VIII

My emotions were running wild within me. My heartbeat was so loud, I could only pray Luka couldn't tell. Butterflies were swarming in my stomach. I didn't like that. It appeared that I was catching feelings already. That was too fast. Too soon. I need to find a way to quell them. I tore my eyes away from the ring and looked at Luka to find him watching me keenly. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

"I know the perfect way for us to go public without much work on our end. Follow me." He finally said as he slowly got up. Suddenly, I felt like he was too in my space and I took a hasty step back, stumbling a bit. His hand instantly came to my waist, stabilizing me.

"Relax," he told me softly and went before me, leading the way.

If only it was that easy. I followed him out silently. He was walking quickly but I was easily matching his pace. I wasn't sure if he was walking fast on purpose or if it was just his naturally long strides. We got into the lift and went to the second floor. We were silent the entire time, with a notable distance between us. When we were almost on the second floor, he suddenly closed the space and slipped his hand around my waist and ushered me out of the lift and into the employee lounge.

It was furnished beautifully in a minimalist modern setting with neutral colours. Everyone fell silent once we walked in. He very easily commanded the room.

"Hello everyone," he checked his watch as people around murmured their responses. "It's lunch break, most of you are here," he continued in an easy tone, "I'd like you all to formally meet my wife, Mrs Larissa Giovanni. She'll soon be working with us. Acquaint yourself with her in your spare time."

"Have a pleasant rest of the day." He nodded his head and pulled my hand lightly to follow him. I followed him surprised.

"That's it?" I whispered to him so that only he could hear. He gave me a reassuring squeeze just as a casually dressed lady approached us.

"Mrs. Giovanni," she acknowledged with a soft smile, then turned her attention to Luka.

"Boss?" She inquired, lightly tilting her head.

"Larissa, this is our social media manager, and yes Darwin, I want us to go public."

Darwin??

"Roger that." she pulled out a camera from a bag that I hadn't noticed draped on her back.

"Smile," she told us as she proceeded to set up her camera.

Luka pulled me in closer. He then proceeded to dip his head and put it on the nape of my neck. I was screaming internally, suddenly tense. I hated what he was doing. At this rate, he'd beat me at my own game!

"Smile," he whispered in my ear as he placed a gentle kiss on my neck and straightened up. I could feel my cheeks burning up. Two could play at this. I turned to fully face him, entwined my fingers behind his neck and pulled him down for a hot kiss. And pulled back just as fast, enjoying the look of bewilderment in his eyes. I gave him a coquettish grin, watching him closely as I seductively licked my lips, ignoring the wolf whistles around us.

"Thanks, boss. I got enough." Darwin spoke out in an excited voice. I had momentarily forgotten about her existence. I turned to her, giving her a little smile.

"Milady," she told me with a slight bow and walked off. I chuckled lightly, her character was very interesting.

Luka led me back into the lift and let his hand drop the moment the doors shut. I instantly missed his warmth, and just as quickly cringed at the thought.

"There's a gala tonight. We shall attend together." He ordered, breaking the silence.

"Since you asked so nicely," I muttered sarcastically.

"I'll pick you up at 7:30 pm." He continued, completely ignoring my comment. The elevator dinged on his floor. I followed him out. Goodness, where had the gentleman gone to? Or had the kiss completely thrown him off. I smiled, happy with that thought.

"Anything else?" he asked smoothly as he keyed in his password and stepped into his office.

"Yes." silence. "Don't I need to familiarize myself with my new workplace?" I continued sweetly, ignoring his cold demeanour.

"I'll have Paige show you around tomorrow,"

I smirked. "No, thanks. I'll get someone else." I pronounced as I took my bag and went back out of his office, not giving him a chance to say anything else.

Paige was sitting diligently at her desk typing away and ignoring me completely. Was she doing actual work? I found that hard to believe. It would have been easier believing she was the social media manager. I got into the lift and went back down to the ground floor. People were throwing me glances here and there and quickly looking away if our eyes met.

I spotted Darwin headed towards me, not looking where she was going, or paying any attention to her surroundings. I watched on amused, not bothering to move. She crashed into me, stumbled, but quickly regained her balance and looked up at me.

"My bad, Milady. I didn't see you there." She gushed out embarrassed.

"No worries. You're just the person I wanted to see." I flashed her a smile. She blushed and looked away.

"Can I see some of the pics you've taken?" I asked her, amused by the way she suddenly couldn't meet my eyes.

"Of course! Follow me," she told me as she sidestepped me and led the way.

"We're here," Darwin announced, pulling me out of my reverie. Her office was surprisingly neat, everything in order.

"I have a bunch of portfolios. Let me show you the latest one."

She handed me her portfolio and I flipped through it, admiring her work. She was super talented.

"You're really good!" I praised her, awed by each and every single one. There was a short rap on the door. I tore my eyes from the photos to see who it was. An amused smirk formed itself on my lips as I sat back fully and folded my hands.