Chapter 3 As You Deserve

Shaking her head, Vasti stripped off her clothes and stepped into the shower. She set her alarm to ring early-there was no way she'd risk being late. The new boss might be devastatingly handsome and, Vasti had to admit, a total catch, but he looked like the type who noticed everything and had no patience for mistakes. The last thing she wanted was to end up on his bad side.

That night, her dreams were a feverish mix of steamy moments and anxious office drama.

After slapping the snooze button for a good ten minutes, Vasti finally silenced the alarm, stretched, and forced herself out of bed.

She considered letting her temper win and just skipping work altogether. But reality hit-she needed that job, not just for herself, but for her grandmother. If it weren't for that, she really would've blown off the whole thing and started hunting for something new.

I'll look for something else... but until then, I have to deal with this, she muttered, heading for the bathroom to brush her teeth. Her head throbbed, and Vasti cursed herself for drinking the night before. "If I'd known I'd have to work, I wouldn't have done this. All that wicked man's fault!"

She downed an aspirin, rummaged through her underwear drawer, and grabbed the first pair she found. Matching sets weren't her style-she usually stuck to black, white, or beige, and honestly, it never mattered to her. The only rule was simple: nothing torn, nothing stained, nothing she'd be embarrassed to be found wearing. If she ever dropped dead in public, at least nobody would badmouth her underwear. Her grandmother's voice echoed in her mind-a woman's honor was everything, and Vasti had no plans to be remembered as careless.

She picked out a black sheath dress with a built-in belt, which hugged her figure just right while still being perfectly professional. Her makeup was usually light, but this morning she went heavy on the concealer to hide the dark circles left over from her late night. She pulled her hair into a bun-messy, but neat enough to pass. Taking a steadying breath, Vasti grabbed her purse and headed out to catch the subway. For once, she had enough time and didn't need a taxi.

Less than an hour later, she walked into the building, took the elevator, and waited for the crowd to empty before stepping out on her floor.

Heidi had already gotten word: there was no need to hire anyone new, since Miss Cortez had been reinstated. Heidi was burning with curiosity but kept her questions to herself. The last thing she wanted was to risk upsetting the boss and having it blow back on Vasti. Heidi figured she'd just ask the girl herself when she got the chance.

Vasti! Heidi called out. Then, catching herself, she added, "I mean, Miss Cortez!"

Oh, just call me Vasti, Miss Diaz.

Then call me Heidi, the woman said, giving Vasti a warm smile. "Come on, your desk is all set up and waiting!"

Vasti grinned and followed Heidi down the hall. The rest of the day went smoothly-she worked hard, picked up plenty of new things, and nothing out of the ordinary happened. Near six o'clock, Heidi approached her again.

Vasti, could you do me a favor?

Sure, Vasti agreed. She wasn't visiting her grandmother until the next day anyway.

I need to go over this document, but there's a bit of an emergency at home. Could you handle it for me? Heidi asked, her eyes pleading.

No problem. Just tell me exactly what needs to be done, Vasti replied.

Heidi practically bounced with relief.

Thank you! She quickly walked Vasti through the details, reminding her to call if anything came up.

Back at her desk, Vasti dove into the work, determined to finish by eight. She couldn't wait to get home and finally collapse into bed. She planned to see her grandmother in the hospital the next day, so an early night out of work was non-negotiable.

She barely noticed the office emptying out as she worked. It wasn't until she stood to grab some coffee that she realized the entire floor was eerily quiet.

Good grief... she muttered, heading for the pantry.

Leaning against the counter, Vasti waited for the coffee to brew, eyes closed as she took a slow, calming breath. That was when she felt a pair of hands slide around her waist-making her jump.

Easy... came a low, seductive whisper-the same voice she'd been thinking about all day. It was hoarse and teasing, sending a shiver straight down her spine.

M-Mr. Gonzalez! Vasti stammered, placing her hands over his, trying to pry them off. He only took that as an invitation, pulling her even closer.

So tempting, he murmured, nuzzling Vasti's neck, breathing her in before pressing a kiss against her skin.

Adônis MacGyver never crossed lines with employees-not if he wanted them to stick around. But something about Vasti drove him to lose his grip. Ever since he first saw her, she'd been on his mind, and after last night, he hadn't been able to think of anything else.

No! What do you think you're doing? she protested, turning her face to glare at him-except their faces were suddenly inches apart. Her words vanished. Adônis MacGyver caught her chin, angled her toward him, and kissed her. Before Vasti could recover, he lifted her by the knees and settled her on the counter.

Now let's see if you've been a good girl, he said, hands gliding up her thighs as he gave her that crooked smile. He kissed her again, then paused, glancing down. "Beige?" he asked, sounding almost disappointed.

Vasti, lost in the moment, hadn't even realized her dress had ridden up, exposing her underwear. She tried to close her legs, but he blocked her, standing firmly between them.

This is completely inappropriate! You're my boss-you can't do this! she protested, hands pressed to his chest, trying both to steady herself and to push him back as she slid off the counter.

Didn't I say lilac? he asked, sidestepping Vasti's protest. He'd heard every word, knew she was right, but chose to ignore it for now. Adônis MacGyver's expression grew more serious as he raised an eyebrow.

Oh, so you expected me to wear lilac underwear? Vasti shot back, laughing nervously. "And why would I do that? Why should I take orders from you about something so personal? You might be my boss, but you don't control my private life!"

Because I told you to, he replied, flat and unapologetic, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

She held his gaze for a moment, then let out a derisive laugh.

I might work for you, but I'm not your property. What's going on in that head of yours?

He stepped even closer, his eyes locking onto hers, leaving her throat dry and her thoughts scattered. And, whether she wanted to admit it or not, her body responded in a way she couldn't ignore.

I know you want to be dominated, Miss Cortez, he murmured, pulling her in by the waist until their bodies were flush. Vasti could feel the hard line of his pants pressing right against her, more intense than anything she'd ever felt before. "And I intend to take control of you-exactly the way you deserve."