Page 23 of Claimed By the Boss

Nora was just a normalwoman. She didn’t stop men on the street and have them gawk at her. Shecertainly didn’t turn heads. Even when she went to that charity dinner, therewas no one craning their neck to get her attention.

And yet, Gabriel wantedher. He loved beautiful women, that was no surprise. She knew that when she methim. His reputation for a list of girlfriends was somewhat legendary.

Even though she hadattempted to keep her feet firmly on the ground, it would seem, against herwill, they had already started to float away.

She didn’t say anotherword as she made her way toward the elevator, going straight toward her floor,where she was meant to be. She was just an employee. This was just … not even afairy tale. This was just a crazy way of looking at life and love.

There was no way Gabrielwas going to love her. He was so far out of herleague,it wasn’t even funny. Arriving back at her floor, she got to her desk, and atfirstshe just frowned. The truth was, her heart wasbreaking, and this was not a good sign nor a good feeling. A broken heart meantshe had done the unthinkable, and that was not good.

There was no way she couldbe in love with Gabriel. It was just not right. They were not compatible. Shehad to make a break.

The very idea of lookingfor a brand-new job did not appeal. Maybe just … focusing on her job, andending this with Gabriel. That was what she needed to do. The temptation toleave and call in sick was strong, but she was not a quitter. Even though attimes throughout her life, it had felt like she was a quitter. She wasn’t.

Squaring her shoulders,she pushed all thoughts and pain of Gabriel out of her mind, and instead got towork. There was no reason to stop for lunch as she had lost her appetiteanyway. Clicking her tongue, she got stuck in her work. The time ticked by, andshe made her usual deliveries. As she had already made the first mail deliveryto Gabriel, she didn’t need to make a second trip, which was a welcome relief.

She helped her employees,tackled problems, and made notes of the supplies that would be needed.

It was a little after two,when the floor seemed to go quiet, and she spun around to see that Gabriel hadentered the mail room. She felt her cheeks start to heat. Since she had takenover, the only time he ventured down here was after everyone had left. Shedidn’t want gossip spreading.

He walked up to her. “Inmy office, now,” he said.

Nora looked at him with afrown. He didn’t say anything else but spun on his heel and left. He’d donethis on purpose. Gabriel knew she wouldn’t want to make a scene, and byignoring his demand, that would get people gossiping.

She offered a smile ateveryone, and then walked toward the elevator.

Donot fall in love with this man. It is too dangerous.

Nora had to keep remindingherself to always keep her feet firmly on the ground. This is what she neededto do. Feet firmly on the ground. And yet, she felt ready to run.

Her feelings for Gabrielwere not going away. They were not casual. Having sex, being around him, seeingthe man beneath the corporate mask, she was falling for him, and this was goingto end badly for her. She knew this, and yet she got on that elevator and felther heart race. She felt a tightening in her stomach.

Gabriel didn’t move.

Neither of them made asound.

The elevator was takingits sweet time getting them to his floor, and she wanted to scream at it to gofaster. The sooner this was over and done with, the better.

Finally, the elevatoropened, and she stepped out, hoping to see Trudy. The other woman was gone.

Gabriel took hold of herarm, and marched her into his office. “Why did you leave?” he asked, pullingher around to face him, and this time not letting her go.

“You had company, and ifyou remember, we’re keeping this a secret.” She wanted to ask him so manyquestions, but she kept them to herself.

Why was his ex at hisworkplace? What were they talking about?

So many questions.

“This fucking secret thingagain. You didn’t want anyone else to know about us. I’m keeping to youragreement but that doesn’t mean I agree with it.”

She nibbled her lip andclasped her hands together, not exactly sure what to say to him.

“I think I should get backto work.”

“Damn it, Nora. You knowthat was an ex, right? You know that,” Gabriel said.

She glanced down at thefloor and nodded. “Yes.”

“She was trying toconvince me I was the father of her upcoming baby,” Gabriel said.

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