Page 22 of His Beloved Princess
I was absolutely drained of my strength, but I opened my eyes and noticed Bastian typing something on his phone.
"Everything okay?" I asked, slowly turning around. My mind was tired, but I knew he had to leave and wasn't on his way, only because of me. In my chest, I felt a stab of guilt. I didn't want to take him away from his family.
"Yes, Andreas will handle it," he replied, putting his phone away. "Take some rest, baby girl. We have a busy day in front of us."
I didn't question him more. I trusted that he knew what he was doing. I closed my eyes, resting my head on his chest, and soon, my mind drifted to sleep. But just before I surrendered to the darkness, one pleasant thought appeared out of nowhere, making me smile.
I was loved.
12
Reassurance
Electra
Iexited the car in front of Thorn Enterprises, and a group of reporters instantly pushed me back. Lights from the cameras blinded me, and it was only thanks to the security that I could enter the building.
Bastian warned me that they camped on the street just to get a photo of us, yet I didn't realize they were this crazy. They almost knocked me off my feet.
Waiting for an elevator, I inhaled deeply, feeling a hand on the small of my back. Bastian stood on my left side, smiling softly at me. I noticed a few men giving us curious glances, and two receptionists whispered to each other, but Bastian didn't care about them. His attention was on me. He was watching my every move; not even the slightest change in my demeanor could escape his observant eyes.
"I'm fine." I smiled at him when we entered the elevator, but his gaze still didn't leave my face. I really was okay. The episode with the reporters didn't shake my confidence, and I was prepared to accompany my handsome boss to the grand opening of his new corporation. I had already sent his brand new suit into the office so he could change after lunch, and his prepared speech was in my purse. Everything was as it should be.
"Prove that," Bastian challenged, taking me completely by surprise. My eyebrows shot up, and I snickered, thinking he was making fun of me. Yet, I couldn't be more wrong.
"Do you want me to wipe that grin away from your gorgeous face, princess?" he inquired with a deadly serious expression, putting his hand on the wall next to my head and leaning into it. Our noses were merely an inch apart, and I gulped, lowering my head and avoiding his probing gaze.
"Don't make me repeat myself," he growled, lifting my head with his finger under my chin. My whole body was on fire from his stern voice and overwhelming presence.
"I don't know what you want me to do," I breathed, losing myself in his eyes. I was sore from our morning session, but I knew I wouldn't say no if he wanted me to persuade him with his cock in my mouth.
"You'll have a speech today," he announced instead, breaking my bubble of having some fun before reality hit us both.
"I'm your assistant," I pointed out, frowning. I hated it when he provoked me and then turned everything upside down.
"Exactly. You'll do as I say," he stated, pulling away from me when the sound indicated that we had arrived at the highest floor. He walked out into the hall without waiting for me to join him. I slowly followed him, glaring at his broad back and musing about his weird behavior.
A long time has passed since he displayed his usual arrogance. He was bossy to other employees, but he was charming and polite to me. I forgot how commanding he could be, and my brain couldn't find a good reason to protest against his words.
Was I prepared to step out of my comfort zone and satisfy him? I wasn't sure, but I knew I couldn’t handle the thought of him being ashamed of me. This was important, even if I didn’t think I was the best choice for the job. He didn't leave; he was here and capable of going on the stage and talking to those people without any preparation.
I sat behind my desk, trying to develop a good argument to start a conversation again. He sounded like his decision was carved into stone, but there must be a way to escape this.
My stomach twisted with unease as I looked at the guest list for the opening. Also, one of his managers from his other company sent me a schedule, and my name was on it. Shit! He already told them that I would speak. I couldn't wait another second. I had to stop this nonsense.
I abruptly stood, ignoring the ringing phone, and entered his office without knocking. He raised his eyes from the computer, lifting one of his eyebrows expectantly at me. I closed the door behind me and walked to his desk. My mouth was suddenly dry. It was one thing to imagine the situation in my head and another to face this devilishly attractive man and try to talk him out of something. Before I even said one word, I knew I would lose, but I had to try anyway.
"I can't give the speech, sir," I said, tapping my fingers gently on his desk, trying to avoid his eyes.
"Because?" he asked, typing on the keyboard and averting his gaze from me. I stole a glance at him. He didn't look angry, just busy.
"You're much better at it than me, and it's your company. It's not appropriate." I took a steady breath, expecting him to yell at me, but as often before, I was mistaken. I always waited for him to start shouting at me like my mother did, yet he was different. He was nothing like my mom.
"You're my girlfriend. It's all right." He winked at me and continued with his work, dismissing me. I wasn't ready to give up. I was honored that he trusted me with something so significant, but I couldn't risk messing things up.
"Bastian, I won't be speaking at the grand opening of your corporation," I stated resolutely, determined to argue with him until he would back down. He stopped typing, his eyebrows furrowed, and he turned to me with a blank expression, blinking a few times before he leaned into his chair, watching me.
"Are we really going to fight over this?" he inquired, squeezing the armrest. "You already said yes."
