6. I want you.

Monday morning. The alarm buzzed faintly, but when I woke up, James was already gone. I stretched, my body still sore from the weekend, but there was no time to linger in bed. Today was my first day at Vidor Industries.

After a quick shower, I dressed with deliberate care, a crisp white blouse tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt that hugged my curves just enough to be professional yet subtly seductive. Black heels added a touch of height, and I kept my makeup simple yet polished. If I was going to be Gabriel Salvador's personal assistant, I needed to look the part.

The drive to work was smooth, and as I pulled up to the towering Vidor headquarters, I took a moment to take in the sheer grandeur of the building. It was a sleek, modern skyscraper of reflective black glass and steel, dominating the skyline with its imposing presence. The large revolving doors led into a vast lobby with high ceilings, polished marble floors, and minimalist chandeliers that cast a soft golden glow. The entire place radiated power and precision.

A woman was already waiting for me near the front desk, Gabriel's assistant, a well-dressed brunette named Vanessa.

"Welcome, Ms. Sullivan," she said with a polite smile. "Let me show you around."

Vanessa led me through the massive space, pointing out key areas, the executive coffee bar, the expansive lunchroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, and various departments buzzing with employees who all looked efficient and sharp in their tailored suits. The energy here was different, more intense.

Finally, we reached my desk, situated just outside Gabriel's office. The door was tall, black, and intimidating, like the man himself.

"This is your workspace," Vanessa said. "You'll handle Gabriel's schedule, correspondence, and anything else he requires. If you need anything, just ask. And one piece of advice, Mr. Salvador doesn't like to be kept waiting."

I nodded, taking a seat and running my fingers over the smooth surface of the desk. Before I could dwell on it, the office door swung open, and there he was.

Gabriel Salvador.

Seeing him again was like being hit with a shockwave. Tall, powerful, devastatingly handsome. His dark eyes locking onto mine as I stand to walk into his office. His sharp charcoal suit was tailored to perfection, complementing his broad shoulders and lean frame.

"Alexis," he greeted, his voice smooth as silk. "Welcome to Vidor Industries. I trust Vanessa has been helpful?"

I straightened. "Yes, very. She gave me the full tour."

He nodded approvingly. "Good. Come inside, let's discuss your role."

Stepping into his office was like walking into another world. The space was massive, lined with dark wooden shelves filled with books and artifacts. A large glass wall overlooked the city, while a sleek black desk sat in the center, imposing, just like its owner.

"Vidor Industries is more than just business," Gabriel began, settling into his chair and watching me closely. "We are innovators, developing drugs, That will treat certain illnesses and make whosoever taking this drug happy while on the treatment. Everything we do is about pushing limits."

His words were measured, but I sensed something beneath them, something hidden. I leaned forward slightly, matching his intensity. "Sounds like a company with a lot of secrets."

Gabriel smirked. "Every empire has its secrets, Alexis. The question is can you handle them?"

The silence between us stretched just a little too long before I decided to push. "What about you, Dante?" I asked smoothly before quickly correcting myself. "I mean, Gabriel."

He paused. It was only for a fraction of a second, but I caught it. That single, fleeting hesitation.

Gabriel's expression didn't change, then just as quickly, he smiled. "Dante?" he said lightly. "I didn't take you for someone who mixed up names so easily, Alexis."

I let out a small laugh, acting nonchalance. "Must've been thinking of someone else."

"Must've," he murmured, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

Before I could press further, he stood abruptly, gathering a few documents from his desk. "I'll be back soon. Settle in, and we'll go over your tasks when I return."

With that, he was gone, leaving me alone in his vast office. I glanced at the door, then at the sleek black desk. This was my chance.

I moved quickly, scanning over the neatly arranged papers, opening a few drawers. Nothing.

Moving to the bookshelves, I ran my fingers along the spines, searching for anything out of place. But Gabriel was meticulous, everything was in perfect order. No stray notes, no hidden compartments. Damn it, I know he's Dante Salvador, but he's so good at covering his tracks

Just as I was about to give up, I heard footsteps approaching. I hurried back to my seat, composing myself just as Gabriel re-entered the office.

He leaned against the edge of his desk, watching me with an unreadable expression. "Settling in well?" he asked smoothly.

"Yes, everything's great," I said, forcing a polite smile.

Gabriel smirked, his gaze slowly raking over me. "Good. I need an assistant who's quick on her feet and... adaptable."

There was something in his tone, something laced with amusement and intent.  I swallowed. "I can handle it."

He leaned in just slightly,  "I have no doubt, Alexis." This was dangerous territory. The air between us was thick with something unspoken.

 I went back to my desk for a while, my fingers skimming absently over the smooth surface as I stole glances at Gabriel's office door. He had been playing it cool all morning, but I wasn't going to let that pause from earlier slide. I needed to know if he was Dante Salvador.

Gathering my nerve, I stood and knocked lightly before stepping inside. Gabriel looked up from his desk, his dark eyes locking onto me instantly again. It was unnerving how quickly he focused, as if he had been waiting for me.

"Something on your mind, Ms. Sullivan?" he asked, his tone dripping with amusement.

I tilted my head, feigning innocence. "I was just thinking... you seem oddly familiar. Almost like we've met before. Or maybe in another life."

There it was again, a hesitation so small, it would have been imperceptible to anyone who wasn't watching for it. But I was.

Gabriel leaned back in his chair, a slow smirk curving his lips. "really now, You seem quite fixated that we've met before. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were fantasizing about someone."

My pulse spiked, but I refused to back down. "I wouldn't call it fantasizing. More like... investigating."

Gabriel stood slowly, his movements deliberate, measured. He circled the desk, coming to stand in front of me, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. My breath hitched as his fingers reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. The touch was light, almost teasing.

"And what if I do have secrets?" he murmured, his voice low, seductive. "Would you really want to know them?"

I swallowed hard, willing my body to ignore the sudden warmth pooling in my stomach. "Maybe."

His thumb ghosted over my jawline before he pulled away, his expression unreadable. "Be careful what you wish for."

He turned, strolling back to his desk as if nothing had happened, leaving me standing there, pulse racing, breath uneven. Damn him.

I needed to regain control.

"You're awfully good at dodging questions," I said, forcing my tone back to normal.

He chuckled, settling back into his chair. "And you're awfully good at asking them.  But no I don't think we've ever met before," he said with a smirk on his face that somehow made me knew he was lying.

The tension between us was tangible, crackling in the air like an impending storm. I should have walked out right then. Should have let it go. But instead, I lingered, testing the waters once more.

"Tell me something, Gabriel," I said, stepping closer again. "What made you hire me? There were surely other candidates more experienced."

His eyes darkened, his expression shifting into something more intense. "You're right. There were. But experience isn't everything."

He pushed off the desk, moving towards me  again but this time with slow, measured steps. My heart pounded in my chest "What is he up to," he stopped just inches away. 

Then out of nowhere he says. "I want you."