Alina gently pulled away from the kiss, resting her forehead against Aiden’s as they caught their breath.

"I should go now," she whispered, brushing her nose lightly against his. "If I stay any longer, people might start talking. You know how it goes—‘What’s the new employee doing alone with the boss for over twenty minutes?’” She laughed playfully.

Aiden chuckled, his hands still on her waist. "Let them think what they want. I’m the boss, I make the rules."

"But I ...