My pride stings from Alexa’s accusation. Her bitterly true accusation. The prospect of wanting her while forced to see her every day without acting on my desire is no longer something I trust myself to do. What angers me most was the minute I fired her, I wanted to recall my words. For an agonizing moment, while I imagined her walking away, time stood still until she refused. If I really want her gone only a call, I am not willing to make will achieve it. With a sigh, I accept my fate. I’m not sure if the sigh is of relief or resignation.

***

Alexa

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The thunder of Leo’s door slamming rocks me back into the moment. Oh my god, what did I just do? Did I really say that? Did Leo really fire me, and I tell him, no, I wasn’t leaving? Leo hadn’t denied any of it, not that he was trying to get me to quit, not that he wanted me. Holy fuck, Leandros Kaplan wants me. Wanted me enough to fire me because he was worried he couldn’t keep his hands off me.

Closing my eyes, I shudder all over again in horror. How come Leo didn’t argue with me? Is he calling security right now? My hand presses into my stomach trying to calm the riot of flips and twists. I think I’m going to be sick. Yes, oh god. I run to the bathroom.

My stomach is still twisting as I make my way back to my desk slowly. When I sit down there’s an instant message waiting for me. It’s from Leo, sent a few minutes ago. Two more people have been added to the conference so instead of seven reports, nine will be needed.

I almost collapse in relief. My head in my hand, I can’t believe he’s really going to just pretend like it didn’t happen. Security wasn’t on their way, he wasn’t going to get Natalie down to walk me out.

Fear is spreading throughout every inch of my body as I come to the realization of what I just got myself into. Leo really wants me, but I can’t have him, and I’m still supposed to work with him. How the hell am I supposed to do that?

***

Leo

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