Episode 2: When Desire Calls
1130 Words
Chapter 2: When Desire Calls
Xanders pov
Alexander Blackwood sat at the glossy boardroom table, the weight of expectation pressing down on him like a leaden shroud.
As CEO of Blackwood Industries, he was accustomed to scrutiny; however, today felt particularly suffocating.
His fingertips drummed impatiently against the polished mahogany surface while Nathaniel, the COO, droned on about potential mergers.
Xander's mind wandered, replaying incessant whispers from earlier conversations stale ideas that felt more like chains than opportunities.
“Xander,” Nathaniel's voice sliced through the tension, jolting him back to the present.
“We need your approval on this proposal.The board expects decisive leadership.” Xander met Nathaniel’s gaze with forced indifference.
“We’ll take more time to review it.”“I won’t make decisions based on impulse or fear,” he shot back, annoyance threading through his voice.
“You can't keep delaying forever,” Nathaniel pressed, a mocking glimmer in his eyes.“The board worse, the press will have a field day if you don’t show some clarity. Your thirtieth is coming up, and they might be wondering if you have what it takes to run the empire.”
With a sharp inhale, Xander let anger simmer within him. “Let them wonder,” he replied, his tone flat but firm. “I’m not playing their games. They can wait.”
The room fell silent, all eyes on him as judgment pulsed through the air.
Xander pushed back from the table, the chair screeching against the floor. “I have other matters to attend to,” he declared and left the suffocating environment behind.
Each step felt like release, but the frustrated energy trailed him like a shadow.
After closing the door, he navigated through the bustling office until he reached his private corner. A need to forget the chaos gripped him, to quell the nagging doubts about turning thirty.
____
The lavishness of his penthouse loomed ahead, but all he could think of was the need to forget all that went on in the industry.
He reached for his phone, sending a message to his usual contact: Send someone over. Same place.
Moments later, he poured himself a tumbler of bourbon,the amber liquid smooth and inviting.
Flicking through images on his phone, he ignored unflattering headlines swirling around his reputation.
A knock drew his attention, igniting something primal within him. He opened the door to find a stunning brunette in a red dress, her confidence clear.
Without pleasantries, she stepped inside, her intentions unmistakable. As he turned, she pinned him against the wall, lips brushing against his ear.
“You look like you need to let off some steam,” she whispered, her breath hot against his skin.
Drenched in desire, Xander didn't hesitate. He captured her mouth with his, their kiss igniting a wildfire deep within. Clothes became hindrances as urgency propelled them toward the bedroom.
The familiar dance of lust took hold, allowing him to release pent up frustration. Each thrust pulled him deeper into oblivion, distracting him from the ruthless world outside.As they reached a moment of breathless ecstasy, he felt emptiness rush in like cold water.
He offered her a perfunctory smile. “You should go,” he murmured, still heavy with arousal.
When she departed, Xander stared at the door, wondering how he’d arrived at this point in life each night blurring into the next, chased away by fleeting pleasure from nameless faces.
The hollowness returned, and Lucas, his unwavering bodyguard, stepped forward.
Still drowning your problems in distractions? he asked, eyebrow raised.
“I do what I need to do, Lucas,” Xander retorted, pouring another drink.Lucas stepped closer.
You have that charity gala tonight, remember? “Yes, I remember,” Xander replied, the gala looming ahead like a necessary chore.
_____
As he arrived, the evening buzzed with laughter and excitement, but all Xander felt was the weight of expectation.
Maneuvering through the crowd, he maintained his mask of indifference. Then, a delicate hand brushed against his arm, sending heat through him.
He turned to find Juliette Carter, her bright outfit making her stand out.“Oh! I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, her embarrassment evident as her drink splashed against him.
“Really, it’s fine,” Xander said, attempting to ease the newfound tension. “I needed to wash away the day anyway.”
“Haven’t we met?” she asked.“At the charity event?” he replied, locking eyes with her.
You were the artist Juliette, right?“Yes! I’ve been working on a few new pieces. I was hoping you’d…”
“Would it be possible to exchange contact information?” Xander asked, interest piqued.
I guess I could make a proposal. But first, how about a tour of my studio? It holds… unconventional ideas.
“Count me in,” he said, excitement blooming as they exchanged numbers, a hidden connection weaving between them.
Amidst the gala’s chaos, he discovered fulfillment he hadn’t expected. Maybe this path could hold promise.
_____
In a penthouse across the city, Xander paced, remnants of the gala still haunting him.
His phone buzzed, pulling him back to reality. A message from Nathaniel read: "We need to discuss the merger before the board meeting. It can’t wait..."
Xander cursed under his breath, Irritation flared within him. He dismissed the text, his thoughts slipping back to Juliette, the fiery spirit she possessed and the intriguing vitality she brought to their conversation,it stirred something dormant within him.
Turning, he found Lucas at the door, eyebrows raised. “Another wild night?” he asked, half-joking yet perceptive enough to sense the tension in Xander.
“Something like that. But I’ve had enough distractions for one day,” Xander replied tersely, bracing himself.
“Whatever you say, but remember, there are eyes on you. Stop avoiding reality.”
Xander shot back, “You’re one to talk. Focus on your job, not my personal life.”
“Nobody can ignore the tabloids,” Lucas remarked, arms crossed. “Your impending marriage will keep them buzzing. If you don’t choose someone soon, they’ll choose for you.”
“I know,” Xander replied, pinching the bridge of his nose, feeling the pressure mount. “I intend to find someone who truly gets me someone like…”
He caught himself, retreating inward. These thoughts only intensified the chaos he sought to escape.
“Look, if you’re thinking about making a move, now’s the time,” Lucas pressed. “It’s you against the world, Sir.”
“I’ll figure it out,” Xander said distantly. “I need to… go somewhere.”
“Where?” Lucas asked, curious.
“Just out.” A sense of urgency surged through him as he left, abandoning the conversation behind.
- Writer
