Chapter 10: Chapter 10

The next morning after what Isabella heard her boss and his fiancee argued about. She tried to keep a low profile as she slink through the lobby, hoping to finish her work early and head out before Ethan sees her.

He can’t fire her if he can’t see her.

But she walks into her office to find Ethan quietly sipping coffee on one of the chairs in her office. “Mr Grayson! I didn't expect you to be in the company this early.” Isabella tried to compose herself but it was obviously shown on her face she was panicking.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you. You can be a difficult woman to find, when you want to be.” She stutters, trying to defend herself but then sighed, she knew it was coming sooner or later.

He was going to fire her. “Beautiful morning we are having, isn't it? It’s a great day to be gainfully employed.” She gave him a wide smile.

He looks at her, astonished. “I suppose it is. Are you feeling okay?” She nods her head to him. “I'm just so relieved I have a mature boss who doesn't fire people on a whim.” He drops the mug on the desk before getting to his feet. He reaches out to touch her arm. “I'm not going to fire you, Isabella.”

“But, Madelyn...”

“She isn't the boss here. Yes, she was upset about what happened at the club, but I wouldn't fire someone just to soothe her anger, no. Especially when everything you said to her was spot on.”

“Good, cause I'm not going to stop speaking my mind.” He chuckles softly, grinning from ear to ear. “I wouldn't want you to. Besides, if I fire everyone who voiced their opinion, I'd be an army of one. The world needs more thinkers like you, Isabella.” Ethan tilts his head to the side with a sparkle in his eye. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about this morning. I have a very important meeting which I have to be there, but I want you to be there. I want to show you something.”

“A very important meeting with your special guests is a little out of my league, don’t you think?” She spoke in awe. “Nonsense, I’ve seen your performance. I should've given you the position of Vice President Of Marketing instead of a supervisor.”

“Really? I'm flattered you even considered it.” She spoke, smiling sheepishly. “You're a bright woman, Isabella. Don’t sell yourself short.”

“Thank you, Ethan. Or should I call you ‘Mr. Grayson’ again?” She wiggled her brows at him which made him to chuckle. “Ethan is fine. Now the meeting will start exactly in an hour.”

An hour later, Isabella finds herself walking towards the grand hall where Ethan attends his private meetings. They head into the elevator. The door was about to close when someone slips their hand in. “Ethan, we need you. There’s a problem with the office in Brach B. Hey, Isabella. Charming seeing you today.” Liam smirks at her before winking.

“Hey, Liam. What did you do now?” He couldn't help but chuckle. “I never said it was my fault.” She returns a smile. “Strategic guess.”

“Damn. Isabella, I guess you have to handle this meeting yourself. I'll send in Tyler to assist you.”

“I can take her off your hands and skip the meeting altogether. I'm sure Tyler can handle the meeting alone.” Ethan glared at his brother. “I like this idea even less.”

“The meeting is starting soon. I'm sure I can handle it, right?” Isabella said, despite the fact that she was anxious. “That’s right. Alright, follow me.”

She falls into step behind Ethan, but hesitates when she notice Liam giving her on inscrutable look. Ethan walks to the front of the conference room as Liam pulls up the video call with the LA office.

She takes her place next to the other executives at the table. Ethan catches her eye and nods in approval. After a brief delay, a man pops up onto the big screen in the room. The man starts speaking in Spanish which astonished Isabella when Ethan responded back. Everyone heard what the man said, he changed his language to English. The executives around her start to murmur at the news.

“Suspect?” A lily murmurs. “Darell always had a flair for the dramatic.” Olivia spoke lowly.

“Our customer DNA profiles are in the database. If the data gets out, it’ll be the most catastrophic violation of privacy in our lifetime.” Ethan seethed.

“Our stock is going to plummet.” The man on the screen called Darell spoke. “Our stock? What about the millions of customers who trusted us?” Ethan closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Isabella glances over at Liam. “Is this really as bad as it seems?” She whispers to Liam, petrified. Liam heaved a desolate sigh. “Worse probably,” he retorted, gloomily.

