Chapter 2

Yana's PoV

I've been pacing a hole in the floor of the lobby for the last fifteen minutes. Why did I allow my irrational brain to convince me to do that to Damon?

Oh my gosh, I'm gonna get fired! My loans will be in arrears! Oh jeez, Alex's medical bills! I'm gonna end up penniless and homeless! If only I had thought about all those things before dousing my boss with my drink.

Grabbing a seat by the bar, I signal the bartender who approaches immediately.

"What can I get you today, ma'am?" He smiles, showcasing his dimpled cheeks.

Groaning, I reply, "I'll take a Sidecar please, and keep em coming, Wayne." I said, looking at his bronze name tag.

I might as well enjoy the drinks as that's the last thing I'll get free from my company. As he watched me down the first one, he quickly replaced it but I resorted to nursing my drink.

Yep, I'm a lightweight!

"You look like you've had a rough day. I hope things will get better for you." Wayne said while making a drink for another customer.

I sigh, "I really hope so because I'm in some deep shit."

A rowdy group entered the bar area, so I grabbed my drink and headed to a corner. Minutes later, I started eavesdropping as the gentleman behind me cursed about his misfortune.

He'd just arrived from the airport, and his messenger bag was missing. "Hi I'm Yana, I couldn't help but overhear your rambling." I smiled fondly as I extended my arm.

He glanced at me skeptically before  taking my hand. "I'm Zach. Nice to meet you." His tone was clipped, but I cared zero;perhaps this was liquid courage.

Moving around the table, I sat directly across from him. His full beard, even white teeth, handsome face, and broad shoulders were enough to make my stomach clench.

"So let me get this straight." I said while sitting on the edge of my seat. "You rushed here from the airport only to learn your meeting is delayed..."

Taking a slow slip, I raised my index finger, "Your messenger bag with your MacBook, cellphone, and even your wallet was left in the vehicle, and you can't book into this hotel?"

He sighed loudly, "You're absolutely right. This is not my day."

I chuckled at his disdain, "Don't be too hard on yourself. At least you didn't almost drown your boss."

Zach did a double take and then burst out laughing. "You're lying!How did that happen?"

Sighing, I contemplated whether I should open up to a complete stranger or not. In the end I chose the latter. "Honestly, I'd rather not get into it. But I can help you out though, come on."

He raised a brow at me and got serious. "I'll be fine, don't worry about it."

I grabbed his hand, but I let go immediately as he stiffened at my touch. Instead, I headed towards the receptionist desk and beckoned for him to follow suit.

"Hi, how can I help you today?" She asked politely.

I lean forward, trying to be discreet, "Hi Sheila. I wanna book Zach a room for the night until he gets himself sorted out."

She looked between us, I smiled, but Zach's face was beet red. He shoved his hands into his pockets and turned away mumbling something incoherent.

Ignoring him, I proceeded to pay once he gave Sheila his ID, then went and ordered another Sidecar from the bar. Zach opted for Courvoisier on the rocks, and requested salted peanuts as well.

The liquor seemed to calm us both as we talked for hours about any and everything! The chemistry between us at this point was certainly visible to the naked eye.

"You're very beautiful Yana." Zach suddenly blurted out, causing me to choke on my drink.

He immediately patted my back and handed me his handkerchief to wipe my mouth and face.

It smelled woodsy with a hint of citrus, just like him.

"Are you flirting with me Zach?" I blushed like an inexperienced school girl on a first date with her boyfriend.

He smiled and licked his lips, "So what if I am?" He leaned toward me, staring intently at my lips. "You're incredibly beautiful and intelligent, you obviously have a good heart, and you're fucking sexy."

I opened my mouth to speak but no words were forthcoming. My stomach clenched as his scent invaded my senses. Gosh! It's been so long since I've gotten laid! Should I?

I felt a blush creep up my neck and face instantly, so I lowered my head in embarrassment. "Do you say that to all the girls you meet?"

In seconds, his fingers lifted my chin as we stared at each other. Nothing and no one else mattered in that moment but us. "I mean every single word. Frankly put, I want you." He whispered as his thumb traced my bottom lip, pulling it from between my teeth.

Bang! I jumped in fright from the loud noise behind me. Zach's face creased in confusion then morphed into anger.

I turned slowly, my breath hitched and I prayed the ground would open and swallow me whole! There stood the mighty Damon Blackstone, seething in anger as he watched us.

"Is this what you're being paid to do Miss Brighton?" He asked tersely while clenching and unclenching his hands.

Taking a shaky breath I replied, "No sir. I assume you're ready to go?"

Zach moved to stand beside me, "Are you okay? You seem tense." He asked, concerned.

Damon lunged forward and pulled me to his side while I stood in silence, shocked by the events unfolding before me. Zach laced his hand around my waist, glaring at Damon.

"She is free to speak to whoever she wants. Are you her father?" Zach seethed.

Damon chuckled, sending a chill down my spine. He's a vindictive asshole who's capable of just about anything. I couldn't live with myself if Zach got hurt because of this piece of shit. Placing my hand on Zach's arm, I smiled reassuringly.

"It's okay.  This is my boss Damon, we're actually heading home today."

Zach visibly relaxed but his stare never wavered. "Okay then. Can we talk..." He glared at Damon, "...privately before you go?"

"Ye...." Before I could finish my response, Damon interjected.

"I'd suggest you let this dimwit know that you're on company time Miss Brighton."

Zach took a deep breath while my anger surged to a zenith!

"What I choose to do in my personal time has nothing to do with you." I quipped.

A throat cleared behind us, we all turned in unison to see a lady standing with a clipboard in hand.

"Mr. Lindsay right?" She asked, addressing Zach; he nodded in response.

She smiled, "I'm Lorraine from guest services. Mr. Henry the Manager would like a word with you right away please."

Lorraine pointed to a hallway to the left. Zach glanced at me and smiled briefly before excusing himself.

The second he entered the office, Damon took my arm in a vice-like grip and pulled me towards the hotel entrance.

Moments later, the valet pulled up with his car. He stowed the bags in the trunk, ordered me to get in then sped off like a bat let loose out of hell!

My mind was reeling the entire time, then it dawned on me: I didn't even get Zach's contact details! Turning my head to the window, I wiped the torrents of tears which finally broke free.

I internally mourned the lost opportunity with Zach and because I couldn't quit since Damon was powerful enough to have me blacklisted!

Screw my pathetic life!

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