The restaurant was on the top floor of one of the city's tallest skyscrapers. I had never been in such a chic setting—politicians, actors, entrepreneurs… all high-profile people.
As soon as we arrived, a waitress led us to our table, where four people were already seated, including a woman.
"Finally, you grace us with your presence!" said a man in his forties, rising to greet Axel with a warm hug. The others raised their hands in greeting.
After the introductions, the conversation quickly turned to business. One man, Michael, immediately caught my attention. He was in his thirties, strikingly handsome, with a charming smile.
"I've never seen a secretary this beautiful," he said, glancing at me.
"Thank you," I replied shortly.
He smirked at Axel. "You're getting married and you hire this beauty as your secretary? Bold move."
Now I understood. I looked at Axel, but his face was unreadable.
"I hired her for her skills," he said, fixing me with a steady gaze.
"I didn't know you were getting married," I commented, ignoring Michael's remark.
Michael laughed, surprised. "Everyone knows. Don't you follow social media?"
I shook my head. "Not really."
The woman next to me, Lisa, smiled. "Me neither."
They brought wine for a toast.
"What are we toasting?" asked one of the men, introducing himself as Lucas.
"To new partnerships, new profits!" Lisa said with a wide smile. Then she paused and turned to Axel. "Weren't you supposed to have a meeting with Light&Sea today?"
Axel nodded. "Yes, that's right."
Michael shook his head in disapproval. "Don't tell me you accepted."
"Crystal handled it, actually. I left the decision to her—whether to accept or decline," Axel replied.
I lowered my gaze to my glass, embarrassed, but then looked up at Axel. "Yes, I didn't accept. Too risky."
Lucas clapped. "Well done! I've always told Axel to scrap these deals, but he never listens."
"Here's to Crystal!" Michael said, a huge grin lighting up his face.
I returned the smile and took a sip from my glass after toasting.
"I imagine working for ruthless Axel must be tough," Lisa said, taking a sip.
"No, I actually expected worse," I replied.
"How do you manage a personal life?" she asked.
"I don't really have one, simple as that," I said, earning laughter around the table.
"A beautiful girl like you isn't seeing anyone?" Michael asked, curiosity in his tone.
Before I could answer, Axel rested his hand on my knee under the table.
"That's none of your concern, Mike," he said, sharp and decisive.
Michael burst out laughing and raised his hands in surrender. Axel's hand brushed my knee lightly before pulling away, leaving me shaken.
Finally, the dishes arrived, and I was able to distract myself. We ate slowly, exchanging light conversation, and the evening continued smoothly.
As I walked toward the cloakroom to grab my coat, Michael caught up to me.
"You impressed me tonight. I'd like to see you again."
"We live in different countries," I replied.
He smiled. "I visit Rome often. If I left without your number, I'd never forgive myself."
I hesitated.
Michael noticed it and sighed.
"Look, I know I've been a bit of a fool tonight, but honestly, you made a great impression on me. I'd like to stay in touch, even just to talk business. You're sharp, and something tells me Axel didn't choose you by chance."
His words struck me; I sensed a genuine sincerity, and something inside me stirred.
"Sure, as long as it stays professional, I don't see why not."
On the drive back to the hotel, Axel was on the phone and didn't say a word, even when I tried to comment on the evening. His silence felt heavy, and I wondered what had irritated him.
Once we reached the suite, he finally spoke.
"So you gave Michael your number," he said, sitting on the couch, serious.
"How do you know? And anyway, that's none of your business. He was really kind, and it was purely a professional exchange of contacts." I replied.
"Come here."
I gave him a confused look. "I need to take off my heels; I'm tired. Can we talk tomorrow?"
But Axel didn't seem to be listening. "I won't repeat myself, Crystal."
I looked into his eyes—they never left mine—and reluctantly sat beside him.
"What is it?" I asked, realizing too late how close I was.
"If he messages you, I want you to block him."
I furrowed my brow. "Why? What does it matter to you? You're about to get marry—think of Alyssa."
His eyes were almost gray. "He's not the right man for you."
"What do you know? And as I already told you, Michael is just a colleague—I didn't give him my number for him to try to flirt with me."
I shot back, arms crossed.
"I don't care, Crystal."
I rolled my eyes and tried to move away, but Axel pulled me onto his lap. With one arm, he wrapped around my waist, holding me in place.
"You don't know how hard it is to restrain myself from looking at you in that dress, when all I want to do is…" His voice dropped, heavy with tension.
I swallowed hard, feeling his gaze on my lips.
"Don't," he whispered.
"Don't what?"
"Show me that you want me."