Lionel’s POV

I should’ve known.

The moment she let me back into the office—with a very dramatic, “Only under supervision” disclaimer—I should’ve known it wasn’t going to be real work.

She practically marched me into her office like I was a prisoner on day release. Sat me down in the sleek armchair opposite her desk and said, “Stay.”

Then went back to her laptop like I didn’t exist.

No files. No meetings. No emails forwarded. Just… silence.

“You know I’m capable of working, right?” I muttered after ten solid minutes of watching her type.

She didn’t even look up. “You’re recovering. Be grateful I let you wear real pants today.”

“I’m not a child.”

“Mhm,” she hummed, scrolling through a document.

I let out a slow exhale and leaned my head back, staring at the ceiling.

Ten more minutes. No movement. No acknowledgment.

“This is psychological warfare.”

That got her attention.

She looked up at me, all composed elegance and subtle amusement.

“You’re fidgeting.”

“I’m bored.”

“That’s because you’re not supposed to be working yet.”

“Then why bring me here?”

She stood slowly, circling her desk like a lioness, predatory and very aware of it.

“Because I like having you where I can see you.”

Her voice was silk, low and lazy.

My heartbeat kicked up.

“That sounds slightly possessive.”

She smirked. “Oh, sweetheart… you’ve seen nothing yet.”

She reached me, leaned down, and kissed me, soft at first, coaxing. Then deeper, hungrier.

I was just starting to forget I was annoyed when I felt a click at my wrist.

What the hell—

I pulled back, eyes snapping to the armrest.

A silver cuff. Metal. Cold. Secure.

“Did you just—”

“Yes.” She kissed the corner of my mouth, then leaned down to whisper, “You’re not going anywhere.”

I tugged experimentally.

Firm.

“Katherine.”

“Yes, darling?” she said sweetly, already walking back to her desk like she hadn’t just handcuffed me to a damn chair.

“This is illegal.”

“So is insider trading. But that doesn’t stop half the board.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You cuffed me mid-makeout. That’s low, even for you.”

She gave me an innocent look. “You said you wouldn’t stay put. Now you will.”

God help me, I was in so much trouble. I glanced at the handcuffs again and imagined the headlines:

“Xavier Corp CFO Spotted Dragging Office Chair Like a Prisoner of Love.”

Mortifying.

I looked at her amused face and decided to use my secret weapon. The puppy eyes trick.

I looked up at her sweetly.

“Please, babe... remove the handcuffs. I promise I’ll go home and rest.”

Her expression softened. For a moment, I saw genuine affection in her eyes.

Yes. It’s working. Lionel, you genius.

She took the key out of her pocket and brought it near the handcuffs.

But just before unlocking them, she paused. Her eyes turned mischievous again.

“You can’t trick Katherine Xavier that easily, love,” she cooed near my ear.

I stared at her in disbelief.

She saw right through me!

Note to self: Never underestimate a woman who owns both a billion-dollar company and a pair of handcuffs.

As she walked back toward her desk, I yelled after her,

“I hate you, Katherine Amelia Xavier!”

She stopped, turned around with amusement in her eyes, and said,

“I love you too, Lionel Lawson.”

I scowled, and she just smirked, returning to her desk like she hadn’t just humiliated me.

Still... a warm feeling spread through my chest as I shook my head and muttered under my breath,

“I love you more, my princess.”