Page 95 of Carnal Games

Two somethings.

My wide desk, made of burl wood, is the same with all the items neatly arranged the way I prefer. It’s the indoor plant in the right corner behind it that’s stolen my attention and has me frowning.

Then there’s the small flowerpot perched on the coffee table in the lounge area.

Who would decide to decorate my office without my permission?

“Arjun!” I call.

It’s the sound of fuck-me heels that come racing in a second later, bringing a scent of strawberries mixed with jasmine, that threatens to drown my lungs.

Did she change her perfume?

There goes my two-day streak of avoiding her. I purposely attended online conferences with my overseas partners that required Arjun’s presence over hers. Before she could accuse me of going back on my word, I told Arjun to share the summary with her without revealing anything confidential.

Space is what I needed from her naturally seductive charm, until I learn to behave in a strictly professional manner. Only then can I focus on unearthing Nathan’s real intention behind sending her into my life. It’s why I risked allowing her to invade it completely by making a deal, where it seemsshe’sthe devil, not me.

“Arjun isn’t at his desk,” she informs me in a saccharine sweet tone. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

I turn around and lose all track of my thoughts after one look at her. My mouth goes dry as I do a double take. It’s a good thing she wasn’t around when I entered my office because I’m pretty sure I would’ve come to a standstill in the middle of the hallway.

Since Iris began working, all I’ve seen her in are tight skirts and bright-colored tops that match her lively personality. They’re no less distracting with how they hug her frame, but they’re within the code of conduct.

What I’m seeing in front of me right now is so far out of the zone, it’s seconds away from giving me heartburn. She’s seemingly thrown the dress code out the window.

Why? To punish me for ignoring her since the mishap in the elevator?

“What are you wearing?” I demand in a rough voice.

Dolled up in a pretty blue floral dress, held up by a tie around her tiny waist and straight black hair loose around her shoulders, she looks like a young intern about to seduce the boss rather than my assistant.

The age gap between us couldn’t be more unmistakable.

Even if she were single, I’m still too jaded, hardened, and damaged to be worthy of her. I’ll end up destroying and crushing the light that surrounds her with the darkness that resides inside me.

“Umm…” She looks down at her clothes and utters it like a question, “A dress?”

“It’s highly inappropriate attire for the office, Miss Mannan,” I coldly respond. “You do realize you’re at work, not at a beach party? We also don’t have casual Fridays, in case you assumed.”

The blush on her high cheekbones deepens. Touching the ends of her strands that reach the tops of her tits, she shyly explains, “I don’t have a lot of formal clothes, and I didn’t get a chance to do my laundry.”

“We have a laundry service in our apartment building.”

“We do?”

“Yes.”

“Oh.” Dropping her hand, she smiles. “Thanks for sharing. I’ll make sure to use it. Now, what was it you needed?”

I point over my shoulder. “Who brought these plants in here?”

That perks her up, giving me my answer that she’s behind them being here. Lacing her hands together in front of her, she cutely replies, “I did. Do you like them? I think they brighten up your space. Plus, I read online that the money plant is perfect to keep in your office.” Walking to the lounge area with her hips swaying under the breezy skirt of the girly dress, she caressesthe petals of the small plant. “This is a peace lily. It came recommended too. Meant to bring good luck.”

I had every intention of removing them once I saw them, but now hearing her share about the deep research she did is making me hesitate. See, that’s why I wanted Arjun.

Around her, I’m second-guessing every decision.

If I don’t put a stop to it, she’ll take over my life.