Chapter One: A Whisper from the Fourth Floor
"Ouch... you're being too rough—be gentle!"
The voice floated through the quiet hallway of the fourth floor, just outside Room 407. It wasn't loud, but it had a sultry echo that made anyone passing by pause. Muri, the floor supervisor, heard it clearly as she made her rounds. She stopped, smirked slightly, and tilted her head.
"She's so loud again," she muttered with a sigh, though her expression hinted more amusement than annoyance.
Just then, a new staff member approached, his steps hesitant, his face flushed from what he'd just overheard. "Who… who was that? And why do you sound like you enjoy hearing it?" he asked, a mix of innocence and curiosity coloring his voice.
Muri turned to him, brushing her short brown hair behind her ear. "Ah, you're the new one," she said. "You'll get used to it. Maybe even enjoy it like I do," she added with a mischievous smile that made him look away. "I'm Muri, in charge of this floor."
"I'm Lex," he said quietly.
...
That night, Muri's room was a chaotic mess of romance novels, open manga, and scribbled notebooks. Her creative spirit thrived in the clutter. She leaned over her desk, pen in hand, finishing a steamy scene in her novel where the male lead finally kissed the heroine. As she imagined the moment, Lex's face replaced her fictional hero's. His calm voice, sharp jawline, tall frame, and those slightly wet lips from earlier—it all invaded her thoughts.
Blushing, she dropped her pen. "Why am I thinking about him?" she whispered, covering her face.
On the other side of the city, Lex sat on his bed, flipping through a book titled Daily Candy. But his mind wasn't in it. "She's… different," he muttered, thinking of Muri's teasing smile and the way she seemed to read his mind earlier. "A pervert with a devilish grin," he chuckled, shaking his head.
...
Chapter Two: Hidden Truths and Party Lights
The next morning, Lex woke early. The sky outside was clear and inviting. After a run, he stepped into the shower, the water trailing over his toned body, soaking his dark hair. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he made coffee and stood by the window of his luxurious home, taking in the view.
Driving to the hotel, Lex parked just outside the main office, where his father waited.
"Good morning, Dad."
"Lex," his father greeted with a warm smile. "Why are you still playing employee in that hotel? You're meant to be my successor, the next CEO."
Lex chuckled. "Dad, I need to start from the bottom if I want to lead. I can't run the empire without understanding it."
His father gave him a look, half admiration, half frustration. "Fine. But don't keep me waiting forever."
At the hotel
At the hotel, Muri rushed in, just in time. The manager, Mr. Mix, stood at the center of the staff hall. Tall, with sharp features and a commanding voice, he began assigning duties.
"We're hosting a grand party tonight," he announced. "Mrs. Nahra herself requested it to welcome the heir of this hotel."
As Mix spoke, Muri couldn't help but stare. God, he's handsome, she thought. I just want to bite those lips.
Across the room, Lex noticed her flushed cheeks and dazed eyes. He narrowed his gaze, smirking slightly. I know exactly what you're thinking, crazy girl.
Ignoring her gaze, he turned away, slipping into a corner to take a call.
"Ah, my sweet son finally calls his mother," the voice on the other end cooed.
"Mom, please. Why did you tell everyone about me coming to Bangalore?" Lex sighed.
"Because you're hiding from your destiny," she replied. "No more silly jobs. Tonight, you're coming with me. You'll dress up, show up, and claim your place."
Chapter Three: Temptation in the Linen Room
The party buzzed with elegance—crystal chandeliers lit the grand ballroom in a golden glow, and staff rushed about in crisp uniforms, setting final touches. But Muri had other plans brewing in her mind, plans that didn't involve table placements.
She caught sight of Lex across the hall—dark suit, hair still slightly tousled, and a tension in his jaw that made her lips curl into a wicked smile.
You're trying so hard to be serious, she thought. I wonder how long you can keep that up…
"Lex," she called sweetly, just loud enough for him to hear.
He turned, wary, already catching the spark in her eyes.
"Can you help me bring up the extra linens from the back room?" she asked innocently, though her tone was anything but pure.
"…Fine," he muttered.
