Chapter 4 The Heat Between Us

The Heat Between Us

The city was alive with the hum of late night taxis and distant music when Emma stepped out of the office building. Her heart still thundered in her chest, lips tingling, her body caught somewhere between guilt and longing. She hadn't made it far. Ten minutes into her walk, the rain started soft at first, then heavy, like the sky had broken open just for her. She ducked into the awning of a hotel lobby nearby, shaking the drops from her hair, catching her breath. Her phone buzzed again.

**Unknown Number:** *Come back.*

Her pulse skipped.

She didn't reply. But she turned around.

The elevator doors slid open silently as Emma stepped back into Sterling. The building was quieter now, eerier. Emergency lights cast long shadows across the marble floor. She was soaked through. Her heels clicked with every step as she made her way back up, her mind spinning. She didn't know what she'd say. She only knew she had to see him again.

The door to his office was ajar. Light spilled from within, warm and golden. She pushed it open.

Aiden was standing near the window, jacket gone, sleeves rolled, tie loosened. The city lights lit half of his face in gold, the other in shadow. He didn't speak. Neither did she. Until he turned.

His eyes ran over her soaked clothes, her trembling fingers, her parted lips. "I told you to say stop," he said softly.

She stepped inside. "I didn't want to."

The door closed behind her with a quiet click. Silence stretched between them. Then he crossed the room in three steps.

His hands found her waist, dragging her soaked blouse upward, over her head, and to the floor. The chill of the air met the heat of his skin as he pressed against her, his lips finding hers in a kiss that stole the breath from her lungs. Their bodies collided with raw need.

His hands moved down, slow, claiming every inch. She moaned into his mouth, fingers clawing at his shirt, desperate to feel him. He pulled it over his head and tossed it aside, his body solid and warm against hers.

"Tell me to stop," he whispered against her neck.

"Don't you dare."

He lifted her, carrying her effortlessly across the room and setting her on his sleek wooden desk. Papers scattered to the floor. The smooth surface was cool under her thighs as he kissed a path down her collarbone. Her body arched under him, his name a whisper on her lips.

He took his time, every touch slow and deliberate a hand against her ribcage, a thumb brushing her inner thigh, lips trailing over her jaw, her shoulder, her chest. She trembled, her breaths becoming gasps.

"Aiden..." she moaned, her fingers tangled in his hair.

"I need to feel all of you," he growled, his voice rough with want.

Her pants were gone. So were his. The city lights flickered across their bodies. The air was thick with heat, each breath shallow, desperate. His skin was hot against hers as he leaned in, foreheads touching, eyes locked.

"Say it," he murmured.

"I want you."

That was all he needed. His lips crashed onto hers again. His body moved against hers, slow at first, building with rhythm, intensity, fire. Her moans filled the office, low and breathless. She gripped his shoulders, pulling him closer.

Their bodies moved like they'd been made for this. Each moment stretched like honey sweet, slow, unbearably good. Every kiss. Every thrust. Every whispered name. Her nails left trails down his back as he moved harder, faster. Her breath came in ragged gasps. She wasn't sure where she ended and he began.

The desk creaked beneath them. She cried out, legs trembling, her back arching.

"Emma..." he whispered, breathless, forehead against hers. And then, together, they shattered.

The aftermath was quiet. He leaned his forehead against hers, their breathing slow, bodies still tangled. She closed her eyes, a lazy smile forming.

"I think I'm in trouble," she murmured.

"You have no idea."

They stayed that way for a long time skin to skin, hearts still racing. Outside, the rain slowed. Inside, something between them had just begun.

But it didn't stop there.

She didn't leave. Not yet.

Aiden's fingers trailed down her arm, lingering at her wrist. Then he rose, walked to the small bar tucked into the corner of the room, and poured them both a drink. He handed her a glass of scotch, their fingers brushing as she took it.

"I thought you didn't mix business and pleasure," she teased, sipping slowly.

"I lied," he said simply.

The way he looked at her sent a fresh wave of heat through her. He took the glass from her hand and set it aside. "You're still shaking," he whispered, pulling her onto his lap as he sank into the leather chair. "We're not done."

His mouth found the crook of her neck, kissing her until her breath hitched. His fingers teased her thighs, slowly parting them as he explored her again. She gasped, clutching his shoulders.

"Aiden... someone might come in."

"Let them."

He lifted her again, guiding her back to the desk. This time slower, deeper. She wrapped her legs around him, matching his rhythm. Her cries grew louder, echoing in the room. Her body trembled, again and again.

When he finally let go, it was with a groan that echoed into her skin. He collapsed against her, breathless.

This time, when he spoke, it was softer. "What are you doing to me?"

She ran her fingers through his hair. "Same thing you're doing to me."

They eventually moved to the couch, wrapped in a soft throw blanket. The clock ticked past 3 a.m. and still, neither could sleep. He told her about his childhood, about the weight of the empire his father left him. She told him about hers, about always being the good girl, the one who never took risks.

"Until now," he said, brushing her hair from her face.

"Until you."

He kissed her again, slower this time. With reverence.

They made love once more before dawn - this time sweet, unhurried. It felt like the beginning of something she couldn't name. And for the first time in years, Emma didn't want to run.

She fell asleep in his arms as the sky began to lighten.

And Aiden, for once, stayed still.

The next morning, Emma stirred to the smell of coffee and the low rumble of Aiden's voice on a phone call. She blinked at the sunlight pouring in through the tall windows, memories of the night replaying in waves.

He ended the call and turned to her with a warm smile. "Hungry?"

She nodded, stretching lazily under the blanket. "Starved."

"Then let's get breakfast. But first" He leaned down and kissed her slowly, his fingers brushing her cheek. "You might want to freshen up. You've got boardroom hair."

She laughed, hiding her face against his shoulder. And in that laugh was something light, unburdened the beginning of something real.