The Email [Yandere Boss x Reader]

Chapter 25 - Payday

The next morning, I woke to the cheerful ping of a notification on my phone. Blinking away sleep, I reached for the device and saw an email from payroll. Curious, I opened it and nearly choked on my own surprise.

What in the world?

This can't be right...

"Hayes!" I called out, my voice a mix of confusion and excitement. "Did you see this?"

He appeared in the doorway, already impeccably dressed for the day. "See what, darling?"

How does he always look so put together this early?

I held up my phone, eyebrows raised. "Our paychecks. They're... significantly higher than usual."

A mischievous grin spread across Hayes' face. "Ah, yes. I may have authorized a little bonus for the team."

Little?

This is anything but little.

"A little?" I laughed incredulously. "This is more than a little."

He sauntered over, plucking the phone from my hand to examine the screen. "Consider it fun money for our upcoming trip. I want everyone to enjoy themselves without worrying about expenses."

God, he's generous.

But is this too much?

I shook my head, both amused and touched by his generosity. "You're something else, you know that?"

"So I've been told," he replied with a wink.

That wink should be illegal.

A few days later, we found ourselves at the airport, the excitement of our impending "work trip" palpable among our small group. As we approached the gate, I noticed Jake and Sarah, two of our colleagues, whispering and giggling together.

"What's so funny, you two?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Jake's eyes twinkled with mirth. "Oh, nothing. We were just placing bets on how long it'll take for this 'business trip' to turn into a romantic getaway for you and Hayes."

Oh no, am I that transparent?

I felt my cheeks flush as Sarah chimed in, "My money's on 'before we even reach the hotel.'"

"Very funny," I muttered, trying to maintain my composure. "This is a professional trip, I'll have you know."

Who am I kidding?

Even I don't believe that.

Hayes chose that moment to return from checking our boarding passes. "Everything alright here?" he asked, his hand coming to rest on the small of my back.

His touch still sends shivers down my spine.

"Just peachy," I replied, shooting a warning glance at our still-grinning colleagues.

As we boarded the plane, I couldn't help but notice that Hayes had arranged for us to sit together, away from the others. "Coincidence?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He smiled innocently. "I have no idea what you're implying. I simply thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss our itinerary."

Yeah, right. 'Discuss the itinerary.'

Is that what we're calling it now?

"Uh-huh," I replied, unconvinced but not entirely displeased. As I settled into my seat, I caught Jake and Sarah exchanging knowing looks a few rows back.

Those two are never going to let me live this down.

Despite my protests, I had to admit there was a part of me that hoped they were right. As the plane took off, carrying us towards our destination, I allowed myself a small smile. Whatever this trip had in store for us, I had a feeling it was going to be unforgettable.

Maybe mixing business with pleasure isn't such a bad idea after all...