His kisses grew more insistent, his movements less restrained. Auren felt how he no longer tried to keep distance: his hands slid along her waist as if afraid to let go, his breath sharp and hot, nearly desperate. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling him closer—until she suddenly felt something press unmistakably against her thigh. His body betrayed the desire he was trying so hard to hide.
And that was the moment Kael froze. His fingers, which just a second ago were gripping her hips, loosened. He pressed his forehead to her shoulder, dragging in deep breaths, as if fighting a battle within himself.
A shadow of a sly smile played on her lips. Now she understood why he suddenly froze, forehead buried against her shoulder, breathing ragged. He was fighting himself—but his desire was already far too tangible.
With a barely noticeable smirk, she let her hand glide across his chest and then slipped down from the desk.
"So that's how it is," she drawled lazily, picking up her bra. "Decided to play the gentleman at the last moment?"
Kael lifted his gaze, a war of desire and irritation flashing in his eyes.
"I know exactly where this could end," he said hoarsely.
Auren took her time, slipping the bra back on, fastening it a little more slowly than necessary.
"Mmm, afraid you won't be able to stop?" Her tone was playful, almost taunting.
Kael scoffed, leaning back with his arms crossed over his chest.
"You think this is funny."
She buttoned up the black shirt she had borrowed from him, deliberately leaving the top button undone, and smirked.
"Of course. Otherwise, being with you would be unbearable."
He watched her in silence, his jaw tight, that dangerous fire sparking again in his eyes. Then he stepped forward sharply, seized her wrists, and spun her back around, seating her easily on the desk once more—reminding her who set the rules here.
"You really think you can just tease me and walk away?" His voice was low, husky, laced with more passion than anger.
He didn't let her answer. His lips crashed against hers again, the kiss greedy, almost commanding, stealing her breath away. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, surrendering to the force of it, her hands that had just been fastening buttons now tangled in his hair.
The air between them thickened again. Kael kissed her as if trying to erase the very idea that he had wanted to stop. Auren felt his breath falter, knew this game was far from over.
At last, he pulled back slightly, lingering only for one final indulgence. His breath was still uneven, but his hands refused to let her go. Auren sat on the desk, her legs still around him, his fingers tracing her waist with far too much certainty for someone who claimed restraint.
As if reclaiming control, he slowly helped her sit straighter. Auren, still dizzy from his kisses, let him steady her. But the moment she stood, her eyes locking with his—where impatience burned dangerously—his resolve cracked. Forgetting his promise of space, he leaned in again and stole another kiss.
"You're hopeless," she murmured against his lips, smiling despite herself.
Kael smirked, not pulling away.
"And you're surprised?"
His fingers traced her cheek gently before he finally let her breathe, though his eyes betrayed that he was far from finished.
"I want to stay like this a little longer," Auren said, studying his expression.
"Then stay as long as you want. I'm not in a hurry," he replied quietly.
She remained in his arms, still perched on the desk, while he stood between her legs, holding her close. Gradually, calm began to seep back into her—but with it came a new, dangerously sweet unease. Trustingly, she rested her head against his chest.
"What am I even doing?.." Her voice trembled slightly, as if the realization that this was not just Kael, but her boss—the son of Madam Dantes—was only now sinking in.
He slid his hand down her back, answering softly, but with certainty:
"You're doing what you truly want. Isn't that right?"
"And if it's wrong?"
He only drew her closer, letting her find the answer herself.
"What's more right for you—doing what others expect, or listening to yourself?"
She didn't answer immediately, her fingers clutching at his shirt instead.
"I don't know..."
"Then don't think about it now," his voice dropped to a whisper. "Just feel."
His fingers glided lightly along her back, giving her time to sort through her feelings.
"Alright..." Auren closed her eyes, allowing herself to melt into the moment.
Kael smiled faintly, sensing how her tension slowly ebbed away, leaving only the two of them in the silence.
