Lucas Reed had a nights sleep.
That, in itself was not unfamiliar. He had structured his way of living around poor sleep. What was different was the cause.
He rested on his side gazing at the wall one arm hidden beneath the pillow and the other loosely stretched over his chest. His thoughts would not quiet down. Whenever he shut his eyes it replayed the scenes repeatedly like a merciless highlight compilation.
Victoria inclining forward.
Her voice low and amused.
"My body is yours."
'She stated it as though it were a certainty ' Lucas reflected, his eyes open, in the darkness. 'As if she were discussing the weather.'
He turned onto his back. Sighed softly.
'She was kidding. She mentioned she understood I was kidding. That was all.'
His heart was not convinced by him.
His body also responded abruptly at a time when it clearly ought not to have.
"Incredible " he whispered, draping an arm across his face. "Pull yourself together."
Ultimately fatigue prevailed. When slumber arrived it struck deeply.
Too hard.
This time his dreams disregarded subtlety entirely.
Heated hands. A recognizable fragrance. Fingers softly pressing him down as a voice murmured his name as if it naturally fit her lips. His breath caught even while he dozed hips moving reflexively as his fingers clenched the sheets.
"Mmh… Vic…"
He breathed in quietly his body arching involuntarily one hand slipping beneath the blanket only to halt midway as his subconscious caught that it had overstepped.
In a spot within the flat Stella shifted her position, on the sofa and muttered quietly in her slumber.
Lucas jolted awake with a gasp his eyes flying open.
"Oh no."
He gazed at the ceiling more his chest heaving quickly.
"Oh no no no."
He rose slightly examined himself then instantly sank down onto the bed in embarrassment.
'I will never drink wine again. I will never think about my boss again. I will never sleep again.'
Dawn came all the same.
…
Work welcomed him with the harsh routine, as ever.
The ascent in the elevator seemed to take time, than normal. Each chime caused his nerves to flutter. When he finally reached the office level he had gone over a dozen strategies to appear relaxed.
Not a single one succeeded.
He spotted her once.
Victoria Hale was positioned by the windows conversing with a fellow executive, her stance flawless as sunlight glistened in her hair. She appeared calm, detached and unreachable.
As if nothing ever occurred.
Lucas's cheeks flushed immediately.
'She appears… alright. Too alright.'
He compelled himself to move by her side without gazing. This endured for three seconds before his eyes deceived him once more.
She observed.
Naturally she observed.
Her eyes moved toward him, keen and perceptive.
Lucas quickly averted his gaze. Almost stumbled.
He reached his desk unharmed which seemed like a victory.
"Morning."
He recoiled.
Victoria was next, to him more clutching a tablet her face composed and businesslike. If he hadn't been aware he might have believed yesterday was a non-event.
" morning " Lucas responded, his voice faltering slightly.
She looked down at him. "You appear preoccupied today."
'You are the distraction.'
"I'm okay " he replied. "Just reflecting."
"Regarding work?" she inquired.
"Yes."
She stopped. "Deceiver."
Lucas stood motionless.
Victoria moved nearer softening her tone. "Calm down. I'm not going to bite. Not, in this place anyway."
His spirit departed from his body more.
She stood upright before he had a chance to answer, gently tapping the tablet. "I want those reports completed by days end. Once that's done you're off the hook."
"Certainly ma'am " he voiced.
She gave a smile and turned to leave.
Lucas gazed at his monitor his hands trembling.
'She's aware. She definitely understands something.'
The remainder of the day flew by in a haze of documents and covert looks. Each time Victoria walked by his desk his heart skipped a beat. Whenever she said his name, his cheeks flushed. He remained oblivious to Sabrina observing him with a smile, from the far side of the room.
When he completed his task his nerves were completely drained.
He exited the office soon as he received permission.
…
Having dinner, with Stella was beneficial.
She grumbled about her courses. He prepared food silently paying attention nodding, acting as if his mind wasn't still caught up at work.
"You're behaving strangely more " Stella remarked, prodding her meal.
"I'm exhausted " Lucas responded.
She narrowed her eyes at him. "You say that whenever you tell a lie."
He exhaled deeply. "It's not simple."
She relaxed somewhat. "Job-related things?"
"Something like that."
She gave a shrug. "Just remember, you're not by yourself alright?"
Lucas grinned. "I understand."
He rested soundly that evening.
Not great.
Better.
…
Everything was different the day.
Lucas got there ahead of time aiming to stay from Victoria for a short while. He had barely taken his seat when a notification appeared on his monitor.
From: Victoria Hale
Subject: Private Meeting
His heart sank.
The message was short.
Come to my office. Now.
'This is the moment ' Lucas reflected, rising gradually. 'I'm either getting fired.. Promoted.. Taken hostage.'
When he walked in Victoria's office was quiet.
She leaned against the window with her arms folded gazing out at the cityscape. Her face revealed nothing.
"Did you call for me?" he inquired cautiously.
She spun around.
Her eyes were different.
Focused. Intense.
"Lucas " she spoke gently. "There is something I need to ask you."
He gulped. "Yes?"
She moved nearer. One step. Then one more.
"Can you recall all that occurred at my place?"
His heart pounded against his chest.
"Indeed " he replied truthfully.
Victoria grinned.
"Great " she answered. "I was actually wishing for you to."
She slipped her hand into her desk drawer retrieved an item and set it down on the table between them.
Lucass eyes grew larger.
It was a folder.
With his name on it.
"I believe " Victoria went on smoothly "that now is the moment to discuss your prospects here."
The door snapped closed after him.
And locked.
Lucas looked at the folder at her.
His breathing faltered.
'What have I just involved myself in.'