"Here I am, sir!" Lily burst through the doors of his office, the loud bang echoing through the room. Alexzander sighed, his fingers pausing over the keyboard as he looked up from his computer.
"For the last time, knock," he said, his voice laced with mild exasperation. He knew full well it wouldn't happen next time either.
"So, what's on today's checklist?" she asked, plopping down on the couch with no sense of formality, grabbing a bag of salted peanuts from the table and popping a few into her mouth.
"I've always meant to ask, why do you have these peanuts here all the time? I've never seen you eat them," she added, not really expecting an answer.
Alexzander POV
"You love eating them," I mumbled just loud enough that she wouldn't catch it.
"Huh?" she asked, her mouth stuffed with peanuts, making her look like a chipmunk.
"Nothing," I replied, shaking my head as I resumed my work. Honestly, I find it amusing how she tries so hard to flirt with me but chickens out at the last moment.
"You wanna go out tonight?" I asked casually, still typing away. A sudden thud made me pause.
I looked up to find her sprawled on the floor, peanuts scattered all around her.
"What a messy girl," I muttered under my breath, biting back a smile at her wide-eyed, shocked expression.
"Whâwhat the hell did you just say?" she stammered, scrambling up to the desk and slamming her salt-covered hands down on my files. Normally, this would infuriate me, but with her, I let it slide.
"I have a meeting at this French restaurant tonight. I think you'd like the food there," I said, handing her a tissue to wipe her hands.
She sighed heavily as she wiped her fingers. "I thought... I thought it was my time," she murmured, more to herself than to me.
"What time?" I asked, though I knew perfectly well what she meant.
"Nothing, boss," she said quickly, her cheeks flushed. "Just send me the address and time. I'll be there." She started walking towards the door, shoulders stiff.
"No need," I called after her. "I'll pick you up. Dress up." I allowed myself a smirk as I met her gaze, watching her bite her lip and nervously press her thighs together.
"You... I... Okay," she stuttered, then hurried out of the office in a flustered rush.
The second she was out of sight, I let out a hearty laugh.
How can someone be this cute and hot at the same time?
THIRD PERSON POV
Later that evening, Alexzander pulled up in front of Lily's apartment just as before, his sleek black car gleaming under the streetlights. Lily stepped out in a stunning black dress, her usual tough exterior softened by the elegance of her outfit. She tried to keep her nerves in check, but Alexzander's appreciative gaze as he opened the car door made her heart skip a beat.
"You look... stunning," he said, a rare warmth in his voice.
Lily flushed, unable to hide her pleased smile. "I aim to impress."
"Keep that up, and you might," he teased, closing the door behind her as she settled into the car.
The drive to the restaurant was quiet, with an underlying tension between them that neither spoke about. But before they could even make it to their destination, Alexzander's phone buzzed. He glanced down at the screen and frowned.
Lily noticed the shift in his expression. "What is it?"
"Client canceled," he said, his voice flat with annoyance.
"What? After all this?" Lily huffed, folding her arms. "So... what now?"
Alexzander let out a sigh, shaking his head. "I'm still hungry. Let's go somewhere else. Dinner's on me." He flashed her a small grin, the tension from earlier lifting.
Lily couldn't help but smile back. "Well, if you're paying, I won't argue."
They changed course and ended up at a cozy, dimly lit Italian bistro on the edge of town, one of Alexzander's favorites. The setting was far more intimate than the fancy French restaurant, and Lily couldn't help but feel a little nervous. They were seated at a corner table, away from the crowd, the warm glow of the candlelight softening Alexzander's sharp features.
They ordered a bottle of wine, and before long, they were talking and laughing over dinner. Alexzander seemed more relaxed than usual, his usual stoic demeanor giving way to a more playful side. Lily found herself hanging on every word he said, completely enraptured by the rare glimpse of vulnerability in him.
As the night wore on, Lily realized she'd had a bit too much wine. Her head felt light, and the room seemed to sway just slightly. Alexzander watched her with a knowing smirk, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"You good?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lily waved a hand dismissively. "I'm fine! You know, for a mafia don, you're not so bad."
Alexzander chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Thanks, I think?"
"No, no, seriously," Lily slurred, pointing a wobbly finger at him. "You're, like, really... really nice. For a cold-blooded killer and all."
He let out a low laugh. "I'm glad you think so."
"I mean it!" Lily continued, her voice a little louder than usual. "You're... strong and smart and... really, really hot." She paused, blinking up at him, realizing what she'd just said. "I mean... I didn't mean... oh my god."
Alexzander couldn't help but laugh now. "You've had a bit too much to drink, haven't you?"
