I am now seated quietly at my office desk.

The presentation about the new projects has commenced thirty minutes ago and Jessica and I did everything to hide the bags under our eyes.

We did not sleep at all.

It's a miracle we haven't even passed out yet. With what happened last night, we were beyond exhausted. By the time we finished our little pillow war―again, we were drained. But my little confession about the kiss was the main reason that made us up all night. So right now, we are suffering the consequences.

The cold shower helped a little bit to wake my nerves up and I already downed three cups of coffee but still, I feel exhausted.

I saw Jessica rounding up the corner towards my desk. Even with makeup, the sleepiness is still visible in her tired eyes. She smiled at me and I replied with narrowing my eyes. What now?

"I received a text from Asshole Stevens telling me that the presentation of the new project is about to end."

I checked my phone to see if Nathaniel sent me any notifications, but I found none.

"He didn't inform you?"

"Maybe he was the one presenting," I suggested. She leaned towards me and gave me a smirk.

"Or maybe he is still affected by the kiss."

I was about to hit her arm, when she added, "By the way, I asked Asshole if I could get an afternoon off since he doesn't have any more appointments in this company, and he said I can! Eep!" She squealed in delight, and I groaned in return. Great. At least she could get her beauty sleep in the afternoon. "I could get my beauty sleep in the afternoon!" Despite the fact that I envy her about the beauty sleep, I couldn't help but smile at her last statement. This girl and I really think alike.

"You know what, you should ask the other asshole if you could also take the afternoon off. After all, he owes you for indirectly insulting you."

I got off from my seat and took my iPad. "After biting harshly on his lip, and punching him on the face, not to mention I did all those in front of the other guests, I don't even have the guts to ask for any favors. I'll just get back on my sleep when we got home."

"Ugh. Whatever. Anyway, the new pillows I ordered will probably arrive this afternoon, so you don't need to buy new ones."

"Thank you. I am so exhausted. And I think I developed immunity on the effects of coffee."

"I agree," she said. "Now, come on. Let's go to the conference before the assholes became more than just assholes."

We laughed, and together walked towards the conference room. We both leaned on the door to hear any signs that the meeting was still ongoing but heard nothing. I guess even the doors are soundproof. We entered the room quietly; Nathaniel was still presenting something about the final improvements when our eyes met, and for a moment held each other's gaze.

I was slightly embarrassed, so I was the first to look away. He continued with his presentation as if nothing happened. I examined the rest of his face. His lower lip is no longer bleeding but it was a bit swollen. His left chin is also a bit swollen. Sorry but not sorry! He is also wearing his glasses today, maybe to hide the fact that he was also affected by the kiss?

As I was studying his features, I felt someone's eyes on me. I looked at the people around the conference room, and locked eyes at the intense blue eyes staring at me. It was none other than Alexander Kinsley.

Why are you staring at me like that?

He shifted his gaze from mine to Jessica's. He gave her the exact same stare as if he knows something we don't. As if he knows our secret.

Crap...

I felt myself shiver at the sudden thought. He couldn't, could he? It's impossible. My brothers are very good at what they do, and they wouldn't. Not only because they will also be in a heck lot of trouble, but also because this trouble could affect our reputation.

Unless he did some digging about Nathaniel and Aaron. Since we're new, he might have done some digging about us as well.

Why would he waste his time digging up our background?

Maybe I'm just being paranoid. But the way his eyes looked into our eyes told me something I wouldn't like.

"Ms. Carter!" I was dragged out of my thoughts when I heard Nathaniel called me in authoritative tone.

"Yes?" I squeaked.

"Did you hear me?"

"Yes?" I guess lying will not make my situation any smoother. "No," I relented, lowering my head in embarrassment. I watched him as he clenched his jaw. There was anger in his eyes as he glared at me. His handsome face is a mask of both anger and confidence.

There must be something wrong with me. At such a distance, it's actually impossible to describe a person like that.

"Well, if you are listening, instead of ogling at our investor, you could've heard me saying that the documents concerning this project should be at my desk, first thing in the morning."

I was beyond embarrassed. I felt Jessica about to say something back, but I held her wrist to keep her from saying anything. I was already in trouble. I may have dragged her in my sleepless night but that doesn't mean I will also drag her to every trouble I have.

