LOGINEricWhen I returned to the department, I found Stevan focused on his computer screen, typing furiously—likely trying to make up for the morning’s delay. The moment he sensed my presence at the entrance, his whole body reacted. It was subtle, but I noticed. The tiny jolt, the way his shoulders tightened, those green eyes widening for a split second before dropping.It stirred something in me all over again.“Ready for our lunch?” I asked.He gave a quick nod, almost too fast.From the corner of my eye, I caught his colleagues watching us with shameless interest. Stevan looked even more uncomfortable because of it and walked silently at my side, clearly doing his best to ignore the stares.As we passed the department head’s office, the man stepped out almost immediately, blocking our path.“Is something wrong?” he asked, far too anxious for someone trying to sound casual.“No. We’re just going to lunch,” I replied, my tone unchanged.The surprise that flashed across his face was almost
EricStevan’s reaction to my presence stirred something in me far more than it should have. As expected, he clearly thought I would bring up what happened at the club. I didn’t. I had already broken too many of my own rules for one man in less than twenty-four hours.I started with the report he had prepared. Even though I’d barely registered the presentation itself, the material was solid—excellent, actually. I value efficiency. I fabricated a few questions just to have a reason to extend the conversation and invite him to lunch with me.He looked visibly caught off guard. That familiar blush crept up his neck again, his breathing quickened just slightly, and that raw vulnerability slammed back into place. It was exactly the kind of reaction I was becoming addicted to. I enjoyed it. More than I should have.I assured him it was strictly business, but we both knew that was a lie. I could have handled everything right there in the meeting room. Instead, I wanted more time. I wanted to
StevanEric closed the distance between us and held my gaze long enough for my heart to stumble into a frantic rhythm. After everything that had happened last night, I was certain he’d bring it up—the club, the kiss, anything.But he didn’t.“You put this report together yourself?” he asked, his tone serious and measured.The question caught me completely off guard.“Yes. I did,” I answered, still trying to figure out where this was headed.He gave a slow nod, his expression carefully controlled.“Good. A few questions came up while I was reviewing the data. I’d like you to join me for lunch so we can go over them in more detail.”“What?”The word slipped out before I could stop it. A faint twitch at the corner of his brow told me my reaction had surprised him too. Of course. He was no longer just the man from the club. He was the CEO of the company I worked for.Eric seemed to suppress a smile before replying in that maddeningly calm voice.“You can’t join me? After all, you’re the
EricI took a quick shower, slipped into my tailored black suit, and headed downstairs. I enjoy driving when I visit subsidiaries—always renting a car when I can. Today, though, the wheel felt strangely light in my hands. Or maybe it was just the low, constant hum of anticipation at the thought of seeing that waiter again—the one who refused to leave my head.The moment I stepped into the building, the tension in the air became almost tangible. It was the usual pattern: employees lowering their heads, quickening their steps, eyes darting away like I was contagious. But today there was something extra. A nervous electricity that felt almost suffocating.As I entered the department handling the meeting, I immediately spotted the source of that energy. One man was sweating bullets, hands fidgeting, gaze sliding away from mine like he carried guilt in his veins. The department head, no question.They greeted me with the predictable mix of fear and fake deference. The man stammered,“Mr. W
EricI stepped into the apartment and went straight for the shower. Hot water cascaded down my body, but it did nothing to wash away what actually mattered. His image lingered—Stevan on the bed, vulnerable, unguarded. And worse, the taste of his lips still haunted me.I closed my eyes and pressed a hand against the cool marble wall.This made no sense. I’d lived through far more intense nights, far more explicit ones, yet none of them had clung to my mind like this. But Stevan did.“I need to know more about you…” I muttered, annoyed at myself.It wasn’t just curiosity. It wasn’t even simple desire. It was the way he reacted. The way his entire body locked up when I got close, like every cell was betraying secrets he still didn’t understand. The way he’d said “sir”—without any coyness, without calculation—and still that single word had slid straight through me like a hidden command.I dragged a hand down my face, trying to pull my thoughts into order.Useless.The more I tried to rati
StevanThe moment I stepped onto the executive floor, I felt the stares. Some were discreet, others blatant enough that there was no point pretending otherwise. No one had to say a word—the fact that I was late had already beaten me there.Everyone was already in the meeting room.My stomach knotted instantly. I knew my boss wouldn’t be the one presenting that report. He never did. I was the one who had built it from the ground up, organized every detail, and stayed late night after night making sure there wasn’t a single flaw.I paused by the water cooler and downed a few quick gulps, trying to ease the tension coiling through my body and dull the stubborn ache in my head. It didn’t help much.Outside the conference room door, I drew in a slow breath, squared my shoulders, and knocked twice before stepping inside—already bracing for what was coming.The atmosphere inside was thick enough to choke on. All conversation died the second I appeared.My boss fixed me with a glare heavy wit
EricFrom the comfort of the sofa, I let my gaze drift down to the pulsing chaos visible through the one-way glass. The music throbbed below, bodies moving under flashing lights, noise and heat rising like steam.Up here, none of that existed. Just silence. Predictability. Exactly how I preferred i
Since I had the evening free, I already knew where I was going.The club was private, discreet, and predictable. Exactly the way I liked it.Everything there operated within expectations. Impeccable service. Interactions were limited to what was necessary. No surprises.It was one of the few places
EricI ended the meeting with a curt nod and closed the door behind me harder than necessary.No one said a word. They never did.I strode down the corridor while employees either averted their eyes or suddenly became very focused on their screens. That was exactly how I preferred it. Control wasn’
I said goodbye to Diego with a tired wave and headed home.The apartment was quiet when I arrived. My mother was already sleeping peacefully in her room. I paused in the doorway for a moment, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest. The sight brought a quiet wave of relief… and a new, heavier