"No! Maybe. Yes." Lily sighed, resting her head in her hands. "This is so embarrassing."
"Come on," Alexzander said, standing up and offering her his hand. "Let's get you home."
They left the bistro, and Alexzander helped her into the car. As they drove, Lily babbled the entire way, her inhibitions completely lowered by the alcohol.
"You know," she started, her voice dreamy, "I've had a crush on you since, like, forever. But you're always so serious, and I'm like, 'Lily, he's your boss, don't be stupid.' But then I see you and you look at me with those eyes, and I justâugh, it's not fair!"
Alexzander kept his eyes on the road, but his lips curved into a small smile. "Is that so?"
"Yeah," Lily sighed dramatically, slumping back in the seat. "You're just... too much. Like, seriously, how am I supposed to work with you and *not* fall for you?"
He chuckled softly. "It's a mystery, really."
When they arrived at Alexzander's house, the tension between them had shifted into something palpable. He helped Lily out of the car, her steps unsteady as she clung to his arm for balance. She was still talking, her words coming out in a loose, rambling stream as the alcohol worked through her system.
"You know, I'm really good at what I do," she muttered as they walked inside, "but when it comes to you, I feel like I'm all over the place... Ugh, it's so annoying."
"I've noticed," Alexzander replied with a smirk, helping her up the stairs and into his dimly lit house. "But I've never minded."
Lily stumbled slightly as they reached the living room, and Alexzander caught her, his hands resting on her waist as he steadied her. "Careful."
She looked up at him, their faces close enough that she could see the flicker of something in his eyes she hadn't noticed before. It wasn't just amusementâit was something deeper. Her breath caught in her throat as she stood there, her body pressing slightly against his.
"You never say anything when I flirt," she whispered, suddenly feeling more vulnerable than she had in a long time.
"I've always noticed," Alexzander said quietly, his voice low. "I just didn't want to complicate things."
Lily's heart pounded in her chest as she stared up at him. "What if I *want* things to be complicated?"
He paused, his eyes searching hers for a long moment before his grip on her waist tightened slightly, pulling her closer. "You sure you know what you're asking?"
Lily swallowed hard, the warmth of his body against hers intoxicating in a way that had nothing to do with the wine. "I know exactly what I'm asking."
Before she could second-guess herself, she leaned in, closing the distance between them. Her lips brushed his, hesitant at first, but when Alexzander didn't pull away, the kiss deepened. It was slow and intense, their shared tension finally breaking. His hand slid up to cup her face as he kissed her back, his touch both gentle and possessive.
Lily's mind spun, her body responding to every movement, every touch. It was as if everything she had been holding backâthe teasing, the flirting, the longingâhad finally spilled over. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathing heavily, the room thick with the unspoken desire between them.
"Are you sure about this?" Alexzander asked, his voice rough with restraint.
Lily nodded, her eyes locked on his. "I've never been more sure."
Without another word, he led her upstairs to his bedroom. The space was minimalist, dark and sleek, much like the man himself. They didn't speak as he pulled her close again, his lips finding hers with a renewed intensity, their movements more urgent now. Clothes were discarded quickly, the distance between them evaporating in a flurry of heat and need.
As they tumbled onto the bed, Lily's nerves faded, replaced by the overwhelming sensation of Alexzander's body against hers. He kissed her deeply, his hands exploring her skin, and for once, she didn't hold back. She allowed herself to fall completely, every touch, every kiss drawing her further into the moment.
Hours seemed to melt away as they gave in to each other, the night passing in a blur of whispered words and shared breaths. For Lily, it felt like a dreamâsomething she'd imagined but never truly expected to happen. And yet, here she was, tangled in the sheets with the man who had been both her boss and her obsession.
Later, as they lay together in the darkness, the room quiet except for the sound of their breathing, Lily found herself feeling something she hadn't anticipated: peace.
Alexzander's arm was draped loosely over her, his chest rising and falling steadily. She turned her head to look at him, her heart swelling with something deeper than she had ever thought possible. Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the night, but this felt like more than just a moment of weakness.
"You know," she murmured, her voice soft, "I've wanted this for a long time."
Alexzander's eyes opened slightly, and he looked at her, his gaze softer than she'd ever seen it. "I know."
She smiled faintly, resting her head against his chest. "So... what now?"
He was silent for a moment, his hand gently tracing circles on her bare skin. "Now, we see what happens next."
Lily didn't say anything, content to just lie there, her body warm and her mind surprisingly calm. She knew things wouldn't be simple, not with him, but for the first time, she didn't care.
Whatever complications came their way, she was ready.
Andwith Alexzander beside her, maybeâjust maybeâit was worth the risk.