Montenegro Series 1

Chapter 1

“What’s your problem this time, Levi? Why are you sulking again?” Tessa asked, raising her brows at me.

“It’s Sir Mike. So early in the morning and he’s already in one of his moods. Sometimes I swear he’s the one who gets his period, not me.” I pouted, folding my arms across my chest.

“Again? What could be wrong with him this time?” she asked curiously, settling into her chair and turning on her computer.

“How should I know? Ever since that mestiza-looking woman walked out of his office earlier, he’s been impossible.” I muttered, still annoyed.

“Maybe they had a fight… or maybe she’s his girlfriend?” Tessa suggested, obviously entertained.

I groaned. “Whatever’s going on between them, I wish he’d keep it out of the office. Why does he have to unleash his temper on me? I’m not his punching bag. That’s unfair!”

As if summoned by my rant, the office door suddenly creaked open.

“What did you just say?” His deep, irritated voice froze me in place.

I turned slowly. Mike stood there, tall, broad-shouldered, his brows knitted in that intimidating way that made my stomach flip.

I stammered. My throat went dry, but I forced a weak smile. “Yes, sir? Do you… need something?”

“I asked what you said. Don’t play dumb with me, Ms. Velez. I know exactly who you were talking about.” His eyes pinned me down, sharp and unrelenting.

“Fine!” I snapped, surprising even myself. “Yes, I admit it. But can you blame me? Every time some woman leaves your office, you suddenly decide to yell at me. And for the record, I’m not even your secretary. It’s not fair, sir. Not at all.” My voice trembled, but I refused to back down.

He stepped closer, his jaw tightening. “You know what’s unfair? That you can’t do anything right in this company. All you ever bring are mistakes. You’re nothing but a burden. My father may have insisted you work here, but to me… you’re useless.”

The words cut deeper than I wanted to admit. My chest ached, but I bit the inside of my cheek, determined not to cry in front of him.

“Damn you, woman!” he spat before turning his back and storming out, his broad shoulders rigid with anger.

The moment he disappeared, the tears I’d been holding back spilled over. I quickly wiped them away—I refused to let him see me broken. Not him.

Tessa rushed to my side, rubbing my back. “Levi, don’t mind him. You should be used to our grumpy boss by now. Gorgeous face, but temper like a demon.”

I let out a shaky laugh as she handed me a tissue.

“Thanks,” I whispered.

“That’s what I’m here for. Now come on, let’s focus on work before Mr. Moody comes back and yells at both of us. Honestly, if he weren’t so handsome, I’d have quit ages ago. But damn, that face makes up for a lot,” she teased, making me chuckle in spite of myself.

“Crazy girl,” I muttered, shaking my head.

---

That night, I was brushing my hair when a knock came at my door. I opened it to find Micah, Mike’s younger sister, flashing me her sweet smile.

“Ate Levi, can you help me pick out what to wear for prom tomorrow?”

“Of course,” I said, letting her drag me into her room.

Helping her was easy—she looked stunning no matter what she wore. But then she frowned. “Where are the sandals Dad bought me?”

“Where did you put them?”

“They were right here… Oh no. I left them in Kuya Mike’s room. Ate, can you get them for me? Please?” she begged.

I sighed. “Do I really have a choice?” I couldn’t resist her puppy eyes. Unlike her brother, she was nothing but sweet.

Still, my heart raced as I walked toward Mike’s room. I prayed he wasn’t there. But when I pushed the door open, Zero, his dog, barked. My stomach dropped. If Zero was inside, Mike was too.

I was kneeling by his bed, searching for the box, when his voice thundered behind me.

“What the hell are you doing in my room?”

I jumped, letting out a scream. “God, do you have to yell like that?” I glared at him, but my heart nearly stopped when I saw him.

He was fresh from a workout, wearing only basketball shorts, a towel slung carelessly over his shoulder. His chest glistened faintly, his abs on full display. My eyes betrayed me, sliding down his body before I snapped them back up.

“Careful, you’re drooling,” he said dryly, lips curving into a mocking smirk.

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Excuse me? I’ve seen plenty of bodies like yours. And don’t flatter yourself—I’m here for Micah’s sandals.” I forced an eye-roll.

“They’re under my bed,” he replied coolly.

“Thanks.” I crouched down, grabbing the box. “Ow!” I winced as I bumped my head.

His low chuckle filled the room, rich and infuriating.

Before I could retort, he disappeared into his bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him.

I pressed a hand against my chest, my heart hammering. Dàmn him. Why did he have to look that good?

***

After handing Micah her sandals, I pressed a palm against my forehead. At least that ordeal was over. Thank God tomorrow was Saturday no work. Finally, a day of peace.

Or at least, it should have been.

I carried myself out to the garden, craving fresh air. The night was calm, the breeze soft against my skin. I sank onto a wrought-iron chair, resting my chin on my hand. My thoughts were heavy, circling the same dilemma: how could I ask the Montenegro's to let me move out?

They treated me like family, and I loved them dearly. But living under the same roof as Mike… it was suffocating. Every day there was a warzone between us.

I sighed and rubbed my temples. If only he weren’t so cruel… if only he weren’t so—

“You sulk even when you’re alone, don’t you?”

I jumped at the sound of his voice. My heart skipped painfully, and when I turned, there he was, Mike, leaning casually against one of the stone pillars. He had changed into a simple shirt and sweatpants, but somehow, he still looked maddeningly perfect under the garden lights.

“Do you enjoy sneaking up on me?” I snapped, clutching the armrest as if it could anchor me.

His lips twitched, almost a smirk. “You were so lost in your thoughts, I didn’t need to sneak.”

I rolled my eyes. “If you’re here to yell at me again, save it. I’m not in the mood.”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he walked closer, his footsteps unhurried, deliberate. My chest tightened with every step he took, and when he finally stopped, he was close enough for me to catch a whiff of his fresh soap mixed with something undeniably him.

“Do you always cry after I leave the room?” he asked suddenly, his tone low, almost unreadable.

My head snapped up. “W-what?”

His eyes locked on mine, sharp but searching. “You think I don’t notice? You’re stubborn, Ms. Velez, but your eyes… they give you away.”

Heat crawled up my neck. “That’s none of your business.”

“Maybe not.” His gaze lingered on me, too intense, too close. “But stop pretending my words don’t affect you.”

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. Damn him. Why did his nearness feel like both a threat and a pull I couldn’t resist?

I tore my eyes away and forced a scoff. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“Maybe.” His voice dropped lower, rougher. “But at least I’m honest.”

For a moment, the air between us grew thick, charged with something I didn’t want to name. My heart pounded so loudly I was afraid he could hear it.

Before I could respond, Zero barked from the patio, breaking the spell. Mike finally looked away, running a hand through his hair.

“Go to bed, Levi. You’ll need your strength if you want to survive another week with me.” His words carried their usual arrogance, but his voice was softer, almost teasing.

I stared at his retreating figure, my fists clenched at my sides.

“Arrogant jerk,” I whispered under my breath. But even as I said it, my chest betrayed me—tight, restless, and aching in ways I couldn’t understand.