“Then I’ll feed you myself like a baby, and I’ll make sure every single member of your staff is watching.”
Zire’s eyes widened. Something dangerous flickered in them, but also something else. Something almost like amusement.
“You wouldn’t dare. Try me.” They stared at each other. The air crackled between them.
Berlin’s hand trembled slightly. Any second now, he would explode. Throw her out. Have security drag her away.
But Zire Langston did something she never expected. He laughed. A real laugh. Not cruel or bitter.
Surprised, almost warm. You have got to be the most insane woman I’ve ever met, he said.
Probably. Berlin kept the fork steady. Now eat your eggs before they get cold. Something shifted in his expression.
The rage didn’t disappear, but it softened at the edges, made room for something else.
Curiosity, respect, interest. He took the fork from her hand, their fingers brushed just for a second, and Berlin felt electricity shoot up her arm.
She stepped back quickly, her heart suddenly racing for a different reason entirely. I’m eating because I’m hungry, Zire said gruffly.
Not because you told me to. Whatever helps you sleep at night. He took a bite, chewed slowly, swallowed.
These are cold now, he muttered. Whose fault is that? Another almost laugh escaped him.
“You’re going to be trouble, aren’t you, K Ivory Thornne?” The fake name cut through Berlin’s chest, but she kept her expression neutral.
Probably,” she said. “Now finish your breakfast and apologized to Gordon later.” She turned and walked out before he could respond, but she felt his eyes following her the entire way and her skin burned wherever his gaze landed.
Okay, y’all. I need to pause right here because did you see what just happened?
This girl walked into a monster’s den, threatened to spoon feed a billionaire CEO like a baby, and lived to tell about it.
Berlin Thornne is built different. But did you catch that moment when their fingers touched?
The way he looked at her when she walked away? Something is starting here and neither of them knows what to do about it.
Comment Berlin is that girl if you’re already rooting for her. And smash that subscribe button because this is just the beginning.
The apology happened 3 days later. Berlin was passing the kitchen when she heard Zire’s voice.
She stopped outside listening. Gordon. Ye. Yes, sir. The chef’s voice trembled. A long pause.
Berlin could practically hear Zire wrestling with the words. The eggs you made on Tuesday.
They were Another pause. They weren’t terrible. Silence. Sir, I said they weren’t terrible. Don’t make me repeat myself.
Zire’s voice turned gruff, and the toast was acceptable. The fruit was fresh. You’ve been doing adequate work.
More silence. Then Gordon burst into tears. Happy ones this time. Oh, sir. Thank you, sir.
I promise I’ll keep doing my best. Don’t get emotional. It’s annoying. But Zire’s voice had lost its sharp edge.
Just keep cooking and stop crying. Yes, sir. Of course, sir. Wheels creaked toward the door.
Berlin stepped back, pretending she’d just arrived. Zire emerged and immediately spotted her. “Eaves dropping?”
