Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 36: Giving In To Temptation

(A/N. This chapter contains a little bit of NSFW, so skip in you need to)

(Vox's POV)

As he settled into the chair in front of one of the screens, I took my place beside him, my fingers poised over the keyboard as we began editing the images. His suggestions flowed smoothly, and I found myself impressed by his keen eye for detail. "See here" he murmured, pointing to a specific section of the image, "if we adjust the contrast just a touch, it'll really make those colors pop". I nodded in agreement, making the necessary adjustments. But then, out of the blue, he made a remark that caught me off guard. "You know, Vox," he said, his tone casual yet laced with a hint of mischief, "I couldn't help but notice how you were looking at me earlier. Did you enjoy the view?". His words hung in the air, and for a moment, I felt a surge of panic. Had I been too obvious? Too transparent in my admiration? But then, as if on instinct, a wave of boldness washed over me. "Yeah, I did" I replied, meeting his gaze head-on. "So what?". His smirk widened, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, well" he chuckled, leaning back in his chair, "aren't you a pleasant surprise, Vox? I must say, I rather enjoyed being the object of your admiration". I shrugged nonchalantly, though inside, my heart was pounding with uncertainty. What was I getting myself into? But despite the apprehension, there was also a strange exhilaration, a thrill in being so openly bold. "Don't get used to it" I muttered, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. "It won't happen again". Valentino's laughter filled the room, his charisma undeniable even in this intimate moment. "We'll see about that, Vox" he replied, his voice dripping with allure. "We'll see".

As we continued to edit, his arm casually draped around my waist, I couldn't help but feel a mix of discomfort and intrigue. His touch was surprisingly gentle, yet his proximity was undeniably intimate. I glanced at him, I didn't immediately withdraw his arm as he had expected me to react based on our previous encounters. Instead, I let it linger, his gaze fixes on mine, a playful smirk playing on his lips. "You're letting me keep my arm here" he observed, his voice low and teasing. "I must say, Voxxy, I'm impressed. I thought you'd have thrown a fit by now". I raised an eyebrow, a hint of defiance flickering in my eyes. "Maybe I'm just in a generous mood today" I replied, trying to keep my tone light despite the tension thrumming beneath the surface. He chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "Or maybe" he mused, his fingers lightly tracing circles on my waist, "you're finally starting to enjoy my company". I bristled slightly at his insinuation, but before I could retort, he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my screen. "Admit it" he whispered, his voice sending a jolt of electricity through me, "there's a part of you that likes having me around". I swallowed hard, feeling a surge of conflicting emotions swirling inside me. Part of me wanted to push him away, to put an end to this flirtatious game once and for all. But another part... another part couldn't deny the thrill of his touch, the allure of his presence.

His fingers continued their gentle exploration, his touch igniting a cascade of conflicting emotions within me. Despite my best efforts to resist, a part of me couldn't deny the undeniable chemistry that crackled between us. But as his proximity became increasingly suffocating, I found myself growing more and more uneasy. "I don't love you, Val" I said, my voice firm despite the tremor of uncertainty beneath the surface. "Hell, there are times when I don't even like you". His smirk remained firmly in place, undeterred by my declaration. "Who said anything about love, Voxxy?" he replied, his tone smooth as honey. "Love is overrated. All we need is attraction. And trust me, I can tell you feel it too". I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. "Attraction?" I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. "You're delusional if you think there's anything between us besides us being friends". But even as the words left my lips, I couldn't ignore the heat that simmered just beneath the surface, the primal pull that drew me to him despite my better judgment. It was a dangerous game we were playing, one that threatened to consume us both in its fiery embrace. As he leaned in closer, I couldn't help but shiver at the intensity of his gaze. "Deny it all you want" he whispered, his voice a seductive purr, "but I know the truth. And deep down, so do you".