The Next Morning – Vierra Holdings
Kirah walked into the office like every other day, ignoring the hushed whispers and sudden glances that followed her. Something was clearly up.
But she wasn't interested in office gossip. She had enough on her plate—files, security audits, performance reviews… and Dominic Vierra.
She sat down, opened her system, and only then did her curiosity get the best of her. She clicked on a trending business interview link that was all over the company's intranet.
Dominic was sitting in his usual flawless suit—dark navy, his jaw slightly clenched, and his eyes dangerously intense.
> "Are you married, Mr. Vierra?"
"No."
"Engaged? Kids?"
"None."
"So you're fully single then?"
Dominic had leaned forward slightly, his voice steady.
"No. I'm not single. There's someone I care about deeply. Someone I love. And I plan to keep her."
Kirah's heart stopped.
She couldn't even move. Her pulse was louder than her breathing. Was he… talking about me? she asked herself.
As if summoned by fate, her phone rang.
Naya.
"Kirah!" Naya screamed excitedly through the phone. "Are you the girl the almighty, untouchable, irresistible Dominic Vierra is in love with?! Tell me right now before I lose my mind!"
Kirah stammered. "I—I don't know—"
"Girl, HOLD HIM TIGHT. Lock him down! You have no idea how many girls in this country would kill for a man like that."
Kirah rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're being dramatic."
"I'm being realistic!" Naya clapped back. "Anyway, you owe me gist later. Bye!"
Kirah hung up, still dazed. She touched her cheek unconsciously and tried to compose herself.
---
Later That Afternoon – Dominic's Office
Kirah walked in, her usual stack of reports tucked against her chest.
Dominic was finishing up a call, seated behind his desk. His gaze flicked to her like a reflex, and she could see the tension ease from his shoulders the moment their eyes met.
He missed her.
And she… missed him too.
She placed the documents on his desk and offered a subtle, professional nod. "Your reports, sir."
But as she turned to leave, he hung up abruptly.
"Kirah," he said softly.
She paused.
Dominic stood. He didn't walk over. He didn't speak further. Just stood, watching her like he was drinking her in.
She turned fully, confused, her brows furrowing. "Yes?"
His lips parted slightly, as if words failed him—and then he moved.
With only a few strides, he reached her. Before she could step back or raise another barrier, his arms encircled her waist and pulled her flush against him.
She gasped, surprised—but not resisting.
His hand rested possessively on her lower back, the other gliding down slightly until it cupped her ass firmly. She inhaled sharply, her lips parting from the sudden contact. Her eyes fluttered shut for a split second.
A tiny moan escaped her lips.
He smiled faintly. "You don't know what you do to me."
Kirah opened her eyes, and in that moment, he kissed her.
It wasn't like the desperate night at the party.
This was slower. More patient. Intoxicating.
Her lips moved with his, her hands gripping his shirt tightly, her heart drumming in her chest. She shouldn't be doing this, not here—not with her boss. But logic drowned in the heat blooming between them.
His tongue teased hers. Her body pressed against his.
And then—she felt it.
Hard. Against her thigh.
Dominic groaned low in his throat as if he was holding back the urge to go further. He pulled back slightly, brushing her lip with his thumb.
"I've missed you so damn much."
Kirah swallowed, chest heaving. "Dominic…"
"I know," he said, pressing his forehead to hers. "I'm not asking for too much. Just… let me prove it to you."
She took a slow breath and stepped back from his embrace, smoothing her blouse and trying to find her balance again—mentally and physically.
"We're still at work," she whispered.
Dominic smirked. "Unfortunately."