Chapter 3 Clashing

Priynka's POV

I leaned back into my chair, crossing my legs with deliberate slowness. Letting him simmer.

"So, it's you" I feigned surprise.

He tucked his hands into the pocket of his pants, his tailored suit stretching over his toned frame. "Yeah and I'm the boss. Here, there,anywhere" His voice dripped with arrogance.

I pushed myself up from the chair and walked toward him, each step measuring his expression. I stopped just inches from him and reached up, brushing invisible dust from his shoulder.

"Keep the arrogance behind your sleeves, boss" I said, stressing the word with a smirk. "I'm here to work"

His jaw tightened but he didn't move. I could feel the tension crackling in the air.

He said nothing as he shoved a stack of papers at me.

"Duplicate these. And make me a coffee" he snapped before turning on his heel and slamming the door shut behind him.

Jerk!

I rolled my eyes, bent down to pick up the files and made my way to the copier.

As the machine hummed softly, I overheard a group of women chatting near the break area.

"The new PA won't last a week" one sneered.

"The last one didn't survive three days"

"He probably fires them after they warm his bed"

"I wouldn't mind a night with him" another giggled. "Lewis Bradford is every girl's dream" she sighed loudly "rich,handsome and smart"

I strolled past them without a word, shooting them each a pointed glare.

Returning to his office, I placed the documents and a cup of freshly brewed coffee on his desk.

He took a sip, then scowled.

"What is this? Can't you even make a simple cup of coffee? What can you do? twerk?" he sneered.

I faked a sweet smile, picked up the cup and walked out.

A few minutes later, I returned with a new cup and a new one after that.

He took another sip and hissed "Are you trying to burn my throat?"

I arched a brow. "Hurts, doesn't it? That's exactly how my feet hurts from running around"

I stormed out, my heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floor, leaving him to drown in his arrogance.

The day dragged on, each passing hour stretching my patience thinner. Not a single call from him, not that I was waiting. I buried myself in work, my fingers flying across the keyboard reading the entails of my duties, Mrs. Brittney sent the details to the laptop assigned to me. The job came with a work ipad and wardrobe allowance and a few other privileges if need be, Lorna outdid herself with this one. The sun dipped low on the horizon, signaling the end of the day.

Stepping out of the towering glass building, I flung my arms into the crisp evening air inhaling deeply as if freedom itself had a scent. Fresh, unburdened and sweet against my senses.

A taxi slowed to a stop in front of me. I hesitated, a wild impulse flickering through my mind. A night out, loud music, flashing lights was exactly what I needed to shake off the weight of the day. But the thought of my baby sister waiting at home tugged at my heart. I couldn't disappoint her. Not tonight.

As the taxi rumbled through the bustling city, neon signs blurred past in streaks of gold and crimson. My gaze lingered on the cozy eateries lining the streets, sparking an idea. A sisters' night. It was the perfect excuse to celebrate my new job, though my palm still burned to land another slap on his maddeningly handsome face.

"Stop here" I instructed the driver, my voice laced with sudden excitement.

I slipped out, the cool breeze brushing against my skin as I headed into my favorite spot. The smell of freshly baked pastries and caramelized sugar wrapped around me like a warm embrace. I filled my arms with our favorite treats, especially ice cream. Baby's weakness. My lips curled into a grin as I imagined her wide eyed delight.

LEWIS's POV

Everything about her is infuriating. The way she talks back without a trace of fear, the way she moves through my space like she belongs there. She's too comfortable, too unaffected by me.

And that only makes me want her more.

Every girl I've ever met, from high school to college, has fallen at my feet with a single glance. But her? She's an enigma, a maddening beautiful enigma who doesn't seem to give a damn. I won't call her unique. That would be too generous. She's just... infuriating.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, the engine growling as I sped into my driveway. My house stood cold and silent just the way I liked it. Mum and Aurora preferred to stay together, though my little sister barely stayed in one place long enough to matter. She was a travel junkie and probably off exploring another country by now.

I grabbed my briefcase from the passenger seat, slamming the car door shut with more force than necessary. Each step up the grand staircase echoed through the empty house. I have a few house staff but they're mostly done for the day before I arrive home. Hilda who was my nanny when I was a child, goes to visit her children sometimes.

