Friday, 10:38 a.m.

The phone rang. CEO's assistant: “Cloe, to the boss, please.”

My heart sank into my pants.

Not now! Not today. I wasn't ready. Inside, I felt like chaos on speed.

My hand was shaking in the elevator. I held it tight with my other hand, my eyes wide open. I tried to moisten my lips. It didn't work. The air was too dry. Damn, couldn't they adjust the air conditioning properly?

The executive secretary nodded curtly. Her voice was neutral. Almost pitying: “The CEO is expecting you. Please come in immediately.” I took a deep breath. Opened the door.

He was sitting at his desk. Dark suit. Tie. He looked straight at me, as if he had been waiting there the whole time for me to come in. His gaze was ice-cold. His fingertips were pressed together like a judge about to pass sentence.

“Cloe.”

That was it. No greeting. No small talk. No “ Have a seat.” No sign of pleasure at seeing me again. Not a word about Monday. No explanation. My throat was tight.

“Lock the door behind you.”

I turned around. The key was in the lock. A soft click. My back tingled. I turned to him again, trembling with anticipation.

He said nothing. Just looked at me. Right through me.

I felt naked.

He reached for the intercom. Without taking his eyes off me, he said, “I don't need you today, Ms. Bergmann. You can leave early and use your flex time.” He didn't wait for a response and switched to mute.

Then:

“Take your clothes off.”

What?

Silence. Only the air conditioner hummed softly.

I looked at him. I searched for signs of irony. For a joke. But he was serious. Obviously. His gaze was unmoving. His voice was cool. His posture was determined. No sign of doubt or uncertainty. Only clarity. Authority. Power.

My first reflex: No.

My second: Yes.

I felt my body react immediately. The mixture of shock and desire burned like pepper on my tongue. It raced through my body like an electric impulse from top to bottom. My nipples immediately became hard as diamonds. My stomach tingled like butterflies. And in my lap, a rush of moisture soaked through my panties. Good thing I had put them on today, otherwise the whole thing would have run down my legs.

My third reflex: Now more than ever!

He thought he could play with me. But I wasn't a toy. Not a doll he could throw carelessly into a corner and pull out again when he felt like it.

Slowly, I opened my blouse. Button by button. Aware of its effects. Every inch crackled. I could feel his gaze on my skin, even though he didn't move, barely even blinked.

My bra fell. My nipples stood out. Large, firm. Nervous. And incredibly proud.

I pulled the zipper down at the back of my skirt. Let the fabric slide down my thighs like fingers caressing me after not touching me for a long time. I felt the fine hairs on my legs stand on end.

Only my panties remained—delicate, light pink, as thin as a breath. He must have seen the dark stain in them.

I paused. Waited for him to do or say something.

He spoke, calmly, deeply:

“Everything.”