25

Now we are at the table; we are taking our seats because the inauguration is about to begin. I sit next to Mr. Hills and glance at him sideways; he looks upset. I wonder what's bothering him. I ignore his expression, and then the lights dim, and a video starts playing on the projector. As the video progresses, I can feel Mr. D'Agostino's gaze on me. He is not very far away, and every time our eyes meet, he looks at me intently. Why is he looking at me like that? It makes me feel exposed. When the video ends, the lights return to normal, and everyone stands up, including my boss.

My gaze shifts to the glass door leading to a balcony with a magnificent view of the city.

What could happen if I go out there for some fresh air?

It will only be a few seconds, I convince myself. Besides, Mr. Hills is quite busy talking to a group of men. I stand up and make my way to the balcony. I release all the air I was holding when the cool breeze of the city hits my face. I feel more uncomfortable than usual, I don't know how to explain it.

I feel like I don't belong there.

Everyone is so... different.

"Signorina." I hear a voice behind me, and I turn on my heels to look at him.

Fabrizio D'Agostino.

"Mr. D'Agostino, do you need anything?" I ask, puzzled.

He is a bit insistent with his lingering gazes.

"You can call me Fabrizio, I already told you," he takes a few steps forward. "What are you doing out here? A woman like you would fit perfectly with all the people inside."

"I'm not used to this kind of event."

"A woman as beautiful as you could be in there accompanied by any man she wanted. When I saw you, I thought you were Mr. Hills' fiancée, but then I remembered that he is not that kind of person."

I don't know what to say.

"Thank you..."

Receiving compliments from strangers can be a bit strange at times.

Suddenly, he takes another step forward, getting closer. I try to step back, but it's in vain, as my body collides with the balcony railing.

"Sei semplicemente bellissima, non ho mai visto nessuno del genere."

"I'm sorry. I... don't understand Italian."

A mischievous smile curves his lips, and in an instant, he lunges at me. I try to push him away, but I know it's too late when his lips collide with mine, and he kisses me. What the hell...

"Having a good time?"

A commanding, deep, and strong voice pushes me aside, separating me from Fabrizio. Damn it. Mr. Hills is standing in front of us, and his expression speaks for itself. He doesn't need to say a word; I can sense his disgust.

"Of course," Fabrizio says, not even bothering to wipe the smile off his face. "I was just hanging out with your secretary, who, by the way, is very beautiful."

He's so shameless!

I let out something similar to a squeal when Mr. Hills takes hold of my arm and drags me towards the exit of the hall. Blush burns my cheeks as I feel everyone's eyes on us, watching as Mr. Hills drags his secretary by the arm, but he seems to not care at all. I try to free myself from his grip, but it's useless.

Once we are outside the hall, he lets go of me, runs a hand through his hair in frustration, and looks at me.

"What the hell were you thinking?" The way he raises his voice leaves me frozen. "Have you gone mad?"

"He kissed me!" I can't help but raise my voice too.

"And you couldn't stop him?!" A bitter smile forms on his lips. "Of course you couldn't, because if I hadn't arrived, you would probably be in his bed right now."

What is his problem, damn it?

"Stop assuming meaningless things!"

"This kind of thing can't happen on a business trip! You have to set aside your sexual desires!"

I watch him, unable to believe the words coming out of his mouth.

"My sexual desires?"

"Yes, because it seems you can't stop men from making advances at you; otherwise, things would be very different right now."

I run a hand through my hair. Who the hell would have thought I'd end up yelling at my boss?

"It's not my fault," I reproach him.

"If you had made it clear that this was business, he would have backed off immediately."

My patience runs out. I stop listening to that voice that screams at me to be more resilient, and I explode... I explode and... I slap him. I slap him and turn his face... my boss's face.

He looks at me angrily, and I fear the worst. I feel small and stupid. I should have been more patient...

"Did you dare to raise your hand at me?"

His tone of voice relaxes, but it still resonates with anger.

"Yes," I face him. I let myself be carried away by the anger that envelops me. "What is supposed to happen now?"

He stares at me intently, and I press my lips together, waiting for him to confirm that I'm fired, but...

That doesn't happen.

Instead, his hands grab my waist. Everything happens so fast that I can barely process it. In an instant, his lips seize mine with genuine fury. It's rough, it's uncontrolled, and my body trembles at the sensation that starts to arise in my stomach. His hands hold me tightly, he kisses me, his tongue explores my mouth, and... I don't push him away.

Is this the same man who just told me to set aside my "sexual desires"? It's unbelievable...

A sudden moan escapes me, and as quickly as he pounced on me, he just as quickly pulls away. He doesn't say anything, just gives me a look that I can't describe. I can hear my heartbeat, I'm short of breath, and my lips tingle because no one has ever kissed me like that.

"The limousine is waiting for us," he says, the only words he utters before heading towards the vehicle. But I don't move; I still haven't processed what just happened, and I stand there like an idiot, trying to comprehend. Damn, it...