Chapter 20 Playing With Fire
BELLA
Gosh, it’s true I’m supposed to be winning over Vivian, but here I am, tangled up with his brother. I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts, but the guilt settles like a stone in my stomach.
A call from Elowen jolts me out of my haze. “Aren’t you coming to the office today?” she asks, her voice expectant. I’m fumbling for an excuse when David smoothly takes the phone from my hand, his gaze fixed on mine.
“She’s on leave,” he says, calm but firm.
There’s a brief silence, and I can almost sense Elowen’s confusion. “Okay… Sir,” she replies, her tone wary.
As I stand to leave, a sharp pain shoots through me, and David’s arms are around me before I can protest. Without a word, he lifts me and carries me into a luxurious en-suite bathroom I hadn’t noticed before. Setting me down, he tilts his head, his lips curving into a smirk.
“Need help with your shower?” His eyes gleam with mischief.
My pulse quickens, but I manage to shake my head. “No, I can manage.” I step into the shower, hoping the warm water will clear my mind.
Suddenly, his hand slides over my shoulder, and I feel his grip tightening as he pulls me close, his rough kiss sending a shiver down my spine. Before I can respond, he releases me, smirking as he steps back.
“Take your bath,” he says, voice low, before walking away.
Left breathless, I finish my shower, a mixture of frustration and confusion lingering as I step out. Waiting for me on the counter is a sleek blue dress, shimmering with diamond details. I slip it on, feeling his gaze burn into me as he watches.
“You look… exquisite,” he says, his voice unreadable. “You can return to the office tomorrow. Start on your project.”
Relief mixes with unease; I won’t have to face him every day, but I can’t deny the strange ache in my chest as he calls for his driver to take me home.
The next morning, I’m at my desk, struggling to focus, when Elowen approaches, arms crossed, eyes piercing.
“So, what happened?” she demands, tone laced with suspicion.
“Nothing,” I mumble, but her gaze cuts through me, and I cave. “Fine. I had… a thing… with David.”
Her eyes widen. “Are you serious?”
I nod, barely able to meet her gaze. “Yes.”
A grin breaks across her face as she leans in, curiosity spilling out. “What was it like?”
I open my mouth to answer, but the director’s voice interrupts, summoning us for a team meeting.
“You’ll spill everything later,” she whispers as we make our way to the boardroom.
The director doesn’t waste time, announcing we have three weeks to complete a script, which he’ll be overseeing. My stomach twists three weeks?
Vivian raises her hand. “I’m almost finished with mine. I think you’ll find it impressive, Sir.”
I clench my jaw, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Of course, she’s almost done. The director’s gaze turns to me, expectant.
“Have you started?” he asks.
“About to,” I respond, forcing a smile.
As the meeting ends, I rally my team, hiding my nerves. We’ll need to work fast. Yet, even as we brainstorm, my mind keeps wandering back to David wondering what his next move will be and if I’m ready for it.