LIORA

Over the next two days, I work hard with my mask on, trying to steer clear of Dexter. Even when he checks in on our floor, I get Sarah to talk to him using a weak excuse. It might not be the most professional move, but I am afraid of getting caught. I can't shake the regret; maybe confessing to him earlier would have been better.

"Are you ready?" Sarah asks, pulling me out of my thoughts. I look at myself in the mirror. The dress hugs my curves, accentuating my figure. It is a deep, rich shade of crimson, a color that demands attention. The dress has a plunging neckline that reveals a hint of cleavage, and it stops just above my knees, showing off my shapely legs. I am satisfied with the look.

We are in the office washroom getting ready. It's William's birthday, and we are celebrating in a bar which Sarah suggested.

"Yeah, I am ready."

I see the mask lying beside my bag. I throw it in the bin. I decide to cast aside the mask that has become my shield. I heard Dexter left the office a few minutes ago. I really want to enjoy this night after a few stressful days.

We head to the bar, where the team awaits. Nate arrives a few minutes later. We order a few drinks and everyone starts drinking and having fun. Some hit the dance floor while others chat animatedly. I notice my phone ringing. It is Zoe. Excusing myself, I step aside to take the call.

"Hey Liora, when are you coming home?" Zoe asks, her concern evident. I forgot to inform her about the celebration.

"I'll be late, Zoe. We are celebrating William's birthday at a bar. I'll book an Uber around 11:30." I inform her.

"Don't give me that. I'm coming to pick you up at that time. You know it's not safe to take an Uber late at night," she scolds.

"Okay, Mom," I chuckle, acknowledging her concern. She can act like my mom sometimes.

"And don't get too drunk as last time. I will not be there tonight to take care of you. Send me your location so I can come and pick you up," she instructs.

"I promise you I won't drink today." I cringe remembering the events of that night. It's better to avoid alcohol for a few more days. We say our goodbyes and end the call.

I send the location to her. I turn around to return to the party and there stands the man I was trying to avoid for the past two days.

Why the heck is he here in all the places?

He looks so busy on his mobile, and he looks up, his eyes meet mine. I suck in a deep breath. My heart is beating crazily in my chest. I will never get tired of those eyes. Standing at a commanding six feet, he is in his suit that hugs his broad shoulders. His white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, reveals a hint of his skin. I lick my lips. He looks so handsome that I can't move my eyes away from him.

His brows furrow and widen in recognition, and I realise I don't have my mask on.

"Here to do more damage to my property, sweetheart?"

He would never forget what I did to his car. What should I do? Should I just leave without saying anything? That would be so rude. I have already done so much damage to him. I should just apologize to him and get over this.

"I am so sorry sir," I reply in a slow voice hoping he won't recognize my voice. 

A sudden realization hits me making my eyes widen. I just called him sir. Fuck! How could I let it slip? Does he find me suspicious? He might think of me as a complete nutcase.

His brows furrow. He just shakes his head like he doesn't want to deal with me anymore.

"I don't want your sorry. I just want you to stay away from me and my car. I hope this is the last time we meet." He says and disappears into the crowd.

I scoff. I have never met anyone as rude as him. What does he think of himself? Like I am so desperate to be around him. I also hope I never see him but again life is tough and he is my boss.

Returning to the party, most of them look so drunk. I order some mocktails for me. I won't let Dexter spoil this night for me. I look for William and Sarah. I find them sitting on the couch, having their drinks. Sarah calls me and drags me to the couch and makes me sit between her and William.

"Where were you?" William inquires.

"My friend called, so I went to a quiet place to pick it up," I reply. 

Also bumped into our boss who is a number one asshole.

His eyes narrow. "Which friend?" William asks as his hand tightens on his glass.

I raise my eyebrows. I am surprised by his sudden interest. Why is he so concerned? William is one of the most carefree people I know in my life. I love working with him and we coordinate with each other so well. Sofia always complains about how she is jealous of our work relationship. There are some rumours in the office that we are dating each other which I don't indulge in. I never thought of William other than a friend. He is a nice and fun person to talk with, but there was never any attraction between us, not from my side. I don't think he is also attracted to me cause he never once made a move on me.

"It was Zoe," I reply. I introduced Zoe to him once when she came to pick me up from my office.

His demeanour relaxes upon hearing the name. He takes a sip of his drink, then grabs mine, realizing it was a mocktail, and shoots me a disapproving look.

"Seriously, Liora? A mocktail?" he questions.

"I can't drink today. I have a few things to work on after the party and tomorrow is a work day," I explain.

"It's my birthday, Liora. You have to take at least one shot," William insists.

"Not today, William," I say, and Sarah joins him in attempting to sway my decision.

"Come on, Liora. One drink, pretty please with a cherry on the top," Sarah pleads, blinking her eyes at me. Sarah is a bubbly dose of fun.

"Please don't force me guys. I'm really not in the mood to drink. Maybe next time, I'll take you both out for a drink?" I suggest, hoping to divert their focus. They reluctantly agree.

We soon hit the dance floor, swaying our bodies to the tune. Despite the absence of alcohol, I revel in the music and the energetic vibe. However, a sudden unease creeps over me. An intense feeling hits me. I look around searching for the cause, for the person, I feel like I already know who it is, and my eyes meet his.

He is standing near the VIP section of the bar. Even when I catch him shamelessly staring at me, he doesn't look away. The music faints away as I am deeply focused on him. His gaze tracks up and down my body slowly which feels like it is on fire. He is just standing over there with that intense look that reminds me of how he can dominate a space, how he owns all of us. His eyes move towards my lips, staring at them. Unknowingly, I bite my lips which makes him smirk. My body's reactions seem to be not in my control anymore and I feel like he knows that.

"Lioraaaa, Danceeee with me! I can't find any good-looking guy here anyways" Sarah shouts, snapping me out of my trance. I join her on the dance floor, though my stolen glances at Dexter continue. I feel like his intense stare begs me to look at him.

Sarah catches me looking and asks, "Where are you looking at?" as she follows my gaze.

"Is that our Boss?!" She exclaims, rubbing her eyes as if hoping it was an illusion.

I just hope she won't do any-

"Let's invite our boss to our partyyyyyyy!" Sarah decides. Before I can stop her, Sarah grabs William and rushes towards Dexter.

Oh no!

How intoxicated is she? She stuttered in front of him yesterday, and now she wants to invite him to our celebration. Panic sets in. Should I leave the party? Running away couldn't be a permanent solution. Someday, I would have to face him. Perhaps that day is today.

Sarah approaches Dexter and engages in conversation. He pauses, staring directly at me, and nods. My heart skips a beat. I'm in trouble. They begin making their way to our table. How did she manage to convince him? I can feel my anxiety heightening.

As they arrive, Sarah announces, "Guys, look who's here! Our boss! Let's welcome him to the party!" The atmosphere sobers as Dexter appears uninterested. Sarah hands him a glass but he rejects it.

"I am not drinking today. I have work to do," He declines.

"You and she-" She points at me. I hold my breath. "are the same, giving excuses to avoid drinking."

His gaze shifts toward me. "Your friend?" he asks.

I try my best to keep a normal expression, but the truth is inside I am freaking out. I answer with a quick 'yes,' before Sarah can say something.

Sarah nods at my answer.

Dexter's eyes linger on me for a moment before turning away. "I'm leaving now. I have other important things," he declares, departing without waiting for any response.

Arrogant prick!

Sarah, who is standing beside me sighs, "How can someone look so handsome?"

⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩⬩

If you like this chapter, please vote !!

With love,
flwenzi ♡