DESIRE AND LUST
Desire And Lust – Chapter 65&66
{°° Forbidden Desire °°}
©Lana
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🌺 ᴮᵃᶜᵏᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ‘ᴳᵁᴬᴿᴰᴱᴰ’ ᴮʸ ᶜʰʳⁱˢ ᴳʳᵉʸ 🌺
Mr kings pulled onto the main road, Anna sat quietly, staring out the window.
The city lights were just beginning to glow, casting a soft golden hue over the streets of Paris.
Mr. Kings glanced at her now and then, his fingers lightly tapping the steering wheel.
“So… where exactly is this event being held?” Ana asked, breaking the silence.
“It’s at the Le Grand Palais,” Mr. Kings replied.
“They’ve reserved the entire venue for the Best CEO Awards 2014. It’s a pretty big deal. The press, investors, company heads… everyone will be there.”
Anna nodded slowly. “Sounds fancy.”
“It is,” Mr. King said with a smirk.
“That’s why I wanted you looking like the queen you are tonight.”
Anna smiled faintly. “Well, Marco and Marcos definitely did a great job. I barely recognize myself.”
Mr. Kings glanced at her briefly. “You always look beautiful, Anna. But tonight? You’re unforgettable.”
Anna blushed and looked away, hiding a small smile.
The car turned down a long driveway lined with trees and sparkling lights.
At the end stood the majestic Grand Palais, its glass dome glowing under the evening sky.
Luxury cars were already pulling in.
Paparazzi crowded near the red carpet, flashes going off nonstop.
Anna’s eyes widened. “Wow… this is serious.”
Mr. Kings chuckled. “It is. But don’t be nervous. Just walk beside me and smile. You’ll be fine.”
He parked the car and came around to open her door.
Anna stepped out, heels clicking on the pavement.
She took a deep breath .
“You ready?” he asked.
“Not really,” she whispered.
Mr. Kings leaned down and said softly,
“Well, too late. Let’s go win something.”
They began walking toward the entrance, the sound of cameras clicking around them.
***
Ana and Mr Kings walked inside, soft music played in the background.
The gentle clink of glasses and quiet murmurs filled the elegant room.
Mr. Kings leaned close to Anna and whispered,
“I’m going to chat with some clients, enjoy yourself. You already know where your seat is.”
Ana smiled and nodded.
“I love you,” he added softly.
Her eyes widened.
Did he just say that here, in public? She didn’t respond, just looked away.
Mr Kings chuckled lightly before walking off.
Ana glanced around. The room was buzzing.
People were dressed up,some fashionably elegant, others trying too hard.
She slowly walked through the crowd, scanning faces.
Then she spotted Alexa and raised her hand.
Alexa saw her and walked over with a big smile.
“Hey, Anna. You look fantastic tonight!”
Ana smiled back. “You literally saw me before you left.”
“True,” Alexa laughed
“But I’m complimenting you again. The event’s about to start,just a few minutes left.”
She gently held Ana’s hand. “Come on, let’s go sit down.”
“Where’s Charlie?” Alexa asked as they walked.
“You know I don’t sit next to him at events.
He went to talk with clients,” Ana replied.
They reached their seats and sat down.
“I’m so nervous. I don’t know what’s going to happen today,” Alexa said, looking around.
“I feel the same. I’ve never been to this event with Mr. Kings before. Last time, he brought one of his assistants. I don’t even know what to expect. I guess I’ll just sit and watch… maybe cheer if he wins..or comfort him if he loses,” Ana said with a small shrug.
Alexa chuckled. “Nah, Charlie never loses. He’s been winning Best CEO since 2010. Now it’s 2014. I doubt he’ll lose today.”
“Well, unless Antonio De Luca shows up,” she added.
“Who’s that?” Anna asked.
“Some big businessman from Italy. Apparently, he’s Charlie’s friend and business partner..or was.Something like that ,” Alexa explained.
“I’ve never heard of him,” Ana said.
“He might be here tonight, though. He usually shows up with his wife, or his wife’s sister ” Alexa said.
