.

I shake my head, biting my lip nervously.

"I-I'm nervous," I say worriedly.

I take out my phone and text Dad.

From: Katharine Michaelson

To: Joseph Michaelson

Dad, I'm on my way to Everest Enterprises. I'll text you when I arrive.

I love you, Katharine.

I go outside and find Dad's driver, Parker, parked outside the apartments. He opens my door, and I get inside. He walks over to the driver's side and makes his way onto the interstate—the car stereo blasting "Another Love" by Tom Odell. I love The Vampire Diaries; that's where I heard this song. It's been my favorite ever since. I've always been a stan of Damon and Elena. I'm a writer of my own accord, and some of my books have been fanfiction turned into books based on The Vampire Diaries. I love supernatural and erotic human romances like Fifty Shades.

We get off the interstate and enter the inner city of Seattle. I watch the copious amounts of cars directing themselves around traffic. Fuck! It's hectic. This is why I decided to move out of the inner city. It gave me anxiety. Lots of anxiety.

I shake my head, attempting to rid the anxiety from my thoughts. I sigh and grumble as our car stops. At first, I don't realize why we've stopped until Parker gets out of the car and opens my door. I stall, frowning at him.

"What?" I ask irritably.

"We're here," he waves his hand up.

I look up at the towering building, cascading over every other structure in its wake. I cautiously get out, looking at my surroundings. I bite my lip, my nerves heightened by tenfold. I shake my head, anxiety ridding every part of my body. I shake my head once more, falling back into my seat. Parker leans in front of me, grabbing hold of my hand. I shake my head, a slight tear falling down my cheek. He wipes it tenderly, cupping my cheek.

I bite my lip, embarrassment overwhelming me.

"I'm sorry," I cry. I shake my head. "Fuck!" I articulate.

I open my eyes and look into his; his green eyes are bright with a comforting softness. My body moves of its own accord, and I find my lips meeting his. I sigh and wrap my arms around his neck. I feel my body intensify before pulling back, stopping myself from my potent thirst for this strange man I don't know. I've only known him for four years, and we've never been this close. I can feel his cool breath against my cheek, softly blowing the current tear down my face. He wipes it once more, causing my lip to tremble.

Fuck! I scream inwardly.

I feel my body is out of control—not my own. I feel everything heat and intensify, my body tingling anew with unknown emotions and feelings. I open my eyes and look him dead in the eyes. He grabs his handkerchief and dabs the tears dry. I smile, chucking through my tears.

"Thank you," I bite my lip and grab his arm, stilling his sensually innocent actions. "I have to go," I say and smile. "I promised my dad."

I grab his handkerchief and dab my face, attempting to keep my face from becoming smeared. I grab my purse and some setting powder and lightly pat it on my face. I take out my eyedrops and plop a couple of drops inside. I wipe the residual drops with a Q-tip. I rummage around my bag, grab my Neutrogena Setting Spray, and spray my face, finishing the look. I dig some more and find a small pack of tissues. I open them and blow my nose lightly, not wanting to mess up my flawless makeup right after fixing it. Once I finish, I dry my nose again and look myself over in my miniature mirror. I look acceptable.

I place everything back inside my bag and breathe. I rev myself up and exit the car. I give Parker a peck on the cheek and make my way inside. Jesus! It's cold! The wind immediately blows my ponytail back and forth. Thankfully, I have my wool peacoat. It looks nice, and it's warm…enough. It's always colder in the middle of a city. As I approach the entrance, I realize I still have Parker's handkerchief and turn around. I find him smiling. I smile and wave and make my way inside. I place his handkerchief in my purse, making a mental reminder to wash it and open the company's large and ornate entrance doors. Once I'm inside, I freeze. Everyone in the company is dressed to impress, just like me. I fit right in.

I smile and bite my lip, feeling confident.

I approach the front desk and wait for the receptionist to notice me. I smile once she does, waving slightly.

"Hello," I murmur.

She smiles and winks.

"Hello, how can I help you?" She asks warmly.

I shake my head, embarrassed.

"I'm Mr. Michaelson's daughter, and I'm here for the interview with Markus Viscidi," I mention.

