Chapter 8

eight

?. . .?

Chrissy

The copy room feels stifling as I fold and collate the endless stacks of reports. The rhythmic hum of the machines fades into the background as my mind wanders to him. Zander.

No matter how much I try to focus on work, my traitorous thoughts keep straying to stolen glances across the conference table, the electric tingle when our hands accidentally brush reaching for the same file.

I startle at the sound of a throat clearing behind me. It's not him. Of course not. Turning, I paste on a polite smile for Mark, one of the junior accountants.

"Chrissy, I was wondering..." He shifts his weight nervously. "Would you maybe want to grab dinner sometime? With me?"

My stomach drops. Before I can even begin to formulate a response, a deep, commanding voice cuts through the room.

"That won't be happening." Zander's broad frame fills the doorway, his piercing gaze fixed on Mark. "In fact, you're fired. Clear out your desk immediately."

Mark's face drains of color. He stammers incoherently before scurrying out of the room. I whirl to face Zander, indignation rising.

"What the hell was that? You can't just fire someone for asking me out!"

In two long strides, he's in front of me, his presence overwhelming. "I can and I did. I'm done pretending, Chrissy. You're mine."

His words send a forbidden thrill through me even as I bristle. "You had no right?—"

"I had every fucking right!" The rest of my tirade is swallowed by his lips claiming mine in a searing kiss. I should push him away, but instead I melt into him, my hands fisting in his crisp shirt.

He backs me against the copier, his strong thigh pressing between my legs. "I have every right," he growls against my neck. "And I'm going to show you and everyone else that you're mine. No more games."

Buttons fly as he rips open my blouse. I gasp as his scorching mouth blazes a trail down my throat to my heaving breasts. Rational thought scatters. All that exists is his touch igniting my skin.

He hikes up my skirt, shoving my panties aside. I'm already slick and aching. The first thrust of his fingers into my heat has me seeing stars. "This perfect pussy belongs to me. Say it."

"Yes," I whimper, lost to sensation. "I'm yours."

He rewards me by curling his fingers, stoking the fire building low in my belly. I rock against his hand, chasing the shimmering edge of release.

His voice is a dark rumble in my ear. "That's my good girl. I'm going to fuck you now. Right here where anyone could walk in and see who you belong to."

I should be scandalized, but the thought only makes me wetter. I'm panting and needy, dignity discarded, as he frees himself from his slacks and notches his thick length at my entrance.

With one brutal snap of his hips, he's inside me, stretching and filling me so perfectly. I cry out, my nails digging into his shoulders. He sets a punishing pace, his pelvis grinding against my aching clit with each deep stroke.

The copier rattles beneath me as he pounds into my willing body. My head falls back, thighs trembling around his waist. I'm so close, teetering on the knife's edge of agonizing bliss.

"Scream my name when you come," he demands. "Now."

His command sends me hurtling over, my climax crashing through me in dizzying waves of pleasure as I obey him, whining out his name as my pussy convulses around him.

He follows me over the edge, pouring himself into me with a guttural groan of my name.

We stare at one another as we catch our breath before Zander growls, "Now let's make sure everyone knows who you belong to."

He tucks me back into my clothes, doing up the buttons of my blouse with surprising tenderness. But there's no mistaking the possessive grip of his hand at the small of my back as he leads me out to the main office...

Zander's words echo in my mind as we step out of his office, my legs still unsteady. The normally bustling workspace seems to freeze, all eyes drawn to us—to me —as if they can see the evidence of our tryst written across my flushed face.

Of course, they probably fucking heard it, thanks to Zander and his commands.

He leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. "If being with you means losing you as my assistant, then so be it. I'll fire you if I have to, Chrissy. I won't let anything stand in the way of us being together."

My heart stutters, a dizzying mix of elation and trepidation swirling through me. This job, this career, has been my driving force for so long. Can I really just let it go? Let him dismiss me so cavalierly?

But as I meet his heated gaze, I realize it's not cavalier at all. There's a fierce sincerity burning in those pewter depths, a promise that he'll burn the world down to keep me by his side. And God help me, I want that. I suddenly realize that I want him more than I want a job or a reputation.

Steeling my resolve, I turn to face him fully, my voice low but steady. "You're right, Zander, and I'm sorry. I'm done running. Done pretending that my heart doesn't race every time you look at me."

His eyes flare with triumph and naked hunger. His hand slides possessively over my hip, staking his claim. "Then we're in agreement. You're mine, Chrissy. The rest is just details."

And as he captures my mouth in a searing kiss, right there in front of everyone, I know he's right. The job, the office politics, the whispers that are sure to follow—none of it matters. Not when I'm in his arms.

I've spent so long chasing the perfect career, the perfect image. But maybe happiness doesn't lie in perfection. Maybe it lies in surrender. In taking a leap and trusting that this complicated, messy, wonderful man will catch me.

His kiss is a vow, a brand. And I wear it proudly.

Zander, ever the confident leader, strides into the main office area with me by his side. His presence commands attention, and all eyes turn to us. I catch sight of the man who had asked me out earlier, his expression a mix of confusion and apprehension.

"Everyone, I have an announcement," Zander's voice rings out, clear and authoritative. "First, I want to apologize to James for my earlier outburst. Your job is secure, and I appreciate your contributions to the team."

James nods, relief evident on his face. But the tension in the room remains palpable, everyone waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Zander's hand tightens around mine, a silent reassurance. "Secondly, I want to make it clear that Chrissy and I are together. She's not just my executive assistant. She's my partner in every sense of the word."

Murmurs ripple through the office, a mix of surprise and speculation. I feel the weight of their stares, the unspoken questions hanging in the air. But with Zander's solid presence beside me, I find the strength to meet their gazes head-on.

Zander expression softens as he looks at me. "Chrissy is an invaluable member of this team, and I'm lucky to have her by my side, both personally and professionally. I hope you'll all support us as we navigate this new chapter."

The room is silent for a heartbeat, then slowly, smiles begin to appear on faces. Some are genuine, others more tentative, but the overall atmosphere feels lighter, more accepting.

As we make our way back to Zander's office, I lean into him, drawing strength from his presence. "That went better than I expected," I murmur.

He chuckles, pressing a kiss to my temple. "They'd be fools to challenge me—especially where you're concerned."

I smile, my heart full to bursting.

"And now, I'm about to give you a raise," he says as he raises an eyebrow at me and pats his lap.

I flush and move to straddle him.

My boss. My lover.

Zander .