At precisely four in the evening, Lauren navigated her way to Apex headquarters aided by her GPS tracker. Parking her car in the expansive company lot, she marveled at the architectural grandeur that surrounded her. The skyscraper soared above her, boasting a staggering 200 floors that seemed to touch the heavens.
Gathering her long raven hair into a loose bun, which accentuated her striking features, she entered the building. The interior surpassed her wildest expectations, captivating her with its elegance and grandeur. She couldn't help but ponder what Damien Voltorie's office might look like in comparison.
Every person she encountered within the building seemed meticulously chosen, their beauty seemingly hand-picked with an uncanny resemblance in height and weight. Spotting the receptionist, she approached swiftly.
"Excuse me, could you please direct me to Mr. Damien Voltorie's floor?" she inquired politely. The receptionist, who had been engrossed in her computer, looked up and instantly stood up, her expression shifting from surprise to awe.
"Miss Lauren Turner! Oh my god, it's such a pleasure to meet you in person," the receptionist gushed, her astonishment evident. Lauren was taken aback by the receptionist's reaction, wondering if they had previously crossed paths.
With genuine sincerity, the receptionist offered an explanation, "I apologize for my unprofessional reaction. I was simply overjoyed to meet our national hero, the one who rescued my sister from those kidnappers."
Lauren graciously accepted the praise, "Oh, I'm just doing my job. I'm glad your sister is safe and back home," she replied, hoping to revert the conversation back to the matter at hand.
The receptionist beamed with admiration, moved by Lauren's humble demeanor. Adjusting her posture, she inquired further, "You mentioned you'd like to see the Director. Do you have an appointment, if you don't mind me asking? It's part of our protocol you see."
Lauren shook her head, understanding the need for protocol. "No, I don't have an appointment, but I believe he wouldnt be suprised to see me," she replied confidently, aware of the unique connection between her and Damien.
Allowing the receptionist to make a call, Lauren stood patiently, but there was no response from the Director's office. "That's strange," the receptionist muttered under her breath, puzzled by the lack of response.
"Well, it appears he might be in a meeting. Please enter the elevator and press the 0 button which will lead you to the top floor. There is a reception area there where you can wait for him," the receptionist kindly instructed.
Lauren glanced at her watch, realizing that time was slipping away. With a sigh, she reached for her phone and called her cousin, Alanna , explaining the unforeseen circumstances that required her to reschedule their plans. Apologizing for the change of plans, she ended the call and set out for the elevator.
After a brief 30-minute interlude, Lauren grew restless where she waited in the reception area at the top floor, unable to remain idle any longer. She rose from her seat, deciding to take a stroll around the top floor.
As she meandered through the vast expanse, she found herself standing before a door marked "Damien Voltorie's Office." Contemplating for a moment, a surge of curiosity overcame her, inspiring her to turn the doorknob and step inside.
Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the elegance of Damien's grand office. "If I had the kind of wealth he possesses, I would undoubtedly have an office like this too," she mused, unable to contain her admiration.
A familiar voice interrupted her "You would, wouldn't you, Special Agent Lauren?" Damien's smooth voice penetrated the air, his presence now known. A smirk played upon his lips as he observed her, leaving her both thrilled and caught off guard by his sudden appearance.
Lauren's heart raced within her chest as she clutched at it, utterly taken aback by Damien's sudden appearance. With an exasperated sigh, she mustered the words to voice her confusion, incredulously questioning, "Oh my god... where did you even come from?"
Paying little mind to her flustered state, Damien's lopsided smile adorned his face as he playfully teased, "Well, it is my office, isn't it?" His voice dripped with a certain confidence as he took deliberate steps towards her, akin to a predator taunting its prey.
Unbeknownst to Lauren, his heart yearned for these moments, for the sight of her face, the sound of her voice, and the lighthearted banter they shared.
He couldn't suppress the joy that blossomed within him at the mere sight of her. Chuckling inwardly, he relished in the memories of their interactions, aware of the magnetic pull he felt towards her.