"I can hear your heart beating..." Auren whispered, pressing her cheek against his chest.
A subtle smirk tugged at Kael's lips. His hand traced her back as he answered in a low voice:
"It always beats faster when you're near."
Her fingers tightened around the fabric of his shirt, and she lifted her gaze to him, showing more shyness than she wanted to admit.
"And how long has this been happening?"
He paused for a moment, then ran his fingers along her waist, feeling the way her breath hitched at his touch.
"Far longer than you could imagine..." his voice dropped even lower. "But only now have I allowed myself to realize it."
Auren kept her eyes locked on him, as if searching for something more, but Kael knew—she didn't need words. She could feel it herself.
The silence of the office was shattered by the sharp ring of his phone. Kael exhaled with irritation, sensing how their fragile moment was breaking under the weight of reality.
Auren heard it too and began to pull away slightly, but Kael didn't let her retreat. His hand stayed firmly on her waist, as if he had no intention of letting her go, even if the world outside demanded his attention.
Slowly, he took the phone from his pocket, glanced at the screen, and sighed again. His lips pressed into a thin line.
"It's important," he said quietly, yet he still didn't answer right away, holding Auren in his arms for a few more seconds, as if trying to stretch out the moment.
Then, reluctantly breaking their closeness, he accepted the call. His fingers absentmindedly brushed the fabric of her blouse, as though even now he wasn't ready to let go completely.
His gaze remained fixed on Auren. His touch lingered on her back, suggesting that between the urgent call and her presence, he still chose the latter.
Auren, without a word, gently adjusted his tie and smoothed his slightly disheveled shirt. Kael caught the caring gesture and allowed a faint smirk to appear at the corner of his lips.
The voice on the other end of the line said something important, but Kael's attention stayed locked on her. She moved so naturally, as if this were already a routine between them—and he liked that.
With the phone held against his ear and shoulder, his hand slipped down, found her wrist, and he softly squeezed her palm, hinting that their unfinished moment would resume after the call.
Auren caught his gaze and tilted her head just slightly in understanding, but Kael didn't let her hand go.
She looked up at him but said nothing—only gave his fingers a gentle squeeze in return.
The conversation dragged on, but Kael wasn't in a hurry to loosen his hold, savoring the quiet connection between them.
Auren leaned forward and pressed a light, almost weightless kiss to his cheek. Kael flinched just slightly, but didn't stumble over his words. Still, his fingers tightened around her hand, holding her closer.
Pleased with her little provocation, Auren didn't move away too quickly. She lingered near his cheek, teasing him with the warmth of her lips, and then slowly traced her way higher—to his temple, to the corner of his eye.
Kael's breathing grew heavier.
She was playing with fire.
As her lips neared his eyes, he closed them briefly, granting her complete freedom.
And then came the moment when he had to respond. Just as her lips brushed the corner of his mouth, his voice betrayed him with a tremor.
"Excuse me, I just... my throat's a little dry," he muttered, fighting back a frustrated laugh at how absurd it sounded.
Auren bit her lip lightly, hiding a smile. She knew perfectly well what had caused that slip.
Kael tried to stay composed, but when Auren slowly, almost innocently, touched his lower lip with hers, he realized he had already lost.
The voice on the other end kept talking, but Kael no longer heard it.
"I'll call you back in a minute—"
He switches off the mic, sets the phone on the desk, and finally releases her hand.
His gaze darkens, predatory.
"I told you this was important," his voice comes out hoarse, but before Auren can reply, his mouth crashes onto hers.
The kiss is hungry, demanding, as though he has been restraining himself for far too long. One hand locks firmly around her waist, the other slides up her back, feeling the shiver that runs beneath his touch.
Auren grips his tie, pulling him closer, but then breaks away, breathless.
Her eyes gleam with mischief.
"You knew it would end like this," Kael murmurs, his voice low, almost threatening.
She smirks, staring boldly into his eyes.
