FILTHY DESIRES

DILEMMA

AXEL

I watched Violet nod and smoothen her skirt as I took the call, trying to mask the way my gaze lingered on the sway of her hips as she left my office. With effort, I turned my attention back to the phone.

‘’Reed speaking’’ I answered crisply, trying to calm my frustration at being interrupted during my meeting with Violet. The corporate lawyer on the other end droned on about some contract revisions, my mind could not help but wander back to the tempting vision of Violet perched so prettily on my desk.

Those incredible legs of hers encased in stockings, that gorgeous fall of chestnut hair brushing her collarbone. I shifted in my chair, readjusting the suddenly snug fit of my pants as I remembered the flare of her skirt riding up those toned thighs when she’d hopped up at my request. The light smattering of freckles I’d glimpsed on her skin. The parting of those full lips as she gasped when my hand strayed higher.

Clearing my throat roughly, I tried to focus on the call, nodding along while the lawyer rambled about indemnity clauses or whatever. But my thoughts remained firmly centred on how deliciously flustered Violet had been by our interaction.

I couldn’t resist pushing her buttons, seeing how far I could go before that professional façade cracked. The way her pupils had blown wide when I’d leaned in to murmur against her ear...it took serious willpower not to simply haul her fully into my lap and ravish her right then.

After days of forcing myself to remain aloof - reminding myself she was an employee first, that our white-hot chemistry could never be anything more than a dalliance- I was quickly reaching the limits of my restraint.

The moment that lovely mouth had uttered ‘’it was fun’’ about our heated night at the club, I’d been a goner. The reminder of how incredible she had felt in my arms, of her breathy gasps and sighs as we moved together on the dance floor...it was like a switch being flipped. Suddenly I could not think about anything other than having her again.

I was pulled from my reverie by the lawyer clearing his throat impatiently. ‘’...does that work for you, Mr. Reed? We will need those remaining exhibits by next week.’’

‘’Yes, fine, of course,’’ I responded automatically, only half-listening as I ended the call. Placing the phone back on my table, I let out a harsh exhale and scrubbed a hand over my face.

This was unacceptable. I was Axel Reed. I didn’t get flustered and distracted like some lovesick teenager. I could have whoever I want. Violet Gale was just an employee, and I needed to quash these inappropriate urges before they became a liability.

And yet, even as I sternly reminded myself of all the reasons this attraction was a mistake - the age gap, the power imbalance, the hit to my reputation if news got out - another part of me was already mentally clearing my evening calendar.

I could call the club owner and have them hold my private section...arrange for some privacy upstairs, just in case Violet would want to rekindle our chemistry in a more intimate setting. With the way she had responded to my hands on her thighs, those smouldering looks, and breathy gasps, I had a feeling it wouldn’t take much persuasion to lure her back into my arms.

My stomach clenched with need at the thought, lust rapidly overshadowing any logic or restraint. Just a taste, that’s all I needed. One more night of having that body writhing against mine, of feeling those curves pressed against me as our kisses deepened. Surely that would be enough to purge Violet Gale from my system once and for all.

Unable to resist the urge any longer, I called out to my assistant. ‘’Theo, hold all other calls. And pull up the reservation line for Rockbay’’

If Violet thought our ‘’business meeting’’ this afternoon had been invigorating, she had no idea what I had in store for her after hours tonight. One way or another, I was going to have my fill of her...even if meant playing a little dirty to get what I wanted. I hope she agrees.

-------------------

VIOLET

I quietly gathered my sketches and slid off Axel’s desk, tugging my skirt back into place. As he took the phone call, I headed for the door, my heart still pounding from the ridiculously charged interaction we’d just had.

Out in the hallway, I paused to collect myself, fanning my flushed face. Get it together, Violet, I scolded silently. I could NOT let Axel fluster me like this, not when I needed to stay professional.

Taking a few deep breaths, I made my way to the restroom to freshen up before returning to my desk. I was just reapplying my lipstick when the door swung open, two young marketing women swept in mid-conversation.

‘’Did you see Olivia's vacation photos on i********:? That private beach looked so surreal.’’ one said with envy.

The other nodded. ‘’She is so lucky to be dating Axel Reed. Can you imagine the perfect life she must have? I’m jealous’’

My hands froze as the blush brush went numb against my cheek. Olivia? A girlfriend? I felt like I’d been kicked in the gut.

As the women continued chattering oblivious to my internal turmoil, my stomach twisted with humiliation. Of course, Axel had just been idly flirting - of course, he wasn’t seriously interested in me when he had a gorgeous model girlfriend waiting at home.

I was such an i***t for letting myself get caught up in his teasing, for letting those stupid butterflies take wing in my chest. This was just a job, nothing more. I needed to get a grip.

Blinking back the sting of rejected tears, I slipped out of the bathroom and made my way woodenly back to my desk. I managed a tight smile for Gabrielle before burying my face in my work, determined to push away thoughts of Axel and his girlfriend.