Anna nodded slowly. “But if he’s not nominated, why does he come?”
“He gets invited. Antonio is the kind of guy who’s everywhere. He’s intense. Honestly, I don’t like talking about him,” Alexa said with a sigh.
“Were you… involved with him?” Ana asked carefully.
Alexa paused, looking down. “Yeah, before. When I was in Italy. But it didn’t end well. So now, we stay away from each other. He got married.”
Anna nodded just as a voice echoed through the hall, everyone slowly turned their attention to the stage.
A tall man in a black tuxedo walked up to the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Best CEO Awards 2014 here at Le Grand Palais in Paris!” the host announced.
A round of applause followed.
“We’re honored to have all of you here tonight. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening celebrating innovation, leadership, and success.”
Ana shifted in her seat, her heart pounding a little.
Alexa leaned closer.
“This is it,” she whispered.
The host continued. “Tonight, we’ll be presenting awards to outstanding CEOs from around the globe. But before that, let’s enjoy a short video highlighting the nominees.”
The lights dimmed slightly as a large screen lit up.
A soft instrumental score played.
Clips of different CEOs at work began showing,business meetings, product launches, charity work, and more.
Then came Charles Kings.
Ana held her breath as his segment played: footage of him in meetings, speaking at conferences, and a few shots from his company’s tech labs.
His voice played in the background:
“Success doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from knowing when to take risks.”
As the video ended, the room filled with another wave of applause.
“Wow,” Ana muttered.
“He’s always so composed. That’s why he keeps winning,” Alexa whispered back.
Just then, a server came by with glasses of champagne.
Anna took one and sipped slowly, trying to calm her nerves.
The host returned to the mic. “And now, the moment we’ve been waiting for…”
Anna and Alexa both leaned forward slightly in their seats.
“The Best CEO Award 2014 goes to… Charlie Kings the CEO of E.K!”
The room erupted in cheers and claps.
Ana’s heart skipped.
Mr. Kings stood from where he was seated with the other nominees, buttoned his tux jacket, and calmly walked to the stage.
Ana turned to Alexa, wide-eyed. “He did it again…”
“Of course he did,” Alexa grinned.
Mr. Kings reached the stage, took the award, and leaned in to the mic.
His eyes briefly scanned the crowd, then landed on Ana.
“Thank you,” he said.
“This award isn’t just for me. It’s for everyone who believes in doing the impossible. And tonight, I dedicate this to someone special… someone who reminds me every day that real strength comes in quiet ways.”
Ana’s face flushed.
He didn’t say her name.
But she knew.
That was for her.
“Why do I feel like that speech is directed at you?” Alexa teased Anna beside her.
Ana rolled her eyes. “I don’t think so,” she said, though her eyes drifted toward Mr. Kings as he continued his speech on stage.
“Well, I wouldn’t have been able to make it this far or win this award if it wasn’t for all of you,my clients, my friends, my employees, and everyone who works with me. Especially my personal assistants,” Mr. Kings said, voice steady and warm.
“I want to thank you all for helping me reach this stage.”
He paused, scanning the room.
“This year has been so f**king hard,” he added with a laugh, drawing gasps and chuckles from the crowd.
“But I did my best. No matter how tough it got, I didn’t give up. Because I knew I had someone to beat. I had to win… just to beat that guy ,Ryan.”
Laughter erupted as his eyes landed on Ryan Martin, who shook his head, grinning.
“My friend, I’m sorry I beat you again this year,” Mr. Kings said with a wink.
“It’s not really a competition… but we both know it kinda is.”
The crowd laughed and clapped again.
“Thank you all for your love and support. I’m honored to win Best CEO of 2014. And with your continued support, I hope to win again in the years ahead.”
He bowed slightly, then stepped off the stage as applause filled the room.
Before disappearing into the crowd, he glanced at Ana briefly, their eyes meeting for just a second.
Ana smiled softly, but she stayed in her seat, there were too many people swarming to congratulate him.
Alexa leaned closer. “Look. You see that man over there? That’s Antonio De Luca.”
