Chapter 4. part 6. Confidential Deal

5 0 0
                                    

My words come out cold and detached. As I speak, Max holds his breath, so I decide to continue, hoping to calm him down.

"A few nights ago, I saw one of your films on TV. I didn't recognize you at first, but after I saw the tattoo, I had no doubts." I manage a small smile. "Honestly, I envied you a bit... I haven't even experienced half the things you've done."

I glance away, feeling a bit vulnerable. "But now that you've told me how it really went, I feel... sorry. It must have been tough, and I don't think I'll ever understand. I'm too mundane for that kind of life. My whole world has been programmed by others..." I trail off, realizing I'm rambling. "Sorry, I'm digressing. At first, I thought it was just a youthful phase, but I never thought of telling anyone. I respect you a lot as a person for making it through all of that. But... I'm curious about one thing." I hesitate, feeling my cheeks warm. "Are you... gay?"

Max bursts into laughter, then composes himself, his expression becoming serious.

"No, I'm not gay... And for the record, you're not mundane." He steps closer, his hand tracing lightly along the neckline of my dress, just brushing my skin. His gaze sharpens, pupils dilating as he looks at me, almost predatory, like a cheetah that's just spotted its prey. Leaning in, he murmurs, his voice low.

"Actually... I think this dress suits you very well. I couldn't help but notice—every time I get close, your nipples harden. Like now." His fingers trail gently over my arm, sending a ripple of goosebumps across my skin. He pauses, looking directly into my eyes. "Cyntia, do you want me?"

My brain flatlines. My heart skips a beat. What is happening? I'm stunned, unable to think straight. Should I say yes? No? I don't know! All I know is that I feel feverish, and he's... incredibly sexy. Caught in a daze, my jaw drops, and an involuntary sound escapes—a soft, high-pitched "Ah..."

Max chuckles, looking down to hide his laughter, which jolts me out of my trance. I quickly push him back, freeing myself from his hold.

"These aren't things to joke about! It's not funny. Damn it, you're my boss. And this situation... it's not appropriate!" I say, a mix of panic and frustration in my voice.

"Who said I was joking?" he replies, his expression suddenly serious.

Before I can respond, he takes my wrists gently, pressing me back against the door, his hands sliding down to my waist. His gaze is locked on mine.

"I could make you feel pleasure in ways you've never even imagined." His voice is a soft murmur, dangerously close to my ear. "You said it yourself—you envied me. I'm guessing you haven't... enjoyed yourself much, sexually. We're two adults; we can talk about this openly." He studies my face, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "I know you want me; it's written all over your face. I'll give you what you want... if you help me get out of this mess."

He takes my hand, looking at me as if asking for permission, and I don't pull away. He places it on his crotch, where I can feel him, already hard. Oh my God. He lifts his thumb to brush gently over my upper lip, parting my mouth slightly. He looks into my eyes, checking if I'll pull away, but I don't. My fingers curl instinctively, lightly grazing him over his pants. His breathing grows heavier, and so does mine. He moves in closer, capturing my mouth in a kiss, his lips grazing mine before he bites my lower lip, then gently sucks on it. He teases my lip with his tongue, then seeks my own, deepening the kiss as he holds me against him.

My mind goes blank, all thoughts drowned out by the sensations flooding my body. His touch, his warmth—everything feels like a haze, electric and consuming.

After what feels like an eternity, he finally pulls back, stopping my hand and releasing me. We both try to catch our breath, the moment hanging heavy between us. Even though it was brief, it was intense—almost overwhelming.

"That was just a taste of what it could be like if you agree," he says, his voice steady. "What do you say? Do we have a deal?"

"A... deal?" I echo, my mind still reeling.

He smiles, his expression calm but with a glint of satisfaction.

"You help me out of this situation and keep my secret. In return, I'll give you whatever you ask for... in bed. Are you in, Cyntia?"

"Yes," I whisper, though uncertainty lingers in my voice.

As much as I hate to admit it, I want this. From every angle, it's a win-win. And besides, I'm tired of hiding my desires. I think, perhaps, no one else could understand that better than him.

But then my conscience flares up. I hesitate, feeling a pang of guilt. "Although I admit I'm... sexually attracted to you, I'd still help you without... all of this." I take a breath. "Let's just... forget it, okay? Let's get out of here, work together, and keep things professional. I don't want to cross any lines that would make work... awkward. There are already enough rumors going around as it is. Let's just stop here."

Why am I saying no when I really want to say yes? Damn my conscience.

Max's expression changes; a shadow of disappointment crosses his face, and he looks away, composing himself. When he speaks, his voice is flat. "I see. I must have misread you. I apologize."

"No, I..." I stammer, but he cuts me off, regaining his professional demeanor.

"Let's focus on getting out of here, then. There has to be a way to avoid running into them." His voice is calm, but he sounds tense. "With all these journalists and photographers around, it's impossible to go unnoticed. And then there's CCTV. Damn it."

"But you, you're a genius!" I blurt out, suddenly inspired.

"CCTV!" we both say in unison, our eyes meeting in a shared realization.

My hardcore BossWhere stories live. Discover now