Silas Hale, the youngest billionaire and CEO of Hale Inc., has transformed his bleak childhood memories into a global empire of innovative, welcoming hotels. Known for his ruthless perfectionism, Silas's life changes when he hires Vivienne Onaïs as...
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"Silas." A warm hand shook my shoulder softly. The voice was comforting and so close, I breathed in a faint vanilla scent. One very familiar.
Disordered, my eyes slowly blinked open to see Vivienne's face near mine. Still not fully awake, I lifted my arms and pulled her to me by the waist, my cheek resting on her shoulder. My lids shut again at our proximity.
"Oh my God, Silas. You can't sleep here." She didn't step out of my hold. Though, she did keep tapping my back. I let out a low groan, the sleep finally starting to leave me.
"What are you still doing here, Vivienne?" I mumbled into her neck, in response I felt her shiver. Not helping myself, I took her in once more, my hands holding her a little tighter.
"I just finished up a few minutes ago. It is nine pm."
Fuck I fell asleep.
I stared up at her. "But what are you doing here? You could've left immediately."
She stepped away from me, shrugging. "Just passed by and decided to check."
I frowned. "You see the lift before my office."
"And the stairs are past your office." She bit back, annoyed at the questions. It was a cute look.
I raised an eyebrow. "Seven flights of stairs?" I asked again despite her irritation.
"Yes."
"How active of you."
Her eyes narrowed at me. "Do you want me to leave?"
"No." It was nearly comical how fast I replied.
Thankfully she didn't react to it.
"So don't sass me."
I scrunched my nose. "I don't sass."
She threw me a knowing look. "Honey, you sass so much we are in a competition."
"You are in first place."
She looked at me in playful disgust. "There he go again."
I scoffed, withholding the laugh as I looked away. When I turned back to her, I froze. She had a small smile on her face. "I love your smile."
My heart suddenly beat hard against my chest. Did I smile?
"I don't smile." I tried to brush off the compliment.
"I just saw it. So yes, you do." She stepped closer and touched the corner of my lips. "And it's pretty."
I nipped at her finger close to my mouth. Her eyes flitted upwards to meet my own, eyebrows raising. "Feisty."
Not saying anything and done with her teasing, I stood up and tilted her head by the chin. Leaning in, my lips pressed against hers carefully. She responded in sync, my hand trailing down her back before I urged her to me. Her hands found themselves in my hair as she licked at my lips, kissing me with no restraint.
