It was a week since I started work at EG-group, and I was apprehensive about meeting Ellis. The few times I did, I avoided him like fire and avoided going close or speaking to him even though he wanted to talk to me. There was weirdness between us, and associates were picking up on it and were whispering about it. Ellis was still fresh in my memories, skin, and every part of me. I hated it. I hope it will disappear. There was a knock on my door, and Jamie walked in with a smile. He was a gossiper and got involved in everyone's business.
" What?"
" You're still the topic out there. You should hear the theories of what people are saying about you and the CEO," he told me, putting a mug of coffee in front of me. I took it and sipped it. Pretending not to care, this was like K-Corp over again. The boss dating the intern. I don't know what they'd accuse me of. I leaned back in my seat as Jamie continued chatting away.
" Is David back?" I asked. I had a bone to pick with him. He should have told me Ellis was the new boss before I signed the damn contract.
" His flight got canceled because of bad weather, Ma'am," he said.
My office landline rang, and my heart pounded loudly against my chest. It happens when I receive a call on my work phone. My breath shuddered as I held the phone to my ear.
" Love Chasia speaking," I said.
" Miss. Chasia, you're needed in the CEO's office now," a voice I didn't know ordered. I closed my eyes. It was Ellis who wanted to see me. I made it clear I'm not talking about anything that doesn't relate to the company. I stood up and quickly checked in the mirror to make sure I was presentable before going out.
I knocked on the dark door and heard a gruff come in. I pushed the door open after knocking and entered the large, elegant office space. My breath jolted when I saw Ellis sitting behind his monogamy desk. He looked like a king as he relaxed in his seat. Michael and Jace were standing on either side of him.
I swallowed as I went further in. Ellis' eyes didn't leave me. I held his gaze, their gaze.
" Good morning. You asked to see me?" I said in a firm tone. I was trying to control my nonsensical inner lycan. She was too forgetful about what he did to us, and he had a mate.
' I don't see a mark on his name,' she yelped.
' He fucking left us for her despite promising us forever!' I retorted and pushed her at the back of my head.
" Good morning, Miss Chasia," Jace and Michael said. It was so uncomfortable for me.
Ellis rose to his feet, and I sucked in a breath, he was so handsome. He walked over in front of his desk and smiled at me gently.
" Good morning, Love," the way my name sounded on his tongue made it so sinful.
" You've been avoiding me," he said. I exhaled,
" Did you want to talk about work, sir?"
" Yes, you and your team were working on a healthy tracking stats app. Can you tell us about that?" he said smoothly. It was a project that wasn't approved by the board of K-Corp, so we buried it. How did they find out?
" That wasn't approved, sir, and-"
" We want to hear about it," Jace interrupted me. I was dubious to give out any information about the project because it would be like betraying David. He was interested and thought the app would bring more international clients, but his father dismissed it, saying they didn't budget for it.
" Um, can I discuss this with Mr. David Kofflin first because it-"
A growl cut me. Ellis looked pissed, his brows creased.
" Why? That man is not your boss anymore, I am. You signed a contract with my company, and in doing so, we have intellectual right to the property you were working on, whether it was approved or not!" he said sternly. I was calm and smiled tightly.
" Of course, sir. I'll prepare a presentation for you,"
I turned to leave, but his voice halted me.
" Tomorrow," he didn't leave me no time to argue. I nodded and left his office, still feeling his gaze on me, and my body was burning.
...
When I was told to introduce the app, I didn't expect members of the board to attend. Thankfully, they were pleased with the presentation of the new app. They were making suggestions. Ellis and Jace looked proud of me.
Everyone dispersed, and I followed Jace and Michael to the CEO's office.
" Lovie, you did so well," Jace beamed, putting a glass of strong whiskey in my hands as I entered the office.
" I don't drink," I said.
" Since when?" Michael smirked, earning a growl from Ellis. I have been trying to avoid eye contact with him.
" I don't drink at work," I gritted my teeth, glaring at him, but my ears felt hot when I remembered what happened to him in New York.
" We should go out to celebrate your success tonight," Jace said.
" Does that mean I resume the project?"
" The board will further discuss it, but they did like it," Michael replied, smiling as he eyed Ellis. I was pleased to hear that. The app was my idea, and I put years into it just to be rejected at K-Corp. My smile vanished when I caught a glance at Ellis. He was staring at me.
My phone rang, cutting off Michael's work, and I internally cussed. I forgot to put it on silent. I checked the caller ID, wanting to end the call, but it was Luis calling. He never called me at work unless it was important,
Michael gestured for me to answer it, and reluctantly did. I moved a few paces from them.
" Hey, sweetheart. How's work going?" His voice was deeper than ever.
" Hi, is everything alright?" I asked, worried.
" I just missed you so much," he husked. I raised an eyebrow. He only does this when women hit on him, and he wants to chase them away.
" I missed you, my love," I played along, my voice sweet and needy. I ignored the low growls from Ellis' chest. I could feel his intense gaze on me, making my skin shiver.
" Are we having dinner together?" he continued.
" Am I cooking, or are we going to a restaurant?" my voice was low and sultry.
" I like it when you cook while I watch and do bad things to you," his voice was sensual. I almost burst out laughing, but I was enjoying this so much. Who was he trying to avoid? The growls erupting from Ellis excited Vee so much.
" I'll see you soon, babe,"
" I can't wait,"