"This is your punishment for losing."
"Oh, really?"
"Answer the call," she teases, her tone dripping with mockery.
Kael rolls his eyes, but the corner of his mouth betrays a smile. Reluctantly, he picks up the phone, unmutes it, clears his throat, and says evenly:
"Yes, I'm here."
There's a pause on the other end.
Auren, pleased with herself, runs her finger along his tie again, as if straightening it—but he knows she's doing it on purpose.
His grip on her waist tightens in warning.
She only gazes up at him with an innocent smile before blowing him a kiss.
Kael clenches the phone so hard he nearly swears aloud into the receiver.
Her eyes sparkle with triumph.
"Go on," he tells the caller, though he barely registers the reply. His entire focus is on her.
Auren tilts her head slowly, as if preparing for another strike.
When the call finally ends, Kael silently sets the phone down. In the next instant, he pins Auren against the desk, leaning in close.
"You really want to play these kinds of games?"
Her smirk is sweet but laced with challenge.
"Haven't I already started?"
A low chuckle escapes him. His fingers trace her waist, lingering just long enough to send shivers through her.
"So you like testing my patience?"
She doesn't answer, but her eyes speak volumes.
"Then maybe I should remind you—games like these always come with a price," his voice drops to a velvet murmur.
Auren doesn't look away. Her lips tremble with the smile she tries to suppress.
"Willing to take the risk?"
Kael waits, his gaze heavy on her.
She hesitates for only a heartbeat.
Then, instead of replying, she leans toward his lips.
Kael doesn't let her close the gap—he does it himself. The kiss is deep, greedy, laced with danger burning in the air between them. His fingers clutch her waist, then slide upward, along the curve of her back, pulling her closer.
Auren doesn't resist. On the contrary—her hands find his neck, her fingers weaving into his hair, tugging lightly. Kael exhales a low groan against her lips, relishing the subtle defiance.
But in the next moment, he unexpectedly pulls back, leaving only a breath of space between them. His breathing is ragged, yet his eyes gleam with mockery.
"You know I can drag this game out as long as I want," he warns, his voice low, edged with threat.
Auren narrows her eyes, refusing to yield.
"And you know I could make you want to finish it faster."
Her finger traces his jawline, gliding down to the collar of his shirt, brushing against bare skin. Kael tenses, but doesn't let her enjoy the upper hand. Instead, he seizes her wrist and presses it back, his grin wicked as he nearly pins her into the desk.
"You're playing with fire, Auren," his voice was rough, though his eyes burned with the same reckless thrill as his words.
"So are you, Kael," she shot back with a smirk tugging at her lips.
Before he could answer, a sharp knock rattled the door.
Kael clenched his jaw, exhaling in frustration. The knock came again, louder this time.
"Kael, you in there?" Diego's voice carried through.
Kael's eyes flicked to Auren—her tousled hair, her swollen lips, and worst of all, his shirt draped loosely over her frame, barely covering her thighs. Damn it.
Leaving her in the reception area dressed like that had been out of the question. That's why he'd brought her here. But hiding her now was proving to be a bigger problem.
He strode quickly to the doorframe, throwing her one last glance over his shoulder.
"Not a sound," he muttered, his gaze sharp with warning.
Auren only smirked, lazily propping herself against the edge of the desk, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
Kael inhaled deeply before opening the door, blocking the view inside with his body.
"Something urgent?" he asked, his voice steady, though the lingering edge of tension still clung to it.
Diego narrowed his eyes, scanning him with suspicion.
"Why haven't you answered my messages?"
Kael shrugged, indifferent.
"I was busy."
"Yeah, I can tell," Diego muttered, crossing his arms.
But instead of diving into business, his gaze swept toward the reception area where Auren had been sitting earlier.
"What's with the mess out here?" His brows lifted slightly at the sight of a puddle on the floor and an abandoned water bottle. "And where's your secretary?"
Kael kept his face unreadable, though he could practically feel Auren smirking behind him.
