FILTHY DESIRES

WHISPERS

I closed the door behind me, and I heard retching coming from my bathroom. I was startled. No one else had my house keys… except... Ava. I picked up a bat behind the door and walked towards the noise down the hallway. Peeping into the restroom, I saw Ava hunched over the toilet, her jet-black hair in a messy bun.

‘’Thank God, it’s you. I’d have smacked the living daylight out of you. Rough night?’’ I asked, grabbing a washcloth and running it under cool water.

Ava groaned. ‘’Tequila is the devil. And my neighbour decided 6 AM was the perfect time for a rave. I had to get out of there… My head is pounding.’’

I handed her the washcloth. ‘’You’re always welcome here. Though I’m surprised you remember getting here.’’ ‘’Oh, please, I remember bits and pieces of stuff, I’m not a fish,’’ she said, a sly grin creeping onto her face despite her hangover. ‘’Like you getting cozy with that hottie on the dance floor. What was his name again?’’

I never told her his name.

Heat crept up my neck. ‘’Zade. And we were just dancing.’’

She smiled, clutching the seat rims ‘’Uh-huh. ‘Just dancing’ with your arms around his neck and his hands on your hips, while he was pressing you against him? You looked good together though, and please tell me you got his number.’’

I thought back to last night. Zade had been charming, with hazel green eyes and a smile that made my knees weak. But even as we danced, another pair of eyes haunted me. Darker, more intense.

‘’It was fun,’’ I admitted. ‘’But it's not going anywhere. I’ve got... other things on my mind.’’

Ava raised an eyebrow but didn’t push it. Instead, she pointed in the direction of my room. ‘’Wear the gingham skirt suit. You’ll kill it.’’ I nodded. ‘’ Ma’am I’m leaving you here, I have to get to work, else I’ll be late for my first day’’. I closed the door behind me and went to my room.

After a hot steamy shower, I stepped into my skirt suit, styling my hair with a pink headband and pearl accessories. I wore knee-high stockings with my heels. Wobbling a bit before finding my balance, I grabbed my small white purse and gave Ava a quick hug. ‘’Wish me luck’’

An hour later, I was stepping into the Vortex Ltd. Tamsin had texted me last night concerning a meeting which I had to prepare for concerning designs. I ignored the message till this morning on my way to work. It’s something I could freestyle so I left it.

The nerves hit me as I walked into the building. I smoothed my skirt and took a deep breath before entering the conference room. And there he was - Axel Reed, the man who had been haunting my dreams since our encounter last week.

He looked even more breathtaking. His black silk shirt was unbuttoned at the top, offering a tantalizing glimpse of his chest. The shirt was tucked into perfectly pressed dress pants that hinted at strong thighs. But it was his face that truly captivated me. His dark hair was slicked back, save for one rebellious strand that fell across his forehead. And those eyes... they locked onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine.

I tore my gaze away and focused on Tamsin, who was outlining the meeting’s agenda. She was discussing the upcoming spring line and wanted input from each department. Theo, Axel’s assistant, sat beside him, his pen flying across a notepad.

‘’Violet,’’ Tamsin said, snapping my attention back. ‘’You mentioned having some ideas for our plus-size line. We would love to hear them.’’

I stood up, my knees almost giving up on me, I had to grip the edge of the table to stabilize myself. I could feel Axel's gaze burning into me. I launched into my presentation. ‘’I believe we’re missing out on a huge market by only offering basic styles for plus-sizes,’’ I began. ‘’Why not bring the same trendy, high-fashion elements to these sizes?’’

I sketched a quick design on the whiteboard - a flowy, off-the-shoulder maxi dress with a daring slit. ‘’Imagine this in a bold floral print or a rich jewel tone. It’s sexy, it's fun, and it embodies inclusivity and beauty.’’

There was a moment of silence, and I held my breath. Did I spew rubbish? Tamsin then broke into a wide grin. ‘’ I love it, Violet. This is exactly the perspective we need.’’ The other members gave applause.

I beamed, my eyes inadvertently flicking to Axel. Was that a hint of a smile on his lips? Or just a trick of the light? After the meeting, I hurried after Axel and Theo in the hallway. My heart pounded in my chest.

‘’Axel... I mean Mr. Reed, please wait.’’ I called out. He paused, then turned slowly. Those intense eyes found mine again, making my breath catch. Theo looked between us, a question in his eyes.

