Page 58 of Surrendering to the Obsession

Alexander’s face darkened as he caught her hesitation. His jaw tightened, eyes narrowing with frustration. He cocked his head, lips pressed into a hard line.

Without warning, his hand shot out and gripped the back of her neck with just pure, raw need. He dragged her into the elevator with him, the doors barely beginning to close before he shoved her back against the wall.

Her breath broke on a gasp.

His mouth was on hers instantly.

His lips crashed into hers with a force that stole every thought from her mind. His body pinned her to the cold metal wall, one hand locked on her neck, the other slamming the elevator button over and over as if he could force the doors to hurry and seal them off from the world.

The doors slid shut.

And he lost the last thread of control.

His fingers tightened at the base of her skull, angling her exactly how he wanted. His mouth moved fiercely like he had been starving and finally let himself taste her. His tongue slid into her mouth in one sharp, claiming sweep, tangling with hers, dragging a soft sound from her throat that only made him kiss her harder.

He pressed closer, chest flush against hers, breath harsh, body heat pouring into her. Her hands clutched his shirt, trying to steady herself, but he didn’t let her. He kissed her deeper, pushing her into the wall, locking her in place with his hips.

His lips dragged down to her lower lip, biting lightly before pulling it into his mouth until her knees almost gave out. He felt it. A low sound rumbled in his chest, something dark and satisfied.

He came back up to her mouth, kissing her again, slower this time but hotter, like he wanted to taste every part of her. Histhumb stroked the side of her throat, feeling her pulse race against his skin.

When he finally tore his mouth from hers, he didn’t step back. He didn’t even breathe properly. He stayed right in her space, their lips still brushing, his forehead nearly touching hers as he looked at her.

Dark. Smoldering. Completely undone.

“Do you really need more time to believe this is real?” His voice was low, threaded with longing.

Mia blinked up at him, confusion flickering in her eyes. “What… what’s real?”

Alexander’s dark eyes held hers, frustration and desire mingling in the hard lines of his face. Just as he opened his mouth to answer, the elevator doors slid open. Instantly, he positioned himself in front of her, shielding her from the view of the two employees stepping in—a man and a woman, chatting casually, oblivious to the intensity pressed against the elevator walls.

“Did you hear? Mr. Graves is having a meeting with Janet in a private room today,” the woman whispered.

The man nodded. “Yeah, he even booked a private room just for her. Isn’t she the same woman who used to attend events with him? I think she’s the only woman in his life. Could he have secretly married her? There are rumors that he got married months ago.”

Mia’s eyes, which had been fixed on Alexander’s throat, flicked up to his face. Surprise, disbelief, and rising anger warred across her features.

Her brows furrowed, lips pressing into a tight line. ‘Couldn’t he have met her somewhere else? A restaurant? A public place?’ shethought, her chest tightening. ‘He booked a private room in his office?! And people are already saying she’s his wife? Then what the hell am I?’

Her hand shot into his suit jacket, pinching his waist sharply. Alexander flinched, looking down at her, surprise flashing in his narrowed eyes as he met her fierce gaze.

Meanwhile, the employees continued gossiping, oblivious to the tension vibrating between Mia and Alexander.

“Yeah, I think he’s involved with Janet,” the woman whispered, giggling. “He’s never been alone with a woman like this. Even his most private deals had Allen, and lawyers present. But now… a private room with Janet? I wonder what’s going on.”

The man leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Some even say… he’s gay?”

The woman laughed softly. “Yeah, it could be true. Have you seen how close Allen and Mr. Graves are? Janet and Allen are the only people he’s mostly alone with. Janet, everyone knows, he uses her as a wall at the parties. But Allen? I’ve heard rumors Allen and Mr. Graves are…together. Someone even wrote a romantic fanfiction about them. What was it called… what the hell was it…?”

“I remember that! The title was "The CEO and His Handsome Secretary.” The man laughed, slapping his thigh. “I read it too.”

Mia’s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. Her hand flew to her mouth, covering it in shock and fascination. She rose slightly onto her tiptoes, craning forward to catch every word, curiosity pushing her forward despite herself.

Alexander, instantly aware, kept a firm hand pressed to her waist, grounding her, preventing her from leaning too far. ButMia persisted, inching upward, her eyes glued to the gossiping employees over his shoulder.

With a sharp, controlled movement, Alexander grabbed the back of her head, pressing her face against his chest to stop her from arching up. His fingers dug gently into her hair, anchoring her as he subtly exhaled a warning through his jawline.

The woman continued giggling. “I heard there are many spicy scenes in that fanfiction.” She covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.