Elena's POV
I stepped into my office and shut the door behind me, still smiling like I'd won some secret war.
The look on Rio's face? I'd pay a million just to see that again.
The man's pure ego wrapped in Greek god looks - women probably drop at his feet wherever he goes.
I'm betting he's never been told no before. But today? I made him taste it, and damn, it felt good.
I didn't want to maken things more complicated , because most of the times , office romance always ends up messy , especially when the media gets involved .
And for someone like Rio that would be gossip Infornt of the New Yorks times.
.But working around him? Like juggling fire and gasoline and I somehow love the burn .
I sank back in my chair and swayed, mind replaying that electric moment. His muscles under my hands, only a thin button-up between us.
The heat of him pressed against my palms... huge, no doubt. Shirtless? Yeah, I had to stop myself before my thoughts went too wild.
I sighed, clenching my thighs. Since when did I get like this?
Suddenly, my office phone shattered my sinful daydream.
"Yes?" I answered, already dreading whatever the hell was next.
"Where's my coffee, Elena?" Rio's voice, sharp and teasing, echoed from the other side. Crap - totally forgot.
"Give me a minute," I said, hanging up. I printed out his monstrous schedule.
Way worse than yesterday. Memorized it while heading to the coffee room.
The coffee room was empty ..I hummed as I made his coffee just the way he likes it . I bite my lip thinking of what will happen when I step into his office.
The door swings open and I turn slightly.
A stunning blonde strutted in - short dress, high heel boots, makeup thicker than a cake.
Too much, honestly.
She locked the door behind her and I raised a brow.
The fuck is her problem?
She eyed me like a lion sizing up prey.
"You must be Elena, Rio's assistant," she said in that high-pitched, fake-sweet tone.
"Yeah, that's me. And you are?" I replied, cool as ice.
"Jessica. Rio's girlfriend," she smiled way too wide.
My heart sank my blood went cold but I masked it my face emotionless .
I smiled back - because manners , and the fact that I can't give her the satisfaction of giving her a reaction.
I stretched out my hand. She looked at it like it was toxic.. ignoring it with a scoff and a roll of her eyes .
Rude bitch.
"What do you need?" I asked, wanting this over fast.
"His coffee. He asked me to bring it." Hair flip, smirk, the works.
I just smiled and said, "Sure. He'll love it when you take it to him." Her smugness vanished instantly. She grabbed the cup like it was a grenade, almost spilled it, then stormed off.
I exhaled. Rio's got a girlfriend, and it's her?
Great. Jealousy prickled my skin and I hated myself for it.
He's not my boyfriend..so I just shoved all that in the back of my mind .
I wasn't going to cry over a man that's not mine.
And then I realize, I didn't even give Jessica Rio's schedule.
Crap - I didn't want to see him but I have to give it to him .
Later though when his 'girl friend ' takes her leave.
I opened the door, walked out, and- BAM- bumped into someone.
"Shit, sorry. Didn't see you there," said a curly-haired guy, flashing a smile that could melt glaciers. Tall, green eyes, sharp jaw, muscles flexing like he knew it. Typical drop-dead gorgeous guy. Universe, stop messing with me.
"It's okay. Excuse me..." I tried to edge past, but he cut in.
"You're Mr. Mariano's new assistant, right? Not sure we've met. I'm Chad, his project manager," he said, hand stretched out.
Oh so this is Chad .
Chad was hot, no doubt. But my mind and eyes were fixed on always will be fixed on an certain egocentric man with brown eyes.
"Elena," I said, shaking his hand. He squeezed it just a little too hard before letting go.
"Pretty name for a pretty lady," he smirked.
"How about dinner after work? Get to know each other?" He stepped closer.
I stepped back. "Uh, thanks, but no. I have plans. Excuse me." And I escaped.
Back in my office, I waited for Jessica to leave so I could hand Rio his schedule. Minutes later, the door opened and closed, heels clicking away. Time to suit up - pulled my skirt straight, slapped on my "work mode" face, and knocked at his door.
He didn't answer , I knocked again.. nothing.
I roll my eyes turning the knob and steeping in anyway.
Nose buried in his phone. Classic jerk.He was just ignoring me .
"Your schedule," I said, sliding the paper onto his desk. He didn't look up. I turned to leave.
"Why?" he asked suddenly.
I stopped, turned, brow raised, arms crossed. "Why what?"
He finally looked at me, eyes scanning from my chest back to my face. Jerk.
"Why'd you give Jessica my coffee? That's your job, not hers."he snapped seating back and his eyes scanning me his voice flat annoyed .
I rolled my eyes. "She said she's your girlfriend. Thought you'd like seeing her."I shrgged my face void of any emotion that could give away my jealous.
He stands and rounds his desk.
He leaned back against the desk, legs crossed, anger radiating off him like heat waves.
"She's not my girlfriend. I told you to handle my coffee, not hand it off. Why?"he asked agian.
It was not even noon and he's already getting like this .
"Well, she said she was your girlfriend, and you asked her to bring it. Would've been weird to say no. Plus, it's just coffee." I started walking away.
"Stop. I'm not done," he barked, stepping inches from me. "Drop the attitude and listen."
I stopped, looking up at him. When did he get so close?
"Jessica isn't my girlfriend. It's complicated. And you don't let her in here without checking with me, got it?"he snapped at him angry pointing his finger at me .
I nod .
"Alright, sorry," I muttered, voice cracking.
He smirked, pushing my hair aside, exposing my neck.
"That's beautiful." His fingers brushed my necklace - my mother's key pendant though not the original still carries the same weight.
His fingers lingerd on my neck brushing softly.
Fire shot through me.
"It was my mom's. She gave it to me before she died." I looked down at the necklace, swallowing back the urge to spill everything.
"Sorry?" His voice dropped, eyes on the pendant.
"Why a key?"
I blinked back tears, voice trembling. "I don't know. I don't even know what it opens."I said the truth .
A tear slipped and landed on his hand. Crap - I'm such a mess.
"Sorry, didn't mean to-" I started, wiping it away.
Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist, pulled me close, and hugged me.
This was new. No screaming, no tension. Just... comfort. I sniffled into his chest..a few tear drops falling on his shirt.
The comfort washes over me . My parents subject has always been sensitive to me .
We stood there, wrapped in silence, until I pulled away, face flushed, makeup probably a wreck.
"Sorry you lost her, El. She must've been as beautiful as you. And it's okay to get emotional. I lost my mom too."he whispers wiping my cheek with his thumb is hand doesn't leave my face .
I Lean into it , instinctively.
My heart ached for him , because I know how horrible it can be to loose a parent.
That's the familiar grief I saw in his eyes the first time.
"Sorry you lost yours," I whispered, taking the handkerchief he offered gratefully.
We stood in silence, eyes locked, tension crackling in the air.
"Uh, I should go... fix my makeup, get back to work. Thanks for the, uh, hug."I statterd stepping back from him with a small smile .
Do people thank people for hugs ?..the question made me giggle and I felt stupid . But my heart felt warmer than usual.
I walked out, shutting the door behind me, heart pounding. That was... something.