Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53: He Was Probing

Anna’s POV

The bar sat in the same private wing as Maison Beaumont’s table, but it felt like a different world. The music was louder here, the rhythm easier. People laughed freely, bodies moving without thought. It was looser, less controlled.

Laurent reached the bar first, pulling out a stool with one smooth motion.

“My private section. Perks of organizing this whole event,” he gestured to the seat, “please.”

I slid onto the stool, unable to stop the smile tugging at my lips. “Do you always reserve the best spots for yourself?”

“Always,” he didn’t miss a beat. “But tonight, I’m sharing it with someone who deserves it.”

From where I sat, I could see Roman across the room with Maison, deep in discussion, likely finalizing the partnership.

His shoulders were tense in a way I recognized. He was upset. I knew it had everything to do with me sitting here with Laurent, even though he’d been the one to allow it.

“Thank you.” I settled onto the stool.

Laurent took the seat beside me, close enough that I could smell his cologne, expensive and sophisticated, nothing like Roman’s scent that had filled the car earlier, making my head spin.

Stop thinking about Roman.

“So,” Laurent signaled the bartender, “what would you like? Champagne seems too safe for a woman like you.”

“A woman like me?”

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Beautiful, intriguing, someone who clearly has depths beneath that professional exterior.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping, “Someone who deserves something with a little more… fire.”

I couldn’t stop the warmth rising in my cheeks. He really did have a way with words that probably worked on

most women.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

“Parfait.” He ordered in rapid French, something I didn’t quite catch, then turned his full attention back to me.

“I ordered us the good stuff. None of that watered-down champagne they’re serving in the ballroom. This is a thirty-year-old cognac, smooth, complex, and unforgettable.”

His eyes held mine. “Just like you.”

I shook my head. “You barely know me.”

“Not yet, but I plan to remedy that.”

The bartender returned with two glasses of amber liquid. Laurent picked up both, handing one to me with a smile that was pure charm.

“To new beginnings,” he raised his glass.

I rarely drank, never more than a glass of champagne, and even then only at events after I started working for Roman. Cognac, though… I’d never taken that before.

I stared down at the amber liquid in my glass, contemplating for a moment. Finally, I lifted it and clinked it gently against his. “To new beginnings.”

The cognac burned as it slid down my throat, warming me from the inside. Stronger than champagne, and I felt it immediately.

“Good?” Laurent asked, eyes fixed on me

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Chapter 53: He Was Probing

“It’s pretty strong… but very good,” I admitted.

“See? I knew there was fire in you.” He took a slow sip of his own drink, then set it down, shifting his stool a little closer, our knees brushing.

“Now,” he leaned slightly forward, “tell me about yourself, Anna. Who are you when you’re not playing the perfect assistant?”

I couldn’t help glancing toward Roman again. He was no longer facing Maison, his body angled slightly away, yet I could see his eyes tracking us across the room.

Was he watching us?

My heart skipped.

“I’m not that interesting.” I took another sip of cognac for courage.

“I highly doubt that.” Laurent’s hand settled on the bar beside mine, his pinky finger just barely touching mine. ” How long have you been working for Mr. Blackwood?”

“Not too long. A few months.”

“Only a few months?” His eyebrows rose. “And he already trusts you enough to bring you to important meetings? To dress you in designer gowns and parade you in front of potential clients?”

“What can I say?” I managed a small smile. “Mr. Blackwood is a really great boss, and he cares about the appearance of his staff. After all, I’m an extension of his brand since I work for him.”

Laurent chuckled, the sound low and amused. “Oh, you are.” He tilted his head slightly. “After all, I took notice of you the moment you walked in.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Please do.” His smile widened, then his expression shifted, becoming more thoughtful. “But I also have to ask.. . I’ve never met a boss who’s as protective of his staff the way Blackwood is about you. It’s either you’re

exceptionally good at your job, or there’s more to this relationship than meets the eye.”

The question caught me off guard. I took another sip of cognac, buying myself time.

Laurent’s hand moved to my back, settling there gently. “Apologies if I was too forward with the question.”

I set my glass down carefully. “As for how good I am at my job, only Mr. Blackwood can give that assessment. But otherwise,” I met his eyes directly, “I’m just his assistant.”

“I see.” Laurent picked up his glass again, swirling the cognac. “Well, I feel relieved to get that out of the way. So there’s nothing going on between you both other than work.”

Guilt twisted in my stomach the moment the words left my mouth. Because a part of me had feelings for Roman, feelings I shouldn’t have, feelings that complicated everything. But it wasn’t a total lie either. There was nothing going on. A few kisses, some touching, all in the past. All mistakes we’d agreed to forget.

“What about outside of work?” Laurent continued. “Do you have family? Friends? A boyfriend?”

I contemplated lying, I’d lied to Roman about having a boyfriend to provoke a reaction. But with Laurent, there was no need for games.

“No boyfriend.”

Laurent’s smile widened. “No? A woman as beautiful as you, single? That’s hard to believe.”

“L’ye been focused on my career.”

“Your career as an assistant.” The slight drop in his tone made it sound less impressive than it was.

I felt defensive immediately. “There’s nothing wrong with being an assistant.”

“I never said there was.” He leaned closer, his voice softening. “I just think you’re selling yourself short, chérie. You could be so much more.”

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