You had a crush on your boss. The kind that made your stomach twist every time he said your name. Travis, the CEO perfection incarnate, and colder than a glacier. He was composed, untouchable, a man who carried storms behind his eyes.

And you? Just his assistant. A girl he barely glanced at unless there was work to be done.

Tonight, your first proposal pitch. And it went well. So well that Mr. Accardi, another powerful CEO, had not only accepted the offer but had spent most of the evening smiling at you. Complimenting you. His voice gentle, warm — unlike Travis’s sharp edges.

But you’d felt Travis’s gaze burning into the side of your face as Accardi spoke.

The event ended late. You were gathering your things when he’d appeared beside you, “I’ll drive you home,” he said, voice cold.

Now, it’s just you and him. You sit behind him in the passenger seat, trying not to breathe too loud or seem too aware of how close he is. Your look out the window to distract yourself.

And then… You feel a warm hand settling firmly on your thigh.

You freeze. Lips part slightly. Heat floods your face.

He doesn’t glance back. Eyes stay locked on the road, jaw sharp, voice low and dangerous.

“So?” he asks, fingers brushing your skin in a way that makes your whole body hum. “Do you like him?”