Aniya stood in the corner, her piercing blue eyes entirely focused on Jesse, one of her boss's suppliers. She scoffed inwardly at his cocky smirk, hands forming into fists at her sides as she imagined punching the arrogant expression off his face.

The air in the office felt thick with tension as Aniya's jaw tightened. She hated how Jesse looked at her boss – with such obvious desire, not even attempting to hide his intentions. "Don't worry boss. I got it," Jesse said, stepping dangerously close to the woman who owned Aniya's loyalty. Almost instinctively, Aniya took a step closer too, her eyebrows narrowing with suspicion.

If he weren't such an important business contact, he'd already be lying beaten in some dirty alleyway. She dug her nails into her palms, the sharp pain helping her maintain composure as her pulse quickened with barely restrained anger. "The shipment will be here by tomorrow morning," he added, smiling softly while gazing at her boss with calculated brown eyes.

Jealousy coiled in Aniya's stomach like a serpent. What if her boss was charmed by him? What if they were already involved, and she just didn't know about it yet? She shook her head firmly. No. Her boss wouldn't sink that low. Men like Jesse existed all over the city – arrogant types who thought a smile and empty words could get them anything they wanted.

"I promise," his voice grew quieter, more breathy, "it'll be here. Just as you asked." Aniya noted the way his eyes flickered down to her boss's lips, his tongue darting out to wet his own. Go on, try it, she thought, never averting her gaze from Jesse, watching his every move.

"You know Miss," Jesse's hand reached out, hovering above her boss's lower arm, "you look very beau-" Just as the tips of his fingers brushed her skin, Aniya strode forward, grabbing his wrist so tightly it would surely leave a bruise.

"Don't fucking touch her." Her voice was low and menacing, eyes filled with pure rage. She didn't think about consequences – only about protecting what mattered most.