Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Uncharted Territory
Zara's pulse missed one beat when Devon walked into the break room, his magnetic presence filling the room. She couldn't help but feel nervous as he approached the coffee machine beside her. Her hands shook slightly as she focused on pouring the coffee.
"Late night in the office, Miss Smith?" Devon's voice was smooth and somewhat amused.
Zara looked at him, her guard rising reflexively as she met his eyes.
"Just finishing up some tasks, Mr. Kings."
Devon leaned against the counter, his mischievous grin never leaving his lips.
"You know, Zara, you can call me Devon. It's past work hours. We are trying to get to know each other outside of the office," he said.
Zara raised an eyebrow in wonder. She hadn't anticipated his making such a proposition.
"Although I appreciate the offer, Mr. Kings, I believe it is best to keep things professional," she said.
Devon grinned more and fixed his gaze on hers.
"Good enough. However, don't you think it's about time you gave me the opportunity to show you that I'm more than whatever it is you may have heard about me?"
At his comments, Zara's heart began to speed, but she immediately ignored the fluttering sensation.
"Mr. Kings, I'm here to work and support the business. My attention is on it."
Devon's commitment was evident in his unwavering look.
"All right, Zara. But if you ever let your guard down, I have a hunch you could be shocked."
With those mysterious remarks, Devon stood up and left the break room, leaving Zara standing there with her thoughts racing. She couldn't ignore the growing passion between them, but she was equally determined to uphold her morals.
In the weeks that followed, Zara discovered herself dancing subtly with Devon Kings. She continued to feel both angry and interested by their conversations, which were a combination of professionalism and fun banter. She was resolved not to be seduced by him, but she found it difficult to ignore the spark that always seemed to appear when he was nearby.
The more time passed, the more Zara realized Devon was interested in her beyond simple talk. He frequently asked her opinion when making crucial decisions, seeming genuinely interested in her ideas and viewpoints. Zara was split between her initial suspicions and the powerful attraction she felt toward him since it was both charming and confusing.
Devon notices that the more he tries to get Zara to be more open and free with him so he could accomplish his playboy motives, the more Zara moved away. Seeing how tough she was, he gave up, letting go of his motives and decided to keep the relationship between them professional but things changed one fateful day.
Devon's office's big glass windows allowed for some sunlight to enter, which gave the modern furniture cozy warmth. Devon was concentrating on a stack of papers behind his desk when he heard a tap at the door.
Devon said, "Come in," as his friend Aaron walked into the room with his characteristically assured gait.
"Devon Kings, my man!" Aaron exclaimed.
Devon looked up and noticed his best friend standing by the door. He stood up to welcome him.
"Good to see you, man," Devon said; giving his pal a quick hug.
"Likewise, Devon," Aaron said, smiling.
His eyes then wandered to the breathtaking view outside the window before returning to Zara, who was sorting some files on the bookcase.
Aaron's eyes glowed with curiosity, and he returned to Devon with a teasing look.
"And who might this lovely lady be?"
Devon followed Aaron's line of sight, his face surprised for a moment before settling down.
"Aaron, please welcome Zara Smith, my secretary. Aaron is my best buddy, Zara."
Zara swung around, her gaze catching Aaron's, and she smiled politely.
"Nice to meet you, Aaron," she welcomed him.
Aaron's grin widened as he approached Zara and offered his hand for a handshake.
"The pleasure is entirely mine, Zara. Devon hardly introduces us to his coworkers, so you must be something unique."
Zara shook his hand, her professional demeanor unwavering.
"I guarantee you; I'm only here to do my job."
To Devon, she said,
"I'll take my leave now sir."
Devon thanked her as she walked away from the office. Aaron's eyes were fixated on her until we was no longer in sight.
"So, you have a new secretary. Have you penetrated your way into the heart of your secretary already? Have you…" Aaron said wiggling his brows.
This caused the two men to burst into laughter and they both understood what that meant. When their laughter quieted down, Aaron once again urged Devon to speak.
"Zara is not like other girls. No matter what I did, she's not giving in. I've tried to break the protective walls around her but I must say she's a fighter," Devon said. Staring into oblivion as he spoke.
Aaron's mini-scream brought him back to reality.
"WHAT? You mean to tell me that the all-time billionaire playboy cannot entice his secretary? What's wrong with you? Who stole you mojo?" Aaron said.
"Nobody stole my mojo," Devon said getting a little pissed.
"Well, you can't convince me otherwise. You've lost what it takes to make a woman fall head over heels in love with you," Aaron said, trying spark up his friends annoyance.
"No I haven't; I still have what it takes to be the best playboy New York has ever seen," Devon argued.
"Then prove it," Aaron said, a smirk playing on his lips.
"And how do I do that?" Devon asked; determined to prove to his friend that he still was the renowned playboy of New York.
Aaron looked towards the door and Devon followed his eyes. Aaron looked back and him and said,
"Make Zara fall in love with you."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone