Chapter 10

Alina pov

I splashed cold water on my face, desperate to wash away his shirtless image. My heart was still racing. He caught me looking at him, gawking my eyes on his chest and I didn't look away. He looked so incredibly handsome that I would have jumped on him if I didn't run away. I might have something reckless, something that could change everything between us.

I didn't want to go out. I didn't want to face him. I don't want to but I had too. I couldn't ignore him.

“Ms. Spenser, are you okay?” I heard his voice—cold and deep—from outside the door. My heart started beating faster; nervousness had taken over my whole body.

“Umm… yes… I’m coming, Mr. Parker,” I replied in a shaky tone. He didn’t say anything. I just heard his footsteps retreating to his cabin. I took a long, deep breath and went out.

My footsteps were slow as I walked in and sat down in my seat. I couldn't take my eyes off him while he continued working on his laptop. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, and I immediately looked away.

My cheeks were already flushed as I thought of his naked body—his rough arms, hard chest, and broad shoulders. I have watched him secretly, worked out at the private gym for hours and I had taken some photos that were tucked inside my hidden diary.

I never thought a small, secret teenage crush could turn into an obsessive love.

“Ms. Spenser.” Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice in the background and looked up to see Mr. Parker standing in front of my desk. I immediately stood up, avoiding his gaze. My hands were shivering with fear and nervousness. He came closer to my face, and I could smell his cologne lingering in the air between us. I tried not to breathe it in, tried not to think about it—but it was impossible. His charm over me wouldn’t fade, no matter how hard I tried.

“Yes, Mr. Parker,” I replied, my voice shaking.

“I was calling you, Ms. Spenser, but you didn’t hear me. We have an important meeting to attend, so quit daydreaming and let’s go,” he said.

I nodded quickly, unable to meet his eyes.

My mind kept screaming, Don’t look into his eyes, or you’ll lose it. Avoid him at all cost.

He walked out and I immediately took my notes and followed him.

The meeting was scheduled at a nearby hotel. I double checked all the documents before we entered. I had reserved a private room in advance as the meeting was important for our company. We had decided to expand our business into a different city and Mr Parker had come to discuss the proposal with an important investor. I walked up to the receptionist.

“Hello, reservation under Parker Industries,” I said.

“Sure, mam,” She smiled and called over a waiter, and we were led into the room.

The investor was an old man in his mid-fifties. His name was Mr. Shawn—whose belly spilled over the chair as he stood up to greet Mr. Ryan Parker.

“It’s an honour to meet you, Mr Parker,” The man said. Mr Parker didn't say anything and simply sat down. Then Mr. Shawn’s eyes fell on me, and he smiled wickedly. He rolled his tongue over his lips, and I could feel his vibe.

It was off. It was unsettling.

“And you must be...” he said, extending his hand but Mr. Parker immediately stepped forward. The old man smiled, and immediately stepped back. He knew not to offend Mr Parker or his life will be done for. Mr Parker was known for his cold and ruthless nature. The man who can shake up his whole empire in a day.

“She is my assistant, Ms. Spenser,” he replied in a cold tone. Mr Shawn didn’t say anything but kept nodding his head. I could see sweat running down his face, and I felt a small flicker of satisfaction in my heart.

“Mr Parker…about the meeting,” The man began, but he was interrupted when Mr. Parker wiped the hand that was touched by the old man and tossed the tissue onto the table.

The man was clearly ashamed but he didn't dare to say anything.

“Let's start,” Mr. Parker said and the man nodded, though there was no smile on his face.

Throughout the meeting I could feel some evil eyes watching me like a predator, making me uncomfortable. I tried to look away, tried to make some notes but whenever I glanced in his direction, the old man was staring at me.

Suddenly, Mr. Parker turned his face toward me, and I looked at him for a brief moment. I could see the anger in his expression—his eyes were dark and cold.

“Wait.” He interrupted the meeting, facing his head towards Mr Shawn. He stood up, removed his coat, and threw it to me.

“Wear this and wait for me outside. I’m coming right away,” he said. I immediately nodded and took his coat.

I stepped outside wearing it—it was twice my size, but it was the most comfortable thing I had ever worn. I could smell his cologne on it, a scent that had driven me crazy yet somehow calmed my mind. I knew he wouldn’t let anyone look at me, and I also knew that Mr. Shawn wouldn’t have a good end.

I waited through day and night, watching for the obsession hidden in the dark—the shadows that protected me every time I needed someone to hold me tightly and never let go.

I tried hard, but every time I failed. Today, though, I saw the anger in his eyes—the way Mr. Shawn looked at me. I knew Mr. Ryan Parker would kill him for casting those bad eyes on me.

I tried to listen closely, but there was no sound from inside. I pressed my ear against the door, trying to catch anything—when suddenly it opened, and Mr. Parker stepped out.

“Let’s go,” he said in a commanding tone.

I didn’t say anything; I just followed him. But I couldn’t help wondering what he had done with Mr. Shawn.