Adônis MacGyver had never once felt nervous asking that question. Usually, if a woman said she was taken, he'd shrug and move on. But this time, he found himself hoping Vasti wouldn't say yes.

Just picturing her—so stunning, so tempting—with someone else had him gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.

Get it together, man! What the hell are you doing? You don't even know this woman, you fool! He scolded himself.

What do you think? Vasti shot back, shaking her head in disbelief. "Honestly, that's kind of insulting."

Asking if you have a boyfriend is insulting?

She fixed him with a look.

Of course! Do you really think if I had a boyfriend, I'd have—

Her voice caught. She stared straight ahead, lips quivering. He could see it on her face—she thought he saw her as just another fling, nothing special. If she'd had a boyfriend, there was no way she'd have let things go as far as they did. She would never have run off with him, never have thought about losing her virginity to a man who wasn't hers!

I just wanted to be sure. I don't get involved with women who are already taken, Adônis MacGyver explained, but Vasti didn't buy it. "I mean it. I know you'll probably say you're not like that, but I'd rather risk asking than assume and end up looking like a fool."

Vasti hesitated, knowing full well there were women out there who would keep a boyfriend secret just for a shot at a man like him.

For one thing, she said, drawing an imaginary line between them with her finger. "We're not dating. So there's no reason for you to know anything about my personal life."

Vasti, we need to talk, Adônis MacGyver said, his tone shifting. "Will that work for you? After work—today. It's... something important."

Vasti's teeth sank into her lip, and her throat felt tight.

Are you going to fire me? If that's the plan, let's just get it over with.

He pulled the car over and looked at her, gently lifting her chin.

If I wanted to fire you, I'd have done it already. Honestly, my life would be a lot simpler if you weren't my employee, Adônis MacGyver said, letting out a long sigh. "But this is something else. It's serious."

So this is your way of telling me that nothing's going to happen between us except sex, so I shouldn't get my hopes up? Vasti said flatly. "If that's the case, don't worry. There's not going to be any sex."

Adônis MacGyver sucked in a sharp breath and stopped her from getting out of the car. She shot him a cold look. He wanted to say, hell yes, he hoped there'd be a lot more—especially sex— but he managed to keep it to himself.

Fine, he said. "But that's not what this is about. After work?"

Vasti still had no clue what was so important, but she decided she'd hear him out. Maybe he'd get whatever it was off his chest, and she could finally have a peaceful day at work.

Alright, she agreed.

Any idea how long you'll be? He nodded toward the hospital.

Vasti had already cracked the door open.

Nope. Don't wait for me, she said, giving him a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "And… thanks for the ride!"

She stepped out of the car, and Adônis MacGyver had to fight the urge to follow her, grab her hand, and figure out exactly why she was here. So he stayed put. He'd wait—she didn't have much time left, and she'd end up late for work if she lingered. He planned to drive her afterward, and once they reached the office, they'd take separate elevators—no need to make her uncomfortable or give anyone in the company something to gossip about. Last night, he'd only cornered Vasti in the pantry because they'd been completely alone!

It wasn't that Adônis MacGyver was embarrassed to be seen with her—far from it—but at work, he had to keep things strictly professional. If Vasti agreed to what he had in mind, they'd need to stay under the radar. Extremely under the radar.

But that doesn't mean I won't enjoy this gorgeous woman in every corner of the office—even on company time. Adônis MacGyver smirked, already picturing Vasti on his desk, lost in his touch.

Meanwhile, inside the hospital, Vasti headed straight for her grandmother's room.

The old woman was halfway through breakfast when her granddaughter walked in. Her face lit up with a huge smile the moment she saw Vasti.

Oh, Vasti! she exclaimed, setting her glass on the tray. "I've missed you!"

Hi, Grandma! Good morning! Vasti greeted, flashing a bright smile. She also nodded to the nurse, who quietly slipped out to give them some privacy. The hospital staff all knew Vasti by now, and she'd arranged with the doctor to visit early, before work. The doctor had granted Vasti special permission for that visiting hour. The elderly woman had no family left, and Vasti couldn't come by in the mornings or afternoons because she had to work to cover the cost of the patient's treatment.