"Everything's under control," he said evenly, as if nothing about the situation was out of the ordinary.
"Doesn't look like it. Don't tell me she ran off on you?"
"You talk too much," Kael drawled. "If you're here for business, get to the point."
Diego's suspicious look lingered, but without evidence, he only shook his head.
"Fine. We've got an issue. Investors want to reschedule the meeting. We need to talk."
Kael gave a curt nod, sneaking a glance back. Auren was still perched on the desk, one leg crossed over the other, that same mocking spark dancing in her eyes.
"Give me five minutes," he said before shutting the door without waiting for a reply.
Turning back to her, he narrowed his gaze.
"You enjoy testing my patience, don't you?"
She tilted her head, smirking playfully.
"Did I do something?"
A faint smile tugged at his lips despite himself. Damn girl.
Auren stretched languidly, still seated on the desk, and looked at him with sly amusement.
"Leave me your phone."
Kael raised a brow, crossing his arms.
"And why would you need that?"
"To call Iris and hurry her up. I'm not about to sit in your office all day wearing just your shirt," Auren said with an innocent shrug.
He let out a low scoff, his eyes drifting toward the phone lying on the desk—well within her reach.
"Don't you like it?"
"What, being locked up? Oh, yes, the ultimate dream of my life," she rolled her eyes and already reached for the phone. "Come on, Kael."
He tilted his head slightly, watching her with lazy interest.
"And what do I get in return?"
Auren narrowed her eyes for a moment, then smirked.
"I promise I won't tease you next time you're on an important call."
Kael chuckled, stepping closer to the table.
"Somehow, I doubt that," he said, but didn't stop her from taking the phone.
She picked it up with a satisfied expression, but before dialing, she added lazily,
"If you don't want your investors to overhear something they shouldn't, you'd better provide me with some proper clothes, boss."
Kael shook his head, the corners of his lips tugging into the faintest smile. She really did know how to make him do exactly what she wanted.
***
Kael and Diego were sitting in the reception area, discussing the problem at hand. Diego, his arms folded across his chest as usual, listened attentively, nodding from time to time. Kael spoke with focus, though deep down he was annoyed that the conversation distracted him from entirely different thoughts.
"The situation isn't simple," Diego tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair, narrowing his eyes. "If we don't find a solution in the next few days, the project could stall."
Kael clenched his jaw, staring off to the side.
"Revising the terms doesn't suit either of us—or them. And forcing things..."
He trailed off, frowning. Diego only nodded, following his train of thought.
The silence was broken by a quick knock at the door before it cracked open. Iris stood on the threshold, looking slightly disheveled. She was holding a bag of clothes, but what caught Kael's attention was not the bag—it was the expression on her face. Confusion, mixed with a touch of fear.
Her gaze darted from one man to the other, as if she had just realized what kind of situation she had walked into. In the reception sat the CEO and his deputy—the two people she least wanted to face right now.
"Um... I..." Iris glanced back awkwardly, as if considering an escape.
Diego slowly turned his gaze to her, tilting his head slightly. He couldn't help but notice how striking her features were. And that slightly flustered look... it was damn hard to ignore.
Kael exhaled heavily and ran a hand over his face, perfectly aware the girl was about to give herself away.
"Auren's in my office," he said shortly, gesturing toward the door.
Iris nodded sharply and, clearly trying to avoid their eyes, all but slipped inside, shutting the door behind her.
Diego followed her with his eyes, then slowly turned his head back to Kael.
"All right, let's sort this out," he drawled, leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs. "First of all, what is Auren doing in your office?"
Kael looked at him calmly, not rushing to answer.
"Second," Diego nodded at the damp trail on the floor, "why is there water everywhere?"
Kael didn't even glance at it.
"And third," his eyes flicked once more toward the door Iris had disappeared behind, "why does Auren need a change of clothes?"
