BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDE

Chapter 15: What I Want Right Now

Chapter 15: What I Want Right Now

Another day at work, and for the first time in weeks, the usual monotony took a back seat. My fingers danced over the keyboard, bringing our latest AI project-Luna-to life. It was akin to writing a novel, but instead of characters, I was programming responses, emotions-essence. It was a writer's high, in tech terms.

His relentless drive usually meant him hounding me for updates, but today? Radio silence. I should've been relieved, yet there was this odd, niggling concern at the back of my mind.

Then came the buzz from the intercom, shattering the silence. I braced myself for Luke's usual gruff tone, but instead, his voice sounded rough, tinged with a weariness I hadn't heard before. "Emily, get in here. Now."

Entering his office, I found a scene unlike any other day. Luke, the epitome of control and composure, was sprawled on the couch, his suit wrinkled, a stark contrast to his usual impeccable appearance.

"Mr. Walton, everything okay?" I asked, my voice laced with genuine concern.

He didn't open his eyes, just flashed that signature smirk. "Observant as always. Now, cut the small talk and update me."

"But I don't have my laptop—"

"Use mine," he said, tossing his password at me. It was an unexpected gesture of trust. Taking a deep breath, I dove into the details of our work, while he listened, eyes still closed, his exhaustion palpable.

As I wrapped up, I casually mentioned, "You might wanna change that password."

"Why? You planning to dig up some dirt on me, Ms. Smith?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Just following best practices."

Closing his laptop, I looked at him. There was a rare vulnerability in his posture, a human side to the man I'd never seen. "Heard you've been here since 4 AM. Skipping meals and everything ."

That got his attention. His eyes snapped open, a softness in them I hadn't seen before. His eyes met mine, radiating a softness and depth of gratitude.

Rising gracefully from the couch, every step he took closer felt like a sync with my racing heart. As he stood, closing the distance between us, His gaze, playful yet intense, lingered on my lips. A thousand thoughts raced through my mind: Is he going to kiss me? Do I want that?

"Curious about my habits, Ms. Smith?" he asked, his voice a mix of amusement.

My mind stumbled over words. "I... um, was just... curious?"

"And why, Ms. Smith, would my whereabouts concern you?"

My cheeks burned as I stumbled over my words, "I-well, it's not like-I mean, everyone's just... Max told me."

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. "Do you have any idea what I want right now?" His words were a tantalizing whisper, sending shivers down my spine.

"I... I'm not sure," I stammered, lost in the moment.

"Not even a wild guess?" His tone was teasing, flirtatious, stirring a fire within me. He pulled back slightly, but our faces were still dangerously close, the tension palpable and thrilling.

His lips hovered tantalizingly near mine as he whispered, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I want you..." The pause was an exquisite torture, his face so close, before he continued with a playful smirk, "... to fetch me a chocolate bar right now."

Stepping out of his office, I muttered to myself, "That jerk... he had me thinking he was going to kiss me. So mad. Now I'm walking with my body humming with desires. Thanks a lot, ass hole.

I fetched his chocolate protein bar, marched back to his desk, laid it down with more force than necessary, and spun on my heels towards the door. Just as I reached the exit, a chuckle echoed through the room. "Is everything alright, Ms. Smith?" he enquired, the laughter in his voice resonating through the tension.

Was he seriously asking me that after the emotional rollercoaster he'd just put me on? I wasn't about to play into his hands by reacting. So, with a facade of cool indifference, I shot back, 'Oh, everything's splendid.'

His laughter, rich and resonant, trailed me out, but I didn't offer him the satisfaction of a backward glance.

I exited his office, the door clicking shut behind me, but his laughter seemed to echo in the rhythm of my heart, which now beat to a tune of whimsy and what-ifs. His game was clear: keep me guessing, keep me on my toes. And frustratingly, it was working.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of keystrokes and code, but Luke's antics lingered in my mind. I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to his behavior than mere teasing.