The warmth of the morning sun filtering through the curtains woke me up, casting golden rays across the room. My lashes fluttered as I stirred, my body reluctantly waking up.
For a brief moment I forgot where I was. The sheets beneath me were softer than what I was used to, carrying a faint, unfamiliar scent..clean, crisp with a lingering trace of cologne.
Then it all came rushing back.
The house. The storm. The panic and then him, Lewis.
My stomach clenched as I recalled the way I had clung to him last night.
My fingers curled tightly around his shirt, seeking comfort in the warmth of his body. The memory made my cheeks burn. It wasn't like me to be so vulnerable but thunderstorms had always been my weakness, an irrational childhood fear I never quite outgrew.
I buried my face into the pillow and groaned. How embarrassing
Sighing, I rolled onto my back staring at the ceiling. There was no point dwelling on it. It was just a moment of weakness, it didn't mean anything.
I forced myself up and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. My bare feet met the fluffy slides.
A knock on the door made me freeze.
"Are you awake?"
Lewis.
His voice was deep, composed, yet there was an unmistakable edge to it, like he was holding back amusement.
I cleared my throat, standing up from the bed "Yes Sir"
"We're leaving in an hour. Be ready"
His footsteps faded down the hall before I could reply.
I tried shaking off the memories of last night. I grabbed my robe and headed for the bathroom.
My mind kept replaying the way Lewis had looked at me. The way his voice had dropped, sending a shiver down my spine.
The warm water washed away any lingering tension, replacing it with barely any clarity. By the time I stepped out, my mind was sharper.
I hurriedly got dressed in a blue blazer dress. It was one of the new clothes Lewis got. Sleek yet modest. I paired it with burgundy stiletto heels.
My heels clicked softly against the floor as I moved to the vanity, pulling my hair into a high ponytail and applying a touch of makeup.
Downstairs, Lewis stood near the grand windows, his phone pressed to his ear. His profile was sharp against the sunlight, his posture relaxed yet commanding.
"I'll call you later, Aurora" he murmured before ending the call.
Aurora?
I didn't know why I cared. Maybe because it wasn't just the name, it was the tone.
A familiarity. An ease in his voice that made my stomach twist with jealousy.
He turned then, his gaze sweeping over me. "Took you long enough"
My tongue was still caught off from last night's event, still embarrassed.
The ride to work was filled with an unsettling silence.
"Sorry about last night" I finally said, breaking the tension.
Lewis glanced at me briefly before turning back to the road. "For what?"
I shifted in my seat. "You know… practically throwing myself at you like a scared little girl"
There was a beat of silence. I waited for him to respond.
"You were scared" he said simply. "It happens"
I blinked. That was it? No teasing? No smug remarks?
"Well… thanks" I muttered.
A small smirk curved his lips. "Don't get used to it"
I rolled my eyes. There he is.
He pulled into the company parking lot.
We stepped out, and I instinctively reached for his briefcase. He didn't protest, allowing me to carry it as we walked toward the building.
Lewis had slipped back into CEO mode, his expression unreadable with a stiff posture. He ignored every greeting thrown his way, his focus solely on the elevator ahead.
I trailed behind him, adjusting my shoulders.
"Good morning, Mr. Bradford. Miss Priynka" Mrs. Brittney greeted.
I smiled at her while Lewis barely nodded, his stride unfaltering.
As soon as we reached his office, I placed his briefcase down and turned to leave.
"Priynka" he called.
I paused. "Yes?"
His gaze flickered to the right side of the office, where a sleek new workstation had been set up.
"You'll be working from here henceforth" he said bluntly, settling into his chair.
I frowned. "Wait, what?"
"It makes things easier. I won't have to call for you every five minutes and wait a decade for you to show up"
I crossed my arms. "Or, you know, you could just use the intercom. Like normal bosses do, and be patient"
Lewis leaned back, watching me with that annoying smug expression.
"My coffee" he said, tapping his fingers against the keyboard.
One minute I hated his guts, the next all I think about is what it'll feel like to be in his arms again. Lewis toyed with my anger.
At noon, my office phone rang.
"Priynka Wald, the CEO's personal assistant speaking" I answered.
"Miss Priynka, there's a visitor here to see Mr. Bradford"
"Who?"
"She says her name is Bentley. No official business."
"okay, hold on"
I turned to Lewis, who was scanning through a document. "Sir, a woman named Bentley is here to see you."
His expression didn't falter, nor did his lips.
"Mr. Bradford isn't receiving any guests" I replied.
Before I could drop the phone the door burst open, and a woman strutted inside, completely ignoring Mrs. Britney's attempts to stop her.
"Baby!" she squealed, launching herself at Lewis.
The woman was tall, she clung to him, her too tight dress barely covering anything.
Her face was caked in layers of makeup, red lipstick that complimented her white skin.
Mrs. Brittney excused herself after apologizing.
Lewis remained seated.
