Chapter 1 I Don't Tolerate Tardiness

Vasti felt lightheaded-she really couldn't handle much alcohol. When she finally made her way to the bathroom, someone had already locked themselves inside.

Great, she muttered under her breath, leaning against the wall. After a couple of minutes, she gave up waiting in silence and knocked. "Hello? Are you going to be much longer?"

No one answered, at least not directly. But she could have sworn she heard a muffled moan. Curious-and a little annoyed-she pressed her ear closer to the door. This time, she caught a man's voice coming from inside.

Oh, come on... Seriously? Vasti pleaded, her patience wearing thin. "Guys, some of us are actually desperate here!"

Vasti wasn't naive. It was obvious-some couple had turned the nightclub bathroom into their own private suite. Typical.

What an inconsiderate thing to do! Vasti thought.

The sounds inside shifted: clothes rustling, a zipper being yanked up, and then the door finally swung open. A tall, stunning blonde stepped out, her lipstick smudged and her eyes bold, casually wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Vasti didn't need to ask what had just gone down.

Way to kill the vibe, the woman scoffed, bumping Vasti's shoulder as she breezed past.

Spare me! Vasti thought, making a face.

Oh, please, she muttered aloud, finally stepping toward the bathroom-only to freeze when she found herself staring into a pair of unmistakable green eyes.

She blinked. "You've got to be kidding me!"

The man studied her with that lazy, crooked grin, hands shoved deep in his pockets, eyes gleaming with something between arrogance and contempt.

You just never quit, do you? the man said, his gaze raking over her in a way that made her skin crawl. The smile stayed cocky, but his eyes were pure disdain.

The shock wore off fast, and Vasti snapped her jaw shut, brow furrowing as she glared at him.

What's that supposed to mean? she shot back, her own look loaded with annoyance.

He scoffed, scanned the hallway like he couldn't believe his luck, then locked eyes with her again.

I can't stand women who act clueless. If you're that desperate, just say so. No need to play games-or stalk me.

For a second, Vasti could only stare at the man, dumbfounded, completely floored by his nerve.

What the hell are you talking about?! she yelled. "Are you out of your mind?" Maybe he was-after all, thanks to him, she'd lost her job. "Because of you, I got fired! And for what? Just for accidentally bumping into you?"

She shook her head in disbelief while he arched a smug eyebrow. Vasti didn't let up.

And now, as if that wasn't enough, you're accusing me of stalking you? She laughed, sharp and mocking, giving him a slow once-over. "Just so you know, I'm here with a friend-someone who actually knows the staff here. This nightclub is our usual spot. I only came tonight because I needed a break after some arrogant, self-absorbed jerk fired me for no reason. So, if anyone's following someone, maybe you should look in the mirror!"

Vasti knew she shouldn't be trash-talking her boss to his face, but right now, she didn't care.

No, no-ex-boss, she reminded herself. Of course, ex. She didn't owe him a single ounce of restraint. The man had been a complete ass, and thanks to his theatrics, Vasti had lost her job. She was sure he'd been behind it all! "As if my family drama wasn't enough, now I'm dealing with this nightmare on legs."

The man drew a sharp breath, then moved in one quick motion-grabbing Vasti's arm and yanking her into the bathroom before she had time to protest. The door slammed shut behind them, and her back hit the wood. She barely got a word out before his mouth crashed down on hers, warm and unyielding.

Oh! Vasti gasped, caught completely off guard. The man pinned her wrists above her head with one powerful hand, leaving her no chance to move, while his other hand held her firmly by the waist.

Her lips parted in shock, and he wasted no time, deepening the kiss until it left her breathless. She couldn't deny it-a day spent cursing his name, and now she was melting against him. His knee slid between Vasti's legs, pushing them apart, letting him get closer still. Vasti wasn't the type to let a stranger kiss her, but right now, logic was nowhere in sight.

Hey! Vasti? A sharp knock at the door surprised Vasti. The man didn't let go immediately. Instead, he slowly released her wrists, letting her hands drift down. Then he guided one of her hands to his chest, his own touch gentler now as he brushed his fingers across her cheek.

I-I'll be right there! Vasti stammered, lips still tingling and breath all over the place. "Just give me a minute! I'm coming out now!"

Okay... Fernanda's heels clicked away down the hall, leaving Vasti alone with him. Vasti glanced up. His hair looked annoyingly perfect, his face hovered close, and his lips curled into a self-satisfied smile.

You should probably get going before you're late tomorrow, he murmured, his voice low and rough.

Late? Vasti echoed, her brain still struggling to keep up.

He grinned wider. "Of course. You're my temp secretary, remember?" He brushed a quick kiss against her neck, making her shiver. "And I don't tolerate tardiness."

It hit her all at once-she was talking to the boss himself. Vasti shoved him away, fury flashing in her eyes.

What the hell are you talking about? she demanded. "I got fired! Because of you!"

He took a step back, still holding her by the waist, then gently moved her aside to open the door.

Well, you're hired again. Just don't be late, the striking man said with a wink, then strolled out, leaving Vasti stunned and speechless.

Her legs felt unsteady, but somehow she managed to make her way back to the table where Fernanda and Will sat waiting.

Whoa! What happened to you? Fernanda asked, then took a closer look at her friend. Even with the dim lights, it was obvious-Vasti's lips were swollen and bare, her hair a mess, and her clothes rumpled.

Will spotted it too, barely hiding his amusement.

You little troublemaker! Fernanda teased, giving Vasti a playful smack on the arm. But Vasti didn't react-she looked completely rattled. Fernanda's smile faded fast. "Wait... Did somebody force you to do something?"

Fernanda shot up from her seat, instincts kicking in as she scanned the room for any hint of danger, ready to protect at all costs.

Oh, no. I... I have to go, Vasti stammered.

What? Why? Fernanda pressed, unsettled by Vasti's weird behavior. "Come on, just tell me-did somebody bother you? Did anyone get handsy?"

Fernanda, the Latina with long dark hair flowing over her shoulders, watched Vasti with genuine concern.

I just... I can't be late tomorrow, Vasti said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Fernanda exchanged a confused glance with Will.

What are you even talking about?

Vasti shrugged. "Looks like I got my job back." That got Fernanda's eyebrows shooting up.

Um... well, that's good news. I think? Fernanda said, still eyeing her warily as Vasti pulled a bill from her purse, left it on the table, and leaned in for a quick kiss on Fernanda's cheek. She gave Will a quick wave before making a beeline for the door.

Fernanda's boyfriend couldn't hold back a laugh. "Your friend's kind of nuts."

Fernanda rolled her eyes. "I'm getting to the bottom of this tomorrow. But for now, you and I are going to have some fun."

Out on the street, Vasti suddenly realized she never even managed to use the restroom.

Perfect! I hope the taxi shows up soon... she muttered.

A low, unfamiliar voice broke through the night. "A woman like you, out here alone at this hour... That's not exactly safe, is it?" The words caught her off guard, but she turned slowly to face him, ready for anything.