Chapter 2 Unwind

What do you want? Her tone was flat-Vasti had no patience left to spare.

Is that really how you greet your boss? He flashed a sideways grin and held the car door open. "Get in."

Vasti glanced at the car, then shot him a look and let out a sarcastic laugh.

Oh, right. Of course, she said, already pulling out her phone to call a taxi, completely ignoring his order.

Get in, he said again, this time with more authority. "I'm serious. It isn't safe out here."

Thanks, but my safety isn't your problem, she replied, cool and dismissive. "Besides, you look pretty dangerous yourself. I don't even know you!"

Vasti twisted her mouth in irritation. Was this guy really Mr. Gonzalez? Unbelievable! The nerve to kiss her after whatever stunt he'd pulled with that blonde in the bathroom. The thought made Vasti's skin crawl.

Miss... he started, his tone shifting.

No way! After what happened in the bathroom, getting into a car with you sounds like a terrible idea, Vasti replied, forcing a tight smile.

She couldn't deny the kiss had sent her reeling, but he didn't need to know that-and letting it happen again would just be asking for trouble.

He stepped closer and gently covered her hand, stopping her from tapping her phone.

Please, he said, voice suddenly serious. "I promise I'll be on my best behavior."

Vasti hesitated, glancing between him, the car, and the empty street. During the day, this place buzzed with people, but once night fell, it turned deserted-and she was fully aware of that. Staying here alone wouldn't be smart. Besides, security cameras lined the area-he wouldn't risk pulling anything stupid. They'd know exactly who he was.

Fine, she said at last. Vasti brushed past him and slid into the passenger seat. He shut the door for her, and she buckled her seatbelt, waiting as he circled around to the driver's side. She didn't know much about cars, but this one practically screamed money-the leather seats were buttery soft, the dashboard was loaded with touch controls, and there was even a sleek onboard screen.

He got in, adjusted a few settings, and started the engine.

After a few minutes of silence, he finally spoke, eyes fixed on the road.

You're pretty rebellious, you know that?

What's that supposed to mean? Why do you say that? Vasti raised an eyebrow.

It's the way you talk back, he said. "Not just now-back in the bathroom, too."

The mention of the bathroom made her cheeks burn. She stared down at her hands for a second, but quickly forced herself to look straight ahead. No way was she going to let him see her flustered.

That wasn't rebellion, she replied evenly. "I was just standing up for myself. And as for saying no, it's not like I owe you obedience."

He smirked. "You mean, you don't owe me obedience."

We're not at work, she shot back. "So, no. Not you."

He laughed, low and genuine.

Like I said-rebellious.

Vasti turned to the window, noticing they were already close to her neighborhood. Suddenly, it hit her.

Wait... I never told you where I live.

No need, he replied, quick and casual.

What's that supposed to mean? You planning to just drive in circles all night? she asked, suspicion creeping in.

I know where you live, Miss Vasti.

He shot her a brief look before pulling up near her building.

Vasti stared at him, startled. He used her full name, yet she still had no idea what his was.

How do you know my address? she asked, her voice suddenly tight, a flicker of panic in her chest.

You work for me. HR has all your details, he answered, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

She eyed him skeptically.

So, you memorize the address of every employee under you? That's impressive. Her sarcasm was thick.

He unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to face her, eyes locked on hers.

Only the ones who interest me.

His gaze never wavered-dark, intense, as if he was seeing right through her, undressing every layer she had left.

Thanks for the ride, Mr...? she prompted, hoping he'd finally give her a name.

Good night, Miss Cortez. He stared at her, all business.

He clearly understood what she wanted, but he wasn't budging. As far as he was concerned, she should already know-he was her boss, after all. The fact that she didn't seemed to annoy him.

Your name? Please, she pressed, refusing to let it go. Vasti knew the company belonged to someone named Gonzalez, but she'd never caught this man's first name, even though he'd worked on her floor and clearly outranked her.

Do you even know my title in the company? he asked, one eyebrow raised.

Actually, no. I have no clue who you are-other than the guy who fired me and then said I could have my job back. How's that supposed to work, anyway? Did you really get in touch with Mr. Gonzalez at this hour?

He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper at Vasti's ear.

Adônis MacGyver, he murmured, pausing for effect. "Adônis MacGyver. President of the company." He winked.

The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down her spine. She caught herself sighing and mentally cursed her own reaction.

Oh, God... The devil himself! Get it together, Vasti. Breathe.

Good evening, she said, barely above a whisper as she reached for the door handle-but he caught her wrist, stopping her.

I'll have to teach you some manners, young lady. It's 'Good evening, sir.' He fixed her with a look. "You'll learn."

He stole a quick kiss, then finally let her go. Vasti climbed out, legs still trembling.

And Miss Cortez? he called, making her turn. "Lilac."

He rolled up his window and drove off, leaving her rooted to the spot, staring after his taillights long after they vanished.

Insane! What the hell did he mean by 'Lilac'? she muttered.

Meanwhile, inside the car, Adônis MacGyver grinned to himself.

So, she wants to play games? he mused. "Let's play. She's absolutely gorgeous. Maybe..."

Back at home, Vasti seethed with frustration. She couldn't stop thinking about how that man-Adônis MacGyver-had gotten her fired in the first place.

Earlier That Day...

Vasti had started her temp job in high spirits. It wasn't permanent, but it was enough to help cover her grandmother's medical bills, and right now, that money was a lifeline.

While heading to HR, she'd bumped into a strikingly handsome man-who'd turned out to be rude as hell. She'd brushed it off, not giving it much thought. Later, when she stopped to get a glass of water, she barely had time to turn around before someone bumped her from behind. The water sloshed out of the cup and soaked her blouse.

You again? came the man's voice, laced with annoyance. She glanced up. It was the same man from before!

He eyed Vasti's dripping blouse, then shot her a look that reeked of irritation. He raised a brow and brushed past Vasti, his expression twisted in obvious disgust.

Vasti, trying to cover herself, hurried off to the restroom. So much for thinking he was good-looking-he was an absolute jerk!

Of all the people in this building, he just had to work on my floor, she fumed.

Before she could settle into her chair, Heidi-the supervisor and her trainer-called her into the office.

Yes? What's going on? Vasti knocked gently before entering.

Heidi rubbed her hands together and bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable. Vasti's chest tightened with dread.

Oh, I don't even know how to say this, Heidi said, her voice wavering. "But... I'm just following orders, alright? You're fired."