BEHIND HER MASK

CALL ME MR. GRACIAS AGAIN

~Mackenzie~

Her heels clicked faster against the hallway floor. Every few steps, she glanced over her shoulder to see if someone was trailing her. She didn’t slow down until she pushed into the restroom.

How is this even possible? she thought, gripping the sink. The man from last night… is my new boss? There has to be some mistake. If he exposes me, everything will be ruined. I can’t let that happen.

She forced herself to breathe. “Calm down, Mackenzie. Panicking won’t help,” she whispered.

Turning on the faucet, she splashed cold water over her face, then dabbed it dry with a tissue. Digging into her purse, she pulled out her makeup kit. She reapply powder, blush, lipstick.

“You cannot let him see your fear,” she told her reflection. “You’ll play this cool. The ball’s in your court now.”

But her stomach twisted when she remembered the look on his face earlier, disgust, as if she were something filthy. Clenching her fists, she braced herself and left the restroom.

Outside, Amy was rushing toward her. Relief crossed her friend’s face the moment she spotted her.

“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere.” Amy’s voice was tinged with concern. “Are you okay? You just ran off without a word.”

“Bathroom emergency,” Mackenzie lied smoothly.

Amy gave her a doubtful nod. “Alright then. Let’s head back.”

They walked in silence until Amy broke into a giggle. “By the way, have you seen the new CEO? God, he’s gorgeous. Broad shoulders, muscles, he looks like he walked straight out of a magazine cover.”

Mackenzie forced a small smile, though heat crept up her cheeks at the memory of running her hands over those very shoulders the night before.

“You’re blushing!” Amy nudged her playfully.

“No, I’m not,” Mackenzie protested, covering her face.

Amy grinned. “Naughty girl. Just remember, office affairs are strictly against company policy.”

“Relax, that won’t happen,” Mackenzie dismissed quickly.

They reached Amy’s office. “Don’t forget, lunch together today. I’ll come grab you,” Amy reminded her before slipping inside.

“Sure. Bye,” Mackenzie said, continuing down the hall toward the CEO’s office.

~Alexander~

Alexander slammed his fingers against the keyboard, trying to drag his mind back to work. It was pointless. Those eyes. those damn eyes kept flashing in his head.

“Where does she hide her shame?” he muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets as he moved toward the window. The city stretched below, but his thoughts stayed locked on her.

“Mackenzie… no. Ramona,” he whispered bitterly.

Last night, he’d learned the name she used at the club. Today, she was Mackenzie, his secretary. Two lives. One person.

A knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Come in,” his deep voice called.

The door opened, and the sound of soft footsteps filled the room. it grow louder as it approach him.

“Sir, your meeting with the executives is in a few minutes,” a voice said

Ramona.

The memory of last night slammed into him again. the heat of her body, the way she’d moved. His chest tightened, heat rising in him. He swallowed hard before finally turning to face her.

“Okay,” he nodded curtly.

“I’ll go prepare the report,” she said, about to leave.

That was it? She was going to pretend she didn’t know him? That nothing had happened? His jaw tightened.

“When will you stop pretending, Ramona?” The name slipped out like a blade.

Mackenzie froze, her hand tightening painfully around the doorknob. She hadn’t told him that name. How does he know? He was more dangerous than she thought.

“What game are you playing?” His voice was sharp, echoing in the room.

Her nails dug into her palm.

“Do the people here know what you do at night?” he taunted. “Mackenzie by day, Ramona by night.” He laughed darkly.

In a flash, she turned and grabbed his tie, yanking him closer. His scent hit her. strong, intoxicating. Her voice was sharp, her eyes cutting into his. “What exactly are you trying to do, Mr. Gracias?”

The way she said his name sent a shiver down his spine. Something stirred in him, something unfamiliar, unsettling. His gaze locked on her green eyes, then fell to her lips. His body betrayed him; heat flared low in his stomach, tightening his chest, his throat dry.

“Say it again,” he ordered, his voice husky. “Say Mr. Gracias again.”

Her brows furrowed. “What?” She shoved him back, stunned.

She stepped forward again, but stopped short when she caught him swallowing hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. She snapped her eyes away and hissed, “Let me make this clear to you, Mr. Gracias. I will...”

A knock thundered on the door.

Before she could finish, Hunter barged in. Both of them jumped apart. Alexander straightened his tie quickly.

“Apologies, sir,” Hunter said. “The executives are waiting for you.”

“I’ll take my leave now, sir,” Mackenzie said stiffly, seizing the chance to escape. She gave Alexander a final, warning glance before slipping out.

Alexander’s chest rose and fell heavily as he turned back, running a frustrated hand through his hair.

“Oh, I see you’re already bonding with your secretary,” Hunter laughed carelessly.

Alexander’s glare was ice. “Are you too old to understand that when you knock, you wait for permission before barging in?”

Hunter faltered. “The executives....”

“Last I checked, I’m the head here. They’ll wait as long as I say.”

“I just… l.. just”

“You’re not only incompetent, you lack basic manners,” Alexander snapped. “Get out before I do something you’ll regret.”

Hunter paled and bolted from the room like a man being chased.