Claire had not kissed him. She couldn't have; it was impossible for her lips to have made contact with his. Yet as she pulled her head from the enclosed space of her arms, she was still in the office and the reminder of their united act dawned onto her. It was not a dream but a nightmare; Claire had kissed the gorgeous specimen and she liked it.

Sticking to her path of self-denial, Claire planned to limit her interaction with Zack and supposedly neglect any thoughts to their earlier instance. It wasn't as easy as she had hoped instantly feeling her cheeks flare rapidly towards the colour of the horizon as he returned. How could she? The habitat of his tongue sliding across the bottom of his lip, the incredible feeling of her hands running through his yet still tousled hair from earlier and not to exclude his hard body beneath. He could walk into the office naked and no finger would be pointed; Zack was just too hot for words. Claire was becoming too weak allowing this traitorous thoughts roam free in her head. She should be disgusted in him. He kissed her.

Zack was stopped as Graves took upon the audacity to walk in front of him. He dared not to sigh knowing it was no good if he lost a job, he had already kissed his roommate potentially striking his name off her good side. Graves continued forward without apologising as he made way towards the stairs in a hurry. Call him suspicious but part of Zack's interest got caught up in the matter and he found himself following. Of course he took cautious steps allowing Graves to walk down one flight of stairs before he resumed to follow. Zack took notice towards his reddening face, the puff in his breath showing his lack of shape despite Zack' earlier profile on his appearance with the extension of his hefty arms; it had to be steroids. Eventually Graves came to a stop on one of the flight of the stairs looked wearily around checking both downstairs over the rails then upstairs in which Zack stood back. This perhaps the only benefit of going undercover to be able to sniff out the rugs of the litter in his corporation.

Graves brought his phone to his ear pacing slightly back and forth to the rail until his voice in a hushed yet broke out, "Yeah...look I can do Thursday. I've got f**king inspectors on my trail today so we'll reschedule it."

Zack listened in attentively, his brows frowning at the suspicious nature of his phone call yet without hearing the receiver's voice, he could not place a finger on what he was discussing and could only hope that Thursday he'd gather more. Zack straightened his composure heading back up the flight of stairs in dismay that he hadn't cracked down onto whatever Graves was stressing and re-entered the office.

Before he even placed a foot into the territory, someone or something pushed at him with tremendous force that he nearly stumbled. It was however a person who took hold of his arm with intention of restricting his circulation proven by the firm grip. Zack couldn't hardly process what was happening and only took onto the situation when he was pushed into a stockroom hardly a breath's space between him and the other person. Then at sudden, light grew into the darkness radiating onto the other being opposite him. Zack's smile slithered onto his lips as he cocked his head to the side.

"Can I help you?" He sneered.

Claire's brows burrowed as she snapped, her tone still hushed, "Let's get something straight here, buddy. I do not and I repeat do not find you attractive. It is the opposite. You're a complete jerk who probably preys on women which to your surprise are not at all like me. So don't think that I'm under your influence or...wanting you to f**k the socks off me. Okay?" Her cheeks blaring red.

Half-admittedly, Zack was surprised and didn't get to counter his reaction as she still continued, "And that kiss meant nothing! You kissed me! I swear if you go flaunting it off to your obnoxious buddies or...post some stupid message on social networks then I will gladly detach your d.ick off."

Zack smirked, "Honey, you wouldn't want that. You want my d.ick. But I accept your apology."

Claire gasped, "Since when did any of that sound like an apology!"

-"So you don't deny."

Claire's face reddened as she barked wearily to not raise it too loud considering they were only in the stockroom around the corner, "Shut up! You're so conceited!"

Zack's brows lifted. "It's just confidence. Now, darling. Care to explain why you had to drag me into a stockroom which might I add only adds to my suspicion that you fancy the socks off me considering the little space between us both." His eyes trailing towards their feet then wandering freely upon her body taking fair time towards her chest.

Claire huffed trying best to disguise the erratic behaviour of her heart thumping, "I do not fancy the socks off you! And...I wanted to make the message clear! We already nearly made a scene out of there."

Zack nodded, "Ah, I see. You wanted me all to yourself. Well that's okay, darling. You should have just said." Smirking with triumph at the fluster of her cheeks once again.

-"Look here, buddy. I'm not kidding. I have a pair of scissors in my desk and if that means I'm put down for a prison sentence, so be it! Cause you're a d.ick!"