“Darell, how did a former employee even have access to those files?” Ethan questioned, furiously. “That was my fault, Mr. Grayson. I lost my temper and gave him immediate notice, instead of following our usual protocol. I'm so sorry...” Ethan holds up his hand, and Darrell stops talking.

“Seal off the complex and tell security to do a thorough check up, building to building. Then, alert the police. Call me as soon as its done. Your job is on the line here, Darell.” Ethan disconnects the call, then turns to the rest of his employees. “Olivia, follow up with the LA office in an hour. Lily, I'm going to need projections on the impact of the breach.”

Olivia nods her head. “You've got it, boss.”

“Liam, write up a press release. You've always been good at getting people who should be mad at you to calm down.” Liam gave him a bright smile. “It is one of my many talents.”

Ethan’s cell phone starts to buzz, and he sighs. “It’s my mother. I have to take this.” Ethan steps outside to take the call, and the other executives turn to Isabella. Their faces were unfamiliar. “Hey.... I...I'm Isabella... Jonathan.” She mutters, anxiously.”

One of the executives gave her a cheesy look. “So you're ‘the Isabella’ that explains a lot.” Isabella gapes her eyes at the woman. “It does?”

“Don’t worry about Martha. She’s always grumpy.” The lady called Martha opened her mouth to retort, but before she could get the chance to say anything, the receptionist interrupts.

“Ms. Jonathan, Mr. Grayson requested that you meet him in his office.” Isabella ignored the prying eyes all over her and quietly rose up, thanking the receptionist. She said goodbye to the new faces and headed to his office.

She knocks on the door, then peek her head inside. Ethan was still on phone, but waves her in.

“I'll update you again if there is an update, mom.... You know everything I do, I promise.” Ethan rolls his eyes as Isabella slips into one of the seats. She takes the opportunity to let her gaze rove over Ethan, drinking him in. When she finally reach his face, she's surprised to see his blazing eyes looking right at her. “Mom, I'll call you back.” Ethan hangs up the phone and turns to her.

“Sorry about all the excitement. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I invited you to one of my personal meetings.”

“No need to apologise. Besides, it’s been kind of... thrilling to see you in such.... action. I like the way you take charged.” Ethan’s eyes flash, and all she could do was to hold his gaze. He swallows hard, feeling the desire arouse. “Good to know...” He clears his throat afterwards. “It seems you’re quite the hit around the executives.” She gapes at him. “I am?”

“They looked so curious about you. Ah... not to speak of that, I booked the labs for this afternoon to make sure we have them all to ourselves.”

“Really but what about today’s work....”

“Ready? Because I am an impatient man, Isabella. I'm not sure I can wait that long to get you alone.” Isabella shifted in her seat. “What did you have in mind, Mr. Grayson?”

“We could have lunch together, away from the prying eyes of the employees. Honestly, after the morning we’ve had, we could really use the break from the office. What do you say, Ms. Jonathan?”

Isabella nods her head to him. “Let’s go.”

“Great. Let me send a quick text, and we can head up there.”

She excuses herself and went back to her office to grab her jacket. It’s not long before the two of them were walking along the high line, looking for a spot to stop and eat. “What about here?” She asks again when she spots another empty bench which had less people around it. “Perfect,” he muttered, beaming. They sit down and rifle through the picnic basket to see what the company chef packed.

“Are you telling me that they managed to whip all of this up after a ‘quick text’? There must be enough food for twenty people in here!” She holds up a board of mouth watering meal, including fresh biryani rice and chicken, to prove her point. “I admit, was hoping you would take me up on my offer, so I planed ahead a lit bit... but really, all the chef did was pack what they were serving in the cafeteria into a basket instead of onto a tray to send up to my office.”

“One of the perks of the job,” she murmurs before she takes a bite of her lunch. She tries not to moan at the deliciousness covering her tongue. “This is always my favourite.” Ethan smiles at her as he reaches for an olive and dips it in the sauce.

“So, first impression. I know you have never experienced those kind of meeting before. But what do you think?”

“Well, I think there’s nothing you cannot handle. And this I believe you would definitely come up with a great plan, I have seen it already.” Ethan reaches out and covers her hand with his for a moment. “I think you’d be a great fit. And the last thing I want to be is a ‘complication’ for your career. Regardless of what happens between us.”

