A Dangerous Encounter

"Yipee!!"

Honey exclaimed before swirling in the air, doing a little victory dance. She couldn't believe that it was really a test that she passed by her honesty.

Her honey pools swelled with tears of happiness. Rejoicing, she didn't realize when she reached the elevator, only to smack her head.

"Shit, I didn't even know who is Rose and just exited the cabin of that haughty manager," Muttering she instantly retreated and planned to pay a visit to Austin again when the elevator dinged. Her gaze drifted back to the metallic doors which opened revealing a tall bulky frame with an extremely handsome face that made her jaw drop to the ground.

Staggered, Honey checked him from head to toe while the handsome hulk stepped out of the elevator, donning a Louis Vuitton suit. His thick black hair was combed back perfectly, revealing his broad forehead with a few rogue strands falling over his eyes, giving him a sexy look. Her heart skipped multiple beats as she keenly observed his striking features. Exquisite large eyes, a high nose bridge, and fuller lips that were naturally pink. The man was blessed with a sharp jawline, and she was sure she hadn't witnessed a man who had such delicate and chiseled features at the same time.

Honey snuck a glance at his hands that were holding the latest iPhone. The man was busy conversing with someone and probably didn't notice her presence. With a bated breath, she watched him as he stepped out, his aura regal and dominating. Her cheeks tinted pink as she breathed in his cedar and pine cologne which for sure must be worth millions.

But soon her senses clicked in. She was so enthralled by his charms that she didn't realize she was literally ogling him. Embarrassed to the bone, Honey dropped her gaze and quietly stepped aside to clear his way.

"What are you doing?"

His deep, masculine voice seized her heartbeat. Honey froze and whipped her neck to the left, only to come face to face with the Adonis who suddenly looked angry. His gaze was accusatory.

She was clueless but still offered him a warm smile, "Uhmm, Sir, G-Good morning. I am Honey Samuels, the new receptionist-"

"I didn't ask about your history. What makes you think that you can use this elevator?" He rebuffed her without even letting her speak, leaving the girl bewildered by his rudeness.

'Enter the elevator? Did he misunderstand me?', she thought.

Her eyes widened as she immediately shook her head, "N-No, Sir. Actually, I am new here and-"

"Boss?"

Honey instantly twisted her neck to the left, only to catch a worried Austin running to them.

"Boss, is there a problem?" He again asked politely and shifted his eyes towards Honey who was now thunderstruck. Her face lost colors as the realization struck her with a lightning bolt.

The man with whom she collided was none other than Travis Scott, the owner of Scott Industries.

Sweat broke from every pore of her skin as she looked at Travis, who gave Austin a sharp glare before turning to him.

“Miller, I think you need to be kicked downstairs. Does the security of the company mean a joke to you?" He growled while throwing him a thunderous look.

Austin blanched. Licking his chapped lips nervously, he lowered his head and started apologizing, "S-Sorry, Boss. The girl is new here and didn't know that-"

"So? Is it my responsibility to brief her on the policies and rules of this company? How come you let her wander here?" Travis wasn't in the mood to hear his fucking apologies. He continued lambasting him. Honey, on the other hand, was appalled. She couldn't believe the drastic contrast in his personality. Just a minute ago, she was swooning over his charms, and now she just wanted to hide away from him.

The situation continued worsening with every passing second. Honey bit her lips while struggling to hold back the tears as she watched Austin being scolded by Travis. She had no idea that someone could create a ruckus just because she tried to use the elevator, which was only allowed for him.

Guilt rammed her heart. Austin was bearing the brunt only because of her mistake. Not able to tolerate it anymore, she stepped forward and decided to intervene.

"It's not his fault, Sir."

Travis halted, hearing her soft voice. His action urged her to continue but that little excitement doused the next moment when he reverted his murderous eyes towards her. Honey visibly flinched and glanced at Austin who looked equally shocked. He shook his head in denial signaling her that she committed a grave mistake by cutting him midway.

But what left him horrified when Travis started walking towards her. Terrified out of his wits, he immediately rushed for her rescue. Honey on the other hand stood puzzled. Her heart started thumping loudly as she anticipated the arrival of the raging beast when suddenly Austin came in front of her blocking her view.

He gripped her hand firmly and screamed in her face.

"Ms. Samuels, you just come with me."

His voice had her jolting, but Austin didn't let her explain and dragged her away with him. Holding her sobs, she looked over her shoulders only to see Travis watching them with smoldering eyes.

A frown settled on her brows as he looked ready to kill. The subtle tick in his jaw didn't go unnoticed by her.