‘’Do you have a moment?’’ I asked, my voice wavering slightly. ‘’I want us to talk about...you know.’’ He dismissed Theo with a nod. Then it was just us, the hallway suddenly feeling very small.

‘’So,’’ he said, his gaze trailing from my stocking-clad legs to the neckline of my blouse. ‘’You wanted to talk?’’

I swallowed. ‘’About the other day, at the interview, I did not mean to just show up at your company. I did not even know it was yours and if I did, I wouldn’t have…’’ I trailed off, memories of our night together flooding back. His hands, his mouth, the way he’d made me feel.

‘’Oh, really’’ He asked, his voice low. ‘’’ Alright is that all?’’

‘’No,’’ I admitted. My fingers toyed with the strap of my purse. ‘’About that night at the club... you said no strings attached.’’ Something flashed in his eyes. Regret? Desire? ‘’I did.’’

‘’So, this...’’ I gestured between us. ‘’It does not have to affect work, right? We’re both adults. We can keep things professional.’’

I was not ready to lose my job or make anyone uncomfortable because of a one-night stand I had with my boss

Axel stepped closer, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. ‘’Is that what you want, Violet? To keep things... professional?’’

His proximity was intoxicating. I remembered how it felt to have those strong hands on my hips, guiding me on the dance floor. How different it had been from dancing with Zade. With Zade, it was fun and flirty. With Axel, it was... combustible.

‘’I... I think it’s for the best.’’ I managed. ‘’You’re my boss, and I want to make a mark here. With my designs. I can’t afford distractions.’’

For a moment, Axel was silent. Then he let out a soft chuckle. ‘’Always the professional.’’ he murmured. His hand reached out, fingers grazing the lapel of my blazer. ‘’This outfit... it suits you. You look good enough to eat.’’

My breath caught. ‘’Mr. Reed...’’

‘’ Axel... Call me Axel, and relax Violet,’’ he said, his voice a caress. ‘’No strings attached, remember? We can keep it professional. Nine to five, you’re my talented young designer. After hours...’’ His eyes darkened. ‘’Well, let's just say...’’ He bent his head lower, and spoke, barely a whisper. ‘’I’m looking forward to our next... business meeting.’’

With that, he turned and strode away, leaving me weak-kneed and breathless in my cute little skirt suit. Professional, I reminded myself. But as I watched him go, all I could think about was how much I was looking forward to our next after-hours ‘’meeting’’ too, whether he was joking or not.

I went to my desk which was on the 29th floor. I met with Gabrielle again. She was super friendly to the point it was weird. Maybe I was just a Grinch. I didn’t have much to do, so I started sketching some designs on my tab. Vortex hands over new gadgets to the graphic designers, once they have spent at least a month working at the company. I could not wait so I could just sell this tab and get money to pay my rent. The landlord was already bugging me.

Tap Tap. I looked up from my table, and it was Theo. I did not even know when he entered the office. His brown hair frizzed up in tight curls and dangled across his face frame. He was sporting a light green button-down shirt with white pants. The guy is hot, I would give him that, but his tone is icy, he seems stuck up. Another pretty bastard gracing the earth.

‘’ Ms. Gale, your attention is required in Mr. Reed’s office. Now’’ He stared straight at me. I felt like he was looking at my soul. He then turned back immediately and walked back outside and towards the elevator. I switched off my tab after saving the sketch patted down my skirt, and walked out the door, closing it shut behind me. I entered the elevator. Memories flooding from my first day here. So hopeful and determined. Now here I am. Dreams do come true

I stepped into the elevator, my heels sinking into the plush carpet. Theo stood straight; eyes fixed on the numbers above the door. The guy was giving the robot energy. I smoothed my hair in the elevator mirrors, a nervous habit. The silence was deafening.

‘’Um...’’ I ventured, ‘’busy day?’’ Theo’s eyes flicked to me; one perfect eyebrow arched. ‘’Always, Ms. Gale. Mr. Reed’s schedule is... demanding.’’

I bet it is, I thought, heat rising to my cheeks. The elevator dinged, and Theo gestured for me to exit first. Such a gentleman, if you ignored the frost in his voice.

Axel’s office was all sleek lines and modern art. And there he was, leaning against his desk, a vision in a silk shirt that hugged his every muscle. His dark hair was slightly mussed like he’d been running his hands through it. Can he be any hotter?

‘’Ah, Violet’’ he said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. ‘’Come in. Theo, hold my calls.’’