A tense silence fell. Diego waited, arms crossed, while Kael lazily lowered his gaze to his phone, clearly deciding whether it was worth explaining anything at all.
Finally, with a faint smirk, he slowly raised his eyes.
"Diego..." his voice was low and relaxed. "You ask too many questions."
Diego scoffed, but the sharp look in his eyes made it clear he wouldn't let this go so easily.
He kept watching Kael, his lips curling into a lazy grin, a spark of mischievous curiosity lighting up his gaze.
"So the rumors aren't entirely baseless," he drawled, folding his arms again.
Kael only sighed, offering no reply. That, of course, didn't stop Diego.
"Auren in your office, spare clothes, water on the floor..." He shook his head slowly, pretending to think it over. "I don't want to jump to conclusions, but it seems I don't have to. Everything speaks for itself."
Kael glanced at him idly but remained silent.
"You know I'll find out anyway," Diego pressed on with a smirk. "The only question is—do you want me to hear it from you, or..." He gestured vaguely, hinting at how fast rumors spread on their own.
"Don't tell me you're actually..." He leaned forward slightly, as if ready to catch Kael's every reaction. "With the secretary?"
Kael didn't so much as flinch, still staring at his phone, but the corners of his lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
"Do you even hear yourself?" he asked dryly, finally lifting his gaze.
"Perfectly," Diego grinned. "And I like the way it sounds."
Kael let out a short, quiet scoff but said nothing. Diego, however, had known him long enough to understand—silence was also an answer.
"Well, well..." Diego drawled, savoring the moment. "I must admit, I'm impressed. You usually don't allow yourself anything like this at work."
Kael lazily scrolled his phone screen, as if utterly uninterested in what Diego was saying—but that very indifference gave him away.
"All right," Diego sighed theatrically, leaning back. "I can't really blame you, though. Auren isn't just a secretary, after all..."
Kael shot him a warning look, but Diego only chuckled.
"Fine, fine, I won't pry," he waved it off, though his gaze suddenly darted to the office door. "Although, wait a second..."
He frowned.
"Who was that girl who brought the clothes?"
For the first time, Kael seemed even slightly invested in the conversation.
"Iris," he said simply.
Iris. Diego repeated the name in his mind several times to fix it there.
"A friend of Auren's?"
"Yes."
Diego let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair.
"Well, that's a twist..." he murmured, then unexpectedly smirked. "Seems I've just found myself a reason to visit your reception more often."
Kael rolled his eyes with clear irritation.
"Don't you dare."
"Relax, I'm just talking," Diego said with a grin, but his eyes gave away that plans were already forming in his head.
This time, Kael didn't hold back and hissed through his teeth.
"Diego, get out."
Diego laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"All right, all right, I get it. You want your privacy again."
Kael shot him a warning look, but Diego only smirked, rising from his chair.
"Fine, I'll leave you to your... business," he said slyly before finally leaving the reception.
Kael closed his eyes wearily and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Diego was insufferable... but damn it, that was exactly why he was his friend.
***
Iris quickly shut the door behind her, clutching the bag of clothes in her hands. Her eyes immediately found Auren—and for a moment she froze, taking in the sight of her from head to toe.
Auren was still perched on the desk, one leg dangling down, the other bent at the knee. The sleeves of Kael's shirt were rolled up, exposing her wrists, while the collar had slipped off her shoulder, revealing the delicate line of her collarbone. The fabric hung loose on her frame, making it painfully obvious that the shirt wasn't hers.
"Wow..." Iris finally breathed out, narrowing her eyes. "Not that I didn't suspect, but... damn."
Auren let out a weary sigh and rubbed her temples.
"Please, let's skip the commentary."
"Skip the commentary?" Iris arched a brow, setting the bag on the desk beside her. "You're sitting in the boss's office. In his shirt. On his desk. And you expect me to just hand you the clothes and leave?"
She crossed her arms, smirking.
"Actually, wait—scratch that. Not 'the boss.' Kael."
