Skeleton Key of Desires

Guilty

Jewel strutted back to her desk with new creative ideas swirling around inside her head. She could not keep the giant smile of excitement from showing on her face. With a pen in hand, she got to work. Effortlessly letting the pen run the length on the screen. Her eyes plunged into the screen, focused on every detail.

Ezra leaned over his desk, practically laying his head down on the wooden surface. He watched her work, focused on every graceful detail of her concentrated face as her pen moved across the surface. At this point, he didn't care if she handed him a stick person drawing. He just loved watching the glow around her body radiate outward with every artistic stroke.

From the animated characters Ezra babied to each detailed sentence choice, the romance game he built from the ground up reached millions over the years. It was not only the number one mobile game in their country for two years running, but it also reached the number one most downloaded overseas. Every blood, sweat, and tear was going into this project to prove to this man she had the same drive as him.

As her mind admired his accomplishments, she peeked around her monitor, and her emerald eyes connected with blue ice cycles that were staring at her with an unreadable expression. Papers flew from the wooden desk as Ezra sat straight up, hoping that Jewel would not notice the sudden movements.

A small giggle released itself from Jewel's mouth as she tried to hide it with her hand. Her coworkers around her noticed the sudden change in her demeanor and glanced over in her direction. They were curious about what could change the always sullen woman's mood.

Jewel saw an opportunity, and, wasting no time, she took it. She walked into Ezra's office and helped retrieve the missing paper from the floor, setting it on his desk.

"You missed one," Jewel said.

Ezra slowly lifted his head from still trying to situate himself and looked up at the woman standing before him. He cleared his throat and tried to sound as professional as possible.

"Thank you, Jewel."

"You're welcome," she said, winking. If this key was going to have the man she has always had a crush on flirt with her, she might as well take advantage of it.

"How is the project going?" Ezra asked.

"I think it is going very well. I am pleased with how my work is turning out."

"Good, as long as you are pleased, that is what matters."

"Yes, sir."

"I forgot to tell you that if your room is chosen, you will choose a team and be the team leader. It's a pay bonus as well," Ezra said.

White teeth became exposed on Jewel's face as the grin spread from ear to ear. The thought of being team lead as well as a pay bonus was something that only occurred in her dreams. She had to be correct. This skeleton key was meant for her to further her career. That's when an idea hit Jewel. She would do anything to get this promotion.

"I promise, I will only bring you my best work," Jewel said.

"Thank you," Ezra said, and looked back down at the scattered papers on his desk. He proceeded to organize the mess in the best way possible.

Jewel turned to walk out of the office, but her right ankle rolled in her tall heels when she got to the office doors.

"Oh," she yelled out.

Ezra rushed to her side, grabbing her by the elbow and holding her up.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so; I just twisted my ankle, "Jewel said.

Ezra looked down and saw she had her right ankle lifted off the ground.

"The same one as last time?" he asked.

He remembered.

"Yes,"

"Let's get you to the couch," he said.

They could not leave the door yet. That would ruin her plan.

"Not yet," she said, looking up into his eyes.

"You need to sit down, Jewel."

She had to think fast. The string to shut the blinds was right beside her. They needed privacy. She pulled the string, and the blinds came tumbling down. Time slowly crept by as she kept her eyes locked on his. This had to work. She unclasped the necklace, held on tight to the silver key, and wrapped his large hands around hers.

"What are you doing, Jewel?"

"You'll see,"

She placed the key into the lock of the office door. Jewel took a deep breath. She wasn't sure she wanted to see what deep desires were hidden on the other side of that door for Ezra Gunner, but she knew it would lead her one step closer to that promotion. The agonizing sound of a click reached her ears as the door unlocked and the office door popped open. The blinding white light crept out of the opening so excruciatingly slow as the door slowly crept open.

But then it was gone...

A large hand was placed on the door that slammed it back shut. This has never happened before. With his chest pressed against her back, she slowly lifted her head and glanced over her shoulder at the man looming over her. He turned her to face him, her back pressed up against the door. She wanted privacy, and she had it now. He leaned in dangerously close to her face. She felt his hot minty breath fan her mouth. Was he going to kiss her? Her eyes gazed at his full pink lips.

"What were you doing?" Ezra asked.

The question pulled her attention back to his eyes.

"I...I...I"

"Were you trying to leave?"

Jewel had a million questions flowing through her head in an endless river.

"I just didn't want to bother you like last time," she replied, not knowing what else to say.

"You are my employee, not a bother. Go sit on the couch."

Once again, Jewel limped over to the couch. Her actress skills were on point since her ankle was never hurt. She watched as Ezra sprayed and then delicately wrapped her ankle again. He took great care of her well-being, and she felt ashamed of what she had just attempted to do to him. The deep desires of humanity should be a sacred action, and she just attempted to peek in on her crushes. The guilt was eating her alive.

"May I go home early today?"

"Of course, go rest," said Ezra.

Jewel limped out of the office, knowing he was watching her. She packed up her belongings and headed out to the parking garage.

"He didn't deserve that," Jewel said as she got into her car.

Henry and Justin P.O.V.

"What did you see?" Henry asked.

"I don't remember," Justin said.

Justin, covered in paint, spat back into the storage closet. His grin faltered upon seeing another human sharing the space with him. All Justin wanted to do was relish the feelings he was experiencing.

"Who are you?" Justin asked.

"We have a mutual friend; just tell me what you remember," Henry said.

"Look, all I know is I feel amazing, and I apparently need to change clothes now, so if you will excuse me," said Justin.

"Right, you feel amazing, and you don't know why. Isn't it strange?"

"Sure, but why question what feels good?"

With that, Justin stood up and walked out of the storage closet, leaving a seething Henry behind. Henry was getting nowhere in his investigation. He needed to know what this woman was doing, and he needed her to do it again. Like a drug, he will stop at nothing to get his fix.