Was I too eager in offering to give Charlie the tour first?Probably.

Does she smell like outrageously fresh roses?Fuck, yes.

We walk together through the entrance of my assigned section, and I take the opportunity to give Charlie a brief overview of our objectives and the projects we're working on related to agricultural applications of stem cell research.

"You won't believe the possibilities that stem cell research brings to the table in agriculture," I say passionately, knowing that, if nothing else, this is my area of expertise. "We're talking about boosting crop yields, making crops resistant to diseases, and even revolutionizing sustainable farming practices."

Charlie listens attentively, her curiosity evident in her expression. "That sounds incredible," she replies.

I enthusiastically elaborate, "By leveraging stem cells, we can manipulate plant growth and development in ways we've never imagined before. We can optimize their genetic expression to increase their productivity and maximize the yield of staple crops. Imagine being able to produce more food in a sustainable and efficient manner to meet the demands of a growing population."

Her eyes shift around the lab as we walk through, taking in as much as they can. I notice her glance at the security measures installed around the lab, and I decide to alleviate any concerns she may have.

"Don't worry, Charlie. We take security here very seriously. We have high-tech surveillance systems in place, and each lab section has its own access control system. Plus, only authorized personnel are allowed entry into the lab."

She nods, her eyes returning to me. "That's good to hear. I'd like to meet with the security team here at the facility. Just to see how they function."

"The level of security in this lab is top-notch," I mention, drawing her attention away from the machines. "Our research is high-level classified, so only a select few get access to it."

As we continue through the lab, I begin to notice Charlie's delicate fingers tracing along the edges of various equipment and machinery. I can't help but feel a growing attraction towards her. My mind wanders to thoughts of us together. I can't help envisioning Charlie on top of me, her soft skin pressed against mine as we explore each other's bodies.

I know I shouldn't be thinking like this, especially since she would probably chew me up and spit me out for objectifying her. The way she handled Leo in the meeting was both exceptional and slightly intimidating.

Approaching the secure area of the lab where our most advanced research takes place, I explain the heightened level of security necessary for the protection of our highly sensitive projects. We pass through multiple checkpoints, each requiring iris scans, fingerprint recognition and voice authentication.

"Ah," she muses. "That must be why it took so long to get through security clearance."

As we reach the final checkpoint, I can't help but notice Charlie's subtle glances in my direction. There's an unmistakable intensity in those deep, dark eyes that sends a thrill of excitement through me. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but the thought of her being interested in me is too tempting to ignore.

We enter the secure area, and I can feel her body tense slightly at the sight of our most advanced research. The room is spotless and sterile, with towering machines lining the walls. The air hums with a low-level thrum of electricity and machinery.

"What do we have here?" Charlie asks, moving towards one of the machines and inspecting its many dials and levers.

"This is our latest project," I explain, moving closer to her. "We are experimenting with genetic manipulation in plants to create entirely new strains that can grow faster, stronger, and more resilient than any other crop."

Charlie's eyes widen as she examines the sleek, metallic exterior of the machine. "That's impressive," she breathes out, "you guys are really pushing the boundaries of what's possible."

I can't help but feel proud as her words wash over me. She thinks I'm capable and skilled - a far cry from the constant suspicion and scrutiny I've faced from my colleagues due to my outsider status.

"Thanks," I reply, my voice low and husky. "It's been a long journey to get here, but it's all worth it when we push the envelope."

She nods, her eyes locked on mine. There's an electric tension between us that I can't ignore. The way she's looking at me is making me feel like she wants more, like she's hungry for something... and not just knowledge.

I clear my throat awkwardly. "Shall we continue?"

Nodding again, Charlie gestures for me to take the lead.

Stepping towards her I can't help but notice how her petite frame stands out against the towering machines all around us. I hate to say it, but I can see why Leo was so doubtful that this woman could be the bodyguard the board hired. Her hair is pulled back into a bun, revealing delicate cheekbones and piercing eyes that draw me in like magnets as she looks up at me with curiosity mingled with admiration.

Yet, on top of it all, an aura of confidence exudes from every pore; something not many people possess. That's all I need to see to know that, as she said, this woman is perfectly capable of doing her job.

But...can she really handle three billionaire CEOs?

7

LEO

I've been waiting at the entrance of my section of the facility, glancing at my watch as Caleb and Charlie finally come around the corner, engrossed in conversation.