Dusk Till Down

"You're going on a blind date?"

I looked away from the computer screen. My crazy boss was sitting at my desk. He tilted his head. Those dark eyes were waiting for an answer. I adjusted my glasses, then went back to my computer.

"You're asking because you know, right?" I retorted.

"I don't think it's been that long since you broke up. You're not easily traumatized, Ms. Green."

"The past is in the past, Mr. Davis."

He chuckled, then downed his favorite drink, green wine. There was an uneasy feeling watching him drink. Because the contents of the glass were constantly moving and might spill.

"The treaty is over," he said, glancing at me. He squinted. Without words, I knew he was bringing up the agreement that I accidentally broke, I mean I didn't know I broke it. He spoke again, "If you wanna make another agreement, I won't mind. I'll ensure you get punishment from me."

I shook my head. For three months, this man was so crazy that I was almost infected. I was able to survive because of the goal of getting rich to get revenge on my ex.

"Avery, who told you about the blind date?"

"My friend."

He nodded. His left palm touched the table as he brought his face closer. The scent of expensive perfume wafted over. His ocean-deep voice greeted my ears, "You know, the people there are random. Some of them have other intentions."

"I can take care of myself. I'm a black belt in karate." I replied while turning away slightly. His damn handsome face burned my cheeks.

"If he can do all the martial arts?"

"The police are reliable."

He leaned closer again, then whispered in the lowest voice he had, "They'll take advantage of you."

I got up from the chair. My feet went to the mini fridge to get a bottle of beer. Before I could open the lid, it was snatched away. I turned my head.

"Mr. Davis, please don't interrupt my work."

The beer bottle was placed on top of the cabinet where I couldn't reach it. A proud smile was etched on the frame of his mesmerizing face. His muscular hands were held in front of his body. Those coveted broad shoulders lay against the windowpane.

"You're the one interrupting. In my building, there is no alcohol other than green wine. Claim, how did you smuggle that beer in?"

"The other employees drink it and you okay with it."

"The other employees aren't obedient like you, Avery."

I threw my hands behind my body. My feet turned back to the desk. I coughed a little. This summer was as hot as my heart when I interacted with him. My hand fanned my face.

"Avery, marry me."

I looked to the right. I aim my knife-sharp gaze at him. The wine was almost gone. That means he's drunk. I pulled away.

The treads of leather shoes approached. Breath hit my neck, leaving a burning trail. I swallowed nervously. "Mr. Davis, don't bother me working," I begged.

"Avery... I always call your name, why don't you do the same?"

"That kind of thing isn't in the contract."

He clucked. His free hand wrapped around my shoulder. My body froze. His cold lips touched my earlobe. "We have a verbal contract, darling," he argued. "It says you agree to my arguments."

"This verbal contract is valid until I get bored. Do you get it?" he added.

"What do you want?"

His soft laughter flowed like my favorite French song. "Call my name."

"Graciano."

He laughed again. My hearing was spoiled. He moved a hand to rub my shoulder. Instantly my whole body got goosebumps, the same sensation as in his apartment.

"Don't go on that blind date."

"Blind dates are an out-of-office business. You can't forbid me."

"My fault. Avery, don't leave work for that blind date."

There was always something wrong when this man was drunk. I sighed. "Why do you want me not to go on a blind date?"

"Why would you wanna go on a blind date?" he said quickly. His left hand hugged me possessively. Sometimes I feel like Graciano was once a lonely boy.

My hair stood up the second his lips left a trail down my cheek. I widened my eyes and was about to brush it away. However, he casually intervened, "Erase that and you'll have no leave."

"What do you really want?!"

"You."

I moved my body to break away. The further this conversation went, the crazier I became. Inside me, my heart beat abnormally, my stomach felt full like many dragonflies were flying inside.

Graciano opened his arms. He moved to the front of the table. His eyebrows dipped sharply.

I pulled my gaze away. Office hours were coming to an end. I needed to tidy up the desk. Then do my makeup. My first blind date was today.

Ignoring Graciano's presence, I cleared the desk, stacked files, and took out the trash. When I turned around, he was already standing behind me. The wine glass wasn't in his hand.

"Do you need someone to lean on?" he asked.

"Not really."

"I can't beat your ambition to go on a blind date." He decided. The resigned expression made me feel sorry for him. Graciano told me, "You can go on it, but I'll decide."

I frowned. "What do you want to decide?"

"Your dating partner."

"Mr. Davis, I have a partner," I called out with a small smile.

"No, no. He won't be your partner."

His leather shoes took a step forward. I would have backed away, but I didn't. This man's dominance was at work and I must not be swayed. His thumb traced my jawline, then stopped at my chin. He lifted my chin.

"I will be."

In the blink of an eye, Graciano kissed me passionately. The kiss was soft but then rough. I closed my mouth when he wanted more. Tricky, he bite my lips so I didn't have options. Our tongues met. It made me breathless and overwhelmed.

I didn't have any idea but to replied his kiss.