She mentioned something about her company relocating, didn’t she? Fuck, I have so many questions, and I don’t think Claire will answer any of them. Last night, she seemed as if she wanted to cut my balls off, or at least push me over the balcony to see if I could fly.

When I arrive at work, I am thankful the elevator is working today. If only I can get a few minutes of peace before I have to deal with my employees and all the ‘emergencies’ they have the moment they see me.

When I step into the elevator car, I hear a female voice calling, “Hold the elevator, please.”

I’m about to push them closed when I recognize those beautiful legs. So, I open it.

Actually, I lean against the doors to hold them, and say, “Princess, as always, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

She scrunches her face and looks at the cup she’s holding. “It’s too early to deal with you, overlord.”

“I thought I was the emperor.”

“Same old, wrinkly, evil thing.” She rolls her eyes, stepping inside.

“Why are you here, Ms. Solis?” I lean against the wall, watching her closely.

Claire looks different; like a grown-up version of herself. Stylish, well-manicured, and yet, there’s still that woman who loves to wear baggy clothes, run with her dog, and enjoy every moment. I can see her. If only I could feel her too.

“Stalking you, obviously,” she responds, stabbing the number twenty several times.

“The numbers are for you to press once and it takes you to the floor you desire. It’s not to choose the speed of the car,” I explain to her, amused.

“Oh, is it?” she says, stabbing the numbers before. “Oops, what’s going to happen now, Mr. Know-it-all? I bet we’re going to go very s-l-o-w.”

“Still a smart-ass.”

“Only for you, Mr. Archer.” She smiles sweetly.

Fuck if I don’t want to devour her mouth. I look at her outfit. It’d be easy to pull up her skirt, press her against the steel wall, and fuck her hard.

Stop! Think of something else or you’ll have a hard-on while you’re walking to your office.

“Are you here to beg for your old job?” I ask, distracting myself from her luscious body. I swear her ass is tighter and rounder.

She doesn’t answer. Her gaze is focused on her phone. It’s not until we arrive at the twentieth floor when she finally looks at me. She smiles and says, “I’m guessing you haven’t heard the news yet.”

“Obviously, I’m the last one to know, as usual. I’m still wondering how is it that Mom found out about you before I did.”

“Well, let me know when she tells you,” she winks and steps outside like a princess. No, a queen.