Zack stepped in closer that their foreheads were in near contact, "Oh yeah." He challenged, intoxicated by the sweet smell of her perfume lingering between them. Claire stepped in even closer pressing forward her statement as she spat, "Yes. See...nothing at all. You don't affect me at all."

He raised his eyebrows challengingly only without words but actions he continued forward that Claire had to step back until her back pressed into the cupboard. His eyes glinted hunger as he pressed his hand above her head staring with ease at her own. Claire tried to supress the weakness, tried to remain calm and fierce in return but couldn't handle the way his eyes took advantage of her own.

"You look breathless, Claire." Zack muttered. "You're melting on the spot, waiting for my lips in contact with yours."

Claire refused to listen knowing he was trying to manipulate, "You're a bit desperate, aren't you?" She replied, pushing off the cupboard.

Zack had to give her that one feeling quite puzzled how to respond. She was definitely like no other woman who were more reluctant to bestow themselves upon him. Claire was fierce and he strangely liked it but that he would admit it aloud. She stepped forward invading his space to that her eyes were directly in line until he straightened his posture.

"You've got nothing on me, Zack Chase." She said, her tone dangerously low. Zack fed off her confidence enjoying every minute of this that what she did came unexpected. With a strong pull, her one hand tugged onto one of his belt loops. "Keep it in your pants, Jerkface." She muttered, her expression sombre without no trace of being sheepish to the matter.

Zack lips curled, "We wouldn't want you getting out of control now, would we?"

Even before Claire could breathe a word, the door that separated them from reality opened at the deceitful scene. Ahead of them both, Darren gaping alone flickered his eyes back and forth to Claire's hand easily resting near his crotch area where she still held hold of his belt loop and Zack who smiled with ease. She instantly let go, rubbing her hand across the side of her thigh as she rushed out.

Darren gaped following her soon after as they left Zack alone.

"Oh my f**king god!" Darren gasped as he finally caught up with her.

Claire looked shamefully towards her feet despite knowing nothing had happened. Well, not there at least.

"You f**king liar! You said nothing was going on. F**k, I applaud you. I applaud you." He said with enthusiasm. Claire turned on her heel, grabbed Darren's hand and pulled him along until they rounded an empty corner.

"That's honesty not what it looked like! I wouldn't stoop that low." Claire said with distress. "I was not....doing what it looked like."

Darren snorted. "Oh please. That the oldest trick in the book! I would take any guy in the stockroom if I was going to do the dirty work but...dam Claire, you...gosh I love you!" He smiled pulling her into an embrace.

Claire slapped her hand to her face, "No. No. Darren, seriously."

Darren smiled, "It's okay. I won't tell a birdie. Look, I just came to stock up on resources seeing as we've got inspectors on the way but...I guess the stockroom had better things to do. Sh*t, Claire, be glad it was me who found you and not them. And hey, what about Jason?"

Claire sighed, "Darren, it seriously was not what it looked like."

-"Then what your hand doing at his crotch."

-"It was his belt loop! Belt loop!"

Darren raised his eyebrows, "And?"

Claire knew she was stuck in the middle now. She hesitated before sighing. "Oh, Darren. You caught me red-handed."

Darren gasped. "I knew it!"

Claire sighed once more before turning back around the corner where Darren eagerly followed her. Glad she took off then seeing sight of one gentleman and female both wearing stern expressions as well as their badges that had looked like they seen better days. The gentleman stood ahead adjacent to Graves and Monica. Graves's forehead was sweating that it was as if someone had just polished his forehead with a duster whereas Monica stood with apathy briefly glancing at her manicured nails.

Claire hurried over to her seat distracted by the presence of the inspectors that for a brief moment she'd forgotten Zack's presence. He however was more concerned with the presence of the inspectors knowing for one it didn't look good with the absence of the CEO. Picking out his false pair of glasses, he placed them on and stood up dismissing the admiration from the female population sat ahead near to the front.

"Cover me." Zack muttered towards Claire. She opened her mouth in disgust to protest yet he had already taken off. Zack took route towards the printer where he had ability to eavesdrop over the conversation. He could make out slight detail from their conversation only the gentlemen's mutter duplicated the woman's. Was it required to sound like an automated voice message?

-"I hear the CEO is absent, correct?" The woman muttered to her colleague. She turned slightly peering over to Zack who pretended good enough to look interested in the non-existent document supposedly being printed off.

