Narrator-
"Did I dismiss you?" Mr. Cavalier repeated when he received no response from Liliana.
Liliana who was currently as still as a statue.
Her heart thumped in her chest. The sound resonating in echoes in her ears.
Liliana could feel a heat wrap around her neck and head as she figured that she was once again in trouble.
She could hear the authority in his tone and that sent a shiver down her spine.
She was definitely in trouble.
Liliana heard some shuffling behind her and turned sharply to find Mr. Cavalier standing from the couch and facing her with his hands in his pockets.
He kept his gaze cool, but Liliana felt as if his scrutinizing eyes were burning her alive. She hated the fact that he was so in his zone, so calm and collected, which was the total opposite to her chaotic thoughts.
"Well did I?" Mr. Cavalier pushed, and Liliana looked away as she replied, "Well no."
"But you decided to leave anyway?" Frantz spoke, his tone nonchalant, his gaze and tone both becoming a bit more firm.
"Well you didn't say anything, so I just assumed that you wanted me gone." Liliana replied, truthfully as she tried to hold eye contact for as long as possible, but eventually she looked away, her nervous fingers playing with one another.
Liliana felt her throat run dry. The entire situation was just too intense. This would be the second time she has gotten in trouble for not waiting on Mr. Cavalier's dismissal, and he didn't seem pleased with her. Not too long ago, Liliana remembered reassuring him that she would work hard, and it seem she was already breaking that promise.
"Didn't your mother ever teach you not to assume?" Frantz demanded in a scolding tone, which in turn caused Liliana to frown.
"Did your mother ever teach you better manners?" Liliana found herself pushing back, unable to control her mouth or stop herself before the words flew out of her lips.
"Liliana-" Frantz began as if to reprimand her.
"Mr. Cavalier." Liliana replied, as she hardened her eyes against his glare, she didn't plan on letting him intimidate her. Well at least not too much.
Mr. Cavalier slightly cocked his head to the right and scoffed at Liliana's sudden bravado, then he smirked as he rose up to her challenge.
If she wanted to play... then he would play.
Mr. Cavalier removed his hands from his pockets and began undoing his cuff links in order to pull the sleeves of his dress shirt back. As he did so, he kept his dark gaze on Liliana and began taking measured steps towards her.
Unsure of what to do, Liliana looked around hoping for a way out.
The closer Frantz got, the shallower Liliana's breaths became.
So much for not letting him intimidate her.
Liliana tried avoiding his gaze, but the second they fell back on his eyes, her breath hitched in her throat, just as Mr. Cavalier he stopped only a few inches away from her.
Liliana's eyes were once again set the base of Mr. Cavalier's neck. Her palms were sweaty as she continued to play with her intertwined fingers. And while Liliana found it easier to breathe when she kept her eyes away from his, Mr. Cavalier saw it as a sign of defiance.
"There is something called personal space you know." Liliana blurted out before she could stop herself, after she felt that the room had been way too quiet.
"I know, but I figured we've been close before, didn't think you would mind it." He observed keeping his tone low, and that note rang through Liliana's body, and she drew in a breath getting a whiff of his very manly, very expensive cologne.
Frantz knew the close proximity was making Liliana uneasy, but he wanted her to get used to the idea of having him close. In his mind, the instance he decided that Liliana was in his sights, he wanted to make it known to her.
"That was an accident," Liliana explained, though the way her voice sounded was not very convincing, then she added "So if you could um..." trailing off after a blush had burned it's way to her face.
Frantz took a deep breath, admiring her strength, then he lifted his head and said, "Okay, fair enough." then he backed away a few steps, and asked, "better?"
A question which Liliana chose not to respond.
As Mr. Cavalier's eyes studied Liliana, he figured he'd rather not beat around the bush. He was a man of power, and he didn't make it to where he was today by sugarcoating or mincing his words.
If he wanted something, he made it known, and because of his reputation, he always got what he wanted.
He figured this would be the same with Liliana. He had to admit, he was shocked that she hadn't already thrown herself at him, especially since he received that treatment from women wherever he went.
So, after taking a moment, he spoke "Look at me." And a few moments later, with an audible sigh, Liliana complied with his request, though she felt as if she was on the chopping block.
"You've caught my attention Liliana," Frantz declared, and that shocked Liliana to the core. Those were not the words she expected to hear coming from Mr. Cavalier's mouth.
"Your boldness intrigues me," Frantz continued as he kept his tone steady enough to have her complete attention, "Would you fancy having dinner with me?" Frantz questioned confidently, as he placed his hands back in his pockets.
Liliana's eyes widened at Mr. Cavalier's boldness. She felt as if her train of thoughts stopped dead in its tracks due to his bravery. She looked away for a moment, a darker blush creeping on her cheeks.
Liliana had to admit, she felt flattered that he invited her to dinner, and for a moment she wanted to scream out 'take that blondie!' to the concierge who called her a wallflower.
But just as she reminisced on who's hotel the blonde concierge worked in, Liliana was quickly reminded of one thing.
He was her boss.
That realization was as if a bucket of cold water was dumped over her head, instantly freezing the idea that she could go on a date with Mr. Cavalier.
Taking a deep breath and clearing her throat, Liliana finally looked over at Mr. Cavalier and spoke softly "I am sorry Mr. Cavalier, but I can't. It just doesn't feel right." Liliana explained, feeling a little awkward.
"It doesn't feel right?" Mr. Cavalier repeated slowly as if trying to grasp what Liliana was saying.
"Yeah, I'm sorry." Liliana stated, in a hurry then turned around and opened the door, exiting the floor without looking back.
Leaving a flabbergasted Mr. Cavalier behind.
This would be a first for him. Asking a woman on a date and hearing the word 'No'.