Chapter 8 Kiss of Consequences
BELLA
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. He owns my company? My heart skipped a beat. Don’t tell me… I stole another glance at his face. No, there was no mistaking it. He’s Vivian’s brother. Which meant… she’s technically my sister-in-law. Does she even know I’m married to her brother? The thought made my head spin. And why was he here?
The morning replayed in my head. The way I had insulted him, his eyes darkening with anger, his jaw tightening like he was holding back harsh words. Now it made sense he wasn’t just some arrogant guy. He’s my boss.
I gripped the file in my hands, praying he wouldn’t notice me. My palms were slick with sweat, and the heat creeping up my neck felt suffocating. Maybe I could just sneak out before he saw….
“Bella… Copp… Bella Adam.”
His voice boomed across the room, freezing me in place. Copperfield. That name hit me like a punch to the gut. My legs felt like jelly, but somehow I forced myself to turn and face him. His eyes were sharp, cutting right through me, and I felt exposed under his gaze.
“Meet me in my office,” he commanded, his voice calm but leaving no room for argument. He didn’t wait for a response, just strode past me like he owned everything. And maybe he did. I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me briefly until I saw Vivian approaching.
She sauntered over with a smug smile, her eyes gleaming with malice. “You might want to start packing your things. My brother is going to fire you,” she said, her words dripping with venom.
Before I could respond, Elowen stepped between us, her hand raised like a shield. “Who says she’s getting fired? What if she gets promoted instead?” Elowen shot back, her voice sharp, defiant.
I couldn’t help but smile. Elowen was fierce, always standing her ground no matter the odds. Despite her wealthy background, she never used it as a crutch. She was wild and unafraid, just like me.
“Thanks, girl,” I whispered, giving her a quick thumbs-up before heading toward David’s office.
When I reached the door, my hand trembled on the knob. I can’t do this. But before I could gather the courage to walk in, his voice came through the door, cool and commanding.
“I know you’re out there. Come in.”
A chill ran down my spine. How did he know? I stepped inside, my heart racing, and found him leaning against his desk, his eyes unreadable. His fingers tapped lightly on the edge of the desk, the only sign of movement.
I stood there, frozen by the door. He gestured for me to come closer, but I couldn’t make my legs move.
“I’m fine here… sir,” I muttered, the word slipping out before I could stop it. His brow arched, and I immediately regretted it.
“We’re alone,” he said, his voice lower, softer. “Why are you calling me ‘sir’? I’m your husband.”
I swallowed hard as he took a step toward me, closing the distance. My heart hammered in my chest. What did I say to him this morning? Panic surged through me, guilt bubbling up.
“I’m sorry… about this morning,” I whispered, taking a step back as he advanced. “I didn’t know you were my boss.”
He stopped inches from me, his breath warm against my skin. “What exactly did you say this morning?” His tone was smooth, teasing, making my pulse race even faster.
I backed up further, feeling the tension rise. He was too close, his presence overwhelming. His scent a mix of musk and something sweet was intoxicating.
Without thinking, I acted on impulse, my lips crashing into his. It was a desperate attempt to break the tension, but he didn’t move. Panic set in, and I tried to pull away, but his hand caught my arm, firm yet gentle.
In one swift motion, he pushed me against the wall, his body pressed against mine. His lips found mine again, but this time it was slow, deliberate. His kiss was intense, controlled, and I felt heat spread through me as his hands moved to my waist, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
I tried to push him away, my hands weak against his chest, but it was useless. He deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine in a rhythm that left me breathless.
Then, his hands started slipping under my blouse. That snapped me back to reality. My eyes flew open, and I saw him shirtless, his chest broad and defined. What was I doing? I panicked, pushing him away harder this time, and broke free.
I stumbled back, disoriented. What just happened? My mind raced as I bolted from his office, my hands shaking as I adjusted my clothes. Did I almost… with David? My cheeks burned with embarrassment.
I slapped my cheeks lightly, trying to regain my composure. I must’ve looked a mess by the time I reached my desk, because Elowen’s eyes locked onto me immediately, her lips curling into a mischievous grin.
“Babe, what happened? Your hair’s all over the place,” she teased, leaning in closer. “Did you guys kiss? Your lips look… well, let’s just say they look very ‘used.’”
I blushed furiously. “We just—”
She cut me off, sniffing the air around me. “Wait… that’s not your perfume. That’s his cologne, isn’t it?” She raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. “Oh, babe, you’ve got some explaining to do.”
“Elowen, stop!” I whispered, feeling the heat in my cheeks. I glanced around, praying no one else had noticed. “It was just a kiss… nothing more.”
Before Elowen could press for more details, a shadow fell over my desk. I froze. My heart pounded as I looked up to see David approaching, his expression unreadable, his eyes locking onto mine with a fierce intensity.
And he wasn’t alone. The director was with him, looking oddly cheerful.
“Bella,” David’s deep voice cut through the air, “I need to discuss a few things with you.” His lips curled into a dangerous smirk, the same one that nearly undid me moments ago.
I swallowed hard, standing up. Was this about the kiss? Or was he about to fire me in front of everyone?
Elowen’s wide eyes said it all: What in the world did you do?