He had purposefully kept a distance from her in the past week, ensuring that he didn't cross her path directly, though he never ceased to keep an eye on her through his trusted people. It hadn't been long since they first met, but the thought of not seeing her, not talking with her, stirred an unfamiliar longing within him.
"You look amazing," he couldn't help but comment as he observed her blackout attire. Lauren, caught off guard by the suddenness of his words and the intensity of his gaze, blushed unknowingly.
His serious tone added to her flustered state, leaving her momentarily speechless in his presence.
As Damien drew nearer, Lauren's heart pounded with an intensity she couldn't ignore. He possessed an undeniable attraction, his striking handsomeness coupled with an aura of commanding confidence.
He was truly a sight to behold, captivating her senses. Her mind buzzed with thoughts, recognizing his charm, god-like presence, and the swirl of emotions she wrestled to keep hidden. She was cautious not to reveal her inner musings, aware of the potential embarrassment that could ensue.
His proximity brought Lauren's breath to a halt, a mere few inches separating them. Stammering, she questioned his actions, unable to comprehend his unexpected closeness. "W-what are you doing?" she managed to ask as her eyes fixated on his face.
A seductive smile played on Damien's lips as his hands gracefully moved towards her face, delicately brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. The touch sent a jolt of electricity down her spine, shivers trailing in its wake. With a deep, husky voice that resonated within her, he provided a simple explanation. "Just removing a strand of hair from your face," he murmured before going back to his desk.
Seated on his commanding mahogany desk, Damien's gaze remained locked on Lauren, his eyes filled with intense intrigue. She, feeling a mix of vulnerability and fascination, found herself unable to look away, her hands instinctively crossing over her chest. A genuine smile curved Damien's lips at her cautious stance. "Please, have a seat," he invited.
Settling into the chair and clearing her voice, she began to express the purpose behind her visit, only to be interrupted by Damien's courteous concern. "Forgive my manner, but what can I offer you? Have you had dinner?" he inquired, his thoughtfulness surprising her.
Reassuring him, she replied, "Don't worry, I'm good" However, Damien wasn't easily dissuaded, adamant in his intention to make her feel welcome. "That settles it," he declared, his brow raised in determination. "I will order dinner for you after this meeting. Now, please continue."
Perplexed by his assertiveness, Lauren scrunched her brows, questioning his sudden actions.
"Hold on, I never said I haven't had dinner. And why are you ordering me around?" she countered, her eyebrow arched in a mix of curiosity.
Chuckling softly, Damien engaged in his playfulness, countering her objections.
"But you didn't say you've had dinner, have you?" he retorted, an amused glimmer in his eyes. The sight of her frustration and defiance only seemed to deepen his amusement.
Sighing in resignation, recognizing the futility of resisting his playful nature, Lauren conceded. Resolving to remain focused on the purpose of her visit, she chose to let his jests pass without further confrontation.
"Anyway, I'm here on behalf of my team and department to thank you for the generous donation you made to the Agency. It is sincerely appreciated, and it will go a long way in assisting our efforts in keeping the citizens of this country safe. So, thank you," she conveyed, her calm demeanor belying the magnitude of her gratitude.
Damien, dismissing the significance of his gesture, waved it off nonchalantly. "It's nothing," he insisted. Unyielding, Lauren pressed on, persisting in expressing her team's appreciation. "One billion dollars is not 'nothing.' Please allow us to express our gratitude," she insisted with conviction.
Observing her determination, Damien offered a playful challenge. "I will only accept your gratitude if you accept to have dinner with me," he proposed, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
She looked at him, perplexed... "I cant believe you" she said in utter disbelief, he gave a throaty laugh the annoyance written all over her face, it was cute to him anyway.
"Surely it's a minor thing to do, is it not?" He asked eyeing her.
"Ofcus it is?" She huffed causing him to laugh some more.
"Ah how I have missed you" he said in between laugh. Lauren froze from where she sat on hearing his last statement.