Part 15 ( Juliet )

The steady rhythm of my pen scratching against paper is the only sound in my office, a soothing contrast to the constant noise of the city beyond the windows. The sky is already starting to shift into warm hues of orange and pink, signaling the approach of evening.

I exhale, straightening in my chair as I review the final details of a contract, ensuring every clause is airtight. My days are structured, precise, controlled, exactly the way I need them to be.

At least, they usually are.

The moment my office door cracks open, I know that peace is about to be disrupted.

I don't look up immediately. "If it's about the Greystone acquisition, tell legal they'll have my notes by tomorrow morning."

"It's not legal," Claire's voice is smooth, professional, but I pick up on the slight hesitation beneath it. "Your five o'clock meeting has arrived."

I sigh, setting my pen down, finally lifting my gaze to her.

She's standing just inside the door, her expression carefully neutral, but there's something in the way she's watching me, like she's waiting to gauge my reaction.

Because she knows exactly who's waiting for me.

Ellie.

A slow, dull pressure builds behind my temples, but I keep my expression unreadable as I lean back in my chair.

"She's early," I note.

Claire nods. "By ten minutes."

I smooth a hand down the sleeve of my blazer, inhaling slowly. "Let them in."

Claire nods, stepping out to retrieve them.

For half a second, I allow my eyes to drift toward the window, toward the sprawling skyline beyond the glass, the city bathed in golden light.

A few days ago, this meeting would've been just another business deal. A name on a list. A simple, calculated decision. But now, after that night, after the club, it feels like something else entirely.nI tighten my jaw, forcing away the unwelcome memory.

This is just another meeting. That's all.

The soft sound of the door opening pulls my focus back.

Anthony Vasquez steps in first, his usual confident smirk firmly in place, his suit crisp, his energy laid-back. "Miss Baldwin," he greets, his tone smooth, practiced.

I nod once in acknowledgment. "Mr. Vasquez."

Ellie steps in behind him, her presence as immediate and undeniable as always. She's dressed differently than at the club, no hoodie, no reckless energy, but she still carries herself with that same effortless confidence, that same sharp intensity that makes her impossible to ignore.

She meets my gaze evenly, no hesitation, no flicker of anything that might hint at what happened between us.

Good.

That makes two of us.

"Miss Baldwin," Ellie says, her voice calm, detached.

Professional.

I nod. "Miss Crawford."

No hesitation. No familiarity. Just business.

Anthony gestures between us, a little too amused for my liking. "Alright, ladies. Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, let's get to it."

I motion toward the chairs across from my desk, watching as Anthony takes his seat without hesitation. Ellie follows, her movements measured, smooth. She sits back, crossing her legs, her posture relaxed in that deceptively casual way that says she's completely in control.

I straighten, hands folded neatly atop my desk. "Let's talk numbers."

Anthony leans forward, adjusting his cufflinks before flashing one of his signature, easygoing smirks. "Alright, Baldwin. Here's the deal." His voice is smooth, confident, the kind of tone he uses when he knows he's offering something too good to pass up.

I listen, unmoving, as he continues.

"We're offering you ten percent of the club's shares in exchange for the property," he says. "As discussed with Ellie, you'll have a cut of the profits, a seat at the table when it comes to major decisions. You won't just be leasing the land, you'll be part of something bigger. This isn't just a one-time deal, Juliet. It's an investment that will keep paying off for years."

I let the words settle, my gaze flickering between Anthony and Ellie.

Ellie hasn't said a word yet, but I can feel her watching me.

I tilt my head slightly, my voice even when I reply, "Make it twenty."

Anthony blinks, his smirk faltering just slightly, like he wasn't expecting me to push back so quickly.

"Fifteen," she counters immediately, her tone sharp, controlled.

I arch a brow, shifting my attention fully onto her. "Twenty."

Ellie exhales slowly, her posture still relaxed, but I don't miss the way her jaw tightens just slightly. "Fifteen."

I lean forward, resting my forearms on the desk, locking eyes with her. "I think you forget that you need me. I don't have to give my property away. I don't need you."

