THE BLEEDING HEART

THE LINGERING THOUGHTS

Chapter 6: UNINTENDED WARMTH

For a long, breathless moment, Ian’s panicked, watery sky-blue eyes locked onto Kenneth's fierce, dark gaze.

The absolute certainty and strength in Kenneth’s eyes acted like an anchor, pulling Ian out of the terrifying memories of his past. Slowly, the frantic gasping stopped, and Ian’s breathing began to regulate, his eyes never leaving his boss’s face.As the silence settled between them,

Kenneth became acutely aware of their positioning. He was leaning over Ian's chair, his hands tightly wrapping around Ian’s small wrists. He could feel the rapid, frantic thumping of Ian's pulse against his fingers.

It was incredibly warm. It was alive. It was a pure, unfiltered connection that felt entirely different from the cold, calculated betrayal that his ex-lover, Ryan, had left behind.Realizing the dangerous path his heart was taking, Kenneth abruptly let go of Ian’s wrists, stepping back several feet as if he had just been burned by a physical flame. He cleared his throat, adjusting his suit jacket to hide his inner turmoil.

"If you are sick or unstable, you should go home," Kenneth said, his voice instantly returning to its cold, corporate tone, though a slight tremor gave away his nervousness. "I don't pay my staff to have emotional breakdowns in the middle of my office."

"I... I am so sorry, Mr. Anthers " Ian stammered, his voice raw, hoarse, and shaking.

He quickly wiped his damp cheeks with the back of his hands, looking down at his desk in deep shame. "It won't happen again. I promise."Kenneth turned his back to Ian, preparing to walk away, but his feet refused to move toward the elevator.

He stood there for a few seconds, looking at the dark glass window reflecting the storm outside."The company car is waiting downstairs," Kenneth said quietly, his tone authoritative but leaving no room for argument.

"Tell the driver to take you directly to your apartment. That is a direct order from your CEO. Do not attempt to take public transit in this condition." Without waiting for Ian’s response, Kenneth walked quickly into the elevator.

As the doors closed, his mind was a chaotic, warring mess. Why did he care so much? Why did the sight of Ian crying make his own chest ache with a physical pain? For the first time in years, Kenneth felt his control slipping away, and it terrified him.