Chapter Text
Climbing the ladder of success was a slow, arduous effort that consumed most of Clarke’s daily life. Ever since Clarke could understand it, she’d admired her father’s work from afar. Owning his own company, the premier private security and operations support firm, Griffin International- Jake Griffin left quite the shoes to fill in.
Clarke had always wanted to work with him.
It was something she’d known from a young age, when he’d kiss her goodbye before school in the mornings, in his classic suit, briefcase in hand.
Everyone had always thought Clarke would take to Abby’s career- a surgeon, or at least a doctor of some sort. No one had anticipated Clarke to become the cunning, whip-smart entrepreneur she now was.
But then again, no one had thought Jake wouldn’t live to see Clarke return from college with a fresh bachelor’s degree in business.
He’d passed away from cancer in her final year, a sudden loss that rocked the Griffin family, and Griffin International- to it’s very core.
The next year was hazy, at best.
Where Clarke was usually vibrant and full of life, she’d become a shell of who she had been. It took a month for her to muster up enough courage and energy just to leave the house again.
She and Abby had shared the sorrowful experience of sorting through Jake’s belongings.
Everything smelled faintly of his cologne, flooding Clarke’s minds with fresh memories of her father.
Clarke’s friends had noticed the change in her, and while they couldn’t bring themselves to say anything about it, they were there for her as much as they could be.
Dejected and completely derailed from her otherwise immaculate life plans, Clarke was lost, truly.
Days became weeks, weeks became months, and the months eventually grew to a full year.
Slowly, little by little, Clarke learned how to live again.
She had to relearn a lot of basic things- experiences she’d taken for granted, when Jake was alive.
First, she’d had to surpass hurdles that were never there before: grocery shopping was a challenge, seeing Jake’s car in the driveway, so many little things that were now seemingly gargantuan tasks.
Eventually, she started going out again, at Abby’s behest. Abby had seen enough of her tears, her unresponsiveness at meals, her lack of drive- to know that Clarke needed to socialize again. There could be no healing without first enduring the pain of reintroducing herself to society.
And so, the little bits of Clarke’s life fell into place once more. Short conversations that were initially brief, bitter and frank- they grew. Clarke learned to express herself again, to laugh, to smile, without feeling guilt over the loss of her father.
She began to remember what she was like before all the madness.
She began to return to the Clarke that Jake loved, and wanted to see thriving.
It was a slow, aching process that no one could really understand but Clarke, herself. There were moments where everything seemed fine, on the surface- and yet, Clarke would be suffering deeply, inside.
Clarke knew that life couldn’t come to a grinding halt- it didn’t for anyone, even if it was the great Jake Griffin in question. Work had to continue, life had to keep moving.
Jake had always promised Clarke his seat in the company, telling her how excited he was to bring his “heir to the throne”.
For just a moment, in the middle of all the chaos and tragedy, things seemed to be turning up, for Clarke. Her social life was returning, she’d received news that she was going to meet with the board of directors, likely to officially receive her title in the company, officially.
Finn had proposed, and (while Clarke would never admit to anyone that she couldn’t even remember the moment), she’d said yes .
Clarke was desperate for the earth beneath her to firm up, for her to gain her footing and finally pull herself from the pit she’d fallen into.
The part of her that was sick- still irrevocably damaged by Jake’s passing- controlled most of her thoughts and actions. Everything was done in an effort to somehow honor his memory, or give Clarke some desperately needed closure to what felt like an open ended, gaping wound in her heart.
She rushed to fill the wound with whatever she could- occupying herself with the prospect of finally going back to work, going out to drinks with her friends, lying to herself about Finn.
Clarke was certain of this new upswing in her luck, so much so that she’d nearly fainted when she’d heard the news.
“Clarke, honey, let me-”
“No, mom!” Clarke seethed as she paced back and forth in the small space of the apartment that she shared with Finn. “Did you know about this?” Clarke’s voice was suddenly accusatory.
She could hear Abby’s gasp of offence on the other end of the line. “Jesus, Clarke, of course not! You know I’ve never had a hand in your father’s work.” Abby scolded and Clarke immediately felt the familiar sensation of shame burning her cheeks.
“Sorry.” Clarke mumbled, tears stinging her eyes as they threatened to fall. “I just...I don’t understand. This is what Dad wanted.”
Abby sounded tender through the phone, and Clarke knew her mother truly did feel sorry for her. “Oh, honey. I know. But this isn’t the way he envisioned things. He wanted to be there for you, to introduce you, to get you going. I’m sure he never wanted…” Abby trailed off.
“To die?” Clarke asked in a shallow exhale, the words almost catching in her throat.
Abby let out a soft sigh, and Clarke wasn’t sure if she was crying or not.
“Clarke.” Abby tried to regain control of her daughter, hoping she could will some sense into her over the receiver.
“Don’t Clarke me, Mom.” Clarke groaned. “They’re replacing me! I didn’t even get the chance! How can the entire board of directors be convinced that I’m not worthy of the position? They don’t even know me yet!”
“That’s half the problem, Clarke.” Abby pointed out mildly. “Besides, they’re not throwing you out. They’re giving you an incredible VP position, and that’s all thanks to your father’s good words about you. It’s a sign of respect from them, Clarke.”
“And just what is respectful about replacing me , the CEO’s young, promising daughter , and replacing me with some stuck up, asshole-ish suit who doesn’t know his dick from his elbow!”
Just then, Clarke heard the front door unlock, and then it swung open.
Finn was back from work, eyes widening at Clarke’s outburst on the phone.
“Clarke, you don’t even know who-” Abby’s consolation was cut off by Clarke herself, who was suddenly uncomfortable having the rest of the conversation without privacy.
Something about the whole thing with her job put Finn on edge, recently. Clarke wasn’t entirely sure why- he’d never had an interest in her job before she’d graduated- but he’d been paying extra careful attention to Clarke’s dealings with the board of directors.
“...I’ll call you back later, mom. Love you.” Clarke murmured into the line before hanging up. She glanced up at Finn, who was setting his bag down by the door, closing it behind him.
“So I’m guessing you didn’t have any luck appealing to the board.” Finn murmured in lieu of a greeting, which had become the norm for them, since Jake had passed.
Clarke just couldn’t find it in her to be loving, cheerful whenever Finn walked through the door- and Finn, to his credit, didn’t seem to mind one bit.
In fact, when Clarke had pulled away, he’d been extra accommodating, giving her all the space she needed (and then some).
It was part of what made their relationship safe, and comfortable.
“You could say that.” Clarke mumbled, tugging on her crewneck uncomfortably.
Finn nodded, averting his gaze as his shoulders relaxed slightly. “Well, at least you’re starting soon. You’ll be able to gauge the situation once you’re in and figure out whoever the hell is blocking you from taking your dad’s old seat.” Finn seemed to have it all figured out, heading to the refrigerator.
Clarke twirled a strand of blonde hair subconsciously, Finn’s words jogging her memory.
She started on Monday, right after the holiday party.
It was unorthodox, joining in at this point of the fiscal year- but Clarke couldn’t bear to stay at home anymore, and she wanted to put her degree to work.
She’d thought it would’ve been too painful, going back to Jake’s building.
In fact, it was the exact opposite. Her first trip back made her feel melancholy, yes- but she also felt a sense of grit and determination surge through her as she emptied her father’s office out.
None of it would be in vain if she could get the job done and follow in Jake’s footsteps. And that was exactly what she intended to do, board of directors, or otherwise.
“I wonder if we’ll have to impress anyone specific at the holiday party.” Clarke thought aloud, her mind already wandering to the various directors who’d be in attendance.
At that, Finn balked, freezing as he browsed the fridge, turning to Clarke with an unreadable expression.
“Don’t tell me you forgot…” Clarke started, already groaning.
“I didn’t forget!” Finn quickly shook his head, hands up in defeat. “I may have scheduled another shift-”
“Finn…” Clarke rubbed her temples, sighing in frustration.
“I can change it!” He quickly defended. “Whatever you need, babe . Hell, if you need me to be there in a tux and just schmooze all night, I can do that, too.”
There it was.
Babe.
A seemingly inconsequential name- a pet name Finn particularly enjoyed using with Clarke.
Before Jake’s passing, when everything was normal.
Come to think of it, Clarke couldn’t recall a single time she’d heard him use the name, or any other pet name, since things had gone south.
Instead of the familiar sensation of butterflies in her stomach, however, Clarke felt something...sinister. She couldn’t put her finger on it- never had the words ever given her a sense of...unease, until now.
Something had changed, and Clarke didn’t have the time to figure it out, amongst everything else that was happening. She glanced down at the ring on her left finger absently, watching the diamond glint curiously under the light of their apartment.
“No, don’t worry about it.” Clarke waved him off, standing to retire to their bedroom. “I actually don’t want to spend too long there, anyway. It’s better this way. I can bring Wells.”
Finn made a face at that, but before he could say anything, Clarke was already down the hallway, electing to ignore any response he might’ve had.
It was the sort of event that Clarke used to loathe, growing up.
Jake had always told her she didn’t have to come to such a “boring, grown-up” event, and yet- she’d always tagged along. Always wearing a pretty little dress, clinging tightly to her father as he swept her around, introducing her as his pride and joy to any and everyone who’d listen.
Now, walking in, seeing all the familiar faces in their black tie clothing, toasting and laughing just like they used to- it warmed Clarke’s heart, to some extent.
Jake cared for the company like it was a living, breathing creature. More than that, he cared for his employees, seeing them as partners in their journey to success.
It was clear that there was a great deal of respect for Jake Griffin and his legacy- his name was uttered constantly as people celebrated his memory.
The grand entry floor lobby of the building was decorated seamlessly- Clarke used to enjoy watching the crew set up for the event, hours before.
What was normally a lobby bustling with noise, receptionists and phone calls- was transformed into an opulent hall of fine music and food, filled with laughter and the sound of glasses clinking.
“This is fun.” Wells announced as he reached for a flute of champagne off the open bar, handing one to Clarke, who’d taken his arm for support.
“That’s the booze talking.” Clarke informed him knowingly, clinking their glasses together as they shared a quiet toast.
Wells smiled after his sip, humming thoughtfully. “Well, so far so good, right?” His gaze swept the room, and Clarke followed, taking in each and every character. “Lots of...upper echelon suits here tonight.” He mumbled, keeping his voice lower.
Clarke nodded, rolling her eyes. “I would hunt down the ones who rejected me for the seat of CEO, but as it turns out, the vote was unanimous.” Clarke almost growled the last part, sending back a healthy sip of champagne.
Wells grimaced, shaking his head. “Well, they just don’t know what they’re missing, do they?”
Clarke listened to his words, but her eyes were still searching the room. She studied each and every face, as if making a mental note of all the people who’d scorned her.
She’d gotten so lost in her little checklist, she’d nearly choked on her champagne when her eyes met a vibrant green gaze from across the bar setup.
The gaze belonged to a stunning woman, her brunette waves flowing down around her, locks held back by a clip- revealing a sharp jawline from where Clarke was standing. Her features were almost porcelain- perfect, untouched, sharp and demanding attention. She was wearing a crisp black blazer, unbuttoned just enough , with absolutely nothing under it. She was sitting, but Clarke guessed she had fitted suit pants to match- judging by the costly looking watch on her wrist.
She was sitting alone- but every minute or so, a suit would tap her on the shoulder, shaking her hand and getting a few words out with a smile, before leaving.
Clarke had to wonder if, perhaps, she was staring at royalty. Or a celebrity. The way she carried herself, chin up, eyes confidently staring anyone and anything down- was one indication. The other was in the way every single worker in the building seemed to greet her with haste and a smile.
Clarke guiltily wished, for a single moment, that she’d brought Abby instead of Wells- Abby knew everything and everyone in Jake’s company, and would be able to tell Clarke just who she was so captivated by.
Clarke contemplated going over to introduce herself, just for the sake of knowing who she was, but she felt her breath catch in her throat when she met that virid gaze once more.
The beautiful woman was staring at her, she realized.
Clarke swallowed the lump in her throat, glancing down at her dress subconsciously.
She wasn’t entirely sure she’d read things right, but she was wearing a flattering dress, cut low, leaving just the right amount to the imagination. She was attractive, she knew as much- maybe the woman was just checking her out?
Clarke’s theorizing went out the window when the aforementioned beauty smiled at her- if it could be called that. It was a brief quirk; a tug in her incredibly plump, kissable lips.
Clarke felt a wave of heat rush over her, and she knew it had little to do with the champagne she’d been drinking.
“Wells.” Clarke hissed as secretly as she could, getting her best friend’s attention.
Wells glanced up, following Clarke’s gaze. “What is it- whoa.” Wells’ brows lifted as he turned to Clarke, eyes widened. “Okay, damn, I think I know what you’re talking about.”
The woman narrowed her eyes almost imperceptibly at the sight of Wells gently touching the small of Clarke’s back, though it was only a gesture of warning.
Clarke groaned, aware that her cheeks were reddening. “She’s totally looking at me, right? I’m not crazy?”
“Not crazy.” Wells confirmed with a quick glance over his shoulder. He turned back to Clarke abruptly. “But she’s coming here.”
Clarke stiffened instantly. “What? What do you mean she’s-”
“Just remember you’re engaged.” Wells patted her on the shoulder supportively one time before he departed, giving the beautiful woman the space she needed to approach.
“Wait, you can’t just…” Clarke trailed off, the beautiful woman a mere couple of feet away from her. Clarke’s breath caught in her lungs, and she could only blink.
The woman was a good few inches taller than she was, all poise and elegance in the way she walked, in the way she moved. Though she was slim, she carried herself tall, squaring her shoulders, a calm expression on her face.
Her eyes, though...her eyes were dark, stormy, positively teeming with energy that Clarke couldn't quite place.
It seemed too cliche to be true, and yet...it felt like fate itself was pulling her towards this mysterious woman, beckoning for her to reach out and simply know her.
It had been so long since Clarke had felt this familiar thrum of energy coursing through her. It had been months since she’d felt her heart lurch in a way that wasn’t entirely enveloped in tragedy.
She felt alive , strangely, just by looking into those piercing green eyes.
But if Clarke had learned anything, it was that fate was not her friend, and these feelings were not conducive to keeping a happy relationship with Finn.
(Not that she particularly had one, but it was better not to worsen the fact, right?)
So Clarke did what she did best, after Jake’s passing- she tried to flee the scene, backtracking without looking.
It was almost a perfect getaway, save for the fact that there was a giant pool of investors standing behind her, whom she’d definitely fallen back against.
The shove she’d received in return (all accidental, of course)- sent her sailing forward, right into the arms of this mysterious woman.
And if that wasn’t enough, Clarke also managed to step on her foot, luckily with only the toe part of her high heels. The beautiful woman winced slightly, barely giving away any sign of pain or discomfort, reaching out to steady Clarke.
Everyone turned to stare at the sudden fall, but as they seemed to realize just who they were staring at, they quickly turned away, everything resuming as normal.
Clarke barely had enough time to step back and register the firm grip on her hips before realizing what had happened.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry-” Clarke gushed, averting her gaze. “Are you okay? I’m- I wasn’t-” Clarke cut herself off when she heard the soft feminine chuckle.
“No harm done.” The woman spoke, and Clarke thought it was the most velvety, smooth voice she’d ever heard in her life.
What the hell was happening to her?
“I stepped on your foot.” Clarke blurted out and facepalmed. It was then that she realizes there were still two hands on her waist, though they pulled back, and Clarke suddenly found herself missing the warmth.
