Page 44 of After Hours

“I’d reply and say because I want to get to know you.”

“Why?”

“Is there a problem?” I challenged.

“There wouldn’t be just one problem,” she stated, placing emphasis on the “one.”

“Don’t fight me on this. Whatever opposing reason, I don’t care.”

“Because you don’t have to care. You won’t be the one being slut-shamed or harassed. You can’t breathe in peace without being photographed…” She began explaining, but I cut her off.

“But you’re a gorgeous girl, fit for the camera,” I argued.

“Charming, and you’re also my boss,” she continued.

“Temporary boss,” I clarified. “And why should that matter? Why do you care about public opinion to that extent?”

Her smile softened slightly, and she looked up at me.

“Are you planning on finding more excuses?” I asked.

“That depends, on how many answers you have for each.”

“I’ll take care of you, Azzaria. I can make it worth your while,” I said, attempting to persuade her. I meant every word I said.

“I don’t kno—”

“Give me a chance, I’m begging you.”

“Fine,” she said.

“Thank you.” We started walking back to the gym.

“Dillon,” she said, looking up. “Did you regret that kiss?”

“No,” I responded quickly. “I don’t regret it.”

“Okay,” she replied with a slight smile.

Note to self: Dillon, don’t fuck this up.

CHAPTER 12

Dillon

A week had passed since my Equinox visit and it’s all been a blur. l feel like I’ve done so much but nothing at all.

As I lay in the dark, trying to find some respite from the relentless nightmares, the old scars on my body ached. My night terrors have been coming more frequent now and I didn’t know how to control it. The EVZIO on my nightstand had become my nocturnal companion, offering the only escape from the clutches of those haunting visions. But the downside was, the addiction to this could ruin a person and I didn’t want it to ruin me.

But it wasn’t just the nightmares that had become a constant companion. Thoughts of Azzaria filled my days. Her vibrant presence at the office had cast a new light on an environment that I usually navigated with ruthless determination and an air of cold detachment.

There were moments, oh so secret and sweet, when her laughter would crack through the walls I’d carefully built around myself. Our work-related interactions became playful, like a hidden dance only we knew the steps to. The way her eyes met mine during meetings held more than a professional exchange, but it was never overt enough for anyone else to see.

I had tried to distance myself, to regain control and preserve my well-protected solitude. But my attempts were futile, as if some invisible force kept pulling me back toward her, like the relentless tide of the sea.

The truth was, she was an enigma I couldn’t decipher. Her openness and guarded moments baffled me, and it was that very mystery that held my fascination hostage. Her presence, both in my thoughts and at work, was a constant contradiction that challenged the walls I’d so carefully erected.

As the new day approached, the sun would soon cast its light over the city, and I would be forced to confront another round of professional challenges and personal dilemmas. Yet, there was a spark of curiosity and longing that I couldn’t deny.

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