Marriage With The CEO

"Marry me."

Two words, one sentence. Straight to the point, without beating around the bush. One thing Vlora Anderson, a smart woman who worked as executive secretary to the CEO of Greatech, appreciated was getting to the point without unnecessary complications.

She despised all things that were full of pretense. She preferred to get straight to the point without the fuss that could give anyone a headache. But this? "Marry me?" Oh, dear. Vlora could only freeze for a moment, staring at him. She wondered briefly if the man before her was sane.

But no, he was perfectly sane, and he could convince Vlora that he was sane enough to utter that sentence.

Blinking once, Vlora's forehead creased slightly as she looked into his shining eyes. The look there seemed to mix temptation and mischief at the same time.

"Forgive me," Vlora's voice trembled slightly. She even had to take a deep breath before she could continue. "What did you just say?"

"Oh, God."

The man's deep voice seemed choked. Combined with his eyes rolling briefly before closing dramatically.

"I've said it many times, Vlo. Just call me by my name. No need for 'sir'. Call me by my name."

Eyes opened. Gaze directed. A name spoken.

"Andreas."

Vlora tried to keep her composure. She nodded. "Yes, Mr. Andreas Sanders."

"Andreas. Just Andreas, Vlo," Andreas corrected for the umpteenth time. A passing thought crossed his mind and a crooked grin appeared. "Is it so hard to say my name?"

Vlora did not answer. Ignoring Andreas, she shut down her computer. In a relatively short time, she had packed her work bag and was getting ready to leave.

"Are you ready to go home?" Andreas asked.

Nonchalantly, Vlora replied, "It's almost two hours past my usual departure time, sir. Office hours ended a while ago."

"Oh dear," Andreas sighed in frustration. "Sir, sir, sir. Really. Why do you like to call me 'sir' so much? It's too formal for us, Vlo, and we don't have a formal relationship. You're not my subordinate and I'm not your boss. So why be so formal?"

What Andreas said was true. There was literally no formal relationship between them. They were neither boss nor subordinate. Unfortunately, in Vlora's eyes, they were not close enough to call each other by their first names.

Vlora's hand, reaching for her work bag, suddenly stopped. It seemed that Andreas' words had hit a nerve.

"Although, of course, it is a very charming idea to have a subordinate like you. So how about it? Would you really like to be my subordinate? I can offer you a 'subordinate' position that will please you."

The implied meaning in Andreas' words was all too real. Vlora pursed her lips tightly and tried to regain her composure.

"I hope you can keep your manners, Sir."

"Manners?" Andreas scoffed. "I was perfectly polite. Remember? I want you to marry me. Then I'll make you my subordinate. So, what part of that was rude?"

Vlora stared at Andreas without blinking. Her face hardened.

"I think you've tried hard enough to be polite to me," she said.

Andreas grinned. "Of course. At least I want us to get married first. You know, not many men are brave enough to propose marriage to a woman."

The thought of marriage immediately filled Andreas' mind. His imagination ran wild and he smiled as if he did not care about Vlora's annoyance.

"Marrying you would be a wonderful experience, especially if we had a child as beautiful as you. Oh, God. I'm getting more and more excited."

Vlora was surprised.

"What?" Andreas asked again. The mischievous grin on his handsome face widened as he continued his teasing. "Let's get married and see. Will our child be as beautiful as you or as handsome as me?"

Vlora raised her face, but unfortunately her gaze met Andreas' teasing expression. It was not just the crooked grin; it was the mischievous look and the seductive aura that felt incredibly thick.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I think this is a bit much," Vlora said. "So, I'll tell you once again. I hope you can watch your manners with me."

The teasing expression disappeared for a moment. Andreas was startled. His eyes widened and curses echoed in his head.

Damn it!

Vlora's attitude was really different this time. She looked tense and her face was flushed. It was clear to Andreas that he had completely exhausted Vlora's patience.

This time Vlora really grabbed her work bag. She stood up and spoke quietly, but with emphasis.

"I'm not the woman you think I am."

The sound of Vlora's footsteps echoed as she walked away. She really had left Andreas alone, who was now frustrated.

How could I say that? You see? Now she'll certainly keep her distance from me. Damn it!

