The CEO's Challenge

Chapter 16: Healing Wounds

I walk into the office, my mind still foggy from lack of sleep. Damien and I stayed up way too late last night, laughing and joking around like a couple of teenagers. It was perfect, but now I'm paying the price.

I make my way to the elevator, yawning as I press the button for my floor. The doors slide open, and I step inside, leaning against the wall for support.

That's when I see him. Damien, looking dashing as always in his tailored suit and designer tie. He grins at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Morning, beautiful," he purrs, stepping into the elevator beside me. "Sleep well?"

I roll my eyes, fighting back a smile. "Like a baby," I lie. "You?"

"Like a rock," he replies, his tone dry. "Woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck."

I snort, shaking my head at his dramatics. "Poor baby. Maybe you shouldn't stay up so late next time, huh?"

Damien just smirks, his eyes never leaving mine. "Maybe you shouldn't be so irresistible, and then I wouldn't have a choice."

Before I can respond, he's closing the distance between us, his lips finding mine in a heated kiss. I melt into him, my hands coming up to tangle in his hair.

The elevator dings, signaling our arrival on our floor. Damien pulls back reluctantly, his breathing ragged. "Shit," he mutters, his eyes wide. "Almost got caught."

I giggle, straightening my clothes and smoothing down my hair. "You're insatiable," I accuse, playfully swatting at his chest. "We can't keep doing this at work, you know."

Damien grins, taking my hand and lacing our fingers together. "Watch me try," he says, his tone challenging. "Besides, it's not like anyone would dare say anything to the boss, right?"

I shake my head, laughing as we step out of the elevator. "You're impossible," I say, but there's no heat behind the words.

Damien just smiles, his eyes full of love and adoration. "And you're perfect," he murmurs, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. "Now let's go make some money, shall we?"

I settle into my office, booting up my computer and getting ready for a busy day. But before I can even get started, there's a sharp knock at the door.

I look up, surprised to see Veronica striding in, her face twisted into a sneer. "Well, well, well," she drawls, her voice dripping with disdain. "Look who's finally decided to show up to work."

I frown, my hackles rising at her tone. "Good morning, Veronica," I say coolly, refusing to rise to her bait. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

Veronica scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Don't play dumb, you little harlot," she snaps. "I saw you and Damien in the elevator. Seducing the boss, are we? Trying to climb the corporate ladder on your back?"

My jaw clenches, my anger rising to the surface. "Excuse me?" I hiss, standing up abruptly. "I don't know what you think you saw, but you're wrong. Damien and I are in a relationship, and we were just kissing. Nothing more, nothing less."

Veronica barks out a harsh laugh, her eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, please," she scoffs. "Don't try to pretend like you're anything more than a cheap whore, Nova. We all know what you really are."

Something inside me snaps, and I'm suddenly seeing red. "I've had enough of your bullshit, Veronica," I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "You have no right to be here, in this office, in this building. You're not an employee, you're not a client, you're nothing more than a parasite leeching off of Damien's success."