Page 47 of King of Ruin

"I've started to think..." he said, his voice rough with quiet amusement, "...that you like being punished."

***

Elise stood quietly for a moment, smoothing the front of her blouse with both hands before brushing a loose strand of hairbehind her ear. Her cheeks were still tinged pink, the warmth refusing to leave no matter how many calming breaths she took. She lightly pressed the back of her fingers against her face, silently hoping the redness would fade before she stepped outside.

It didn't.

Letting out a small, almost helpless sigh, she bent to pick up the folder that had slipped onto the carpet before straightening again. She stole a quick glance toward Xavier.

He had already put himself back together with the same effortless composure he carried into every board meeting. His suit jacket was buttoned neatly over his broad shoulders, his tie perfectly straight, and not a single strand of his long black hair had fallen out of place. Sitting comfortably on the leather sofa with one ankle resting over his opposite knee, he casually flipped through a financial report as though he had been doing nothing except working all morning.

The only thing betraying him was his gaze.

Without lifting his head, his eyes slowly traveled from the papers in his hand to her, lingering on her long, bare legs for a quiet moment before returning to the document.

Elise unconsciously lowered her eyes, suddenly becoming aware of how flustered she still felt. She cleared her throat softly before tightening her grip on her handbag.

"If... there's nothing else," she said gently, "I'll return to my office now."

Xavier finally closed the file with an unhurried motion and placed it on the coffee table in front of him.

"There is."

Elise paused halfway to the door and looked back.

He leaned back against the sofa, one arm resting lazily along the backrest while his other hand adjusted the cuff of his sleeve with slow, precise movements.

"Bring your work in here."

She blinked.

"My work?"

"I want today's files, your laptop, and whatever else you need."

His gaze lifted to meet hers.

"You'll work in my office."

Elise instinctively hugged her phone a little closer.

"I can work from my own office," she replied softly. "If you need me, I'm only a few steps away."

Xavier rose from the sofa.

The movement was slow and unhurried, yet somehow carried enough intensity to make the spacious office suddenly feel much smaller. Slipping one hand into his trouser pocket, he walked toward his desk before stopping behind it. He rested both palms lightly against the polished wood and looked at her over the rim of his glasses.

"I wasn't asking for your opinion."

Elise lowered her gaze for a brief second before giving a small nod.

"...Alright."

Satisfied, Xavier picked up another file and opened it.

"You have five minutes."

Knowing there was little point arguing further, Elise quietly left the office, gently closing the heavy wooden door behind her.