Sweet Hatred Chapter 20: Promises

His steps followed, unhurried, lazy, like he had all the ti in the world to play with his food.

As soon as we were out of sight, away from the ears and eyes of the office floor, I turned to him sharply. "I almost forgot what a cold dick you are. There was no need for you to show up. Were you trying to play hero or just eager to see ?"

Kael barely spared a glance, pressing the button for the top floor. "You should be thanking ."

I let out a short, humorless laugh. "Thank you, my ass. I guess a proper hit to your balls would work."

The bastard smirked. "Patience firefly. You'll get your wish soon."

The elevator doors slid open, his hand hovering at the small of my back—not touching, but close enough to scorch. I stepped forward, arching away from him just to feel his breath hitch.

As we stepped into the executive floor, I caught sight of Mia—Kael's secretary or fuck buddy? Not that I was a saint myself.

She was already watching .

Her hazel eyes, lined with sharp black liner, narrowed ever so slightly that I've been tempted to ask for tips before, her lips pressing together like she'd just slled sothing rotten.

Ah. There it was. The territorial glare. Typical. Too bad it's for a sicko.

I smiled at her—sweetly, just to piss her off—and she instantly turned away, pretending I didn't exist.

"Mr. Roman," Mia cooed, stepping toward Kael with an ease that made want to gag.

She reached out, her manicured fingers landing lightly on the sleeve of his suit, smoothing over fabric that didn't need smoothing.

He didn't react, didn't even acknowledge her touch.

Interesting.

"Your schedule is clear until this evening sir," she continued, trailing her fingers lower down his arm. "But we still have that pending discussion to finish."

My gaze flicked between them. Were they going to start fucking in front of again or sothing? I better excuse myself.

Kael exhaled, finally looking at her with the blandest expression I'd ever seen. "We'll discuss it Thursday evening. Nine pm. You know where."

Mia's lips parted slightly, as if she'd expected sothing more.

Poor thing.

"I'll be out of the country," he added, stepping past her entirely, forcing her hand to fall from his arm like it was nothing. "Cancel my upcoming etings. I'll be back in two days."

Two days? Thank fucking God, I wouldn't see his ass. I could prepare myself ntally for whatever fuckery was going to happen between us. It was only few days but it was better than nothing.

Then Kael turned to . "And you're coming with ."

I blinked. "Excuse ?" My illusion shattered. Ah, the universe must really hate . Mia's shock mirrored mine. She shot glare but I was too distraught to feel the threat.

Kael walked toward his office, the door swinging open as he stepped inside. I followed, irritation—and sothing hotter bubbling under my skin. "What the hell do you an, I'm coming with you? Aren't I supposed to start things here?"

Kael leaned against his desk, crossing his arms in a way that strained his suit over his shoulders like this was just another mundane task. "International conference and business eting. You'll be assisting . It's part of your job. The one you're underqualified for."

My hands fisted instantly. Just one blow to that pretty face. I almost laughed ignoring his last comnt. "You want to go with you?"

He smirked. "You're making it sound like a request. It's an order."

God, I wanted to wipe that smirk off his face.

I exhaled through my nose, forcing myself to calm down. Think. Actually it didn't matter.

If I refused, I'd be playing right into his ga.

If I agreed, I'd be trapped with him in close quarters—his private jet, no less. The thought sent a traitorous curl of heat low in my stomach. Well frankly I signed up for it. So I had no tights to complain.

Before I could say a word, he continued, "Your office is still being prepared. Niko is handling it—it'll be across mine."

Oh, fantastic.

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut off with his next words.

"You'll also be spending the night with after the first eting."

Silence.

I stared at him, searching for any sign that he was joking.

Nothing.

His eyes were steady, unreadable, waiting for my reaction.

What was there to react to? He already got by the neck.

I tilted my head, my voice dropping into sothing sweeter, softer—dangerous. "I hope you sleep with one eye open, Mr. Roman."

Sothing flickered in his gaze.

Excitent. He liked that. Fucking psycho. "Who said anything about sleeping?"

Ah of course. Before the tension between us could stretch any tighter, the door swung open, and Niko stepped in, oblivious to the charged air crackling between us.

"The car's ready," he announced, glancing between us. "Airport in twenty."

Kael straightened, adjusting his cuffs. I exhaled, forcing myself to focus. I could handle this. It was just a flight. Just work. Just him.

A night. And the mory of his smirk, sharp as a blade, already carving promises into my skin.