The Female Boss (CURRENTLY ON HOLD)

Chapter 23

Sonali's Pov

I stood there, dumbfounded. "He tricked me? Again? And I fell for it? AGAIN ?!"

If I had to describe how I felt, I wouldn't be able to put it in words. I wanted the Earth to swallow me whole, or the sky to fall on my head ! I've never been so embarrassed in these 29 years of my existence ! I bet he could tell, judging by that stupid smirk on his smug face..

"Well I- I was just passing by and happened to hear things... It has nothing to do with me attending this event." I acted nonchalant and turned to leave....until I felt a grip on my arm-

His hand had a firm but gentle hold on my arm. For a moment I was taken aback.

"What are you doing, leave my hand immediately !"

He removed his hand with a jerk. The spot on my arm where he had touched felt tingly. Before I could even leave, he suddenly said "Dance with me".

I thought I heard it wrong, I was startled, "Excuse me?". But he was serious. He stretched out his palm in front of me.
"Can I have a dance with you?"

I still thought he was teasing me as he always does with his stupid antics, so I only rolled my eyes, "Hah! Yeah sure,in your dreams!"

His eyes were on mine, waiting for a serious answer, and suddenly I didn't know what to do. I felt myself getting red under his gaze...
What the hell is happening Sonali ?

I gathered my wit, "No."

"Why ?"

"Why ? Why would you suddenly want to dance with me of all people ?" I seriously don't get this man!

"Why do you think? This is a party, everyone is supposed to dance. I need a partner too."

Is that the only reason? I was a bit disappointed. Why? I don't know.

"Go ask someone else then, why bother me?"

He pouted. "You had promised me you'd do everything I ask you to, for this two weeks".

Why is this man so annoying ?
"Stop it, you're not cute! And about that promise, that's only till we're at the office, it's not applicable here !"

"We never had this kind of condition ! You're just making things up. Come on now, dance with me !"

"Go ask Pamela, I'm not willing." I went to get a drink. Of course, he followed.

"But I asked you. It's not fair, you're breaking your promise. The consequences of this may not be convenient Mademoiselle."

I faced him. I have to stop this now. He was too much !

"Fine, do whatever you want, I'm not worried about anything !"

He smirked, that devil ! "Are you sure about that ? Are you willing to give up your entire build up of all these years as the strict and smart boss that people feared and admired ? After this, no one may take you seriously anymore, I'll give you a chance to reconsider your decision."
Saying this, he turned towards the stage, "This kind of information at this party– hmm, it will be a hot topic, won't it ? If you want to stop me, do so before I reach to the stage.."

I watched his back as he moved towards the stage with slow, ling steps.... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 – before I could further think, my legs moved on their own. With the same force he held my arm earlier, I pulled his arm this time, making him stop in his tracks. He turned halfway, his eyebrows cocked in a smug manner, and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful this man was.

"Let's dance together.." I heard myself saying...
Crazy ! Crazy ! Crazy ! What are you doing, Sonali ?!

He smiled and stretched out his palm, "Shall we?"

I took a deep breath.. okay let's do this! It's not a big deal anyway, it's just a dance..
I took his hand, and nodded.

The dance floor wasn't too big, it was just one part of a huge living room. Some five to six pairs were already dancing, too close to each other, considering most of them were not really couples for real. The light was a bit dim, thankfully, I don't think I could look him in the eyes if it wasn't.. it's too weird. A soft music was playing of an artist I didn't know the name of. But then, most newer artists are unknown to me, I usually don't have time to follow the entertainment world.

I could sense eyes watching us intently when we walked towards the dance floor, hand-in-hand. People (and by people, I mean my subordinates and my seniors at work) were most definitely astonished to see me on the dance floor with a man, and that too, my subordinate ! I suddenly had the urge to drop everything and run. But my pride wouldn't allow me. So I just went along with my fate.

"Your hands are cold, Miss Bose", I heard him whisper.
I did not reply, neither did I look up at him.

"Are you perhaps, nervous ?"..
Now I looked up at him.

"Nervous?! Why would I be nervous?"
I might have looked funny, cause he chuckled.

"Relax, I'm just kidding. By the way, just look at your partner while dancing, don't focus anywhere else, or else you'll step on the person you're dancing with."

I most definitely wanted to step on him. But it's better to comply with him for now to make the rest of the time here bearable..

The music started, this time a newer one, but of the same artist and same vibe. We both faced each other. He took my hand, and placed it on his shoulder, and held the other with his own hand. He put his other hand on my waist and gently pulled me towards him, closing the distance between us. My heart suddenly pounded so hard, I was afraid everyone could hear, especially him, and my face felt hot. My eyes drifted away from him, in fear he could sense me flustering. I could clearly feel his warm hand on the small of my back, firm but gentle, and the warmth suddenly spread through my entire body.
Crazy! Crazy! Crazy! You've gone MAD ! said a voice inside my head. And I agreed.

Suddenly, through my peripheral vision, I saw his head leaning slowly in my direction, towards my face. I still didn't face him, keeping my eyes on the background, even though I could see nothing there, nor could I hear the music over the sound of my pounding heartbeat. His face got nearer and nearer to mine, until it stopped just near my ear, where my mouth would have been if I was facing straight.

With a low, serious, husky voice, he whispered, "Look at me..."

**********

Author's Note : Hello, hello, hello ! It's been a long time since I last updated, and a lot has happened since then..many ups and downs... But now I'm back again, and hopefully, if everything goes fine, the updates will be more frequent than before. Thank you to those who have been here since the beginning I started writing the story, thank you so much for sticking with me and my story. To those who are new readers, hello and thank you to you too for giving my story a chance, I really appreciate your support.
Lastly, I'd like to say, Happy reading and Happy writing to all wattpaders reading this ! Stay safe, be happy, always !