The hateful attraction

Interesting

As I stood there he mockingly held his hands up in surrender position. Making the irritation for him begin to boil even more. Something was infuriating about his stupid constant smirk, the way he seemed to think he had the upper hand in every conversation, in every glance.

He was so annoying it made me want to just throw something at him when he'd smirk at me as if he knew it annoyed me.

"Goodnight, Mr. Holland," I said firmly, stepping away from the bar before he could say anything else. As I walk away I can feel his eyes on me, even as I walk toward the exit. His eyes burned me with his intense gaze.

The club had begun to empty, the talking and music were fading into the background, leaving only the sound of my heels clicking against the marble floor.

Just as I pushed the door open, a voice called out behind me. "Ms. Riggs."

I froze. It wasn't Mr. Holland this time. It was a deeper voice, calmer. I turned around to see one of his men a bouncer named Mason, if I remembered correctly. He was standing in the shadow near the entrance. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a stern look on his face.

"Mr. Holland wanted me to remind you," Mason began talking, his tone formal and impersonal, "that tomorrow's expectations are higher. At the office. He'll be watching closely."

Of course, he will. I think wanting to roll my eyes at the thought.

I gave Mason a tight nod, trying to suppress the snarky thoughts that threatened to slip out. He was intimidating enough, and it was clear he wasn't interested in banter like his boss. This was just an assignment he had, a message to deliver.

"Understood," I finally said, my voice coming out as plain.

With a slight nod, he turned on his heel and headed back into the club, leaving me alone in the cool night air.

I stood there for a moment, trying to shake off the agitation that remained from today. I didn't know how much longer I could tolerate his stupid games, but quitting wasn't an option. No, I needed the money. I needed this job, even if it meant tolerating his smug smirk and constant "advice".

I started walking toward my car, the cool night air seemed to help cool the frustration that was still burning inside me. My thoughts were scrambled, replaying the moments of the day. The way his eyes followed my every move, the tension I felt from our conversations, and most importantly the annoying satisfaction he seemed to get from my obvious discomfort. Why did he have to make everything feel like a test? Why couldn't he just let me do my job in peace?

But no, that would be too easy for him.

As I opened my car door and slid into the driver's seat, I finally let out a long breath as I tried to calm myself.

Tomorrow would bring another day under his intense eyes, and I needed to be cautious. I wasn't going to let him break me. Not now. Not ever.

But deep down, something stayed at the back of my mind why was he so fixated on me? What was he after? I wondered.
Was this just about his obvious need for control, or was there something more behind his gaze?

Whatever the reasoning was, I was going to find out why. I wasn't going to let him play me like a pawn in his chess game. Absolutely not. He plays every lunch on his laptop.

If he wanted to watch, then let him. I'd give him a performance he wouldn't forget.

With that thought, I turned the key in my car, and the engine hummed to life. Tomorrow, I'd face him again, but this time, I wouldn't be the one squirming under his gaze. No absolutely not. I just needed to earn enough money for my mom's Chemo treatment. But If he wanted to push, I'd push back.

And I had a feeling Mr. Holland wasn't used to people pushing back. So the thought I found amusing.

The next morning, the office echoes with the usual hum of computers and papers being moved. I walked holding a file of reports, heading straight to Mr. Holland's office. I begin to brew his coffee in the break room. Pouring a cup and making sure everything was prepared. Having to deal with his quirks.

I knocked lightly the sound echoing slightly in before I wrap my hand around the handle. I walk in and close the door behind me. "Morning. I've got those reports you asked for."

He looked up from his desk, his eyes seemed to have something unreadable.
"Ah, the timing is perfect. I was just about to send out a search party for these."

I set the file on his desk, giving him a contained mock glare. "You know, if you'd remember where you put things, we wouldn't need to go on these scavenger hunts."

He leaned back in his chair, a playful smirk spreading across his face. "Ah, but where would be the fun in that? Besides, I feel like I can rely on you to keep things interesting around here, nobody is like you." His voice sounded teasing a cocky smirk on his lips. His dimples showed ever so slightly under the office lighting.

I raised an eyebrow at him unamused. "Interesting hmm? Or just plan chaotic ?"

"Interesting," he replied a cocky smirk still on his lips. Leaning in his chair a bit as he looks at me. "You have a talent for keeping things lively around here. I don't know what I'd do without your sharp wit."

"You would most likely get lost in your paperwork," I said, crossing my arms involuntarily. "But I'm sure you'd figure it out somehow."

He chuckled, leaning forward ever so slightly.
"True. But where's the fun in that? I like having someone who can keep me on my toes. Keeps things interesting.

I rolled my eyes involuntarily. "Well, as long as your 'fun' doesn't involve more me firing anyone else, I should get along just fine."

His seemed to lighten up with amusement. At my boldness. A smirk played on his lips.
"No promises. I find it almost impossible to resist keeping you on your toes."

"Of course you do," I said, shaking my head annoyed. Fighting the urge to roll my eyes at him. "Just try to remember, I'm here to work, not to pay one of your little games."

He straightened his back no longer leaning in the chair his expression softened slightly. As if he was absorbing my words."I do appreciate your hard work. "And just so you know, I don't intend to make things more difficult."

I nodded, "Thanks. I appreciate that."

He glanced at the clock quickly before turning to me. "By the way, the team meeting starts in fifteen minutes"

"Thanks for reminding me," I replied with a small smile as I turned on my heel and left. "I'll see you there," I say looking over my shoulder as I head to the elevator.

As I headed back to the boardroom, I couldn't help but think I saw a playful glint in his eyes.