Tempted by Her

Chapter 8: Necklace Review

Ava didn’t realize Damian was standing right behind her. She was still lost in thought, staring at the necklace, completely shocked, until she heard a low, familiar voice call out her name.

Her hands trembled, and the necklace slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the polished floor. Her heart raced as she turned around, finally noticing Damian. She hadn’t heard him walk in.

Damian’s piercing blue eyes studied her shocked expression. That was when he realized—she hadn’t recognized him the first time.

“Why are you so shocked?” he asked, bending slightly to pick up the necklace. He held it up between them, smirking. “Is this yours?”

Ava stammered, her voice barely steady. “Y-Yes… I mean… no.”

Damian chuckled, the sound deep and teasing. “Which one is it, Ava?”

She swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile. “Sorry… it’s not mine,” she finally said, not wanting him to suspect she remembered him from that night.

Damian smirked knowingly. “Okay, then I’ll keep it myself… or maybe dash it,” he teased.

Ava blinked, her cheeks heating, before muttering, “O-Okay, sir,” trying to hide her nervousness and the sting of embarrassment.

She quickly handed him the file. Damian cross-checked it with sharp efficiency before returning it to her.

“Can I leave now?” Ava asked softly, eager to regain some composure.

“Yes,” Damian replied casually.

Ava moved toward the door, relief washing over her, but his voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Leave work by 4 p.m. We have somewhere to go by 8 tonight,” he said, his tone calm but commanding. “So you can get enough rest.”

Ava froze for a moment, her mind racing. “A-Alright, sir,” she said, stuttering slightly before quickly turning and rushing back to her office, her chest heaving and her heart pounding.