In the days that followed, I found it increasingly difficult to focus on my work. Every time I was in Michael's presence, the memory of our passionate encounter lingered, a constant reminder of the forbidden desire that burned between us.
I tried to distance myself, to maintain a strictly professional demeanor, but it was a losing battle. Michael's gaze would linger on me, and I could feel the unspoken longing in his touch. It was as if we had opened a Pandora's box, and now we were both struggling to contain the consequences.
One evening, as I was preparing to leave the office, Michael called me into his office. My heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and dread, unsure of what he might say.
"Lucia, I've been thinking a lot about what happened between us," he began, his voice low and serious. "I know it was a mistake, and I understand the risks involved. But I can't stop thinking about you."
I felt my breath catch in my throat as he moved closer, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my knees weak.
"I know this is wrong, but I can't ignore how I feel," he continued, his hand reaching out to caress my cheek. "I want you, Lucia, and I'm willing to take the risk if you are."
I stared at him, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts and emotions. Part of me longed to give in to the temptation, to surrender to the passion that simmered between us. But the rational part of my mind knew that the consequences could be devastating.