Good morning, dear! she greeted warmly, taking a spoonful of porridge before continuing. "How was work today? Are you liking it there? Is your boss treating you well?"

Vasti had to bite back the truth. If she even hinted that Adônis MacGyver had been impossible from day one, her grandmother might just storm out of the hospital and hunt him down herself.

Everything's fine, Grandma, she said, settling into the chair by the bed. "Everyone's been really nice. The woman I'm filling in for has been especially helpful."

Oh, that's wonderful to hear! her grandmother beamed.

The genuine joy in the old woman's smile made Vasti squirm inside. The truth was, her boss wasn't nice to her at all. His interest in her went far beyond anything professional.

I just wanted to check in on you, Vasti said softly. "I'll talk to the doctor, then head to work."

Vasti finished feeding her grandmother, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and set off to find the doctor.

Miss Cortez! the doctor, Lockwood, greeted her. He was young and handsome, a fact the nurses liked to mention every chance they got.

Dr. Scott! Vasti replied, managing a smile. "How's my grandmother doing?"

Well… about that. He hesitated. "The hospital asked me about the surgery payment. I said I'd check with you." He looked a bit uncomfortable having to bring it up.

Her brow creased.

Wait—it hasn't been paid? My f— She caught herself. "The person I asked to handle it promised they would."

Vasti cursed herself for trusting her father, Dimas, with something so important.

I'm not sure, Dr. Scott admitted. "As of this morning, we haven't received confirmation of payment." He offered an apologetic look. "I understand things are difficult right now. If… if you need help…"

He stood close, his expression softening as he gently took her hand. Vasti felt her cheeks burn and slipped her hand free, not wanting to give him any false hope. The man was attractive, smart, and unfailingly polite—but she didn't want to lead him on.

Thank you, but I'll handle this myself, she said. "If you'll excuse me, I really have to go."

He cleared his throat, clearly a bit embarrassed.

Of course, he said. "I'll wait for word from the finance office. But I mean it— don't worry so much. If you need help, just ask."

Thank you, Vasti said with a polite nod before leaving.

Dr. Scott hadn't come out and said anything, but it was obvious to Vasti that he was interested in her. She had to admit, it was flattering— he was gorgeous, after all. Still, she felt nothing for him. Not that way.

Like you feel about Adônis MacGyver, the sarcastic voice in her head chimed in. Vasti shoved that thought aside— useless, ridiculous nonsense!

Vasti slipped through the double doors and glanced at the empty spot where Adônis MacGyver's car had been parked. For reasons she didn't want to admit, she'd kind of hoped he would still be waiting for her. Shaking it off, Vasti headed for the bus stop, trying to focus on work and the phone call she'd need to make to Dimas. He had promised he'd take care of the surgery bill!

But it's fine, it's fine. Everything's going to work out. Today's going to be a good day!

What she didn't know was that Adônis MacGyver had actually waited for her.

When Vasti stepped out of the elevator, she noticed the office felt even quieter than usual. Heidi spotted her right away and motioned for Vasti to come over.

What's going on? Vasti asked.

Heidi leaned in. "Mr. Gonzalez's in a foul mood. Nobody knows why, but he showed up this morning looking like he wanted to bite someone's head off."

Vasti frowned at that. Adônis MacGyver had seemed calm when he left her at the hospital. What could have happened between then and now to put him in such a bad mood?

Alright. I'll just focus on my own work. The last thing I need is for him to come after my job—again.

Heidi nodded and got back to her own tasks. By now, Vasti had learned the ropes. Heidi trusted she'd be able to manage the office and keep Mr. Gonzalez's schedule on track when the time came for Heidi to take her leave.

The morning slipped by without much drama. Adônis MacGyver called Heidi in a few times, and every single visit left her looking more rattled than before. The last time, Vasti shot her a questioning look, silently asking what was up. Heidi just shook her head and hurried back to her office, keeping whatever it was to herself.