“I know you're not the kind of man to hold that sort of thing against me... but still, it’s nice to consider giving me a promotion.” Ethan nods, then looks out over the view from the High Line. Despite the good weather, the park was quiet, as if they were the only people in the world up there. “I hope it didn't bother you too much to see me get so tensed in the meeting.”

Isabella beams softly. “Not at all. This company is your baby, and sometimes that requires tough love. In fact, I admire your strength and levelheadedness. You handles that crisis with such control.”

“I don’t always. Especially around you. It feels like everytime my control snaps, you're the one taking the burnt of it. That’s not fair to you.” Ethan sighed, brushing his hair with his fingers.

Isabella swallows thickly, knowing exactly what he meant. ‘I understand. I help you... release pressure from time to time.”

“You have no idea how often you've factored into me releasing pressure.” Isabella tried to restrain herself from his dark, desiring stare. He clears his throat, and a blush warms her cheeks. She has probably said too much than expected.

“Dessert?” He briskly changed the topic. “Dessert. Yeah, why not.” Ethan dips a bright red strawberry into a dish of chocolate and offers it to her. She takes the strawberry from him, tracing a tantalising line over her lower lip. Her eyes bore into his as she licks the chocolate away. “Mmm... that’s so amazing. Ethan, I need more...”

“Isabella...” She dips another strawberry into the chocolate, then she takes her time sucking at it’s tip, eating slowly. His jaw clenches. “Are you trying to kill me? Because it’s working...” She glances down at the stiff outline forming in his pants. “I can see that.” She beams, giving him a teasing look. Ethans takes a deep breath and leans back, putting space between the two of them. She could almost see the walls going up. “Isabella... I’m sorry you’re caught in the middle of all this.”

“All what?” She cared to ask. He heaves a sigh. “My life. My engagement. My desire. It’s unfair for me to put you through this, not when I can’t give you everything you deserve.” Ethan reaches out to gently cup her cheek, his thumb grazing the corner of her mouth. “But I can’t seem to stay away.”

“What if you are what I deserve?” She asked. She could barley focus on anything other than how much she wish he’d kiss her. He sighed again. “You have no idea how much I wish I met you first.”

“Ethan, it doesn't matter. We will figure it out. I'm not going anywhere. Not after finding you.” She assured him.

“Really? You’ll wait?” He asked, astonished. She nods, leaning into his touch. “Forever and ever, although I'd really rather we work something out sooner than that.”

He chuckles softly. “Me too. I will find us a clean way out of this mess. I promise.” Isabella nods, not sure if she believes him yet, but certain that he believes what he was saying. “For now, though, let’s just enjoy each other’s company, huh? For one work free day?”

She chuckles softly. “Agreed.” They finish their lunch together, chatting idly and trying to forget how much trouble she was in.

After lunch, Ethan takes her on a tour to the labs. “This is where all the Grayson’s enterprises magic happens.” He explains, a smile not living his face. “I can picture it now.” She responded, looking around the lab. That was the first time she was visiting the lab.

He leads her to a table with several pieces of hardware she has never seen, including a set of miniature robotic arms. “Ah. This is my favourite part of our new line. Granted, it’s got some kinks to work out.”

Ethan slips on a pair of snug beige rubber gloves and clenches his fists. The tiny robotic arms on the table clench their fists too. “Whoa! I can’t decide if you're a mad scientist or if the tin robot is too cute for words.” Ethan couldn't help but chuckle. “Are those the only options?” She raised her shoulders and smiled.

He furthers to show her more features of their latest work but nothing captures her attention like him. “I've never seen you so...sexy.” He takes a look at her, smiling. “I think it’s only sexy if you find science sexy.”

“Trust me you’re not just sexy with brains. But you’re maybe the sexiest, man alive to nerds.”

“I can live with that title.” He leans in, behind her. His lips brushing the edge of her ear as he whispers. “I never thought I'd get my hands on you again.”

“Ethan...” Her breath catches in her throat as she realized just how close he was... how much closer she wants him to be. How easy it would be to reach out and... she leans in closer until her lips were just breath away from his. She hesitates as her eyes flicks up to meet his. “What if someone walks in?”

