Chapter 3

HAILEY

Hailey made up her mind to put the coffee mishap behind her. She was determined to start anew.

A new day dawned, bringing with it a fresh set of tasks. She was instructed to utilize one of the boardrooms. She chose one that was seldom used but appealed to her.

Once she had everything arranged for optimal productivity, she dove into her work.

She spent the entire day engrossed in her tasks.

When she finished, she asked Clara if she could submit her work along with hers. Clara was more than happy to oblige.

~One less thing to worry about. No need to cross paths with that jerk.~

A week passed, and throughout that week, she worked diligently. She typically received her assignments in the morning and, upon completion, handed them over to Clara at the end of the day.

As usual, she arrived at the office in the morning and began organizing her work for the day.

She took out clips and, after removing her notes and pictures from the clipboard, stepped back to get a better view of everything.

She extended her arm to spread the pictures out further. Just as her arm started to ache from the strain, she felt arms wrap around her waist, lifting her slightly.

And that familiar scent.

She instantly knew who it was.

“Better?” he murmured.

His breath tickled her neck, and she could have sworn she felt his lips there.

She turned slightly.

VALERIAN

He had watched her reaching up to arrange the board. She looked so small and delicate—it was a sight to behold. Valerian couldn’t resist wrapping his arms around her to assist.

She smelled of cherry blossoms.

“Better?” he whispered, unable to resist pressing his lips lightly against the curve of her neck.

When she turned slightly, he felt her backside press against his groin.

The things he could do to her right here in the boardroom, on the table. He had to let her go, knowing he wouldn’t be able to control himself if he continued to hold her.

Her voice snapped him back to reality. “Is there a problem, sir?” Her eyes met his, and his gaze dropped to her plump, cherry-colored lips.

~Yes, there was,~ he thought.

Why was she avoiding him? His charms seemed to have no effect on her—she appeared unfazed by his proximity or their recent closeness.

Any other girl would have been smitten by now.

“Where have you been?” he snapped at her.

“I’ve been here, sir, as you can see,” she replied sweetly.

“Don’t play fucking dumb with me, Hailey. Why haven’t I seen you for a whole week?” His voice was rising.

“Is there a problem with my work?” she asked timidly.

“Why do you submit your work to Clara and not directly to me?”

“I... I Clara said she doesn’t mind.” She seemed to be searching for an answer.

“Is she your fucking boss, Hailey?”

“No,” she answered. “I apologize, sir. It won’t happen again.”

“That’s good to know,” he responded curtly.

He turned and left, slightly taken aback by his sudden outburst.

~It was her fault~, he thought. ~Why did she have to be so damn irresistible?~

He wanted her.

And soon.