Shadows Of Desire

Chapter Six

Third Person POV

"Why is it that you like trouble?" Xavier asked, his voice calm but with that signature edge.

Nauxr didn’t answer, her gaze glued to her lap as if hoping it might reveal the secrets of the universe.

“I’m talking to you. Look at me when I’m talking to you,” he boomed, loud enough to rattle the office furniture. She flinched, just a little.

“N-no, sir,” she stammered, voice shaky.

“No, sir, what?” He raised an eyebrow. “Do you have any idea how unprofessional that was?” His voice was firm, yet oddly calm, like he was scolding a mischievous child rather than delivering a warning.

“You can’t be getting involved with clients. It’s terrible for business—and entirely unprofessional. Did you even notice how he was flirting with you? You practically handed him a smile like some kind of... toothy little kid on a sugar high.”

Nauxr’s eyes widened for a moment, before she reined in her expression.

“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t realize he was flirting with me. I was just doing my job.”

Xavier scoffed, muttering something under his breath. “That’s no excuse. You need to be more... aware. From now on, I don’t want you interacting with clients outside strictly professional business. Understood?”

Nauxr felt a wave of irritation rise, her hands balling into fists under the table. “With all due respect, sir, I don’t think it’s your job to manage my social life. I can handle myself perfectly fine, thank you.”

Xavier’s eyes narrowed. He wasn’t expecting her to clap back. “This isn’t up for debate. This is my company, my rules. If you can’t follow them, maybe you should start looking for somewhere else to work.”

She stood, throwing a mock salute his way. “Fine! Maybe I will start looking for another job,” she snapped. “All I do is my job, but you’re always on my case about something!”

Without waiting for a response, she whirled around and stormed out of his office, leaving him fuming. Xavier clenched his jaw, watching her go, muttering, “Sooner or later, she’s going to be down on her knees... asking for her job back.”

In the hallway, Nauxr headed straight to the restroom. “I swear, that man has a stick so far up, he probably dreams about rules and spreadsheets.” She let out an aggravated groan and splashed water on her face, breathing deeply to shake off her frustration.

Finally, she collected herself and returned to the office. She ignored Xavier’s burning gaze and planted herself at her desk, determined not to give him even one fleeting glance. But later, when she needed his signature for the Montehu project, she couldn’t avoid him.

Reluctantly, she stood and approached his desk, holding out the document. “Sir, I need your signature for the Montehu project.”

As she spoke, she kept her gaze fixed on the floor, desperately avoiding his eyes. Xavier took the papers, his fingers brushing hers. Nauxr jerked her hand back like he’d given her a shock.

Xavier smirked, seeing her irritation so clearly. He signed the papers quickly, but when she tried to turn, he caught her hand, pulling her back. She stumbled, bracing herself for the fall—only it never came. Xavier had caught her mid-fall, their faces inches apart.

Nauxr’s heart was suddenly pounding, and as she looked up, she found herself lost in his startling blue eyes. They stared at each other in silence, both too stunned to pull away. She noticed a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze as he held her close, his jaw tight.

After a beat, he murmured, “Next time, be more careful. I won’t always be here to catch you.”

She cleared her throat, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ll try... but maybe stop tripping me up, sir?”

A small smirk tugged at his lips, and he seemed to realize the moment was veering into dangerous territory. Quickly, he released her. She took the papers and hurried back to her desk, her face flushed.

Hours later, at 6 p.m., she packed up her belongings, eager to get out and put the day behind her. As she reached the door, she heard him clear his throat.

“Do you need a ride home?” Xavier’s voice was softer now, almost hesitant.

She didn’t even turn around. “No, thank you. I’ll manage,” she said in one breath, practically bolting out the door.

---

Author's Note: Hey, Wattys! Thanks for reading. I’ve been busy, but I’ll update when I can. Please vote and share! ✌️