This is the first time I've been to the company. I've also never seen this Markus Viscidi in my entire life. I have no idea how old he is or what he does for a living. I know he's the CEO; if he's anything like my father, he owns his entire company. My father also doesn't have a board that he answers to. Everyone answers to him. He is in charge.

The woman begins typing on her computer but then picks up the telephone on her desk. She presses a button and waits a moment.

"Ms. Michaelson is here," she mentions.

She smiles and places the phone back down on the landline. She hands me a pass and points toward the elevators.

"Make your way up to the thirty-fifth floor." She says, smiling.

She immediately goes back to her work as if I were gone.

Very professional.

I make my way toward the elevator and push the button. I wait about fifteen seconds before the elevator dings and the doors open. I make my way inside and press the button to the thirty-fifth floor. The doors close, and I ascend. The elevator stops three times as I make my way up to the thirty-fifth floor. Once on the nineteenth floor, the second was the twenty-second floor, and the last was the thirty-fifth floor.

I shake my head as I bite my lip, attempting to concentrate on the elevator music playing above. It helps me focus. I smile softly, feeling somewhat relaxed. The doors open on the thirty-fifth floor. The five people in front of me make their way out. Once they do, they place their cards on the card transactor and pass the clear glass doors leading to the working part on the thirty-fifth floor.

I shuffle from foot to foot before taking a few steps. I step out of the elevator and look around the space. I approach the receptionist, almost missing the tall, dark security guard standing towards the side of the elevator. I smile, wave, and make my way towards him. He gives me a small smile and chews his gum obnoxiously. I clear my throat and stand awkwardly.

He stops and looks up at me, his clear green eyes gleaming quietly.

"Can I help you?" He asks.

I nod, "Yes," I say, clearing my throat again. "I'm here for an interview with Mr. Viscidi," I mention awkwardly.

I bite my lip and shake my head, chuckling awkwardly.

"Do you have your fucking pass?" He asks.

I flinch and look up at him, confused and slightly worried. I shake my head, quietly contemplating whether or not I should leave and forget about this. I mean, Parker is probably still outside—with all of our pent-up energy and emotion, it might be nice to let out some steam. I smile, nod, forgetting my train of thought, and hand her my pass. I still, feeling somewhat upset at my assertive commitment towards this interview.

It was my father's idea that I would come here today. He apparently knows the CEO, Markus Viscidi. Like I've said, I've never met the man. I have no idea what he looks like, and I never thought to look him up.

Fuck! I'm stupid! Why the hell didn't I look him up? I wouldn't be so nervous if I knew what he looked like. Damn!

He places another card on the top counter of the desk.

"Take this and sit over there." He says quietly.

I take the card, smile nicely, and approach the small seated area. I notice everything in the office is all black, white, and grey. It's all very minimal. Very closed off. It's somewhat similar to my father's seating area. The seating area downstairs is always larger than the one near the CEO'S office. The CEO, CFO, and COO's offices are all next to one another. It's funny because my dad's company is not too far away from this one. It's about a block or so away.

I can't believe I hadn't noticed when I arrived here. It was probably because I was so nervous about coming here. I hadn't realized we were so close.

"Katie?" A small voice speaks.

I turn and find Sienna, my old college friend sitting beside me. I smile happily and hug her. She coughs lightly. I look her over and see that she seems a bit larger. I frown, slightly worried.

"Are you okay?" I ask worriedly.

She coughs and nods. "Yes, I'm fine."

I shake my head. "Are you sure?" I ask once more, my concern increasing with each moment.

She coughs once more and smiles.

"Yes. I've just got a cold." She speaks.

I can smell a cough drop in her mouth.

It's flu season. I'm not surprised that she has a cold. Sienna has always been slight in frame and gets a cold several times a year. I remember when we were in college. She would get sick a lot.

I stand up and walk toward the other side of the room, watching the world outside. Sienna follows, doing the same.

"Even though it's dreary outside, I like living in Seattle," she murmurs arbitrarily.

"Yes, I agree. I've always loved living here." I speak.

She laughs and coughs.