Inside the linen room, it was tight and dimly lit, filled with the soft scent of fresh fabric. Lex bent down to lift a basket, and Muri, standing behind him, couldn't resist letting her eyes wander.
"Working hard, aren't you?" she teased, her breath brushing his neck.
He straightened, turning slowly. They were close—too close.
"Muri," he warned, voice low. "What are you doing?"
She leaned in, her finger gently tracing the edge of his collar. "You keep acting like you don't notice me," she whispered, "but your eyes always follow me when you think I'm not looking."
Lex didn't move, but his breath grew heavier.
"Maybe I like teasing you," she continued, tiptoeing her fingers down his chest. "Maybe I want to see what makes you lose control."
His hand shot up suddenly, gripping her wrist—not hard, but firm. "Careful, Muri," he said, his voice a rasp. "You're playing with fire."
She smiled, stepping back slowly, leaving the scent of her perfume behind. "Then maybe I want to get burned."
Chapter Four: Party Heat
The party had started. Music played softly, lights sparkled everywhere, and people dressed in fancy clothes were talking, drinking, and laughing. Muri looked beautiful in a dark red dress. It showed just enough skin to tease but still looked classy. Her lips were glossy, her eyes shining with excitement—and a little mischief.
Lex walked in wearing a black suit. He looked sharp and cool, but his eyes kept finding Muri in the crowd. She walked up to him slowly, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
"You clean up well, Mr. Employee," she said with a smirk.
He raised an eyebrow. "You don't look so innocent tonight."
"I'm never innocent," she whispered near his ear, her warm breath making him tense up for a second.
The music changed to a slow, romantic song. People began to dance.
"Dance with me?" she asked, already pulling him by the hand before he could answer.
Their bodies moved slowly. Her chest pressed against his. His hand rested low on her back. They didn't talk—just felt. Her hand moved up to his neck, fingers playing with the soft hair there.
"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" Lex asked, his voice husky.
"Because I'm thinking about your lips," she answered. "And how they'd taste."
Lex blinked. "You're trouble."
"Maybe," she said with a wicked smile. "But you like trouble."
He pulled her a little closer, their faces only inches apart. She could feel his heartbeat. He could smell the sweetness of her perfume.
"I dare you," she whispered.
"To what?"
"To kiss me."
Chapter Five: First Kiss
Lex looked into Muri's eyes. They were full of fire. She wasn't joking. She really meant it.
"I dare you to kiss me," she had said.
His hands gripped her waist a little tighter. She looked so soft, so close. Her lips were slightly parted, waiting.
Lex leaned in slowly. Muri didn't move—she watched him, her heart beating fast. When their lips finally touched, it was soft at first. Just a gentle brush. But then…
She pulled him closer.
The kiss deepened.
Lex's hand moved up her back, into her hair, holding her gently but firmly. Muri let out a small, breathy sound against his lips. It sent a warm rush through his whole body. His lips were warm, firm, but careful—as if he was trying not to go too far too fast.
But Muri didn't want careful.
She kissed him harder, standing on her tiptoes, pressing into him. Her body fit against his like they were made for each other. Lex pulled away for just a second, looking into her eyes.
"This is crazy," he said softly.
"I don't care," she whispered. "I've wanted this since the first day."
He smiled, then kissed her again—this time slower, but deeper.
Around them, the party kept going, but they didn't notice anything else.
Only each other.
Chapter Six: Behind Closed Doors
Later that night, the party started to slow down. Guests were leaving, lights were dimmed, and soft music played in the background. Muri walked through the hallway with a soft smile on her lips and heat still lingering from the kiss.
Lex followed behind her, quiet but clearly watching her every move. She stopped in front of her room, turned around, and looked at him.
"You followed me," she said playfully.
"You didn't tell me to stop," he answered, leaning against the wall beside her door.
"I didn't want you to."
She stepped closer, her voice low. "Do you always kiss like that?"
Lex smirked. "Only when I really want someone."
Muri leaned in, just enough so he could feel her breath on his skin. "If you keep looking at me like that, I might do something bad."
He chuckled, but his voice dropped. "What kind of bad?"
She whispered, "Like pulling you into my room… and making you stay just a little too long."