*****

"WHO TOLD YOU TO GO THERE AND WHAT EVEN MAKES YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN ARGUE WITH THE BOSS??"

Austin raged as he took Honey to a corner and scolded her for acting impulsively.

The poor girl could only shiver. She had no idea that things would take such a dangerous turn just by her small mistake if it could be labeled as one. A tear rolled down her cheek followed by another and soon she was full-blown crying. Her soft heart couldn't bear the harshness of those two men.

She wiped her tears with the back of her palm and tried explaining, "I-I didn't know he was the Boss, Sir. I was actually coming to you to ask for Ms. Rose when I crashed into him." Her voice shook terribly.

"I had no idea that the lift was prohibited for me. Boss misunderstood me, but believe me, I indeed tried to clarify. He just didn't give me a chance."

"No one stands a chance against Mr. Scott, little girl," Austin spat, fed up with her excuses. "I already warned you to be careful and reminded you not to mistake this company for your previous workplaces. A small mistake, even if it is unintentional, can get you kicked out. And by messing with Boss, you just signed your resignation letter."

Honey froze. The word 'resignation' rang in her ears, shaking her insides.

A loud whimper slipped through her lips as she looked at Austin, "N-No. This is unfair. I didn't do anything, Sir. Please, it was unintentional. I didn't mean to-"

Her words died midway as she couldn't control her sobs anymore. This was literally too much. Who fires someone just because they tried to use something that was only meant for the higher-ups?

Austin rolled his eyes, "Are you hard of hearing? Whether you did it on purpose or not, that doesn't matter, Honey. You enraged Mr. Scott, and now I can't do anything. Moreover, in my entire nine years of career, I never got scolded by him, and just because of your carelessness, he shouted at me and even threatened that he would demote me. I can't believe how your previous bosses selected such an unprofessional and childish girl?" He continued berating her, ignoring her tears.

Honey palmed her mouth. Her shoulders shook while tears kept dripping down from her swollen eyes. The cloak of happiness that she got after so many struggles was again snatched away from her.

Suddenly her mother's face flashed in front of her eyes. She wouldn't be able to survive. Scary thoughts popped into her head leaving her gasping for air. How will she manage to look in her eyes? What answers will she give to Ethan? That her one foolish act led her to rejection.

Unable to find answers, she grasped Austin's hands in desperation and hugged them close to her chest. Her actions even shocked Austin as he turned to face her, but his gaze softened when it fell on her tear-stricken face.

"Please, Sir. This job really means a lot to me. I-I will do anything. I will again apologize to Mr. Scott. I will try my best to make him understand. I-I would never show my face to him ever after that but please don't kick me out. P-Please, Sir, this job means a lot to me. Please don't ruin my hard work, Sir. I beg you, don't fire me." She implored and rested her forehead on their joined hands.

Her sincere words tugged the strings of his heart. She was genuinely begging him to forgive her. She might be careless, but deep down, he also knew that it wasn't intentional. The thing was that he was afraid of his Boss, who had no regard for people who didn't follow his rules. He lived on his principles, some of which were cynical and meaningless, but for Travis, they were the words of God. And those who weren't bound by his rules were clipped without any second thought.

But Austin couldn't bear to do injustice to that little girl. She was crying like a child, which squeezed his heart. His lips curled into a sad smile as he slowly removed his hand, only to caress her hair gently.

Feeling his touch, Honey lifted her head and looked at him. Austin sighed. Remorse struck him when he found hope in her eyes. Thinking that he might save her but unfortunately, things had gone out of control.

"H-Honey, I-" he failed to form words. Honey blinked silently praying to gain his forgiveness but all her hopes shattered when her eyes met with his which only held pity.

"I am sorry, Honey, for shouting at you, but the point is not only me, but no one can help you now. It doesn't matter that you didn't know that he was Mr. Scott, or that you didn't do it on purpose, but the reality is that he owns this building, Honey, and we are his servants. No matter how much I will defend you or you will try to sort things out, the decisions completely lie in his hands now. I can't let you meet him because I am not his secretary. Furthermore, you will require an appointment, and after the stunt you pulled, he wouldn't let you enter this building, so meeting him is completely out of the picture."

Honey listened to him with a broken heart. Austin didn't want to give her false hope. His hands were also tied. Also, he wanted to save Honey from his Boss when he knew him inside out.

Her hands dropped lifelessly to the side as she took a step back in defeat. Austin felt too bad for her.

"But if you want, you can give it a shot."