Chapter 170 Mr. Gordon's Predilection for Punishment
The heat of his body radiated beneath her, the rhythm of his chest against hers as if sharing the beat of his powerful heart. Aaron drew her closer, his arms wrapping around her slender waist. He watched a flicker of panic and vulnerability cross her beautiful face, his voice deepening to a husky whisper.
"Nora."
That single utterance sent a shiver through Nora's heart. She didn't wait for him to continue, attempting to rise in a struggle.
"Mr. Gordon, we agreed to maintain our distance. If you can't adhere to that, I may need to reconsider our arrangement," she stated firmly.
Aaron tensed slightly, a hint of desire still evident in his eyes. He took a moment to compose himself before slowly sitting up.
"Nora, it was you who launched yourself into my arms. I can't be held responsible for that, can I?"
Nora choked on her words, glaring at his teasing gaze, her teeth clenched in frustration. "It was you who pulled me in!"
"Force is mutual!"
Aaron chuckled softly, extending a hand to her, "Help me up."
"Get up yourself!" Nora retorted, clearly annoyed.
Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Nora, what are you afraid of? Losing control because you're attracted to me?"
Stung by his words, Nora found herself wanting to walk away. Yet, she ultimately took a breath, extended her hand, and pulled him to his feet with some effort.
Aaron refrained from further jesting. Instead, he embraced her, his mood unmistakable.
"You're going to take a shower, right?" Nora asked.
"Smart," he replied with a grin.
Aaron needed a shower after working up a sweat.
"Do you want me to get Noe to assist you?" Nora offered as she guided him to the lounge.
"Why can't you help me? You've done it before," Aaron teased.
Nora shot him a look. "Shut up."
"Tough one."
"Is that news to you?"
"I guess not. I do have a thing for your feisty side."
"So Mr. Gordon has a masochistic streak?"
"I wouldn't say that, but I do enjoy it when it's you dishing it out."
Nora fell silent.
Outside, Jackson strolled casually toward the CEO's office, a document in his hand. The conversations of the staff grazed his ears.
"That woman still hasn't come out? Who is she, and why is she all over Aaron?"
"I've never seen the boss that close with Suzy."
"Her attire doesn't scream wealthy, but she sure is beautiful."
"What do you think the boss and she are up to now?"
"With his leg the way it is, he shouldn't be capable of making love, right?"
"Having a leg injury doesn't mean you can't make love, though!"
Jackson's stride halted, as he took a few steps back and questioned the gossiping employees, "What are you discussing?"
Startled, the employees clammed up immediately.
"Just chatting," they murmured.
Jackson squinted slightly, a sly smirk playing on his lips.
"Looks like there's some drama unfolding in the president's office?"
He didn't bother to inquire further and strode toward the executive suite.
But before he could enter, the doorway was blocked by a secretary.
"Jackson, I'm sorry, you can't go in right now. Noe has instructed that Mr. Gordon is busy and doesn't want to be disturbed. If there's something you need, you can tell me, and I'll report back to Mr. Gordon later."
"Is it really that serious? This has got to be good!"
"Don't stand in my way. I have an urgent matter to report to Mr. Gordon."
Jackson brushed past the secretary and reached for the door.
The secretary grew frantic, "Jackson, you really can't go in. Noe has made it clear."
"Out of my way!"
Jackson cut off the secretary's plea with a glare and forcefully pushed open the office door.
Within the confines of the room, a hushed silence prevailed. Nora found herself perched on a plush sofa, her fingers dancing across the screen of her phone as she awaited Aaron's appearance.
Jackson's gaze hardened, his lips twisting into a frosty semblance of a smile.
"So, it's her," he muttered under his breath.
"Miss Smith, it's been a while," he greeted Nora, his voice echoing in the quiet room. Following the exchange of pleasantries, he gestured for the secretary to take her leave.
Upon witnessing Jackson's presence, the secretary had no other option but to withdraw from the president's office.
Nora rose to her feet, her movements guarded as she observed Jackson's approach. Subconsciously, her fingers toyed with the silver pin she held.
She recognized this man—he was Aaron's cousin. "Looking for Mr. Gordon? He's currently in the shower. He'll be joining us shortly," she informed Jackson, emphasizing her words as a subtle reminder of Aaron's presence in the office, a deterrent against any potential impropriety.
Jackson perceived the hidden message in her tone, his smirk morphing into a derisive sneer.
"Do you presume I fear Aaron, Miss Smith?" he questioned, his voice laced with mockery.
Nora had once embarrassed him, and that was a slight he hadn't forgotten.
As Jackson advanced with ill-intent, Nora instinctively retreated.
"Jackson, this is a professional setting. Don't instigate something you might regret, or I won't hesitate to scream," she warned him.
Jackson's laugh was a lewd chuckle, his gaze unabashedly assessing her flustered state.
"Aaron's taking a shower in broad daylight, is he? Have you two just concluded a romantic rendezvous?" he probed, his words dripping with insinuation.
Nora's expression tightened. "Jackson, I implore you to maintain some decorum."
His laughter was brief and dismissive. "Maintain decorum? Do you now consider yourself his girlfriend? In that case, I might just have to experience what it's like to be with Mr. Gordon's girlfriend!"
"What are you implying?" Nora's heart pounded in her chest as she watched him draw closer, her hand poised to strike him with the silver pin.
Jackson, having learned from past experiences, was prepared for her attack.
Before Nora could land a blow, he had her wrist locked in a firm grip.
"I want to sleep with you!" he declared, pushing her against the wall and leaning in for a kiss.
"Release me!" Nora demanded, her voice a mix of embarrassment and irritation as she tried to evade him.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed a tall figure rapidly closing in.
"Thomas!" she cried out.
Jackson, intoxicated by her unique scent, chuckled. "Thomas? Miss Smith, how about becoming my girlfriend instead?"
Before he could complete his sentence, he felt a rush of air behind him.
A forceful hand landed on his shoulder, swiftly hoisting him up before delivering a powerful punch to his face.
Jackson grunted as he collided with the coffee table, tumbling to the ground, his balance lost.
The coffee table overturned, its contents scattering across the floor with a resounding clatter.
Aaron, his aura radiating danger, glared at Jackson with a murderous intent.
"Jackson, you're pushing your luck!" he growled.
Jackson picked himself up from the floor, spitting out a mouthful of blood-stained saliva.
His gaze swept over Aaron, who was now protectively standing in front of Nora, and he smirked coldly.
"So, Aaron, you're quite fond of this woman, aren't you? Just you wait!" he threatened.
The more Aaron seemed to care for Nora, the more resolute Jackson became in his pursuit of her.
With a loud thud, the door to the CEO's office slammed shut.
Aaron swayed slightly, his strength waning from exhaustion.
Nora quickly moved to support him, helping him to settle on the couch.
Looking at her with concern, Aaron asked, "Are you alright?"
He had just completed a strenuous session of physical therapy and was feeling drained. Otherwise, he wouldn't have let the matter rest so easily.
"I'm fine," Nora assured him, shaking her head.
Aaron reached out to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I apologize for the discomfort you've had to endure."
Nora remained silent for a moment before responding, "I accept your apology."
In her heart, she knew it was because of him that Jackson had targeted her in the first place.
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