FILTHY DESIRES

UNEXPECTED REUNION

I took a deep breath as the door opened and a tall, well-dressed man in a navy-blue suit walked in. It was Axel. I cannot forget those brown eyes and jet-black hair. His eyes kept mine briefly before looking at Tamsin.

‘’ Thank you for waiting, Ms. Price. I wanted to sit on this interview myself.’’ He said in a deep commanding voice, and took a seat beside Tamsin, his intense eyes quickly looking me over.

Tamsin nodded. ‘’Of course, Mr. Reed. Let’s begin.’’ She turned to me. WAIT. This was THE AXEL REED? I was still reeling in shock, mouth agape, when Tamsin spoke, ‘’Now, Violet, please show us your portfolio and tell us about your previous job experience.’’ I forced myself to stop staring at Axel. This was my chance - I had to impress them both. Taking out my tablet, I started showing them my best graphic design projects, I was good at what I did, so I had no doubt they’d be impressed by my work.

Axel didn’t show much throughout, occasionally asking me questions about my creative process. A few times, our eyes met, and he’d sweep my body slowly with his eyes and smirk. I could still feel the tension lingering between us from that night.

After what felt like forever, Tamsin finally put down her iPad with a polite smile. ‘’Those are all our questions. Thank you for your time, Violet. We’ll let you know once we've made our decision.’’

I started to get up, but Axel held up his hand. ‘’Actually, Ms. Price, could you give us the room for a moment?’’ Tamsin looked surprised but didn’t argue. ‘’Of course, Mr. Reed.’’ She stepped out, leaving me alone with Axel.

He rose fluidly and walked over to me. I stood my ground, though my pulse raced. ‘’Violet’’ he said in that deep voice. ‘’ I find it quite... coincidental I ran into you here.’’

I tried to keep my tone calm. I most definitely was not calm. I had to squeeze my legs tight. ‘’I didn’t know you would be interviewing me personally, Mr. Reed.’’

One corner of his mouth curved up. ‘’ Mr. Reed?’’ He chuckled. ‘’ I do not think after our encounter you should be calling that. Call me Axel... or do you have any other suggestions?’’ He smirked and placed a hand on the armrest as his face inches away from mine. Only if I could just… VIOLET NO. we have to keep it professional.

After our...memorable night together, I could not just get him out of my mind.’’ He traced a finger along my jaw, making me shiver. ‘’ I’ll call you Axel,’’ I mumbled, struggling against the crazy spark he stoked within me just by being close. I could not meet his eyes, for the life of me.

‘’ Good girl. I’ll be seeing more of you soon.’’ He said smoothly. I pulled back, while he stood up straight and adjusted his blazer. I could see the bulge fighting in his pants and I quickly looked away. With a swirl of his coat, he turned and left the office, leaving me flustered, aroused, and unsettled about what I'd just stumbled into.

I needed a deep breath. Axel’s cologne was so intoxicating, and being alone with him in the same space did not seem like a good idea. This is going to be a long ride. That’s if I get the job. I gathered myself and made my way home, head spinning. One thing was certain - my life was about to get very complicated...

The following days passed, and a week had gone by already. My heart started racing with all the possibilities and I found myself constantly replaying my interview at the firm. Had I come across as too eager or brash? What if they did not like my presentation? What if someone found out about Axel and me? what if I did not fit their aesthetics? Oh lord, I need this job.

As each day ticked by without word from the firm, a nagging sense of dread took root. Maybe I had misjudged the entire situation. Once again, delusional violet has won. I was jarred from my increasing reverie by the shrill ring of my phone. Jolting up from my cushion, I snatched up the phone with a breathless ‘’Hello?’’

‘’ Ms. Gale?’’ The crisp, vaguely familiar feminine voice raised goosebumps along my arms. ‘’This is Gemma from Vortex Ltd.’s reception desk. I have Tamsin Price on the line for you regarding your recent interview. One moment, please.’’

