Page 14 of Mated To My Boss

“Do you think I ran away from you just to go and end up with someone else?” I ask. Madeline shrugs. “That's not what happened.”

“You could've had a change of heart.”

I scoff. “Please.”

I can't even tell her that the scent of every other woman repulses me. There's no way I'm going to be with someone else.

Madeline hums softly but doesn't say anything before moving closer to me. I can already feel the warmth of her skin, and I know she's doing this intentionally.

“I have a lot of work to do, if you don't mind,” I say before clearing my throat.

“I see, I see. Sorry to bother you. I have a bunch to do as well, you know.”

“You better get on that.”

She reluctantly moves away, but I miss her presence. I watch her walk away, noticing that every movement of her body is intentional. She turns her head to the side without fully moving her body.

“I'm not that far away. Feel free to come over anytime.”

“I doubt I will, but thanks for the offer.”

“We'll see.” She walks away, and I finally breathe easy again.

Having Madeline close to me is a risky game. I feel like I'm holding back a dam that's ready to burst. The moment I give in, I know I'm in for overwhelming pleasure.

That's what makes this so tempting.At least she hasn't been with anyone else. She must feel the same way I do.

I try to avoid being alone with her the rest of the day and a few more days after that. Thankfully, Cora keeps her busy in the office most of the time, but the second I sense that she has a break, I head out too.

The strategy works for a while until Graham begs me for a favor. “I need you to do this for me,” he says, “just this once. It doesn'thave to be a big deal, just address the interns and tell them they're doing a commendable job.”

“Why do they even need a pat on their back anyway?”

“It's for boosting morale,” Graham answers plainly. “I have errands to run, so please, just do this now and you'll never have to do it again.”

“Even I know that's not true. They're already waiting for you in the conference room.”

Graham pats me on the back and walks away. I shake my head with a sigh before heading to the conference room. It's one of the smaller ones, which surprises me even more when I see the sheer number of interns waiting there.

They all mumble greetings as I walk in, but I silence them with a raised hand. Once I get to the front of the conference room, I turn to address them.

My mate's scent is something I can still pick up, even though there are like two dozen other people. I spot her immediately at the back of the room, where she flashes me her best smile.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I know you're eager to wrap up for the day. I am too, but I've been told to address you and commend you on the great work you've been doing.”

The interns smile and look at each other. “Excuse me. Sorry about that. Can I move past?” Madeline weaves her way to the front of the group, offering sufficient distraction for me.

I do my best to focus on my speech, making sure I don't lose myself. “All I want to say is you've been doing great work and I hope you continue to keep it up. This will look really good for you when you're out of law school. I know some of the law firms have eyes on you now, so I’m glad you’re making the most of this opportunity. That's all, have a great day.”

I rush out of the conference room like I'm being chased, ignoring the people who want to stop me to ask questions.

I hear Madeline, directly behind me. “I can't believe you were so distracted. Was that because of me?”

“That's it.”

I push the door open and bring Madeline into my office. She seems very pleased to have gotten a reaction out of me.

“You need to stop this now,” I growl.

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