Page 16 of Petals and Fangs

“Why?” he asks, confused.

“His office is smaller than yours.”

“There still are other offices to work on,” he says, almost interrupting me

“I need at least one day a week to work from home. There is so much planning I need to do.”

“Can’t you do your planning in the building here?” he asks, his eyes softening.

“I am not part of this company, Ethan.”

“I must say that I need your presence, Lily. You are so smart and wise, and I need you here.”

“You have to promise me something.”

“You have my word, Lily. What is it?”

“You must promise me that you'll keep a safe distance. I want my business to be successful and do well on this project, Mr. Rothschild. You are not allowed to fall in love with me.”

“I don't think I can do that.”

“This can’t happen any longer,” I say, and gesture to his hands grabbing my thighs.

“But-”

“Do you want me to work here?” I interrupt him, gazing in his eyes.

“Yes.”

“Then you must promise me that you won’t. I am serious about this.”

“Lily, please,” Ethan shakes his head and looks away for a brief second, then back at me again.

“If not, then I'll cancel everything, and you will never see me again. You will have to find yourself another florist. This is my chance to make it, Mr. Rothschild.”

“I am afraid you have to promise me one thing too.”

“Which is?”

He smiles at me and pulls away. I can sense that he is resisting me. He never takes his eyes off mine, which makes me shaky. Not in fear but in curiosity. He brings out the best in me.

“You are doing it again, aren’t you?”

“Pardon?” he says.

“You are looking at me like I am a prey to feast on, Ethan.”

He laughs and heads to one of his drawers. He takes out a stack of documents and spreads them on the table. Then, he hands me a yellow file. Reading the title makes my stomach go insanely anxious.

“Oh, God,” I mutter under my breath as I read what is written on the cover page.

“Make sure you read this. I want you to know what you will be dealing with in this company,” he says and heads to a small fridge in the corner and takes out two bottles of water for us.

“Top secret? Are you sure I am allowed to read this?”

“Have at it. I couldn’t care less. I am sure I can trust you,” he says and stands in front of me, proving his dominance.

“I am just here to work on the decoration of your building, Ethan. I am sure I do not need to be dealing with such confidential documents.”

---