Come Closer

"Don't do this, Silvia" James cried

"You don't understand, James. I could be right."

"How can you be so sure? What if you're not? I don't want to lose you!"

"I'll be back for you... I love you "

James's eyes flickered open, his chest heaving with an unsteady breath. The remnants of the dream clung to him, wrapping him in an emotional haze that refused to dissipate. It had been three centuries, and yet Silvia's presence lingered in his mind like an eternal specter. James sat up in bed, his breathing labored as he tried to shake off the remnants of the haunting dream. It was a dream that had haunted him repeatedly. The sheets tangled around him, as he tried to shake off the remnants of the vivid nightmare. Silvia's face, filled with determination and an unspoken longing, was etched in his mind. Running a hand through his disheveled hair, he glanced at the clock on his bedside table, realizing that it was still early morning. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, the coolness of the floor against his bare feet providing a grounding sensation. James walked over to the window, pulling the curtains aside to let the faint light of dawn seep into the room.

As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the cityscape outside, James tried to gather his thoughts. As James got dressed for the day, the memories of Silvia began to fade into the background.

Leaving his apartment, James drove his way through the busy city streets. The sun had risen higher in the sky, casting its warm glow over the bustling city. He couldn't help but wonder what the day held in store for him.

As he approached his office, James noticed Nigel waiting outside, leaning against the wall with a knowing smile. Nigel had been his steadfast ally and confidant, someone who understood the complexities of their supernatural world.

"Morning, James," Nigel greeted, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "I see you've had one of your recurring dreams again."

James chuckled, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It's become a part of my routine, hasn't it?"

Nigel nodded, his gaze filled with understanding. "Some memories never truly fade, do they? But we can't let them hold us back. There are mysteries to unravel and a new path to forge."

James nodded, appreciating Nigel's wise words. He paused for a bit on sighting the dark haired lady with broad beautiful laughter, squinted green eyes.

"James?" Nigel called

"Now who's that guy?" James stretches his head to the direction of the guy sitting on Joyce desk making her laugh

"Oh, you don't know about Nathan?"

"Who now?"

"Your model has a boyfriend, brother"

"What?"

"Why are you surprised? She's beautiful, is she not?" Nathan smirked

James's eyebrows furrowed slightly. Turning to Nigel, James sought clarification. "Nathan is Joyce's boyfriend? How did I not know about this?"

Nigel shrugged, his eyes focused on the unfolding scene. "Perhaps she kept it private, James. It's not uncommon for people to have personal lives separate from work. But it seems like Nathan has made himself quite comfortable here."

Summoning his resolve, James approached Joyce's desk, his expression a mix of concern and determination. As he neared, he noticed her animated conversation with Nathan, their laughter intertwining in the air. Taking a deep breath, he called out to her.

"Joyce Walter," James echoed, his voice bringing everyone to order and silence. "May we talk?" He walked towards the elevator.

Joyce's eyes met his, she pushed Nathan off the desk with quick reflex. She excused herself from Nathan and turned her attention fully to James, following him to the elevator, her smile slightly faltering.

The elevator doors closed, enveloping James and Joyce in a temporary cocoon of privacy. The hum of the elevator filled the silence between them, adding a sense of anticipation to their conversation.

As the elevator ascended, James maintained his focused demeanor, his alpha nature shining through. He turned to face Joyce, his voice carrying a decisive tone.

"Joyce, I've been evaluating the dynamics within our team, and I believe it would be advantageous for our workflow if you were situated closer to me," James stated firmly.

Joyce's brow furrowed in surprise, her curiosity piqued. "Closer to you? How do you mean, Mr. Caesar?"

"I propose a desk switch. You will take my personal assistant's desk, which is just outside my office, and my assistant will move to your current desk below," James explained, his gaze unwavering.

Joyce's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and intrigue. She recognized James's alpha nature, his desire for efficiency and effective communication within the team.

"But won't that disrupt our current arrangements?" Joyce inquired, contemplating the implications.

James shook his head, a confident smile tugging at his lips. "I'll discuss this with my personal assistant, and he'll understand the benefits of the proposed switch. It will streamline our communication, allowing us to address any issues or questions promptly."

Joyce's curiosity turned into consideration. "Sure, Mr. Caeser." Joyce replied, her voice tinged with respect, the elevator dinged, signaling their arrival on their designated floor.

As the day progressed, Joyce settled into her new, sleek, modern desk, the view of James's office just a few steps away. Deep down she couldn't deny the subtle excitement that came with this change.

Just a few steps away in his glass-walled office, James Caesar was engrossed in a conference call. His presence commanded attention, and his sharp intellect shone through as he discussed global business strategies. Joyce couldn't help but steal a glance in his direction. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and a spark seemed to flicker between them, James offered a charming smile. Joyce quickly averted her gaze, her heart racing. She returned her attention to her work, trying to quell the unsettling feeling that had washed over her. The soft glow of her computer screen illuminated her face, highlighting her features, casting a warm aura around her.

As the video call ended, James leaned back in his luxurious leather chair, his eyes fixated on Joyce. He sent her a direct message through the office's secure communication system. "Joyce, could you come to my office? I'd like to discuss something with you"

Joyce received the message and acknowledged with a simple "On my way," though her pulse raced with anticipation. She stood, her designer heels clicking against the pristine office floor as she made her way to his glass-walled office.

As Joyce entered James's office, she couldn't help but notice the way the soft lighting accentuated his features. His eyes, a shade of deep, enchanting brown, seemed to penetrate her soul. The air in the room crackled with an undeniable tension, and their close proximity only intensified the magnetic pull between them.

James gestured for her to take a seat, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer before he cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Joyce, I wanted to discuss something important," he began, his voice velvety smooth yet filled with a hint of vulnerability. "I have an upcoming business trip to Dubai to meet an old friend and partner, Kareem, Kareem Faisal Tarek. He's one of the richest and most influential figures in Dubai."

Joyce's curiosity piqued as she leaned forward, her eyes locked onto his. "Kareem Faisal Tarek?As in KFT Fragrance? The perfume mogul"?"

James smiled, his gaze never leaving hers. "Well, Joyce, it's not just a business trip. Kareem and I go way back, and we've planned a few days of leisure as well. I was wondering if you'd be interested in accompanying me. It's a chance to combine business with pleasure and experience the vibrant culture of Dubai."

"Okay, Mr. Caesar. What would you have me do?"

"Just one thing. Pack a bag, you're coming with me"

"What?"

"Oh, no need. I'll have my personal assistant pack bags for you" James gestured, Joyce still frozen with surprise and uncertainty "You'll be showing off my company's designs as well to Kareem's business associates and relations"

"Uhm... when is this... uhh... trip, Mr. Caeser?" She stammered

"This weekend."

"2 days from now?!"