The Call of Control

Emma’s skin tingled, Gabriel’s question—“Still worked up?”—igniting a reckless fire in her core. His voice, low and deliberate, wrapped around her like a velvet chain, and the way his eyes traced her body made her feel deliciously exposed. She’d already admitted the timed task had turned her on, and now, with him so close, the urge to push further was overwhelming. She wasn’t just playing his game—she was craving it.

She tilted her head, her lips parting as she let her voice drop to a sultry murmur. “Worked up doesn’t even cover it, Mr. Alexander,” she said, her eyes locked on his. “Your little tests, the way you watch me, control every second—it’s driving me wild. I’m not just handling the pressure… I’m aching for more.” The words spilled out, bold and unfiltered, her breath hitching as she watched his reaction, her body buzzing with the thrill of laying herself bare.

Gabriel’s smirk was pure sin, his gray eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and hunger. He leaned back against his desk, arms crossed, the motion accentuating the taut lines of his shoulders beneath his suit. “Aching, are you?” he drawled, his tone laced with mock curiosity, though the intensity in his gaze betrayed his interest. “Careful, Emma. You’re playing a dangerous game, admitting that to me.”

“Dangerous?” She stepped closer, just enough to feel the heat radiating from him, her voice a teasing challenge. “Maybe I like the danger. Maybe I want to see how much more you can make me feel.”

For a moment, the air between them crackled, heavy with unspoken promises. Gabriel’s eyes narrowed, his control unshaken but tested. “You’re bold,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “But boldness alone won’t cut it here. You want more? You’ll have to earn it.”

Emma’s pulse raced, her thighs pressing together as a fresh wave of heat surged through her. “Name your price,” she shot back, her lips curving into a defiant smile. “I’m not afraid to work for it.”

Gabriel chuckled, a dark, velvet sound that sent shivers down her spine. “Oh, you will,” he said, his tone dripping with intent. “But let’s see how well you follow orders first.” He straightened, his demeanor shifting to that commanding air that made her knees weak. “Go get Sophia. Tell her I need her in my office. Now.”

The sudden shift caught Emma off guard, but the authority in his voice sparked a thrill that made her want to obey, to see where this would lead. She nodded, her eyes lingering on him for a moment longer, then turned, her hips swaying as she left the cabin. The weight of his gaze followed her, a silent promise that this was far from over.

The office outside was still quiet, the lunch hour lingering. Emma’s heels clicked against the polished floor as she made her way to the break room, where she spotted Sophia at a small table, nibbling on a salad. Sophia’s soft curves were accentuated by a tight sweater, her dark hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders. She looked up as Emma approached, her lips curling into a curious smile.

“Sophia,” Emma said, her voice steady despite the nervous excitement bubbling inside her. “Mr. Alexander needs you in his office.”

Sophia’s eyes widened, a wild, almost feral glint flashing in them. She set her fork down slowly, her movements deliberate, as if savoring the moment. “Gabriel called for me?” she murmured, her voice low and tinged with something Emma couldn’t quite place—anticipation, maybe, or something darker. Without another word, Sophia stood, smoothing her skirt, and followed Emma, her stride confident, her expression unreadable but charged with energy.

As they walked back to the cabin, Emma’s mind raced. Sophia’s reaction was more than just professional obedience—it was as if she knew something Emma didn’t, as if Gabriel’s summons carried a weight that went beyond a simple meeting. The thought sent a fresh jolt of curiosity and desire through her, the office’s hidden dynamics becoming clearer with every step.

They reached the cabin, and Emma pushed open the door, her eyes meeting Gabriel’s as Sophia stepped inside. He was still leaning against his desk, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp, taking in both women with a look that made Emma’s skin prickle. “Thank you, Emma,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with something that made her heart skip. “Stay close. We’re not done yet.”

Sophia stood just inside the door, her wild eyes flicking between Gabriel and Emma, a knowing smile playing on her lips. The air in the room thickened, charged with possibilities, and Emma felt the pull of whatever game Gabriel was orchestrating. The question was—how would she play her part?