NOTHING BUT A MONSTER

Chapter 12

The penthouse was enveloped in darkness, the air thick with an unsettling sense of uncertainty. Despite the luxurious scent of rose and honey that filled the air, Riley's breathing remained unsteady. A potent mix of fear and discomfort struck her at her core, making her heart feel like it was desperate to escape her chest.

"Mr. Norton?" Riley called out, her voice trembling slightly after several soothing breaths. However, there was no response. The silence that followed was oppressive, striking Riley with even greater force than before. Her mind began racing with a multitude of questions: What did he want from her? Why had he asked her to come here?

As she stood there, Riley felt an overwhelming urge to turn back. However, she misjudged her step and collided with a strong, unyielding wall. Atlas's commanding voice spread across the dark, silent room, making Riley's skin crawl.

"Changing your mind?" Atlas asked, his deep baritone voice sending shivers down Riley's spine. Riley tried to shake off the feeling, attempting to compose herself. "No, Mr. Norton," she replied with a small, tentative smile.

Atlas watched as Riley's slender figure straightened in confidence, showcasing her determined side. His lips curled into a slight smile, indicating his intrigue at her sudden change in demeanor.

"Strip," Atlas commanded, his voice hanging in the air. Riley's eyes widened in shock, unsure of what she had just heard. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Strip," Atlas repeated, his tone growing impatient. Riley was taken aback, her mind reeling with the implications. She had been foolish to think she could outsmart him, and now she was being forced to pay the price.

Riley burst into a mocking laughter, not because of Atlas's actions, but because she had been so naive. Atlas, however, felt a pang of pain at the tone of her laughter, but he was a merciless and brutal man. He was sure that Riley now saw him as nothing but a monster, but he couldn't care less.

"Now," Atlas commanded, his voice firm. Riley shivered, realizing she had no choice. Slowly, she began to undress, Atlas's dark eyes watching her intensely. Despite her mind being numb to his actions, her body responded differently.

Once Riley was completely naked, Atlas carried her gently into the luxurious, dimly lit bedroom and placed her on the moderately soft bed. Riley's eyes darted back and forth as she felt her skin burning uncontrollably, leaving red marks on her flesh.

Carefully and slowly, Atlas began placing gentle kisses on her skin, eliciting a soft, smooth moan from Riley's lips. This sound caused Atlas's last shred of sanity to disappear. He grabbed her, teasing her uncontrollably, making Riley plead with tears. It was unbearable for Riley, feeling like she was being punished rather than experiencing a passionate moment.

But what had she done to deserve this? Atlas seemed to have been satisfied, finally beginning to thrust into her. At first, his movements were careful and gentle, but soon they became more intense, like a hot volcano on the verge of eruption. Riley started to feel uneasy, tears rolling down her eyes as Atlas lost himself in his own world.

Meanwhile, Grace stormed into the building, slamming her pale hand on the front desk. The receptionist, who had been busy on her computer, jolted up in fear. Just looking at Grace Lang made her shiver.

"Is my room available?" Grace asked confidently, waving the card key stylishly in the receptionist's face. Looking at the private card in her hand, the receptionist was shocked. Did this not mean that she also had access to the penthouse? Then who was the other woman? How did she get her hands on the private card?

The receptionist couldn't help but feel confused about the situation. She looked up at Grace with a smile, "Yes, Ms. Lang." Due to curiosity, the receptionist announced, leading her towards the private elevator. Mr. Dale had informed her that Mr. Norton would be receiving a guest earlier that day. It was bound to be Ms. Lang. The other woman must be a fraud.

She had deceived her and gained access to Mr. Norton's penthouse. That woman should be taught a lesson, and who other than Grace Lang could do that? She was not just a friend to the Nortons but specifically Atlas Norton's girlfriend. She was sure that Grace would deal with that woman so well.

She led Grace to the penthouse. Upon arrival, Grace felt something was off. The lights in the hallway were usually turned off because Atlas preferred a darker environment. She wondered if someone was here before her and forgot to turn them off.

Seeing that the receptionist was walking closely behind her, she halted. "Don't you have work?" Grace hated someone breathing down her neck.

Obviously, she was aware since the beginning that the young woman was invested in leading her here. The receptionist knew that this was a subtle way of dismissal. But she really wanted to see that fraudster getting dragged.

Suddenly, a cunning smile spread across her face, her eyes glinting with malice. Feigning remembrance, she squinted her eyes, her brows raising in questioning, "Ms. Lang, Mr. Norton had strictly requested not to disturb him."

As she spoke, the receptionist's eyes darted to the side, her mind racing with thoughts of the other woman. Who was she, and how had she managed to gain access to the penthouse? The receptionist's lips curled into a sly smile as she imagined the impending confrontation.

Everyone in Northdesh knew just how clingy Grace Lang was with Atlas Norton. Surely, at the mention of his name and knowledge of his presence, Grace's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in determination. She dashed into the penthouse, her heels clicking on the marble floor.