Page 16 of Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector

Annoyance tinged my voice once I realized it was Jack, Leo’s personal assistant. Argh! It was never good news. It never was. I had spent exactly nine days coming to this building, and whenever Jack called, it was never good news. “What is it now Jack?” I snapped, my frustration spilling into my voice. “Another urgent summons to the lion’s den?” I snorted.

Jack’s calm voice on the other end made me envious of his professional manner. This was especially true given my own frustration, which he definitely didn't cause. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Woodrow wants to see you immediately. It seems to be of utmost importance, but I don't have all the specifics."

I rolled my eyes. Of course, it always was "of utmost importance," yet he never provided any details. I sighed, acknowledging that he owned the business and I had no choice but to comply. "Fine," my voice came out begrudgingly. "I'll be there as fast as I can."

Hanging up the phone, I angrily flicked a loose strand off my face. Why did he require my presence yet again? I desperately hoped there would be a reason this time. But, I knew better than to expect that much from him.

Resigned to my fate, I straightened and made my way towards the elevator. Upon arriving at his floor, I didn’t bother acknowledging Jack. I knew the routine well enough and didn’t need a reminder. I pushed open Leo’s door and entered the office, a scowl etched deeply on my face.

I was exhausted, if exhaustion even captured the full extent of my feelings. Weary would better describe it. I was tired of these constant calls. My frustration simmered below the surface. Leo raised his eyes to meet mine, a familiar gleam of satisfaction dancing within us. He gestured towards the chair as usual. Then, he turned to some documents on his desk.

I took a deep breath, my irritation reaching its peak. "What is it this time, Leo?" I snapped. "I'm tired of being summoned here for no reason. If you have something to say, say it!"

Leo lifted his eyes from the documents, feigning shock. He remained cool and composed, and when he saw the fire in my brown eyes, a small smirk played at the corner of his lips. It was a deliberate attempt to provoke me, and when anger flashed across my face, he almost laughed. "Oh, second best, always so fiery," he said dismissively. He used the sour little nickname to push my buttons.

"I'm sorry if I interrupted your oh-so important work. But, rest assured, there is a reason for summoning you," Leo retorted. His tone dripped with sarcasm.

I was clearly upset by his response because he saw me clenching my fists, and when I spoke, I sounded frustrated. “Just tell me what you want already! I don’t have time for your games and tricks. If you have something to say, say it clearly and directly."

Leo's smirk grew, eyes amused. He leaned back, observing me. He took in my dark, wavy hair, my intense gaze, and my fitted jeans. Then, he spoke. "You think this is a game? No. This is business. And you? You're my assistant."

His words made me feel belittled and frustrated. I held my old job responsible for shutting down, leaving me in this predicament. The atmosphere in the room was charged with hostility. I struggled to stay composed. I was determined not to show any weakness in his presence.

“Fine! If it’s business, then get to the point. I have work to do and wasting my time won’t make me more efficient or impressed with you.”

He casually turned in his chair, not caring much. "Making you happy isn't my main goal," he said calmly, which only made me more frustrated.

He leaned back, a small smile on his face. It's important to know your tasks. But, it's crucial to admit I'm in charge. As your boss, I pick your tasks and what's important. I want you to stay put and wait. My eyes narrowed, and anger rose. I fixed my gaze on him, feeling more determined. The tension in the room grew. Yet, Leo's smirk remained.

“I’ve had enough of this Leo, do your worst. I’m leaving. Fire me if you want. I don’t care” I hissed and turned to leave the suffocating confines of the office. I can not stand here and take the humiliation anymore.

"Oh, no. You're not going anywhere," Leo countered, his voice firm and commanding. I scoffed. "Watch me," I muttered under my breath, heading for the door. But as I reached for the knob, I noticed that he had swiftly crossed the room, blocked my path, and twisted the key.

I took a sharp breath, feeling my eyes widen. The sound of the lock clicking filled the room, making everything tense. Tears welled up, and I felt a heat building inside me. I turned to Leo, my voice filled with bitter anger. "What's your game, Leo? Why do you keep calling me here for no reason?"

I observed his smug expression slowly forming into a smirk as he confidently advanced in my direction. Feeling a rush of nerves, I instinctively retreated a few steps until my back forcefully met the unyielding surface of the door. His words dripped with a sense of superiority, "Patience is key. Rushing won't reveal the answers you seek."

My heart raced and my breath caught as he moved closer, closing the distance between us. Pinned against the door, I longed to vanish. Leaning in, he whispered seductively. His voice sent shivers down my spine and awoke a desire within me. How long had I yearned to hear his voice? How long had I craved the way he could stir both desire and anger within me?

"You can't escape," Leo murmured against my ear. "And I don't mean from my office. I mean I can see it in your eyes. I can see you trying to resist, but I think I see the truth. You still want me. You still love me. Isn't that right?"

He heard the exasperation in my voice even though he didn’t lean back to see my eyes. “Is that what these games are about? You are hunting for an Avenue to toy with my emotions?”

He leaned back, surprised. He could see vulnerability staring at him in my brown eyes. He reached to tuck a black strand behind my ear, moving closer. "Games?" He balked. "No. This is far from a game. There's unfinished business between us, and you know it."

He saw my eyes filled with anger, and I opened my mouth to speak before snapping it shut. It was interesting to watch the emotions play out on my face in real time. He could see the conflict in my eyes as I tilted my chin upwards to meet his gaze. He enjoyed this. He watched me dance on the dangerous edge of desire and heartache. He knew he had caused the heartache.

Then, as he watched me squirm, I pressed my palms against his chest. He closed his hands and tried not to react to my touch. His eyes widened when he heard the tremor in my voice. “Leo no. I’m not allowing myself to end up pulled into your web. This is over”

I glared at him, my brown eyes showing defiance. "Unfinished business?" I scoffed. "You broke my heart! You must be more foolish than I thought to think you still have power over me!"

He tilted his head to the side, his lips pressed tightly together in thought. Then, leaning closer, he lowered his voice to a whisper. "Do you think you're only pretending not to care? Is your real emotion buried beneath the surface?"

I swallowed. I felt my heart pounding, as if a thousand soldiers marched in my chest. My body yearned to lean into his, filled with a desperate need. My hands tingled as I placed them on his chest, yet I fought against the urge. "That's not true. I've moved on. I don't need you anymore," I cried out, the words almost a plea.

Leo's smirk deepened as he gazed at me, his piercing blue eyes capturing mine. I felt myself falter, a powerful urge rising within me to dive into the depths of his gaze. I longed to lean in, to surrender myself entirely to his presence.

"The fire between us never truly died. Admit it, I. Right here, right now. You still want me as much as I want you," Leo asserted, his voice laced with conviction.

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