"I don't want you." I said firmly, more to convince myself than him.
A faint, measured smile tugged at his lips.
"Liar." His voice was low, warm, and it sent a shiver down my spine.
I fidgeted on his lap, trying to create distance, but Axel drew me closer. His presence was magnetic, almost suffocating, and his gaze seemed to read every thought.
"We shouldn't… we can't…" I stammered, but he leaned slightly toward me, and my breath hitched.
"Look at me, Crystal." His voice was an insistent whisper, not a command, but an invitation impossible to ignore.
I turned to him, eyes searching for some trace of innocence, of control. Axel's smile was slight, confident, and it set me on edge.
I felt Axel's hand slide down to my ankle, slipping under my dress before resting on my thigh. I couldn't stop him—every time he touched me, it was as if I lost the ability to speak or think clearly, unable to act normally.
"Does this calm you a little?" he whispered, and every brush of his fingers felt electric.
My body reacted before my mind could catch up: my legs tensed, my skin shivered at every contact. I tried to focus, reminding myself: Axel is engaged, almost married. I cannot give in.
Yet, even as I pushed those thoughts aside, his hand slid higher along my thighs, stopping just short of my underwear. My breath grew heavier, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Stop…" I murmured, but my voice betrayed me—I didn't want him to.
"Do you want me to stop?" he asked, his voice low but clear enough to hear. I was tempted to tell him everything running through my mind, but I gathered all my strength and nodded. "Yes, I want you to stop."
I know he knew I wasn't being sincere but surprisingly, Axel withdrew his hand from under my dress and helped me up from his lap. I took a few steps back to regain some clarity—every time he was close, I completely lost my bearings.
Axel came up to me but kept his distance.
"Goodnight, Crystal." His voice was calm, controlled, but carried a weight that made me shiver. There was nothing more to say, and I knew nothing would change that night.
I went into my room feeling like I'd just made a huge mistake by rejecting Axel, even though deep down I knew I could never forgive myself if I interfered with a relationship that was on the verge of marriage. I changed clothes while my mind filled with doubts and questions. I needed a hot bath and to hear a friend's voice.
I grabbed my phone, and while waiting for the tub to fill, I called Greta.
"Sweetie, I was about to call you! I'm starting to think we're telepathic," my friend said the moment she picked up.
I smiled, happy to hear a familiar voice. "This is tougher than I thought."
"What do you mean?"
"Axel, the job, everything. I don't think I can handle it."
There was a pause. "Do I need to come there and kick his ass? Did he treat you badly?"
I grinned, grateful for a friend like her. "No, Gre. It's my fault—I think I've fallen for him."
A sharp noise made me pull the phone away from my ear.
"Greta, are you crazy?"
"I knew it! I told you Axel Valenti is everyone's crush. It's impossible to stay indifferent, especially if you work with him."
I sighed, sitting on the edge of the tub and turning off the tap. "You were right, okay? And that's exactly why I think I need to start looking for another job."
"Crystal, is that really necessary?"
I ran a hand over my eyes, suddenly heavy. "Yes, it is."
"Alright, you know I'll always back you up. Whatever you need, I'm here."
"I love you so much, Gre."
"Same here. Come on, it's getting late. When are you back from Frankfurt?"
"Tomorrow, I'll land in the late afternoon."
I could hear her smiling. "Perfect, I'll have a little surprise ready for you."
"You're not going to do anything stupid, right?"
"Of course I am, otherwise where's the fun?"
We ended the call, and I felt my heart a little lighter after talking to her. I sank into the tub, the water already pleasantly warm, and stayed there until my thoughts finally began to fade.