“No one’s going to. I booked the lab for us. No one will dare interrupt.” And just like that, her resolve crumbles completely. Her lips fall open against his as his hands cup her face. Hurrying to face him, she wraps her arms around his neck.

“I tried so hard to hold back but it feels so good to let go.” She whispered in his ear. “I know exactly what you mean...” Their lips meet again, hungrily, swiftly. Her self-control frays fast as Ethan deepened the kiss. His finger tips gaze over her tingling nipples, only bits of fabric blocking his touch and leaving her desperate for more. She suck his tongue, hard and adamant and he groans loudly. “Isabella...”

Ethan’s hands run down her body, pulling and tugging as he helps her out of her clothes. “I always think about this, about you, everyday.” He finally bares her chest and leans down to suck on the newly exposed skin of her shoulder... then her neck... then lower... “Ethan...” She pulled his blazer from his shoulders, then pop open the buttons on his short. She reached out to touch his body, but he binds her in his arms as his tongue plays with her nipples. “I could kiss you forever, Isabella.” He nips at her, and she gasp, arching into his touch.

“I'm tired of just kissing,” she moans out eagerly. He growls as she grid her hips against his, desperate for some sort of friction. “What has gotten into you.” He whispered, staring into her eyes. “I liked seeing your sexy dominant side. You were so firm and strong and hard with that Darell guy, showing him exactly what kind of boss you are...” Isabella pulls him closer and whispered, “and it turned me on.”

He gripped her thigh. “Remind me to let you watch whenever I discipline someone at work.” She pulls him even closer, letting out a low moan as his hips brush against her centre. “I’d rather you discipline me instead.” Their mouth came together again, lips opening to let their tongues tangle. His fingers slip beneath her bra, teasing her perked nipples with his thumbs. “What are you doing to me, Isabella?” He growls, tracing his lips down her neck. “You're the one who... oh... it makes... me...” She trails off, unable to finish the thought as his hands dip lower. Pleasure surges through her body, drowning her in ecstasy.

Everything was moving so fast and she couldn't keep up, couldn't catch her breath, couldn't think straight. “Ethan, are you sure?” She asks, unsure of what they were about to do. He lifts his head to look into her eyes, the intensity burning through her. He takes her hand and lays it across his chest. She feels his heart hammering against her palm. “I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I've never wanted anyone more in my life... Don’t you feel the same way, Bella?” She stares at him hesitantly. “I... have never been more sure of anything too. No matter the consequences. I'm all in.” Ethan’s eyes rove over her body, and she feels herself growing hot beneath his gaze. “Tell me what you want, Bella. Whatever it is, it’s yours. I’m yours.”

Her hips buck against his, thrilling at the heat, at the friction. “Ethan, I want you to put me against the wall.” He couldn’t help but chuckle his voice echoed through the walls. “Your wish is my command.” Ethan’s lips seek hers out once more. He walks her backwards until she’s flushed against the wall, trapped between it and him. She reaches out to touch him, but Ethan smirks as he grabs her hands again. He lifts them over her head, pressing them against the wall. “Not yet.”

“But I want to touch you... oh.” She gasps as Ethan sinks to his knees before her, kissing a blazing path down her body as he goes. With a devilish grin, he lifts her leg over his shoulder and buries his face between her thighs. “ohmyGod... Ethan...”

His tongue rolls over the fabric of her panties, teasing and torturing her as she writhes against him. “Ethan, I...” Ethan cuts her off. “I've got you, Isabella.” Ethan hooks a finger into her panties, but before he could do anything else... they hear a buzzing sound outside the lab. “what was that?” He got on his feet. “Someone just used their keycard to enter the hall.”

“What?” They both hurry to make theirselves presentable as another closer buzz sounds. Liam strolls into the lab, holding a phone to his ear. “He should be just in here--” Liam trails off, giving them a puzzled look. “Oh... Liam, what a pleasant surprise,” Isabella stuttered. “What are you doing here?” Ethan asked, trying to restrain himself.

Liam cocks his head to the side, giving them both a questioning look. A look of great bitterness swept across his face. He clenched his fist angrily. “Madelyn, I'm gonna have to call you back...”