“I’ll survive.” The brunette was all confidence, a hint of a smile tugging at those full, luscious lips.
“I’m sorry.” Clarke groaned once more.
“I’ve never seen anyone in such a hurry to get away from me.” The woman drawled, and though there was a teasing tone to her words, Clarke’s cheeks still burned at the admission.
“I wasn’t- who, me?” Clarke blanched. “Why would I want to get away from you?” She slipped once more, and was really starting to mentally kick herself. This was a trainwreck, and she was sure Wells was watching from somewhere, laughing at her discreetly.
This stranger sure didn’t mince words.
She seemed to understand exactly what she wanted, and she went for it.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to drive your fiancee away just now.” Lexa continued. “I just wanted to get a chance to greet everyone in the company.”
Clarke paused, blinking a few times, clearly baffled. Who on Earth would enjoy torturing themselves by meeting everyone who was present that night?
“That’s uh...I’m not...he’s not my fiancee.” Clarke laughed awkwardly.
Lexa cocked a brow, glancing for a single moment at the ring on Clarke’s finger. Her smile twitched, ever so slightly, and she glanced back at Clarke.
“Maybe we can redo this.” She suggested with a wry smile. She put out her hand, formally, inviting Clarke to shake it. “I’m Lexa.”
Lexa.
And now she had a name to the face.
Clarke reached out for her hand, shaking it, slightly surprised when Lexa put her other hand over Clarke’s, for just a moment, as if holding her in place for just a second before pulling back.
Clarke couldn’t ignore the way her entire body jolted at Lexa’s touch- and it was a handshake , for fuck’s sake.
“Can I get you a replacement drink?” Lexa nodded to Clarke’s empty flute of champagne.
“Considering how you might be wearing the last few drops...I’d say that’s fair.” Clarke exhaled, and she was rewarded with an even more amused look from Lexa.
Clarke followed Lexa to the edge of the bar, gesturing to the drinks sitting on the surface. “More champagne? Something else, perhaps?”
Clarke accepted the champagne. “Only if it’s on you.” She teased, not entirely sure where that came from. She used to be flirty...but she also used to be a lot of other things, too.
“So what brings you to such a fine work event?” Clarke tried to break the silence.
Lexa wore a friendly sort of smile, touching her glass to Clarke’s. “Like I said, I like knowing everyone in the company I work for.”
Clarke nodded, feeling slightly warm, being so close to her. “I don’t believe we’ve met, formally.”
Lexa dipped her head slightly in agreement. “I’ve seen your pictures before, in your father’s office.” She admitted gently, her voice taking a melancholic tone at the mention of Jake.
Clarke’s eyes widened. “Wait, wait. You’re Lexa….Woods…” Clarke murmured in awe as the realization hit her.
Jake had been gushing about her to Clarke for years, and she hadn’t ever seen Lexa. He’d been telling her how much she would like meeting her, when she finally came back from college.
This was the “gifted”, “exceptional” Lexa Woods. Jake finally got his wish.
“Your father was an incredible boss, and an even better person.” Lexa told her quietly, and it was clear she wasn’t looking to do anything more than tell Clarke the simple truth.
She seemed saddened by the words, as if it pained her to acknowledge Jake’s absence.
Clarke didn’t know he’d been that close with her.
“He really wanted us to meet.” Clarke murmured, tilting her head slightly. She took a second to really drink in Lexa’s appearance. She was close enough that Clarke could smell her perfume, intoxicating as it was. Her gaze averted for a moment when she spoke about Jake, and then her gaze seemed to plunge into Clarke’s, as if reading her very soul.
“I’m glad we did.” Lexa’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Though I was told you’d be stubborn and just a little bossy, as well.”
Clarke couldn’t believe her ears. She made a face, playfully slapping Lexa’s arm. “Did my dad tell you that?” She challenged, only making Lexa’s smile grow.
“You were rumored to be a little difficult…” Lexa teased on, and Clarke rolled her eyes.