His eyes darkened with desire. "Muri…"
"I'm not asking for more," she said. "Not tonight. Just… stay a while."
He thought for a moment, then nodded.
Inside her room, the lights were low and the air was warm. Her bed was a little messy—open books, a fluffy blanket, a pink notebook with hearts on it.
"You weren't joking about loving romance," Lex said, picking up a manga.
She plopped down on the bed, kicking off her heels. "What can I say? I like love stories… with a little spice."
Lex sat beside her, close but not touching. "You like teasing, don't you?"
"I like seeing how far I can push someone before they break," she said, biting her lip.
He leaned in just a little. "And what if I break first?"
"Then I win," she whispered, touching his chest lightly with her fingers. "But don't worry, I'd go slow… I'd make you enjoy every second."
Lex grabbed her hand gently. "You're dangerous, Muri."
"And you're delicious," she whispered back.
They didn't kiss again—this time. But they sat there together, in the soft glow of the room, hearts racing, thoughts full of what might come next.
Chapter Seven: Morning Mischief
The sun peeked through Muri's curtains, casting a golden light over her messy bed. She stretched slowly, her body still warm from the night before—not from anything wild, but from Lex's presence beside her. They had talked, laughed, even lay back-to-back for a while before he left with a teasing smirk and a low "sleep well, trouble."
Now, she rolled over and grabbed her notebook. She couldn't stop smiling.
He's dangerous, she wrote. Not because he's bad, but because he makes me feel too good, too fast.
---
Downstairs in the staff hall, everyone was already working. Lex stood by the front desk, sipping coffee. His shirt was open at the top, hair still a little damp from his shower. He looked… edible.
Muri walked in, wearing a simple skirt and blouse, but with a sparkle in her eye. She walked past Lex, "accidentally" brushing her hand against his.
"Morning, sleepyhead," he said, clearly noticing.
"Morning, sexy," she whispered back without stopping.
Lex nearly choked on his coffee.
Later, in the supply room again—yes, that same room—he caught her alone.
"You really just said that in front of the front desk?" he asked, arms crossed, leaning in.
Muri leaned against the wall, smirking. "You didn't like it?"
"I liked it too much. That's the problem."
She stepped closer, hands behind her back. "So what are you going to do about it?"
Lex trapped her between his arms, his face inches from hers. "You keep pushing me, Muri. One day, I won't hold back."
"I'm counting on it," she whispered.
Their lips didn't touch this time, but their breath mingled, eyes locked. Every second felt like slow fire.
---
Later that day…
They worked like usual, side by side, stealing glances. Muri dropped a pen on purpose just so Lex would lean over and pick it up—his hand brushed her leg, and her cheeks burned.
At lunch, she sat across from him, licking whipped cream off a spoon way too slowly. Lex's jaw clenched. She giggled.
"Careful," he said under his breath. "You keep playing with me like this, I might just take you over that desk one day."
"Promises, promises," she whispered with a wink.
Chapter Eight: Feelings in the Silence
The party was supposed to be the big reveal—the night everyone would know that Lex wasn't just a staff member, but the next heir of the hotel empire. But it didn't happen.
His mother never showed up.
No call. No message. Just silence.
Lex stood by the back entrance, watching the stars. The celebration had gone on without the big announcement. No one knew who he really was… and for now, he preferred it that way.
Muri found him leaning against a pillar, alone, his suit jacket off and tie loosened. He looked tired, not physically—but something in his eyes was distant.
She didn't say anything at first. Just stood beside him.
After a moment, Lex sighed. "She didn't come."
Muri looked at him, gently. "Your mom?"
He nodded, lips tight. "She was supposed to be here. To announce everything. But she bailed. Like always."
Muri touched his arm softly. "You don't have to explain. I'm just… here."
Lex looked at her. Really looked. The girl who teased him all day, who tempted him with her eyes and smile—was now just calm, quiet, and close.
"You're not what I expected," he said.
She smiled a little. "Most people say that."
"I thought you were just a flirt. A little wild. But… you're more."
Her eyes softened. "You thought I was playing, didn't you?"
"I still think you are," he said with a small smirk. "But I think you're also hiding something. Just like me."
She turned toward him. "Maybe I am. But tonight… I just want to be beside someone who feels what I feel."
