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Chapter Forty-two

Author: Zara Dusk
last update Last Updated: 2025-09-25 07:35:19

Scarlett's POV

The projector buzzed softly behind me, casting clean white light across the room. Rows of sharp suits and eager eyes stared ahead as the conference room settled into a heavy silence. The hum of anticipation was tangible.

This was it,the real beginning. Project Alaris was no longer just scribbles on whiteboards and late-night calls. It was moving. Breathing.

Ares had called an official meeting and the assembly room…I know, colour me shocked too.

was brimming with anxious and excited employees as we stared out at the sea of brown, blue and hazel eyes.

The air was thick with anticipation and excitement, as everybody chatted eagerly.

Ares stood at the head of the room, one hand in his pocket, the other gripping the remote. His voice cut cleanly through the silence.

“Welcome to the first full-stage week of Project Alaris. We’ve crossed the planning stage. Now, we execute.”

I stood beside him, my notes discreetly tucked into the folder in my hand. He glanced at me briefly bar
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  • Off-Limits Desire   Chapter Forty-seven

    Scarlett's POVI shuffled down the corridor, ignoring the worried looks my co-workers gave to me as I waited for the elevator.I was aware of the incessant tapping of my feet against the tiled floor, how annoying it could be but right now I just did not care.“It's just some work Scarlett, take a chill pill,” a little voice scolded me.I had totally forgotten about the files I had carried home yesterday and I only just realised I now had more work than before.I groaned, sighing in relief as the elevator beeped, doors easing open.I shot in, hurriedly tapping the button as the elevator purred to a start, slowly ascending.The steel doors slid open and I barreled out, a tad unsure as to why I was rushing so much.I flung my office door open, coming face to face with rock hard and as I felt his huge hands wrap around me.I blushed faintly, realising I could've fallen in front of him.He chuckled, loosening his grip but still leaving his arm on mine. His hand lingered, warm against my sk

  • Off-Limits Desire   Chapter Forty-six

    Scarlett's POV“Scarlett!” Byron yelled, arching a brow as I jumped, laying a hand on my chest.We stumbled into the breakroom. Byron shot me a worried look. The buzz of the fluorescent lights above felt like a drill in my skull.I barely registered the coffee machine sputtering behind me as I wrapped my fingers around a warm paper cup, hoping the bitter liquid might somehow force me into consciousness.The first sip was bitter, almost jarring, but it grounded me. The warmth slid down my throat like a slow burn.Fuck, this shit is strong.“Whoa,” Byron’s voice cut through the fog in my brain, “You look like…shit. And that's putting it lightly,” he chuckled while I shot him a death glare.Rain pelted the windows softly at first, each droplet tapping against the glass like a gentle reminder of the storm to come, a delicate rhythm that almost blended into the quiet hum of the room.The sky outside had deepened into a moody gray, heavy with unshed clouds, and the trees beyond swayed gentl

  • Off-Limits Desire   Chapter Forty-five

    Scarlett's POV“Here…we…are,” Ares said, letting the engine run as the cream light of my porch shone in the distance.The car was quiet, save for the low hum of the engine and the faint rhythm of the city just beyond the windshield.We were both slightly sweaty and full, having ordered hotdogs and soda after the arcade.He dabbed his forehead with his tie, chuckling as he turned to face me.“Scarlett we're home,” he smirked, having caught me staring.I blushed furiously, thankful the dim lighting in the car and my hair shielded my face.“Oh, uh…yeah, thanks,” I said, struggling with the door handle.Get it together, Scarlett!I had no idea why I was acting like a schoolgirl, a schoolgirl with a very big crush on a boy two grades higher.“Shut up,” I muttered.“Come again,” he said, blue eyes piercing as he grinned, stretching over and popping my door open.The movement was simple, practical, but the scent that followed wasn’t. It hit me all at once.Warm cedar, sharp and clean like th

  • Off-Limits Desire   Chapter Forty-four

    Ares' POV“You seriously won't tell me where we're going,” she asked, looking over her shoulder as I held the car door open for her.I noticed the smell of beer wafted off her in small waves.She hadn’t even touched her drink, but the scent clung to her like secondhand smoke. The faint tang of beer lingered in her hair and on the fabric of her sweater, barely noticeable unless you were close, and unfortunately for me, I was.It wasn’t overpowering, just… ambient. The kind of smell that seeps into your skin from being surrounded by open bottles, sticky counters, and the low, warm hum of a crowded bar.She shut the car as I shushed her, rolling as a ghost of a smile teased her lips. The scent lingered in the air where I stood, bitter, yeasty, and oddly human.“Uh, earth to Ares,” she snapped her fingers in front of my face. I shook my head, coming out my trance as I realized she had the windows down.I quickly shut the door, moving over to the other side as the car engine rumbled to lif

  • Off-Limits Desire   Chapter Forty-three

    Ares’ POVI swiveled around in my chair, lazily stuffing files into my book bag as my phone pinged on my desk.I groaned in frustration, rubbing my temple tiredly as I shoved the files in my bag, pushing myself off the chairIt was a text from Spencer.Spencer H.: Hey, it's getting late, when will you guys be coming home?I sighed, glancing at my watch as I realized I was going to be late if I didn't get a move on.I rubbed the nape of my neck awkwardly as I shut the door, collapsing on the couch.Ares B.: Uh…There's been a slight change of plans.I groaned, wondering how I had let Byron talk me into this.I undid the first button of my polo, running a hand through my hair.I noticed it was tickling my thick brows.I needed a haircut.His message came in, my phone vibrating in my hands.Spencer H.: Define “slight”Ares B.: Well…I hesitated, realising it was already very late.Ares B.: The project commenced today, and to boost…morale, in anticipation of the shit ton of work we're abo

  • Off-Limits Desire   Chapter Forty-two

    Scarlett's POVThe projector buzzed softly behind me, casting clean white light across the room. Rows of sharp suits and eager eyes stared ahead as the conference room settled into a heavy silence. The hum of anticipation was tangible.This was it,the real beginning. Project Alaris was no longer just scribbles on whiteboards and late-night calls. It was moving. Breathing.Ares had called an official meeting and the assembly room…I know, colour me shocked too.was brimming with anxious and excited employees as we stared out at the sea of brown, blue and hazel eyes.The air was thick with anticipation and excitement, as everybody chatted eagerly.Ares stood at the head of the room, one hand in his pocket, the other gripping the remote. His voice cut cleanly through the silence.“Welcome to the first full-stage week of Project Alaris. We’ve crossed the planning stage. Now, we execute.”I stood beside him, my notes discreetly tucked into the folder in my hand. He glanced at me briefly bar

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