I groaned, dragging myself off the bed and into the bathroom. Grabbing my toothbrush, I started my morning routine. Once I was done, I stripped off my nightwear and let the warm water from the shower wash over me, easing the tension in my muscles.
Stepping out, I wrapped a towel around myself and sat in front of my dressing table, applying a light lotion to my skin. My wardrobe was a mess-and I had nothing decent to wear.
Just as I was about to give up, Baby walked in, holding out a cream-colored corporate gown and a blue blazer jacket.
"Lorna, always at your service," she said, grinning.
I smirked. "You're a lifesaver."
Dressed and ready, I tied my hair into a sleek ponytail, did minimal makeup, and slipped into my cream-colored wedges.
I grabbed my bag and files, then checked my wristwatch. 7:10 AM.
"Shit."
I needed to move.
I hailed a cab, practically jumping in.
"Go, go!" I urged.
The driver raised an eyebrow. "Where to, miss?"
I blinked. Right. Destination.
"Just keep driving."
A beat of silence.
"Wait! Take me to B Corporation."
The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "You mean the Bradford Corporation?"
I hesitated. B... Bradford?
"B Corporation, dude," I stressed, ignoring the twist in my gut.
Minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of a massive glass skyscraper. It was imposing, sleek, and screamed money.
"Miss,my money?" the driver called.
I scoffed. "Seriously? Do we have to pay for everything in this country?" I rolled my eyes but handed him the cash.
As he drove off, I suddenly froze.
My files.
"Shit!"
Dropping my bag, I ran after the cab, practically slamming my palm against the door. The driver stopped, and I snatched my files from the backseat before banging the door shut.
I inhaled deeply. Then exhaled.
Time to get this job.
Inside, I took the elevator to the 12th floor. 7:58 AM. Two minutes to spare.
I rushed into the CEO's department, spotting several other women seated-competitors.
They shot me dirty glares.
Jealous much? I smirked.
"Miss Priynka Wald?" a middle-aged woman called.
I stood, adjusted my dress, and walked in.
The office was huge. Behind the desk, a man sat, head bent over a file. His nameplate read:
Lewis Bradford.
Oh, hell no.
"So, you're Priynka Wald. 23 years old," he said without looking up.
"What makes you think you're fit to be my PA?"
I smirked. "Because I'm Priynka Wald."
A beat.
"You got the job. Get out!"
I turned, muttering, "Dumbass."
"What was that?" he called.
I walked out of the office, ignoring him. My heels clicked against the marble floor, each step echoing my determination.
"Oh, congrats, dear. I hope you stay for a while," a cheerful voice chimed in, pulling my attention.
I turned to see a woman with chestnut-brown hair styled into a neat bun. Her face was warm, with a kindness that stood out against the cold, corporate air.
"I'm Mrs. Brittney," she added, her ruby-red lips stretching into a welcoming smile.
She guided me down the sleek hallway, the faint scent of lavender trailing behind her. When we reached my office, I couldn't hide my surprise-it was enormous. The polished mahogany desk gleamed under the soft golden lights, and floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
I ran my fingers along the cool surface of the desk, letting the reality sink in.
I got the job. Baby will be so excited.
LEWIS'S POV
I leaned back in my leather chair, tapping my pen against the edge of her thin personnel file. It was nearly empty no work history worth mentioning.
Why did I hire her? I hadn't even seen her face properly.
I tossed the file aside and let my mind drift. Then, like a spark catching dry wood, an image flashed her.
The girl from the club.
She had been a vision long, dark hair that cascaded down her back, curves in all the right places, and those fiery eyes that dared to challenge me. But that wasn't what got under my skin. It was the way she rejected me..bold, unyielding.
No one had ever said no to me. Not in my twenty-seven years. And she had the audacity to hit me.
I clenched my jaw. Whoever she is, I'm going to make her life unworthy.
My phone buzzed on the desk. KIM. I scoffed.
Girls like her were all the same..eager, predictable, and desperate for my attention. Just a little money and a pretty face, and they were crawling.
I declined the call and reached for the phone on my desk, my voice cold and sharp.
"My office. Now."
I waited, but she didn't show. My patience thinned. I pressed the line again.
"I said,now"
Still nothing. Irritation burned through me like a slow flame. I grabbed the stack of files and stormed toward her office, each step hard and deliberate.
I shoved the door open without knocking.
"What the-"
The words caught in my throat.
There she was head down on the desk, sleeping.
I marched toward her, slamming my palm against the desk. The loud bang echoed through the office.
Her head snapped up. She blinked a few times, brushing strands of silky hair from her face. Then her eyes locked with mine, those same fierce eyes.
Her.
"YOU!" we both said in unison, shock flashing between us.
I quickly masked my surprise with a frown.
"Well, well..." I drawled, leaning against her desk. "Look who we have here."
She was even more stunning in daylight. My gaze drifted downward, her dress clung to her curves, and the first two buttons hung undone, teasing me with a glimpse of soft skin.
She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs with a slow, deliberate grace. A light smile touched her lips..confident, teasing.
Damn. Even her attitude was intoxicating. But I wouldn't let her off that easily. Not after the stunt she pulled.