The CEO's Spy

It's on You, Maxen

Walking through the lobby of Valentine Enterprises together, our stride was determined and fast. People couldn't help but to step aside and stare. Every time the employees did run into Maxen they had that kind of surprised look on their face, it was like they couldn't believe they could actually run into him. Reaching the elevator bank Maxen pushed the button and then flickered his eyes to me.

"I have meetings all day," Maxen told me.

Confused by that I simply nodded, "I know." I told him, unsure of where he was going with that, "I always know your schedule." I reminded him.

He chuckled, "That's not what I was trying to say." He told me, "So I have meetings all day and we'll probably won't see much of each other."

Also something I was aware of. It was how we operated on a daily basis at Valentine Enterprises. When we couldn't see each other all day we'd be emailing or calling each other. Since Maxen had meetings all day we'd be communicating via email.

"Maxen, it's nothing new to us."

He ran his fingers through his hair which messed up that perfectly gelled hair of his. Quickly reaching out to him I fixed it, annoyed that he let his guard down like that right in front of people who feared the mere thought of him. We always joked about Maxen working hard to create a certain image, but he did succeed. His employees respected him while his rivals were jealous of the man who kept Valentine Enterprises running. Dropping his guard for even a split second in front of the wrong person could have devastating consequences.

"Don't do that." I whispered to him, "We'll talk in your office."

The elevator arrived and people stepping out couldn't help but glance over their shoulder in awe of meeting Maxen Valentine like that. Holding back a sigh I stepped in first, my cheeks heating up when I felt someone grab my wrist. Glancing aside I noticed the determined look in Maxen's eyes. He stepped in with me, the both of us standing in the back of the elevator nearly pressed against the mirrored wall. He didn't release my wrist though, he kept staring straight ahead while I hesitantly pushed the button to our floor. We waited patiently for the doors to close, some people rushing to make it so they could tag along. While Maxen stared at the digital display I tried to pull out of his tight grip, but he wouldn't let go.

"You know my schedule like the back of your hand, there is no time to discuss things in my office."

"So we talk after all of that." I quietly told him.

"My workday ends late, I have a business dinner tonight."

"So I'll join you."

He smiled, flickering his eyes to me, "Of course you will. We'll head to my place afterward."

I clenched my fist, trying to hide the fact that I trembled all over hearing him demand that of me without hesitating. The way I wanted to respond was not the way I could respond to him. There were nine people in total standing in the elevator if Maxen hadn't been beside me all of them would have been loudly discussing their day. Somehow everyone remained silent this morning though. I could only assume those busybodies were trying to catch the conversation I was having with Maxen. So I tried to keep it as professional and uninterested as possible by responding in a monotonous voice and wearing a mask void of emotion.

"Sure."

It's not like I haven't been to his place before, but since things were different between us I felt a little nervous heading to his place now, especially after having great food and amazing wine with him tonight.

"Great." The little twitch of his lips made me want to get back at him, but instead, I straightened my pose and looked right ahead trying to keep as cool and collected as possible.