Love and Lies

Chapter 12

"We will be welcoming a new employee, Kevin, today. He will be joining our team and assisting Samantha and Mr. Alex in the lab with herb testing," Alison announced during the meeting. "I hope everyone gives him a warm welcome," she added.

Kevin entered the office and introduced himself. He seemed to be in his mid-twenties, like me. However, if he's working here, he must be married—what a shame. He had muscles, but not like Alex's. His face was round with full lips. Overall, he was handsome.

I didn't realize I had been staring at him for so long until Alex called my name.

"Samantha," he said, a bit loudly. When did he enter the room? How did I not notice him? Focus, Samy, focus.

"Yes, sir," I said, turning my gaze from Kevin to Alex. When I looked at him, he was already staring at me. His gaze was possessive and demanding.

"I think you came here to work, not to gawk at my employees," he said harshly.

"Sorry, sir," I replied, looking down at my feet.

"Eyes on me when you are talking, Samantha," he said in an authoritative tone.

When I looked into his chocolate-colored eyes, the world around me seemed to blur. It took me a second to pay attention to what he was saying.

"Everyone, back to work. Kevin, follow us to the lab," he commanded.

I closely followed them as we headed towards the lab.

"You will be in charge of ordering the herbal leaves and ensuring that the herbs ordered are received. If they are not, which is rare, you might be in trouble," he instructed Kevin.

"You will also assist Samantha and me in running tests in the lab," he added.

"Yes, sir," Kevin replied professionally.

"Okay, now that you have met the team, they will show you around the company," Alex continued. "For today, I want you to order the list of herbs from Mr. Wilson. He is an old farmer from whom I order most of my herbs," he explained to Kevin, who was listening attentively.

"Samantha, give the list to him. He will place the order," Alex told me.

I handed the list to Kevin. He took it with a smile, which I couldn't help but return. He left the lab, leaving me alone with the devil. Yes, that's what he is—a devil for scolding me in front of Kevin.

Turning to get my lab coat, I felt a hand grab mine. Alex pulled me close, pinning me against the wall near the door. He was incredibly close, his breath warm on my cheek.

"What do you think you're doing?" he growled.

"I... I was just getting my c-coat, sir," I stuttered, avoiding his gaze.

"Stay away from Kevin, understand?" he demanded.

"But, sir, we work together," I protested. How could he just tell me to avoid someone I needed to work with?

"That's for me to decide," he replied with a dark edge to his voice.

With that, he released my hand and moved out of the lab.