Tension and Desire

Orion’s POV

A meeting with Theo had already been scheduled. Yet, I couldn’t sit still.

Throughout the goddamn meeting, my foot tapped rhythmically against the marble floor beneath the table, a nervous tick I didn’t bother to suppress. My thumb rubbed absently over my cufflink, every nerve in my body taut. The discussion had devolved into monotonous chatter about models and contracts, but my mind? It was a battlefield.

Ava. Mason.

The image of him standing close to her—too close—burned behind my eyes like acid. Why the hell was he still looming around her? I had warned him. I had made it crystal clear that if he didn’t stay the fuck away from Ava, I’d leave him blind and crawling on the floor. And yet, there he was, still hovering like a vulture.

What is she even doing with him?

That question twisted in my gut, a mix of rage and something that felt dangerously like betrayal. Had I not done enough to remind her that she belonged to me? That I wouldn’t tolerate anyone else near her? My teeth clenched as I forced down the instinct to storm out and find them.

“Mr. Miller? Mr. Miller?”

A voice broke through the storm raging in my mind. I turned sharply, eyes narrowing at Colin.

“What?” My tone came out sharper than I intended, laced with my simmering agitation.

Colin cleared his throat, looking at me warily. “The client asked if the model is available for purchase.”

“What model?” I snapped, blinking as the fog of my thoughts cleared for half a second.

Colin gave me a confused look. The silence around the table grew thick. Realizing how out of it I must look, I ran a hand through my hair and exhaled.

“Apologies,” I said to the client stiffly, straightening my posture. “Colin, handle the rest. I trust you.”

Without waiting for a response, I pushed my chair back and strode out of the room. I didn’t care about the curious stares following me—I had more important things to deal with.

“Take me to Miller Enterprises,” I barked at the driver as I climbed into the backseat. The moment the car began moving, I checked my watch, each tick an agonizing delay.

The car hadn’t even rolled to a full stop before I was already out, moving swiftly toward the building. Someone called my name as I passed through the lobby. I ignored it. A few employees tried to stop me for greetings and small talk. I shot them a look that could freeze lava, and they backed off instantly.

I punched the elevator button, glaring at the doors as though sheer force of will could make them move faster. The damn thing seemed deliberately sluggish today. My foot resumed its tapping, the beat faster now, impatient.

When it finally reached the top floor, I moved down the corridor like a man possessed, my steps loud and purposeful. I didn’t knock. I didn’t wait. I pushed the door open.

And there he was.

Mason fucking Brown.

He was standing close—too close—to Ava. His posture was easy, almost casual, as though he belonged there. My gaze zeroed in on how his body angled toward her, the way his arm rested just inches from hers.

Ava looked up in surprise, her face registering confusion. Mason, on the other hand, smirked, as if this was exactly the reaction he’d hoped for.

I didn’t think. I moved.

Before Mason could say a word, I closed the distance between us in two strides and shoved him back—hard.

“What the hell are you doing here?” My voice was low, dangerous, the kind that promised nothing good.

Mason stumbled but caught himself, his smirk only widening. “Easy there, Orion,” he said, his tone mocking. “We’re just talking business.”

“I warned you,” I growled, stepping closer, my fists curled at my sides. “I told you to stay away from her.”

“And I asked you—” Mason tilted his head, unfazed—“why you suddenly care so much about Ava. I thought she was just your wife by name.”

The anger bubbling inside me nearly boiled over. I didn’t realize I’d taken another step toward him until Ava’s voice cut through the tension.

“Stop it, both of you!” Her tone was sharp, exasperated. She turned to me with those fiery eyes of hers. “Orion, Mason is here for a reason. Our architect called off last minute, and Mason stepped in. He’s handling the new building downtown.”

My jaw clenched. I looked at Mason, who stood smugly beside her, and then back at Ava. “How convenient,” I said through gritted teeth. “What are the odds that the architect just happened to cancel, and Mason here—your new savior—just happens to be an architect?”

Ava frowned, glancing at Mason. “What are you even saying? It’s not odd at all.”

“Oh, it’s odd,” I shot back, my voice rising. “Am I the only one who thinks it’s strange that he always seems to be around when you need him?”

They both stared at me like I’d grown two heads.

“Enough, Orion,” Ava sighed.

I turned to her, my tone dropping an octave, colder now. “Fire him.”

“What?” Ava blinked.

“You heard me.” I shot Mason a look. “I’ll hire the best architect in town to replace him.”

Mason laughed dryly, his smugness only fueling my anger. “I am the best in town. You’ll have a hard time finding anyone better.”

Ava chuckled softly at that.

The sound of it—her chuckling at something Mason Brown said—snapped something inside me. I turned toward her, leaning close enough that my voice was a low murmur only she could hear.

“Why are you laughing at his jokes? Why are you comfortable with him in this room when I’m standing right here?” My words came out possessive, seething. “You think he can make you laugh? I can make you laugh so hard, Ava, you’ll be wet for hours.”

Her eyes widened, a sharp intake of breath escaping her lips as she stifled a small hiccup. My hand snaked around her waist instinctively, pulling her closer.

I turned to Mason, the smirk wiped from his face now. “If you’re going to work on this project, you’ll report to Rose. You will not speak to Ava again. That’s the only condition.”

Mason’s jaw tightened. “You don’t get to dictate—”

I cut him off, my tone lethal. “Do you have a problem with that?”

He glanced at Ava, hesitating. She didn’t say a word, just stared at me, wide-eyed.

I smiled coldly. “Good. My wife agrees. Now run along, Mr. Architect. Get to work.”

Mason’s fists clenched at his sides as he stormed out of the office, shooting one last look at Ava before disappearing down the hall.

The moment the door closed, I locked it. The sharp click echoed through the room. Ava turned toward me, her expression torn between anger and something else.

“Orion—”

I didn’t let her finish. I grabbed her, pulling her up onto the desk, scattering files in my wake. Her breath hitched as I ripped her blouse open, buttons flying.

I spread her legs, settling between them, my voice a growl as I leaned in.

“Remember what I said, Ava?” My hands gripped her thighs, my lips a breath from her ear. “I’ll teach your body to respond only to me. First class begins now.”