The tension spikes, thick enough to suffocate.

Anthony, still oblivious to whatever this is between me and Ellie, chuckles like we're all just having a friendly negotiation. "Alright, alright, let's not get too crazy," he says, rubbing the back of his neck. "Eighteen. That's fair."

Ellie's eyes are still on me, unwavering, unreadable.

I hold her gaze for a beat longer before finally leaning back.

I don't smile. I don't concede.

But I nod.

"Eighteen."

Ellie exhales through her nose, the smallest, sharpest smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Fine."

Anthony claps his hands together once. "Perfect. Now, let's get this in writing."

I press a button on my desk phone. "Claire, bring in the paperwork."

A moment later, my assistant steps inside, a neatly prepared stack of documents in hand. She moves with practiced efficiency, setting them down on my desk with a quiet nod before stepping back.

"These," I say smoothly, sliding the documents toward Ellie and Anthony, "include the revised contract with the eighteen percent share, as well as the NDA I requested."

Ellie's brows furrow slightly. "NDA?"

I nod, clasping my hands together. "I'm sure you understand that if we're working together, there will be certain... boundaries that must be respected."

Ellie's eyes flick to mine, sharp and knowing. "Boundaries."

"Yes," I say, my tone deliberate. "This ensures that any discussions, decisions, or details regarding this partnership remain strictly confidential. It's standard practice when dealing with Baldwin Lux."

I see the flicker of something behind her gaze, something that tells me she knows damn well this NDA isn't just about the business deal.

She taps the pen against the paper once before exhaling sharply, her smirk cutting. "Of course. Strictly professional."

The words are a challenge. A reminder.

I arch a brow but say nothing, watching as she finally lowers the pen and signs her name.

Anthony follows suit, flipping through the documents with ease before adding his signature.

I take my time reviewing the paperwork, scanning each page before sliding the stack toward Claire. "File these. Copies to legal and accounting."

Claire nods, scooping them up before disappearing out the door.

The deal is done.

And yet, as I glance at Ellie one last time, the tension between us doesn't ease.

If anything, it settles deeper.

Unspoken. Undeniable. Dangerous.

Anthony pushes back his chair, standing with the same effortless confidence he always carries. He smooths out his suit jacket, flashing me that usual charming grin. "Pleasure doing business with you, Baldwin."

I stand, extending my hand, my own expression perfectly composed. "Likewise."

He shakes it firmly before glancing over at Ellie. She hasn't moved.

Anthony clears his throat. "Crawford?"

She still doesn't move.

I see the exact second Anthony clocks it, the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. He tilts his head slightly. "Let's go."

Ellie finally blinks, but she doesn't shift, doesn't stand, doesn't acknowledge him at all at first. Instead, she exhales, rolling her shoulders back, still leaning into her chair.

"I'll meet you later," she says, voice smooth.

Anthony frowns. "Ellie—"

"I said later," she repeats, her tone leaving no room for argument.

A flicker of something, confusion, maybe even suspicion, crosses Anthony's face. His gaze flickers between us briefly, like he's trying to piece together whatever the fuck this is.

But he doesn't push. Instead, he exhales sharply, shaking his head before stepping toward the door. "Alright," he mutters. "Don't take too long."

I don't respond. Neither does Ellie.

We wait.

The moment the door clicks shut behind him, silence floods the room.

Tense. Suffocating. Heavy.

Ellie still hasn't moved.

She's just sitting there, staring at the edge of my desk like she's trying to find something to focus on, something to ground herself with.

I arch a brow, keeping my voice steady, controlled. "You wanted to be alone with me, Crawford. So what is it?"

She exhales slowly, finally looking up, her blue eyes locking onto mine.

Ellie doesn't speak.

She just sits there, staring at me, eyes dark. Seconds stretch between us, thick with something heavy, something dangerous.

I keep my posture relaxed, unaffected. I tilt my head slightly, arching a brow. "Are you going to keep gawking at me, or...?"

Her jaw tightens, her fingers curling into her lap.

Finally, she exhales. "What happened at the club—"

I don't react. I don't flinch. I just watch her, waiting.

"I have a girlfriend," she mutters, her voice quieter now, rougher.

I tilt my head, my smirk slow, sharp. "Exactly. You kissed me." I lean forward, resting my chin against my palm, my gaze locking onto hers. "So that sounds like a you problem, Crawford."

Her jaw clenches. "Jesus, Juliet—"

"What?" I interrupt, my voice saccharine, teasing. "Am I wrong?"

Ellie exhales sharply, pushing a hand through her hair, clearly irritated. "This isn't a game."

I chuckle, low and amused.

Her fingers tap against her thigh, her expression tight. "Why do you keep pushing?"

I lean back, watching her. "Why do you keep reacting?"

Ellie lets out a sharp, humorless laugh, shaking her head. "You're fucking crazy."

I smirk. "And here you are, alone with me, arguing over a kiss you claim should've never happened."

Her lips press into a thin line. "I'm serious, Juliet."

"So am I." I tilt my head, studying her. "Tell me—did you tell Bella?"

Ellie stiffens.

I smirk. "That's what I thought."

She huffs out a breath, frustrated. "It's not like that."

"No?" I arch a brow. "Then what's it like, exactly?"

She glares at me. "You wouldn't understand."

I hum, tapping my nails against the desk. "Try me."

Ellie exhales sharply, her head tilting back slightly, like she's trying to keep herself together. "I—" She stops, gritting her teeth.

I wait.

She drags a hand down her face. "I love her."

I raise a brow. "Congratulations."

Ellie scoffs, shaking her head. "Fuck you."

I smirk, resting my chin in my palm again. "I mean it. You have a girlfriend you claim to love. And yet, you're here. Talking to me about a kiss you supposedly regret." I tilt my head. "Seems contradictory, don't you think?"

Ellie glares at me. "You don't get it."

"Enlighten me."

She exhales sharply. "I—" She stops again, shaking her head. "You drive me fucking insane, you know that?"

I smirk. "I do."

Ellie leans back in her chair, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know why I even bother."

I shrug. "Neither do I."

She stares at me for a long moment, something unreadable flickering in her gaze. She presses her lips together, her fingers drumming against the armrest of her chair. "This—" She gestures vaguely between us. "This isn't a thing. It's never going to be a thing."

I arch a brow. "Sure."

She narrows her eyes. "I mean it."

I nod, perfectly composed. "Of course."

Ellie lets out a slow, measured breath, watching me carefully. "You're messing with me."

I smirk. "I don't have to."

Ellie tilts her head, studying me. "You think I don't know what you're doing?"

I arch a brow. "What am I doing, exactly?"

She leans forward slightly. "You're trying to get under my skin."

I smile, slow and knowing. "And is it working?"

Her jaw tightens. "No."

I hum. "Are you sure?"

Ellie exhales, dragging a hand down her face. "You're impossible."

I chuckle. "So I've been told."

She shakes her head, muttering something under her breath before finally pushing back her chair. "I need to go."

I nod, unfazed. "Of course."

Ellie stands, something warring behind her eyes.

I tilt my head, watching her. "Something else you'd like to say, Crawford?"

Her jaw clenches. "No."

I smirk. "Pity."

"I'll see you at the next meeting."

I hum. "Looking forward to it."

I mirror her, standing with the same composed efficiency, smoothing down the sleeve of my blazer as I extend my hand.

She doesn't hesitate.

Her grip is firm, warm, her palm pressing against mine as we shake hands. Professional. Final. The deal is done.

But neither of us let go.

Ocean eyes lock onto mine, searching, scanning, lingering.

There's something unspoken between us, something thick and dangerous, something we've both been avoiding, denying, pretending doesn't exist.

Her fingers tighten around mine, just slightly, barely noticeable, but I feel it. I feel everything.

Neither of us moves. Neither of us breathes.

The tension is unbearable.

We crash.

I don't know who moves first. I don't care.

One second, we're standing there, hands clasped, staring each other down. The next, our mouths collide in a kiss so hard, so consuming, that it knocks the breath straight out of me.