It was well past one in the afternoon when Vasti finally left her desk and walked over to Heidi's office, knocking on the door to get her attention.

May I go grab some lunch? Vasti asked.

She skipped breakfast that morning, worried that if she missed the hospital shuttle, she'd show up late for work—a risk she couldn't afford. With her boss already in a terrible mood, losing her job felt like a real possibility. This time, he'd actually have a legitimate excuse to fire her, since the mistake would be her own. Sure, running a few minutes behind might not usually get someone canned, but with her luck, she wasn't about to test it.

Yes, of course. Go ahead, Heidi said with a kind smile.

What about you? Aren't you going to eat?

Not yet. Don't worry about me. I'll go after you get back.

Vasti nodded and headed out. Calling it hunger didn't do justice to how empty she felt— her stomach was practically eating itself!

She pressed the elevator button, ignoring the surprised gasps that had just erupted behind her. If it didn't concern her, she wasn't about to get involved. Right now, the only thing on her mind was food.

Just then, a shadow loomed behind her.

It must have been another employee waiting for the elevator, Vasti thought. Still, Vasti didn't know everyone in the building—she hadn't been there that long. "Come on, elevator, move it!"

The elevator doors slid open, and she walked in with her head lowered, fishing her phone out of her purse. Just as she reached out to hit the button for the ground floor, someone's hand cut her off. She glanced up to see who it was right as the elevator doors shut behind them.

We need to talk, Adônis MacGyver said, his voice grave. Vasti arched an eyebrow.

Alright… She could tell Adônis MacGyver was more intense than usual. He gave off a suffocating energy, and she couldn't decide if she should ask what set him off. "He'll tell you himself, Vasti. Otherwise, he wouldn't have called you here," she told herself. "Oh, sir, what did I do this time? But I had to eat first. Let me eat something before we talk, Mr. Gonzalez," she told Adônis MacGyver.

Lunch? Vasti caught a strange glint in his eyes and narrowed her own, watching him closely.

Yeah. It's late, and I haven't eaten a thing today, Vasti replied, forcing her voice to stay steady as she looked away.

I thought you'd already eaten—with your little friend, Adônis MacGyver said.

Vasti looked up at him, puzzled. "What… What little friend?"

The elevator doors slid open and, before she could react, Adônis MacGyver took her wrist—firm, but not rough—and steered her straight to his car. "Mr. Gonzalez!" She protested.

Get in, he said, leaving no room for argument. Vasti hated being bossed around, so she dug in her heels. Adônis MacGyver let out an exasperated sigh, tossed her an impatient smile, and added, "Please."

Vasti shot him a look that practically said, "This better be worth it." Without another word, she nodded and slid into the car.

Would you care to explain what that was all about? Why did you drag me out here?

Adônis MacGyver gripped the wheel with both hands, closed his eyes, and drew in a slow breath before facing her.

Who was the man with you at the hospital?

Vasti needed a second to process. What man…? And then it finally clicked.

He's the doctor treating the person I went to visit, Vasti said.

Are you going out with him? Vasti frowned, puzzled by the question—especially since Adônis MacGyver sounded more intense than usual.

She blinked, thrown off by his tone. Was he really… jealous?

No, that's not... she muttered, then cleared her throat. She straightened up and looked him in the eye. "With all due respect, Mr. Gonzalez, I don't owe you any explanations."

Vasti! Just tell me—are you two together or not?

She wanted to tell him to mind his own business, but honestly, what was the point of dragging this out? If he wanted an answer, she'd give him one and maybe, just maybe, he'd finally leave her alone long enough to eat.

No, Mr. Gonzalez, I'm not seeing that man. Not the way you're thinking.

Relief washed over Adônis MacGyver, softening his whole demeanor. He reached out and gently brushed Vasti's cheek with his hand.

I didn't like seeing you that close to him, he admitted quietly. "He... He held your hand…"

He reached for her hand, as if to point something out, then brought it to his lips and pressed a kiss to the back of it.

