C29 Unprofessional
SYDNEY
The next morning after the gala, I woke with a sudden jolt, my heart still racing as if the red carpet event hadn’t ended hours ago. The images of Alaric’s eyes—the way they darkened when Andy was near, the tension radiating off him like a storm about to break—haunted me.
I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and took a deep breath. I had only a few days left before the month was over. The bet. I reminded myself sharply. I never lose. That thought alone set a determined fire in my chest. I would have Alaric under my control, whether he liked it or not.
Paige appeared promptly at my door with her usual combination of concern and exasperation. “Sydney, do you really have to start scheming this early in the morning?” she asked, frowning.
I smirked. “Scheming? Paige, this is called strategy. The final phase of my plan.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And the plan is…?”
I let a slow, seductive smile curl my lips. “Seduction.”
Paige groaned. “Oh no… don’t tell me this involves him—Alaric Blackthorne—and you planning to lure him into… what exactly?”
I waved her off, sliding into my heels. “Just… watch and learn.”
---
I spent the morning meticulously preparing. My outfit had to be flawless: form-fitting but tasteful, bold but elegant. I wanted to catch Alaric’s attention immediately, to make him feel me before I even spoke. Makeup applied perfectly, hair cascading in soft waves, perfume subtle but intoxicating—I was ready.
When I arrived at the office, I immediately spotted Alaric. He was at his desk, impeccably dressed as always, reviewing some reports with that sharp, focused intensity that made my pulse skip. My stomach fluttered with anticipation.
Andy was nowhere in sight yet, and that worked in my favor. I would execute the plan alone.
---
I sauntered into his office, heels clicking softly against the floor. Alaric looked up, and the moment our eyes met, I saw it—the flicker of annoyance, the tightening of his jaw. He knew. He knew exactly what I was about to do.
I smiled sweetly, letting my voice drop to a soft, teasing tone. “Alaric… do you have a moment for me?”
He didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he studied me, his gaze piercing through my carefully constructed façade. “Sydney,” he said finally, his voice clipped, “I’m extremely busy. Make it brief.”
I leaned slightly against the edge of his desk, letting my hand brush casually against the polished wood. My pulse raced. “Oh, it won’t take long. I just… thought you might enjoy a little… distraction.”
Alaric’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Distraction?” he repeated. His voice had that edge—the warning edge that made me shiver.
“Yes,” I purred, stepping a little closer. “A little… fun.”
---
I leaned in, my face barely inches from his. My plan was to tempt, to seduce, to make him react. I imagined the spark in his eyes, the involuntary heat rising in his expression. I had done everything by the book: body language, flirtation, subtle innuendos—but instead of reacting the way I expected, Alaric did something I didn’t anticipate.
He scoffed, stepping back sharply, his hands gripping the edge of his desk. “You really think that will work on me?” he said, his voice cold and sharp. “Do you really believe I’m the type of man who falls for petty games and theatrics?”
My smile faltered for a fraction of a second. My plan had backfired. He insulted me.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to regain composure. “Petty? Theatrics? Alaric… I think you’re just intimidated.”
“Intimidated?” he repeated, incredulous. “I’m not intimidated. I’m… disgusted by your lack of subtlety.”
My cheeks heated. I had not expected that. Not from him. Not ever.
---
The office seemed to shrink around us, the air thick with tension, heat, and unspoken words. My pulse raced, my lips tingled with the remnants of anticipation, and I felt a sudden mix of frustration and excitement. He was infuriating, impossible, and absolutely irresistible.
I crossed my arms, trying to regain control. “So… you’re saying I shouldn’t even try?”
Alaric’s expression softened just a fraction, but the sharp edge never left his tone. “I’m saying… you’re wasting your time, Sydney. Focus on your work, or on someone else. Not me.”
I bit my lip, my mind racing. Not me? Not possible. I’ve never lost a bet, and I won’t start now.
---
“I’m not focusing on anyone else,” I said, stepping closer, letting my hand brush his arm subtly. “You… just happen to be in my way.”
Alaric’s eyes darkened, his entire aura shifting. The subtle twitch of his fingers, the way his shoulders tensed—it was instinctive, territorial. He was used to control, used to dominance, and here I was, testing it deliberately.
“Careful, Sydney,” he said lowly, his voice almost a growl. “You’re playing with fire, and fire burns… even the cleverest.”
I swallowed, my heart hammering. “I don’t burn easily,” I countered, smirking despite the nervousness. “I… adapt.”
He shook his head slowly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, though his eyes were still hard. “You’re ridiculous,” he muttered. “And exhausting.”
I laughed softly, the sound carrying a teasing lilt. “Good. I like being… challenging.”
---
At that exact moment, Paige popped her head in, wide-eyed. “Sydney… are you okay in there? I heard raised voices… and maybe a growl?”
I groaned, pressing a hand to my forehead. “Paige, it’s… complicated.”
Alaric didn’t flinch, didn’t even look at her, his eyes fixed solely on me. “It’s not complicated,” he said, voice dangerously calm. “You’re just… being very unprofessional right now.”
Paige blinked. “Oookay… noted.” She backed out quickly, leaving us in a bubble of tension. I shot her a grateful glance. She’d witnessed nothing… hopefully.
---
I took a deep breath, stepping closer to him again, letting the heat of proximity linger. My pulse raced, my heart hammering, every instinct screaming that I shouldn’t. Yet I couldn’t stop. I needed him to react. Needed him to notice me.
Alaric’s expression hardened, and his gaze locked onto mine. “Sydney,” he said slowly, deliberately, “this… game you’re playing… it’s dangerous. And you’re close to crossing a line.”
I smirked, feeling a shiver of anticipation. “Lines were made to be pushed, Alaric.”
His jaw clenched, his body taut with restrained energy, and I felt it—the simmering storm beneath that perfect exterior. The next move would be crucial, and I knew it. One false step, one wrong word, and everything would explode.
I smiled inwardly. Exactly where I want him.
The tension was unbearable, the stakes impossibly high, and the game… far from over.
---