The man made a series of grunts before he replied, "What do you expect. He still is a kid. Think back to when his Father run this place. That was the highlight of my career. It made the job harder to look for flaws."

The woman responded with laughter before they turned both their attention towards Graves who was still drowning on ahead. Zack sighed resisted the urge to kick the side of the printer as he made the suitable decision to walk off. He lied. It did bother him that he was only saw as a kid.

Zack took off his glasses, stormed towards the lift, got in and pressed the top floor button without no hesitation. He could not allow his corporation be made a joke of and it was not because he wanted to retain his Father's reputation but his own. Zack took off his shirt as he exited, throwing it onto the floor as he met Olivia's startled glance.

"Page the inspectors that I'm here. And get me a coffee too." He ordered, with no desire to be affable.

Olivia nodded nearly knocking over her own cup as she got up to her knees. Zack headed on into his office where heading to the far corner, he took out a shirt, put it on and matched it with a charcoal grey tie before tackling the coloured eye contacts. Finally he sat down, restless still but calm enough to present himself.

Zack didn't have to wait long as Olivia returned awkwardly rushing in with coffee in her hand. Placing it down, she vomited her words, "S-Sir, I've paged them...erm. We weren't expecting you, Sir." She confessed at the end.

He raised his eyebrows, "It shouldn't matter if I turn up out of the blue. What should matter is if my corporation is under best hands. And to answer the question you're probably wondering, I'm here for the inspectors then I'm travelling back out. My arrangements for that is already sorted." He said, instantly relaxing feeling comfortable in his usual surroundings. Zack hated taking orders from any other.

Olivia nodded then dashed out the office leaving Zack alone for that glorious moment he could take. Yet that didn't stop the thoughts crawling back to Claire on the second instance today. It was dangerous.

Claire relaxed a little as she saw the Inspectors go after their short duration scrutinizing their surroundings. They did have a lot of floors to cover so perhaps their reason was to ensure they got entirely around the building. Yet now that distraction was gone, Zack's absence was playing as a distraction seeing as she watched him head off to the front then leave by the lifts. Why did she care? She did want to see little of him especially under the circumstances now. His absence did not help as Darren soon came over propping himself on the chair beside her.

"Please not now." Claire moaned.

Darren gaped, "What I didn't say anything?"

-"You know exactly what you want to bring up."

Darren huffed, "I'm surprised you didn't head off with him just then."

-"Eat a-

-"Hey, don't go being a b*tch to me. We're discussing your...rendezvous with Mr Hottie." Darren interrupted, placing his hands comfortably on his hips.

"Well whatever I say, you don't believe a word so believe what you want." Claire sighed as she turned towards her computer screen. She was even slacking in her work because of this Zack.

Darren sighed himself. "Look, honey-

-"Please. Don't call me that." Claire broke in, cringing at his choice of words. It sounded so wrong coming from Darren's mouth considering someone else had claimed that obnoxious nickname of the many he called her.

"Look." Darren frowned. "I just want to know the details. That's all."

Claire pulled a face. "Ewww. I wouldn't share my sex experience with you. It's bad enough when you just jump in and tell me your weekend's. So no. Go do your work."

Zack crossed his leg comfortably over the other as the two inspectors entered his office taking observations of their surroundings. He could only imagine what their sex life would be like, did they inspect if their partner was in correct position?

"Mr Benson. Apologises, we would have come sooner if we knew of your presence but our headquarters had informed us, you weren't in." The gentleman said, Zack took note on the superficial smile he had brought on knowing the inspector didn't approve of his unexpected presence at all.

Zack only smiled, "Oh, nevermind. Shall we resume?"

The woman took approach first into the leather seats adjacent towards his desk settling her hands neatly in her lap. The other inspector chose to stand perhaps not liking Zack's affable approach or detecting Zack's amusement in the matter.

"So, how does the place look?" Zack started leaning forward.

"Pleasant working environment, Mr Benson. As ever you go beyond standards." The woman said, the statement itself sounded like recording. Zack expected that, he knew he ran this place exceedingly well but perhaps not the case of Graves who he had later to observe.

"Great. We always thoroughly look forward to your inspections." Zack said, sarcasm easy enough to be detected. Sometimes that was the way of business acting artificial despite the obvious hatred for one another. It was about money in most cases.

