Page 25 of Lustful Secrets
She wears a business dress in a shade of deep midnight blue, a hue that complements her porcelain skin and emphasizes the sapphire depths of her eyes. The dress hugs her curves with an elegant yet understated grace, a testament to her sense of style and sophistication.
Her hair, typically pulled back in a professional bun, cascades down around her shoulders like a silken waterfall. It flows in loose waves, framing her face with an air of effortless allure. Strands of hair catch the soft morning light, creating an ethereal halo around her.
The delicate white pearl necklace she wears accentuates the graceful curve of her neck, drawing attention to her collarbone and the subtle hint of a vanilla-scented perfume that lingers in the air around her.
As she approaches him, her heels click softly on the polished marble floor, each step a harmonious melody. Her gaze, confident and inviting, meets his, and he is momentarily lost in the depth of her eyes, as if the world around them has faded away.
Sebastian finds himself entranced by the transformation before him. Mallory had shed her professional facade, revealing a woman of undeniable allure and sophistication. Her presence is a beguiling combination of strength and vulnerability, a captivating fusion that leaves him spellbound.
He finally finds his voice, a hint of appreciation lacing his words. "Mallory, you look stunning."
A soft blush colors her cheeks as she smiles, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of confidence and a subtle vulnerability. "Thank you."
In that moment, as they prepare to embark on their day in Paris, Sebastian can't help but feel that their connection has deepened, their understanding of each other evolving in unexpected and intriguing ways. Mallory's transformation has not only captivated his senses but also stirred a growing sense of intimacy between them.
He is a lost man and he knows it. Sebastian knows he can fight the growing feelings, but in the end they will be his undoing.
Sebastian leads the way to the elevator, still lost in his thoughts. Mallory is the daughter of his best friend. He can't form attachments and he can't fall in love with her. This is ridiculous.
He will take the next few days to show her everything and when they return to the states he will end their relationship.
Mallory sitsin Sebastian's impeccably designed office, her gaze fixed on him as he discusses the day's schedule. While her outward demeanor remains composed and attentive, inwardly, she grapples with a maelstrom of emotions that threaten to consume her.
Despite her best efforts, Mallory has undeniably fallen for Sebastian, her heart pulled inextricably toward him. She’s witnessed his commanding presence in the bedroom, where he has unveiled his dominant persona, and now, in his professional environment, he is every bit the sophisticated and authoritative businessman she admired.
His words, crisp and efficient, resonate through the room, but Mallory can't help but notice the subtle nuances in his voice and the way his eyes occasionally meet hers, briefly igniting a connection that sends a shiver down her spine.
She has seen him disrobed, his body a canvas of power and allure, yet here he is, dressed in an elegant navy suit, his tie perfectly knotted, as if their intimate moments were nothing more than a professional transaction.
As he continues to outline the day's meetings, Mallory's mind wanders, and she finds herself battling the sensation of desire that simmers just beneath the surface. The memories of their encounters play like an intoxicating symphony in her mind, and her body responds to his presence with a heightened awareness.
Her heart races, and she is acutely aware of the pulse at her wrists, a physical manifestation of her longing. She yearns to reach out and touch him, to bridge the divide between theirprofessional roles and the unspoken attraction that simmers beneath the surface.
But Mallory is also a professional, dedicated to her role as Sebastian's assistant. She knows that allowing her emotions to run wild in the office will be a breach of their carefully maintained boundaries.
So, she channels her desire into focus, her dedication to her work unwavering, even as she struggles to contain the yearning that threatens to spill over. The conflict between her growing affection for Sebastian and the need to maintain professionalism is a battle she fights with every fiber of her being.
As the meeting continued, Mallory can't help but steal glances at Sebastian, her attraction to him a potent force that both exhilarates and torments her.
"We have several meetings throughout the day," he explains, "and this evening, we have a business dinner that I'll be attending. You will accompany me, of course."
Mallory nods in acknowledgment, her dedication to her role as his assistant unwavering. "Of course, Mr. Black."
Sebastian continues, "You'll have a few hours of free time this afternoon. You may return to our rooms at 4 PM, take some time to relax or explore the city if you wish. I'll pick you up at 6 PM for dinner."
She smiles, appreciating the opportunity to experience a bit of Paris during her free time. "Thank you, Mr. Black. I'll make the most of it."
As they go over the details of the day, Mallory can't help but feel a sense of pride in her role as Sebastian's assistant. The opportunity to accompany him to the business dinner is not only a testament to her dedication but also a chance to further solidify their connection, both professionally and personally.
"You’ll be on your own the rest of the day. I’ll be tied up." And just like that, he dismisses her.
She walks out of his office and sits at her desk, working extremely hard not to feel the disappointment that follows.
Chapter Twenty
As the clock strikes 4 PM, Mallory leaves Sebastian's office with a sense of purpose. She had envisioned this moment, and it is time to make her vision a reality. The bustling streets of Paris greet her, and she heads straight to a renowned designer boutique she’s heard of.
Stepping inside the opulent store, Mallory is enveloped in an ambiance of luxury. The boutique is a sanctuary of fashion, with gowns that seem to whisper secrets of sophistication and style. She begins her search, her fingers delicately tracing the exquisite fabrics and intricate details.
