Elena's POV
The moment it registered what had just happened, I pushed away from him so fast that it almost felt like I was burning.
I moved off his lap and sat properly, my body stiff and my mind completely scattered. My eyes darted around the room, landing on people, lights, glasses—anything but him.
I couldn't look at him. I didn't even know what I would see if I did.
My heart was still racing, my lips still tingling, and everything inside me felt… off. Not wrong. Just… too much.
And the worst part? It felt familiar.
A strange, unsettling kind of familiarity that made my chest tighten. It was as if I had been in this situation before, like this moment had already happened somewhere in my life, but I couldn't place it.
What was wrong with me?
"Elena." His voice was low and close. I didn't respond.
"Elena." Still nothing.
I heard him say my name again, this time a little firmer, but I was still trapped in my own thoughts, replaying everything, trying to understand why my body had reacted that way—why I hadn't stopped him—why I—
Movement beside us pulled me out of my daze. The man who had sat next to me earlier stood up awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable after witnessing everything. Without saying a word, he adjusted his jacket and walked away.
I caught the way Mr. Kingston leaned back slightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips, as if he had won something.
A few seconds later, Alex returned, his usual energy filling the space before he even got to us.
"Hey, where did you—" He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes darting between the two of us.
His brows lifted slightly. "…Okay," he said slowly, looking from me to Mr. Kingston.
"What's this?" Neither of us answered.
Mr. Kingston picked up his drink and took a slow sip, his expression calm and controlled.
He threw a glance at me.
I picked up my own drink, bringing it to my lips to have something to occupy my hands, my gaze fixed anywhere but on their faces.
Alex let out a small laugh, but it wasn't as carefree as before. "I'm right," he said, pointing lightly between us. "Something definitely happened here."
He leaned back, watching us with clear suspicion, like he was trying to piece everything together.
I said nothing. What was I supposed to say?
Later that night, the drive to the hotel felt longer than it should have been. The silence between us was heavy, pressing in from all sides.
When the elevator doors opened on our floor, we both stepped out simultaneously, walking toward our rooms in quiet steps.
Our doors were directly across from one another. Just as I reached mine, I felt it—like he was about to say something. I didn't give him the chance.
I turned quickly and gave a slight bow. "Goodnight, Mr. Kingston."
Before he could respond, I opened the door and stepped inside, shutting it firmly behind me.
I didn't wait. I couldn't.
The second I was alone, I dropped my bag by the side and kicked off my heels, not caring where they landed.
I walked straight to the bed and sat down, then just stayed there… quiet.
My hands slowly lifted to my lips. My fingers brushed over them lightly, and the memory hit me all over again.
He kissed me.
My heart skipped.
"He kissed me…" I whispered.
"And… I kissed him back."
I pressed my lips together, my thoughts spinning faster. Why did I kiss him back? I lifted my hand and lightly hit my head.
"What is wrong with you, Elena?" My fingers moved through my hair in frustration as I leaned back, my body dropping against the bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling. A slow breath left my lips.
"It was…" I paused, my voice softer now. "…beautifully insane."
I shut my eyes briefly. "He… kisses well," I murmured before I could stop myself, a small, unconscious smile forming on my lips.
My eyes snapped open immediately. "Elena, get a grip," I said out loud, shaking my head. "He is your boss. Stop thinking nonsense."
I sat up quickly, trying to shake it off. That was when I remembered—Drake! I hadn't told him anything.
I reached for my phone and called him. He picked up almost immediately. "Elena? Where are you?"
"I'm in Newark," I replied.
There was a pause. "Newark? Since when? How? Why?"
I let out a small breath. "Work. I came with my boss for a meeting. We had to stay over. I'll be back tomorrow."
"Hmm," he said slowly, clearly not convinced. "So you traveled with your boss, slept over, and you're just telling me now?"
"Drake."
"I'm just saying," he continued, his tone teasing now. "Things are happening."
"Nothing is happening," I said quickly.
There was a short pause on the other end. Then he laughed. "Why are you sounding so defensive?"
"I'm not defensive," I replied immediately, which only made it worse.
"Hmm," he dragged it out, clearly amused. "Now I'm even more suspicious."
I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn't see me. "Drake, please."
But even as I said it, my lips tingled again. "Alright, alright," he said, still laughing. "I believe you. Totally."
I didn't even bother responding to that. The call went on for a bit longer before I finally ended it, my mind still restless.
The next morning, I opened my door at the same time as he did. We both paused for a moment, then I straightened up, slipping back into my professional demeanor: calm and untouched.
"Good morning, sir," I said. "We should head back to the mansion so we can take the helicopter back." I spoke as if nothing had happened, as if last night didn't exist.
He looked at me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
We left shortly afterward. By noon, we were back at the office.
I sat at my desk, sifting through files, trying to focus on anything that would keep my thoughts from wandering. Mr. Kingston had been in his office since we arrived, and everything felt normal again.
The elevator doors opened. I glanced up casually, and a woman stepped out.
No… she wasn't just a woman. She was stunning, the kind of beauty that made you look twice without meaning to. Her outfit was elegant, expensive, and fitted perfectly, as if it had been made just for her.
Beside her was a little girl who held her hand, skipping lightly. The child's small voice filled the quiet floor with laughter as she giggled and talked. They walked straight toward my desk.
"Good afternoon," I said politely. "How can I help you?"
The little girl looked up at me, her eyes bright. "Where's Daddy?" she asked sweetly.
"Your daddy?" I repeated, a little confused. Before I could say anything else, the woman spoke.
"Yes," she said, her tone calm but sharp. "Where is Adrian?"
My heart skipped.
Adrian?
I looked at her, then at the child, and back at her again.
"He's… in his office," I replied. I was about to stand and inform him when she stopped me with a look.
"Do I need your permission to see my husband?" she said, her voice laced with irritation.
Husband?
Before I could process what was happening, she turned and walked straight to his office, the little girl letting go of her hand and running ahead.
The door opened. "Daddy!" the child's voice rang out as she ran inside.
I stood there, frozen, my lips parted slightly as the words formed slowly in my mind.
"Mr. Kingston… is married?" I whispered. My chest tightened. "And he kissed me?"