Olivia' s POV

Chapter 7

OLIVIA'S pov

I stare at the man seated across from me. His words, so sharp, linger in the space between us, daring me to challenge him. But how can I? Leonardo exudes a confidence that borders on arrogance, and it leaves me flustered in ways I don't want to admit.

Especially when he looks at me like that.

"What do you mean I owe you a night?" I snap, my voice sharper than intended, but it's the only way I know to mask the sudden warmth spreading across my cheeks.

He leans back in his chair, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "Exactly what I said." His lips curl into a smirk that makes my stomach tighten and my temper flare simultaneously.

I press my palms against the desk to steady myself. "I don't recall agreeing to anything."

"Oh, but you did," he counters smoothly, tapping his temple with a long finger as though reminding me of a debt I'd forgotten.

"You walked out on me that night, Olivia. I'm simply collecting what's owed."

The memory of that night burns at the forefront of my mind. The way his hands had felt on my skin, the way his lips had stolen my breath, and the way my heart had hammered against my ribcage as I fled. I should have known he wouldn't let it go so easily.

"That's... unprofessional," I finally manage, though the words feel weak even to me.

He chuckles, low and deep, and the sound sends a shiver down my spine. "We've already crossed that line, haven't we?"

I open my mouth to argue, to tell him he's completely out of line, but the words die on my tongue as the door bursts open again. My head snaps toward the entrance, and my heart sinks as I see Alicia storm back into the office; she is brimming with anger, and something in her eyes tells me this won't end well.

"What part of 'escort her out' was unclear?" Leonardo growls, his voice laced with irritation.

The security guard trailing behind her shrugs helplessly, clearly no match for Alicia's determination.

"You can't just dismiss me like that, Leonardo!" She screeches, her heels clicking furiously against the polished floor. "I have every right to be here. We're engaged!"

I cringe at her words, hating how they echo in my ears. Engaged. The term feels like a dagger aimed straight at my chest, though I can't explain why. It's not like I want him. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

Leonardo pinches the bridge of his nose, his patience visibly wearing thin. "For the last time, Alicia, we are not engaged. Our families may have arranged something, but that doesn't mean I agreed to it."

Alicia's face contorts with rage, and I half expect steam to shoot out of her ears. "You don't have a choice, Leonardo! Do you think your father will let you back out of this? Do you think-"

"That's enough," he snaps, his tone final. "Get out. Now."

Her eyes dart to me, narrowing dangerously as if I'm the source of all her problems. "This is your fault," she hisses, her voice dripping with venom. "You think you can come in here and steal him away? You're nothing, do you hear me? Nothing."

I stiffen, my hands curling into fists at my sides. Her words sting, but I refuse to let her see that. Instead, I lift my chin and meet her glare head-on. "I'm here to work, not to play your petty games. Maybe you should try the same."

Her face flushes crimson, and for a moment, I think she might slap me. But before she can make a move, security finally steps in, grabbing her by the arm and steering her toward the door.

"You'll regret this, Leonardo!" she shrieks over her shoulder. "Both of you will!"

The door slams shut behind her, and silence settles over the room once again.

I exhale slowly, my heart still pounding from the confrontation. When I glance back at Leonardo, I find him watching me with an unreadable expression.

"What?" I demand, crossing my arms over my chest.

He shakes his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You handled that well."

I scoff, not in the mood for his games. "If you think I'm going to thank you for putting me in the middle of that mess, you're sorely mistaken."

His smile widens, and I hate how it makes him even more attractive. "You're feisty. I like that."

I roll my eyes, turning away from him. "If there's nothing else, I'd like to get back to work."

"Actually," he says, his tone turning serious, "there is something else."

I glance at him over my shoulder, wary of the sudden shift in his demeanor. "What is it?"

He gestures toward the empty corner of the office. "Your desk will be set up there by tomorrow. For now, you can use the conference table."

My brows furrow in confusion. "Why can't I have my own office? Isn't that how it's usually done?"

He leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "It's more efficient this way. I like to keep my PA close."

There's something in his voice that makes my pulse quicken, though I can't tell if it's fear or excitement. Maybe both.

"This isn't about efficiency, is it?" I accuse, narrowing my eyes at him.

He shrugs, unapologetic. "Does it matter?"

"Yes, it matters," I snap, frustration bubbling to the surface. "You're treating me like-like some sort of possession."

He rises from his chair, moving around the desk with the grace of a predator stalking its prey. My breath catches as he stops mere inches away from me, his towering presence making me feel small and vulnerable.

"Is that what you think?" He murmurs, his voice low and dangerous. "That you're just a possession to me?"

I swallow hard, refusing to back down. "Isn't that how you see me?"

His hand reaches out, and for a terrifying moment, I think he's going to touch me. But he stops short, his fingers hovering near my cheek. "If you were just a possession, I wouldn't be so... fascinated by you."

My heart skips a beat, and I hate myself for the way my body reacts to his words. "Fascinated?" I echo, my voice barely above a whisper.

He steps back, his expression shuttered once again. "You can go now. We'll discuss your duties tomorrow."

The dismissal stings, but I don't argue. I grab my bag and head for the door, my mind racing with everything that's just happened.

As I step into the hallway, I can still feel his eyes on me.

Continue Reading!!