Chapter 16: Clash of Desire
The sun hung high in the sky as Auri prepared for lunch, feeling a flutter of excitement she hadn't anticipated. Adrian had asked her to join him—just the two of them—outside the office for a casual catch-up meal.
Just a lunch, she reminded herself, smoothing her blouse and tying her hair into a neat ponytail. No distractions. No complications.
Yet, the tiny thrill in her chest betrayed her composed exterior. She had always enjoyed Adrian's charm, but there was something about being alone with him that made her pulse quicken.
They arrived at a nearby upscale bistro, the warm ambiance contrasting with the formal chill of the office. Adrian pulled out a chair for her, flashing his signature grin. "After all these months, it's nice to finally have some quality time without reports and deadlines."
Auri smiled, slipping into the seat. "I agree. I almost forgot what it felt like to eat without thinking about spreadsheets."
Adrian laughed, his deep, smooth voice sending a subtle shiver down her spine. "Well, now you have me as your distraction. Hope that's acceptable."
Auri tilted her head playfully. "I suppose I can tolerate a little distraction… as long as it's harmless."
Throughout the lunch, Adrian leaned closer than necessary, brushing his fingers against hers occasionally under the table, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He flirted skillfully, light touches and playful remarks designed to make her laugh, and she responded in kind, teasing him back without fully giving in.
I can enjoy this… just a little, Auri thought, smiling to herself. Playful, fun, harmless.
Back at the office, their absence hadn't gone unnoticed. Their colleagues whispered, eyes flicking toward Auri and Adrian, some openly envious. Adrian Sterling was the golden boy of the company—a heartthrob CEO with impeccable looks, a commanding presence, and wealth that made him desirable in every way. That he would choose to spend time with Auri, his secretary, was an unspoken scandal and a tantalizing gossip topic.
"Looks like someone's having a good time with the boss," one colleague murmured, nudging another.
"I'd kill to be in her shoes," another whispered, eyes wide.
Auri rolled her eyes as they returned, trying to ignore the stares and teasing remarks. Adrian's smile was just slightly mischievous, clearly aware of the attention they were drawing.
Then, the office doors opened—and time seemed to freeze.
Dante Moretti.
Every head turned instantly, jaws dropping. He was dressed impeccably, every detail of his appearance perfect—the tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders, the confident stride, the smoldering intensity in his eyes. In an instant, he seemed less a man and more a living, breathing work of art.
Whispers rippled through the office. "Is that…?"
"Dante Moretti?"
"God… he's unreal."
Auri felt her pulse skyrocket. She hadn't expected him here, and his gaze found hers immediately. It was sharp, commanding, and fiercely possessive. Her stomach dropped, and her hands clenched involuntarily.
Dante strode directly toward her, eyes fixed, his presence magnetic and overwhelming. Auri barely had time to react before he grabbed her wrist.
"Dante—wait!" Adrian said instinctively, stepping forward and grabbing her other wrist. His protective tone was steady, but the fire in his eyes made it clear he wasn't about to let Dante intimidate her—or him.
"She's my secretary," Adrian said firmly, voice low but commanding. "You should respect that."
Dante's smirk was almost playful, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Respect? She is mine," he said, his voice calm, low, and utterly chilling in its conviction.
Gasps echoed through the office. Employees stepped back, mouths agape at the audacity of the claim. Auri's heart hammered in her chest, torn between two powerful men, each holding her in a grip that spoke volumes.
Before anyone could react further, Dante leaned in closer, lowering his voice just enough for her to hear. "Come with me."
Auri's breath caught. She opened her mouth to protest, but Dante's intensity left no room for argument. In an instant, he pulled her from Adrian's grasp, brushing past her startled colleagues.
Outside, Dante's sleek black car waited. He ushered her inside, shutting the door with a firm click that made her heart race.
"What… what are you doing?" Auri demanded, trying to push him gently.
"Calm down," Dante said, his hands firm on her shoulders. "I'm not letting anyone—anyone—forget that you belong to me."
"Belong to you? Dante! You can't just—"
But before she could finish, his lips descended on hers in a forceful, urgent kiss. Auri's eyes flew open in shock. The kiss was aggressive, demanding, and ignited every nerve in her body. She struggled against him, pushing him back with all her strength.
"Dante! Stop!" she shouted, but even as she did, a dangerous thrill ran through her veins. Her body burned, her pulse hammered, and a mixture of anger and desire surged through her.
Dante pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers, breathing heavy. "Don't fight me, Auri," he whispered, his voice rough but magnetic. "I've wanted you since the moment I saw you in that resort. Don't make me wait longer than I can stand."
Auri's mind whirled. She wanted to push him away, to scream about Olivia, Adrian, her independence—but all reason collided with desire. Her cheeks burned, heart racing.
"Dante… you can't," she said finally, voice trembling with frustration. "You… we can't. Not here. Not like this."
Dante's dark eyes bore into hers, unwavering. "I don't care about here, Auri. I don't care about rules. You're mine. And I'm done pretending I can ignore it."
Auri's hands pressed against his chest, trying to create space, yet she felt the pull of his body, the heat, and the magnetic danger he exuded. Her playful defenses faltered under the intensity of the moment.
Back at the office, Adrian stood at the door, tension radiating from his every line. He had seen the struggle, the moment Dante had pulled Auri, and his jaw clenched. Yet he remained calm, knowing better than to act impulsively.
Inside the car, Dante's grip remained firm. Auri's hands were raised defensively, but her body betrayed her, tingling with every inch of his touch.
"You can fight me all you want," Dante said, voice low and commanding, "but you know, deep down… you can't resist me."
Auri's pulse spiked. "I… I can!" she stammered, though her voice lacked conviction.
Dante smirked, leaning closer again, the heat between them unbearable. And as he pressed for another kiss, Auri braced herself for the fight—both the physical struggle and the emotional turmoil that had become her life whenever he was near.