Page 62 of Ardent Desires

There’s a collective intake of breath, the kind you’d expect right before a roller coaster drops. I shoot a look at Jamie, whose brows are knitted together in a frown. She’s checking my reaction. Just peachy.

“I’ve kept my personal life private for a reason,” Alexander continues, pacing like a trapped animal. “I’m dating Ellie, andthat’s not up for discussion. I won’t sit here and listen to slander about either of us.”

Jamie leans forward, arms crossed, skepticism etched on her face. “Is that why Lena got fired? After working here for years?”

“Lena was fired because she shared company information,” Alexander snaps back, his voice a notch louder, like he’s trying to reign in the room. “This isn’t about gossip; it’s about protecting this company and our work. Everyone here is under NDA, and I expect you to take that seriously.”

The room shifts, chairs creaking as people squirm in their seats. I feel heat creeping up my neck. “God, why’s everyone so nosy?” I mumble, hoping no one hears me.

“Look,” he continues, voice steady but firm, “we’re here to work. That should be everyone’s primary concern. Keep your heads down and focus on what’s important.” His gaze scans the room, locking eyes with a few of us. “If you have questions or concerns about my decisions, you come to me directly. I’m not playing games.”

Some heads nod, and I catch a couple of sheepish looks, like they’ve just been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. I’m definitely one of them. Alexander means business, and while I love his protectiveness, damn, he’s intimidating as hell.

“Alright then, meeting adjourned,” he finishes, and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as everyone starts to filter out.

I push myself up from the chair, adrenaline still pumping. Jessica from marketing catches me as I’m about to escape. Her expression is unreadable, like she’s trying to solve a puzzle. “So, you and Alexander, huh? This is serious?”

“More serious than I expected,” I admit, glancing back at Alexander, who’s still at the head of the table, gathering his things. He looks intense and focused, and a wave of affectionwashes over me. “He’s protective, which is kind of nice, but everything’s a mess right now.”

She raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Nice? Sounds more like he’s ready to throw someone out of a window. You good with that?”

I laugh a little. “I think so. It’s not like he’s wrong about Lena, but it’s just so sudden. I don’t want people thinking we’re some kind of scandal.”

“Oh, please,” Jessica shakes her head, her ponytail swinging. “You’re dating a billionaire. If that doesn’t scream scandal, I don’t know what does. But at least you have someone who’s got your back.”

I glance back at Alexander, still brooding at the table. “Yeah, he’s definitely got my back.”

“Just make sure you’ve got yours too,” she warns, giving me a pointed look. “Keep it professional, Ellie. This could get messy.”

“I know,” I reply, biting my lip. “But he’s not like I expected. He cares, and that means something.”

Jessica shrugs, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “You do you. Just be careful.”

“Thanks,” I tease, rolling my eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

I head back to my office, feeling a rush of adrenaline. Closing the door behind me, I lean against it for a moment, trying to process everything. My phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It’s a text from Jenna.

Jenna:Everything okay? Heard the rumors. You good?

I type back quickly.Yeah, just had a meeting. Alexander’s dealing with it, but it’s chaotic here. You wouldn’t believe the drama.

I hit send and start pacing my tiny office. The walls feel like they’re closing in on me. I just need to breathe.

Jenna:Drama? Like what?

I pause, contemplating how much to spill. Lena got fired for leaking info, and now everyone’s whispering about me and Alexander.It’s a shit show.

A moment later, my phone pings again.

Jenna:Damn. You need a drink? I’ll be flying in this weekend. We can sort this mess out.

I can’t help but smile at that. Jenna always knows how to lighten the mood.Yes, please! I could use your sass right about now. But no drinks. Pregnant, remember?

I hear a knock at my office door and look up to see Alexander peeking in. “Hey,” he says, stepping inside. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just… processing,” I reply, pushing my phone aside. “That was intense.”

He leans against my desk, arms crossed, studying me like I’m some kind of puzzle he can’t solve. “You sure? I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed.”

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