Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 35

**TITLE: Across Distant Skies Lies Hope Waiting To Be Found by Kade Rowan Flint**

**CONTENT: Take me to Reed Enterprises**

**Grace**

A low groan escaped my lips as I gingerly pressed my fingers against my temples, wincing at the sharp, relentless throb that pulsed through my skull.

“What the hell…” I croaked, my voice hoarse and gravelly, like I had just emerged from a long night of shouting. It felt as if a relentless hammer was pounding against the inside of my brain, each beat echoing with a painful reminder of my state.

I groaned once more, this time pressing my palm firmly against my forehead, as if that alone could ward off the pain. Every fiber of my being felt achy and bruised, as though I had just run a marathon—or perhaps, been struck by a truck. With a heavy sigh, I rolled onto my back, desperately hoping the ceiling would cease its dizzying spin. But then, a chill swept across my chest, freezing me in place.

Wait.

My heart raced as I pulled the sheet tighter around myself, feeling an unsettling vulnerability wash over me. Why did I feel so exposed?

With a hesitant breath, I glanced down, my stomach dropping as I took in the shocking sight.

“Oh my God.”

I was completely naked. Not even a bra or a pair of panties to shield my modesty.

Panic surged through me, my breath hitching in my throat as my mind struggled to piece together the fragmented memories.

The club.

“Let’s go to the club,” Eleanor had said, her voice ringing in my ears like a distant bell.

That’s right, I had gone out with them. But why was there a gaping chasm in my memory after that?

Did I get drunk again?

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. “Did I—did I sleep with someone?”

My hands flew to my face, heat flooding my cheeks and neck. “What the hell, Grace!”

This was a catastrophe of epic proportions.

“I hate this,” I muttered under my breath, frustration boiling over as I rubbed my hands down my face. “If I really did sleep with someone last night, why can’t I remember a single thing? That was the whole point—remembering everything. The sensations, the thrill of it all. At least then it might help me navigate this unbearable sexual tension, and perhaps keep me from crawling into bed with that demon.”

What was the point of it all?

Gritting my teeth, I raked a hand through my tangled black hair, finally forcing myself to examine my surroundings.

The room was undeniably luxurious, exuding an air of opulence despite its compact size. A king-sized bed dominated the space, flanked by sleek black marble floors that gleamed under the dim light. A pristine bathroom nestled in the corner caught my eye, its modern design hinting at extravagance.

I raised an eyebrow, my mind racing. Where the hell was I?

“How amusing,” a voice drawled from the shadows across the room. “If you knew I was a demon, you should’ve thought twice before walking in here with your own two feet.”

I froze, my heart plummeting. That voice.

No. God, please no. Of all the people in this world, don’t let it be who I think it is.

I squeezed my eyes shut, praying for a miracle.

God, I swear, if it isn’t him, I’ll become the most devoted worshipper alive. I’ll attend church every day, I’ll stop cursing, I’ll do anything. Just please… don’t let it be him.

“Turn your head, Miss Grace,” the voice continued, amusement lacing his tone. “This isn’t a dream.”

My heart sank like a stone in my stomach. I turned slowly, dread creeping down my spine like icy fingers.

Fuck.

There he was, lounging on a sleek black leather couch as if he owned the world itself, legs crossed casually, sleeves rolled up, and his shirt unbuttoned just enough to ignite a fire of irritation within me. His dark hair was tousled, the kind of messy that only someone with effortless power could pull off. Veins snaked along his forearms, fingers tapping a steady rhythm against the armrest, a silent testament to his confidence.

Apollo Reed.

The devil incarnate.

His gaze locked onto mine, piercing and intense.

“I see you’re finally awake,” he said, his voice low and smooth, sending chills down my spine.

I clutched the sheet tighter around me as the memories of the previous night began to flood back, crashing over me like a wave.

What the hell had I done?

**A few hours ago**

The music thumped relentlessly in my ears, a pulsating heartbeat that seemed to sync with the energy of the crowd. Bodies swayed and writhed everywhere, dancing, grinding, and stealing kisses in shadowy corners as if the rest of the world had vanished.

Eleanor, in her usual exuberance, thrust a drink into my hand. “Here.”

I stared down at the glass, my resolve wavering. Instead, I focused on her. Her cheeks were flushed, her smile wide and tipsy, radiating the carefree spirit of the night. She was fully immersed in party mode, and I could already feel the twinge of regret settling in my bones.

I frowned, recalling the disastrous night when I had gotten drunk and stumbled into the wrong hotel room.

“No,” I said firmly, shaking my head. “I’ll pass.”

“Why?!” she exclaimed, draping her arm around my shoulder with exaggerated drama. “You look so hot in that black dress. And your hair—did you curl it? You know how freaking sexy you look right now? Are you really just going to stand here all night? Without at least one drink?”

“Eleanor, I don’t drink in public anymore. Especially after what happened that night.”

“What night?” she asked, brow furrowing in confusion.

Wyatt, who had been standing like a massive bouncer beside us, chimed in. “The night she accidentally slept with her boss.”

I shot him a glare, my cheeks flushing. “I didn’t sleep with him.”

He grinned. “Almost.”

I shook my head. “I don’t want to impose. Besides, I need to get home. All this alcohol is kicking my brain like a mad goat. I’ll just take a cab and get some sleep.”

Wyatt opened his mouth, but I cut him off before he could protest. “Seriously. I’m good.”

He hesitated, weighing his options, then nodded. “Alright. I’ll call the cab and give them the address.”

As we walked out, Wyatt pulled out his phone again, booking the ride. When the cab arrived, he gently opened the door for me, and Eleanor leaned in to help me settle inside.

I tightened my fingers around hers, offering a wobbly grin.

She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You are so wasted; maybe I should follow you.”

“No, don’t worry,” I murmured. “When I get home, I’ll drink a whole ocean of water. Happy?”

“Thrilled,” she smirked, her expression teasing. “And remember, no passing out in the shower, okay?”

“Yes, Mom.”

She laughed, turning to the driver. “Be careful with her.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied with a small nod before pulling away from the curb.

I leaned my head back against the seat, closing my eyes as the music and noise faded into the background. Now, it was just me and my traitorous thoughts.

And of course, they went straight to him.

Apollo Reed.

I scoffed at myself, shaking my head in disbelief. I hadn’t even glanced at a single guy properly tonight. What a shame. The whole point of this night was to distract myself, to find someone—anyone—who could sever the invisible cord tethering me to my dangerously attractive boss.

Every time someone danced too close or even dared to look my way, I found myself comparing them to him.

God, had that man truly ruined my ability to find anyone else attractive? What kind of demonic curse was that?

I opened my eyes and let out a quiet laugh, shaking my head at my own foolishness.

If I was going to keep torturing myself with thoughts of him, if I was going to dwell on something I had no intention of pursuing, then I might as well just go for it.

I leaned forward toward the driver, determination surging within me.

“Excuse me?”

He glanced at me in the rearview mirror, curiosity evident in his eyes. “Yes, ma’am?”

“I’d like to go somewhere else.”

He blinked, surprise flickering across his face. “But your friend said—”

“I know. But change of plans.” A smirk tugged at my lips. “Take me to Reed Enterprises.”