Blossoming Seduction (Second Time Around)

Boss

(Thala's Point of View)

"You look surprised," he laughed ominously.

I straightened my back and tried to act brave so he wouldn't notice that I was nervous. "I expected someone who's optimistic like Nekolauv," I admitted. They are really very different from each other. He's the total opposite of him.

"Is that so? Did my brother ask you to keep an eye on me?" he asked which made me roll my eyes.

"Your sister-in-law's name is Blaise Penelope Laurenco," I replied as I stood up to continue what I was doing. "I'll take my leave since I have no business with you. And please, stop staring at me like an obsessed stalker," I added. I felt a little bit embarrassed about the last words I uttered.

He laughed softly and mockingly. "I really want to wipe that stupid smirk off your face..." Mr. Atkinson smirked and leaned back on his chair as if he were a king.

"Using my tongue," he added, then let out an unpleasant grin. He knows I'm offended by his joke, but he still managed to tease me. His dark hair fell over his face as he raised his dark, thick eyebrows.

I stared at him again, but this time irritation took over. I closed my eyes and eventually shook my head afterwards. "I need to work now," I awkwardly stated without looking at him anymore. I heard his chuckle, which made me clench my fist and finally return to our room.

What a jerk!

It's my second day at work and I'm still not very used to it. I’m used doing nothing and let our maids do their thing. It's a good thing to be finally independent after all. It wasn't that crowded at the bar, so I just occupied myself by memorizing a few drinks in front of me.

"Thala, our boss wants you to work for him tonight," Hanni said in a flustered manner.

"Huh? What should I do?" I asked and fixed my hair before finally stood up.

"I don't know either and Thala, our boss is really arrogant. Don't take anything he says seriously to heart. You'll gonna be used to it soon. Be strong," she reminded me, which I found puzzling. You would think I was being sent off to a dangerous war by the look on her face right now. I got even more anxious and curious, especially when Hanni mentioned her colleague's departure. Is he really that formidable? Frightening?

We arrived at the fighting arena of Doomscape. A lot of people watch boxing fights here, and our boss is said to be staying here as well.

"Do you see that? He is Alastair Richmond De Angelo Atkinson. That’s our boss, Thala." I was disappointed when Hanni pointed the direction of our boss. What the heck? So, he is also the owner of this building?

"Hurry up because the match is about to start." Hanni immediately pulled me to approach the supposedly our grumpy boss, who was clearly getting impatient by the way he was looking in our direction.

"Good evening, Mr. Atkinson," I greeted formally while my eyes stayed on his cheek. He smirked and mockingly met my gaze, but I looked away.

"What do you want me to do—"

He interrupted my words as he placed a finger against my lips. Because of this, I found myself looking at his red plump lips, which bore a hint of mockery. I bit my lower lip and swallowed hard.

"It's not about what I want. It's who I want," he replied playfully. I stared directly into her soulless eyes. I felt my knees weaken again as I continued to dive into it. His eyes is too beautiful yet something is wrong. I can't figure that one out.

"Here."

I returned to reality because of the petroleum jelly he gave me. I was taken aback when he started taking off his ripped jeans right in front of me. Leaving a boxing shorts that I couldn't help but squint at. The large bulge in his shorts is quiet noticeable!

Oh my goodness! Why am I even looking? I'm probably blushing!

"Unbutton my shirt, Zara," he commanded, busy teasing me.

Why did I end up in this situation? This is Penelope's fault!

"Unbutton my shirt, or should I unbutton yours? Hmm?" He raised his eyebrow and leaned closer to me.

I swallowed hard and just thought that this was part of the job. I was trembling as I opened the first button without even looking at it. While doing this, my attention was really just focused on him from behind. I pressed the second button, which made him grimace.

“Here’s the button,” he chuckled darkly as he held my hand.

I moved my hand away when he took it to guide me with the second button. His eyes looked as dangerous as ever, further intimidating me as I gritted my teeth in frustration.

