Falling for the Enemy

Ch.14

Althea’s pov

Eros helps me to my feet, his hand warm and steady at my elbow. Sliding glass doors take us into a kitchen that's all gleaming stainless steel and white marble. It's bigger than my entire apartment and looks like it's barely been used.

“Do you ever actually cook in here?" I ask, momentarily distracted from the pain.

Eros’s lips curl upwards. "Occasionally. When I have time. My cook makes most of the meals, and she keeps the place spotless.”

He guides me to one of the barstools at the enormous island."Wait here."

He disappears down a hallway and returns a minute later with a sleek first aid kit.

"That's a serious cut," I observe as he opens it to reveal neatly organized supplies.

"I like to be prepared," He pulls up another stool to sit in front of me directly, taking my injured hand in his."This might sting a bit."

He works with gentle efficiency, cleaning the cut with an antiseptic that makes me hiss through my teeth. I find myself studying him-the strong line of his jaw now dusted with carefully maintained stubble, the slight crinkles at the corners of his eyes that weren't there in college, the way his lips pressed together in concentration.

He's aged well, damn him.

"Almost done," he says, reaching for a tube of antibiotic ointment. His fingers are surprisingly gentle as he applies it to the cut.

As he wraps the bandage around my palm, I'm struck by how surreal this moment feels, being here with him, a man who has had such a profound impact on my life in more ways than one, and whom I assumed I would never see again. If someone had told me a month ago that this would happen, I'd have laughed in their face.

"There," he says, securing the bandage with medical tape."Good as new."

He doesn't let go of my hand, and I don't pull away. We sit like that for a beat too Long, his fingers warm against my skin, his eyes on mine.

"Thank you," I say, my voice coming out softer than intended.

"Anytime," His thumb brushes lightly over my wrist, and I feel my pulse jump in response."Though maybe try not to make a habit of picking up broken glass,"

I laugh quietly."I'll do my best."

Through the windows, I can see the party continuing on the lawn. The guests are now just silhouettes against the backdrop of the lake. The glass walls make it feel like we're still outside, but in our own private bubble, separated from the rest of the world.

It would be easy to lean forward, to close the small distance between us. The thought comes unhidden,ajd and I'm not sure if it's the alcohol or the intimacy of the moment, or just years of pent-up feelings finally breaking through.

But suddenly I'm wondering, does he feel something for me? The way he's looking at me, he might.

What would it be like to kiss Eros, not as the college kids we once were, or not adults who made a conscious choice at OAK Bay's presidential suite?

Maybe......maybe there's a chance for us to start over. To try again, but differently this time. Without the misunderstandings or hurt feelings that tore us apart before.

"Althea," he says, his voice low, and I can tell he's feeling it too-this strange current running between us.

"Yes?" My heart is hammering against my ribs.

He hesitates, the smiles- that boyish, genuine smile I remember so well.

"I'm really glad you're here. Working with you again, even with all the bickering........it feels right,"

A warm flush spreads through me."It does, doesn't it? Despite everything."

"I think we make a good team, we always did."

"When we're not at each other's throats?" I add with a small laugh.

"Even then," His eyes crinkle."No one challenges me as you do. It's....... refreshing."

I roll my eyes, but I'm smiling."Glad to be of service."

"I mean it." His expression grows more serious."These past few years, I've been surrounded by a bunch of yes-men. People are too afraid to tell me when my ideas are bad."

"Well, you know me. I'll never be afraid to tell you when you're being a jerk."

He laughs."Exactly. And that's what Valenti corporation needs- what I Someone who isn't afraid to push back." His eyes are bright with enthusiasm now." I can't wait to get the Tetteh Wedding Venue contract. I've got some excellent ideas but I'll need yours too- especially,"

And just like that, the spell is broken.

"The Tetteh Wedding Venue contract," I repeat, my voice sounding robotic.

Eros doesn't seem to notice the shift."Yeah, I've been looking up venues for that,and-"

I slowly withdraw my hands from his."You can't stop thinking about work, can you?"

He blinks, confusion crossing his face."I...I want your thoughts,"

"My thoughts," I stand up, suddenly needing some distance."Right,"

"Althea?" He stands too, frowning now.""What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I force a smile that feels brittle my face."Just remembering who I'm dealing with,"

"What's that suppose to mean?"

I gesture vaguely with my bandaged hand."This.You.Talking about work in the middle of -" I cut myself off, not sure how to describe what was happening between us moments ago.

"In the middle of what?" His voice has a challenging edge now.

Damn. So, I imagined it.We weren't having a moment after all.

"Nothing, forget it," I move towards the glass doors."We should get back to the People will wonder where we've gone,"

"Let them wonder." He steps into my path."What were you going to say, Althea?"

I meet his gaze, conflicted. Part of me wants to brush this off, to go back outside and pretend this moment never happened.But another part- the part that's still angry all this years - wants this confrontation.

"Nothing." I wave my hand."Forget about it. It wasn't important."

I let my guard down, let myself get lost in some unrealistic fantasy.I won't blame it on the alcohol, because that just brought to the surface what I was already feeling.

Without another word, I turn and walk out onto the patio, leaving Eros alone in his beautiful, empty mansion.

Eros might have like me at one point, but it's clear his true love is the bottom line.During off ours in this dark kitchen, all he can think about is work, to rake money he was so hungry for.

Eva is right- I do have a thing for Eros.And if I know what's good for myself, I'll stuff those feelings deep, deep down, into the darkest place they can go.

The truth is, there's no room for competition.