Chapter 17 17 Chapter 17 - Deliberate Provocation Monica's POV I clutched my coffee mug and settled at my workstation, my knees still wobbly from the morning's events. Within minutes, an email from Mr. Lorenzo appeared in my inbox with instructions for tomorrow's meeting preparations. I dove straight into work, and by the time the office began buzzing with arriving employees, I had everything organized and ready. Paula strolled in with a handsome man on her arm, her eyebrows shooting up when she spotted "Monica? You're here at the crack of dawn? Good morning!" "Morning, Paula. Morris needed me to come in early to prepare materials for tomorrow's meeting." "That man," she shook her head disapprovingly. "Don't let him make this a regular habit." "It's fine, honestly. Got everything done ahead of schedule. I offered her a warm smile. The man beside her was studying me intently, his lips curved into an appreciative grin. He was definitely eye-catching - tall with sun-kissed skin, chocolate eyes, slightly overgrown black hair, and designer stubble. His tailored suit complemented his athletic build, and his glasses gave him an intellectual air. "Paula, Darren mentioned the new assistant was attractive, but he seriously undersold her - she's absolutely gorgeous!" His voice carried a friendly enthusiasm that felt genuine rather than sleazy. "She's going to have the whole office buzzing" "Oh, Jason, she already has," Paula replied with a knowing smile. "Let me introduce you two. Monica, this is Jason, Darren's right-hand man. Jason, meet Monica. You'll be collaborating frequently, but don't worry, Monica - despite his flirtatious manner, Jason is the consummate professional." "Delighted to meet you, Monica. I'm at your service for anything work-related, including fending off the inevitable admirers who'll be circling your desk." Jason extended his hand, and as I shook it, I sensed we'd become good friends. "Likewise, Jason. Looking forward to working together." We spent the morning coordinating our responsibilities, as our roles required perfect synchronization. Throughout those hours, my boss remained cenicuously absent. By eleven, we had our systems perfectly aligned we would operate with Swiss-watch precision from now on. Jason invited me to lunch, while Paula excused herself to attend video conferences with the Windsor office. As Jason went to gather his things, I finally stretched my legs to refill my coffee when a familiar whistle caught my attention. 17 Chapter 17 - Deliberate Provocation "Is this going to be our daily routine now, Darren?" I asked, turning with a smile. "Not intentionally, Monica, but with that dress? What did you expect? You know you're stunning. And your boss is in serious trouble, he replied mischievously. "Speaking of whom, is Morris in?" The office door swung open before he could finish, and my boss's irritated voice cut through the air: "Darren, I've warned you about this!" When Morris's eyes landed on me, they blazed with barely contained desire. I couldn't resist the opportunity to provoke him further. "Would you prefer some chamomile tea, sir?" His eyes narrowed dangerously as he let out a low growl. Darren observed our exchange with visible confusion. "Since when do you drink chamomile tea?" he asked his friend. "Since my assistant decided to test the limits of my patience," Morris replied without breaking our eye contact. I placed my hand innocently against my chest. "I would never dream of it, Mr. Lorenzo! Darren, can I bring you some coffee?" "Yes, please, Monica." I walked away deliberately slowly, feeling their gazes following my every move. Mr. Grumpy was surely regretting challenging me now. After preparing the beverages, I arranged them on a tray. Dorothy approached as I was leaving the break room, reaching for the tray. "Monica, dear, let me take that. It's not part of your responsibilities." "I don't mind this time, Dorothy," I insisted with a smile, gracefully exiting with the tray. At my boss's office, I knocked softly before entering. With calculated grace, I placed Darren's coffee before him, then deliberately circled the desk to hand Morris his tea, making certain my neckline was directly in his line of vision. His eyes darkened with understanding - he knew I was tormenting him, and with Darren present, he couldn't react. As I turned to retrieve a napkin, I "accidentally" dropped it to the floor. I bent down slowly to pick it up, positioning myself to give Morris an unobstructed view of my backside, taking my sweet time before standing up. His audible growl confirmed my success in creating another uncomfortable situation for him. When I straightened, Darren's amused expression told me he was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Before I could say anything, Morris shot up from his chair, snatched the napkin from 11:31 17 Chapter 17- Deliberate Provocation my hand, and leaned in close, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper: "The next time you flaunt that perfect ass at me, I'll bend you over this desk, forget all about you being my assistant, and take you until you beg me to stop. Understood?" My eyes involuntarily dropped to the prominent bulge in his pants. I swallowed hard. What was it about this man that left me so completely aroused? Like a Greek god, he was a walking invitation to sin. I was utterly doomed. "Did you understand me, Monica?" he pressed. "Y-yes, sir." Darren's laughter erupted from across the desk. "You two should just get it over with and sleep together. With this much sexual tension, it's inevitable. Save yourselves the stress of fighting the unavoidable." We both turned to glare at him simultaneously. Unfazed, he grabbed his coffee and headed for the door, adding, "Don't say I didn't warn you!" When Morris's eyes met mine again, he closed them in frustration, running his hands over his face a gesture I'd noticed he made when overwhelmed. It was oddly endearing. Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, I pivoted and made my escape. I spent the remaining pre-lunch hour focused on work. At noon, Jason bounced in enthusiastically: "Ready for lunch, Monica? I'm famished!" "Absolutely, let me just check if Mr. Lorenzo needs anything first." I called rather than entered his office- I wasn't risking another confrontation. He approved my lunch break, though he still sounded agitated. We visited a charming café near the office. Jason proved delightful company chatty, funny, and genuine. He shared that he was married to his childhood sweetheart but childless so far. When he inquired about me, I mentioned being a single mother. 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