My Boss Is A Werewolf

Chapter 15

Clara Bennett

I stood there on the sidewalk, still wrapped in Ryder’s arms, my face pressed against his chest.

The scent of his cologne mixed with something deeper, more masculine, filled my nose with every shaky breath I took. My hands were still gripping the front of his shirt tightly.

Ryder pulled back slightly but kept his hands on my shoulders, steadying me. His dark eyes searched my face carefully. “I wanted to see you,” he said, his voice low. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you after you left the office. I just… can’t get enough of you lately. And when I saw that taxi driver acting strange, I knew something was wrong. I felt it.”

My heart hammered against my ribs. I looked up at him, my mouth slightly open. The way he said it ... so direct, so honest ... made heat rush to my face. I stepped back a little, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder.

“You should come inside,” I said quietly, my voice still unsteady. “For a minute. I need to get ready for the gala anyway.”

Ryder nodded once. I turned and walked toward my apartment door, my legs still feeling weak.

As I reached for the handle, I noticed a large white parcel leaning against the doorframe. I stopped and picked it up, glancing back at Ryder.

He stood a few steps behind me, hands in his pockets, a small smile playing on his lips.

I raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. I unlocked the door and stepped inside, flipping on the light. Ryder followed me in and closed the door behind us.

The apartment felt even smaller with him in it. His tall frame seemed to take up most of the space in my tiny living room. I honestly wished I lived in a bigger apartment, maybe something decent. This one always had things falling apart or needed fixing, the kitchen was a mess either.

I had no chance to save enough for a proper house because of mom's constant illness and Victor's demands.. demands I thought were love, but I was being used.

I set my bag down on the couch and opened the parcel. Inside was a stunning peach-colored dress.

It sparkled softly under the light .... elegant, floor-length with delicate straps and subtle glitter that caught every angle. It looked incredibly expensive.

I held it up, my fingers running over the soft fabric. “Ryder… why would you do this? This dress looks like it cost a fortune.”

He shrugged, leaning against the wall near the door. “It’s no trouble. I saw it and thought it would look good on you tonight. You deserve to feel confident at the gala.”

I stared at the dress, then at him. That was when I really noticed ... he had already changed into a perfectly tailored black suit.

The jacket hugged his broad shoulders, and the white shirt underneath was crisp. His hair was styled neatly, and he smelled fresh, like he had just showered.

The cologne he wore wrapped around the small room, warm and intoxicating. It made something twist painfully in my chest. I wanted to step forward, bury my face in his neck, and just stay there. But I couldn’t. Not with everything hanging over me.

“You already changed,” I said softly, almost to myself. “I was so caught up with work and… everything else… I didn’t even notice earlier.”

Ryder swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple moving visibly. His eyes stayed on me. “Go freshen up. I’ll wait here.”

I nodded and disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I leaned against it for a second, pressing my forehead to the cool wood. My hands were shaking again as I set the dress down carefully.

******

*Ryder West*

I stood in the middle of Clara’s small living room, looking around slowly. The place was neat and clean, but tiny. I caught her expression when I was staring at the place. Almost like she was embarrassed. But she had nothing to be embarrassed about, because it was hers... Something she could call her own and I respected that, but I could still do something for her...As her friend and boss.

The couch looked old but well-maintained.

A small kitchen area sat to the left, and a single bedroom door was visible down the short hallway. It was clear she took care of what she had, but it wasn’t nearly enough for someone dealing with her mother’s illness and the stress I could see in her eyes every day.

While she was in the bathroom, I pulled out my phone and sent a quick message to my property manager.

**Ryder:** Prepare one of the executive apartments on the 28th floor. The one with the view. Have it ready for immediate move-in. Name: Clara Bennett. Cover all costs under company relocation for key staff.

I hit send and slipped the phone back into my pocket. She deserved better than this. Much better.

I wandered over to a small shelf near the TV. A framed photo caught my eye ... Clara smiling brightly next to an older woman who looked like her mother.

They had the same eyes. Clara’s arm was wrapped around her mom’s shoulders, both of them laughing at something off-camera. I picked it up gently, a small smile forming on my lips. She looked so happy in the picture. Lighter. I wanted to see that version of her again.

My phone rang suddenly, breaking the quiet. I glanced at the screen and sighed deeply, almost slapping my forehead. Amelia. I answered anyway, keeping my voice low.

“What is it, Amelia?”

“Ryder, darling!” she said in that overly sweet voice I had grown to hate. “I was thinking ... can you pick me up for the gala tonight? My driver is sick and I really don’t want to arrive alone. We could make such a good entrance together.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “No. I’m already picking up Clara.”

There was a long pause. “Clara? That pathetic assistant? Ryder, you can’t be serious. She’s nobody. I’m the one who...”

I cut her off. “I said no. Enjoy your evening, Amelia.”

I hung up before she could say anything else and shoved the phone back into my pocket.

Just then, the bathroom door opened.

****

*Clara Bennett*

I stepped out of the bathroom, my hair freshly brushed and my face washed. Ryder was standing near the shelf, putting down the photo frame of me and Mom. He turned when he heard me, his eyes moving over me slowly.

I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how small my apartment was with him inside it. “You really didn’t have to wait. I can meet you at the gala if you need to go.”

Ryder shook his head, his voice steady. “I’m not leaving without you.”