CHAPTER 6 — PRIVATE MEETING
The office was nearly silent that evening, save for the low hum of the air conditioner and the occasional rustle of papers. Aria had stayed behind after everyone left, as Lucien had requested, for a "special project" that required her full attention.
Her heart raced as she walked toward his office. Each step felt heavier than the last. The hallway lights reflected off the polished floor, making the space feel endless and making her acutely aware that she was about to be alone with him.
Lucien was waiting, standing by the large window overlooking the city. The last rays of sunlight glinted off the skyscrapers, casting his sharp features in gold and shadow. He didn't turn when she entered.
"Sit," he said, voice low and commanding.
Aria obeyed, placing the folder he had handed her earlier on the desk. He finally turned to face her, gray eyes sharp, studying her as if she were a puzzle he hadn't quite solved.
"This project requires discretion," he said, leaning against his desk, arms crossed. "I need you to handle every detail perfectly. Mistakes aren't tolerated."
"Yes, sir," she said, though her voice wavered slightly.
He stepped closer, and Aria felt the temperature of the room shift. His presence was overwhelming, like gravity pulling her in. She could smell his faint, smoky cologne, and her chest tightened.
"Here," he said, handing her another stack of documents. "These are confidential contracts. Review them tonight. Bring any concerns to me directly."
Aria took the papers, her fingers brushing his. A spark of electricity shot through her, and she quickly pulled her hands back, cheeks burning. Lucien's gaze lingered on her, gray eyes calculating, but unreadable.
As the evening wore on, they worked side by side in tense silence. Every time she needed clarification, he would lean just a little closer, his hand brushing hers as he pointed to a clause. Every accidental touch made her pulse race.
At one point, a soft knock at the door startled them both. Aria's heart jumped.
"Late night?" Lucien asked without turning, voice calm but carrying an edge that made her shiver.
"Yes, sir," she replied, trying to sound composed.
He didn't answer, only watched her over the top of the documents. Aria felt exposed under his gaze, as if he could see every thought, every hesitation.
Finally, he leaned back, stretching slightly. "You're… good at this," he admitted, almost reluctantly. "Better than I expected."
Aria's breath caught. Praise from him was rare and dangerous. It made her feel a heady mix of pride and something more forbidden, something she couldn't name.
As she gathered her things to leave, he said softly, almost too low to hear:
"Be careful, Aria. This project… and your place here… depend on more than just skill. Trust me to guide you."
She nodded, heart pounding, unable to shake the way his words had sounded. There was authority in them, yes but also a hint of something personal, something meant only for her.
Walking back to her desk, she whispered under her breath:
This is wrong. I shouldn't feel this way. But I can't stop.