I pushed open the doors of the towering glass building, the midday sun reflecting off its windows. My body still throbbed, my limp evident in my stride.
That man was a monster.
I had a white scarf wrapped around my neck to hide the love bites, and I forced my shoulders back, tapping my foot impatiently as I waited for the elevator.
The metallic doors slid open with a soft ding, revealing a crowd of upset people.
I stepped in after they exited, my ears catching their complaints:
“Can he really just fire us? We’ve been here for seven years!”
A woman’s shrill voice made me wince, the redness around her eyes highlighting her tears. The others murmured in agreement, their downcast steps making my heart pound.
The doors closed just as my breath started to hitch, my nerves on edge.
I bit my lip. My hand tightened around the strap of my bag, the weight of my manuscripts suddenly feeling much heavier.
Stepping out of the elevator and onto the floor, I looked around. The bright lights hanging from the ceiling contrasted sharply with the heavy expressions of the staff.
The long, modern headroom was filled with people rushing over the marble tiles, moving back and forth between the rooms lining the corridors.
I limped over to the line of people waiting outside a door with the name “Daniel Rossi” etched into the wood in golden letters.
The name echoed in my head, stirring a whirlwind of anxious thoughts. I pushed the strange familiarity to the back of my mind, clenching and unclenching my fists for comfort.
Standing in my spot, I swallowed nervously as I waited for my turn. People left the office, some crying, others red-faced with anger.
My stomach churned as I closed my eyes, whispering calming words to myself.
I let out a shaky breath, my feet shuffling nervously, my hands twisted together.
“Rosalie! Finally, you’re here!” I rolled my eyes, forcing a smile to hide my anxiety as the manager approached me.
“Well, don’t just stand there! Go in.” My thoughts blurred, a lump forming in my throat.
She grabbed my arm, pushing me toward the room with a pointed look. I shot a glare back at her before reluctantly heading to the oak door.
Raising a clenched fist, I knocked on the wooden door, peeking through the peephole.
My knees almost buckled as I leaned against the wall after catching a glimpse of the man inside, my hand covering my mouth.
“Come in.”
I gasped at the deep voice, the same voice that had whispered heated words into my ear just hours ago.
I quickly wrapped my scarf around the lower half of my face, tying the fabric into a knot over my hair.
My eyes widened, my face turning a deep red as I remembered the lingering sting between my legs—the man who caused it was on the other side of the door!
I frantically looked between the door and the manager who was standing with her hands on her hips, desperately searching for an escape.
With no way out, I gave up, turning back toward the office. I stepped into the heavy atmosphere, letting the door close behind me with a soft click.
The large room seemed to taunt me, the wide windows sparkling under the clear blue skies. A huge mahogany desk sat in the middle of the room, documents neatly arranged around it.
He stood with his back to me, a tailored blazer hugging his muscular back, his hands gripping the shelves behind his desk.
“Miss Millar, I believe?” He turned, eyes narrowing at my makeshift mask.
I cleared my throat, “I... um... have an infection.” My voice was muffled by the layers of the white scarf, trailing off into an unrecognizable tone.
He frowned, nodding slightly, “Right. Infection.” His gaze bore into mine, his eyes scanning my face.
Keeping his gaze on me, he gestured to the dark chairs by the table, “Take a seat.”
I sat down on the cold leather, my shoulders tensing under his scrutiny.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re an author who specializes in romance,” his eyes darkened, “erotic romance.”
“Yes.” I paused to swallow. “I’ve been working here for the past two years.”
He tilted his head, the intensity of his gaze making me look away.
“What do you want, Rose?” His voice turned sultry and low, his eyes crinkling at the corners like he was suppressing a smile.
Shit, shit, shit.~
I clamped my mouth shut, my cheeks heating up.
My shoulders relaxed in relief, “Yes. Yes, I do have a book by that name.”
He walked around the desk, stopping beside me. I averted my gaze, the intoxicating scent of his cologne making my knees weak.
“As you know, I’ve had to make a few cuts from the staff.”
I almost scoffed.
A few? More like hundreds.~
“But I think a renowned author like you should be offered a permanent position, instead of the hours you’ve been working until now.”
His words echoed in the room, his presence filling and dominating the space.
I looked up to see him already looking at me, his deep gaze locked on mine, almost like he was searching for something.
“I appreciate the offer, Mr. Rossi, but I’m not sure I can handle the hours,” I replied, my voice shaky, struggling to control the heat spreading over my skin.
He tilted his head, “Well then, I’m afraid the company can’t accommodate you, Miss Millar.” He threw my words back at me—an unspoken challenge hanging in the air between us.
Walking back to his seat, he left a cold emptiness in his wake—the cool air wrapping around me.
“Unless, of course, you’d like to take some time to consider the offer.”
I chewed on my lower lip, my gaze dropping to my lap before I shot him a sharp look. “You know what? I think I’ll take you up on that offer now.”
I’d busted my ass to get where I was, and I wasn’t about to throw it all away just because I’d accidentally slept with my new boss.
Well, when you put it that way—
Without a word, he slid the contract my way, a small smile playing on his lips. The sight sent a warm thrill straight to my core.
As I scanned the straightforward sentences, he offered me a pen. Our fingers brushed for a fleeting moment as I took it. After signing my name at the bottom of the page, I stood up.
“Pleasure meeting you, Mr. Rossi.” I spun around, not waiting for his reply.
“Likewise, Rose.” His voice, deep and husky, made me stumble mid-step, my breath catching in my throat.
Ignoring the urge to look back, I hurried out of his office, my body buzzing with adrenaline.