Andreas decided to follow her. With long strides, the tall man had no trouble catching up to Vlora.

Perfect timing. Andreas managed to catch up with Vlora as she entered the elevator. He turned around and was surprised to see Andreas entering the elevator and immediately closing the door.

"I'm sorry," Andreas apologized without hesitation, in sync with the elevator's slow descent.

"M-Mr. Sanders."

If Vlora had to be honest, she would say that she was quite surprised by Andreas' apology. She had not expected him to apologize.

"I apologize."

Andreas continued. He approached Vlora with an intense look. His measured steps made Vlora unconsciously step back.

"I apologize for my inappropriate behavior. Please forgive me. But you need to know that ..." Andreas locked eyes with Vlora. "... I'm not joking about what I said. I'm absolutely serious, Vlo. I want us to get married."

Vlora could not back away any further. Behind her was a cold elevator wall. She had no choice but to raise her face and meet his gaze with caution.

"I ... I can't accept your offer."

Andreas grimaced. "What? My offer? Oh, Vlo. It's not an offer. It's a proposal."

"A proposal?"

*

"A proposal?"

Now it was Vlora who was shocked. Without exaggerating the situation, a proposal would always be the sweetest dream of any woman in general. The man of her dreams comes and invites her to take the path of marriage. Unfortunately, not a proposal of this kind!

Vlora tried to remain calm and composed. She took a breath and shivered slightly as she realized the masculine scent of Andreas enveloping her senses.

"I don't see any valid reason why you would intend to propose to me. Likewise, I don't see any reason why I should accept your proposal," Vlora said in a flat tone. "I don't see any reason why I should accept your proposal."

Andreas grimaced in frustration once again. "Oh, come on. Don't be so formal with me, Vlo. I'm not your boss. How can I propose to you if you consider me as someone like Lucas? Let me say it again. I'm not your boss, okay?"

"It's true that you're not, but you are a friend and business partner of Mr. Hernandez. That means you hold a similar position to his."

"Damn it!"

Whether consciously or not, Andreas cursed out that word in frustration. It seemed that he lost control a bit when Vlora actually equated him with her friend, Lucas Hernandez-the boss and CEO of the IT-based company.

Meanwhile, Vlora glanced at the numbers scrolling on the elevator display. The situation was pushing her impatience.

Why is this elevator slower than usual?

"Fine."

Andreas' voice sounded again. Vlora's attention returned to him just as he asked a question.

"Do you need a reason?"

Vlora narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"I'll give you a reason," Andreas said, nodding firmly. "I want to marry you because you are the only woman I desire."

Now, Vlora's eyes widened. Her mouth opened, but Andreas' index finger acted faster. It landed on the red-painted lips to silence any argument that Vlora could utter.

Oh, my goodness!

Andreas cursed again. This time, he truly realized the foolishness of his actions.

Regardless of Vlora's seemingly aloof nature and her always maintaining a professional attitude towards Andreas, she was still a woman. Her work outfit, a combination of long basic pants and a feminine suit, made her look confident. The impression of intelligence and calmness she exuded made Andreas realize something-Vlora was a unique woman.

Attractiveness through beauty and coquettishness? That was commonplace. But attracting through intelligence and composure?

Andreas grinned. His eyes roamed Vlora's face, and it was not difficult to draw a conclusion.

This is a real woman!

A faint crease appeared on Vlora's smooth forehead. A reflexive reaction emerged due to the surprise brought on by Andreas' words.

"What?"

Vlora would not allow herself to be intimidated. Neither Andreas' masculinity nor the confident aura emanating from his body could stop her from taking action. Slowly, but surely, she moved his finger away from her lips.

"I'm sure you can find someone else instead of compromising your dignity for a woman, right? Especially considering that you are a respected and educated man."

Wow! That hit the mark!

Vlora's response sounded so calm, yet it struck precisely where it was intended. She believed it would be enough to push Andreas back. However, who could predict what was going on in the man's mind?

See? This is what I want. Arguing and exchanging words. A woman who doesn't want to lose. A woman who remains confident even in difficult situations.

The crease on Vlora's forehead deepened. She noticed the unexpected turn of events. It started with the reappearance of the crooked grin and was followed by the raising of one of Andreas' hands.

