Page 18 of Christmas with Billionaire's Runaway Bride

"Michael, we have crossed the boundaries so many times already. Don't you think that this jeopardizes my work and how people will view me once they find out?" I ask genuinely.

"We both knew what we were getting into before you agreed to work for me," Michael tries to say, but I am immediately filled with fury.

"I came here to work and find a way to be financially stable," I say sharply, not caring about him being the boss.

"Okay...okay, I am sorry for that. Allow me to drop you home, though. It is late, and it is not safe for you to be alone," he says. I don't argue with him anymore and step back as he heads to his office to pack up a few things.

Chapter Sixteen

Away on Business

Michael’s Point of view

After making sure that I had hired Claire, I decided to go to Europe for a couple of days. There was a three-day conference there, and I was the guest speaker. Normally, I don't agree to do such, but due to the pressure I was getting from my parents, I decided to go and ignore them for a while. On completion of the conference, my plan was to come back and find a way to stop my parents' plan. Their plans and suggestions were absurd, and I didn't know just yet how to refuse them. I didn't even know if it was possible to refuse them. They had called me a couple of days earlier to inform me about their arranged marriage. Guess what? They wanted me to marry someone they chose for me. I still cannot wrap my head around that concept. That is why I decided to stay in Europe for a couple more weeks.

During my extended stay in Europe, I found solace in the unfamiliar surroundings and the distance from my parents' relentless expectations. It gave me the time to reflect on my own desires and the life I wanted to lead. I attended more events, explored new cities, and met interesting people who were living life on their own terms. It was liberating to be away from the suffocating influence of my parents, even if only temporarily.

As the weeks went by, I began to gather the courage to have an honest conversation with my parents. I needed to assert my independence and make them understand that their arranged marriage proposal was not something I could accept. It was a daunting task, but it had to be done.

With renewed determination, I finally returned home, ready to confront my parents and stand up for my own choices and desires, regardless of the challenges it might bring.

Once I flew back and the moment I stepped into my house and saw the lady my parents wanted me to marry, I felt a wave of frustration and despair wash over me. It seemed like they were determined to push their agenda, regardless of my feelings and desires. Without saying a word, I retreated to my bedroom, pretending to take a shower or engage in some other task, just to avoid facing them.

In that moment, I made a choice. I decided to go to the office without telling them anything. I knew they would be furious, and my phone would soon be flooded with text messages and calls from them, but I wasn't prepared to confront them at that moment. It was a difficult decision, but I needed some space and time to gather my thoughts and plan how I would assert my own wishes in the face of their expectations. As I expected, my parents called after me as I left the house, but I didn't turn back. I got into my car and headed to the office. There, I found Claire working diligently. The moment I laid eyes on her, all my worries seemed to fade away, and the only thing on my mind was how much I had missed her.

I had missed her smile, her large eyes, and the way she always looked at me with admiration. I quickly noticed that she had settled into the company easily, and as I approached her, she greeted me respectfully. It felt refreshing to see her again, even in the professional setting. As I got past her, a whiff of her scent hit my nose, and a rush of emotions flooded back. I longed to hold her close and maybe even kiss her, but the presence of so many people in the office restrained me. It was a struggle to contain my feelings, especially with the memory of our previous encounters still fresh in my mind.

I knew that expressing my feelings for Claire in the workplace wasn't appropriate, and it could complicate our professional relationship. So, I decided to maintain a composed demeanor and focus on the tasks at hand. Throughout the day, I couldn't help stealing glances at Claire, admiring her from a distance. It was clear that she was not only a valuable addition to the company but also someone who had a special place in my heart.

As the day went on, I couldn't shake the longing I felt for her, but I also understood the importance of handling our situation delicately, especially given the current circumstances with my parents and the arranged marriage proposal they were pushing on me.

That day, I managed to ignore my feelings for her. I slept in the penthouse above to avoid going back home to the trouble my parents were brewing back there in the guise of wanting to catch up with piles of work on my desk.

The following morning, I was taken by surprise as I saw a familiar figure walking from the elevator towards my office. Claire had arrived earlier than anyone else, displaying a level of determination and diligence that made her even more irresistible and tempting.

I couldn't help but be drawn to her presence, and as she entered my office, our eyes locked. It was a moment filled with unspoken emotions and desires and I lost control. I kissed her gently at first then realized that my body was seriously yearning for her. I hadn't tasted her for weeks and there was no way I was going to pass up that opportunity. I wanted her, I dreamt of her warm, velvety pussy milking me dry and my cum spurting all over her insides. She resisted me at first, clearly startled by my actions but the moment my hands started caressing her, she stopped protesting and showed me how much I really affected her.

That morning we got lost in our own little world where she tortured me till I could not hold it anymore. Unfortunately, we were cut shot just as I was about to show her what I am made of. She quickly regained her composure, leaving me with a painful erection to deal with. As much as I finally managed to calm myself down and even go on several meetings, my head and body refused to let go of our previous encounter. Heck I got hard just thinking about it.

Later that night, as I noticed Claire preparing to leave, I decided to offer her a ride, hoping to spend a little more time with her. However, in my attempt to strike up a conversation, I inadvertently said something that offended her. Claire, who had shown me her feisty side, seemed unimpressed by my words.

Recognizing my mistake, I chose to remain silent, picked up my things, and led the way to the parking lot. Claire followed behind me, her footsteps as quiet as her demeanor. I couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue and attraction toward her, despite our earlier miscommunication. In the dimly lit parking lot, we reached my car, and I hesitated for a moment. It was clear that Claire was still upset with me, and I wanted to make amends.

"Look, Claire, I'm sorry if I said something that upset you earlier," I finally admitted, breaking the silence between us. "I didn't mean it that way. Let me make it up to you."

Claire looked at me, her expression softening a bit. She nodded, and I could see a hint of forgiveness in her eyes. As we got into the car, the tension between us began to ease, and I couldn't help but hope that our relationship could find its way through the challenges and complexities that surrounded us.

Claire gives me directions to her place, and I follow them in silence. The atmosphere in the car is thick with tension, and we both seem to be avoiding each other's gazes. As I glance at her, there's a moment when I find myself unintentionally fixated on her exposed thighs. I can see her cheeks turn a shade of red, and I can't help but chuckle nervously.

I quickly shift my focus back to the road ahead, eager to alleviate the awkwardness. Before I know it, we arrive at her residence, a modest apartment in a neighborhood that's neither particularly affluent nor impoverished. I step out of the car, initially intending to open the door for her, only to realize she's already exited.

I smile genuinely and remark, "So... this is where you live now?" She responds with a nod, and there's a pause before she adds, "Thank you for bringing me home." Her words break the silence, and I can sense a hint of appreciation in her voice.

I can't help but feel a sense of relief that we've broken through some of the earlier tension. Her gratitude warms my heart, and I decide to take a step further.

"Would you like me to walk you to your door?" I offer, hoping to spend a few more moments with her.

Claire hesitates for a moment, and then she nods again. We both walk to her apartment door, and as we stand there, I'm acutely aware of the chemistry between us. The unspoken attraction lingers in the air, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

---