Sinful desire

 Elara arrives at Blackwood Enterprises at exactly 7:00 AM. This time, she's dressed in a dark emerald green blouse tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt, at every step she takes her curves could be easily noticed. Her choice is intentional, knowing full well that Cassian is as much a predator as a boss.

The receptionist eyes her differently today. No friendly smile, just a subtle glance of acknowledgment. Elara doesn't need the validation. She's focused.

The moment the elevator doors open on the 40th floor, Cassian is already there. This time, he's seated at the head of the long conference table, fingers drumming rhythmically on the polished glass desk, he middle finger was dressed in a fine golden ring. The predator stare without blinking, watching his prey.

His eyes lift to meet hers, slow and deliberate, taking in every inch of her like she's the puzzle he's determined to solve.

Cassian, with a smirk: "On time, but I expected more from you today." Elara without losing composure, crossed her arms: "Early enough to still surprise you." A flicker of amusement crosses his face.

Cassian reveals that today's test isn't numbers on a screen but it's people. He leads her into the executive boardroom, where three department heads are waiting, each seated at the long glass table.

He explains, in a dangerously calm voice, that one of these department heads is the "leak" Elara identified the day before. But this time, she has to confront them directly.

Her task? Ask them questions. Watch their reactions. Identify the traitor.

Cassian leans back in a chair, arms folded, his eyes never leaving her. "Show me how sharp you really are," he says, his gaze cutting through her confidence like a scalpel. Elara scared but determined, moves on to take the test.

Tension builds as Elara interviews the department heads. She's aware that Cassian is watching her every move, noting her approach, her control, her ability to read people.

Elara begins to interview them, to the first department head, with a calculated smile, she stated: "When did you realize you'd gone over budget for Q3?"

Department Head #1 (fidgeting with his cufflinks): "We had unexpected ad costs. It happens."

Elara (tilting her head, voice sharp as a blade): "Unexpected or unnoticed?". The air shifts. The subtle shift in the department head's posture catches her attention. She presses harder, following the instinct Cassian had challenged her to trust.

As the questioning escalates, one of the department heads breaks under pressure, revealing hints of guilt through body language, avoiding eye contact, defensive responses, and delayed answers.

Elara narrows in on him, turning the full weight of her gaze on him like Cassian would. She's playing his game now.

Once the "traitor" is revealed, Cassian steps in, his tone colder than usual. He dismisses the department head with one sentence: "Clean out your desk."

As the accused storms out, Cassian moves toward Elara, his eyes locked on hers like a lion assessing a lioness.

Cassian (low, dangerous tone): "You took a risk today. You could've been wrong."

Elara (with unwavering gaze replied): "But I wasn't."

Their gazes lock, the weight of unspoken tension between them like static in the air. Her heart is pounding, but she refuses to show it. 

Cassian steps closer, his movements slow and steady. He doesn't just watch her; he studies her. His gaze drops to her lips for a beat too long.

Sexual tension spikes. She knows he's testing her, but she also knows that he isn't immune to the pull between them. She forces herself to hold her ground, her breath shallow but steady.

Cassian (voice low, with quiet menace): "Be careful, Elara. Winning my favor can be just as dangerous as losing it." he said, taking his gaze from her lips down to her breasts and up to her lips again.

Elara (stepping in closer, her eyes locked on his): "Danger doesn't scare me. But doubt? That's fatal."

His eyes narrow, the space between them changed. Neither moves, but neither backs down. The air is suffocating with intensity. It's not just about power anymore. It's about control over each other.

Later that day, Cassian calls her into his office, his voice smooth but firm over the intercom. "Now, Elara."

She walks in, head held high, ready for whatever game he's about to play next.

Instead of sitting behind his desk, Cassian is leaning against it, arms crossed, his eyes sharper than ever.

Cassian (voice quiet, slow): "You think you understand me."

Elara (without hesitation): "I think I understand what drives you." she said, her voice this time sounding seductive.

He steps forward, his eyes dark with intent. Not just control now. Desire.

They're only inches apart. Her pulse is racing, and she knows he can sense it. She refuses to step back.

His hand lifts slowly, his fingers grazing her jawline with just enough pressure to send a shiver down her spine. This is the line. She knows it. He knows it.

Elara doesn't flinch. She tilts her head, letting his fingers linger. If he's testing her resolve, she won't fail.

Cassian (his eyes locking with hers, his voice rougher than before): "Careful, Elara. People who stand too close to the fire get burned."

Elara (soft, but sharp as a blade): "Maybe I want to burn."

He lets out a low, dark laugh. His hand falls away, but not before his thumb brushes the curve of her lower lip. It's barely a touch, but it leaves her breathless.

He moves away, back to his desk, his eyes never leaving her.

Cassian (smirking as he types on his laptop): "Go home, Elara. Get some sleep. Tomorrow will be harder." Elara, trying to match his intent said something that would change the course of things," I like hard men, and I like it hard too".

She turns to leave, her mind swirling with adrenaline, her heart thudding with every step.

Just before she reaches the door, he speaks one last time.

Cassian (voice sharp, like a final warning): "And Elara… don't ever think you have me figured out."

That night, Elara returns home, her heart still racing from the day's events. She paces her apartment, running her fingers through her hair, reliving every glance, every word, every touch. He's under her skin now, and she hates it.

But as she checks her phone, she sees a message from an unknown number. The message reads:

"You're being watched. Careful who you trust."

Her eyes narrow, and her heart pounds. Is it Cassian? Or someone else?

She stares at the message, the weight of danger settling in her chest like a stone. Her fingers hover over the phone, debating if she should respond.

Elara (whispering to herself, her eyes narrowing): "If it's a game you want, you just picked the wrong opponent."