CHAPTER THREE
643 Words
Emma wasn’t sure what she expected after she told him she wouldn’t leave. Maybe another hungry kiss. Maybe for him to sweep everything off his desk and pull her onto it.
Instead, Alexander stepped back, as if he needed the space to think. His eyes were still dark, but there was something else there, something rawer than desire.
“You don’t understand what you’re agreeing to,” he said finally, his voice low.
“Then explain it to me,” she whispered.
He turned and paced to the windows, the city lights casting his broad shoulders in silver. When he spoke again, his tone was careful, controlled.
“I’m not the man you think I am.”
She swallowed. “You think I haven’t heard what people say about you?”
“That I’m ruthless.” His mouth twisted. “That I take whatever I want.”
He faced her again. For a moment, she saw the truth beneath his calm exterior. He was a man used to winning, used to commanding respect and fear in equal measure. But here, with her, he almost looked…uncertain.
“And they’re right,” he said softly. “I don’t know how to want something without taking it. Without…owning it.”
The words made her shiver, though she wasn’t sure if it was fear or something dangerously close to longing.
“Is that what this is to you?” she asked, her voice unsteady. “Just…taking?”
His jaw tightened. “No.” He strode toward her in two measured steps. “That’s the problem.”
His hand came up to cup her cheek, warm and steady.
“You make me want things I shouldn’t want,” he murmured. “You make me forget every rule I’ve ever set for myself.”
Her heart was beating so fast it felt like it might tear itself apart.
“Then maybe we break the rules together,” she whispered.
His eyes closed as if her words were a physical touch.
“I’ve tried to stay away from you,” he said hoarsely. “Tried to convince myself this was just curiosity. But the truth is—”
He broke off. His thumb brushed her lip, lingering.
“I haven’t wanted anyone the way I want you,” he said finally. “And that terrifies me.”
Before she could answer, the door swung open behind her.
Emma froze, her entire body going cold.
Chelsea stood in the doorway, her eyes wide.
“Oh—sorry!” she stammered. “I—I didn’t realize—”
Alexander’s expression shuttered instantly. He dropped his hand and stepped back, his voice smooth and controlled again.
“Yes?”
Chelsea swallowed, her gaze darting from Emma to him. “The procurement reports you asked for—” She thrust a folder at him without looking up.
“Leave them on the desk,” he said curtly.
She set the folder down and fled without another word. The door closed, leaving a ringing silence behind.
Emma stared at the floor, her cheeks burning.
“This is exactly why I wanted to keep my distance,” he said, his voice clipped. “Because the moment this gets out—”
“It hasn’t,” she said quickly. “Chelsea won’t say anything.”
He turned away, bracing his hands on the edge of his desk as if he needed to hold himself there.
“I’ll handle it,” he said finally.
She hesitated, wanting to touch him, to reassure him that she wasn’t ashamed. But she also knew better than to push.
“I’ll go,” she whispered.
He didn’t look at her.
Emma walked out, her heart thudding painfully.
But as she stepped into the elevator, she knew one thing with blinding certainty.
She couldn’t pretend this was nothing. And neither could he.
- Writer