“Now I know you’re just making shit up.” Clarke pressed, and Lexa quirked a brow, but chuckled nonetheless. Clarke glanced up at all the people in the room, and then looked at the exit for perhaps a second, still enough to draw Lexa’s attention.
Once again, those beautiful lips pulled upward into a small smirk. “Are you bored, Clarke?”
The way she said Clarke’s name just dripped with sexual tension.
It was slow, and she rolled the word around on her tongue, drawling it out.
Clarke cleared her throat, cheeks reddening at having been caught. “Stop reading me like that.” She scolded.
“You’re easy to read.” Lexa retorted.
“Well, if you must know….while I do respect my father’s efforts in getting all of this together, a room full of mostly old white men doesn’t really get me going ….” Clarke shrugged playfully.
She didn’t know why she was talking so much, unable to just shut up.
She didn’t know if it was Lexa, who was just so ridiculously inviting to speak with, or if it was the effects of the second glass of champagne beginning to get to her.
Lexa tilted her head, propping it up on the bar against her elbow. She seemed endlessly amused, and Clarke felt a warm feeling inside her stomach. Somehow, she was the cause of that amusement. She was somehow entertaining this ridiculously hot “Lexa” character, and she was damn near addicted to the flutter in her stomach she was getting from her smile alone.
“Really?” Lexa feigned surprise, leaning forward, slightly into Clarke’s space.
It made Clarke’s breath hitch in her throat.
“What kind of things get you going, then , Clarke?” There it was again, the way she said her name.
Clarke didn’t even know she could be attracted to a voice.
And perhaps more importantly, was all of this mutual? Was Clarke imagining the slight uptick of her smiles, the twinkle in her eyes.
Maybe she just always looked vibrant and...perfect, like that.
Clarke’s cheeks were red as hell, and she scrambled to come up with some sort of response. Her mind was racing alongside her heart, and she suddenly felt very nervous. Not to mention the fact that she hadn’t thought of Finn one single time during the entire encounter.
Clarke felt a hand on her shoulder and nearly jumped, until she realized it was just Titus.
Yet another director on the board who did not deem Clarke fit for the role of Chief Executive Officer.
He towered over the two women, but when Lexa leaned off the counter, he took a step back, dipping his head in a respectful greeting.
Clarke had to pause, at that.
No one, no one , got that sort of respect from Titus. Not the other board members, not Clarke (in all her years of knowing him), even Jake had his issues with Titus.
But he was a principal investor, and regardless if he was well-liked or not, he was most difficult to impress.
He regarded Clarke with a heavier gaze, though he seemed to shrink back slightly in Lexa’s presence.
Clarke tried not to let her confusion show- what the hell was going on?
“Ahh, Miss Griffin.” Titus clapped his hands together in faux delight. “I’m so happy you could join us this evening. Your father greatly enjoyed these events.”
Clarke fought the urge to roll her eyes. As if Titus gave a shit about what Jake liked and didn’t like.
“Thank you, I’m happy to be back.” Clarke emphasized the fact, hoping it made Titus uncomfortable. She was there, and she was there to stay.
For Jake.
“I see you’ve met the firm’s shining star.” Titus regarded Lexa with a genuine smile, and Clarke felt like she might’ve been drugged. This had to have been a hallucination.
“Oh, Lexa?” Clarke blinked. “We just met. She didn’t get a chance to tell me she was the “ firm’s shining star” , though.” Clarke turned to Lexa, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Suddenly, everything felt very wrong.
Titus’ eyes widened, and he cleared his throat. “Perhaps that was implied when she received the seat of the presidency.” He seemed to be hinting to Clarke that she was taking up an attitude with the wrong person.
Clarke stood there, blinking.
That was all she could do, really.
She felt like her lungs were collapsing inward. She felt breathless, cheated, and above all...angry.
“Thank you, Titus.” Lexa dismissed him with her tone alone, and it was enough to send him backing into the crowd, still filling the lobby with all kinds of lively chatter.
