𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐅 𝐈 𝐅 𝐓 𝐄 𝐄 𝐍

Eden

By the time we arrived at the hotel, the exhaustion from the long flight had settled deep into my bones. The jet lag weighed down on me like a heavy blanket, every step feeling sluggish and unsteady. The hotel was just as luxurious as I'd expected, glittering chandeliers, marble floors, and ornate décor that screamed opulence. It was the kind of place that only existed in my dreams, the kind of place where Lenore seemed perfectly at home.

Lenore led the way to the reception desk, her stride confident and graceful despite the late hour. I trailed behind, trying to shake off the grogginess that clung to me. My eyes kept drifting to her, unable to help myself. She looked as composed as ever, her posture straight and elegant, even after the long flight. I wondered how she did it, how she managed to look so flawless all the time.

The receptionist greeted Lenore with a wide smile, clearly recognizing her, and quickly handed over two key cards. "Your suite is ready, Mrs. DuBois. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call the front desk."

Lenore thanked her with a polite nod and turned to hand me one of the key cards. Her fingers brushed against mine as she did, sending a small jolt of electricity through me. "We'll meet the client tomorrow morning at nine sharp," she said, her voice all business. "I expect you to be ready and on time. No excuses."

I nodded, clutching the key card in my hand as if it were a lifeline. "Of course, Lenore. I'll be ready."

She gave me a curt nod, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary, before she turned and made her way towards the elevators. Victor, her ever-present bodyguard, followed close behind. I watched her go, my eyes tracing the elegant lines of her figure until the elevator doors closed behind her.

Once she was out of sight, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. The intensity of her presence was something I still wasn't used to, even after working under her for a while now. Every interaction with Lenore felt like a test, like she was constantly measuring me, assessing my worth. And yet, beneath the cold professionalism, there was something else, a warmth, a kindness that she rarely showed but that I had glimpsed during our flight. It was that side of her that kept drawing me in, kept fueling this growing infatuation that I couldn't seem to shake.

With a sigh, I made my way to my own suite. The door clicked open with a soft beep, and I stepped inside, immediately struck by the sheer size and luxury of the room. It was more of an apartment than a hotel room, with a spacious living area, a king-sized bed draped in soft, silken sheets, and a floor-to-ceiling window that offered a breathtaking view of the city below. The lights of London twinkled in the darkness, a sea of sparkling gems that stretched out as far as the eye could see.

I dropped my suitcase by the door and kicked off my shoes, my feet aching from the day's travel. The plush carpet felt like heaven beneath my toes, and I made my way over to the bed, sinking down onto the edge of it with a groan of relief. The mattress was firm, yet soft, the kind of bed that promised a deep, dreamless sleep.

But as tired as I was, I couldn't seem to quiet my mind. I kept replaying the events of the day in my head, the flight, the brief conversations with Lenore, the way she had held my hand when I was scared. It was stupid, really, how much that one small gesture affected me. But I couldn't help it. Lenore DuBois was like a force of nature, a whirlwind that had swept into my life and turned everything upside down.

And now, here I was, in this incredible hotel, about to embark on a project that could make or break my career, all under the watchful eye of the woman I couldn't stop thinking about. A woman who was married, who was completely out of reach. I knew it was wrong to feel this way, knew that I had to focus on the job and nothing else. But knowing that didn't make it any easier.

With a sigh, I pushed myself off the bed and headed to the bathroom, hoping that a hot shower would help me relax. The bathroom was just as luxurious as the rest of the suite, with a deep soaking tub and a rainfall showerhead. I turned on the water, stripping off my clothes as steam began to fill the room. The hot water was a welcome relief, washing away the tension and weariness of the day. I let it cascade over me, closing my eyes and allowing myself to just be for a moment, to forget about everything except the warmth of the water and the quiet of the night.

But even as I tried to clear my mind, Lenore kept creeping back in. I could still feel the warmth of her hand in mine, still hear the calm, reassuring tone of her voice. And as much as I tried to push those thoughts away, they lingered, clinging to me like the steam that enveloped the room.

By the time I finished my shower and crawled into bed, the exhaustion was overwhelming. The jet lag was like a heavy weight pressing down on me, pulling me into the soft embrace of the mattress. I pulled the covers up to my chin, snuggling into the warmth, but my mind was still restless, still turning over thoughts of Lenore, of the trip, of the impossible situation I found myself in.

I closed my eyes, trying to will myself to sleep, but my thoughts kept drifting back to her. I wondered if she was sleeping, if she was as exhausted as I was. I wondered what it would be like to share a bed with her, to feel her warmth beside me, to wake up next to her in the morning light. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying, and I forced myself to push it away, to focus on the task ahead.

But even as I drifted off to sleep, my mind finally succumbing to the exhaustion, it was Lenore who filled my dreams. Lenore, with her piercing eyes and commanding presence, with the warmth she so rarely showed and the kindness that seemed to slip through the cracks of her cold exterior. And as much as I knew I shouldn't, as much as I tried to convince myself that it was just a silly crush, I couldn't help but feel drawn to her, couldn't help but wish that things were different.

I fell asleep with her on my mind, her name on my lips, and a longing in my heart that I knew would only grow stronger with time. And as the night stretched on, the city of London twinkling below, I dreamed of the impossible, of a world where Lenore DuBois wasn't out of reach, where I could hold her hand without fear, where I could be more than just her employee.

But as much as I wished for it, I knew that reality would be waiting for me when I woke up. And in that reality, Lenore was married, my boss, and completely off-limits. I could dream, but I couldn't change the truth. And the truth was, no matter how much I wanted it, Lenore DuBois would never be mine.

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~ R