FILTHY DESIRES

OFFICE TENSION

‘’Well, well, if it isn’t Violet’’ he slurred, most likely drunk and looking me over with undisguised lust. ‘’Long time no see, babe. You’re looking hotter than ever.’’ He smiled

My buzz rapidly faded as tension gripped me. ‘’Leo. Didn’t expect to see you here.’’ Ava immediately stepped in between us, putting a hand on Leo’s chest. ‘’Back off, dude. She’s not interested, I’ve told you to leave her alone.’’ But Leo just leered at me around her. ‘’Aw, come on Vi. Don’t be like that...’’He tried to move closer but Ava shoved him back firmly.

‘’I said back off, asshole. You’re drunk Leo, so I will let this slide. Do not come near her again.’’ She turned around to grab my hand. ‘’ Let’s get some drinks, we can’t let him spoil our night.’’

Leo was my ex-boyfriend, who cheated on me severally and gaslighted me. He had hit me severely until one day I lost consciousness. I could not take it anymore and the bruises started getting worse. We broke up after that and I lost his contact everywhere and even moved houses. I was hung up on him for days, he was the first guy I ever loved, or felt I loved. I needed to get myself together, and that’s when I went to the club that night and met Axel.

I could only nod numbly as Ava dragged me, pushing us through the crowd to the bar. ‘’ A porn-star martini please, and two shots of patron’’ Ava made the order. The barman started making the drinks.

‘’ I am so sorry about that vi. Don’t think about it too much, plus we have other things to look forward to. Let it go. Okay. And do not be a party pooper’’ he turned her thumb finger down and made a put with her lips. I laughed and shook my head while I collected the drink she ordered. I began drinking.

Not long after. Ava was wasted and she had headed into the crowd. She was already dancing with a tall blonde. I took the last gulp of my shot. We had ordered more drinks than planned and I was about to pay when the bartender took his head and told me not to worry.

Worried, I asked why. ‘’ that man over there has paid for it already ma’am’’ I turned my head in the direction he gestured to. The man in question was a dark-skinned tall buff man. He had a taper fade haircut with his beards nicely trimmed. He put on a white shirt that hugged his abs and black cargoes with his trainers. He was already walking towards me. He brought his hands out. I was dumbfounded.

He grinned. ‘’ I see you’re out of the trance now huh’’ I c****d my head sideways, trying to recall if I knew him from somewhere. ‘’ I’m Zade, by the way, and you’re really pretty’’ I eventually shook his hands. ‘’ I’m Violet, nice to meet you, and thank you... though I didn’t need...’’ I cut myself short.

I need to be more courteous when I meet strangers. ‘’ I mean thank you... for the drinks’’ I nodded towards the counter. ‘’It’s no problem, do you care for a dance?’’ He asked sliding his hands into his pockets. He gave me a boyish grin, and he had dimples. I love dimples! I nodded my head and got up from the bar stool, a little lightheaded. He held my waist and guided me to the dance floor.

We made our way to the dance floor as the DJ dropped a hip-hop beat. Zade pulled me close, his large hands resting on my hips as we began to move together. Despite my buzz, I couldn’t help but be aware of his solid body against mine.

‘’So Violet, you come here often?’’ he asked with a perfect smile, dimples winking at me.

I shook my head. ‘’Not really, my friend Ava kind of dragged me out tonight to celebrate...’’ I trailed off, not wanting to divulge too much about my new job.

Zade didn’t seem to need more details. ‘’Well, I'm glad she did…’’ he murmured, dipping his head until his lips were inches from my ear. ‘’...Otherwise, I wouldn’t have met such a beautiful girl.’’

A shiver raced down my spine at his words and the feeling of his warm breath fanning my skin. Get it together, Violet. You barely know this guy. Putting a bit more distance between us, I tried for a lighter tone. ‘’Ah, so that’s why you were buying drinks for strangers? Trying to pick up girls at the club?’’

He chuckled, that deep rumble doing dangerous things to my insides. ‘’Can you blame me? When a stunner like you walks in...’’ One hand slid around to the small of my back, pulling me flush against his hard body again. I bit my lip, feeling that dizzying magnetic pull. Part of me wanted nothing more than to give in, to lose myself in Zade’s intoxicating presence. But another part remembered what happened with Axel - how I let my lust override my better judgment.

So instead of leaning in, I danced away with a flirtatious wink. ‘’You’ll have to try harder than that, Zade.’’

His eyes danced with pleasant surprise and challenge. We moved together through the next few songs, our bodies nearby but never quite touching how I craved. The charge between us only grew more heated and electric.

At one point, Ava appeared at my side, practically sagging against me. ‘’Vi...I need to go. I don’t feel so good.’’ she slurred. Zade was immediately all concerned. ‘’Here, let me help get your friend into a cab.’’

With his steadying arm around Ava’s waist, we made our way outside into the crisp night air. Zade hailed a taxi and helped Ava’s dead weight into the backseat. ‘’I’ll come with... just to make sure you girls are okay’’ he assured me, opening the other door.

Part of me didn’t want our electrifying encounter to be over. As we got to Ava’s apartment, I stepped into the cab and tucked her in bed, while Zade waited in the parlour.

I met him, sitting on one of the island seats. ‘’Will I...see you again?" I ventured. Zade’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he reached into his pocket and handed me his card. ‘’You can count on it, Violet.’’ We walked outside the apartment, while Zade ordered his Uber. Ten minutes later, it arrived, and he turned to hug me, while I extended my hand. I internally facepalmed. I am so awkward. I took him into a tight embrace, and we stayed there for about a minute.

I needed comfort, and this may have been the best hug I have had in a long while. He pulled back and pointed to the Uber guy, who was scowling with his cigar in hand. ‘’Bye zade’’. He waved and with one last heart-stopping look, he climbed into the cab and it pulled away, leaving me flustered yet utterly alive under the city lights.

The next morning, I was out for my usual run when familiar footsteps fell into stride beside me. ‘’Fancy meeting you here miss’’ Zade grinned as I pulled out my earbuds in surprise. ‘’ we tend to meet quite coincidentally. I’d call it a sign.’’ He kissed his index and middle finger and turned it towards the sky.

I couldn't help but grin back. ‘’You know, most people open with a good morning.’’ He stretched his hands above his head, revealing very little of his slim waistline. ‘’Where’s the fun in that?’’ He fell into easy banter as we continued our jog. Before long, I was doubled over laughing at his terrible jokes and cocky one-liners.

Eventually slowing to a walk, Zade gestured to a nearby cafe. ‘’Can I get you breakfast?’’ I arched an eyebrow. ‘’hmm… Well, since you are practically begging...’’ he rolled his eyes and I chuckled. ‘’ sure, why not.’’

We spent the next couple of hours over coffee and plates of the fluffiest pancakes I’d ever tasted. Zade was charming and attentive, keeping me entertained with stories from his years playing pro basketball overseas.

All too soon, I had to beg off to get ready for my first day at Vortex Ltd. Zade walked me to my door like a perfect gentleman.

‘’Another way to stalk me. Now you know my house.’’ I opened my bag to pick out my keys and unlock the door. He leaned against the wall watching me. ‘’I had a great time today, Violet. We should do it again soon.’’ His eyes smouldered with promise.

‘’I’d like that,’’ I replied sincerely. After a lingering look, Zade ducked in and brushed a whisper of a kiss across my cheek before striding off down the sidewalk. I watched him go with a dreamy smile plastered on his face. I was feeling lighter than I had in ages.