Chapter 7
819 Words
The soft chime of my alarm pulled me from my sleep, and I stretched lazily, my body still humming from the lingering thoughts of last nights. Lucas and Cassian. The way they looked at me. The way I felt under their gaze. Heat curled in my stomach at the memory, and I knew – today, I wanted to be seen. Wanted to be desired.
I slipped out of bed, padding toward the bathroom as the anticipation built inside me. The moment the warm water hit my skin, I let my mind drift.
Lucas. The way he looked at me last night – there was something in his gaze, a heat that simmered beneath the surface, restrained but undeniable. Could he really be interested in me? I wasn’t exactly the kind of woman men like Lucas went for. Curvy, self-conscious, always second-guessing myself. He could have anyone, and yet… the way he teased me, the way his eyes lingered – it had to mean something, didn’t it?
He came to work with us barely a year. A spot had opened up after our Head of department resigned abruptly. Not a week went by that he came through our office door. We hit it off right from the start. Although he is my superior, even with all of his responsibilities, he always managed to find time for me, ask me about my day, show interest in the several projects I work on… I dare say we bonded quite well. Unlike with the rest of my colleagues. I thought flirting is just a part of who he is, but now that I think of it, I never once saw him do the same with the other women in our office building. And most of which are very attractive…
A frustrated sigh left my lips as I reached for my shampoo, massaging it through my hair. And then there was Cassian. Just the thought of him sent a shiver down my spine. His presence alone was overwhelming, a force I didn’t know how to handle. He was intense, unreadable. And yet, I felt drawn to him in a way that didn’t make sense. Like something buried deep inside me responded to him, recognizing him in a way that defied logic.
I imagined those golden-amber eyes watching me, the way Cassian had studied me in his office, like he was peeling away my layers one by one. Lucas, always close, always teasing – yet something about him had shifted last night. There was more beneath the surface, something simmering. And I wanted to pull it out of him.
I started wondering if all this was actually happening, or if it was all a figment of my imagination. Willed out of me due to the fact that it’s been so long… so long since I’ve been touched - I’ve been taken. Am I reading too much into this?
I let my hands roam over my skin, slowly lathering the body wash, indulging in the sensation. My body felt electrified, aware of itself in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. Every touch was intentional, every movement filled with purpose. When I finally stepped out of the shower, I felt renewed. Ready.
Today, I would make an impression. Today, they would notice me. And I’ll make sure of that.
I wrapped a plush towel around my body and made my way to my closet. Normally, I kept my outfits practical – clean lines, professional yet comfortable. But today? Today, I wanted something different. I skimmed my fingers over the hangers until I found it – a fitted, deep burgundy blouse with a subtle sheen. The fabric clung to my curves in all the right places, the neckline dipping just enough to hint at something without giving it all away.
For the bottom, I chose a high-waisted black pencil skirt that hugged my hips, stopping just above the knee. It was sleek, sophisticated, but undeniably alluring. I smirked to myself. Perfect.
I sat at my vanity, running my fingers through my damp hair before deciding to style it in soft, voluminous waves. It framed my face, cascading over my shoulders like dark silk. My makeup needed to be just as precise. A flawless base, a touch of blush to enhance my cheekbones, and a bold, sultry red on my lips. My eyes, I lined with a sharp flick, enhancing the natural warmth of my gaze.
Satisfied, I stepped into a pair of black heels, the added height making me feel powerful. The finishing touch? My pendant. I fastened the chain around my neck, the cool metal resting against my skin. A piece of the past, unknowingly carried into the present.
I glanced at my reflection one last time. This was a woman ready to turn heads.
Grabbing my bag, I stepped out the door, a slow smirk tugging at my lips.
Let the games begin.
- Writer
