LOGINOliver leans back in his chair, tapping his pen against the edge of his mahogany desk in a rhythmic measured way. His mind is already working through the implications of that meeting. “Tell them I can do two o’clock,” he says, his tone leaving no room for negotiations. “But I need the briefing notes on their previous campaign history first. Have Harper sent them to my inbox by noon.” As Stells nods and turns to leave, his icy blue eyes shift toward the door.
Oliver leans back in his chair, tapping his pen against the edge of his mahogany desk in a rhythmic measured way. His mind is already working through the implications of that meeting. “Tell them I can do two o’clock,” he says, his tone leaving no room for negotiations. “But I need the briefing notes on their previous campaign history first. Have Harper sent them to my inbox by noon.” As Stells nods and turns to leave, his icy blue eyes shift toward the door.Oliver finished his coffee and began preparing for his conference calls. At nine AM sharp, his laptop displaying a grid of faces belonging to the company’s fabric distributors. The call began with a brief introduction before Oliver outlined ThreadForms’ upcoming seasonal collection and the increased demand the company was anticipating. He emphasized that maintaining ThreadForms’ reputation for quality was more important than simply securing the lowest prices. The distributor
An hour and a half later, Oliver and Harper were both in professional mode. Harper wore a sleek night blue pantsuit, styled with a simple deep sea blue top and pointed black leather heels. The night blue blazer is a fitted, feminine silhouette with long sleeves and a structured shoulder line. It is closely tailored through Harper’s waist, creating a defined hourglass-like shape and the front has slightly longer, pointed lower edges extending over her hips. Underneath the blazer is a deep-sea blue, short sleeved fitted top with a simple, modest, rounded neckline. The night blue trousers are high-waisted and had a slim and tapered cut following the shape of her hips and thighs before narrowing toward her ankles. Her outfit is accessorized with silver-toned dangling earrings, and she is wearing a delicate layered necklace that includes a small pendant.Oliver was wearing a sharp, tailored grey three-piece suit with a crisp cream shirt. The jacket is a Paynes grey with a sm
“You know,” Marius called out, his voice carrying easily across the quiet room. “If you are making pancakes, I expect them to be perfectly golden. No burnt edges. I have very high standards for my breakfast.”“I will try my best,” Tera said with a bright smile, turning to face him. “But I make no promises.” Marius chuckled, a low, warm sound that seemed to vibrate from deep in his chest. He watched her for a moment longer; the bright smile she aimed at him lingering in his mind like a photograph. “No promises,” he mimicked, his tone mock offended. “That is the attitude of a woman who knows she can get away with anything.” He sat up then, the cool air hitting his bare skin, and he did not bother reaching for anything to cover himself. Instead, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet meeting the hardwood floor with a soft thud. He ran both hands through his reddish-brown hair, pushing it back f
The vulnerability in Marius’s gaze was unmistakable now– not just for her, but for himself. “The roles we play,” he said, his voice low and thoughtful. “The graphic designer, the lover, the boss, the partner. We spend so much time being what everyone else expects that we forget who it is underneath it all.” His fingers traced circles on the back of her hand. “If you are dramatic and needy sometimes, then be dramatic and needy,” he said, his tone matter of fact, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.“So, we are agreed then,” Tera said with a soft smile. “We will just be ourselves when we are together.” Marius’s smile was slow, almost cautious, as if he were still getting used to the idea of something so uncomplicated. He lowered himself back down, pulling her against his chest until her back was flush against his front, his arm draped over her waist. “Agreed,” he murmured, hi
“Don’t,” Marius said softly, though there was no conviction in the command. His voice was still rough, still catching in his throat. “Do not look at me like that, Tera. I do not deserve it.” It was the most honest thing he had ever said to her, and the admission seemed to surprise even himself. He let out a short, self-deprecating breath and closed his eyes for a moment, letting her touch ground him. “Why is that?” Tera asked gently, no judgement in her voice.Marius opened his yellow green eyes again, staring up at the ceiling as if the answer were written there somewhere. He did not move from her touch; his cheek still pressed against her palm. “Because people like me– people like that version of me,” he said, gesturing vaguely toward the door, toward the world outside this room. “We are not meant for tenderness. We are meant for transactions. Negotiations. Getting what we want and moving on to the next thing
“You have no idea what you do to me,” he murmured, his voice vibrating against her skin. “Every time I think I have got a handle on things, you just… dismantle me.” His hand slid lower, his touch firm and certain, tracing the curved of her body with a reverence that contradicted his earlier bravado. He moved against her slowly, letting the friction build, letting the heat between them thicken until it felt like the air itself might catch fire. “No more talking,” he whispered, his lips finding hers again. The kiss was deeper this time, more demanding, his tongue sweeping against hers in a slow, rhythmic dance that mirrored the movement of his body. His fingers tightened on her hip, anchoring her to him as he pressed harder, his breath coming in short, jagged bursts against her mouth. Every muscle in his back was taut, every nerve ending firing as he mapped out the contact between them. There was no hesitation left in him– no profession
Oliver scanned the detailed schedule Harper had emailed him, a small smile forming on his lips as he noted the 1pm lunch break. His mouse pointer hovered over the ‘reply’ button, tempted to type something flirtatious or demanding, but ultimately settling for a simple acknowledgment:Reply-
“Perhaps, in this case resistance is futile? Perhaps, the opposite is the solution.” Harper suggested trying to maintain a professional face. She felt her cheeks flush and her heartbeat quicken. “How about a drink after work?” she added quickly, before she can change her m
Over time Oliver notices Harper’s presence more and more. He notices how she handles her tasks with efficiency and grace. He notices her attention to detail and how skilled she was at organizing. As time went on, his interest in her became less professional, he began to wonder about her dreams and
Harper Miller had always been a little too nerdy, despite her attractive appearance. She had always preferred order to chaos. Books over parties. And work over vacations. Her parents were constantly pushing her to go out and socialize more; her peers were always inviting her out to movie nights and







