He's the Boss (Dance with Me #1): Boss-Employee Romance

Chapter 22: A Twist of Fate

Brooke

"Sax," Linc pulls back, creating a void in the warm cocoon we'd been in. "How'd it go?"

My heart refuses to slow, the rush of adrenaline from our dance morphing into a frenzy of what-ifs. The loss of Linc's warmth feels like a rude jolt back to reality. My instinct is to reach for him, to draw him close and nestle into the sanctuary of his chest. If only we could play pretend a little longer, but we can't. With Cat and Layla spotting us together, and worse, Claudia witnessing our stolen kiss, we are on thin ice. Claudia's penetrating gaze bores into me, making my stomach churn. Linc was wary of attracting unwanted attention from her, and now, a momentary lapse in judgement might serve me up as fodder for his parents. It's a foregone conclusion—she will relay our indiscretion to Linc's parents.

"Needed three stitches," Saxon grumbles, showcasing his bandaged hand. "Doubt I'll be up for any heavy lifting anytime soon."

"I'm sorry, man," Linc apologises. "I assumed Claudia would drop you home."

"I didn't want to leave my car behind, so asked her to get me here."

"You won't be able to drive. I can cover an Uber for you."

"No need," Saxon dismisses. "I'll manage. Or Kane will pitch in."

Kane, ear wigging, nods at Linc in confirmation.

"All right, if you need anything, give me a shout. In the meantime, I need to check in with Tease."

"Linc," Claudia calls out, in hot pursuit as he turns to leave.

Instead of acknowledging Claudia, Linc swivels towards me. His forehead is creased with worry, and his verdant gaze communicates a silent apology. We'd been cautious ever since his parents arrived, but one impulsive move could have jeopardised it all. The notion makes my stomach roil as he signals Claudia to follow him. Watching them exit the bar area feels like the life is being sucked out of me, the adrenaline rush dissipating, leaving behind exhaustion and anxiety.

I pivot towards Saxon, who seems displeased. A pang of guilt niggles at me—he had poured so much effort into this dance routine and was eager to perform alongside us.

"I'm sorry you couldn't join us tonight. It wasn't the same without you."

His chuckle is devoid of its usual good-humoured note. "I bet you found dancing with him far more enjoyable than you would have with me."

"Saxon..."

"Stop." Saxon's voice is curt, his words biting. A cold knot of rejection twists in my gut.

"I—"

"Did you know she's been digging for dirt on you and Linc?" His stare is sharp, glacial.

"I'm sorry about that."

"Be careful, Brooke." His words hit like a blow, not so much for the content, but for the frosty look in his eyes and the icy sting in his voice. I realise then that my situation doesn't just endanger me, it puts those I care about in the crossfire, too.

Is it selfish to desire Linc? Unquestionably.

Yet, I've spent nearly a decade being the selfless one, caring for my ailing mother and then my sister. Dancing, working, being with Linc—these have been my sole sources of happiness in recent years. So yes, it might be selfish, and it might end catastrophically. But it's a risk I chose to take. The question is, should others bear the brunt of my decisions?

***

Linc

As Claudia marches into my office, I close the door behind her, sink into my chair, and brace for the inevitable confrontation. It isn't long in coming.