Rivals of the heart

4.Desire in Disguise: The Unexpected Revelation

Williams POV:

I hate myself for doing this, but that woman continues pushing me. I will do what I need to do right now. I've tried several women, but the notion of her never leaves me. I should not be thinking about her. Not now. Not ever.

With a furious sigh, I rose from my desk and paced the length of my office. My thoughts were jumbled, entangled in emotions I couldn't afford to feel. She's just an employee, I reminded myself. A damn good one, yes, but nothing more.

I strolled to the window and looked out at the metropolitan skyline, attempting to clear my mind. It was not intended to be like this. I am the CEO of this corporation, and I have complete power over everything and everyone.

I remembered how she looked at me in the conference this morning, her eyes filled with a ferocious resolve that I couldn't help but respect. She regarded me as if I were just another challenge to overcome, and damn it, I wanted to be more than that.

I just spotted her through the glass walls of her office, still working, fully unconscious that I was observing. Davis strolled in and gave her something. She smiled at him—a genuine smile, something I had never seen directed at me.

Something terrible twisted inside my chest. He got to see another side of her, one that wasn't all business and harsh edges. I despised the way she manipulated me and my emotions. I despised it. I despised him. But most of all, I despised the way she made me feel—like I was losing control, as if I needed her approval, her attention. It was pathetic.

Davis said something that made her giggle, and I had to turn away to avoid doing anything stupid. Like March over there and drag him out of her office, or worse, admit to her that she was getting on my nerves.

No. I would not give her that satisfaction. She was a distraction, and distractions were harmful. I had to stay focused and keep my distance.

But even as I thought it, I realized it was a lie. I did not wish to keep my distance. I wanted her, even though I refused to admit it to myself.

I ran my hand through my hair, pushing myself to breathe and settle down. Tomorrow, I would bury myself in work, forgetting about her and how she makes me feel. I'd remind myself that this is just business, and she is just an employee.

But, when I switched off my office light and grabbed my jacket, I couldn't help but glance in her direction one final time.

And that's when I knew that rejecting it wouldn't make it go away. Because each time I saw her, my desire grew stronger. And that scared me.

I went to the bar because I needed a distraction from her. She is dangerous. I need to control myself.

"Man, you've been here all along and I didn't realize? "How come?" John speaks from the other side.

"What up big buddy?" I offered a handshake.

"Nice bar!" He shouted.

"Right"

"You come here on a daily basis?" he inquired.

"Only when I need a distraction," I breathed.

"Distractions? Mr CEO, it is unlikely that you would welcome a diversion. He laughed.

"Who is it?" he inquired.

"A woman from workplace." I yelped out because I couldn't help anymore.

"Ha lady from the office. I can't help; she must be your age." He yielded.

"She's 25." I replied blankly.

"Man, I'm 26 myself and haven't gotten a girl my age how come you bagged one?" He mentioned something shocking.

"Not yet," I reassured.

"Hey, I know a spot that's extremely enjoyable. Pretty girls and sensual dance, but not vulgar," He suggested.

"Not interested" I disregarded.

"C'mon man up lets go."

"Okay" I said, rolling my eyes.

After 20 minutes of riding, we arrived at our destination. This place is unfamiliar to me. It's new to me. "Belly Dance" said the dashboard.

"John the Great, why the heck would you bring me here? "What makes you think I'd like to belly dance?" My gosh, this kid! It's amazing that he and Bella are nearly the same age. Bella carries herself with a lot of security and maturity. And this man here behaves like a 15-year-old youngster with variable hormone levels.

"Chill! We will attend as an audience." He soothed me.

"It better be that way." I responded I was already fed up.