Vasti sat there, utterly bewildered. Adônis MacGyver switched moods like flipping a light— one moment, he only seemed interested in sex, the next he acted like he cared, then he'd get mad out of nowhere, only to suddenly turn gentle again.

Honestly, he acted like a jealous boyfriend—which made no sense, since they didn't have that kind of relationship. If she had to label it, maybe there was some flirting, but that was the extent of it.

He's just a friend. And like I said, I don't owe you any explanations, she replied, her voice softer than she intended— almost a whisper.

Adônis MacGyver leaned in, pressed a light kiss to her lips, and rested his forehead against hers. "We need to talk after work," he said quietly.

Vasti licked her lips and nodded, already regretting her curiosity. She always managed to land herself in trouble. What could this man possibly want, other than sex?

Fine, she said, keeping her answer short. "That conversation was wildly inappropriate, but… Let's just get some food. Please."

Adônis MacGyver chuckled, sat back, and buckled his seatbelt. One hand gripped the steering wheel, the other shifted the car into gear.

So, what do you want to eat today?

I don't care… Honestly, I just need food.

I just need to eat too, he said, smirking. Vasti stared at him, half-annoyed that he'd even tried that joke.

He lifted his hands in mock surrender, still laughing. Just like that, the tension vanished. Suddenly, he was the same Adônis MacGyver she'd seen that morning—easygoing, relaxed, even friendly.

He started the car and drove out of the garage. Adônis MacGyver had already decided: he was going to take her somewhere for one of his favorite meals, something he rarely allowed himself to have.

They sat together on a park bench, sharing some German sausage. Vasti hadn't tasted it yet, but she couldn't resist anymore.

I'm surprised you eat this kind of food, she said, taking her first bite. Adônis MacGyver glanced over. "Street food. Simple," he replied.

She loved it instantly, but Adônis MacGyver started to regret his choice. Of all things—sausage? The moment she bit into it, his mind went straight to the gutter. Every time she took a bite, his thoughts grew more indecent.

She glanced over and caught him staring at her instead of eating, his lips slightly parted.

What? she asked, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. The fact that she was completely clueless about her effect on him only made her more irresistible. She oozed sex appeal without even trying.

I'm just watching you eat, Adônis MacGyver said, his voice rough.

I thought you were the hungry one. You said you loved this stuff. Now I get it—it's amazing! But… you haven't even had a bite.

He glanced down at the sausage in his hand.

Ah... yeah, I'll eat, he muttered.

Are you sure? Vasti's expression made it clear—if Adônis MacGyver didn't want it, she was ready to claim it for herself.

I'll order another one for you, he said, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement.

No! I mean... She caught herself, not wanting to sound desperate, though her stomach had other plans. "Okay. Thank you."

He gave a quick wave to the stall owner, who nodded in acknowledgment.

So... what did you want to talk to me about? I know you said 'after work,' but I'm dying of curiosity…

After work, Adônis MacGyver repeated, flashing a small smile. "You have to learn to respect the order of things."

Vasti pouted at him.

You're cruel, you know that? she grumbled, making him chuckle.

Just imagine what you'd say after a session. Ha, ha, ha!

Vasti gave him a look like he'd completely lost it. A session of what, exactly?

Adônis MacGyver realized she hadn't picked up on his meaning. He reached over, brushing his hand gently across her cheek.

You'll find out soon enough, he said quietly. "That is, if our talk later goes well."

You're not planning to turn me into a prostitute, are you? she asked, arching an eyebrow. The idea had crept up on her after weighing the possibilities. Adônis MacGyver clearly had a strong interest in sex, and she couldn't deny there was a spark between them, but…

Prostitu— The word finally clicked in his brain, and he scowled, looking both baffled and insulted. "No! Absolutely not! I'd never ask for something like that!"

Vasti let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, a hand going to her chest.

Oh, thank God. I may not have a fortune, but I'm definitely not for sale.

