Chapter 11

Diane's POV

"Conrad Beaumont doesn't mix pleasure with work, and right now..." He holds my chin even higher, leaning in.

"Pleasure comes before work." He completes before pressing his lips softly against mine.

My eyes widen, shock and confusion colliding at once. My entire body freezes, my heart palpitating.

I should pull away immediately, but I don't, and that scares me more than everything, more than his lips pressed against mine.

My eyes instinctively go shut, and the moment I try to kiss him back, he breaks the kiss, his eyes locking onto mine. For the very first time since I got to know him, my entire face flushes, embarrassment washing over me.

Diane, what the hell have you done? Trying to kiss him back? Ahh, I'm doomed.

His eyes dwindle and a smirk sprawls across his lips. I bite my bottom lip hard, wishing I could disappear. I try looking away from his annoying gaze, but he holds my chin even tighter, so tight that I fear he might dislocate my jaw.

My fingers curl, digging into my flesh as I try to stare deep into his eyes, but for fuck's sake, I can't. No matter how hard I try to keep my gaze on his face, my eyes move carelessly and land on his lips. How alluring and tempting they are makes me gulp, twice, before I pinch myself hard.

His smirk deepens as he finally lets go of my chin, then takes two steps away from me, pocketing his hands.

"Relax, I didn't say tonight." He mutters, turning on his heels.

I curse him under my breath, breathing out in relief.

"Get your stuff and let's leave." He's already ten steps away as he says it. I glance around the hallway, just to make sure no one saw us.

I sigh, then hiss before running after him.

"Just because you're my boss doesn't mean you should cross boundaries." I mumble the moment I catch up.

He pauses, then swivels around. "Do I have to remind you again?" His brows squint.

I blink. "Well... you don't have to. But some boundaries aren't meant to be crossed." I stutter.

He glances at me briefly. "The event still stands." And without another word, he bolts out.

I swipe my tongue across my bottom lip, then sigh.

For a moment, I forgot why I'm even here. Not as a secretary, but still, he shouldn't have. Some workers might walk in on us in the hallway and I'd automatically turn into a laughing stock. A caricature, and that's not what I want for myself. I don't want rumors flying around the company that Diane Hall seduced the CEO. You know that annoying kind of rumor.

He's already seated in the back of the car when I come out, and the driver is in too, so I quickly rush to my side and get in.

"Drive." He simply tells the driver, his voice tinged with authority. The car comes to life before zooming out of the compound.

The silence between us is awkward, unspoken words and feelings swirling in the air. No words, no movements, just the gentle hum of the engine and the AC.

My palms are pressed tightly against my knees, and they won't stop sweating no matter how hard I try to control it.

What's wrong with me? Why is this so tense? Is it because of the brief kiss? Or is there something more tied to it?

I gently move my hands so Conrad won't notice my nervousness, brush a strand of loose hair behind my ear, then exhale.

I turn my head, staring out the window. Maybe I need this to put my thoughts together. Seeing the night city bokeh, the tall trees and big houses makes a smile curl around my lips. The view alone is warm and comforting. But I barely spend two minutes staring outside when...

"Seriously?" I hear Conrad scoff in disbelief. His voice isn't loud, but it's just enough to snap me out of my trance. I almost think he's referring to me, until I see his gaze is on his phone.

I peek. "Sir? Did something else happen?" I ask cluelessly, still trying to catch a glimpse of what made him scoff.

He lifts his gaze toward me, his expression tightening. "What else are you pulling, Diane?"

Bingo.

He's talking to me. I know that scoff is for me because aside from the driver, I'm the only one with him, but what does he mean? What am I pulling?

"I need a brief enlightenment regarding the direction of this question, sir." I mutter softly, bowing my head.

He hisses, then asks for my phone.

Hello sir, this is my phone. Not your company's property or your girlfriend's. What's he thinking, asking for my phone? He's seriously behaving like a man who just discovered his partner is cheating and needs to confirm.

I clear my throat. "I can't." I bluntly reply.

"Your phone, Diane." He deadpans, his voice so firm and commanding. I would say no again, but I slowly pull out the phone and give it to him.

A few seconds after taking it, I see his eyes darken, though his expression remains neutral. Then swiftly, he turns to me, raising the phone at my face.

"What's this?" he questions sharply.

My heart skips a beat.