Ellie's hand slides up, gripping the back of my neck, pulling me closer, deeper. Her body presses into mine, her other hand moving to my waist, fingers digging into the fabric of my blazer.

I gasp against her lips, and she takes advantage, swallowing the sound as she kisses me harder, more desperate, more needy than she should be.

It's messy. It's hot. It's everything we swore we wouldn't do.

But I don't care.

I match her, my hands moving instinctively, one slipping into her hair, the other fisting the front of her shirt, keeping her against me. She groans against my mouth, and the sound shoots straight through me, igniting something that has been buried for far too fucking long.

She presses me back against the desk, moving between my legs, deepening the kiss.

She pulls me closer, her fingers tightening around my waist, her lips rough and desperate against mine. She bites my lower lip, sharp and punishing, and I exhale a breathy moan before tugging her impossibly closer.

•Skip if you don't like smut.

Ellie's hands slip beneath my blazer, fingers on my waist like she's trying to steady herself. Like she needs this just as much as I do.

Fuck—this feels good. This feels right.

Her lips are soft, but the way she kisses me is anything but. It's fire, it's recklessness, it's something wild and uncontrollable, something that burns through every rational thought in my head.

I smirk against her lips, but it quickly disappears when she grips my hips and presses into me, her thigh slotting between mine.

My breath catches.

Her lips move down my jaw, hot and impatient, teeth scraping against my skin as she moves lower and lower.

Ellie's hands slide up my body, pushing my blazer off my shoulders, down my arms, until it's a puddle of fabric on the floor.

I don't protest. I can't. Not with the way she's kissing me, her lips hot and demanding against my skin.

She moves back up, fingers trailing along my sides, my ribs, the swell of my breasts.

She cups me through my shirt, and I gasp, arching into the touch.

Ellie grins against my neck, nipping at the sensitive skin there.

She chuckles lowly, the sound vibrating through me as her hands continue their exploration. "For fuck's sake."

I fist my hands in her shirt, tugging impatiently. "Take your shirt off."

Ellie smirks, stepping back just enough to pull her own shirt over her head.

My breath catches at the sight of her. Toned muscles, smooth skin, that tattoo snaking around her arm, peeking out from beneath her black sport bra. She looks more muscular than she was 6 years ago. No surprise there. But damn.

And she's all mine. For now, at least.

I reach for her, but she bats my hands away, pushing me back onto the desk.

She leans over me, her lips finding mine again as her hands work on the buttons of my blouse.

I arch into her touch, desperate for more.

Finally, my shirt is open, Ellie's warm palms sliding over my own lace-covered breasts.

I groan, my head falling back.

"Fuck," I breathe.

Ellie smirks, fingers deftly unclasping my bra, tossing it aside.

Cool air hits my heated skin and I shiver, nipples pebbling even tighter. Ellie's eyes darken, fingers circling the sensitive peaks before pinching.

I moan, hips lifting involuntarily.

"Look at you." Ellie murmurs, voice low and rough with desire. "So fucking responsive."

She leans down, tongue flicking out to tease a nipple.

I shudder, fisting a hand in her hair.

She sucks me into her mouth, teeth grazing the sensitive bud.

"Ellie." I gasp, back arching off the desk.

Her hand trails lower, unbuttoning my pants, tugging down the zipper. I lift my hips eagerly, helping her shimmy them down my legs along with my soaked panties.

Now I'm bare before her, spread out like a fucking feast. And she's eating me up with her eyes.

She growls, fingers skimming up my thigh. "Are your walls soundproof?"

"Yes." I pant.

She grins wickedly "Good." Her fingers circle my clit.

I nearly sob at the touch, so sensitive already.

Her touch is firm, confident, knowing exactly how to work me higher. I'm drowning in pleasure, gasping and moaning, completely at her mercy. Two fingers slide inside me and I buck, walls clenching around the welcome intrusion.

"Fuck!" I cry out, hands scrabbling for purchase on the smooth wood of the desk.

