Strokes of Fate

Chapter 3.3

Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the room, startling Zara. Her eyes flew open, her hand freezing in place.

"Zara? You still in there?" Kai's voice was clearer now, closer.

"Yes, just doing some brainstorming," Zara cursed under her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She quickly adjusted her clothing, smoothing down her skirt and taking a step away from the desk. The drawing lay exposed, a testament to her passion.

"Just a sec!" she called out, her voice steadier now. She glanced around, searching for a distraction, anything to hide her current state. Her eyes landed on a sketchbook lying open on a nearby chair. With a swift motion, she grabbed it and flipped through the pages, her mind racing.

"Hey, what's going on in there?" Kai asked, his voice tinged with impatience. The door handle jiggled again, more insistently this time.

"Nothing, just... got caught up in my work," Zara replied, her tone casual, trying to mask her urgency. She flipped to a blank page in the sketchbook and began scribbling hastily, her mind still reeling from the interrupted climax.

The door creaked open, revealing Kai standing in the threshold, his brows furrowed with concern. "You sure you're okay?" he repeated, stepping into the room.

Zara nodded, her focus fixed on the sketchbook, her hand moving rapidly across the page. "Yeah, just needed a break, that's all," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. Her fingers still wet and glistening.

Kai approached her, his gaze shifting from her face to the drawing on the desk. "What's this?" he asked, his interest piqued.

Zara swallowed hard, her mind scrambling for a plausible explanation. "It's... just a study, drafting," she replied, her voice wavering ever so slightly. "For a new piece."

Kai leaned closer, his eyes scanning the intricate lines. "Looks intense," he commented, his tone neutral.

"It is," Zara agreed, her fingers tightening around the pencil in her hand. She risked a glance at Kai, meeting his curious gaze. "Very intense."

The room fell silent, the only sound the scratch of pencil against paper. Zara's heart pounded in her ears, each beat a reminder of the passion she had almost unleashed. She drew a deep breath, preparing to speak, to explain—

"Zara, are you even listening to me?" Kai's voice cut through her thoughts, snapping her back to the present.

"What? Oh, yeah, sorry," Zara stammered, her attention divided. She forced a smile, hoping it looked genuine. "Just thinking about the exhibition, you know?"

Kai nodded, his expression softening. "Right, the exhibition. It's important. I still need a minute to show you, something, but I'll wait until later since your at work. That's my bad, just wanted to make sure you were good."

At that moment she wanted him, but it was to risky.

Kai lingered for a moment longer, then turned to leave. "Call me if you need anything," he said over his shoulder, closing the door gently behind him.

Alone once more, Zara sagged against the desk, her hand trembling. The sketchbook lay forgotten in her lap, the unfinished drawing mocking her restraint. She glanced at the door, then back at the drawing, her resolve wavering.

"One more time," she whispered to herself, her fingers itching to trace those forbidden lines once more. The door remained closed, the world outside a distant echo. Zara leaned forward, her hand reaching out—

Zara's fingers trembled as she reached for the door, her heart pounding in her chest. She turned the lock with a decisive click, sealing herself inside the sanctuary of her office. The room seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, the air thickening with anticipation.

Back at her desk, Zara's gaze fell upon the drawing, its lines now pulsating with a life of their own.

The tingle in her veins grew into a fiery pulse, igniting a hunger within her. With a deep breath, Zara lifted her skirt, her fingers finding the warm, wet welcome between her legs. She closed her eyes, allowing her mind to drift.