Chapter 3 The Bag

Kira's POV

I jolt awake, my heart racing as the soft light of dawn filters through the windows. My eyes widen as the realization of where I am hits me. Gavin's penthouse. Shit.

"Oh God, what have I done?" I think, my mind reeling with guilt.

Memories of last night flood back-getting caught, drinking, laughter, whiskey, and the warmth of Gavin's body against mine.

"How could I be so stupid? Malcolm trusted me, and I failed. He'll never forgive me."

I glance around, feeling a wave of shame wash over me. I cheated on Malcolm. With my boss. Who probably won't even remember. Although that'll be a good thing.

I gasp, pulling the soft fabric of the sheets down. I'm naked. Shit. I need to leave. I have to get out of here before anyone sees me. This is a disaster.

I scramble out of bed, almost falling flat on my face. I pick up my trousers and look around for my shirt. It's resting peacefully against the sofa.

Gosh, how could I let this happen?

Silently, I slip out of the bedroom and into the quiet hallway. My heart pounds as I press the elevator button, willing it to arrive faster.

The doors open, and I step inside, finally taking a deep breath, though my palms are still sweaty.

I hope Gavin doesn't remember my face, like I'll be in deeper shit. And I still have to face Malcolm. He'll be expecting me to bring the documents. Dang

The elevator's ding signals my arrival at the office floor.

As I rush out, I glance around wide-eyed, heaving a sigh of relief as the office is empty. Thank goodness.

"Please don't let anyone see me like this."

I sprint into the nearest bathroom, locking myself inside and splashing cold water on my face.

Looking in the mirror, my eyes widen at the sight of my skin. Dark red marks cover the side of my neck, disappearing into the shirt.

He gave me freaking love bites. That bastard.

After a quick shower and changing into my work clothes–which I hid in the closet, I step out of the bathroom, hearing the bustle of employees around.

It's office hours already, meaning Malcolm will be waiting for feedback. Oh shit. I'm so foolish.

How could I accept that drink from Gavin?

I should have left immediately. He was drunk and wouldn't have been able to do anything. I just had to drink as well, knowing my alcohol tolerance. As more workers arrive at the office, I make a quick decision: I need to get out of here.

I'll just take the day off and figure out how to deal with Malcolm later. I also have to avoid my boss.

I walk out of the building, not paying attention to my surroundings, and find myself at a nearby café. I step in line, ordering a hot cappuccino, the warmth of the cup comforting against my palm.

As I take a sip, savoring the taste, my mind doesn't rest. I'm pulled back to last night's events; I messed up a perfectly laid out plan because of my stupidity and lust. The coffee soon turns cold and bland in my mouth.

I get up, sending my hand under the table to pick up the bag with my clothes. My hand comes out empty. What the hell? I push my chair back and bend, glancing under the table to see if my leg pushed it further. It's not there. Wait a second, I don't think I came here with a bag.

Shit. The bag is still in the office.

I rush back to the office, my heart pounding as I enter the elevator. I tap my foot against the floor, feeling a bead of sweat trickling down my back.

The elevator ride seems to take forever, and every time it stops to let people in or out, I glare at the back of their heads.

Finally, it dings on the 85th floor, and the doors have hardly opened when I'm sprinting down the hallway toward the closet.

I quickly pick up the bag-which I had so stupidly left on the floor after getting changed-and turn on my heels to leave the office.

As I pass by the huge mahogany door of Gavin's office, the atmosphere shifts, and I feel my legs weaken beneath me, my breath hitching in my throat.

I hear his voice, icy and authoritative, bellowing insults and curses at employees.

"You're fired!" he barks, probably on the phone as I don't hear any other voices.

"Don't ever show your face here again!"

I wince at the harshness in his tone, my instincts screaming at me to escape.

"Ms. Lena!" he continues, voice dripping with rage. "If you can't meet deadlines, I have no use for you here!"

I need to get out of here before he sees me. I glance around, hoping to slip away, but just as I take a step toward the elevator, his office door swings open, banging loudly against the wall.

Damn it.

He strides out, his jaw clenched.

Our eyes lock, and I freeze.

"Ms. Ellington, my office. Now!" he commands, his voice low and dangerously calm.

My heart sinks. I stand frozen for a moment, then take a deep breath and turn to follow him, nerves swirling in my stomach.

What does he want? Does he know it's me? But he was drunk right, and Malcolm disabled the cameras. I trail behind Gavin, my eyes fixed on his broad back as he strides into his office.

The door closes behind me with a soft click, and I feel trapped.

Gavin walks to his desk, which is empty, as everything is on the floor, and turns around, his eyes blazing as he stares at me.

My pulse spikes, and I'm certain the man present can hear how loud my heart is beating.

He doesn't say anything for almost a minute, silently scrutinizing me instead.

The atmosphere is tense, and I can't wait to leave.

However, his next words add a thicker layer of tension in the air, making me freeze in my spot.

"Miss Ellington, what is in the bag?"

Shit.