It was a good thing, too, because Clarke had no intentions of being particularly kind.
“I’m sorry about Titus, he can be-”
“You.” Clarke wheeled around on her, brows furrowed. The venom was clear in her tone, and Lexa paused, eyes widening. “You’re the one who stole my seat!”
It was accusatory, but more than that- Clarke simply couldn’t believe the sudden reversal of events. There she was, falling for Lexa’s every word one second ago, and now...she was furious with her.
“I’m not-”
“And you knew!” Clarke hissed, fanning herself in all her rage. It was a comical sight, really, but Clarke was too hot headed in the moment to appreciate any comedy to be found in the situation. “You knew what you did to me and you still had the nerve to chat me up and flirt!” Clarke kept her voice low, right in Lexa’s face.
She was grateful for the music that played, drowning them out to the rest of the guests.
Lexa’s eyes widened and she snorted, clearly affronted. “I didn’t steal anything, Clarke. I was promoted .”
“Don’t say my name like that!” Clarke huffed.
“Like what?” Lexa scoffed, and though she was a few inches taller, Clarke was right up in her face, fearless.
“Like….like you know what!” Clarke scrambled lamely, shaking her head. “You….you….seducer! You seductress! I liked you!” She groaned, rubbing her temples.
Lexa was fighting hard to bite back a smirk, or a smile, Clarke really couldn’t tell.
“You don’t like me because I’m your boss, now?” Lexa pressed.
Clarke’s eyes widened at the mere suggestion. She hadn’t even put that much together yet….Oh, god.
She was starting on Monday.
And she was going to work under Lexa fucking Woods.
Who was going to sit in her dad’s office, answering her dad’s phone, leading meetings that her dad used to lead…..
And Clarke wasn’t.
The realization that she wasn’t being replaced by “some suit who didn’t know his dick from his elbow”- no, she was being replaced with Lexa Woods, apparently the epitome of perfection and professionalism.
“Oh, I’m not working for you.” Clarke huffed.
“Why, because I’m actually qualified?” Lexa challenged, seemingly hurt by Clarke’s words.
“You did not just say that.” Clarke growled.
Who the fuck was this woman? Who did she think she was, standing in Griffin International, for fuck’s sake, challenging Clarke Griffin herself?
“I could always fire you.” Lexa scoffed, and if it was childish, she didn’t care anymore. Clearly, neither of them did.
“Not if I quit first!” Clarke seethed.
The two stared at each other intensely, chests rising and falling. Lexa’s eyes were trained solely in Clarke’s lips, particularly the beauty mark sitting by her upper lip. Lexa’s gaze was slightly lidded, and though her words belied her gaze, it was clear that she was eating Clarke up with her eyes.
“You’ve already decided you don’t like me and you hardly know me.” Lexa pointed out.
“You’ve known about me and my father for a year, at least, and you still snatched that seat!” Clarke countered right back.
Lexa shrugged her shoulders after a moment, seemingly unbothered as she had another sip. “Well, Clarke, either way….I look forward to working with you.”
Clarke snorted. Of course she’d want to take the high and mighty approach, now.
“The feeling is not mutual.” Clarke grumbled, tossing back the rest of her drink, unaware of how she made Lexa hide her smile in her own flute of champagne.
Jake was right. She was stubborn as hell.
“And...about what I said…” Clarke rubbed her neck slightly. “I...you’re...when I said I liked you, I didn’t mean I liked you, I just meant- “
“I know what you meant.” Lexa waved her off. “You’re happily engaged, Clarke, I can see that.” Lexa stood, hiding a small smile as she glanced nonchalantly at Clarke’s ring. “Even if the diamond in your engagement ring is a dead fake.” She left Clarke gaping after her, barely able to hide her smirk as she glanced behind her shoulder at Clarke, who was stunned speechless. “See you bright and early on Monday, Clarke.”
She still said Clarke’s name like it was the most beautiful thing Clarke had ever heard.