Chapter 32

Isabella's PoV

How could he expect me to breathe with him so close on the bed, his presence a seductive, daunting force? His cologne enveloped me, its rich, musky scent tantalizing my senses, while the intensity of his gaze seemed to penetrate to my very core. The air between us crackled with tension, each moment stretched as though a rain of desire threatened to fall into the room.

Didn't he realize the effect he had on me, especially with the lingering image of him as my master still fresh in my mind?

He had slapped my labia and kissed me in my bathroom, for heaven's sake!

Why did he even invite me to sit on his bed when we were supposed to be maintaining our boundaries? After all, he had made it clear that what happened between us that night would never happen again.

I struggled to inhale, the air catching in my throat with each attempt. Levi's unexpected touch on my thigh sent a jolt through me, a mix of nerves and anticipation.

His touch wasn't seductive or sensual; it was gentle, comforting, and reassuring, yet it stirred a complex array of emotions within me. Despite his calming presence, I couldn't ignore the heightened awareness between us, the tension simmering just beneath the surface.

His proximity seemed to magnify every sensation, leaving me unsettled yet strangely drawn to him as the moisture between my thighs stained my pants.

"Breathe," his voice sliced through the tense silence, now sharper, more commanding.

I closed my eyes, willing myself to obey. Slowly, I took in a deep breath, savoring the feeling of air filling my lungs, grounding myself back to the present reality that Levi's proximity had momentarily distanced me from.

When I finally turned towards him, I hesitated to meet his eyes. It's not like I have any feelings for him, so why does he affect me so much? Is it because he's my boss? Or was it that night?

"Sir, here are the drafts from each department," I said, handing Levi the thick stack of papers. He took them with a nod, his brow furrowing slightly as he began to flip through them.

The room enveloped us in a quietude broken only by the rustling of papers and the soft hum of our breathing. Levi's keen eyes scanned each page swiftly, occasionally pausing to jot down a note or underline a passage.

I remained perfectly still, sitting at a slight distance, attentive but careful not to hover. I knew his meticulous eye for detail; nothing ever escaped his scrutiny without some form of correction. He had a way of refining our work that was both demanding and, at times, daunting. Nothing ever meets his standards until he has added his input.

As he reviewed, I silently hoped his changes wouldn't be extensive. None of us on the team had the energy to go through major revisions again.

"Do you agree with the reply here about the car engines?" Levi asked, holding up one of the papers.

I paused, weighing my words carefully. "I think it's a solid explanation, but we might want to simplify the technical jargon for a broader audience."

Levi nodded thoughtfully, jotting down my suggestion. "Good point. And what about the journalists curated here? Do you think they're the right fit? Did you go through their files?"

"Mr. Abel did."

"And are they suitable?"

I quickly scanned the list he indicated, assessing each entry. "Yes, I believe so. They represent a diverse range of publications that align well with our target demographics. They also maintain a good level of impartiality."

"Excellent," Levi said, making a note. "I'll send my corrections to your email first thing tomorrow morning. Let's aim to finalize the drafts by then." He continued flipping through the papers, his focus unwavering.

“Understood, sir. I'll ensure everything is ready,” I replied, noting the urgency in his tone.

Levi seemed just as nervous as I was about the race, but he's doing well in keeping his emotions in check. He has a lot at stake, just like I do. So many people are praying for his downfall, just as I know my dad and his new wife are praying for mine. Also this race would decide our place in this company. There were so many expectations from the media and the staff on him, and his expectations of me were equally daunting.

We might have a lot more in common than I thought. I suddenly felt the urge to reassure him.

"Sir, everything will turn out well," I blurted out, immediately regretting my presumptuousness. I wasn't his confidante or friend; my words likely held little weight.

But when Levi glanced up from his papers and met my eyes, I detected a flicker of acknowledgment. His shoulders relaxed ever so slightly as if my words had provided some measure of comfort. As if my words were a soothing balm.

"I hope so," he murmured, almost to himself. "I hope so," he repeated, returning his focus to the documents spread before him.

I swallowed. I've been feeling emotions that I do not understand today.

As Levi reached the end of the stack, my phone suddenly rang with a jarring trill, startling me. I fumbled for it, feeling my cheeks flush slightly under Levi's watchful gaze, his expression remaining blank.

"Sorry, sir," I murmured, moving to silence the phone as I noticed Franco's name on the caller ID. I decided to call him back later, but before I could react, Levi raised a hand.

"Go ahead and answer it," he said calmly. "This isn't exactly a formal work occasion."

Relieved at his understanding, I answered the call. "Hi Franco," I greeted him, trying to keep my voice steady and low, despite Levi's presence. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Levi's hand gripping a paper tightly, his knuckles turning white. I hoped it was merely frustration at a draft, not something I had missed or done wrong.

Shit!

"Hey Isabella! Quick question: almond hazelnut or matcha chocolate?" Franco asked cheerfully.

I chuckled softly. "Hmm, tough choice! Today, I think I'll go with almond hazelnut."

"Got it! My team and I passed by that ice cream shop you like, so I'll grab one for you to make up for that coffee last time," Franco replied, his generosity warming my heart.

"Aw, you don't have to do that, but thank you!" I replied warmly, appreciating his kindness. Franco had become a close friend whom I could rely on. I really did enjoy his company.

“Okay, I'm in a meeting with the boss. Talk to you later,” I added quickly before ending the call, already looking forward to enjoying my favorite ice cream after a stressful day.

Suddenly, some drafts slipped from Levi’s hands, scattering across the floor. Without hesitation, I quickly bent down and knelt beside the table, a short distance away from him, meticulously rearranging the manuscripts one by one.

Then I remembered I was wearing a rather short gown. My mind raced as I realized my boss had a full view of my ass. Shit!

I want him to spank me.