We had a meeting that same day in downtown Frankfurt, at one of the country's most prominent companies. The ultra-modern building towered over the street, all glass and steel. As I walked a few steps behind Axel, surrounded by his security detail, I found myself staring at everything—the architecture, the movement, the sharp precision of the city.
Inside the conference room, Axel greeted the partners of Light&Sea with composed confidence. As we stepped further in, I felt his hand settle lightly against my lower back, his familiar scent close enough to steady and unsettle me at the same time.
"Come. Sit next to me." His voice brushed against my ear.
I didn't protest. I let him guide me to the two seats at the head of the table. A wave of impostor syndrome washed over me. I didn't belong in rooms like this. Yet Axel wanted me beside him.
The lights dimmed and the presentation began on the large digital screen. I tried to focus, but my attention kept drifting between the slides and Axel's profile.
"What's your relationship with them?" I asked quietly.
He gave me a brief sideways glance before returning his attention to the presenter. "Good. They need us if they want to scale."
"Are you going to accept?"
"No."
I turned toward him, confused. "Then why are we here?"
"To see how far they're willing to go."
Axel was merciless in business. If he had been my competitor, I would have pulled out of the market just hearing his name.
The presentation dragged on for nearly an hour. My legs began to ache, and I bounced my knee slightly, trying to relieve the tension. Suddenly, a warm hand settled over it. I was wearing an elegant skirt, and the contact made me freeze.
I didn't move. My gaze remained fixed on the screen, but my body was rigid, fully aware of his hand resting there—then slowly moving.
"That's one way to calm you down," he murmured.
I didn't answer.
A few minutes later, the presentation concluded, and one of the executives addressed Axel directly.
"If Aurelian Group decides to enter this sector, it wouldn't just accelerate our expansion—it would significantly increase your market share in Central Europe. The margins are strong, and the projected growth over the next five years makes this a strategic move. Yes, there's risk, I won't deny that. But calculated risk is exactly what built your reputation, Axel."
Axel turned to me. "What do you think?"
The question caught me off guard. I hadn't followed every detail, but I knew this was a test.
"I believe…" I cleared my throat as his hand continued its slow, deliberate motion over my knee. I caught the faint curve of his mouth. Yes. He was definitely testing me.
I straightened in my seat.
"Light&Sea is interesting. I won't deny that. But we no longer invest on instinct or ambition alone. At this level, risk must be strategic and contained. Come back with a model that limits downside and strengthens long-term returns, and we can reopen negotiations. Until then, this doesn't align with our portfolio."
My heart pounded, but pride spread through me. Axel looked at me differently—almost surprised—but the expression vanished as quickly as it appeared.
"Thank you. That will be all," he said, dismissing the room.
Once we were alone, he slowly removed his hand from my knee. An unexpected emptiness settled in my chest, though I kept my face neutral.
"Interesting," he said simply, studying me.
Before I could respond, his phone rang. His expression shifted instantly.
"Crystal, send Alyssa flowers. And find something else to add."
I blinked. "Why?" The abrupt change of subject caught me off guard.
"Because I'm asking you to."
I nodded, masking my disappointment. I needed to remind myself that Axel was in a relationship. I had to stop imagining things. And yet… if everything between them was fine, why did he look at me like that? Why touch me that way? Maybe it meant nothing. Maybe I was the one reading into it.
After I handled the request, Axel mentioned he had an important appointment that afternoon and that I could return to the hotel to prepare for the evening's dinner with potential investors. Three men escorted me back, and finally, I could take a hot shower and decide what to wear.
I tried three different outfits. All wrong.
Eventually, I messaged Axel to tell him I was going shopping to find something suitable.
His reply came almost immediately.
Now?
I don't have anything elegant enough for tonight. I can't show up underdressed.
A few minutes later he responded:
Be ready in an hour. I'll take you.
There's no need. I can go by myself.
I tried to discourage him. Shopping with my boss was not on my list of comfortable activities.
One hour.
It wasn't a suggestion. It was a directive. Axel didn't repeat himself, and he had little patience.
I took my time in a long, hot bath. Then I stepped outside the hotel, ready—and bracing myself for the evening ahead.