Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Leonardo Cooper

He's still there, panting, hair messy, the buttons of his shirt being fastened by slightly trembling fingers. I watch everything in silence, leaning back on the sofa with an empty glass in hand and a smirk playing at the corner of my lips.

The tie I used to bind him now rests on the arm of the sofa, a silent trophy of what we just did.

Gabriel finally looks at me, his eyes half-closed, as if trying to regain the control I stripped from him minutes ago.

— I'm going to the bathroom. — he says, adjusting his collar with a restrained sigh.

I cross my legs calmly and let the smirk grow in a mischievous way.

— You better go... you need it. Oh, and fix your hair while you're at it. — I add with a mocking tone, bringing the glass to my lips, even though it's empty.

He arches an eyebrow, replying with irony in his voice.

— Sure, now you're a beauty and fashion advisor?

I let out a short laugh, teasing back as I watch him walk away.

— Not anymore, Gabriel... I’m just someone who dresses well and wears his hair the right way. Aligned. — I say casually, my gaze following the subtle sway of his hips as he heads for the bathroom door.

He rolls his eyes, but doesn’t reply. Maybe because he knows that, despite the teasing, I’m not wrong.

As soon as he closes the door, I rise from the sofa and glance around. The used tie, marks on the upholstery, the unmistakable scent of sex filling the air... Everything gives it away. I can’t leave traces — not in my territory.

I grab some tissues and start cleaning the excess. Every mark, drop, detail that might say more than it should. And of course, I spray my exclusive cologne — a refined blend of amber and wood — replacing the aroma of lust with something more corporate.

Then I move to the liquor cabinet and pour myself a good whiskey. The 21-year-old bottle drips into the crystal glass with a sound that soothes. I bring it to my lips and let the liquid slide down my throat, warming my already satisfied insides. The taste is strong, striking — like what I just did to Gabriel.

I walk to the window and open the curtain. The city lights invade the office once more, as if nothing had happened. As if I were just another CEO wrapping up the day. But inside, something pulses.

Gabriel... He stirs something in me like no one else ever has. And now, with that contract, he’s not just my employee. He’s mine.

I’m going to explore every clause. Literally.

As I finished my whiskey, I let my gaze wander over the urban landscape unfolding through the window. The city looked calm outside, but inside, under that thick atmosphere of desire and authority, everything was far from peaceful.

I was about to turn and pour another glass when I heard three quick knocks on the door. I frowned.

— Don’t come in — I began to say, but before I could finish, the doorknob turned and the door opened.

Adrian.

His figure appeared with that usual posture of someone trying too hard to seem more confident than he really is. His sharp eyes scanned the room with too much attention.

— Am I interrupting something? — he asked, with a crooked smile that never fooled me.

I kept my composure. The glass still in hand, my chest partially exposed — I didn’t bother to fasten the remaining buttons.

— No. Why?

Adrian raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.

— I don’t know. I got the impression I walked in at a bad time... or interrupted something.

I took another sip, letting the silence stretch for a few seconds before answering, without breaking eye contact.

— What exactly are you trying to say, Adrian?

He shrugged with theatrical nonchalance, but his gaze searched the space like a bloodhound.

— Nothing really. Just that the room smells... different. A smell of...

I set the glass down on the side table with moderate force. My eyes met his, now cold as marble.

— You better shut your mouth, Adrian. Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. I gave you a hand, offered help, a job. But if you start playing spy, you’ll regret it. Got it?

He looked away for a moment. His tense shoulders betrayed his discomfort.

— I’m sorry... — he muttered.

— Where’s Gabriel? — he dared to ask, as if he still had any right to know.

I tilted my head slightly, not softening my tone.

— Like I said: none of your business. Now tell me what you came here for.

Adrian took a deep breath, trying to recover his composure.

— Vinícius asked you to sign these documents. There’s a meeting early tomorrow. He wants everything ready.

— Great. Leave them here until the end of the afternoon. I’ll review everything and have my secretary — or Gabriel himself — bring them to you.

It was at that exact moment the bathroom door opened.

Gabriel reappeared, his hair damp and neatly styled, shirt looking more in place. He was adjusting his sleeves as he approached.

— Do you want a coffee? I’m heading downstairs to get one...

But his voice faltered the moment his eyes met Adrian’s. The air grew dense.

— Hello, Gabriel. How are you? — Adrian said with a cynical, almost poisonous smile.

Gabriel replied through gritted teeth, not hiding his dislike.

— Fine.

I saw the exchange of glances. I knew them both. I knew that needed to end right there.

— Well, Adrian — I cut the tension with authority. — You brought what you had to, now you can go.

He hesitated for a second but nodded. Still, before leaving, he turned once more to Gabriel with a look that said too much.

When the door finally closed, Gabriel let out a heavy sigh.

— Did he notice anything? — he asked in a tense whisper.

I shrugged and poured another drink.

— Whether he did or not, it’s his problem. I don’t owe anyone in this company an explanation. This is my company. I run this place. I do whatever I want.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, arms crossed with sarcasm.

— Alright, Mr. Caveman... I just asked a question. No need to beat me.

I chuckled low, letting the ice clink against the glass.

— Not yet, little goat. But don’t tempt me.

And he smiled — that crooked smile that made me want to throw him o
nto the couch all over again.