Chapter 19
If I said our first time was just intense, I'd be lying. From the moment Alex walked past my desk and dragged me into his office, I already knew: I needed this. When he pinned me against the door, it was clear it would be exactly what I craved—urgent and necessary.
I'd missed him too. Despite the distance between us these past few days, there was something in the way he claimed me—a restrained urgency—that still disarmed me.
That almost wild impulse, the firm way he took me without even knowing if I was ready…
but I was. I always was. My body had already anticipated him, and every part of me responded the instant his fingers dug into my arm and pulled me close.
I think I liked being taken that way—almost animalistic.
Our sex is always full of affection and intensity, but today's brutality awakened something inexplicable in me.
No kisses, no caresses, just raw desire.
Now I'm here, sitting on his lap on the office couch.
He's still inside me, as if we were one body, one energy, pulsing to the same rhythm.
We needed that moment just for ourselves, our gazes locked with such intensity, until he kisses me softly, caressing my face. But we're interrupted by the insistent sound of his phone ringing in his pocket. I smile, pull away from him, and stand up, trying to hide my slight frustration.
“I'll go clean up while you get that.”
I head to the bathroom and, after composing myself, return to the office. I start organizing the folders scattered on the floor while he finishes his call.
“Leave it, I'll get it later.”
“I've already organized everything. I'll leave you alone to get ready.”
I finish tidying the desk and leave the office, closing the door behind me. Then I go to my desk and organize the urgent messages, remembering the difficult woman who'd been here. When I'm almost finished, the door opens and I stand up, walking toward him.
“How was the trip? Did the contracts work out?”
“It was good. Yes, we closed four more contracts.” He smiles. “Would you be able to come with me to Canada in two weeks?”
“I can make it work. I've already finished all the tests. Ele is on oral chemo now, and I'm dealing with some mild anemia that showed up. I just need to repeat the tests next month, before her surgery.”
“Anemia? You didn't tell me. Are you eating well? Taking the right medications? My doctor friend…”
“Relax, everything's under control. It was mild—my doctor already prescribed medication and gave me dietary guidelines. Now I just need to take care of my health so I can save my little Elena.”
“You know if you need me, I'll always be here.”
“I know, and I really appreciate that. Let's get to work—we have a lot to organize and not much time.”
I start going over the messages, detailing the scheduled meetings, the lunches and dinners that have been set up, plus next week's cocktail party.
I like to make sure he's aware of all his commitments, and I always send an additional reminder the day before.
Finally, I leave the fiancée's card on the desk to catch his attention and say:
“Your fiancée was here. She insisted I give her your phone number, but ended up leaving hers.”
He stops what he's doing and looks at me, his expression completely confused.
“Fiancée? Since when do I have a fiancée?”
“After working with you this long, I could tell she was lying. But then I found out she's your ex-fiancée.”
“And what did she want here?”
“She didn't leave a message. She wanted to speak with you personally, and since you weren't here…”
“Either way, I have nothing to say to her. Tear up the card and throw it away, please.”
“Okay, if that's what you want… But what if she shows up again? From what I could tell, she has free access.”
“Nobody warned you she was coming up?”
“She just walked straight through without asking to be announced. I talked to the girls at reception and asked them not to let her through, but they said she never even asked for permission.”
“Call security up here, please!”
I leave the office and call reception. Minutes later, two security guards arrive and I take them to Alex's office.
I stay nearby, waiting. As he instructed, she's now banned from entering again.
I know we haven't defined what we are, but I'm satisfied with his decision.
I let a small, satisfied smile slip when the security guards leave—which my boss notices.
“You can relax—Abigail and I are nothing. That was a long time ago. I don't even know why she came here, considering our breakup didn't exactly go well for her.”
“Well, I don't want to pry, but what happened?”
He gives me that smile I love and says:
“She cheated on me with a model who worked with her on the same campaigns. Everyone knew except yours truly.”
“Is that why you decided to become a player?”
“I just decided not to get romantically involved anymore. Just flings to scratch the itch. Does that answer your question, miss? Now can we get back to work?”
“Sorry for prying. If there's nothing else, I'll go confirm this week's meetings.”
I leave his office, and I confess I’m a little disappointed.
He never promised me anything, it’s true.
And yes, I have an uncontrollable desire for him too.
But after all this time together, I expected something more—a feeling or a sign.
Deep down, I hoped he felt the same. But it seems I was wrong.
Unfortunately, the feelings are mine alone.