Redemption of hearts

Game on!

POV- LIZA

My body froze the moment he kissed me. So this was what he meant by "seal the deal." For a few seconds, I was utterly paralyzed, as if my body had forgotten how to function. Then, like a switch flipping, my senses returned, and I shoved him with every ounce of strength I had.

He stumbled back, caught off guard for a split second, before regaining that infuriating composure.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I shouted, my voice louder than I intended.

"It's our deal, baby," he said with that signature smirk, as though he'd just handed me a bouquet of roses instead of an unsolicited kiss.

"Shut up!" I snapped, my hands clenched into fists at my sides.

"Trust me," he drawled, leaning casually against his desk like this was some romantic comedy.

"This is a highly effective way to seal a deal. You'll remember it even in your sleep." His tone was playful, but his eyes held a glint of something more.

I glared at him, the heat of embarrassment and rage burning my skin. He was enjoying this. That much was obvious.

"You're having fun, aren't you?" I hissed. "Well, enjoy it while it lasts, Samuel, because I'm going to make your life a living hell. Trust me."

"Looking forward to it," he said, barely containing a laugh.

"Go to hell," I spat, turning on my heel and storming out of his office. My cheeks were on fire, and my pulse thundered in my ears.

That night, I tossed and turned, trying to sleep, but his damn smirk and that stupid kiss haunted me. I hated how it lingered, as though he'd left a brand.

NEXT MORNING

I was ripped from sleep not by my alarm but by my phone's shrill ringtone. Groggily, I grabbed it off the nightstand, squinting at the screen.

Zoya. Of course. Who else would have the audacity to call this early?

"Bitch!" she screeched the second I answered.

"Do you mind not screaming?" I muttered, my voice hoarse. "It's too early for this, and now my entire day is riding on your volume control."

"Where the hell are you?" she demanded. "You should be in Seattle by now!"

I rolled my eyes, rubbing my temple. "And I am in Seattle, by the way."

"Then why didn't you call me?" she shot back. "I was this close to assuming your flight crashed, you inconsiderate idiot!"

"Shhhh!" I groaned, cutting her off. "A lot happened, okay? I'll explain everything tonight. Come over to my apartment. I'll send you the location."

Zoya huffed on the other end but relented. She always did.

After hanging up, I dragged myself out of bed, threw on some semblance of professionalism, and gave myself a pep talk in the mirror.

"You've got this," I muttered to my reflection. "He's just a man. An infuriating man, but still just a man."

AT THE OFFICE

When I arrived, Samuel's assistant greeted me with an overly cheery smile and escorted me to my new cabin.

"This is nice," I said, scanning the room. It was nice, which made me suspicious. Something felt... off.

"Boss personally requested this cabin for you," the assistant explained, practically glowing with pride.