Ten minutes had passed since the pleasure that had engulfed Andreas and Vlora. During this time, they remained in their respective positions. Vlora still lay under Andreas, hugging him with one leg landing on the man’s buttocks. On the other hand, Andreas still allowed his masculinity to remain inside Vlora, showing no signs of rising anytime soon.
Maybe they needed more time than usual to calm down. At least until their breathing returned to normal. At least until they truly regained their strength.
Vlora slowly opened her eyes. Her embrace began to loosen, and she wiped away the drops of sweat that soaked Andreas’ back. She smiled.
“How long are you going to stay on top of me, Reas?”
A vibration shook Vlora’s chest, coming from Andreas, who immediately laughed at the question. He stood up and propped himself on one elbow, then looked into Vlora’s face.
“Why?” Andreas asked, stroking the side of Vlora’s face. “Do you want to continue sleeping now?”
There was another possibility that seemed just as reasonable. Andreas realized it when he noticed how captivating Vlora’s smile was. The slight curve of her lips looked charming and he couldn’t resist the urge to experience it.
Vlora’s smile disappeared in Andreas’ kiss. Her eyes closed, but she realized that there was no need for passion. It was like a touch that a man should naturally give to his woman, just when the romantic phase was over.
“Or maybe you don’t want to sleep anymore?”
The chances were slim, of course, Andreas knew. But his mischievous side wanted to tease.
“I still have to work tomorrow, Reas. You know that this is already an exception, right? So, I have to sleep now if I don’t want to be late tomorrow and get a warning.”
Andreas chuckled slightly. “I’m sure I can arrange a light job for you if Lucas ever fires you.”
Vlora laughed until her eyes closed for a moment. She shook her head, then replied in a mocking tone. “Oh, really?”
“You don’t believe that?”
“I do,” Vlora replied playfully. “I’m sure I can replace the secretary position at Progun. What do you think?”
This time Andreas didn’t answer, just grinned as he slowly got up from Vlora. He wanted to get up, but Vlora stopped him.
“Where are you going?”
“To the bathroom, Vlo. Why? Do you want to come with me?”
Vlora let go of Andreas’ hand and had no intention of giving in to the temptation. She rolled over and returned to her original position on the pillow, then shook her head.
“No, thank you. I think it’s better to wait for you here.”
“Good choice.”
Andreas strolled confidently, showing off the innocence of his body. He was an unusual sight, which Vlora seemed to like more and more. So, it was no surprise when Vlora decided not to go to sleep right away, but to wait for his return.
Moments passed, and Andreas returned with a slight frown on his forehead to find Vlora still awake, covered with a blanket. He turned off the main light, then crawled back onto the bed and asked,
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?”
Andreas slipped under the covers. He shifted and found Vlora, who immediately reached for him and hugged him.
“I’m going to sleep.”
Andreas smiled at her answer and the movement of Vlora’s body, seemingly searching for a comfortable position in his embrace.
“Of course, you’ll sleep in a moment.”
*
Warning bells rang in Alex’s head. It seemed that nature was warning him of something unpleasant that was about to happen. Especially when he got a call from Jonas. He had to come to Progun in the morning.
The time passed anxiously. Alex tried to calm himself, but the tension only increased, enveloping his entire body.
Alex got out of the elevator. He tried to walk as casually as possible, but Alan’s gaze stopped his steps. They locked eyes for a moment, then he kept walking, heading for Jonas’ office.
His heart beat even faster. Even sweat had begun to trickle down the sides of his face. Alex took a deep breath and knocked on the door before entering.
Jonas greeted Alex’s arrival with a blank expression. He sat at his desk, doing nothing. He leaned back in his chair, both hands clasped together, his casual demeanor making Alex even more uneasy.
There was something different about Jonas this morning. Alex could feel it.
“Good morning, sir.”
Alex greeted, pulling out a chair and sitting down in front of Jonas, who stared at him with an unreadable expression. He waited, and those moments felt like waiting for a death sentence.
Jonas sighed. He gave a thin smile that did nothing to soothe Alex’s feelings.
“How are you, Lex?”
Tense and getting tenser, Alex’s fear became unbearable. He realized that in all the years he had worked for Jonas, his well-being had never been questioned. Jonas wasn’t the type to worry about other people’s health, especially his own.
