Chapter 11
Ibusied myself typing reports, driven by the desire to excel in my work. With focus and dedication, I meticulously crafted reports and managed schedules. The office buzzed with activity around me. Ringing phones and lively conversations were the familiar background noise. At this point, I simply tuned them out and immersed myself in my tasks.
When I heard the shrill ring of the landline beside me, I tilted my head, annoyed at the interruption to my workflow. I hoped it wasn”t Cynthia, who always seemed to have some task for me. With an exasperated sigh, I picked up the receiver.
”Hello Cassie.”
”Can you come to my office now?”
Annoyance tinged my voice once I realized it was Jack, Leo’s personal assistant. Argh! It was never good news. It never was. I had spent exactly nine days coming to this building, and whenever Jack called, it was never good news. “What is it now Jack?” I snapped, my frustration spilling into my voice. “Another urgent summons to the lion’s den?” I snorted.
Jack’s calm voice on the other end made me envious of his professional manner. This was especially true given my own frustration, which he definitely didn”t cause. ”I”m sorry, but Mr. Woodrow wants to see you immediately. It seems to be of utmost importance, but I don”t have all the specifics.”
I rolled my eyes. Of course, it always was ”of utmost importance,” yet he never provided any details. I sighed, acknowledging that he owned the business and I had no choice but to comply. ”Fine,” my voice came out begrudgingly. ”I”ll be there as fast as I can.”
Hanging up the phone, I angrily flicked a loose strand off my face. Why did he require my presence yet again? I desperately hoped there would be a reason this time. But, I knew better than to expect that much from him.
Resigned to my fate, I straightened and made my way towards the elevator. Upon arriving at his floor, I didn’t bother acknowledging Jack. I knew the routine well enough and didn’t need a reminder. I pushed open Leo’s door and entered the office, a scowl etched deeply on my face.
I was exhausted, if exhaustion even captured the full extent of my feelings. Weary would better describe it. I was tired of these constant calls. My frustration simmered below the surface. Leo raised his eyes to meet mine, a familiar gleam of satisfaction dancing within us. He gestured towards the chair as usual. Then, he turned to some documents on his desk.
I took a deep breath, my irritation reaching its peak. ”What is it this time, Leo?” I snapped. ”I”m tired of being summoned here for no reason. If you have something to say, say it!”
Leo lifted his eyes from the documents, feigning shock. He remained cool and composed, and when he saw the fire in my brown eyes, a small smirk played at the corner of his lips. It was a deliberate attempt to provoke me, and when anger flashed across my face, he almost laughed. ”Oh, second best, always so fiery,” he said dismissively. He used the sour little nickname to push my buttons.
”I”m sorry if I interrupted your oh-so important work. But, rest assured, there is a reason for summoning you,” Leo retorted. His tone dripped with sarcasm.
I was clearly upset by his response because he saw me clenching my fists, and when I spoke, I sounded frustrated. “Just tell me what you want already! I don’t have time for your games and tricks. If you have something to say, say it clearly and directly.”
Leo”s smirk grew, eyes amused. He leaned back, observing me. He took in my dark, wavy hair, my intense gaze, and my fitted jeans. Then, he spoke. ”You think this is a game? No. This is business. And you? You”re my assistant.”
His words made me feel belittled and frustrated. I held my old job responsible for shutting down, leaving me in this predicament. The atmosphere in the room was charged with hostility. I struggled to stay composed. I was determined not to show any weakness in his presence.
“Fine! If it’s business, then get to the point. I have work to do and wasting my time won’t make me more efficient or impressed with you.”
He casually turned in his chair, not caring much. ”Making you happy isn”t my main goal,” he said calmly, which only made me more frustrated.
He leaned back, a small smile on his face. It”s important to know your tasks. But, it”s crucial to admit I”m in charge. As your boss, I pick your tasks and what”s important. I want you to stay put and wait. My eyes narrowed, and anger rose. I fixed my gaze on him, feeling more determined. The tension in the room grew. Yet, Leo”s smirk remained.
“I’ve had enough of this Leo, do your worst. I’m leaving. Fire me if you want. I don’t care” I hissed and turned to leave the suffocating confines of the office. I can not stand here and take the humiliation anymore.
”Oh, no. You”re not going anywhere,” Leo countered, his voice firm and commanding. I scoffed. ”Watch me,” I muttered under my breath, heading for the door. But as I reached for the knob, I noticed that he had swiftly crossed the room, blocked my path, and twisted the key.
I took a sharp breath, feeling my eyes widen. The sound of the lock clicking filled the room, making everything tense. Tears welled up, and I felt a heat building inside me. I turned to Leo, my voice filled with bitter anger. ”What”s your game, Leo? Why do you keep calling me here for no reason?”
I observed his smug expression slowly forming into a smirk as he confidently advanced in my direction. Feeling a rush of nerves, I instinctively retreated a few steps until my back forcefully met the unyielding surface of the door. His words dripped with a sense of superiority, ”Patience is key. Rushing won”t reveal the answers you seek.”
