Chapter 5

Pierce.

Two could play this little game—and I’ve never lost at anything I cared to win.

The next morning, I waited, perfectly timing everything. She always started in the kitchen. I leaned against the fridge, sipping my coffee, casual as ever. Shirtless in just gym shorts hanging dangerously low on my hips. Her eyes did a double take, then snapped back to her mop like she didn’t see a damn thing.

But I saw the flush. The twitch in her fingers and slight part in her lips.

So I upped the ante

I “accidentally” dropped a cold water bottle and bent to pick it up—slowly, just enough to flex every muscle I knew she’d pretend not to stare at. I could feel her gaze crawl up my back. I straightened, turned—and caught her.

Red-handed.

She looked away like I was radioactive.

“Enjoying the view?” I asked, voice calm, a smirk tugging at my mouth.

“I—I wasn’t looking.”

“Mmm,” I said, taking a sip of water, letting it drip a little down my chest. “Shame. I was.”

She nearly choked on her own breath.

Next, I moved her schedule. Cleaning now included the gym—while I worked out. Shirt off. Sweat dripping. Every time I caught her watching, I didn’t say a word. I’d just smirk. Let her imagination do the heavy lifting.

And when I “whoopsie” brushed past her, close enough to feel the heat between us, I made sure my lips were near her ear.

“You should be careful, Alexis,” I murmured. “Keep teasing like that, and I might forget this is just a game.”

She shivered. 

Now she knew what it felt like when someone got into her head.

But I wasn’t done yet.

Not even close.

But for now I'll let her have a taste. 

~~~~~~

Alexis. 

Okay… so maybe this plan backfired. A little.

I was supposed to seduce him into firing me. Not end up being the one flustered, daydreaming about licking water off those infuriating abs. God, that man is a carved promise.

I pinched myself. Focus, Lex. You’re the player. Not the pawn.

Still, I couldn’t risk walking out in that barely-there dress I wore in the morning. Changed right in the elevator like a maniac. No way was I going to let those guards think I was another notch on Pierce Carter’s designer bedpost. So I slipped into a soft sundress, something innocent and demure.

Too bad I forgot it was so damn short.

As I passed him, I could feel his gaze on my body like heat from the sun. Those cursed teal eyes we're way too focused on me.

My ex-husband never looked at me like that. Not even on our wedding day at the altar. 

It was the look of a man who saw something—and wanted to own it. Like I was his already.

But no. I wouldn't let him win this round.

“Clean the lights.” He ordered.

I blinked. “No. It’s time for me to head home.”

He folded his arms, leaning against the table like the annoying man he was. “Then no daily pay.”

Oh, so that’s how he wanted to play.

I needed that money. Debts weren’t going to pay themselves. I sighed, slipped off my shoes, and stepped onto the table.

Stupid sundress. The second I raised my arms, it lifted—and yeah, I’d never gotten around to putting on panties after the elevator change. Which I should have. 

But his silence said it all.

I didn’t even need the mirror this time. The way his eyes darkened, that barely-there twitch of his jaw, it told me everything.

I was winning again.

Or was I?

“Careful with those lights,” he finally said, voice lower. “They’re imported. Probably cost more than your entire block.”

He just had to rub that on my face.Pierce Carter, king of flexes.

I rolled my eyes and finished the job, but when I looked down, I caught him staring. His eyes moving all over my body, as he licked his bottom lip like he wanted to devour me right there and then—and then just as quickly, he looked away.

I hopped down, feet hitting the floor soft as feathers, and he handed me a few notes without a word.

That’s when Zane walked in.

I could feel his eyes sweep over me too, lingering a little too long. Men.

“You already sampled the cleaner?” Zane asked, grinning. “How greedy, Carter.”

Pierce didn’t miss a beat. “Didn’t sample that pest. Just gave her her pay.”

I smirked as I pressed the elevator button. Pest, huh?

The elevator doors opened and I stepped inside, chuckling softly. If only they knew what was going through my mind. I slid into my car, bit my lip, and whispered to myself:

“Tomorrow… I provoke.”

Let’s see how much control Mr. Untouchable really has.

~~~~~~

Today I'm going full pest mode. 

I walked into Pierce’s bedroom armed with a spray bottle and today’s attitude. He was still sleeping—shirtless. I narrowed my eyes, leaned in, and sprayed.

“Rise and shine, your highness!” I chirped, flicking the tablecloth at him like I was swatting flies off a cow.

Pierce groaned, shielding his face. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

I smirked. “It’s morning, and you’re sleeping while I have to clean. Seems a little unfair, don’t you think?”

He sat up, clearly annoyed and half-naked—tragic distraction. I clicked the remote, and the curtains slid open, flooding the room with light. I swear I saw him hiss like a vampire.

Payback was just getting started.

While he was in the shower—humming like he had no idea a storm was brewing—I made my way to the kitchen. One fresh cup of espresso? Oh no, not today. I sprinkled in just a dash of salt, then a generous helping of pepper. It smelled like" you are fired" already. 

I tiptoed into his office and opened his laptop. The presentation for this morning’s big pitch was already on the screen, waiting like a loyal servant. I smiled, then dragged in a very special surprise. 

By the time he’d finish his coffee and opens his laptop, he'd either explode or faint. Either way, I’d finally get fired. And with it, my glorious two million dollar payday!