No Mixing Of Business With Pleasure.

“I’m sorry, sir, but that’s not possible. And please, would you do me the honor of stepping back a little from me,” I said to the man walking closer, instinctively moving back myself.

He was none other than my boss — the man I currently worked for.

“And why is that?” he asked, watching me with a raised brow.

I lifted my hand, pointing toward my ring finger, the expensive diamond glinting under the light. “Because I’m one hundred percent married, sir. And I’m sorry, but I don’t like any other man coming close to me.”

As the words left my mouth, my back hit the wall behind me. My breath caught.

How did I even get myself into this situation? Why was my boss cornering me, and why was he looking at me like that?

He leaned in, his face drawing nearer until I could see the seriousness in his eyes. “Is that so, Mrs. Arthur?” he murmured, his voice low and deliberate. The sound of it sent chills racing down my spine, and I swallowed hard, feeling my heartbeat quicken uncontrollably beneath his gaze — those deep, beautiful blue eyes holding me captive.

“Well, I’m sorry, sir,” I managed, my voice a little bit shaky with desire, “I do not cheat on my husband.”

In an instant, his hand found my waist, his grip firm as he pulled me closer. His face hovered just inches from mine, his body pressing strongly against mine, the air between us thick with unspoken tension.

“Cut it, Christina,” he said, his breath brushing against my lips, warm and unsteady, with eyes filled with desire that could eat one's soul.

But I refused to back down. “You said it yourself, Mr. Arthur,” I retorted softly, meeting his gaze head-on. “No mixing of business with pleasure.”

How did we end up here, you might ask? Well, it all started on one boring day three years ago. My friends came up with the idea of going clubbing — and honestly, I jumped at it. I was about to die of boredom.

I had just started working at one of the biggest firms in the city, and all I seemed to do was work, sleep, and repeat. No fun, no social life — just endless deadlines and exhaustion.

So when my friends suggested a night out, I didn’t even hesitate. I needed it. Badly.

That night, the club was alive — music thumping, lights flashing, bodies moving. I was on the dance floor, drink in hand, feeling wild and free for the first time in a long time. I mean, who doesn’t love partying on a Friday night when the only plan for Saturday is nursing a hangover?

So, like anyone in desperate need of fun, I decided to let loose completely — dancing, laughing, and wasting myself away with my girls. If you knew me, you’d know I love to party.

“Shake that ass for me, mama!” my friend Skylar yelled over the music, and of course, I did exactly that, earning a round of cheers and laughter.

We danced, danced, and danced until I realized my drink was empty. “Hey, guys! I’m going to grab another one!” I called over the music.

“Get one for me too!” Beatrice shouted back.

“Same here!” Skylar added, throwing her hands up as I grinned and made my way toward the bar.

Leaning against the counter, I caught the bartender’s eye. He glanced my way with that familiar smirk. “You’re here again, huh? The usual?” he asked casually.

I gave him a teasing look, my lips curling into a playful smile. “You know exactly how I like it,” I said, dragging out the words just enough to make him chuckle.

He shook his head with a laugh. “Hmm, I thought you’d given up this lifestyle. Was starting to miss you.”

I burst into laughter. “Aww, that’s sweet. Well, you can miss me later—give me three, soldier.”

He nodded, still smiling, and turned to prepare my order.

The music pulsed through the floor, the bass vibrating in my chest. I couldn’t help myself, I started moving again right there at the bar, hips swaying to the beat. The place was packed, bodies everywhere, but I didn’t care. Your girl was getting it, and nothing else mattered in that moment.

While dancing, my back bumped into something solid, no, someone solid. The firmness of that chest alone told me this man definitely spent time in the gym. And from the feel of it, there was no mistaking he was male.

I turned around to face him, but he was tall, much taller, so I had to tilt my head up.

That’s when I saw them: the most striking pair of deep blue eyes I’d ever seen. They were sharp, almost glowing under the club lights. His hair was dark and sleek, his skin pale against the flashing colors, and his face… Well, let’s just say it looked like it had been sculpted with precision, sharp jawline, straight nose, and rose shaped lips that could make a girl forget her own name when kissed by it.

Then he spoke , “I’m sorry” and I swear I nearly melted right there on the dance floor with how husky and gentle his voice was. His dimples appeared when he smiled, and it was unfair how good he looked. A literal work of art. My mouth might have actually watered.

“Oh.” That was the only word that managed to slip out of my mouth as I stared at him. The man was that handsome — I wanted to eat him up right there and then.

“Your order’s here,” the bartender called out, effectively ruining my little fantasy. I turned toward him, and the smirk on his face said it all, he’d definitely seen the expression I’d given that man.

Before I could even recover, the gorgeous stranger beside me started placing his own order as he moved further to the bar. Then, out of nowhere, a sharp smack landed on my backside.

“Ow!” I yelped, spinning around, only to see Skylar grinning like a maniac.

“What took you so long with the drinks?” she laughed, half-tipsy, half-evil.

I grabbed a handful of her hair in retaliation, and she did the same to me. “Ahh!” we both shrieked before dissolving into giggles like two overgrown children.

When we finally stopped and caught our breath, I turned back to pay for the drinks, but the bartender just shook his head. “It’s been paid for,” he said with a teasing smile.

Paid for? I frowned. I didn’t remember paying for it. My eyes followed his subtle glance and landed right back on him.

The man. The one with the deep blue eyes. And sure enough, he was staring directly at me.

Oh. My. God. He’d seen me acting like an absolute idiot with Skylar. My face burned as I felt Skylar stiffen beside me, even she went silent when she got a good look at him.

He held my gaze effortlessly, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. Then he stepped closer, extending a hand.

“Hi,” he said, voice smooth and low. “I’m Michael Arthur.”

My heart skipped a beat, my cheeks flushed bright red, and one reckless thought shot straight through my mind—oh, I’m definitely getting laid tonight.