Fractured Fire and Ice

**Beneath the Surface**

The walls I had built around myself were now under siege, and I had no choice but to fight back. If I didn’t, I would lose more than just my focus. I would lose myself.

But the more I tried to push the thoughts of her away, the more they wrapped around me like a vice, squeezing tighter until I could hardly breathe. Lily Carson—her very name sent a thrill of something dark and consuming through me. She was becoming an obsession, one that I couldn’t afford to indulge in, yet I found myself sinking deeper with every passing moment.

I had always prided myself on control. It was what set me apart, what made me successful, powerful. But with her, control was slipping through my fingers like sand. I could feel the darkness creeping in, the familiar pull of my own worst tendencies—those urges I had kept buried for so long.

I crossed the room to the window, looking out at the city below, but all I could see was her. The way she had looked at me, so unaware of the storm she was stirring inside me. She had no idea what it meant to be the focus of my attention. No one did. It was better that way—safer. For both of us.

But now... now I was beginning to doubt whether I could keep her at a distance. Whether I even wanted to.

I clenched my fists, trying to stave off the flood of emotions, but it was too late. They crashed over me like a wave, dragging me under. Images of her flashed through my mind—her wide eyes, her parted lips, the way she had tried so hard to remain composed in front of me. She was intoxicating, and I was losing the battle to resist.

A dark smile curled at the corners of my mouth. Perhaps it was time to stop resisting altogether. To embrace what I was feeling, to let it consume me entirely. After all, hadn’t I already decided she belonged to me? What was the point in denying it any longer?

The thought of her being mine, truly mine, sent a shiver down my spine. The power, the control I could have over her... it was a dangerous game, but one I was willing to play. And I knew just how to win.

I turned away from the window, a decision solidifying in my mind. There was no point in fighting the inevitable. Lily Carson had already become a part of my world, and now, it was time to bring her even closer. Closer than she could ever imagine.

The question was no longer whether I could control my desires. The question was how far I was willing to go to make her mine. And as I sat back down at my desk, a dark satisfaction settled in my chest.

I would find out soon enough.

_______

As I walked out of Damien's office, my heart pounded so hard I was sure the whole building could hear it. I forced myself to keep my steps steady, my breathing even, but inside I was a mess of nerves, anxiety, and something else—a lingering sensation that made my skin tingle and my mind race with thoughts I had no business entertaining.

The cool air of the hallway did little to calm me. My mind was still back in that office, replaying every second. The way Damien had looked at me, the intensity in his gaze, the way he had spoken so calmly, yet with something darker lurking beneath the surface. It made me feel exposed, like he could see right through me, and yet... it thrilled me in a way I couldn’t quite explain.

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling, but it clung to me, refusing to let go. My ADHD wasn’t helping either—my thoughts were a chaotic swirl, jumping from one thing to another, struggling to focus on anything but the encounter I’d just had.

My fingers itched to do something—fidget with a pen, play with my hair, anything to distract myself from the thoughts racing through my mind. But I clenched my fists instead, digging my nails into my palms, using the pain to ground myself.

Emma was waiting for me just outside the door, a concerned look on her face as soon as she saw me. "Lily, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

I forced a smile, trying to seem more composed than I felt. "I’m fine, just... a bit overwhelmed, I guess."

Emma frowned, clearly not convinced. "Was it that bad in there?"

"It wasn’t bad," I said quickly, too quickly. "Just... intense."

She studied me for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you sure? You can tell me if something’s wrong, you know."

I sighed, feeling the weight of her concern and the overwhelming need to reassure her. "I’m okay, really. It’s just... he’s intimidating, you know? And my mind won’t stop racing. I keep thinking about everything, overanalyzing it all."

Emma nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "I get it. He has that effect on people. But you’re doing great, Lily. Don’t let it get to you."

Her words were comforting, but they did little to settle the storm in my mind. I nodded anyway, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Emma. I’ll be okay. I just need a moment to catch my breath."

"Take all the time you need," she said, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. "I’m here if you need to talk."

I nodded again, then watched as she walked away, giving me some space. I appreciated it, but it also left me alone with my thoughts—thoughts I wasn’t sure how to handle.

I glanced back at the door to Damien’s office, my heart still pounding. What was wrong with me? Why was I reacting like this? He was my boss, and I had no business feeling this way about him. But the memory of his voice, his presence, the way he looked at me—none of it would leave my mind.

And the way he looked... God, he was devastatingly handsome. The kind of handsome that made you weak in the knees, that made you forget how to breathe. I hadn’t meant to notice, but how could I not? The way he sat behind that desk, commanding, powerful, like he owned the world—like he could own me if he wanted to.

A shiver ran down my spine at the thought, and I shook my head, trying to clear it. No. I couldn’t go there. I had to stay professional, keep my head on straight. But it was hard when every time I closed my eyes, I could still see him, could still feel the way his eyes had lingered on me, the way his voice had sent shivers down my spine.

I leaned against the wall, trying to steady my breathing, to focus on something else—anything else. But all I could think about was him. I needed to snap out of it. I needed to get back to work, to distract myself, to stop letting my mind run wild.

But as I walked away from his office, I knew it wouldn’t be that simple. I had crossed some invisible line in my mind, and I wasn’t sure if I could go back.

And deep down, part of me wasn’t even sure if I wanted to.