By the time I finally packed up for the day, I felt wrung out and hollow, the earlier excitement overshadowed by disappointment. All I wanted was to go home, pour myself a glass of wine, and drown myself in peace for being so foolish.

But as I pushed through the revolving doors and out onto the busy city street, a sleek black Bentley purred to the curb in front of me. The tinted driver’s window rolled down to reveal Zade’s handsome, chiselled features and those piercing hazel eyes.

‘’Hey violet’’ he drawled with a grin. I blinked owlishly, my stomach doing a weird little swoop. ‘’Zade? What are you doing here?’’

‘’ I got your work address from Ava. I wanted to surprise you.’’ Ava must like this boy, because why else on earth would she be giving a stranger my work address? I don’t know Zade that well.

‘’Isn’t it obvious?’’ One dark brow arched teasingly. ‘’I’m here to whisk you away for a late bite. There’s this little Italian place in Brooklyn Heights I’ve been dying to try...’’. He already sold me out at late bite.

For a beat, I could only stare at him. He looked at ease behind the wheel of the car, golden rays of evening sunlight picking up reddish glints against his skin

Despite my sadness over being so clearly misled by Axel, warmth bloomed in my chest at having this man’s full, undivided attention. Zade didn’t see me as just another disposable fling or office toy- his warm hazel eyes were filled with something else.

A slow smile curved my lips. ‘’You know what? That sounds amazing right about now.’’

Sinking into the buttery soft leather interior, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. As Zade merged us into traffic, I could feel the city’s stresses beginning to bleed away, leaving me immersed in his charming presence.

Over a cozy corner table at the dimly lit restaurant, a glass of rich burgundy warming my fingers, I found myself opening up to Zade in a way I never would have predicted. Maybe it was just the soothing ambiance or those molten eyes of his giving me his full focus.

‘’So, designs are your one true passion, huh?’’ he asked, spinning his fork idly through a tangle of fettuccine. ‘’That’s cool. Though I gotta admit, I am seriously having trouble keeping my eyes off your outfit’’

I ducked my head with a self-conscious grin, feeling my cheeks heat. ‘’ Stop flattering me please’’

‘’Just being honest.’’ His gaze was warm with appreciation. ‘’ Violet, a guy would have to be blind not to notice how gorgeous you are.’’

We laughed and spoke over our meal. I had fun, at least my mind was off axel for a while. I settled onto my couch at home, kicking off my heels and sipping a glass of wine. I tried not to dwell on the gossip I had overheard about Axel having a girlfriend. Instead, I focused on the pleasant evening I had spent with Zade.

My phone buzzed - it was Axel calling. I hesitated briefly before declining. I wasn’t ready to deal with any awkwardness after hearing about Olivia

A few minutes later, a text came through: Pick up. Important.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I called him back. ‘’ Axel. This has to be good. I am so tired.’’ I answered crisply.

Axel’s voice curled through the speaker. ‘’Violet, I need you to come to Rockbay tonight around 10 pm. A car is waiting for you, and an outfit is at your doorstep.’’

I blinked, thrown by his authoritative request. It’s like this guy is not okay in his head. ‘’What’s going on?’’

‘’Just trust me,’’ he said before disconnecting abruptly.

Part of me wanted to ignore this bizarre demand. But another part tingled with intrigue over what game Axel was playing. The decision was made for me when I answered a knock to find a garment bag with a slinky red off-shoulder dress and golden stilettos, along with a sleek Rolls Royce idling at the curb. The driver standing at the side door playing with the keys.

If Axel wanted to play games, two could play. I got ready, letting my hair fall in loose waves and applying my makeup. The skintight dress hugged every single curve, and it made my ass look fatter, as I exited the car in front of the club.

I spotted Axel immediately, looking dapper in his chinos and jean jacket. Our eyes met and held in a heated clash as I approached. He downed his whiskey, drawing me into the reserved area. ‘’You look ravishing.’’

I refused to let him fluster me. ‘’What is this about, Axel?’’ I infused his name with every bit of the temptation simmering between us.

His gaze darkened. ‘’Drinks first. Then we’ll talk about why you are so cranky.’’

The night blurred into drinks and building tension. When a slow song played, Axel pulled me flush against his body to sway together. ‘’I can’t stop thinking about how it felt to have you in my arms that night we danced,’’ he rasped against my hair.

I shivered at his confession. ‘’Is that so?’’ I let my fingers toy with his collar.

‘’The things I want to do to you...’’

My lips curved. ‘’Maybe you should show me then, Mr. Reed.’’ I love the temptation. It makes me feel like I have the upper hand.

The challenge hung between us, molten and thrilling. Then Axel was leading me from the dance floor to a private VIP room, shutting out the pounding music.

‘’Tell me, Violet,’’ he said silkily. ‘’Are you sure you can handle what I have planned?’’

I met his intense gaze steadily, trying not to show my thundering pulse. ‘’I can handle anything you dish out...if you can handle me.’’