Serpent's Kiss

Chapter 7

Gabby

When I closed the office door, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nervous system. Throughout my time in his office, I felt an overwhelming urge to flee as quickly as possible through that door. His piercing gaze from those striking blue eyes sent shivers down my spine. Noticing my fingers, I realized that I had picked at them until I had torn some skin around my index finger. If I had continued to pick at them, I might have made them bleed. I let out a sigh as I walked over to the desk to sit down, needing to divert my thoughts from him and simply make it to lunch; after that, I had to survive lunch itself.

I focused on the task at hand, reviewing the folder for Sora Corporation's new marketing project, which had just been approved by the board yesterday. They certainly don't waste time making decisions.

I flipped through the pages of the folder and began reorganizing the papers. I made marks and adjustments and only set them aside when I was happy with the changes. I looked at the clock, and it was only 11:15. I still had forty-five minutes until lunch. I opened my e-mail and began going through more of the training items that still needed to be completed.

Around thirty minutes later, Ashley walked in with a soft knock on my door. “Just checking in and seeing how things are going. Has Mr. Blackwell been to see you yet?”

“Yes ma’am he has.” I nodded.

“Good. Handsome isn’t he?” She looked at the closed door for a bit too long, then turned back to me.

"Very well-dressed." I knew she was testing me. I could tell by the way her eyes lingered. She wanted more than just to be his employee. She wanted to be in his bed.

When the door opened from his office and I watched her eyes light up, it only confirmed it. I watched her as she stood taller, pushed her chest out, and even the way she spoke was more sultry. She batted her lashes at him, and he didn't even look her way. When he spoke to her, his eyes were on me.

“Good afternoon, Ashley. How are things on the floor? Any issues?” He asked her in an almost annoyed and tired tone.

“None at all, I was just checking in on Ms. Hart and seeing how things were going. Off to lunch?” She tried to attract his attention as she smiled sweetly at him.

“Yes, I am taking Ms. Hart out for a business lunch.” I noticed her eyes dart toward me briefly, and her expression was dangerous as Mr. Blackwell checked his watch. However, it was quickly replaced by a warm smile when he finally looked at her. “She reviewed the marketing forms and made a few adjustments for Sora Corporations on my behalf. I need to get caught up on this before the meeting this afternoon,” I observed as his hands slid smoothly into his pockets.

“Oh, so it’s a working lunch then?” I could hear the relief in her voice and I had to hold back the eye roll that probably would have gotten my eyes stuck from rolling too hard.

“Yes. Ms. Hart, are you finished with the work and ready?” His piercing gaze now focused on me.

“Yes, Mr. Blackwell. I have everything sorted and completed for you.” I gathered the folder, my laptop, and my bag as I stood up.

“Have a good day, Ashley. I’ll see you shortly for the meeting.” He dismissed her and signaled for me to walk ahead of him. I followed Ashley out of the office.

As we approached the elevator, he leaned over to press the button to go down. A few moments later, the doors opened, and we stepped inside of them. I moved aside and saw him press the button for the garage floor. Then, he pressed another button to go down directly without opening the doors for anyone. I heard him lean against the back wall. I directed my eyes to the floor levels, watching as they ticked by slowly and focused on my breathing. I swear the elevator was moving at a snail's pace.

“Did you have any issues with the work?” he asked.

His voice startled me. He made me nervous. I could feel him smiling behind me as I spoke, “No, no issues. It was almost perfect. “There were only a few minor adjustments and things added in.”

“Almost perfect?” I heard him step away from the wall. He leaned over my shoulder and whispered, “Tell me, Gabby, what about my work wasn't perfect?”

“I... um... Some of the paper layouts needed to be reworked, and a few minor details added in.” I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. His scent filled my nostrils, and my heart began to race.

He leaned over and pressed a different button on the elevator. My heart was beating rapidly and when he moved in front of me I dropped everything. I gazed up at him, his icy blue eyes seemed to darken as he looked down at me.

“Nervous?” He asked me and I only responded by nodding my head.