Kirana typed at full speed on her laptop, trying to focus on the project report Adrian had requested. It had been two days since she started working at the company, and so far, she had managed not to react whenever Adrian was near her.
But still... the man wasn't the kind of boss who was easy to ignore.
Whenever Adrian entered the room or spoke during a meeting, Kirana felt that gaze—that gaze that seemed to scrutinize and test her. As if he deliberately wanted to remind Kirana of what had once happened between them.
And it bothered her immensely.
"Kirana, there's something I want to ask you."
Adrian's deep, firm voice made her jump. Kirana looked up and found him standing beside her desk, his hands tucked into his trouser pockets, his expression calm but his eyes sharp.
She swallowed, trying to keep her voice steady. "Yes, sir?"
Adrian glanced briefly at her laptop before looking back at her. "Come with me to my office."
Kirana felt several coworkers nearby start glancing their way. Those curious looks felt like an alarm bell going off in her head.
"But I'm still finishing the report..."
"I only need five minutes," Adrian cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Kirana knew she had no choice but to follow him.
As soon as they entered Adrian's office, he closed the door and walked behind his desk, but he didn't sit down right away.
Kirana remained standing, both hands clenched at her sides. "Is there something I can help you with, sir?"
Adrian stared at her for a long moment, then leaned back against the desk. "Why are you avoiding me?"
Kirana's heart sank. "I don't know what you mean."
Adrian scoffed and folded his arms across his chest. "Don't pretend, Kirana. Since your first day, you've kept your distance, avoided eye contact, and acted as though we'd never met before."
Kirana straightened her shoulders. "I just want to remain professional."
Adrian stepped closer. "Professional?" His voice was low, almost mocking. "Or are you afraid?"
Kirana pressed her lips together, refusing to take the bait. "I'm not afraid."
Adrian stopped in front of her, so close that Kirana could smell the masculine scent of his expensive cologne. "Really?"
His gaze was intense and piercing, making it even harder for Kirana to breathe.
"Adrian," she said at last, trying to put some distance between them. "Why did you call me here?"
Adrian didn't answer right away. Instead, he studied Kirana as if searching for something in her expression.
"I want us to talk."
Kirana frowned. "About what?"
Adrian fixed her with a sharp look. "About that night."
Kirana's breath caught.
Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly regained control of her expression. "I thought we'd agreed to forget what happened."
Adrian raised one eyebrow. "You agreed. Not us."
Kirana swallowed. "Sir, I really want to work here without any problems."
Adrian gave a small, knowing smirk. "And I never said I was going to cause problems for you."
"But..."
"I just want to make sure of something," he cut her off.
Kirana frowned. "What?"
Adrian leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "That you don't think I'm a man you can easily forget."
Kirana's blood rushed, and she almost fired back with something sharp, but she bit her lip to hold herself back.
Adrian smiled faintly at her reaction. "That's all."
He stepped back and returned to his chair, as though the conversation had never happened.
"You can get back to work."