Alex swallowed hard and replied hesitantly, “I’m fine, sir.”
“Good, but…” Jonas blinked. His gaze turned inquisitive. “… don’t you want to know how I’m doing?”
This time it wasn’t tension that infected Alex; it was fear. The terrifying sensation manifested itself in cold beads that began to spread throughout his body. He began to shake, but tried to keep asking.
“H-how are you, sir?”
A bead of sweat entered his eye. Alex blinked, holding back the sting.
“After our last meeting on that Monday, I honestly didn’t think I’d still be in a situation like this. Talking to you?” Jonas furrowed his brow, then tilted his head to one side with an uncertain expression. “This wasn’t part of my plan.”
Alex stammered, “S-sir-”
“Tell me, Lex.”
Jonas stood up, cutting Alex off. He stepped and circled the desk, stopping just behind the chair Alex occupied. He made Alex unable to speak.
“Do we still have a reason to talk?”
It wasn’t just a question from Jonas; the grip on Alex’s shoulder was also an undeniable conclusion. He was sending a clear signal-a threat.
“S-Sir-”
“Sshh!”
Alex swallowed all the prepared words of defense. He didn’t want to risk further inflaming Jonas’ emotions. He remained silent while Jonas lowered his face, took his place at the side of Alex’s head and spoke in a low voice.
“I don’t need your reasons, Lex.”
Alex froze. Completely motionless, he barely dared to breathe. He stayed still when Jonas asked again.
“Do you work for me or for Andreas?”
Alex didn’t need a brilliant mind to guess the meaning of Jonas’ question. He understood more than he needed to, the true intent behind the question. Jonas doubted him. Worse, Jonas might think that he was conspiring with Andreas for all the recent chaos.
“S-Sir,” Alex whispered, trying to turn his body. “I-”
“Sshh.”
Jonas’ grip tightened. Pain surfaced and Alex could only pray in silence.
“Just answer, Lex. No need for pleasantries.”
Alex nodded. “Y-Yes, sir. Of course, sir. I only work for you.”
The grip loosened. A slight relief allowed Alex to breathe more freely.
“Is that so?”
It wasn’t over. Alex’s relief didn’t last. The tension returned, and this time it doubled.
“Why do I feel the opposite?” Jonas asked then. He created a momentary pause to arouse Alex’s fear. “Because lately I have the feeling that all your actions are dragging me down, as if you’re helping Andreas.”
The words were spoken and Alex closed his eyes. His fear was true. The worst-case scenario that had lingered in his mind was happening.
Alex didn’t waste any time. He couldn’t remain silent while Jonas’ doubts could endanger his life. He quickly got up from the chair and dropped to his knees right in front of Jonas. He hugged both of Jonas’s legs, pleading.
“Sir, I beg you to trust me. I do not work for Mr. Andreas at all. You must know that, right? I have always been loyal to you. I swear it, sir.”
Jonas bowed his head. He stared at Alex with a cynical and frightening look. His jaw hardened as if unaffected by Alex’s explanation.
“Really, sir. I’m telling the truth. I dare to swear. Everything I do is only for you. All the chaos that has happened is definitely not my doing. Sir, you must believe me. What I am saying…”
Jonas’ eyes darkened. He could no longer control himself, and his foot moved. A quick kick was all it took, and Alex was sprawled on the floor a moment later.
Alex’s words were cut short. The prepared statements were replaced by a startled gasp. He landed on the floor and tried to get up immediately, but Jonas had already landed one foot on his chest.
“Do you think I believe your oath, Lex?” Jonas asked with emphasis. Blood vessels showed their presence around his forehead and his foot pressed even harder. “Do you think I believe you after everything that has happened?”
Alex winced. Pain and fear tore through him. He held on to Jonas’ leg and begged.
“S-Sir, I swear. There’s no way I could help Mr. Andreas. You know very well that my life and death are tied to yours. I couldn’t betray you.”
There was something in Alex’s words that stopped Jonas’s rage for a moment. His eyes blinked, and a fleeting change of expression softened his features as Alex continued hastily.
“Consider this, sir. If something bad happens to you, I will undoubtedly be affected as well. So please, believe in me, sir.”
“Believe in you?”
Alex nodded. “Yes, Sir. Believe in me. I will prove my loyalty.”
*