Single Mother

Chapter 1: Rain and Temptation

The rain pelted down in relentless sheets, drumming against the sleek black hood of my Ferrari as I navigated the empty streets. I’m Lisa Manoban, the youngest fucking billionaire CEO of Manoban Motors, age 28, and I don’t usually stop for anyone. But tonight, something—or rather, someone—caught my eye. There, at a desolate bus stop, sat a woman who looked like she’d walked straight out of a wet dream. Her dark hair clung to her face, and in her arms, she cradled a baby, maybe a year old. What the hell was she doing out here in this shitstorm?

I pulled over, grabbed my umbrella, and stepped out, the cold rain biting at my skin. As I approached, I got a better look. She was stunning—sharp cheekbones, full lips, and eyes that could cut through steel. Her name, I’d soon learn, was Jennie Kim, age 26, a single mother with a fire in her that I could sense even through the downpour.

'Hey, miss, you need a ride or some damn help?' I asked, holding the umbrella over her and the kid.

She looked up, her gaze piercing, and snapped, 'No, I’m fucking fine.'

I raised a brow, unfazed. 'What’s your name? It’s late as hell, and there’s no bus coming tonight.'

'Jennie,' she bit out, clutching her baby tighter. 'And I know. The damn bus won’t be here ‘til tomorrow.'

I couldn’t believe my ears. 'What the fuck? You’re gonna sit here all night in this rain with a baby? Look, I’m not trying to be a creep, but you can’t stay here.'

Her eyes narrowed, sizing me up like I was some predator. 'I don’t have a choice, asshole. No one’s coming for us, so I wait.'

I smirked, leaning in just a bit, my voice low. 'Well, I’m here now, aren’t I? If you’re not too stubborn to admit you need help, I’ve got a place nearby. You and the kid can crash there tonight. I’m not a fucking serial killer, so chill.'

Jennie hesitated, her jaw tight, but finally, she relented with a sharp, 'Fine, whatever. But if you try anything, I’ll fucking gut you.'

I chuckled, opening the back door of my car. 'Noted. Sit here, and use my coat to cover the little one. It’s warmer than that soaked blanket.'

She slid in, still wary, muttering a begrudging, 'Thanks.' I got back in the driver’s seat, the engine purring to life as I stole a glance at her in the rearview mirror. Even drenched, she was a goddamn vision—curves in all the right places, a fierce edge that made my blood heat. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, trying to focus on the road instead of the thoughts creeping in. Her scent, faint but intoxicating, filled the car, and I couldn’t help but imagine what those lips would feel like, what that fire in her would unleash if I got too close.

'So, Jennie,' I started, breaking the tense silence, 'you always this charming, or am I just lucky tonight?'

She scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. 'Oh, I’m a fucking delight when I’m not stranded in a storm with a stranger who might be a psycho.'

I grinned, catching her eye in the mirror. 'Fair enough. But I’m more interested in keeping you warm than cutting you up. How’s that for psycho?'

Her lips twitched, almost a smile, but she hid it quick. 'Keep talking like that, and I might just believe you’re not full of shit.'

The air between us crackled, charged with something unspoken. As we neared my penthouse, I could feel the tension building, my mind racing with images of her—wet, dripping, pressed against me. I parked, turning to face her, my voice dropping. 'We’re here. Let’s get you inside before I start thinking too hard about how good you look even in this mess.'

Jennie’s eyes flashed with a mix of defiance and something hotter, something that told me she wasn’t just some damsel in distress. 'Watch it, Lisa. I’m not here to play games.'

But as we stepped into the elevator, the space between us shrinking, I could see her breath hitch, her gaze lingering on me just a second too long. The heat was undeniable, and I knew—fuck, I knew—that tonight was about to get a hell of a lot more interesting.