6. The Task!

Lisa’s POV

I reached the parking lot on time, yet the look he gave me could make anyone think I had committed a crime.

As if he hadn’t poured an entire mug of cold coffee on me this morning. The moment I walked onto the floor, every employee stared at me with pity and shock like a deer trapped in a lion’s cage.

I honestly didn’t know when this monster will plan to show mercy on me… if ever.

Today I ditched the skirt and bought the most expensive trousers and shirt I could find in the fanciest branded store. It was on the company anyway, they were the ones who ruined my clothes.

So I didn’t give a damn if the bill hit three or four digits.

His eyes swept over my outfit again, like he was inspecting every detail. Was he going to comment on my clothes? I was already preparing myself to fight back verbally if he did.

But he didn’t say anything. He got inside the car without a word, and I followed.

The door shut behind me and his scent hit me instantly, powerful, expensive, and signature. He smelled like that every day. Tempting. Mouthwatering. The kind of scent that makes you feel like you are in desire without even realizing it. The smell of first rain mixed with something dark and addictive.

Curiosity got the better of me. I looked at him.

“What perfume do you use?”

He turned to me like no one had ever asked him that in his entire life. His eyes were amused yet shocked maybe wondering how I still had courage left to ask him stupid questions.

He stared right into my eyes, then dropped to my lips for a second before lifting back again, slowly, like he was thinking about something… admiring something… or trying to suppress something inside him.

I should’ve realized the question was useless. He didn’t answer.

He ignored me.

Was he ever normal?

We reached the venue soon, and even from outside, the building screamed luxury. Of course, we were here to meet one of the most successful builders in the country. Apparently, Louis want a separate office building where all his employees could be under one roof. So here we are.

The man greeted Louis politely, looking like the complete opposite of my boss, charming smile, gentleman behavior, respectful.

Then his attention shifted to me.

“Lisa!” he said warmly.

I shook his hand. “Mr. Brooke!”

Before I could pull back, he lifted my hand slightly and kissed the back of it as if I was some Lady and he was a Lord from an old era. The gesture was elegant, confident, and appreciative.

“I must say,” he smiled, “you look even more beautiful than you sound on the phone. Pleasure to finally meet you.”

I didn’t need to turn toward Louis to feel the fire burning in his eyes. I could sense his anger, sharp, heated, dangerous. But why?

“Nice to meet you too, Mr. Brooke,” I said politely, pulling my hand back.

We entered his lavish cabin. Everything, the office, the décor, the way his desk was arranged, showed his success. No wonder he was the best at what he did.

Louis, being the king of negotiations as always, dominated the entire meeting. Not even Brooke’s honey-coated words and confidence could match him. By the end, Louis had gotten exactly what he wanted, the project, the terms, the budget. A sum so huge that some countries would count it as their GDP.

Louis should have been happy. But he wasn't.

He looked irritated every time Brooke glanced at me or slipped in hidden compliments. It was safe to assume that the man was silently flirting with me… or maybe he was just like that with every woman. His own secretary looked relaxed next to him, and look at me, always walking on broken glass around Louis.

“Well, I guess the deal is sealed now,” Brooke declared.

Louis only nodded.

“We should celebrate,” Brooke continued. “I have a party tonight. I insist both of you join. Louis, you’ll meet some valuable business connections… and this pretty lady can enjoy herself.”

I smiled. “I would love—”

“We’ll see.”

Louis cut me off without even looking at me.

“If time allows.”

Of course. If he allows.

Brooke chuckled. “Of course. Time is the king.”

We left after the meeting. It was almost time for my shift to end, but my great boss would rather choke than let me go home half an hour early, so we went straight back to the office.

I was working when he called me inside.

My stomach no longer drop when he summons me now. I already know the drill, either humiliation or scolding. I was always prepared.

I walked inside and gasped.

All the files from the massive wall-shelf were scattered across the floor. Not a few, hundreds. Maybe thousands.

“Where is Shalimaar’s file?” he snapped.

“You gave it to me to make a copy,” I answered, still staring at the chaos.

He stepped toward me. I stepped back. My heartbeat picked up with every inch he closed.

“I told you I want it back by evening. Why isn’t it here?”

“I was just about to give it to you.”

I lifted the file in my hands cautiously.

He snatched it away.

“Only if you could do one thing right.”

What the hell did I do wrong now?

“Now stop staring at me. Clean this mess,” 

He ordered.

“I’ll call housekeeping,” I turned to leave, but his voice froze me.

“I don’t trust housekeeping staff with important files. You will clean this.”

He said it so calmly like he was asking for a coffee.

I turned back in disbelief.

Was he out of his mind? These were thousands of files arranged alphabetically and by deal dates. It was already late, cleaning this would take hours. I would probably be here till night.

“But Sir—”

He narrowed his eyes.

“Do you have a problem, Lisa?”

He was daring me to challenge him. I gave up. Nothing melted his stone heart. I’d just clean and go home in peace.

I swear I saw him smirk when I sat on the floor to sort the files. He was doing it on purpose. But why? What did he get out of torturing me?

I wanted to attend the party but here I was, sorting a mountain of files.

Hours passed. My legs hurt, my fingers were numb, but I finally managed to organize everything. Only one file was left to put on the top shelf.

I grabbed a stool and stepped on it, stupid decision while wearing heels.

I lost my balance.

I shut my eyes, waiting for the painful hit to the floor but I didn’t fall.

Strong arms wrapped around me, holding me firmly in midair.

And that signature scent surrounded me again, rain and something dark.

It was him, Louis had caught me.