Chapter 4

Allison's POV

I would give anything to go back to a time when my life was boring, simple. Right now, I don't have the luxury anymore. In the space of one night, I had fought with my best friend, found my boyfriend in my bed with a strange woman, ended a relationship of several years, spilled my miseries at a bar, and ended up having a one-night stand with my boss.

Xander Black, my fucking boss! Ohh Jezz! 

How am I supposed to face him now? How can I go back to work, knowing what I know, and still function properly?

I was so lost in thought all the way back to my apartment. Wish i no longer have to set foot in that company,but I have to, It's not like I have any other choice. I need the job.

Getting to my apartment, I hurriedly took my bathe and got dressed for work.

I definitely cannot think about him, cannot think about the way I can still feel the touch of his smooth skin, warmer than my cashmere blankets—

Stop it, Allison. You said you wouldn't tell anyone. That includes yourself, forget it ever happened.

Holding onto this decision is easier said than done, especially since I'm walking into my workplace right now. I'm more than an hour early this time, but that doesn't matter at the moment. Not when memories of that steamy night have insisted on popping into my mind no matter how I try .

 I keep my head down as I walk to the office I share with a few other colleagues. I feel like everyone can tell what happened in Xander Black's bedroom just by looking at me. Like there are huge letters on my forehead, spelling it out in enough details for even the dumb to understand.

I have just increased my pace, desperate to outrun these thoughts, when I run into Elsa. My heart lurches, my clammy hands fidgeting with the straps of my bag. I want nothing more than to throw myself into her arms, to let her comfort me like she always does, but I know I am not welcome to.

I can see it in her cool gaze. 

"Elsa—" I begin.

"Good morning," she says with a curt nod.

As though she is looking at some employee she has seen around once or twice but is yet to build a rapport with. That gaze sends arrows into my already bleeding heart. I badly want to say something else, but I don't get the chance.

"Elsa, I wanted— about yesterday—"

She is already walking away. I sniff to prevent myself from crying. Somehow, I make it to my office with dry eyes. I sit with my head down, doing my work like a robot. I don't stop, not even when it's time for lunch. I pretend not to notice the odd looks my colleagues send my way as they leave the office. Hours fly by and I don't really notice. I keep typing, wishing for the work to swallow me whole.

I make briskly for the exit after work, still keeping my head down. I had undone my bun earlier, letting the fall of my golden blonde hair hide my face. My steps slow as I approach the lobby, and I'm gripped by memories. This is the spot where I always wait for Elsa, so that I can drive her home. If she wasn't mad at me, I would stop and wait without a second thought.

I know she's mad at me, but…

I turn to look towards the entrance.

…is it really okay for me to leave, just like that?

Elsa is my best friend. I can't let her go just like that. Not over something like this. I can't let Peterson take her from me. Chances are that she would reject the ride if I offer, but if I just leave without at least offering, I would be crossing a line I don't want to cross. So I hover nervously around the lobby, checking my wristwatch every few seconds. I also can't stop darting anxious glances at the direction the power trio usually leaves from. It would certainly suck if Xander Black stumbled upon me here.

As if summoned by my anxious thoughts, the Alpha in question appears. As usual, his executives are with him, and Rachel is walking right beside him. I can hear her talking about some project or other. I tilt my head up slowly, sneaking a peek at Xander Black. His attractive profile is intimidating, nothing like the softer stranger I slept with last night. Unexpectedly, he turns in my direction, and I duck my head quickly.

I slept with this man. Touched every inch of the untouchable Alpha.

Those are dangerous thoughts, and I would be a fool to entertain dangerous thoughts. Besides, I can't let him see my face. He would surely recognize me as the woman from last night, and then what?

I really don't want to find out what sort of trouble I'll be in if he does. Better to keep my head down even more than usual, literally and figuratively. So I keep staring at the floor at my feet until I hear them leaving.

That was close. I have to be more careful from now on—

"Allison Carter, is it?" he says.

I start turning around instinctively. I should have known better. After hiding all day, trying to avoid this exact situation, I should have known better to end up staring with shock into Xander Black's cold hazel eyes.

He recognizes me, I realize with horror. An even worse thought follows. Oh no. I'm screwed.

Rachel is looking from him to me and back again, her face darkening. Does she know? No, she clearly doesn't, or she would have torn me apart as soon as I got to work this morning. Besides, Xander Black is not looking at me like he knows me, so I guess that's something. But I know he does. He has made sure that I know.

As if she can read my mind, Rachel asks, "Do you know her, Mr. Black?"

Mr. Black ignores her, and I can't even find it in me to feel smug.

"I want to see you in my office, Miss Carter," he says sternly.

He says it like I've done something wrong, something I should be punished for. But I have, haven't I? I've pretty much lied to the Alpha, to my boss, and now I'm about to pay the price.

……

I've never been inside Xander Black's office before, and I'm too anxious to admire how grand the place is. He hadn't come in. He was finalizing some deal with Rachel outside. I hover around his office, my heartbeat quickening with second. God knows if he ever opens that door I might stop breathing, choke and die.

For some reason, my luck today was freaking rotten. Immediately the door swags open. I jolt on my tracks, turning sharply. A big smile plastering on my face.

Xander shuts the door and walks past me like I was a new decor he had grown extreme hatred for. My heart sink. My fingers sweating as I grip harder on my purse.

“You wanted to see me, Mr Black?” I look towards him. He had his back to me, picking up a letter from a small glass plate on his table 

“I have to admit, I was a bit surprised when you called my name. It's not everyday that an employee gets a boss’ attention.” I mutter. At that moment, I was not thinking because I was too busy shaking like a leaf.

“Allison Cather.”

My breath hitch at the mention of my name. His baritone voice sending chills running down my spine. If I wasn't scared before I was freaking out now.

“Is last night something I can easily forget?”

I gulp, squeezing my purse. I've been caught. There was no denying it now. All I could think of doing next was to apologize.

“I'm sorry Sir. I'm so sorry. It was the alcohol. I would never had done it with a clear head, I swear on my fa…”

“Allison.”

My voice stuck in my throat instantly.

“There is no need for all that… rambling.” He throws the envelope on a couch next to me.

“I've already made a decision.”

‘He has?’ I let out a sharp exhale. His voice sounded somewhat timid just now. For the first time since last night, I wasn't so

frightened about the outcome of meeting him. Well, I shouldn't have thought so.

“You are fired.”