Ana turned and followed her gaze, her eyes widening.
Antonio stood tall, sharp green eyes scanning the room, a poised and elegant woman beside him.
He looked both intimidating and captivating.
“He looks intense,” Anna whispered.
“But he’s… wow. Handsome.”
Alexa rolled her eyes. “Yeah, he definitely is. But he also knows how to break hearts. Trust me.”
“Well, just because he broke your heart doesn’t mean he’ll break everyone’s. Look at the way he’s looking at that woman, he looks completely in love with her.”
Alexa followed Ana’s gaze to Antonio and Chiara.
Her expression shifted, and she looked away, taking a deep breath.
“I don’t think he loves Chiara,” she said softly.
“Why?” Ana asked, curious.
“Because… I think there’s someone else he loves,” Alexa replied.
“Do you know who?” Ana pressed.
Alexa shook her head. “No. I don’t know who it is. It’s just… something in the way he looks sometimes. I can’t explain it.”
Ana raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you’re not just jealous?”
Alexa let out a laugh, then nudged Ana’s arm.
“No, I’m not jealous. I’m over Antonio. I don’t want to be in any kind of relationship with him again. I’m just being honest.”
She paused and bit her lip. “Honestly, we never really dated. We were just sleeping together. That’s all it was , fucking each other.”
Ana chuckled. “Well, did you like the way he fucked… you know… did you?”
“Oh my God, Anna!” Alexa laughed, playfully hitting her arm.
“I didn’t know you were this naughty!”
“But yes, he was amazing, he knows how to set my body on fire , just thinking about make me damn wet.He is Dominant, Commanding ,Just… wow.”
Anna shook her head. “He’s a married man now. You shouldn’t talk about him like that.”
“Whatever. Let’s go grab drinks. You won’t see Charlie until the night’s over. Everyone wants to talk about business with him now.”
Anna nodded, glancing around, but couldn’t find Mr. Kings.
***
Mr Kings stood with Ryan, talking.
“Well done, Charlie,” Ryan said. “I thought I’d beat you this time.”
“You can try harder, but no one beats me,” Mr. Kings smirked.
“If Antonio joined this year, I swear he’d beat you,” Ryan joked.
Mr. Kings shrugged. “Antonio’s good with guns and drama, not business. CEO awards aren’t his thing.”
Just then, Antonio approached, sharp in a tailored black suit.
The two men bumped shoulders slightly as they faced each other.
“Long time,” Antonio said calmly.
“Indeed,” Mr. Kings replied, a slow smirk forming on his lips.
Antonio glanced at the award that was on the table,then back at Mr Kings
“Well, congratulations,” he said.
“Another trophy to your collection.”
“Thanks,” Mr. Kings replied coolly. “Though I’m surprised to see you here. You don’t usually show up unless there’s something in it for you.”
Antonio smiled, unbothered.
“Let’s just say I came to support… old friends.” His eyes briefly swept the room before landing back on Mr Kings.
“Besides, Chiara wanted to be here.”
Mr Kings looked past him at the elegant woman standing nearby, speaking to someone from the press.
“She looks good. Paris suits her,” he said casually.
Antonio’s smile faded slightly. “It does. We’re only here for a few days, then back to Italy.”
Mr Kings nodded, then stepped slightly closer.
“Tell me something, are you really here for business, or to stir trouble?”
Antonio’s jaw tightened just enough to be noticeable.
“I don’t stir trouble, Charlie. Trouble finds me.”
Mr Kings let out a small laugh. “Still the same.”
“And you haven’t changed either,” Antonio said, his voice quiet.
“Still pretending you’ve got everything under control.”
“How’s your daughter?” Ryan cut through the tension.
“She’s fine..stubborn as hell,” Antonio chuckled.
“ I bet, she takes after her father,” Mr. Kings muttered.
“At least I have someone to take after me. Some people are pushing 40 and still single,” Antonio shot back, eyeing Mr. Kings.
“Well, maybe I’m already married,just not publicly,” Mr. King said coolly.
“Secrets always come out,” Antonio smirked.
