Chapter 5

Maya’s pov

I was finishing a report in my office when my phone pinged with an email notification. Opening it, I froze. It was an appointment letter, officially naming me the marketing lead for the Daniels expansion project. My stomach churned as I read the details. I would be working directly with Daniel.

"No, no, no," I muttered under my breath. Rising from my chair, I stormed into my boss's office.

"Mr. Miles, there's been a mistake," I said, holding up my phone. "I've been assigned to the Daniels project, but I can't take it. Please assign someone else."

Mr. Miles frowned. "There's no mistake, Maya. You're the best fit for this role. The client specifically requested you."

"But—" I started to protest.

"It's final," he said, cutting me off. "Congratulations, Maya. This is a huge opportunity."

Defeated, I left his office, my mind racing. Why would Daniel request me specifically? Was this some sort of game?

That evening, I met Celine at our spot. As we sipped our drinks, I told her everything that happened.

"He requested you specifically?" Celine asked, leaning forward.

"That's what my boss said," I replied, stirring my coffee absentmindedly.

Celine grinned. "Oh, he's definitely trying to see you again. There's no way this is a coincidence."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "This is a disaster, Celine. I can't work with him. It's too... complicated."

"Well, you don't have much of a choice," Celine said with a shrug. "Besides, maybe it won't be so bad."

“This screams bad.” I sighed. “I'll avoid him, and keep it professional.”

“That's my girl.” Celine cheered for me.

I stood outside the towering glass building, my stomach in knots as I stared up at the company logo. I clutched my laptop bag tighter, my palms damp with nerves.

“You can do this,” I told myself. This was my job, my opportunity. Whatever Daniel's reasons for choosing me, I wasn't going to let him or anyone ruin it for me.

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and walked through the revolving doors, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor. The receptionist directed me to the top floor, where Daniel's office and the main boardroom were located.

When the elevator doors slid open, Lilian was waiting for me, clipboard in hand and a polite but distant smile on her face.

"Good morning, Ms. Evans. Mr. Hayes asked me to show you around before we get started," Lilian said briskly.

"Good morning," I replied, matching her professional tone.

As we walked through the sprawling office, Lilian highlighted key areas—conference rooms, break rooms, and the marketing department's collaborative workspace. The staff greeted me with polite nods, and I forced myself to smile in return, though my nerves threatened to overwhelm me.

Finally, we arrived at Daniel's office. Lilian knocked once before opening the door, gesturing for me to step inside.

Daniel was seated at his desk, reviewing a document. He looked up when I entered, his sharp gaze softening slightly as he rose to his feet.

"Ms. Bennet," he said, his tone calm and measured. "Welcome to the team."

"Thank you," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

"Take a seat," Daniel gestured to the chair opposite his desk. I sat down, placing my bag on the floor beside me.

Daniel leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment before speaking.

"I've gone through your portfolio," he began. "Your work is impressive. You have a knack for strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. That's exactly what this project needs.”

“Thank you.” I replied. He rose from his seat he walked towards me and leaned on the desk.

“I'm glad you're here Maya.” He said smiling at me

“No, stop.” I knew what he was trying to do and I won't let him. “Look, we would keep this strictly professional.”

“I didn't do anything.” He argued.

“We can't work, Daniel you're with my mom, it's forbidden territory, what happened that night was a mistake.”

“Things are better when forbidden.” His voice went low and was filled with lust.

I don't know what came over me, but I grabbed his face and smashed my lips on his. Daniel was caught off guard but he reciprocate. He slide his tongue into my mouth. The kiss was rough and passionate, it showed our craving for eachother.

He nibbled on my lower lip, causing me to moan in his mouth. He lifted me placing me on his desk.

My body was on fire, I needed his touch.

He trailed kissed along my collar bone, marking me, leaving hickeys over my neck.

I could feel his hard length press over my thighs, and I felt my wetness getting more.

He opened my shirt, kissing above my cleavage.

I wanted more, I wanted him to take me here and now.

A knock on the door broke us apart.

“Mr Hayes, Ms Helen is here to see you.”