"Yes, sir."

His eyes soften a little bit. Maybe he thought I would make some sort of comeback but I wasn't in a mood. And besides, I've got a feeling I would face a much greater problem than his wrath.

The meeting ended.

Jessica went to Aaron reluctantly as they left the conference while I went to Nathaniel who is still speaking with Mr. Alexander Kinsley. I stood beside Nathaniel waiting for further instructions. I wasn't really interested with what they were talking about. However, when Nathaniel told Alexander that he needs to tend to another meeting, I snapped my attention immediately to them.

"Of course," Alexander said with a smirk. He may be talking to Nathaniel but I know that smirk is for me. "It's hard running one business, and two, is even harder."

"One and a half," Nathaniel corrected in which Alexander chuckled.

"I apologize," He said then looked at me.

Nathaniel must have finally noticed me when Alexander averted his eyes at me, or he just decided to ignore me the whole time they were talking.

"Oh. This is my personal assistant, Vanessa Carter," He introduced me as Alexander and I shook hands, or that's what I thought. He held my hand but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and gave a simple kiss, much to my surprise and displeasure. I didn't blush, though. I tried not pull my hand immediately. I just have a feeling that the kiss was not out of respect but out of hostility.

Do you know that feeling when people shook hands with you for the sake of their popularity? Or that feeling when someone shows respect but deep inside has an ulterior motive? Yes. That's how I feel. This man is definitely glowing with ulterior motive aura.

I saw Nathaniel clenched his jaw, but soften as he sees my reaction. What is his problem, anyway?

"I apologize for staring too much," I forced myself to smile.

"It's not a problem. I'm used to it anyway."

Kill me!

"It's just that you looked familiar. I thought I have seen you somewhere," I swear I regretted what I just said as I saw Alexander smirk and his eyes glint with mischief, something similar to my brothers but the word evil is present in his.

"Oh, of course. Those reporters don't have anything to do other than make stories about my life." His smirk turned into a knowing smile. "But, I have to say, you do look familiar as well. I thought I have seen you in some European Magazine."

And that's how I know he knows

"Oh!" It was all I said.

"But seeing you here in New York, my eyes must have been deceiving me." But his smile tells me otherwise.

Nathaniel cleared his throat and informed me that I will be getting some information about the next project from Alexander. I stared at Nathaniel.

Shouldn't I be talking to his secretary instead of directly talking to him?

"Mr. Kinsley is kind enough to forgive you for your inappropriateness, and even volunteered to give you information about the latest project, and personally schedule our appointments with him," Nathaniel finished. He looked at his watch and gave me a nod.

No! Don't leave me here.

The two men shook hands. Nathaniel gave me a worried look. He opened his mouth to say something but his phone started ringing.

"Well, I must take my leave. Mr. Kinsley. Vanessa." With that he left the conference room.

Silence. The room was filled with silence.

Alexander took a seat at the head chair and stared at me intently.

I took out my iPad and began scrolling through Nathaniel's schedule. "Mr. Westwood's schedule is quite busy this week."

"Is that so?"

"But his schedule next week is still clear," I said without looking up. "You can schedule an appointment with him any time the following week."

He said nothing. I kept my eyes on my iPad as I could feel his eyes burning a hole on my head.

"Not making eye contact is quite rude. Don't you think, Princess?"

Crap!

"I beg your pardon."

"I'm sure the king and queen will be very disappointed with your attitude."

My hands are suddenly sweating. And I was frozen in my seat. I have to do something.

"King? Queen? My attitude? What are you talking about Mr. Kinsley?" I asked, still trying to play it cool and giving him my most innocent look.

"I am talking about how your parents will be disappointed with your actions, Princess."

The way he calls me Princess in a mocking tone is not something I can tolerate. This guy obviously wants something, and he's determined to use my secret to get what he wants.

"Mr. Kinsley, I suggest you stop calling me that."

"Princess?"

"Yes. Giving nicknames is something you do to someone close to you, and not your acquaintance."

"I think you and I are going to be close soon, Ms Carter." He rose from his seat and stalked towards me and backed me up on a wall. He put his hands on either side of me, trapping me. "Or should I say, Princess Laura."