My heart raced and my breath caught as he moved closer, closing the distance between us. Pinned against the door, I longed to vanish. Leaning in, he whispered seductively. His voice sent shivers down my spine and awoke a desire within me. How long had I yearned to hear his voice? How long had I craved the way he could stir both desire and anger within me?
”You can”t escape,” Leo murmured against my ear. ”And I don”t mean from my office. I mean I can see it in your eyes. I can see you trying to resist, but I think I see the truth. You still want me. You still love me. Isn”t that right?”
He heard the exasperation in my voice even though he didn’t lean back to see my eyes. “Is that what these games are about? You are hunting for an Avenue to toy with my emotions?”
He leaned back, surprised. He could see vulnerability staring at him in my brown eyes. He reached to tuck a black strand behind my ear, moving closer. ”Games?” He balked. ”No. This is far from a game. There”s unfinished business between us, and you know it.”
He saw my eyes filled with anger, and I opened my mouth to speak before snapping it shut. It was interesting to watch the emotions play out on my face in real time. He could see the conflict in my eyes as I tilted my chin upwards to meet his gaze. He enjoyed this. He watched me dance on the dangerous edge of desire and heartache. He knew he had caused the heartache.
Then, as he watched me squirm, I pressed my palms against his chest. He closed his hands and tried not to react to my touch. His eyes widened when he heard the tremor in my voice. “Leo no. I’m not allowing myself to end up pulled into your web. This is over”
I glared at him, my brown eyes showing defiance. ”Unfinished business?” I scoffed. ”You broke my heart! You must be more foolish than I thought to think you still have power over me!”
He tilted his head to the side, his lips pressed tightly together in thought. Then, leaning closer, he lowered his voice to a whisper. ”Do you think you”re only pretending not to care? Is your real emotion buried beneath the surface?”
I swallowed. I felt my heart pounding, as if a thousand soldiers marched in my chest. My body yearned to lean into his, filled with a desperate need. My hands tingled as I placed them on his chest, yet I fought against the urge. ”That”s not true. I”ve moved on. I don”t need you anymore,” I cried out, the words almost a plea.
Leo”s smirk deepened as he gazed at me, his piercing blue eyes capturing mine. I felt myself falter, a powerful urge rising within me to dive into the depths of his gaze. I longed to lean in, to surrender myself entirely to his presence.
”The fire between us never truly died. Admit it, I. Right here, right now. You still want me as much as I want you,” Leo asserted, his voice laced with conviction.
I noticed the intensity in his eyes and the softness of his features. His voice was grave, there wasn’t the slight hinge of amusement in his eyes.
No. He wasn’t serious. Oh God! My lips quivered. It was foolish. How did I think I could resist him? My body wanted him. My heart ached for him. At that moment, I understood how silly I had been. He was right. I belonged to him whether I admitted it or not. But if I admitted that now, it would be trouble. If I didn’t leave this office immediately, I would break down completely.
I pushed him back without a second thought. I saw him stagger and saw the devilish smirk return to his face. I quickly turned the lock and dashed out of the door, making a beeline for the elevator as if my life depended on it.
Leo smiled as he leaned out to watch my retreating figure. My steps were quick, tinged with fear. He knew it. I was still the same girl deep down. I might have grown, but my feelings hadn”t changed much. I was still undoubtedly in love with him.
As Leo pulled back into his office and shut the door, a satisfied smile played on his lips. He had been right. There was still a certain fire within me that he could stir at his own wish. He hated to admit it. It seemed like, he had spent several nights thinking of me. and, he felt reassured. I hadn’t completely moved on either.
He walked towards his chair and returned to his work. The wheels in his head were spinning. He had to figure out a way to approach me, perhaps even ask me out on a date. It had to be something with little risk and little chance of me saying no.
He was almost tempted to give his friends a call and ask for their advice. He snorted. Knowing Nehemy, he would insist that it wasn’t there, but Leo knew it was. There was a possibility of rekindling the flame he had quenched three years ago. He was going to explore it.
He tapped his laptop on when his phone buzzed on his desk. Leo paused, raising an eyebrow. He reached out and grabbed the device, his hand tightening around it as he picked it up. He was about to lash out an angry text to the sender asking if he or I wasn”t aware that he was at work when he paused. His eyes were fixed on the screen and his eyebrows furrowed. It was an unknown number. Again.
He had imprinted the previous two in his mind, and he was certain this was different. His brows furrowed in both confusion and anger as he tapped the text.
“I know your secrets, Leo. Play your games but remember that I hold the key to your downfall. Watch your back”!
His frown deepened, fury coursing through his veins. What sort of game was this? If he had info he didn”t and aimed to undermine him, it was a direct challenge to his authority. He wasn”t about to let this slide! His hands shook as they curled into a fist. His jaw tightened. Someone was playing jokes with him.“I swear I’m going to find you and get you arrested” He hissed, anger making him shiver.His mind raced. Perhaps Jack wasn’t working enough to get this person. He needed no stone unturned. He picked up his landline and called for Jack.
“Hello Sir,”
“Come in here.” He hissed.