The woman smiled, although it was ugly mistake highlighting the yellowish front teeth she had. Zack however smiled in return, discussed little before thankfully it wasn't long and he was guiding the two inspectors out of the door.

Olivia was first to jump at his side holding out another coffee he asked for during his date with the two inspectors, "Great. I'm off now. Call me if anything else props up." He said, picking up the duffel bag he had placed under his desk in case of needing to step in like today's situation.

Darren was sitting opposite Claire who continued to plough her fork into the salad with force. For the past minute he only watched daring not to say a word considering her hostile behaviour; it was dangerous territory. Claire sighed once more at the uncooperative piece of lettuce failing to stick to her fork and instead pushed the whole container aside.

"Claire?" Darren dared to say.

Claire frowned. "Don't start."

-"Look you're not still mad at me, are you?"

Claire let out a release of air, "No. How can I blame you, what you saw is hard not to imply, but whatever. I'm not mad at you..." Her words drifting off as her eyes shot up towards the figure towering over Darren. He turned only to immediately turn back at the sight of Zack.

"Mind?" Zack requested, his eyes drifting to the spare region for a chair to be placed. Claire raised her eyebrows before quickly looking down towards her untouched salad. Zack saw this as a yes and quickly brought a chair over to the end plopping himself comfortably down. Slapping his knees on the ends of his knees he exclaimed. "Well this is nice. We all good?"

Claire could not believe but only credit his composed attitude despite the obvious awkwardness between herself and Darren both but more on her behalf.

"Hi, don't suppose we've met properly. Zack." He offered, extending his hand out towards Darren.

-"Darren."

Zack lifted his brows up. "Great to meet you." He smiled.

Claire wanted the ground to engulf her at this moment. Darren smiled pleasantly towards Zack before taking a bite out the end of his baguette. Zack leaned back admiring the canteen ahead of him that the question of food only crossed his mind with the groan of his stomach. He grabbed the attention of a petite, middle-aged woman who willingly came over despite the puzzle expression.

"Hey, darling. Would you mind doing me a favour?" He smiled effortless towards the woman. Claire didn't dare look but peering through the corner of her eye, she watched as he flattered the woman with that radiant smile of his before he had the cheek to ask next. "Grab me a sandwich and a drink, little darling. I'm famished. That would be wonderful if you could."

Claire snorted to herself. As if she thought. The woman yet blushing the colour of a tomato smiled and returned his favour, "S-Sure." She battered her eyelashes, and despite both Darren's and Claire's presence traced her finger across his upper chest. Claire gasped watching as she walked off to follow orders as if he was boss around here.

Zack noticed her gasp and smiled, "Easy."

Claire frowned turning her attention back towards the salad that had become ten times more appealing than it had been before.

"So, Darren. How do you find this place?" Zack asked. Claire should've been relieved it wasn't directed at her for once but Darren had a difficulty of keeping his mouth shut.

"It's good." Darren replied.

-"Really? How so?"

Darren hesitated before he responded, "Pay's good and it's a pleasant working-environment. Not much else to say."

Zack nodded then not long and the woman returned carrying a tray back towards the table. She settled it down and waited longer than necessary by the side of him until Zack pointed out, "You can go." She blushed, turned and walked off; she was probably expected something more out of the favour.

-"I've got some work to finish off." Darren blurted, getting up to his feet. "I'll leave you two alone."

Claire shook her head. "What? No. Since when-

Darren interrupted, "Yeah I have." He lied towards Claire, then smiled highlighting the amusement he found out of this and left heading back through to reception. Claire sighed refusing to look Zack's way who remained unaware chomping quietly on his ham sandwich.

She began to stand up to her feet when Zack's hand clamped down onto her own forcing her to sit back down. It may have been a minor movement but even the touch of his hand felt like electric sparks set loose. Images then of his body pressed up against hers, his lips and the raucous sound of her heartbeat flooded back. Instantly she swiped her hand away.

"Would you not?" She hissed.

"What did I do?" Zack said.

"Just stop, okay. I know what you're trying to do. You're trying to get in my head!" She stressed, looking around mindful to others sitting the in the canteen.

Zack smiled, "Honey, I'm not doing anything. You're being paranoid."

-"Oh sure I am...you're such a jerk! First you have the audacity to...k-

-"Kiss you, I know. But you kissed me back." He smirked, taking another bite from his sandwich.

Claire snapped, "Look, I want you out tonight. Find your own accommodation." Then she stood up to her feet picking up her rubbish.

