Chapter 2

Sofia 

Unable to waste any more time on conjecture, I leave the bathroom and head for the President's office. I feel the curious stares of the other employees following my every step. So I keep my posture upright and concentrate on not overbalancing in my heels, which aren't even that high. The thing is, I suddenly seem to have forgotten how to walk like a normal person. 

I still feel a bit out of place. Even after three months in the job, I haven't managed to make a friend. Perhaps it's because of my reserved, slightly shy manner. I have a few friendly, attentive colleagues who help me with whatever I need in this period of adaptation, but that's about it.  

When I got to the President's office, I didn't know how my legs were still holding me up.

“Miss Shaffer,” the secretary hastens to stand up and open the door for me, indicating that I should enter, “Mr. Reeves will be back soon to speak to you. 

Like a robot, I enter the sumptuous room, but I'm so nervous that I can't appreciate anything. I walk in a straight line until I'm sitting on one of the chairs in front of the huge, thick glass table. 

I put my hands on my knees and hope that my trembling isn't visible. What could he possibly want with me? What could he want with me?

His office is at the back, on the second floor, the walls are glass, so he can see all the movement downstairs and also be seen by the staff. At that moment, the long curtains that make the room more private are closed. I found that strange. It's rare for them to be like this when he's not receiving someone important.

A few seconds later, the door opens and the reason for my warmest dreams walks in. I got to my feet immediately. Mr. Reeves exchanges a few words with the secretary and then closes the door, walking inside. 

As before, his gaze doesn't linger on me for more than a few seconds as he tells me to sit down again. Good God! His mere presence is so powerful! I obeyed, swallowing. My eyes refused to leave him. It's like a vision. A sexy man, with gracefully manly movements.

Reeves sits down and watches me for a moment, his tongue sliding briefly over his perfect mouth. Oh my God! So, so sexy! My uterus contracts. He can't imagine what he's doing to me with that simple gesture. My uterus contracts. My uterus contracts. 

“I-I… “I burst out, hating myself for stuttering. “Forgive me if I sound nervous… I really am! “I laugh quickly, almost hysterically. “It's not often that you're called into the President's office… 

“Have you done something wrong to be here? “He cuts me off, his tone low but strong. 

His voice… for the first time addressing me! His eyes on me… I feel so small, so terrified, like never. 

““No!” I say quickly, but then I correct myself. “I mean… I don't think so. 

Silence hangs over me. He watches me, eyes narrowed, one elbow resting on one arm of his chair, fingering the other arm… He seems to be pondering what he's about to tell me. Likewise, he examines me closely and, once again, the air stops in my lungs. 

What do you want to tell me? Something good? Insecurity consumes me, and my heart beats desperately in my chest. I'm trying to stay calm, but the tension in the air is palpable, and I can barely contain the anxiety that's bubbling up inside me.

Then he sighs and stands up, walking around the table, straightening his suit. As if in slow motion, I watch him sit down in the chair opposite me, very close. Finally, he breaks the silence and his voice resonates in the room. 

“I'm a very busy man, Miss Shaffer. “He begins, sounding careful with his words. “I don't have time for preambles. So I'll be direct and I hope you don't misunderstand me. “As he says this, he sits up straight, his legs apart, and I have to try very hard not to lower my gaze… to a specific point… he looks at me again, and I swallow… “You caught my eye! A lot! “He emphasizes the last word. “For some time now. 

My jaw drops and my voice disappears. I see his lips move, I hear his words, but I can't believe I'm listening to them. 

“And I'm not looking for a relationship. But if I don't have you, “his eyes were narrowed again, his voice low, grave. “I know I won't get any peace. So, it's all simple. I want a night with you. 

Just say it. A tremor runs through my body, like a strange kind of seizure. What… What is he saying?

Brandon Reeves just lets out the words and probes me, as if waiting for my reaction. 

“What? “I just stammered, very shocked and confused. 

“It's like I said. I know you're not indifferent to me from the way you look at me. “The outline of a smile flashes across his face, and I immediately lower my head. “And I also know that you're having financial problems…

At this statement, I find myself staring at him in surprise:

“You've been investigating me?

“Miss! “the tone remains low, but no less powerful. “I investigate the lives of every one of my employees. Then I have a proposition. “He runs his thumb over his well-shaped lips, leaving me mesmerized. “One night of sex, one night only, and I'll make a deposit in your account. Your financial problems are gone!  

Feeling my thoughts start to return to their places, I take a few breaths and begin. 

“We never even talked. And… now… you… you,” I correct myself quickly, “are making me this offer…

He bows his head sideways.

“I'm just being practical, Miss Shaffer. That's how I am. I'll solve my problem and yours. 

And his issue is sex… with me! That sounds so surreal. 

I let out a mocking laugh.

“You talk… as if we were in the middle of a business transaction. 

“Believe me. It's the first time I've ever done that. I don't recognize myself, but… “He speaks slowly, his tone holding me captive, his gaze slowly scanning my body. “I've tried to ignore this…” he gestures with one hand. “This effect you have on me. Even now. I'm trying not to touch you,” he says simply, his eyes lusting after my mouth. 

Suddenly, my panties feel damp, my legs restless… 

“But today, when you looked at me, as if you wanted to devour me…

I sobbed and looked down at my hands in my lap.

“I didn't do that. “I quickly defend myself. 

“Yes, you did. “He reaffirms, unperturbed by my state. “I'm a very observant man and you're a very transparent woman. I've read your every glance since I first noticed you. 

I swallow again, my throat tight with shame. My breathing quickened. 

“As I was saying, I've tried to avoid it, but if I don't have you for once… “He whispers, and that whisper makes me raise my head and face him. I won't have any peace. You have no idea how much I'm holding back here. “He insists in a dangerously low tone, “But I will only touch you with your consent. 

His words echo in my mind. The way he looks at me, as if he's mentally undressing me… The fact is, if Brandon Reeves makes any move towards me at that very moment, I'll be completely surrendered, and that thought scares me. Just then, I'm grateful that the curtains are closed. We're standing very close, staring at each other. A very intimate scene. 

I think about myself. The way I'm dressed, my hair, without a defined cut… My clear face, with basically no make-up… And yet, this man is standing in front of me, saying that… he wants me? We've never been so close. I had to bite my lip, lowering my head to contain a pleased smile.  

As I face him again, I notice that his green eyes are still fixed on my mouth, and they open instinctively, as if of their accord. He runs his tongue over them again, this time very slowly, as if he wants to run it across my lips. 

Suddenly, his expression closes, he stands up and walks around the table, taking his place in the chair again:

“I'll give you until tomorrow night to answer me. “She concludes decisively. “And I don't need to tell you that it's just between you and me, right? 

I'm still trembling with disbelief, I stand up too, shaking my head. Even if I said that to someone… who would believe me?

Then a doubt arises in my mind. 

“If I… if my answer is… no, “I begin, afraid of what I'll hear, “will I be fired?

This time, he looks at me coldly.

“What I'm about to say may sound hypocritical, but I don't mix things up, miss. If the answer is no, we'll pretend this conversation never existed. But if the answer is yes… “He pauses, when (where he would indicate a place) he looks at me ardently, but briefly. “I promise you won't regret it. We'll both come out of this very satisfied.

Satisfied… The word echoes in my mind. 

Taking out his wallet from the inside pocket of his expensive suit, he pulls out a small card and throws it on the table:

“I'll be at this hotel, suite 220, tomorrow at nine. If you show up… or not, I'll know your answer. 

Then his gaze drops to the documents on his desk. That's the cue for me to leave.