I walked into the building, my heart still racing from the evening. I hadn't even had time to settle when I saw him—Axel, at the top of the stairs, walking down toward me with that purposeful stride.
"Where have you been?" His voice was low, rough, commanding.
"None of your business. We're not at work." I tried to keep my composure, but my pulse was racing.
He came closer, cupping my chin in his hands, forcing me to meet his gaze. The familiar scent of mint and tobacco hit me, sending a shiver down my spine.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to step back, but his hand on my back nudged me slightly closer.
He ignored my question. "Where have you been?"
"With a guy. Happy? Now tell me what you're doing here." My voice betrayed a hint of nervousness.
"And do you like this guy?" His words were whispered near my mouth, but the tone was sharp, intense.
"None of your business, Axel."
"Do you want him as much as you want me?" His stare was piercing, and being so close made it hard to breathe.
I felt the warmth of his hands on my neck and face, and a part of me trembled at the irresistible attraction I felt.
"I kissed him tonight… actually, I wanted more, but he stopped me."
Axel's eyes darkened, almost dangerous.
"I dare you to say that again." His voice was low, intense, and I stiffened at just how close he was.
Breathless, I looked up at him. "I wanted… to fuck him, badly, goddamn it."
The silence that followed weighed like a stone. Axel stepped even closer, his presence dominant, magnetic.
"Tomorrow, I want you in the office at six."
I pulled myself together immediately. "No, are you insane? I start at nine."
"Six tomorrow, or you're fired." His tone left no room for negotiation.
He walked away, leaving me alone, heart hammering, with the sense that a line had just been crossed.
I stayed there for several minutes, trying to make sense of it. Was Axel really trying to punish me just because I went out with a guy? What right did he have? I could feel the anger building in my chest—he had no right to invade my life like that, to boss me around. I felt so powerless; every time I saw him, I couldn't assert myself, couldn't push back, couldn't stand my ground. The fact that he was my boss made it even harder, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could endure it.
I climbed the stairs and stepped into my apartment, collapsing onto the sofa.
Thoughts of Claudio and our evening together made me feel strange. He had been sweet, respectful, light… Axel, on the other hand, was fire, control, desire. My mind swung between two worlds: the freedom and ease of that night, and the dangerous, irresistible pull of Axel.
It wasn't just jealousy—it was his power over me, the way he made me feel alive and vulnerable at the same time. And even though I knew he was about to get married, I couldn't suppress the desire I felt for him. There was something off about their relationship, and I wondered how much of it was real… and how much was just a façade.
I closed my eyes, forcing myself to calm down, deciding that tomorrow I would face everything with a clear head. Clear boundaries, cold logic. But a part of me already knew it wouldn't be easy.