Chapter 10 10 Chapter 10 - Protective Instincts. Morris's POV The moment I closed my office door, Darren's face split into a mischievous grin. "Jesus Christ, Morris! Where did you find that goddess?" He collapsed into one of my leather chairs, still wearing that insufferable smile. "Paula has outdone herself this time." I narrowed my eyes, a surge of possessiveness tightening my chest. "Miss Hayes was hired based on her qualifications, not her appearance." "Sure, sure." Darren waved dismissively. "But those green eyes? That figure? Come on, man. How about we trade assistants? Jason can handle your schedule, and I'll take good care of your new "Enough. The word came out sharper than I intended. I placed my palms flat on my desk, leaning forward. "Miss Hayes is off-limits, Darren. I don't want you flirting with her or making her uncomfortable. She's here to work, not to be another conquest on your endless list." Darren's eyebrows shot up. "Wow. I've never seen you this territorial over an assistant before." He studied me with newfound interest. "Is there something you're not telling me? Did you already-" "This is strictly professional," I interrupted, though the lie felt bitter on my tongue. Something about Monica Hayes had gotten under my skin from the moment I'd laid eyes on her. Those stunning green eyes, the graceful curve of her neck, the way her blue dress hugged her perfect figure... "The Tokyo contracts, Darren. Focus. He shrugged, still smirking. "Whatever you say, boss." We had barely started reviewing the documents when a commotion erupted in the outer office. A shrill, grating voice that I recognized immediately penetrated the walls. "I don't care who you are! Do you have any idea who my father is? I'm going in!" I heard Monica's calm, professional response: "I understand, Miss Eddie, but Mr. Lorenzo is currently in a meeting. If you'd like to schedule an appointment- "How dare you! I don't need an appointment. Morris sees me whenever I want. Who do you think you are to stand in my way?" My blood began to boil. Vicky Murphy Eddie-the spoiled daughter of my financial director-was the last person I wanted to deal with today. She'd been throwing herself at me for years, despite my complete lack of interest "Miss Eddie, please lower your voice. I'd be happy to-" "Get out of my way, you worthless secretary, before I have my father fire you!" < 10 Chapter 10-Protective Instincts That did it. No one spoke to my staff that way-especially not to Monica. Darren raised an eyebrow. "Vicky Murphy's here. Want me to handle it?" "No." I stood up abruptly. "I'll deal with this." I yanked open the door with enough force to make it bounce against the wall. The scene before me made my jaw clench: Vicky Murphy, in a dress that was inappropriately tight and short for a business environment, standing over Monica's desk with her finger pointed accusingly. Monica was standing her ground, chin raised, professional composure intact despite the verbal assault. Something fierce and protective roared to life inside me at the sight.. I moved forward quickly-too quickly. Monica turned at the sound of my approach, and we collided. She stumbled backward, and I instinctively reached out, catching her by the waist to prevent her fall. The moment iny hands touched her body, electricity shot through me. I pulled her against my chest, steadying her, and was immediately assaulted by her scent-something delicate and floral that seemed hauntingly familiar. Her body fit against mine perfectly, as if she'd been designed to be held by me.. "Are you alright?" I murmured, my voice rougher than I intended. She looked up at me, those emerald eyes wide with surprise, her lips parted slightly. Our faces were inches apart, and for one insane moment, all I wanted to do was lower my mouth to hers and taste her. My body responded instantly to her proximity-hardening painfully against the confines of my tailored pants. I prayed she couldn't feel my reaction, even as I found myself unable to release her. "Y-yes," she whispered, her breath warm against my chin. "I'm fine, Mr. Lorenzo." The formal address snapped me partially back to reality, but I still couldn't bring myself to let her go. Something about holding her felt achingly right, as if I'd done it before, as if she belonged in my arms. mya "MORRIS!" Vicky Murphy's shrill voice shattered the moment. "What is going on here?" I looked up to find Vicky's face contorted with rage, her eyes darting between me and Monica, who was still pressed against my chest. Darren stood in my office doorway, watching the scene with unconcealed amusement. Only then did realize I was still holding Monica possessively against me, my fingers digging into the soft curve of her waist, my body betraying exactly how much I wanted her. 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