Page 70 of Ruthless Mafia Daddy

“You look stunning,” Antonio said, planting a soft kiss on my hand.

“You don’t look bad yourself,” I replied with a polite smile.

He’s been trying to get my attention for a while, and I lost count of how many times I’ve had to decline his not-so-subtle date ideas. He was conventionally attractive, and I might’ve given him a chance if circumstances were different, but there was a brooding Russian who was currently shooting lasers through him as we spoke.

“So, is this a regular thing?” I asked, gesturing towards the luxurious decor. The entire reception area was transformed into some sort of ballroom. There were elaborate flower arrangements, a live band in the corner the receptionist usually occupies, and a buffet of every exotic dish one could ever think of laid out to the right.

“Not exactly. It is a recent addition by the welfare team. They believe an annual employee award gala, one different from the generic Christmas dinner, would give the employees something to strive towards and encourage healthy competition amongst workers.”

“That’s a great idea,” I concurred, sipping on my mocktail. “Were you nominated for any award?”

“Nope. I was hired at the same time as you.”

My brows shot up in surprise at the revelation. “Could’ve fooled me.”

He blended so seamlessly with everyone and even knew the workers by name that I assumed he must’ve been here from the very beginning.

“So, since we’ve been together all night, eating and drinking, can I call this a first date?” He asked with a lopsided smile, and I rolled my eyes playfully.

“You don’t give up easily, do you?”

“I’m a project manager. If I gave up easily, this whole thing would be ruined,” he replied, and I found myself laughing at his cocky remark.

I returned my gaze to find him staring at me with a soft look in his eyes.

“Will you dance with me?” he asked, and I looked around to find most of the employees swaying their bodies to the melody from the live band.

I offered him my hand with a nod and we proceeded to the dance floor. It was either that or I stand awkwardly in the corner and watch everyone have a great time.

“Is this the part where I tell you my best color and let you in on some embarrassing childhood story?” Antonio said as we gently swayed to the sound of the music, and I found myself laughing again.

I was certain everyone on the dance floor was wondering what was so funny with how much I was laughing, but I couldn’t manage a poker face with him if I tried. He was honestly so hilarious with his comments about other employees and his stories.

“I’m certain we can find time for your childhood—”

A cold hand pressed into the small of my back, ultimately silencing me, and a dark voice I’d grown very accustomed to pierced the playful aura, “I’m certain Miss Kincaid would be delighted to hear stories of your diaper days, but right now, there’s some mail I need her to attend to.”

“Oh,” Antonio muttered, taking a few steps back as his eyes darted between Mikhail and me.

I could feel the blood roaring in my ears, but I tried my best to maintain a calm demeanor. “I’ll see you shortly, Antonio,” I said, walking out of the reception without sparing a glance in Mikhail’s direction.

“What mail couldn’t wait till Monday?” I queried the moment we stepped into Mikhail’s office.

“None.” He replied in a cold voice and casually proceeded to sit behind his desk.

“So you pulled me out of a party and took me to your office for nothing?”

“Yes.”

I massaged my temple to dissipate the pressure that was slowly building behind my eyes. I wasn’t going to let him ruin the night for me. If he wanted to be miserable, he could be miserable on his own.

“Romantic relationships between employees are against the company policy. I was merely saving you from a summon from the HR.” He shrugged casually, and every bit of control I had gathered fell to shut.

“Was that what you were doing when you tried to kiss me weeks back?” I asked, my eyes burning with rage.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” he said with a dry chuckle, “I didn’t try to kiss you, Arielle. The way I remember it, you were all flushed and panting, and if Antonio hadn’t had wonderful timing, I’m sure you’d be dripping over my cock if I let you.”

His statement hit me like a slap in the face, and I reeled back from the weight of his words. “You know very well that wasn’t how it happened.”

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