My heart stuttered in my chest as I waited with bated breath through the faint clicks and electronic blips of the line transferring. This was it – the make-or-break moment that would either lead me to become successful or leave me crashing back to square one.

‘’Hello, Violet’’ The low, cultured rasp of Tamsin’s voice reverberated down the line. ‘’I trust this is still an acceptable time to reach you?’’. It was 5 pm. Definitely. ‘’Y-yes, of course,’’ I managed in a rough exhale, mentally steeling myself. Just be true to who you are, Violet, I reminded myself. Don’t say anything. ‘’Well then,’’ she continued briskly. ‘’Let me get right to it. We were incredibly impressed by the vision and spirit you brought to us and your techniques and innovation are precisely what we need at this firm.’’

I felt the words like a physical caress. My palms grew slick against the handset. Was this happening?

‘’However,’’ Tamsin’s tone took on a weighted pause, seemingly scrutinizing her next statement. oh no, I knew this was too good to be true. Fingers crossed Violet. ‘’we have decided to extend you the offer for the graphic design role’’ she announced in an authoritative tone that brooked no arguments. ‘’On one condition...’’ Here is the other shoe-dropping. ‘’You bring that same energy every day here, we will love to have you, Violet.

The rush of overwhelming relief nearly sapped my knees of strength, and I grasped the edge of the sofa to keep myself upright. They were taking a chance on me. I did my little dance around the sofa. I have to go out today to celebrate this. ‘’ Thank you so much Tamsin, you will not regret this. Ever.’’

Her low chuckle crackled over the phone line, the sound richer and more resonant than I’d anticipated. ‘’I would expect nothing less, Violet. We’ll have the formal contract documents sent over straight away. Until then...welcome to Vortex Ltd.’’

As the line disconnected with a sharp click, I quickly dialled my best friend, Ava, practically vibrating with excitement and nerves.

‘’Ava! You’ll never believe what just happened - I got the graphic design job at Vortex Ltd!’’ I practically shouted into the phone.

‘’No way! That’s amazing, Vi!’’ Ava’s voice rang out. ‘’We have to go out and celebrate tonight.’’

I hesitated, flashing back to the heated tension with Axel Reed during the interview. ‘’Ava. Remember that guy at the club, that I eventually went home with?’’ ‘’ Yeah,’’ she replied more of a question than an answer. ‘’ So, that’s Axel Reed, like THE AXEL REED, and what’s worse is that he is the CEO’’. Ava started screaming into the phone ‘’’ Stop. No way Vi. You are so going to go down with that man. Love me some tea. I want every single detail. I am coming to pick you up’’ she rang out excitedly.

I couldn’t help but smile ‘’ Okay. You’re buying the first few rounds’’. The phone went silent on the other end, A couple of hours later, I was dolled up in my bedroom and getting ready. I slipped into a black corset top that hugged my curves, along with a pleated jean mini skirt that showed off my toned legs. A pair of knee-high black boots completed the look. I spent a while curling my auburn hair into big, sexy waves down my back.

The plan? GET LAID TONIGHT.

Just as I was finishing my Smokey eye makeup, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to find Ava looking like a total goddess as usual. With her caramel skin, athletic build, and long black hair. She whistled ‘’ Vi, you look hot’’ she said appreciatively, giving me an exaggerated once over. ‘’The guys at the club won’t know what hit them. We are so getting drunk and laid tonight.’’

I was already so excited. ‘’Alright, let’s go before I change my mind’’ She laughed, ‘’ don’t be such a bum.’’

We ordered a bolt and I told Ava everything to date until we got to the club. The bouncer didn’t even blink as we confidently strutted into Lotus Night Club. The place was jam-packed and pulsing with energy from the heavy bass line. After ordering strong cocktails at the bar, Ava pulled me onto the dance floor.

We danced and drank for a while, really letting loose and having fun. At one point, I felt someone press up behind me. I turned to suddenly come face-to-face with a very familiar deadhead.