“Anyway, nice seeing you both.”
“Where’s your sister-in-law?” Ryan asked as Antonio turned to leave.
“She didn’t come. She is home taking care of Alessia,” Antonio replied before walking off.
Ryan turned to Mr. Kings. “Why do you guys hate each other?”
“I don’t hate him. I just don’t like him,” Mr. Kings answered bluntly.
Ryan laughed. “It’s always about who’s better between you two.”
Just then, Ryan’s eyes landed on someone across the room.
“Wait… I know her,” he said.
Mr. Kings followed his gaze.
“That’s my assistant, Annabella Evans. How do you know her?”
Ryan looked surprised. “She used to work for my , Uncle I’m going to say hi.”
Mr. King frowned, his voice tighter now.
“Why? I don’t think she remembers you.”
“She will. You don’t forget someone like me,” Ryan said with a grin and walked away, leaving Mr. King standing still, jaw clenched.
Ryan made his way across the room.
Mr Kings’s eyes stayed locked on his back, his jaw tight, hands deep in his pockets.
The casual mention of Annabella Evans ,by another man clearly didn’t sit well with him.
He glanced across the crowd again, trying to spot her, but Ryan was already a few steps ahead, approaching her with a confident smile.
“Ana?” Ryan said as he neared.
Ana turned, her brows slightly pulled together at first, trying to place the face.
Then, recognition slowly settled in.
“Ryan?” she said, surprised.
“You remember me,” he grinned.
“Of course,” she smiled politely.
“It’s been years… I didn’t know you were here tonight.”
“I didn’t know you were working with Charlie,” he said, tone friendly, though his eyes studied her carefully.
“You look… different. Grown.”
Ana gave a light chuckle. “I guess time does that.”
Mr. Kings was still watching.
His eyes narrowed, and he muttered under his breath, “What the hell is he doing?”
Alexa, who had returned with a drink, noticed his expression.
“Jealous already?” she teased.
“I’m not jealous,” he replied coldly.
“Well, Ryan’s always been charming. Ana clearly remembers him,”
Alexa said with a shrug, then walked off.
“It’s been a long time since I saw you,” Ryan said, his eyes scanning Anna’s face.
“You’ve changed so much. You disappeared and never reached out.”
Anna smiled softly. “Well… some things were happening. I lost my job, so I moved to New York.”
“New York is treating you well?” he asked.
Ana nodded. “Yeah, it is.” She paused, then smiled at him.
“You also look different. You’ve changed.”
Ryan chuckled. “I’m so glad I saw you again, Ana. You know, I asked almost everyone from the hotel if they’d seen you.”
“Well, I left without telling anyone because I was really mad,” Anna said.
“Your uncle just fired me without giving any reason. So I decided to leave. I didn’t even say goodbye to anyone”
“He told me left without saying anything.”Ryan said
” That’s a lie. He just came to me and said, ‘You’re fired, Ms. Evans.’ I asked why, but he didn’t explain. He just said he couldn’t work with me anymore. I was so mad, I didn’t even want to call you. I thought I’d just be bothering you.”
Ryan looked down and said, “I’m so sorry he did that. If I’d known, I would’ve tried to find you and apologize. I’m really glad to see you again.”
“Well, you should give me your number,”
He continued.
“I’m going to New York next week after this event. Maybe we can meet up and talk.”
His gaze briefly shifted to Mr. Kings, Ryan noticed him watching.
Then he looked back at Ana.
“I’ll give it to you,” Ana replied. “I’d like to meet and catch up, just old friends.”
She smiled lightly as Alexa walked over and said something to her.
Ana nodded, then turned back to Ryan.
“Well, I have to go now. Looks like my boss needs me,” she said.
“It was nice seeing you, Ryan.”
She reached out for a handshake, but Ryan surprised her by pulling her into a hug.
Mr. Kings, watching from across the room, clenched his jaw.
He took a step forward like he wanted to interrupt, but held himself back.
His chest tightened.
Then he froze , his face became harder and cold than before when he saw Ana hugging Ryan back.
.