"I missed you" she purred, pressing herself against him. "You didn't even call" she dragged
"I've been busy" Lewis responded dryly, I could hear the bore in his tone.
She pouted. "I know you missed me" She trailed a manicured hand down his chest.
"I came fully prepared. Have me right here on this table. I miss how good you thrust"
My jaw dropped. Did she just..? I blankly tapped on my laptop, wondering if to excuse them but my jaw tightened at the thought, my stomach twisted.
Lewis scoffed in disgust "Bentley, I'm working please" the plea almost a whisper.
She finally turned, as if just now noticing me. Her gaze raked over me before she scoffed.
I simply stared, unimpressed.
"Who's she?"
"None of your business" Lewis answered
My brows shot up.
"You've been ignoring me because of your new.. plaything" she dragged the last word.
Clearly offended, she straightened. "You'll regret this, Lewis"
Lewis barely blinked. "I doubt it"
I took that as my cue. "Security?" I hit the intercom button.
I watched as she stormed out, heels clicking furiously against the floor.
Once the door shut behind her, I turned to Lewis, lips pursed. "You sure know how to pick them"
Lewis sighed, rubbing his temples. "Just… get me a glass of wine, Priynka"
I smirked. "One seduction repelling wine coming right up" I didn't try to conceal the mockery in my voice.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings, paperwork and dodging curious stares. The rumour that I was Lewis's new 'plaything' hung in the air since the day I resumed work.
The stares from most of the female staff was always spiteful, like I was dwelling in a place meant for them.
By the time evening rolled around, my body ached for rest.
"Are we done for the day?" I asked, stretching my arms above my head.
Lewis barely glanced up from his laptop. "Almost"
I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "You know, most CEOs don't keep their assistants hostage in their office all day"
A smirk ghosted over his lips. "Most assistants don't talk back as much as you do"
I scoffed.
Before I could push further, his phone buzzed. He picked it up, scanning the screen before answering, a smile formed in his lips.
"What is it, Audrey?"
Audrey again.
I turned away, pretending not to listen.
"Anytime sweetheart" he cracked a giggle. I bit my lips
Lewis ended the call and stood, rolling his shoulders. "Let's go"
The car ride home was more quiet than usual.
I gazed out the window, the city lights flickering. The day had been exhausting but there was something else, something lingering in the air between us.
I could still feel the heat of Lewis's stare, the way his eyes had lingered on me just a little too long today. Or maybe I was imagining it.
"Priynka"
"Yes sir" I turned to look at him. He went silent for a minute, his fingers drummed lightly against the steering wheel.
"Lewis" he gave me a quick glance
"Just.. call me Lewis, we're out of work"
My gaze focused on him, admiring how sculptured his side view looked. He was both masculine and beautiful.
"You did well today"
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
He chuckled "With handling things in the office. You're efficient"
I stared at him, trying to detect any sarcasm. There was none.
"Uh… thanks?"
A small smirk played at his lips. "Don't look so surprised"
"I am surprised" I admitted. "You don't exactly hand out compliments often."
Lewis chuckled lowly. "Only when they're deserved"
I pressed my lips together, suddenly unsure of what to say.
The conversation died there but the silence wasn't awkward, it was charged
Getting home, I muttered a 'Thank God' under my breath. The house was usually quiet but Hilda wasn't around to welcome us.
"Hilda must've left already, she's visiting her children" Lewis suddenly said, picking on my thoughts.
He strolled towards the kitchen "You should eat before heading to bed"
I stood still as I watched his broad statue disappear into the kitchen.
I took off my heels and held them in my hand, along with my bag as I contemplated going to grab something in the kitchen.
I padded barefoot into the kitchen, only to freeze.
Lewis stood by the counter, almost shirtless, stirring a cup of iced chocolate drink.
Oh.
I swallowed hard, my gaze betraying me as it swept over him.
The man was well built. Broad shoulders. Defined muscles. And, an intricate tattoo that ran from his shoulder down to his upper arm.
"Priynka" his voice cut through my thoughts.
Shit. I'd been staring.
I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the fridge. "Yeah?"
"You good?"
I cleared my throat, grabbing a water bottle. "Yep. Totally fine"
He took a sip of his drink, stepping closer. Too close.
"You seem nervous"
I scoffed. "Nervous? Please" I took a sip of my water and nearly choked.
His lips twitched, amused. "You sure?"
"Ye.Yes sir"
I stuttered.
I stepped back but he followed, his body heat radiating against me.
"I thought I told you not to call me sir" he murmured. His voice deep and hoarse.
I swallowed.
He leaned in slightly, his breath caressing my face.
I pressed my back against the counter. "Why do you care so much?"
His gaze dropped to my lips before returning to my eyes. "Because I like hearing my name from your mouth"
My breath hitched.
We were inches apart now, the space between us suffocating. My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it.
"What are you doing to me, young lady?" he murmured, his nose brushing against mine.
A shiver ran down my spine.
Lewis was too close. Too intense. Too everything.
But, I wasn't sure I wanted him to stop.