Dangerously Beautiful Scars

19. So... what now?

"Here I am, sir!" Lily burst through the doors of his office, the loud bang echoing through the room. Alexzander sighed, his fingers pausing over the keyboard as he looked up from his computer.

"For the last time, knock," he said, his voice laced with mild exasperation. He knew full well it wouldn't happen next time either.

"So, what's on today's checklist?" she asked, plopping down on the couch with no sense of formality, grabbing a bag of salted peanuts from the table and popping a few into her mouth.

"I've always meant to ask, why do you have these peanuts here all the time? I've never seen you eat them," she added, not really expecting an answer.

Alexzander POV

"You love eating them," I mumbled just loud enough that she wouldn't catch it.

"Huh?" she asked, her mouth stuffed with peanuts, making her look like a chipmunk.

"Nothing," I replied, shaking my head as I resumed my work. Honestly, I find it amusing how she tries so hard to flirt with me but chickens out at the last moment.

"You wanna go out tonight?" I asked casually, still typing away. A sudden thud made me pause.

I looked up to find her sprawled on the floor, peanuts scattered all around her.

"What a messy girl," I muttered under my breath, biting back a smile at her wide-eyed, shocked expression.

"Wh—what the hell did you just say?" she stammered, scrambling up to the desk and slamming her salt-covered hands down on my files. Normally, this would infuriate me, but with her, I let it slide.

"I have a meeting at this French restaurant tonight. I think you'd like the food there," I said, handing her a tissue to wipe her hands.

She sighed heavily as she wiped her fingers. "I thought... I thought it was my time," she murmured, more to herself than to me.

"What time?" I asked, though I knew perfectly well what she meant.

"Nothing, boss," she said quickly, her cheeks flushed. "Just send me the address and time. I'll be there." She started walking towards the door, shoulders stiff.

"No need," I called after her. "I'll pick you up. Dress up." I allowed myself a smirk as I met her gaze, watching her bite her lip and nervously press her thighs together.

"You... I... Okay," she stuttered, then hurried out of the office in a flustered rush.

The second she was out of sight, I let out a hearty laugh.

How can someone be this cute and hot at the same time?

THIRD PERSON POV

Later that evening, Alexzander pulled up in front of Lily's apartment just as before, his sleek black car gleaming under the streetlights. Lily stepped out in a stunning black dress, her usual tough exterior softened by the elegance of her outfit. She tried to keep her nerves in check, but Alexzander's appreciative gaze as he opened the car door made her heart skip a beat.

"You look... stunning," he said, a rare warmth in his voice.

Lily flushed, unable to hide her pleased smile. "I aim to impress."

"Keep that up, and you might," he teased, closing the door behind her as she settled into the car.

The drive to the restaurant was quiet, with an underlying tension between them that neither spoke about. But before they could even make it to their destination, Alexzander's phone buzzed. He glanced down at the screen and frowned.