Chapter 29 The kiss
Grayson's POV
I've been sitting for hours listening to men in suits talk about profit margins and logistics, i was getting pissed by the minute.
“And that’s why the merger with the Andrew firm is essential for our expansion into the West Indian territories,” one of the board members said. I think his name was Miller. I didn't care.
I wasn't listening to his words. I was listening to the heartbeat of the building. My wolf was restless, pacing behind my ribs. Ever since I’d left Aria on that sidewalk last night, I had felt edgy.
Suddenly, a scent hit me. It was faint at first, cutting through the smell of expensive cologne and old paper in the room. It was vanilla and rain and only one person carried that scent, It was her.
My chest tightened instantly. A sharp, stabbing pain flared right over my heart—the curse. It felt like a hot wire was being pulled tight around my lungs. I winced, gripping the edge of the table.
“Mr. Hart? Is everything alright?” Miller asked, pausing his presentation.
I didn't answer him. I was focused on the scent. She was in the building. Why was she here? I’d told her to stay away, to call me if she needed something. I hadn't expected her to walk right into the lion's den.
“The meeting is adjourned,” I said, my voice sounding like a growl.
“But sir, we haven't even touched on the tax incentives—”
“I said we’re done,” I snapped, standing up so fast my chair hit the wall. I didn't wait for them to pack their bags. I walked out of the boardroom and headed straight for the elevators.
The pain in my chest got worse with every step. The closer I got to her, the more the curse fought me. It was a warning, a reminder that I couldn't have a mate. But my wolf didn't care about curses. He wanted his female.
I hit the button for the fourth floor. I knew she’d be in HR. She was stubborn enough to try and get her money back from people who made a living out of being cruel.
When the doors opened on the fourth floor, I heard voices. High-pitched, nervous voices. I saw the security guards standing outside Gable’s office. They looked like they were about to grab someone.
I pushed past them. Aria was standing there, looking small but fierce. Her hair was in a bun, but a few dark curls had escaped, framing her face. She looked exhausted, but her eyes were full of fire. She was arguing with Gable, who looked like she’d just swallowed a lemon.
“I’m calling security,” Gable was saying into her phone.
“I’m already here,” I said, stepping into the room.
The silence that followed was heavy. The security guards practically tripped over themselves to get out of my way. Gable dropped her phone on the desk with a loud clatter.
“Mr. Hart! I… I was just handling a small matter with a former employee. She’s being very difficult,” Gable said, her voice shaking.
I didn't look at Gable. I looked at Aria. She was breathing hard, her cheeks flushed pink. She looked surprised to see me, but she didn't look scared. I liked that about her.
“What’s the problem here?” I asked, my voice low.
Aria stepped forward before Gable could speak. “The problem is that Jess Andrew is a liar. He’s blocked my severance and accused me of theft. I worked for this company for four years, Grayson. I didn't steal anything.”
“She’s lying, sir,” Gable interrupted. “We have the logs. Mr. Andrew was very clear about the breach of contract.”
I felt the growl building in my throat. I knew Jess was a snake, but I hadn't realized he was this desperate to ruin her. “Did you see the logs yourself, Gable? Or did you just take Jess’s word for it?”
Gable hesitated. “Well, I… he’s going to be family, sir. I assumed—”
“Don't assume in my building,” I barked.
“Pack your things, Gable. You’re done for the day. Maybe for the month. I’ll decide later.”
Gable’s face went white. She didn't say another word. She just grabbed her purse and scurried out of the room.
I turned to Aria. The pain in my chest was a dull ache now, a constant throb. “You shouldn't have come here alone.”
“I don't have anyone else to come with,” she said, her voice cracking just a little. “And I need that money, Grayson. I’m not leaving without it.”
“You’re leaving with me,” I said. I reached out and grabbed her hand. Her skin was soft and warm, and for a second, the pain in my chest vanished. It was replaced by a rush of heat that made my head spin.
I led her out of the office and down the hall toward the executive elevators. The security guards were still standing there, looking confused. People were staring at us, whispering. They’d never seen me touch anyone, let alone lead a girl in a faded shirt through the halls.
We reached the bank of elevators. A group of junior executives was waiting for the next car. When the private elevator chimed and the doors opened, one of the guys tried to step forward, thinking he could catch a ride to the lobby.
I stepped in front of the door, blocking his path. I looked him dead in the eye.
“Only I decide who enters my elevator,” I said.
The guy stepped back so fast he almost fell over. I pulled Aria inside and hit the button for the top floor. The doors hissed shut, leaving us in the small, quiet space.
The air in the elevator was thick with her scent. It was overwhelming. I looked at her, and she was looking up at me, her grey eyes wide and searching.
“Grayson…” she whispered.
I didn't let her finish. I couldn't. The wall I’d built around my heart felt like it was crumbling. I reached out, my hand cupping the side of her face. She leaned into my touch, and that was it.
My restraint snapped and i leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. It wasn't a gentle kiss. It was hungry and desperate. It was everything I wasn't supposed to feel. She gasped into my mouth, her hands coming up to grab the lapels of my suit jacket, pulling me closer.