Y/n POV
I walked into his office and found Cassie there, carefully applying makeup to her face. When she noticed me, she paused and smirked.
"Cassie, you have to attend the meeting with Mr. Scot," I reminded her.
She let out a sarcastic laugh. "I know, I know," she replied, rolling her eyes.
I smiled, feeling a little amused by her response. "Okay then," I said, about to turn and leave.
Cassie looked up from her makeup and smirked. "So, do you like Kayden or James?" she asked, her tone casual but teasing.
I blinked, caught off guard. "Huh? Sorry, what?"
Cassie rolled her eyes, clearly not phased. "You heard me. If you like James, then go to him. Leave Kayden for me."
I frowned, shaking my head. "I don't like anyone," I said firmly. "I'm here for work, and that's it. Kayden is a good friend of mine, and so is James."
Cassie let out a sarcastic laugh, not taking me seriously. "Okay, okay, whatever. Who would even like you? Look at you— you look trash."
Her words stung, but I kept my cool. I turned to leave, but before I did, I shot back, "go to the meeting!"
I could feel her eyes on me, thinking her words would hurt. But I knew better. I wasn't perfect, and I knew that, but I had my dignity, and that was something she could never take away.
I walked into my cabin, feeling drained, and all I wanted to do was sleep. I closed my eyes and leaned back in my chair, hoping to catch a few moments of rest.
After some time, I felt a presence near me. I slowly opened my eyes and was met with the annoyingly familiar face of Mr. Annoying, standing way too close for comfort.
"Aah!" I jumped back in surprise and instinctively pushed him away. He had been so close, it was almost unsettling.
I quickly got up from my seat, trying to put some space between us.
"You have a fever," he said, sounding oddly concerned.
I frowned, irritation creeping into my voice. "It's none of your business."
He rolled his eyes, not taking me seriously. "Yeah, right," he muttered under his breath.
"Well, I'm here to give you this," he said, holding out my bracelet.
I glanced down at it, surprised. "I found it at my house," he added, as if it was no big deal.
I nodded, reaching out to take the bracelet, but as soon as my fingers touched it, he suddenly pulled me by my wrist. Before I could react, he grabbed my waist, pulling me closer to his chest.
My heart raced, the sudden closeness catching me off guard. I stood frozen for a moment, unsure of how to react.
"Leave me," I said, pushing against him.
Mr. Annoying smirked, refusing to back off. "Let me hug you," he teased.
I wiggled in his arms, trying to break free, but he just chuckled. Then, to my horror, he placed a wet kiss on my cheek.
"Ummm... soft and hot," he murmured with a grin, his tone laced with amusement.
I pushed him away with all the strength I could muster, just as the door swung open. Kayden entered, glancing between us.
"Are you okay, Y/N?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. He placed a box on the table before grabbing my hand gently. I nodded, still shaken by the whole ordeal.
Mr. Annoying's face twisted with anger as he glared at Kayden. "Don't ever come between us, Kayden," he snapped.
Kayden stood his ground, his expression unwavering. "I will, if you keep treating her like this."
In an instant, Mr. Annoying grabbed Kayden by the collar, his anger flaring. "She has to pay," he growled, his voice filled with fury.
Kayden didn't flinch. "And I'll protect her, no matter what," he said, his voice firm and resolute.
"Stop, please!" I pleaded, stepping forward. Both men turned to look at me, their faces tense with anger, but they seemed to hesitate. After a moment, Mr. Annoying glared at Kayden one last time, then stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The sound made me flinch, my heart pounding in my chest.
Kayden quickly wrapped his arms around me in a protective embrace. "I'm here, Y/N. You're safe now," he whispered, his warmth and comfort a stark contrast to the tension that had just filled the room.
"I—I really don't know why he's doing this to me," I stammered, feeling confused and overwhelmed.
Kayden gently placed his hand on my shoulder. "It's okay, it's okay. I'm here," he said, his voice soothing. I nodded, trying to steady myself, and pulled away from his embrace.
"Hey, here. Eat this," he said, opening the box he had brought in. I peeked inside and saw an assortment of chocolates and ice cream.
"Wow," I said, smiling a little at the sight. I grabbed a piece of chocolate and took a bite.
"Ummm, it's delicious," I said, unable to help but moan a little from the sweetness.
Kayden froze, his eyes wide, and his mouth slightly open as he watched me.
"Do you want some?" I offered him the chocolate, raising it to him. He nodded eagerly, and I gave him a bite.
He smiled at me. "Yeah, thanks. But... Kayden, you should go now. I told Cassie to attend the meeting," I said, feeling like I needed a moment to myself.
Kayden looked a little disappointed but nodded. "Ah—I can I kiss you on the cheek?" he asked hesitantly.
"Why?" I asked, a little taken aback by his request.
"Please," he said softly. "I just need it right now."
I hesitated, unsure, but then nodded slowly. He pulled me closer, his hands gently resting on my waist. His lips brushed against my cheek, and he placed a series of soft pecks—one after another—"Peck, peck, peck, peck."
I tapped his shoulder lightly. "Enough, Kayden."
"Umm, just a second," he murmured, before planting a few more soft pecks on my cheek—"peck, peck, peck, peck."
I quickly pulled myself away, feeling a little flustered. "You're getting late for the meeting," I said, look down
Kayden sighed but nodded. "Okay... after that, I'll drop you off, okay?"
I nodded quietly, and he left the room. I sat there for a moment, taking a spoonful of the ice cream. The cold sweetness helped calm my nerves as I tried to gather my thoughts.
---