Before she could anticipate it, Andreas moved quickly and grabbed Vlora's waist. He pulled her close, their bodies pressing against each other.

"Sir!"

Vlora raised both hands. She intended to push Andreas away, but instead, another pull targeted her nape. Any possible protests from Vlora were instantly silenced. They all disappeared in one kiss.

Her eyes widened. Vlora tried to push Andreas with all her might, but no gap was created.

Andreas moved. Pushing. Pressing.

Vlora found herself cornered and helpless. She was trapped between the cold elevator wall and Andreas' warm chest.

Andreas' hand firmly held the back of Vlora's neck, keeping her in place. He would not waste the only opportunity he had to silence all of Vlora's words.

Andreas' lips moved. It started with a gentle motion, as if softly massaging Vlora's lips.

Slowly. Gradually. Andreas added a touch that disturbed Vlora's breath. Followed by nibbles that successfully made Vlora even more disoriented.

A smug smile of victory appeared on Andreas' lips. It was exactly as he had anticipated. It looked forceful, but it also concealed a certain tenderness.

Vlora's lips responded, provoking Andreas even more. His primitive side was awakened, rising in the heat of the moment.

Andreas nibbled. Again and again. He interspersed the kisses with pecks at the corners of Vlora's lips, and then extended his tongue.

Andreas' tongue caressed both of Vlora's lips. Instincts were triggered, and Vlora shivered. Her hands, which were initially raised to push him away, now unconsciously gripped Andreas' suit.

Andreas concluded his warm tongue caress. He stopped right at the entrance between Vlora's lips and took his position. Then, he slipped in, entering that gap.

Vlora closed her eyes tightly. Again and again. She did not anticipate what Andreas would do. Apparently, the man was not only skilled in playing with words but also with his tongue.

Andreas' tongue entered. She felt the warmth inside and immediately felt it touching her own tongue. Like a guest gladly introducing themselves to the host, Andreas engaged in this intimate contact flawlessly.

Sweet. Wet. Boiling warmth. It all made Andreas unable to control himself.

Andreas sucked. Vlora's supple tongue became his target. He ravished it and ended with a small bite.

But it did not stop there. Because of Andreas' pull on her waist, Vlora felt something odd. Something hard and obstructive.

Vlora opened her eyes. Awareness returned just as Andreas released his tongue.

The kiss unraveled. The intimate pecks ended. Unfortunately, they were followed by wet traces on Vlora's neck.

Her sanity was threatened. Vlora's breath became even more labored. Her grip tightened, and she gathered her strength to put an end to it all.

"Stop," Vlora whispered hoarsely and haltingly. She closed her eyes tightly, drawing in whatever strength she had left. It almost proved that she could barely control herself. "Andreas."

Andreas' kisses halted right at the curve of Vlora's neck. He froze and slowly opened his eyes, breathing unevenly. When he pulled back, he found Vlora desperate in his embrace.

Her thick eyebrows closed. Her slender cheeks blushed. Her lips were swollen.

A triumphant grin appeared on Andreas' face. As Vlora opened her eyes, he asked with a victorious tone.

"So, I can make you say my name this way, right?"

Vlora froze, unable to move.

"By kissing you?"

*

Vlora's face turned red. Andreas' sharp words brought an indescribable sense of shame. She wanted to curse and swear, but how could she inadvertently mention Andreas' name? To make matters worse, was she swayed by that kiss?

A crooked grin still lingered on Andreas' handsome face. His eyes sparkled with an intensified charm. It seemed he took pride in the fog he successfully created in Vlora's eyes.

Andreas shifted his focus. Now it was directed at Vlora's glossy and slightly swollen lips.

There was no need to ask. Surely, that was the result of his actions.

A sense of joy spread through Andreas' mind, contrasting with what Vlora was feeling.

Ding!

Vlora and Andreas both looked towards the source of the sound. Specifically, the slowly opening elevator doors. One signal elicited two different responses from the pair of human beings.

Vlora took a deep breath, while Andreas smirked.

Unfortunately, the smirk did not last long. A moment later, Vlora pushed Andreas and quickly ran out.

Andreas stood there momentarily stunned. His thumb gently pressed against his lower lip.

A trace of red clung there. Andreas stared at the mark with meaning, and a decision was made. He ran and caught up with Vlora, who was heading towards the designated parking area.