Zack mockingly saluted and watched as she left, his eyes wandering on their own to the ripples of fabric moving as she walked away; such a man. He let out a release of air. Well he really did it this time and here he thought that she wouldn't being the confident jerk he was. Great, he thought.

The end of the day couldn't have come sooner considering today's turn of events. How in less than two days had she kissed him? How had she let herself? How? At least she wouldn't have to see him at home making that rash decision to kick him out. Part of her disagreed and the other saw sense in the matter. She had made the choice now, so there was no turning back.

Claire had gone alone on the journey back thankful Zack had been caught up with Graves that she was able to rush out of sight and for once allowed to think over her actions. Every thought trailed back to that moment, the rush of adrenaline and the prickle of goosebumps crawling over her skin. Claire had never experienced that sort of pull before and it hurt to admit the truth that she had craved it proving why she was reckless in her actions and kissed him back. But she couldn't believe it that, the only reasonable answer was she hadn't been presented with that affectionate display since her last relationship in college. She had to believe it was that.

Unfortunately it began raining as she hopped off the bus and she had no umbrella for protection so she was getting soaked either way. Claire had to dodge past the huge puddles growing on the pavement and ensure she remained as far from the road so she wouldn't get splashed by an ignorant driver. It was horrific weather but what did she expect? She was in the UK so any splash of sun was a given. Eventually the block of high-scale apartments came into view and she found herself jogging down the pavement to reach cover.

Her fingers numb and wet fumbled with her keys as she stood outside her door, water cascaded down her forehead dripping onto the floor below. She almost barged into her own door at the single chance grateful to have opened the door. Instantly the warmth from the central heating hugged her cold, wet body as she entered dropping her bag on the floor. Today was just not her day at all.

Zack had made a huge mistake, perhaps if he hadn't of kissed her and got on with his day then he wouldn't have to be standing in the pouring rain waiting for the bus to come. The rain had gone right through his shirt with the poor effort of his coat to keep him dry. This was horrific, wet and travelling by bus. Wickes should be here to pick him and take him home to his penthouse that despite only one night away he missed terribly. From the looks of things, it made sense that he soon would become acquainted soon with his penthouse anyway considering his mess-up with Claire. Already he could see Kyle's face plastered with amusement against Zack's failure. Why couldn't keep it in his pants? It was terribly hard not to at that moment when Claire with her guns blazing challenged him. A woman had never done that, never defied against him or proved him wrong. So when she did, he found it extremely hard not to get a taste of those lips begging to be kissed. No, Zack had no feelings for the girl. He just wanted the challenge and he got it but now he is paying.

Sighing once more, he was only thankful that the bus pulled up outside the curb. He stepped into the grubby environment as he saw it and took seat towards the back on the lower deck. Grateful however there was only few commuters and no nail-eating or unpleasant-smelling passengers on board too.

Claire couldn't believe she had become attentive and concerned about Zack's presence. Besides he was a grown man and if she recalled, she despised the man due to today's events. Although despite her despise for the man, she knew there was single part of her that cared and she was more than ready to go on search.

Walking back over to the large double-glazed porch windows erecting outwards from her living room, Claire pushed back the blinds to look outside. The weather only grew worse punishing the soil unable to infiltrate anymore and causing water to flow at the sides of the curb towards the overflowing drains. She sighed, where could he be? It was heading for six o'clock and there was not a single sign of him. Questions ran through her mind like a whirlwind. Was he okay? Did he even get on the bus? Was he stuck in traffic? Collapsed on the floor lying in the heavy rain? Claire let another shaky breath moving back away from the window as she collapsed onto the sofa. She tried to distract her mind with television but it didn't work and she found herself near to grabbing her jacket and facing the furious rain to search for him.

Outside alerted her suddenly, cars honking their horns with intention brought her to her feet to hurry over. Claire pulled back the blinds noticing down ahead the suspected car that was honking, obstructed from moving any further by a figure crossing the road.

Only they stumbled to the left and right without ease until collapsing in the middle of the road. Claire suspected she knew who it was and with instinct ran to grab her coat, ran out her apartment without looking back.

Thank you for reading the sixth chapter of BOSS UNDERCOVER. If you enjoyed the chapter please VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE! It really helps out a lot! And thank you again for your patience as I know my updates are slow but I am trying!

Thank you,

VAMPIREFANGSRULES

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