Chapter 25
The feminine office was absolutely beautiful, like something out of a dream.
Soft eggshell blue tones dominated the space, accented by cheerful pops of soft yellow.
A large, plush chair sat next to a window so expansive it practically framed the outdoors like a living painting.
The chair even had a matching ottoman and side table, perfect for curling up in with a book or brainstorming ideas with a cup of tea.
An elegant desk stood nearby, with a brand-new laptop just waiting to be used.
Behind the chair, built-in shelves lined the wall, offering ample storage and a touch of sophistication.
But the best part? The fireplace. It wasn’t as grand as the one in Max’s office, but it didn’t need to be.
This one exuded warmth and coziness, making the space feel more inviting.
She’d counted four fireplaces in the house already, but this one was easily her favorite.
“This is beautiful,” she whispered reverently, her fingers trailing along the top of the desk as she took it all in.
“You like the colors?” Max asked from behind her, his deep voice breaking the quiet. She turned to find him leaning casually against the doorframe, watching her.
“I love the colors,” she said, her gaze softening as it met his. “Are you sure you won’t mind if I use it for a while?”
Max shrugged and stepped further into the room. “I designed it specifically for you, Lexie,” he admitted quietly.
She froze, her eyes widening slightly. “For me?”
“Yes.” He reached out, his finger brushing over the bruise on her cheek. The touch was featherlight, but his expression was anything but. His dark eyes burned with fervor as he added, “I’m going to ensure that Enzo enjoys a bruise on his body for every single one he placed on yours.”
Her breath hitched at the raw promise in his voice.
She reached up, pressing his finger more firmly against her cheek.
“No!” she gasped, shaking her head. “Please, I don’t want him hurt.
I just… I just don’t want him to blackmail me again.
And you’ve already done that by taking his phone.
” She looked at him carefully. “You’re going to destroy the videos, right? ”
Max’s jaw tightened, his arm sliding around her waist as he pulled her closer. “I will never destroy them,” he replied.
Her stomach dropped, and her eyes widened in alarm. “Why not?”
“Because I love them.” His grip on her tightened, his other hand curling against her lower back.
Her breath came in short, sharp bursts as she stared up at him, trying to process what he’d just said. “Max…” she began, her voice trembling with both disbelief and something she couldn’t quite name.
Max lowered his lips to hers. “I’ve watched a few of the videos over and over again.
” His arms tightened around her. “In fact, I’d love it if you’d pleasure yourself while I watched.
” He kissed her, starting at her lips and then trailing his way along her jaw until he was nuzzling her neck. “Would you do that for me?”
The thought of doing so, of touching herself while Max watched was so hot, she could barely breathe. “Yes,” Lexie answered automatically. Because there wasn’t any other response! But she was startled that she trusted him enough to do something so revealing while he watched.
“Now?” he rasped.
Lexie laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Later,” she promised, patting his chest playfully. “I really need to get these essays graded before Monday. My students are counting on me.”
Max sighed dramatically, but his arms loosened. “I suppose I can wait until later tonight,” he said with mock resignation. Then he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head before letting her go. But as he stepped back, Lexie couldn’t help but notice the prominent bulge in his pants.
The look he gave her—a slow, smoldering mix of amusement and promise—made her heart skip a beat. “Don’t think I’m letting you off easy,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.
Lexie almost caved right then and there, but before she could speak, a knock at the door interrupted them. A servant entered, carrying Lexie’s well-worn tote bag.
“Ma’am,” the woman said politely, handing it to her before retreating from the room as quickly as she’d arrived.
“That’s your purse?” Max asked, his tone incredulous as he eyed the cracking, faux-leather bag. His scowl deepened as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You actually use that?”
Lexie pulled the bag closer, relieved to see the stack of essays still neatly inside. “Yeah, it’s the perfect size and holds everything I need.”
“It’s not even real leather, Lex,” he grumbled, his expression clearly offended by its existence.
She laughed, lifting the essays out and setting them on the desk. “Why does that matter? It does the job. I don’t need real leather, Max. Not everything has to scream luxury.”
Max winced as if the very idea pained him. “It’s falling apart.”
“It’s functional,” she countered, giving him a teasing smile. “And functional works for me.”
He exhaled, clearly unimpressed. “I’ll have a new one sent over,” he announced, already turning to leave.
Lexie’s jaw dropped. “You’ll what?” she called after him, but he was already out the door, muttering something about “quality.”
She shook her head, rolling her eyes as she walked over to the plush chair by the window.
It was even more comfortable than it looked.
Sinking into the seat, she tucked her feet underneath her and pulled out her purple pen.
Lexie never used red ink—she’d learned early on in her teaching career that it generated unnecessary anxiety.
Purple, on the other hand, softened the critique and made the process feel less intimidating for her students.
Flipping to the first essay, she recognized the name immediately—a student who had been struggling all semester.
She read through it carefully, choosing her notes with delicate precision to encourage improvement without overwhelming the student.
By the time she reached the final paragraph, Lexie couldn’t help but smile. He’d worked hard, and it showed.
Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the faint sound of Max’s footsteps retreating down the hall.
For now, she could focus on what she loved most—helping her students grow.
But a tiny voice in the back of her mind couldn’t help but wonder what Max would send over, and if she’d even be able to keep her modest lifestyle intact with him in the picture.