Theo nodded and shut the door behind him. I stood there, clutching my tablet like a lifeline.

‘’You needed to see me, Mr. Reed?’’

‘’ Need’’ he repeated, eyes flashing. ‘’Interesting choice of words’’. I folded my arms tighter, revealing more of my cleavage than intended. ‘’ I apologize, Mr. Reed’’ He shook his head and chuckled ‘’ You’re always so formal,’’ he chuckled. He pushed off the desk and sauntered towards me. ‘’I thought we were past that... after hours.’’

I swallowed hard. ‘’It’s not after hours yet, sir.’’

‘’True,’’ he conceded, now standing so close I could smell his cologne – Oud and something spicy. ‘’But I couldn’t wait to see you. Is that wrong?’’ He asked, looking all innocent. Hell yes! Boy if you do not get out of my face now, I’m going to jump you. ‘’ Yes sir, it is. We said to keep it professional’’.

He ignored me. ‘’I love your outfit. I believe I have mentioned that earlier.’’ His eyes raked over me, and I felt the heat of his gaze like a physical touch. ‘’I aim to please.’’ I joked

‘’I’ve noticed.’’ he mumbled. His hand reached out, fingers tracing the edge of my blazer. ‘’You know, Violet, your designs are incredible. That maxi dress? It’s going to revolutionize our plus-size line.’’

Pride swelled in my chest, momentarily overshadowing the butterflies. ‘’Really? I mean, thank you, Mr. Reed.’’

‘’Axel.’’ he corrected. ‘’At least when we’re alone.’’ His hand moved to my waist, thumb brushing over the gingham pattern. ‘’Now, about those designs. I want you to walk me through them.’’

‘’O-of course.’’ I moved to the sleek conference table, spreading out my sketches. But Axel had other ideas. ‘’Not there,’’ he said, his voice low. He patted his desk. ‘’Here.’’

I blinked. I was puzzled for a brief second. ‘’You want me to sit on your desk?’’ This was quite hilarious, yet not hilarious at all. It was such a weird request. Oh boy. What am I getting myself into?!

‘’Problem?’’ His eyes danced with mischief. Wordlessly, I hopped up, my skirt riding up a bit. Axel stepped between my legs, his hands resting on either side of me. He was so close; that I could count his eyelashes. This man was bold, and he was not hiding it.

‘’Now,’’ he said, his minty breath fanning across my face. ‘’Tell me about this one.’’ He tapped a sketch of a wrap dress. I launched into an explanation, trying to ignore how his proximity was making my skin tingle. ‘’It’s a faux wrap, so no wardrobe malfunctions. The print is a bold geometric-‘’

‘’Like the one on your stockings?’’ Axel interrupted. His hand slid up my leg, fingers tracing the pattern on my knee-high.

‘’I... yes.’’ I breathed. ‘’Bold patterns can be slimming, draw the eye...’’

‘’They are drawing my eye alright.’’ He whispered. His hand inched higher, just shy of where my stockings ended. ‘’What else?’’ I fumbled for words, my brain short-circuiting. ‘’The, um, the waist is elasticized for comfort, and the skirt has... has...’’

‘’Pleats?’’ he supplied, leaning in so his lips brushed my ear. ‘’Like yours? I love how they flare out. Makes me wonder what’s underneath.’’ I was already a hot mess; he did not even have to do too much. I was not going to let him know that though. I do need to get a hold of myself if I want this to play out well and not smash him right here and right now.

‘’Axel’’ I gasped, half-scandalized, half-thrilled, while his fingers went under my skirt slightly, inching up my thighs. He leaned back, a wicked grin on his face. ‘’Sorry, got distracted by the model. You were saying about the dress?’’

I let out a shaky laugh. ‘’You are impossible.’’

‘’Part of my charm’’ he winked. Then, more seriously, ‘’I do love your work, Violet. You are going to go far here.’’

The sincerity in his voice warmed me more than his flirting. ‘’Thank you, Axel. That means a lot.’’ His hands framed my face. For a heart-stopping moment, I thought he might kiss me. Then he stepped back, once more professional ‘’Keep up the good work. And Violet?’’

‘’Yes?’’ His eyes gleamed. ‘’Wear outfits like this more often. It’s very… inspiring.’’ An unfamiliar ringing tone started, and Axel picked up his phone. ‘’ sorry I have to take this’’. I nodded. ‘’ Hello?’’