1 PROLOGUE

"CONGRATULATIONS Nick! You did a really great job in your new released book!" - A guy with a stature of 6"2 ft exclaimed. He adjusted his holster as he stands up to face the crowd. The light from the chandelier shone over his few, white hair strands.

"Would you believe that he sold 175,000 copies in just 3 weeks?!" the man continued praising, as he raise his glass of wine.

"A toast for "My Refuge" and to Nick's success!" The lady in a red coat followed through with her spiel. Her hair is straight and flowed smoothly as she tilts her head. She smiled to the attendees and graced everyone with her heavenly beauty. The mass then lifts their alcohol filled glass in unison and hailed

"Cheers to Nick!"

"Thank you Everyone! I really appreciate your time despite of your busy schedule, and being it a weekend night." Nick announced with a grin in his face. He is wearing a navy blue suit on top of a blazer of the same color. His black long tie tucked under, complimented well with his white long sleeves. Nick now stands by himself in the middle of the gathering.

Flashes of light from cameras reflected in his black square glasses that sits perfectly on his straight, yet elegant nose.

"Enough with the speech. Enjoy the party." he says with a soft smile to end the toast.

The sound of cutlery and murmurs from the guests resounded inside the reception hall. Everybody is enjoying the high class meal served on their table.

"Where do you want to go tonight? The lady in the red coat asked quietly. She is seated beside Nick and have barely touched her food. Her eyes looks at Nick with interest and excitement.

"You don't want to end up in a tabloid right?" The holster guy interrupts as he clears his throat.

"Dad, we'll be careful and besides, everyone approves us." she responded with a hint of agitation in her voice.

"Don't worry Mr. Greyson. Monique and I will just watch a movie or two in my place." Nick answered.

"Again?! Aren't you tired of doing that boring stuff?!" she blurted. Her arms now crossed in front of her.

"You know what can make a boring night, less boring, right Monique?" Nick playfully responded to her tantrum, while he managed to finish the last bite of his delicious and juicy steak.

"Go somewhere else to talk about those kind of stuff kids!" Mr. Greyson debated as he was forced to listen to Nick's flirtatious remark.

"Please restrain yourself Monique. You're lucky to be my daughter... because if not, you will be fired now." The old man continued.

"All right Dad. I'll be home before you know it"

Monique sweetly wrapped her arms around her Dad's neck.

"We should leave now then, Mr. Greyson. She'll be home before twelve."

"Thank you." The two men exchanged their words.

"Are you leaving now?.. with Ms. Monique in tow?" a man commented as he shakes the hand of Nick. He looks fresh in his yellow checkered long sleeve, paired with a black long tie inserted inside his plain khaki sweater as an overlay.

"Don't make it sound like I'm in kindergarten, Rafael" Monique replied immediately while rolling her eyes.

"Mr. Greyson asked me to drive her home. That's all Bro." Nick answered in defense.

"Okay.. okay. If you say so. Then I'll trust you'll keep Ms. Monique safe in this cold night" Rafael sarcastically responded.

Nick and Monique bade goodbye to the rest of the big shots from different publications and other close friends as they walk away from the huge function room.

Monique slid inside the 2019 Black Kia Sorento and sat beside the driver's seat.

"Wow, this is really comfortable. I'd love to have one of this!" she excitedly commented.

"You already have 3 cars Monique, why would you need another one? Nick questioned.

"Well first, I don't have anything of this vehicle type and design. Second, I want to have anything you like...'cause I LOVE YOU". was her fast reply. Both of them laughed and the rest of the drive was quiet.

"Here's my key card. You head there first while I find a spot."

"Okay sir. I'll be ready in your bedroom." she replied. Her voice sounded low and seductive.

Nick did not reciprocate the mood and instead, he just closed the car door and looked for a place to park.

After five minutes, he was already in his way to his apartment. The elevator light blinked as it stopped on the 21st floor. He got out and walked his way to room 2110. Entered his password and by the time he opened the door, there he saw the ever enticing body of Monique.

"Oh, haha. I was about to hide in your room. Guess there's no need to say...Surprise?!" she timidly commented as she covers her mouth with both of her hands.

"What were you thinking? What if somebody else opened the door?" Nick angrily questioned her but she seemed to be not fazed by Nick's behavior.

"Come on Nick. You were so busy for the past few weeks, that I'm now feeling deprived." she replied sexily, rubbing her body as she hugs him.

"I'm really tired you know. I just want to be able to sleep the whole day, for the first time in a month. I'm sorry Monique" was Nick's weak reply.

"Don't worry babe, I'll take the lead this time.

You just have to relax and let me do my thing, okay?" she replies without a second doubt.

He sighs. Loosened his tie and walked towards his spacious bedroom. The king size bed was covered with grey silky comforter. The two white pillows matched the overall design of the headboard as well. Nick sat down at the edge of the soft matress.

"Let's just watch a good movie and eat some pizza then call it a day, alright?"

"What are you talking about?" she seemed to be confused of what's happening.

"Monique..please understand"

"Are you really going to ignore me like this?"

"No...stop. Im sorry." he sadly requested.

"Tell me. Is that the only reason? or did you want to do it with someone else?" Monique is now fuming in discontentment.

"I'm not seeing anyone else, you know that. I'm not sure why. I just don't have the drive today..I'm sorry."

"You know what? I'll just embarrass myself if I stay here. I'm going to leave." she says while picking up her clothes on the floor.

"Hey babe!"

"Stop there. Don't even bother seeing me outside. This is ridiculous!" She was already done dressing herself and made her way outside. She slammed the door as she walked out.

Nick laid down on his bed. He knows he wanted to feel Monique's touch but his mind is consumed with so many things.

He massaged his temple as he realizes that she might've been right in some way. Nick jumped out of bed and entered his bathroom. Opened one of the drawers and there he saw stacked novels from a certain author -

Jane M. A renowned writer for erotic scenes.

He pulled out an old voice recorder and listened to a female's voice.

She is the reason of his INNER TURMOIL.