He was slim. Had a tight outfit that showed his abs. His presence felt like heat and velvet and lightning all wrapped in one man. Her heart thudded so loud she surely could hear it.
Their eyes met. They locked.
Time paused.
In his blue eyes, she saw something rare—an inner richness that had nothing to do with money. He saw something in her too—a soul untainted, radiant and pure.
Emily's voice sliced through the spell. "Mr. Xander, how may I assist?"
Xander—blinked, cleared his throat and coughed lightly, his charm surfacing again like a shield.
"Hello," he said, voice still soaked in warmth. "How are you?"
He's heavenly made. The most handsome man I've ever seen, Shanazer thought, heart hammering. Her blood rushed like a fast-flowing stream.
"Hmm... I—I'm fine, and you?" she stammered, eyes locked on perfection.
"I'm great," the man replied, his gaze unwavering, as if her soul had pulled him into orbit.
For a moment, silence danced between them. Their eyes spoke in whispers, searching beyond surface features—chasing something rare.
As Shanazer stared deeper into his sparkling blue eyes, she didn't see wealth in gold or titles. It's his soul, she thought. His beauty comes from within—that's the part I desire most.
Xander, the man carved from elegance, studied her just as intently. In Shanazer's warm brown eyes framed by her dark, curled hair, he saw something he lacked—authentic purity. Her soul is untouched. Free. It's what I crave... and don't have.
Their silent exchange rippled like magic across the room.
"Sir, how may I assist you?" Emily's voice sliced through the enchantment, grounding them both.
Xander blinked, coughed gently to hide the tension.
"Miss Granger, please help me reorganize Room 21F. We'll have special visitors tomorrow afternoon."
His words were formal, but the glances he kept tossing Shanazer said otherwise. His body leaned toward her even as his words pushed him away.
"Miss Athens," Emily said softly, "please carry on. I'll return shortly."
Shanazer didn't answer right away. She lingered in that moment, trying to stretch time, hoping the man wouldn't vanish just yet.
"Sure," she finally said, her gaze never leaving him.
Xander looked back at her with eyes full of quiet longing. Emily's voice broke his trance again.
"Sir? After you."
"Right, of course." He nodded politely and turned—each step stealing him further from her.
Shanazer watched him go, her jaw slightly slack. Don't disappear, she thought, as his silhouette faded into the corridor.
A few minutes later, Shanazer finished her fault analysis. Emily returned, now relaxed and smiling.
"How's it going, Miss Athens?"
Shanazer turned, thoughtful. "Call me Shanazer. The power isn't reaching this room, and the cables are burnt out. We'll need to rewire everything."
Emily nodded slowly. Does she know electrical systems too? Impressive. "Alright, let me inform Mrs. Blake."
She pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed. The call connected quickly.
"Does she know what she's doing?" asked Mrs. Blake, her voice firm but kind.
The network glitched for a second, then cleared.
"Yes, ma'am," Emily replied proudly. "She's a professional. Not like the others who tried."
Mrs. Blake's voice came through the speaker like velvet with steel beneath it.
"Good. Take her to Xander. Give her whatever she needs. I want every camera working before tomorrow—our security must be flawless."
Emily's eyes lit with resolve. "Yes, ma'am."
As Shanazer stepped into the office with Miss Emily Granger, her eyes caught sight of him again—the handsome figure seated behind a polished desk.
She tripped.
"Miss Athens, are you alright?" Emily asked, concern flickering across her face.
"Yes—yes, I'm fine. Thank you," Shanazer replied, her voice soft, her smile shy.
The office shimmered with quiet order. On the desk sat a sleek gray laptop, a black leather diary, a pen aligned beside it, sunglasses folded neatly, and stacks of files arranged behind him like towers of silent responsibility.
Xander looked up, eyes locking with Shanazer's. His lips curved into a grin—pure, unfiltered.
Emily cleared her throat, remembering their purpose. "Mrs. Blake sent us—"
"No need," Xander said, his voice a velvet breeze. "She already briefed me."
He leaned forward slightly, eyes shifting toward Shanazer. The look he gave her was professional—but layered. Beneath the business was warmth. Depth. Curiosity.
"What do you need, Miss Shanazer?" he asked, voice calm but commanding.
Shanazer straightened her posture, met his eyes, and replied with quiet poise. "Three cables, each two-point-five millimeters—red, black, and green. Three of one-point-five millimeter, same colors. And three double sockets."
Xander's gaze lingered on her, tinted with admiration and something softer—something she felt in her bones.
"Is that everything?" he asked.
She nodded after a short pause. "Yes."
Then came a different kind of question—less procedural, more personal.
"Do you know where we can get them from?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
Shanazer followed his rhythm and vibe. "Yes," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Something in his presence pulled her in—calm but stirring, like a song you can't name but never forget.
The handsome figure tilted his head, reading her like a book with no cover. Getting to know her felt like unlocking a puzzle wrapped in gold thread. What better way to grow close than a small adventure, he thought. "I'll drive you there," he offered smoothly. "Do you think we'll find all the materials in one place?"
To Shanazer, the question wasn't about supplies—it was the chance to spend time with someone who made her heart hum. "Hmm... yes," she answered, trying to steady her tone. But her voice came out a little awkward. She smiled anyway, a sweet curve breaking across her face. His eyes locked with hers. Heat bloomed across her cheeks. She blushed.
He caught the moment—the flush on her skin, the slight drop of her gaze—and it tugged something inside him. He wanted to prepare, mentally and emotionally. But not in front of Shanazer. And certainly not in front of Miss Emily Granger.
"Miss Anthens," he said, turning to Shanazer with a polite but charming smile that deepened his dimples. "Would you wait for me in the VIP lounge? I'll be with you in five minutes. Miss Granger, please show her the way."
That smile—just a flicker—felt like lightning across her chest. Shanazer swallowed, trying not to grin like a teenager. So cute… your voice is electrifying, Mr Handsome, she thought secretly, flustered by the way his presence wrapped around her like velvet.
She sat in the lounge, cross-legged on the plush seat, soaking in the rich textures—golden walls, soft jazz echoing gently, the scent of cedar and citrus hanging in the air. Her fingers traced the armrest absentmindedly. How is he so calm? she wondered, staring at the chandelier's shimmering threads.
Then, a voice—not loud, just smooth and close—rang in her ears. "Shall we go?"
She flinched slightly, heart skipping. He was there—no footsteps, no warning. Just the voice. And it felt like a spell.
Shanazer stood up quickly, brushing her dress nervously. "Sure… after you," she replied. He led the way, and she followed.
Outside, a soft evening breeze danced over them. The car gleamed under the streetlights, silver and low, humming gently as if aware of their presence.
She hesitated, glanced at the vehicle, then at him. "The things we're going to buy… will they fit in this car?"
Her words came with a smile, but her thoughts tangled underneath. I hope we take a while shopping. I wouldn't mind getting lost in aisles with you.