7. "A lot of men react that way around me."
(1283 words)
I thought I had seen it all. The cruel business world. Wicked schemes. Betrayal. Boardroom vultures.
But nothing prepared me for this little witch, seeping under my skin like an irritating little thorn.
I had barely slept the previous night. My whole body was betraying me. My brain decided to keep recalling her long, smooth legs and the image of her bare abdomen, in addition to her words.
"The bulge in your pants disagrees."
I gritted my teeth as I buttoned my shirt, tying my tie with more force than necessary.
Why the fuck would I feel aroused by her of all people? I had shared spaces with multiple gorgeous women, supermodels even, yet no one had ever prompted me to look twice, let alone feel aroused.
This girl, however? I had no idea what she was doing to me, and I hated every bit of it. I didn't need a distraction as irritating as her when I had finally managed to get to where I'd always wanted to be.
CEO.
I had an empire to run. A legacy to maintain and uphold. A name to make. A reputation to earn.
And I wasn't going to let a five foot something shy-turned-wicked vixen get me off my feet.
I stormed down the stairs, ignoring the smell of fresh coffee and the soft shuffle of footsteps in the kitchen. Not today. I didn't have the patience.
But just as I reached for my keys—
"Morning, Zayden." Came her voice, light and infuriatingly cheerful.
I didn't look at her.
I couldn't.
I just kept my eyes ahead and muttered, "Don't talk to me."
But she wasn't done.
"Aw, are you still embarrassed about last night?" she cooed from behind me. "Don't be. It's perfectly natural. A lot of men react that way around me."
I turned, slowly, coldly. "Your arrogance is astounding."
"So is your lack of control."
She leaned on the archway, once again in a tiny top and shorts like she was trying to kill me slowly. Her hair was pulled up, little strands falling around her face.
I glared at her. "Just shut up and stay away from me."
She laughed casually. "Why? Does it hurt you down there?"
I could not believe her. I was really beginning to doubt if she really even was Aurelia. Suddenly, I missed that quiet version of her. At least she wouldn't be buzzing in my ear like a housefly back then.
Knowing it was useless arguing with her, I grabbed the keys and stormed out of the house.
———
The front door slammed so hard I heard one of the picture frames on the wall rattle.
I took another sip of my coffee, barely containing the grin tugging at my lips.
Zayden Ashford was unraveling.
And I was the thread.
The poor man looked like he wanted to strangle me and kiss me in the same breath, and honestly? I couldn't decide which reaction was more entertaining.
Last night's encounter had been risky—okay, maybe borderline reckless—but the way his eyes had widened and his cheeks had turned red when I pointed out his very obvious situation? Worth it.
Every. Damn. Second.
But it wasn't just the banter. Not anymore.
It was the way he looked at me like he didn't recognize me, like he couldn't reconcile the clumsy, quiet girl I used to be with the confident woman standing in front of him now.
And God, that made it even sweeter.
If only he knew, he was the prime reason I prompted myself to change.
I realised I had to become a more headstrong version of myself if I wanted to survive in this male-dominated world, if I were to be surrounded by men like Zayden Ashford.
Who walked all over miserable people like it were their birth right or didn't cast a second glance at meek, timid girls.
I walked over to the windows, letting the sunlight warm my bare legs as I stared out at the garden. There was something thrilling about watching a man like Zayden—cold, untouchable, always in control—start to crack.
Even if just a little.
But beneath the smirks and the teasing, something in me stirred.
Because I remembered a time when just one sharp word from him could send me running to hide. When I used to tiptoe around this house like I was unwelcome.
Now?
Now he was the one flinching.
And yet... something about his eyes last night hadn't just been frustration or embarrassment.
It had been hunger.
Raw. Unchecked. Unspoken.
It made my stomach flip.
I wasn't sure what game we were playing anymore.
But I knew one thing for sure—Zayden Ashford had finally noticed me.
And there was no going back now.
———
That night, Zayden's father insisted that everyone had dinner together since Zayden had returned home early.
So, Zayden Ashford sat seated opposite to me at the giant dining table in a pale blue dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal his defined forearms and the veins standing out.
He looked like he'd rather be somewhere else. Especially not across from me.
Which, of course, made it all the more enjoyable.
"So," his father said, cutting into his steak. "Big night tomorrow."
I looked up, dabbing the corner of my mouth with my napkin. "What's happening tomorrow?"
"The Hartsfield Gala," Mr. Ashford replied. "Charity fundraiser. Press, sponsors, board members. It's an important one this year—especially with Zayden stepping into his new role. Everyone's expecting to see the new CEO of A&S corporation."
I glanced at Zayden, whose jaw was visibly tight.
"I figured we'd all go," Mr. Ashford continued cheerfully. "Make it a family appearance."
"Me too?" I blinked.
"Of course, darling," Mrs. Ashford spoke warmly. "You're family too, aren't you?"
I gave her a big, grateful smile.
"No, she's not," Zayden instantly denied, voice heavy and annoyed. "She can't come with us."
I pressed my lips together.
"Why not?" His father raised an eyebrow.
"Because she's not part of the Ashford family." Zayden asserted.
"Her father was the co-CEO of the A&S empire. He and I stepped down to let you take over. She has every right to be there." His father affirmed in a tone that demanded no further argument.
I fought back the smile tugging at my lips as Zayden not-very-discretely glared daggers at me.
The rest of the dinner passed by in a blur with occasional small talk. Zayden's simmering anger had seemed to create a dark and heavy haze that hung thick in the air.
As dinner ended, his parents retired to their room, leaving the two of us alone.
Zayden pushed back his chair forcefully, as if trying to assert how upset he was.
"You better stay away from me tomorrow night. I don't want to be associated in any way with someone like you." He warned coldly.
I raised an eyebrow challengingly. "What do you mean someone like me?"
"Insignificant." He deadpanned.
I smirked. "If I truly were so insignificant, you wouldn't get worked up over me simply existing."
He turned towards the door, ignoring me.
"Are you afraid I'll steal your spotlight?" I called from behind.
He snorted, turning around, unimpressed. "You think people will give you attention?"
I pushed my chair back, walking up to him, standing close to him. Too close, as I looked up firmly into his eyes.
"I mean, I got your attention, right?"
A storm seemed to be brewing in his eyes.
After a minute of having a stare contest with me, he muttered, "keep flattering yourself," before storming out of the dining room.