My hardcore Boss

Chapter 2: the Day After

I slept horribly. I dreamt I was tied up, whipped, and taken by two men—probably because of that movie last night. I woke up sweaty and restless, and now I can't concentrate on work. Damn it.

"Cinzia, move my 11 o'clock to tomorrow, get me a coffee, and contact the guy in marketing—have him come to my office immediately. Also, print me the contract with production house 'X' and confirm my 3 o'clock."

Good morning to you too, boss. Nice as always. And my name is Cyntia, damn it! I mutter in my head, biting back a sigh.

"Yes, Mr. Manner."

For all his good looks, he's a nightmare to work for. I could really use a coffee myself. I try to remember his demands as I make my way to the break room, muttering them under my breath.

Twenty minutes later...

"Mr. Manner, here's your coffee, one sugar, cold milk on the side."

"Did you call marketing? Where's Alex? And I need the contract."

"I'll call him right away."

"Cinzia, I don't have all day."

It's Cyntia. I nod tightly, swallowing my irritation, and leave the office. He's in a mood today, and that means no one's safe.

By the time lunch rolls around, he's on his fourth coffee and barking orders like we're in a military drill. I'm counting down the minutes to my break when he calls out again.

"Cinzia, go get me lunch. I'm eating in today."

And just like that, my hour of freedom evaporates.

After picking up his lunch, I carry the tray back to his office, balancing a chicken salad, a bottle of white wine, and a Coke. As I lean forward to open the door, the tray starts to slip, and I scramble to catch it. Right then, Mr. Manner opens the door, and the handle snags my blouse, tearing it right over my chest. I lose my balance, but he catches me by the back, steadying me with a firm grip.

I look up, mortified, as I realize one of my breasts is fully exposed.

"Mr. Manner!" I gasp, my face flushing.

He raises an eyebrow, completely unfazed. "You should be more careful. I assume this is my lunch?"

My mouth falls open in disbelief. He glances at my torn blouse with mild disinterest. "Put it on the desk, and find me the contact number for the developer of application 'Y'. I need it by tonight." Then, he adds, "And Cinzia, wear something more appropriate."

Something in me snaps. "It's Cyntia, and you just ruined my blouse!" I shout, slamming the tray onto his desk and clutching my shirt over my chest as I storm out of the office, letting the door bang behind me.

The second I'm out, panic crashes over me. What did I just do? I just yelled at my boss. I slump down under my desk, clutching my torn blouse, feeling tears sting my eyes. I'm definitely getting fired. How will I pay rent? What was I thinking?

I press my hands to my face, willing myself to stop crying, but I can't. The humiliation, the fear—it all wells up, and I sit there, hiding under my desk like a child, tears dripping onto my knees.

A moment later, I hear footsteps. My heart stops as I see his shoes appear in front of me.

"Cin—uhh... Cyntia, what are you doing down there?" he asks, his voice softer than usual.

I don't move. I'm too embarrassed to even look at him.

"Come on, get out of there," he says, crouching down. "We're a little too old to play hide and seek, don't you think?" There's a slight warmth to his tone, and his face has a touch of something almost... apologetic.

I sniff, wiping my eyes. "I... I'm sorry, Mr. Manner. I don't know what came over me."

He sighs, rubbing his temples. "Look, why don't we both take a break? I'll buy you something to wear for the day, and we'll call it even. Besides, neither of us had a proper lunch." He shrugs, a small, uncharacteristic smile tugging at his lips. "What do you say?"

I blink up at him, surprised. I'd never seen him smile before, and it softens something in his usually stoic expression. "I... I'd like that," I mumble, my cheeks heating as I manage a small smile in return.