I turn towards her, still worried.

Every year around this time, I would get worried about her during the spring between March and May and winter between October and February. It was a worrisome time. I was somewhat glad when I no longer needed to see her. I had a break from all the anxiety.

"You know, I plan on going back to college. I plan on getting a part-time interning job while I do." Sienna says.

I stay quiet, watching people protect themselves from the elements. The weather has gotten worse, the rain officially pouring down by this time. We're lucky. It's nice and warm in the building. Usually, it's pretty chilly in facilities like these, but this building has a lovely temperature gauge.

"Really?" I ask and turn towards her.

"Yes," she says, smiling softly.

"Wow! You've always seemed good with school." I say, biting my lip softly.

She shakes her head, laughing softly.

"No. I've never been good at school." She says, her laugh intensifying. "My families just extremely fucking rich!" She laugh-coughs.

I wince and cover my face.

"Fuck! Are you okay?" I ask worriedly.

She laughs, her cough drop almost falling out of her mouth. I smile and grab a piece of gum from my purse. I take it out of its wrapper, place it back into my purse, and put it in my mouth, the mint immediately overwhelming my senses.

I turn towards her and offer her one. She nods, and I hand her two.

"Don't worry. I have two whole packages." I smile and take her wrapper.

While standing, I hear a woman make her way toward me.

"Ma'am? Are you ready?" A soft voice speaks up behind me.

I turn, surprised, and nod.

"Yes," I answer and follow her.

I turn back towards Sienna and smile, waving.

"I'll call you." I mouth.

She smiles and nods.

I follow her around the corner and down a massive hallway. I look at the walls; the pictures, and the paintings are all black, white, and grey—the exact same color scheme as the waiting room. We walk past a couple of doors, the windows to the rooms shaded and closed off. I shake my head as we make our way around another corner and down another large hallway. I follow gallantly, my heels clacking in my wake.

Before we reach the end of the hallway, I see large, black ornate doors with gold lettering written on the doors. "VISCIDI." is written in large ornate letters on the large ornate doors. It's somewhat intimidating. I swallow loudly, so loud, that the woman leading me towards the doors turns and looks me over, somewhat concerned.

She probably thinks I'm going to throw up. I wouldn't be surprised if people had puked meeting the CEO.

I shake my head, ridding my thoughts of anxiety, and return to focusing on the moment at hand.

She stops a couple of feet before the door and rings the doorbell. She waits three seconds before opening the door and waving me inside. Unfortunately, the moment that befalls me once I enter the room is something that will scar me for life. The image in front of me is a black woman, her large breasts bouncing out of her shirt, her nipples alert and erect, and a very handsome man—his silky pitch-black hair slightly moving from the momentous force of his cock thrusting its way up inside her.

"Fuck!" I cry and turn around.

The assistant quickly closes the door behind us, staring blankly into space. Out of nowhere, a random woman makes her way out from behind another corner I hadn't noticed was there. I cry out, startled, and make my way back down the hallways and toward the waiting room I was before. I find that Sienna is no longer here. I'm all alone. I lean against the balcony frame and look out the large floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the world before me.

I shake my head, anxiety ridding me tenfold.

As I'm in full freakout mode, I realize I've dropped my purse back in his office. The hallway is two hallways away with a randomly hot man from the back fucking a somewhat average black woman with a nose slightly too large for her face.

Fuck! Shit! Damn!

Why the hell do bad things happen to me?

I shake my head.

Everything was all right until I came here. However, I am happy that I got to see Sienna. It was good to see her. I hadn't realized that not seeing someone in a while can make a person lonely and wanton for companionship. I hadn't realized.

Five minutes go by before I get myself together, and once I do, I turn, close my eyes, and sigh. I take five breaths before opening my eyes and find a randomly six-foot-five man standing a couple of paces before me.

Fuck!

I still, my breathing halting. I gulp, nervousness overwhelming me. I shake my head and look back at him, unsure if he's who I'm seeing. The man has large, pale grey eyes, silky neck-length pitch-black hair, a very tall, large, muscular frame, and a lean body.

He's. Fucking. Gorgeous!

Fuck!