With so much work, why this? I would be willing to just wash the dishes or maybe cleaning will do. My frustrations piled up even more when I realized that I would be the one to apply the petroleum jelly on his muscular body.

"What's with the glare, Zara?" he chuckled darkly. "You're blushing. How adorable," he commented and stared at my face again.

"My name is Myrthala, not Zara," I replied.

“I can call you whatever I want,” he said with a teasing shrug.

My system is chaotic when I started to apply the petroleum jelly on his chest. I just redirected my attention to the band-aid stuck on his right abdomen. Everytime my fingers touched his skin, I feel like I'm being set on fire.

"Do you want to know something about Larry Gonzales?" My eyes widened as I found my eyes back at him, who was now looking at me with a narrow gaze. Does he know something?

“You'll have to kiss me to find out,” he said playfully. He laughed at his own joke because he noticed that I became serious.

I pathetically got serious with his joke. I’m really eager to clear my name for my dad’s peace of mind. In my current situation and in the position that Mr. Atkinson is in, it's possible for him to help me. He is too powerful and I know he had a lot of connections. For now, I think he's my only escape!

I reached for his neck and pulled him closer to me. He suddenly became quiet when I met his now-dark gaze. I held his cheeks and pressed my lips against his. He was taken aback by what I did, which is why I smiled in secret. Don't fool around if you're with a foolish person, because I would risk my life if that's the only thing that could save me. There's no turning back now!

“You owe me, boss. Compensate my kiss,” I whispered meaningfully in the midst of his half-closed eyes.

(Alaric's Point of View)

"Are you crazy?!" My veins feel like they're about to burst from the intensity of my shout.

I noticed the fear in her eyes, which is why I closed mine to calm myself down. I splashed water on my face and glanced at her again. I stared at her lips and shook my head to forget what had happened.

“Mr. Atkinson, I know it's rude, but I really need your help right now,” she said, feeling agitated. She swallowed hard while staring at me pleading.

I also notice her trembling, that made my lips rose a bit. I played with my tongue inside my mouth as I tried to stop myself from grinning mischievously. You had the courage to kiss me, but you were actually the one who's scared.

"Desperately need my help?" I asked in a seductive way as I tried to tease her further. How far will your desperation take you, Zara?

I couldn't help but smile because she was shaking even more and couldn't stay still in her current position. She can no longer return my gaze. I'm truly a good instigator.

I reached for her chin and leaned forward to meet her anxious gaze. Her lips parted at what I did, momentarily stripping away my sanity. The sight of her lips made me feel miserable inside. I set that aside and returned my full attention in teasing Zara.

"Isn't it too risky to ask me for help? You know that nothing is free in this world," I asked with an arched brow. I couldn't help but provoke her even more.

"That's why I'm not asking for free. Go ahead and tell me. What do you want in return?" Her brave act made me shook my head. She's not very good at acting.

"Why are you shaking? Hmm?" I leaned my body closer to him, something I regretted myself. She placed her palm on my chest, sending jolts of warmth through my body. She knows how to play, but I am more knowledgeable when it comes to that.

"Not interfering with your personal shits. Go find someone to mess with, Zara," I teased.

"What?" Her confused look made me chuckle softly. She managed to push me away, but I held onto her left arm tightly.

“Oh! I forgot to compensate the kiss,” I said cleverly. “Payback time.”

I smiled meaningfully and carried out my plan. I gave her a light kiss on the neck and a small token of appreciation for daring to initiate such a bold kiss earlier.

I turned my back on her while she was still processing everything. I stepped into the ring to start the fight. It's actually nice to play sometimes. Especially with someone like Zara who gets easily annoyed.

"What a scoundrel!" She shouted. No matter how loud she yells, it has still no effect on me. “Curse you, Alaric!” she shouted at the top of her lungs.

Where's the 'Mr. Atkinson now?