Chapter 5: cracks in control
668 Words
Emiliano could barely meet Alejandro’s eyes the next morning.
He arrived earlier than usual, hoping to settle in before the CEO walked through the glass doors like thunder in a tailored suit. But no such luck Alejandro was already there, seated behind his desk, flipping through a file like a king waiting for his servant.
Their eyes met.
And everything from the dream hit Emiliano in a sudden wave Alejandro’s hands, his voice, the weight of him pressing close, lips taking what they wanted.
He swallowed hard and looked away.
“Rivera,” Alejandro said smoothly, “You’re flushed. Fever?”
“No, sir. Just warm,” Emiliano mumbled, slipping behind his desk.
“Mm.” A pause. Then: “I like it.”
The words were barely audible, but Emiliano heard them. Every syllable lodged in his skin like heat.
Throughout the day, Alejandro was relentless.
He’d never been subtle, but today his presence had a sharp edge, like he was circling prey. He called Emiliano into his office six times. None of the reasons made any real sense.
“Stand here,” Alejandro said once, gesturing beside his chair.
Emiliano obeyed, confused, nervous.
“Turn around.”
He hesitated.
“Don’t make me ask again, Emiliano.”
The use of his name again sent a jolt through him. He turned slowly.
Alejandro’s gaze was unapologetic, sweeping from Emiliano’s neck to the curve of his hips.
“Your posture is tense,” he said finally, standing.
When Alejandro moved behind him, the difference in their size became undeniable. Alejandro’s broad chest nearly touched Emiliano’s back. The heat of his body rolled off him in waves.
One large hand rose and for a second, Emiliano thought he’d feel it on his shoulder.
But it landed just beside him, gripping the desk.
“I should fire you,” Alejandro murmured, lips near Emiliano’s ear.
Emiliano’s breath caught. “Why?”
“Because I can’t think straight when you’re in my office.”
A pause.
“Because every time you bite your lip, I imagine replacing your fingers with mine.”
Silence. Emiliano’s heart pounded.
“And because,” Alejandro said lower now, voice like velvet smoke, “I want to bend you over this desk and hear you say my name like you did in my dreams.”
Emiliano froze.
How did he know?
Had he said something aloud? Had he made it that obvious?
“I, I don’t”
Alejandro stepped back just slightly, just enough for Emiliano to breathe again.
“I didn’t touch you, Rivera. Not yet.” His voice was rough now. “I’m giving you a choice. If you stay in this office five more seconds… I’ll stop pretending.”
Emiliano’s mouth was dry. His body was trembling not in fear, but anticipation. Ache.
He should have walked out.
But he didn’t.
Not even when Alejandro moved closer again, when two large hands slid slowly up his sides, not even when the breath at the back of his neck made his knees weaken.
“You stayed,” Alejandro whispered.
Emiliano nodded, helplessly.
Alejandro’s lips brushed his nape not a kiss, not yet but something worse: a promise.
Just then, the phone on Alejandro’s desk buzzed. He exhaled sharply, forehead dropping against Emiliano’s shoulder.
“Saved by the damn phone.”
Emiliano was shaking.
Alejandro let go. Walked back to his seat. Composed himself instantly cold, calm, perfect.
Emiliano turned, breathless.
“Go,” Alejandro said. “Before I change my mind.”
Back at his desk, Emiliano could barely function. His whole body still vibrated from Alejandro’s touch.
His phone lit up.
Valeria.
> Val: You alive?? You were supposed to call last night 😡
Val: Wait. Did something happen???
Val: Omg. He kissed you. Didn’t he.
Val: Emiliano answer me or I’m coming to that office with holy water 😤
Emiliano star
ed at the screen.
No, he hadn’t been kissed.
But he’d been claimed.
And he knew this was only the beginning.
- Writer
