Velvet Dominion

"Crystal, come on, one more song!"Greta grabbed my wrist, laughing over the music and the low buzz of the party. This wasn't just any club—it was an exclusive rooftop lounge, bathed in warm light, glass walls reflecting the city skyline. The kind of place where people seemed more focused on being admired than actually enjoying themselves."Greta, stop. I'm exhausted." I leaned closer so she could hear me. "I have an important interview tomorrow. I can't show up looking like I survived a war."She pouted, then sighed. "Okay, fine. I'll run to the bathroom and then we'll leave. I swear."I stepped away from the dance floor and rested my elbows on the bar. Crystal glasses. Champagne flutes. Polished laughter drifting between impeccably dressed strangers. I liked watching people. Not to judge them—but to understand them. There was always something beneath the surface. A crack. A flaw. Something they worked hard to hide.I lifted my gaze—and for a brief second, I locked eyes with a man s

At exactly 8:00, I knocked on Axel Valentin's office door. The brushed steel nameplate read his name, and below, in smaller letters, his title: Founder & CEO – Aurelian Group."Come in."The moment I stepped inside, the impact was immediate. The office occupied the corner of the top floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the heart of Rome. The décor was minimal, almost severe. No photographs, no personal touches to distract. Everything spoke of control.Axel was already seated at his desk. Dark shirt, sleeves rolled up with perfect symmetry on both wrists. He was reading a document with absolute focus, as if the rest of the world didn't exist. Only after a few seconds did he look up."You're on time.""I was asked to be punctual.""I didn't ask. I took it for granted."The tone wasn't harsh. It was definitive. He stood without another word and gestured for me to follow. We walked down the executive corridor and stopped at a desk positioned just outside his office, central to

A week had already passed. I wasn't just handling calls anymore—I was helping Axel with the company's administrative side as well. Working with him was exhausting, but undeniably captivating. Cold, distant, always ready to give orders, yet… there was something in the way he moved his gaze, in the silence that filled the room, that forced you to pay attention to every detail.It was Friday, and the office closed at noon, leaving the afternoon and weekend free. Combined with the salary that made me feel almost weightless, it made the day bearable. The only complication was Axel—but I suspected I'd get used to him, in time… maybe never fully.I was alone in Axel's office because he had asked me to reorganize some files, when the door swung open. A woman stormed in, heels clicking sharply across the floor like a warning."Where is Axel?" she demanded, not bothering with pleasantries. Her gaze cut like knives. Black hair flawless, makeup immaculate. She looked like a model ready to take on

I had arrived at the airport early. Not long after, Axel joined me, accompanied by security. I hadn't realized he required protection, but if he did, it meant someone, at some point, had tried to harm him.We went through security and boarded. The cabin was entirely ours—two wide seats facing each other with a small table in between, a welcome card neatly placed on top along with a few curated gifts. The flight attendant explained how to operate the entertainment screen and recline the seats, then left us alone.I settled in, removing my jacket and shoes, slipping into the provided slippers in an attempt to relax."Why did you tell me to pack something elegant?" I asked, breaking the silence."It's essential. You never know what might be required.""Should I be worried?"He sat across from me, his eyes darker than usual. "No. You should relax.""I already am.""And what, exactly, is relaxing you right now?" His voice lowered slightly.I looked away, suddenly aware of how exposed I fel

Axel was already in the car when I arrived, sitting in the back. I settled in and clicked my seatbelt."On time. Good," he murmured."It's still work," I replied, resting my head against the window."We're going to Miss Rose.""What's that?""A boutique."I sighed. "I don't want to spend much. I can go to a regular mall.""Who said you had to spend anything?" His calm, commanding tone made me straighten my back instinctively.I widened my eyes. "Don't even think about it.""Do you remember why I hired you?" he finally turned to face me. "To obey me."I said nothing after that, simply waiting until we arrived.When we stepped into the boutique, I froze. The space was wide, elegant, filled with clothes I had never seen before. I walked slowly, feeling out of place. My hand brushed over a long burgundy gown, strapless and flowing."Try it on," Axel said.I hesitated, but he gave a small nod to the sales assistant, who approached us."How can I help you? I'm Chiara," she said."Hi Chiara,