I don’t move, afraid that it might result in something I’ll regret.
My heart pounds hard against my chest as Derik’s arms encircle my waist more tightly. Then, he leans against me with his forehead on my back. His breath is erratic, and I shiver when I feel him bury his face in the crook of my neck.
“What are you doing?” I ask stiffly, feeling my senses grow weak under his touch.
“Ten minutes. Just give me ten minutes,” his voice is gentle, almost pleading.
I keep quiet, unsure how to react. Derik always gives off a daunting aura, like that of an emperor whose every word is law. But this man with his arms around me is an entirely different person.
Is it because of the alcohol?
Again?
I sigh and sit quietly as I place a hand on his. He takes it as consent and continues to inhale me as if his life depends on it. We stay like this until his breathing steadies and my nerves relax. I never imagined I’d be able to feel such a sense of security in his arms, even with deafening silence.
“Is work that tiring?” I whisper after a while, unable to suppress my curiosity.
He breathes rashly. I stiffen, feeling ticklish all over.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” he replies, peacefully, softly.
“You should rest.”
“Mmmm,” he hums. “I am resting.”
“Derik…” I hiss as his hands start lightly traveling up and down my arms. My heartbeat quickens again. When he stops, I breathe in relief to which he replies with a groan of objection.
I snicker. Did he just try to act cute with me?
“I…I missed you,” I venture timidly.
There’s only silence in response. But then his arms tighten around me.
A smile spreads across my lips as assurance and contentment fill me.
Feeling relaxed and safe in his arms, I inhale his scent deeply. It doesn’t take long before my eyelids grow heavy.
I open my eyes to sunlight. It’s morning and I’m in my own bed. Alarmed, I bolt upright and take inventory of myself.
Everything is normal.
I bite my lip when I feel my cheeks burning at the memory of Derik holding me like I’m his most prized possession.
It had to have been a dream.
Or another regrettable moment of weakness that will only drive him farther away from me.
Chapter 10
DERIK
L ooking down at a set of blueprints, I study the meticulously constructed design of the business center project. The six-building plan has been approved by the investors and local officials of Tucson. As it covers a large portion of the northern district of the city, it has attracted the attention of numerous businesspeople here. Fortunately, with the name and reputation of Lewis Corporation, everything from the acquisition of the land down to the most minute detail has been smoothly carried out. The possibility of a mistake or delay is slim, but one never can be too careful.
“Make sure no problems arise,” I order, shooting William a glance. Squinting my eyes, I redirect my gaze to the large open lot where the skyscrapers will be standing in a few months.
“Understood.”
“This is Natalie’s first job as a project manager. She needs to prove her ability to the senior executives of Quinn Industries. Make sure to assist her whenever she needs something. These old farts are just waiting for her to make a mistake.”
William’s mouth curls into a smile before nodding in agreement. He takes the blueprints from my hand and briefs me on the things that need my attention.
Since I’ve been away from headquarters, work has been piling up.
“When are you going back to headquarters, sir?” he asks.
“Not until this project is over.”
“Are you worried about Ms. Quinn?”
I frown. William has been my right-hand man since before Natalie even came into my life. He’s one of the few people I’m close to, and my most trusted at that. But he’s not the kind to pry, and always keeps his toes behind the line.
He’s like a confidante, so I don’t mind his question.
“Ms. Quinn is very capable,” he ventures. “She gets along with her colleagues. She’s very communicative with her team, as well. Ever since she started working, she has never sought my help. She’s found her way out when she’s stuck and solved problems on her own. She may be young, but she possesses the qualities of a good leader for Quinn Industries. She is very responsible.”
“Mmm.”
