Trapped in the boss's embrace (by Katrina A) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33 I Don’t Like Kissing

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Killian nodded. “Yeah. I asked her to check in with you, see if you needed anything. But she came back pretty quickly.”

Damian didn’t respond immediately.

He leaned back against the sofa, fingers idly brushing his jaw as he fell into silence.

Beatrice woke up early.

Harper was still fast asleep, so she decided to head down to the restaurant alone.

After all, all she’d eaten on the yacht last night was half a piece of cake. She’d been so hungry she’d seriously considered sneaking out at 3 a.m. to hunt down some food.

After breakfast, the morning was still young. She wandered through the hotel’s tropical garden, enjoying the classic style and tranquil atmosphere.

The air was fresh. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the palm leaves above, dancing across her face in gentle patches of warmth. She closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly, breathing in the earthy scent of greenery.

The world didn’t need to revolve around men or love. It was still warm, alive, and beautiful.

Until footsteps sounded behind her.

A shadow fell across her face. The breeze carried a faint scent–clean. masculine, and tinged with post–workout sweat. Familiar.

She opened her eyes.

Right in front of her was a man in a black sports tee, chest slightly rising and falling. Beads of sweat traced down his sculpted collarbone. Her gaze slid to his defined jawline, then to his Adam’s apple, and finally to those faintly parted, slightly flushed lips.

“Ms. Lawson, what’s wrong with your eyes?”

The voice was low and tinged with concern. Before she could reply, he leaned in a little. His breath hit her skin like the humid wind of a tropical morning.

Snapping out of it, Beatrice blinked fast and stepped back. “The sun’s too bright. I’m a little dizzN.”

Damian raised a brow. “If you stare at it much longer, you won’t just be dizzy. You’ll go blind.”

She rubbed her eyes awkwardly. The memory of last night–the hotel, the misunderstanding, that tense moment with Harper floated up again, making her scalp prickle.

Chapter 33 I Don’t Like Kissing

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Trying to shift the subject, she said, “Mr. Crowley, are you out for a run?”

He nodded, wiping his sweat with a towel, seemingly disinterested–until he asked casually, “You were the one peeking from the third floor of the yacht last night, weren’t you?”

Beatrice stiffened. “Peeking?” she blurted. “I wasn’t peeking! I just happened to go up there and then saw… that… I left right away!”

“That?” Damian’s expression was deadpan. “Be specific.”

“You know… kissing!” she said shamelessly. “A very intense kiss, okay?”

“You’re mistaken,” he replied coolly.

She blinked. “Okay. Sure. My bad.”

Whatever. Whether he kissed Harper or not had absolutely nothing to do with her.

But Damian didn’t look pleased with her quick agreement. He stared at her for a long beat, as if trying to read something in her expression.

“Don’t you believe me?” Damian asked.

Beatrice nodded quickly. “I do, I do.”

Chapter 33 I Don’t Like Kissing

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“I don’t like kissing,” he added, his tone calm. “Especially not with women.”

Beatrice was stunned.

Wait–is he gay?

But that doesn’t make sense. Isn’t he in a twisted, love–hate thing with Harper?

Or maybe he used to like women and now… doesn’t?

Her brain was spinning. She blinked rapidly, unsure if she was overthinking or actually onto something.

Damian added coldly, “Anyway. I corrected you just now because you were wrong. We didn’t kiss. And as my secretary, you can’t have these kinds of misunderstandings.”

Beatrice nodded so fast it was like her neck was spring–loaded. “Understood. Got it.”

Only then did Damian turn and walk away.

Watching his tall, straight figure disappear down the path, Beatrice stood frozen in place.

Should I even know this much about my boss’s love life?

*

When Beatrice came back to the room, Harper was already up.

She was fully awake now. The calm, elegant aura she had shown yesterday at the dock–like a black swan had returned.

“Ms. Lawson, thank you for last night,” Harper said politely.

“You’re welcome.” Beatrice smiled.

“Then I’ll get going. See you at the office later.” With that, Harper walked out and left.

At nine in the morning, Damian headed to the subsidiary office, accompanied by Beatrice, Killian, and two other senior execs from headquarters.

The whole branch office was already on high alert.

The second they got the notice Damian was coming, no one dared to slack off. Everyone braced themselves for a surprise inspection.

Harper had changed into a crisp white business suit, giving off a sharp and professional vibe.

When Damian arrived at the front gate, she and the rest of the management team were already waiting.

“Hello, Mr. Crowley. Welcome. We look forward to your guidance.”

Damian gave Harper a quick glance, exchanged a few pleasantries with the higher–ups, then signaled for everyone lo

head to the meeting room.

They spent the entire day at the office–attending briefings, listening to reports, reviewing financials, and checking in on the progress of major projects.

At noon, Harper arranged lunch at a restaurant known for its local

cuisine.

By evening, she hosted a dinner with key project partners. The deputy manager and head of finance also joined. The private room was packed, full of chatter and clinking glasses.

Beatrice and Killian, having assisted all day, were completely worn

out.

They were now sitting in a lounge area just outside the banquet

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