Auren closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath as though willing herself not to react.
"Iris..."
"Alright, alright." Iris raised her hands in mock surrender, though her mischievous eyes betrayed her. "Just answer me one thing. Was it worth it?"
Auren opened her eyes, meeting her gaze. There was a sly curve to Iris's lips, but genuine curiosity sparkled in her eyes.
And Auren said nothing. Because the answer was far too obvious.
Iris tilted her head knowingly, pressing a hand to her chest as if she had just been entrusted with the universe's greatest secret.
"Got it."
She suddenly leaned closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"So... how was he?"
Auren snatched the bag from the desk, clutching it to her chest.
"Get out."
"Oh, come on, don't kick me out so fast!" Iris laughed, slipping into the chair across from her and casually crossing one leg over the other. "I need a moment to breathe. You do realize Reyen Diego, the deputy director, is sitting out there in the reception area?"
Auren froze, her grip on the bag tightening.
"I know."
"He's with your... whatever he is," Iris waved a vague hand, "your 'secret boss.' They're talking business. And, by the way, I think he noticed the mess—and your disappearance. Rumor has it, he's ridiculously observant."
Auren bit her lip.
"Kael said he'd handle it."
"Uh-huh," Iris nodded, her eyes narrowing with amusement. "And how exactly is he planning to do that?"
Auren stayed silent, peering at her over the top of the bag.
"Oh, I see." Iris chuckled, shaking her head. "He said he'd handle it, and you didn't even ask how. Because you were a little... distracted."
Auren rolled her eyes.
"Leave."
Iris sighed dramatically, but didn't budge.
"Fine, fine. I'm happy for you. But you do realize, if Diego suspects anything, he'll tear the truth out of you, right?"
Auren dragged her palms down her face, hiding a reluctant smile.
"Iris."
"Okay, okay, I'm going." Iris lifted her hands in surrender, rising to her feet. "But I expect a full report later."
She headed for the door, but just before slipping out, she glanced back over her shoulder, grinning wickedly.
"And since you refuse to answer me... I already know he was good."
Auren snatched a pillow from the chair and hurled it across the room, but Iris only laughed and managed to slip out, shutting the door behind her.
***
Diego narrowed his eyes slightly, openly letting his gaze travel from head to toe.
"Well, well," he drawled with a faint smirk. "Someone new."
Iris tilted her head just a little, keeping her tone polite.
"Perhaps. Though in such a large company, it isn't too hard to go unnoticed."
He chuckled, folding his arms across his chest.
"I notice everyone."
"Then I must be rather unnoticeable," she replied calmly, meeting his eyes without wavering.
Diego took a step closer.
"And now? You've changed your mind?"
"Not exactly. Let's just say the circumstances decided for me," Iris said with measured politeness, though the faint twitch at the corners of her lips betrayed her sharpness.
He nodded toward the bag she had been carrying just a moment ago.
"For example, the fact that someone just walked out of Kael's office carrying something at a very convenient time."
"It's only clothes," she answered evenly.
"For whom?"
She held his gaze without flinching.
"I'm sorry, but I don't believe that's information I have the right to discuss."
Diego's smirk lingered, but something sharper flickered in his eyes.
"Under normal circumstances, perhaps not. But you know... if I were Kael and I suddenly needed a change of clothes, I'd call my assistant. Or my secretary. If someone else brought them..." He tilted his head slightly. "That makes things interesting."
Iris allowed herself a small smile.
"Curiosity is a good trait for a deputy director. But sometimes, it leads too far."
One brow lifted, and a trace of genuine intrigue sparked in his gaze.
"So you won't tell me."
"I simply ran an errand," she replied softly. "And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go."
At last, he smirked again and stepped aside down the corridor.
"Fine. I'll leave you alone... for today."
"Curious," she muttered under her breath, her lips tightening just a little. "But it would be better if that curiosity kept its distance."