With a short distance separating them, Andreas saw Vlora hastily approaching her black car. She took out the car keys from her bag, and Andreas only needed five large steps to reach her.

Andreas took action. His hand moved. He held the door just as its owner intended to open it.

Vlora flinched. She turned with surprise and shock upon seeing Andreas.

"Calm down. I won't kiss you again," Andreas quickly said before Vlora could retort. "At least not for now and not in a place like this."

Should Vlora be thankful for Andreas' honesty? Oh, it seemed not. Andreas' honesty was not in the right place. His honesty had proven to embarrass and anger her at the same time.

Vlora clenched the car door handle. She tried to contain her emotions, which became increasingly difficult to control.

"I chased after you just to tell you something. I never play around with what I say. That includes what I'm going to do."

Vlora lost control. A scornful snort escaped uncontrollably. Andreas raised one eyebrow teasingly in response to the condescending remark.

"You? Serious?"

A wrinkle appeared on Andreas' forehead. He clearly noticed the different tone in Vlora's voice.

"Perhaps you could say the same thing to all the women who have been your lovers. If, of course, you were serious."

Ah! Andreas was not offended at all. On the contrary, he was thinking of something else. Something that compelled him to silence Vlora with two questions.

"Tell me, Vlo. Do you know about my life all this time? Have you been finding out about me?"

Vlora fell silent. She took a deep breath, and the oxygen cleared her momentarily disarrayed mind. A smile spread across her face, and she spoke.

"I don't think that's unusual. Who doesn't know you? Especially because you often spend time with my boss. Didn't you mention several names of women who have been your lovers?"

Perhaps oxygen was not enough to unravel Vlora. It was evident. She could regain control. Unfortunately, it did not come with the decorum she should have maintained.

Strangely, Andreas felt pleased without that decorum. It felt more familiar, did not it?

Andreas grinned. "Ah! So, you overheard our conversation?"

"Just because I happened to be delivering coffee."

"Okay, okay," Andreas chuckled briefly. He would not ignite Vlora for something insignificant. "It's up to how you perceive it, but apparently, you were quite curious about my life. That's somewhat flattering."

"You-"

Andreas cut off Vlora's words at the right moment. "Listen to me first. I won't be hypocritical or lie to you. As you said, yes, I have had a string of lovers."

Vlora's face hardened. It was a signal for Andreas not to waste a single second.

"However, you need to know something. I never told them I would marry them."

Vlora's eyes rolled lazily. She abandoned the desire to open the door now. Both hands rose in front of her chest, and she crossed them.

"So now you're trying to convince me that you're not at fault here?"

"I never thought having lovers was a mistake," Andreas replied casually. His facial expression seemed innocent, as if he had no faults. "Listen, Vlo. It's one of my ways to enjoy life. So, where's the problem? I never forced anyone. Just like you, they knew about my life with other women. So, am I wrong?"

Lovers. Enjoying life. Not forcing anyone. Vlora could only let out a long breath.

"You..."

Vlora forced herself to smile. She also provided the conclusion Andreas wanted.

"...clearly aren't wrong."

Andreas smirked. "I'm glad we agree."

"Unfortunately, you're clearly wrong about something else."

Andreas' eye movement conveyed the unspoken words. He was curious and awaited the continuation of Vlora's statement.

"You're wrong to assume that I want to be your next lover."

Andreas's smirk slowly disappeared. That confident demeanor was replaced by a meaningful smile.

"Sorry, but I never intended to fulfill the checklist made by a man's ego. I'm too valuable to be part of your collection."

Andreas stared at Vlora without blinking. He stood straight, unaffected.

"Besides, I hope you remember this," Vlora continued, reaching for the car door handle again. "I never swallow my own words. So, feel free to be disappointed."

Andreas grabbed Vlora's hand. Ignoring Vlora's surprise, he leaned closer to her. Positioning himself close to Vlora's ear, he whispered softly.

"I'm not asking you to be my lover, but to be my wife. Those are clearly two different things, and I hope you understand the difference. For that reason, I also hope you remember this. I don't want to see you eating your own words."

Andreas looked at Vlora. He could see every bit of tension in her face.

"I want to see you eating mine."

*