Adônis MacGyver shifted in his seat, clearly flustered.

You can rest easy. That's not what this is about.

But it has something to do with sex, doesn't it? she pressed.

Yes, but not exactly, he replied. "It's not about 'sex' itself. That could be a result, but it's not really the point of this conversation."

Right. Now Vasti's curiosity had reached fever pitch. She was always on edge, and right now, it felt like her mind was running in circles. She was already stressed about her father's situation at the hospital, and now she had to deal with this mysterious talk from Adônis MacGyver?

You seem a little out of it... Adônis MacGyver observed, tilting his head as he studied her.

Oh, sorry! she blurted, snapping out of her thoughts. Just then, the second sausage arrived, and she quickly thanked the vendor, but Adônis MacGyver stopped her from pulling out her wallet.

I invited you, he insisted. "Besides, you just started your job. Consider this a welcome— and maybe an apology for how things began between us."

Vasti's lips curled into a genuine smile. He looked like he was finally back to his old, cheerful self.

I'm glad you finally stopped frowning, Vasti remarked.

Oh… was I? Adônis MacGyver feigned ignorance, pretending he had no idea what she meant. Vasti just nodded and went back to eating, not bothering to call him out. Adônis MacGyver grinned and joined her, then ended up ordering three more sausages and finishing every last one.

Once they were done, they made their way back to the car. Adônis MacGyver opened the door for her, circled around, and got in behind the wheel. Truthfully, he had zero interest in going back to the office. All he wanted was to be alone with Vasti and pick up where they'd left off the night before. He still kicked himself for cutting things short. And what if she wasn't interested anymore? Of course, he'd never fire her over it, but the thought of working beside her for six months, unable to lay a finger on her, drove him nuts. If she didn't want him. If.

Looks like you're the one spacing out now, she teased. Adônis MacGyver snapped out of it, realizing the light had changed and the cars behind them were already honking. He let out a sigh and hit the gas.

Sorry, he muttered.

The drive back was quiet, neither of them saying much. When they got close to the building, Vasti reached over and rested her hand on his arm.

I think it's better if I get out here, she said, glancing out the window at the street.

Why? Adônis MacGyver asked.

Vasti turned to face Adônis MacGyver.

Because if anyone sees us arriving together, they'll start talking. All we did was have lunch, but people love to make up stories. I don't want that kind of reputation.

Adônis MacGyver nodded. He got it—her concern was totally valid. She was just the new employee, and if anyone caught her getting out of the boss's car, the rumor mill would go wild. And if she landed a permanent position after Heidi came back, everyone would claim she only got the job because she was sleeping with Adônis MacGyver. Not that he'd mind that scenario, but still—not the point!

He pulled over two blocks away from the office. Vasti got out, thanked him, and headed off on her own. Adônis MacGyver drove back to the company.

About an hour before the workday ended, Vasti's phone buzzed. The hospital was messaging about the surgery bill—they needed confirmation, or at least a down payment.

Vasti let out a heavy sigh. What the hell! She texted her father, wanting to know why he hadn't settled the payment yet.

The reply she got couldn't have been more vague or discouraging.

DIMAS: Things aren't going well right now. I still don't have the money.

What a load of crap! Vasti seethed. Dimas was just stalling, and she knew it— he had more than enough money stashed away!

She wasn't about to threaten him by bringing up his paternity— she knew how slippery he was. He'd probably twist it around and use her words against her. Blackmail. The man had never given her a single cent, not even the child support he owed. If Vasti took him to court, he'd have to pay up, but she didn't want any of that mess. She just needed help with her grandmother's medical bills. If it weren't for that, she wouldn't ask him for a thing.

Vasti took a long, shaky breath, fighting back the tears stinging her eyes. She wasn't just sad for her grandmother—she was furious. How could a man be so heartless? And how did her mother, who was supposed to be so kind, ever end up with someone like him?

She stared at her computer screen and forced herself to get back to work. The more she focused, the less room there'd be for anger or heartbreak.