Lex reached for her hand slowly, lacing his fingers through hers.
They didn't kiss. Didn't flirt. Didn't tease.
They just stood in silence, fingers warm against each other's, the night wind brushing past them gently.
And in that quiet moment, something real began.
Chapter Nine: Green Eyes and Game Faces
The next morning, sunlight poured into the lobby as staff returned to their routines. But something felt different.
Muri walked in wearing a fresh outfit—light blue top, short skirt, soft curls bouncing as she moved. Her energy was calm but glowing, like something had changed inside her after the night with Lex.
She spotted him across the lobby, gave him a gentle smile, and he gave one back. It wasn't loud or obvious. Just quiet… theirs.
But then came Mix.
Tall. Sharp. Confident. He walked straight toward Muri with a new kind of charm in his step. She was surprised but smiled politely.
"Muri," Mix said, voice smoother than usual, "you did well during the party. Really well. I noticed everything. The guests were impressed—and so was I."
Muri blinked. "Oh. Thank you, sir."
Lex, from a few steps away, narrowed his eyes. Sir? Since when does he compliment staff one-on-one like that?
Mix leaned in just a little too close. "Actually," he continued, "I was thinking maybe we should talk more—maybe over coffee? I'd love to hear your ideas for the next event."
Muri was caught off guard. "Umm... sure. I guess that sounds nice."
Lex's jaw tightened.
He watched the way Mix smiled, the way he touched her arm for just a second too long. And the way Muri laughed—nervously, but not unhappily.
When Mix finally walked off, Lex moved in fast.
"So," he said casually, stepping beside her, "coffee with Mix?"
Muri raised an eyebrow. "Were you spying?"
"I was standing right there."
She smirked. "Why? You jealous?"
He looked away, then back at her. "No. Just wondering how many people get to flirt with the hotel manager and the heir at the same time."
"Oh?" she teased. "Is the heir finally admitting who he is?"
Lex paused. "Not yet. But I think I'll have to soon… before someone else steals all your attention."
Muri laughed softly and leaned closer. "Don't worry, Mr. Not-Jealous. I still prefer the guy who kissed me behind closed doors."
Lex gave a crooked smile. "Good. Because I'm not good at sharing."
Chapter Ten: Jealous Games
Later that afternoon, Muri was helping in the event room, setting up flowers for a new client. Lex walked in with a clipboard, pretending to check the staff list—but his eyes went straight to her.
She looked too pretty for a workday. Hair up in a messy clip, lips soft pink, and a tiny stain of frosting on her cheek from helping in the kitchen earlier.
Then Mix walked in. Again.
And of course, he headed right to Muri.
"Muri," Mix said smoothly, "I've got something for you."
He handed her a small box. Inside: a fancy pen. Gold. Engraved.
"I noticed how often you take notes during meetings," he said. "Thought you deserved something better than a hotel pen."
Muri smiled, clearly flattered. "That's... very thoughtful."
Lex stood frozen. Really? A gift? We're doing gifts now?
She looked at Lex from the corner of her eye, then turned to Mix with a sparkle in her smile. "Maybe I'll use this to write about the mystery man who kissed me the other night."
Lex nearly dropped his clipboard.
Mix raised an eyebrow. "Mystery man?"
She winked. "Let's just say... it was unforgettable."
Mix chuckled and walked away, confused but still charmed. Lex stormed over the moment he left.
"You enjoyed that way too much," he muttered.
Muri twirled the gold pen in her fingers. "What, the pen? Or the attention?"
Lex glared. "Both."
She leaned closer, whispering so no one else could hear. "Aw, is someone feeling possessive?"
Lex didn't answer—he just looked down at her lips.
"Don't worry," she said playfully. "Mix is nice, but he doesn't make my heart race the way you do."
Lex's fingers brushed against hers, pulling the pen gently from her hand. "You think you're in control of this game," he whispered.
"I know I am."
He grinned, stepping closer until his mouth hovered near her ear. "Be careful, Muri. Keep teasing me like this, and one day I'm going to kiss you in front of everyone."
She bit her lip, clearly enjoying the threat. "Then you better make it worth the show."