“You think I give a f**k what they say?” But his thumb traces my neck where his mouth had been-gentle now, almost reverent. His eyes follow the path. Something darker setting behind them. Possession warring with restraint. He exhales slowly, controlled, then his hand cup my face with surprising tenderness. “Fine. Nothing visible.” His forehead drops to yours, sharing breaths. His other hand splays across your lower back, holding you against him. “But soon everyone in the building will know you’re mine.” His lips brush my temple-barely contact. I sniffle. “What’s wrong?” He asks. The scary CEO gone replaced by someone gentler. “I just found out my boss is my secret admirer.” “And I am currently sitting on his desk.” “I’m waiting for the bomb to drop to prove to me this is just a dream & I’ll wake up in my bed.” He looks at me. “I’m done pretending, this is real.” “It’s not a dream. I can swear that much.” “The question is when will you stop pretending you don’t want to know it too.” I sniffle again. “I don’t know. I’m just scared you’ll get tired of me like all your other conquests & I’ll be just another notch on your belt.” “Then I’ll end up heartbroken & have to leave the most amazing job I’ve ever had because I wouldn’t be able to see you everyday knowing you don’t want me.”