Chapter 27
1266 Words
Lucy wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be annoyed at Drake’s theatrics. She simply studied him with a scrutinizing gaze, letting the seconds stretch, enjoying the flicker of irritation in his dark eyes. They were standing right in front of his desk, and his brow furrowed as he looked down at her, sharp and uncompromising.
“What was that? Why did you do that to Daryl?” she asked, curiosity and exasperation lacing her voice.
Drake tilted his head slightly, the faintest hint of mischief tugging at the corners of his mouth. “What? What did I do?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” she snapped, narrowing her eyes.
“Don’t put the blame on me. You’re the one who should explain. Why were you at that i***t’s cubicle? It’s working hours, wandering around?” he countered, voice low but firm.
Lucy rolled her eyes and waved dismissively, crossing her arms with a playful tilt of her head. “Please, I already answered that question. I’m done with work, so I can do whatever I want.”
“And chatting with that guy is what you chose to do?” he asked, clearly irritated. She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling in amusement.
“Chatting, not ‘flirting.’ I was just talking. Suddenly it’s called flirting? I guess the definition of casual conversation has changed, and no one told me,” she said, her tone laced with sarcasm.
Drake’s dark eyes narrowed. “Tsk. Don’t give me that tone, Lucresia. I’m still your boss. You follow my rules. When I tell you not to speak to anyone, you obey. End of discussion.”
Lucy smirked, tilting her head. “Fine. Whatever. So what is it that you want me to do now?”
He let out a long, frustrated sigh. “Just sit there and wait for lunch. We’ll eat together. Nothing else.”
Lucy’s jaw dropped, her mind racing. Wait… did he just say—?
“Wha-what—” she began.
“Just do as I said. Sit there. Don’t cause trouble, understand? I’m watching you. Step out of line, and I won’t hesitate to throw you out of this building,” he said, turning sharply. The click of the office door left her muttering under her breath as she sank into her chair, a mischievous grin forming.
My boss is so adorably jealous. But he won’t manipulate me. As Kelseay said, I need to play hard to get. Let’s see how strong he really is, she thought, folding her hands on the desk with exaggerated patience.
Minutes stretched slowly. Lucy pretended to focus on her computer, letting her fingers hover over the keyboard, pretending to type while listening to the faint hum of the office. She sensed his presence behind her, a shadow that made her pulse quicken.
“Pack your things. We’re leaving,” he commanded, his tone brooking no argument. She ignored him, keeping her gaze locked on the screen.
“Don’t you hear me? Pack your things. We’re leaving,” he repeated, voice sharper this time.
“I’m still full,” she said lightly, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. His frown deepened, exasperation written across every line of his face.
“Don’t give me excuses, Lucresia. I am the boss. When I tell you to leave what you’ve been doing, you follow. This is not a suggestion. It’s an order. Move, or you won’t like what happens next.”
“I said I’m not hungry, so what?” she muttered, smirking. Her phone buzzed, and she quickly checked it, feigning distraction.
“See? Not hungry, huh?” he teased, voice dipping into mock seriousness.
“I’m not! My stomach’s fine, but—hey! Put me down, you brute!” she struggled as he bent down and lifted her onto his back like she weighed nothing more than a sack of rice. Several coworkers paused mid-step, eyes widening, but no one dared intervene.
“I warned you. You won’t like what happens if I don’t feed you, Lucresia,” he said, walking with purposeful strides.
“You pest! Gorilla! Chimpanzee! Homo erectus! Put me down before I turn into a real monkey!” she shouted, slapping his back, though he ignored her completely.
“Drake Anderson! If I die from this, I swear I’ll rise from the grave just to get back at you!” she yelled, laughter bubbling from her lips despite her feigned fury.
“Whatever. Shut up, or I’ll really throw you out of this building,” he warned, a playful glint in his eye.
Finally, they entered the elevator. Drake set her down, steadying her as she swayed.
“See? You’re really trying to kill me, you little tyrant!” she exclaimed, her face flushed with a mix of frustration and excitement.
He studied her carefully, an amused smirk playing at his lips. Shut up, that smile! It’s so infuriatingly cute, she thought, rolling her eyes.
“Next time, don’t defy me, especially when I’m hungry. That’s what you get,” he said, voice low and teasing.
“Oh, what’s my fault? Who said you had to join us for lunch? Did the world just flip upside down? You said you don’t want me, but look at you now,” she replied, tilting her head, mischief sparkling in her eyes.
“Tsk, you really think I like you,” he replied, the faintest grin tugging at his lips.
Liar. Caught in your own mouth. I never said you like me… maybe it’s true, Lucy mused inwardly.
“Don’t deny it!” she challenged, stepping closer.
“Don’t play hard to get!” he shot back, meeting her challenge with equal force.
“Don’t delude yourself,” she countered, laughter dancing in her voice.
The tension in the small elevator thickened with every step, every exchanged word. Neither of them willing to yield.
“You’re jealous of me talking to Daryl,” she accused, her voice playful but sharp.
“I’m not jealous!” he replied, indignation flickering across his expression.
“Sure, Pinocchio, your nose is growing!” she teased, shaking her head.
“Tsk. I didn’t say that,” he muttered, hiding his growing frustration.
Lucy raised her hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. Chill,” she said, biting back a grin.
For a few tense moments, the elevator was silent. Then, his voice cut through the quiet, sharp and measured:
“Does Daryl like you?”
“He said he does. Fair enough. He’s cute, funny, and we’d get along,” she said innocently, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. Drake’s brow furrowed, dark and commanding.
“Then why do you keep telling me that, flirting with someone else?” he asked, tone edged with uncharacteristic vulnerability.
“Why are you acting like a jealous boyfriend?” she countered, stepping a fraction closer.
“Tsk. I said I’m not jealous. Why would I be?”
“Really? Then why do you get jealous when I talk to Daryl, when I walk near him, when I—”
Before she could finish, he acted. His hands went to her waist, pulling her closer, and his lips met hers in a kiss that stole her breath. Time seemed to freeze.
When he finally pulled back, she could hardly comprehend what had just happened. Her fingers instinctively touched her lips, tingling from the warmth and pressure of his kiss.
He actually kissed me… Drake kissed me! Gosh! I’m going to die! she thought, heart hammering in her chest.
- Writer
