Maria sighed as she readied herself to enter the bathroom.
Her body ached from hours of research at the office, wanting to finish the target list and make it potent enough for Miles to find her seriousness unignorable.
She stepped into the warm shower, sliding the glass door shut to trap the steam of the cascading water over her body.
Thank God it was a Friday.
She could sleep a little through tomorrow morning, finally letting her muscles relax.
It had been two days since the board meeting, two days since she'd spoken to Miles.
He'd hardly been around the office, most of the time it was Daniel who kept reminding her how much of a failure the project would be in the hands of someone like her.
Pete kept giving her loads of his own idea files to edit, even some that the company hadn't accepted.
She knew his reasons: to distract her enough to make her quit under the workload.
Maria scoffed as she closed her eyes, lifting her head to face the water pouring over her.
They had no idea how far she was willing to go in her career if they thought words and workload could hold her back.
Far enough to have sex with the CEO?—the dangerous thought made her eyes fly open.
The reality of what was actually happening in exchange for recognition settled over her.
Jenny's comment about Miles being fond of her was proof: their scandal was subtly leaking.
Maria stepped out of the shower, leaving the glass door open to let out the steam, wrapping her dry white robe around the slickness of her body.
She faced the mirror, her wet hair hanging down her back.
The sides of the robe pressed subtly against her fleshy hips.
Tiny drops of water slid into the valley between her breasts.
The memory of Miles' hands sliding over to cup her curves as he pressed her to him.
His strong chest claimed space her previous lovers had feared to occupy.
He had smashed her against him, crushing the challenge, and leaving an imprint she could feel even now.
Maria sighed in resigned frustration as she toweled her hair, tied it up, and left the bathroom.
The cosmetics table gleamed under the off-white LED light, inviting her to her night routine—but she collapsed on the bed, kicking off her slippers.
It was useless trying not to act like Miles affected her. She just hoped her desires would fade so her conscience could settle with the project.
She picked up her phone. An email notification flashed.
Maria tapped on it.
It was from the company, but from a different email:
Fundraiser ball
Special invitation from Mr Miles Genova to Miss Maria Delton.
Date: Night of 20th, 11pm.
Dress fit for the event has been dispatched to your doorstep.
Best wishes to enjoy the event.
Address
Mary's Grace Museum, 19.
The driver will be here at 10:30pm sharp.
Maria blinked as she checked her calendar, today was the 20th.
She hurriedly sat up; it was already 8:30pm this evening.
The doorbell rang. Could that be…?
"Coming," she called, rushing across the sitting room to peek at the door, mentally scolding herself for always forgetting to link the door cam to her phone.
The uniform confirmed it: the dress delivery hinted at in the email.
She heaved in excitement as the door closed behind her.
The fancy, slightly weighty blue box with gold embroidery rested in her hands. She hurried upstairs squealing, despite her exhaustion.
Being invited to their company charity event was an honor—a chance to network with greater minds, an opportunity Miles had personally given to her.
**
"These fundraisers get worse and more boring every time," Kayden groaned beside Miles, adjusting his tie.
Miles felt the same. Neither truly had a choice.
They were representatives of their retired parents—Kayden of the wine company, Miles of GOATASTE.
They rarely saw each other, and this fundraiser was a rare chance.
The heirs meant to protect their parents' legacies and uphold tradition for generations.
Most people were seated already, some still coming into the open sophisticated space adorned with attractive stands holding age-old artifacts.
A giant chandelier dripped jewels, casting rich gold light over men in blue cashmere or Italian suits, and women in mostly silk and sequins.
"It really won't take that long, sir." Rhea giggled politely from beside Miles across their table of four.
Her blue sequin dress hugged her figure, accentuating her cleavage and neck.
Dark blonde hair slicked into a French bun, smooth face, nude lips.
Miles wanted to ask if Rhea had sent Maria the email at the exact time he'd requested.
He hated the anticipation of expecting her presence as another cue of consent.
The urge to see her in the dress he had chosen pulsed through him.
He'd been busy scouting materials for their project with Rhea's help, and he had missed seeing Maria.
His invitation disguised a professional purpose: introducing her to external team members.
He'd tipped the museum staff to bring Maria directly to their table once she came in.
His gaze flicked to the stage where hosts were preparing to address the hall.
"Good Evening, Mr Miles," Maria's soft voice made him snap his gaze toward her.
Her arm was hooked to the staff that escorted her.
"Good Evening, Maria," Miles replied, eyes dropping to the dress.
Soft velvet blue draped over her waist from the netting torso, teasing her full curves, a flash of skin revealed by the slit traveling to mid-thigh.
She looked bashful.
The staff pulled out the chair across from him.
As she sat, the subtle exposure of her sides from the backless design drew his gaze, down to the soft crescent of her backside.
Other men noticed too, but some quickly looked away.
Her allure teased his imagination of what might happen after the event.
"Rhea," Miles said, turning to her, whose expression had subtly shifted. "Meet Maria, the head of the high school project.
Maria, meet Rhea, my P.A."
"Hi," Rhea said, her smile tight.
"Hello," Maria replied with a smile, adjusting her chest nervously.
Miles turned to Kayden, who was also watching Maria.
He hated it.
"Kayden!" he called, snapping him from his daydream. "This is Maria. She works in my company."
Kayden extended his hand.
"I'm Kayden. Nice to meet you."
Maria's eyes flickered to Miles before cautiously accepting the handshake.
"Soft, beautiful hands too," Kayden added, and Miles clenched his jaw as she retracted her hand.
He met Kayden's eyes briefly, then looked forward, grounding his temper.
He couldn't afford for cracks of his attraction to Maria slip out in public.
**
Maria drank her third glass of wine.
These fancy glasses never held enough, and this wine was exquisite.
Soft Music danced across the hall. Guests moved in pairs.
The formal part of the event ended; waiters served refreshments.
She'd only accepted drinks.
"Good wine," Kayden said, eyes on her. "I see you like it."
Maria flicked her gaze to Miles, sensing his slight annoyance but keeping polite.
"Yes, sir. It's very nice," She said with a forced smile.
"It's Mr Kayden's company wine," Rhea blurted, pride leaking through her tone.
Miles' gaze slid lethally to Rhea. She lowered hers in respect.
Kayden leaned forward.
"Perhaps one of these days I could give you a tour of my company. Maybe a d…"
"Maria!" Miles called, cutting him off.
"Y-Yes, sir," she replied, sensing the tension in his voice.
"What artifact was it you wanted to show me?" Miles asked, eyes locking on hers, warning her to play along.
"The um…the one upstairs," Maria said, trying to sound convincing. "Really good reference for the project."
Miles sighed, rising from his chair, hands in his pockets. "Then let's go now. I'll be leaving soon."
He walked out.
Maria stood, following him, heart pounding as they crossed the hall to the elevator.