Stripping off my suit, I let the heavy fabric fall carelessly to the floor before collapsing onto the king sized bed.

She haunted me.

Was she home by now? Or dancing recklessly in some club, turning heads with that body of hers? The thought of her in another man's arms sent a spark of jealousy shooting through my veins.

"Damn it" I growled under my breath, scrubbing a hand through my hair.

I wasn't the kind of man who lost sleep over a woman but here I was, losing my grip over a girl I barely knew.

Enough.

I pushed myself off the bed. If I couldn't get her out of my head, I'd drown the thought of her in something stronger. The club.

A quick shower later, I dressed in casual luxury tailored loose pants, a crisp black unbuttoned shirt covering over a white t-shirt. Grabbing my phone and car keys, I slid into my sleek blue sports car and roared off into the night.

The VVIP section buzzed with energy pulsing lights, hypnotic beats and a sea of women eager for attention. I lounged back, a crystal glass in hand, while a few girls tried too hard to catch my eye. But my thoughts were elsewhere, on her.

I scanned the crowd for any glimpse of that fiery attitude wrapped in a dangerously beautiful mini dress. Nothing.

"Seen her? I mean, Priynka" I asked the waiter. I heard she was a regular here, a dancer I suppose.

He gave a small nod, and my stomach twisted with disappointment. The realization only stoked the fire in my chest.

Two girls clawing for the space beside me didn't take my anger away. I signaled the bouncers to handle them, no patience for petty games tonight. Let them bring in fresh faces if they wanted to impress me.

Usually, just the mention of my name had girls tripping over themselves to be near me. But Priynka? She couldn't care less and somehow, that only made me want her more.

I lifted the bottle to my lips, taking a slow, burning gulp. Around me, a group of women swayed and twerked, trying to entice me, but none of them came close to what I craved.

My mind betrayed me, flashing back to her the night before..hips moving like sin itself, leaving me breathless and aching.

I slammed the glass down and stood abruptly. If I couldn't have her, I'd distract myself another way.

Two girls clung to me as I led them toward the private rooms. Their touch was warm, but all I wanted was her.

The next morning came too soon. I woke up beneath a tangle of limbs and the stale scent of cheap perfume lingering in the air. Disgust curled in my stomach.

I peeled their hands off me, slipping out of bed without a backward glance. Tossing a wad of cash on the nightstand, I left them behind and drove home.

After a quick shower and a fresh suit, I stopped by a café for a light breakfast before heading to the office.

"Good morning, sir!" the staff greeted as I strode in, but I barely acknowledged them. My mind was already on the meeting with the foreign investors and the idea of seeing her.

Where the hell was she?

I grabbed the intercom, no answer.

My jaw clenched. I tried again still nothing.

I stormed to Mrs. Britney's desk. "Where is Miss Priynka?" My voice was sharper than intended.

"I don't know, sir" she replied, flustered.

Just then, Priynka burst through the entrance, breathless and disheveled. In her rush, she missed her steps and landed hard on her backside.

A cackle escaped my lips before I could stop it. Damn, she was even more beautiful when she was in disarray.

Straightening my tie, I schooled my features back into my CEO mask and cleared my throat.

"What time is it, Miss Wald?" I asked coldly.

She shot me a glare as she brushed herself off. "It's past 9 AM" she muttered.

"And when are you supposed to resume?"

"8 AM" she answered through gritted teeth.

I leaned in slightly, letting my tone drop to a dangerous edge. "Why are you just arriving, then?"

Her fingers toyed with her bag, a defiant spark flashing in her eyes.

She smiled, soft, sweet and far too innocent. "It won't happen again, Sir" she said, her lashes fluttering like she knew exactly how to play the part.

"It's fine. You can go" I replied, almost without thinking.

I watched her walk away, stepping on the marble floor with the familiar grace she usually walks with. My jaw clenched at how now she invaded my thoughts. Did I seriously just let her get away with it? I never went easy on anyone, especially when it came to punctuality.

The room felt heavier, as if the entire building sensed my uncharacteristic lapse. Shaking off the irritation, I walked back to my office. I reached for the phone and pressed the intercom.

"Come to my office" I said, my voice clipped.

A few moments later, a soft knock followed and she stepped inside, looking as unbothered as ever.