Chapter 21 - Alaric POV
Working at Tasty Company used to be boring, but now every morning I actually want to go-just to see her.
I smirk to myself.
That foxy woman... Why is she still in my mind? This is the first time I've cared about a woman this deeply.
Alaric, you're such a fool. A terrible friend. You're literally Frost's only friend...
I step into the elevator, close my eyes, and sigh. I need to control these stupid feelings.
Today, I'm going to avoid making too much contact with her.
At least, that was the plan.
Of course destiny didn't agree, because the moment I open my eyes-she's standing right there.
Coccette.
Wearing a short red dress and red heels.
Red. Seriously-is she trying to kill me?
My heart pounds so hard I swear it's going to jump out of my chest.
She smiles softly. "Morning, Alaric."
I try to act nonchalant. "Good morning, Coccette."
"So, I guess we're going to the same floor," she says.
"Obviously." I can't help smiling wider.
She lowers her head.
Why did I smile like that?
In this tiny space, all I want is to pin her in the corner and kiss every inch of her...
I'm a terrible person.
She's my friend's wife.
But I can't control it.
It's fine-we're almost on our floor.
But destiny was clearly laughing at me today, because-
BOOM.
The elevator jerks and stops.
"What the hell?!" I shout.
"Oh no," Coccette says. "Don't tell me it's broken..."
I press the button to open the doors, but nothing happens.
My breathing starts to speed up.
I hate closed spaces-especially ones I can't get out of.
Not after what happened in my childhood.
I slam the red emergency button to call security, but it does nothing.
Sweat starts rolling down my neck, and I can feel Coccette's worried eyes on me.
"Are you okay, Alaric?" she asks gently.
"Someone open this fucking door!" I yell.
My chest tightens.
I'm losing control.
A full panic attack is coming.
Coccette grabs my arms.
"Breathe, Alaric. Breathe. I'm here. You're not alone."
I meet her sky-blue eyes.
That's the problem-she is here.
My obsession.
And I don't want her to see me weak.
"I'm fine, Foxy," I mutter.
"You're not," she whispers.
And then-she hugs me.
Why did she do that?
Her jasmine perfume fills my lungs, wrapping around me.
Her neck is right there, inches away.
I gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear and whisper:
"Foxy... why are you so irresistible these days?"
She looks at me, cheeks burning red, lips trembling as if she wants to say something but can't.
And then I lose control.
I press her back against the elevator wall, right in front of the mirror, and-
I kiss her.
Deeply.
Our tongues move in perfect rhythm.
And the worst part?
She doesn't push me away.
I'm such a terrible person.
My mind is full of dirty thoughts when suddenly-
The elevator shudders, and the doors begin to slide open slowly.
She shoves me off her, breathless, face still red.
And standing right outside-
Frost.
So much for trying to ignore her today. Looks like destiny had other plans.