She works me steadily, curling her fingers in a way that has me seeing stars.

"So tight." she murmurs. Her thumb continues its relentless assault on my clit and I know I won't last long like this.

"Ellie," I moan desperately. "I'm gonna-"

"I know," she croons. "Come for me. Now."

She thrusts hard and I shatter, vision whiting out as I come undone with a choked scream.

She works me through it, drawing out my orgasm until I'm boneless and shaking beneath her. I'm barely conscious as she straightens, quickly shoving down her pants and boxers.

Then she's there, hot and hard against my thigh, a bead of moisture leaking from the tip.

She grips my thighs, yanking me forward to the edge of the desk before pushing inside me in one smooth thrust.

I scream again, back arching at the sudden intrusion. She's so big, stretching me deliciously. She groans low in her throat, eyes fluttering closed for a moment as she savors the feel of me.

Then she's moving, setting a hard, driving rhythm that has me fisting the edge of the desk, fingers digging into the wood.

"Fuck, Juliet," she pants, hips snapping against mine. "You feel so good."

I can only moan in response, lost to the sensation of her splitting me open, filling me so deep I swear I can feel her in my throat.

She leans down, catching one of my nipples between her teeth, biting just shy of pain.

I cry out, walls clenching around her.

She snarls against my breast, hips moving faster, harder.

"C'mon Crawford. Give it to me." I moan out my words.

She does, pistoning into me with a force that has the desk creaking beneath us.

My orgasm builds quickly, hot and intense in my core.

"Come on my cock," Ellie commands, thumb finding my clit again.

Her filthy words are my undoing and I come with a wail, vision going black as pleasure crashes through me.

She follows shortly after, with a guttural groan, she pulls out and spills all over my stomach.

We collapse together on the desk, both panting harshly as we try to catch our breath.My body hums with satisfaction, limbs heavy and sated.

•End of smut.

The air in my office is thick, heavy with something neither of us are willing to acknowledge yet. The only sound between us is our breathing, harsh, uneven, tangled together in the quiet. My skin is still buzzing, my body thrumming with satisfaction as I lay beneath her, my back pressed against my desk, the cool wood a stark contrast to the heat still radiating off both of us.

Ellie hasn't moved. Her arms are braced on either side of me, her head lowered, forehead nearly touching mine. I can feel the rise and fall of her chest against mine, the way her muscles are still tense, still wound up despite what just happened.

I smirk, letting my fingers trail lightly over the expanse of her back, tracing lazy circles against her damp skin. "Huh." I murmur, voice laced with amusement.

Ellie huffs a laugh against my collarbone, but it's breathless, strained. "Shut up."

I grin, shifting slightly beneath her. The movement makes her hiss through her teeth, her hands tightening against the desk. She still hasn't looked at me yet. Still hasn't fully faced what we just did.

Which, of course, is the perfect opportunity for me to push.

I drag my nails lightly down her spine, smirking when I feel the subtle shiver that runs through her. "Careful, Crawford. You almost sound nervous."

She exhales sharply, finally lifting her head to meet my gaze. Her blue eyes are still dark, still wild from what we just did, but there's a guard up, carefully locked away.

I tilt my head, watching her. "What's wrong?" My voice is sweet, teasing. "Regretting it already?"

Ellie's jaw tenses. "Juliet."

I arch a brow. "What? We're just talking, aren't we?" I reach up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead, my fingers lingering against her skin. "Or does the truth make you uncomfortable?"

Her lips part, like she's about to snap back at me, but then she stops.

She hesitates. And that's when I know.

"Oh." I smirk, running my fingers lightly down her arm, feeling the way her muscles twitch beneath my touch. "You don't regret it."

Ellie stays silent. Doesn't confirm. But she doesn't deny it, either.

I hum, dragging my nails lightly across her ribs. "That's interesting," I muse. "Considering the whole 'this shouldn't have happened' speech you gave me last time."

Her eyes flicker with something sharp. "Juliet."

I grin. "What? You don't like hearing the truth?"

Her hands tighten against the desk again, and I know I'm getting to her. She knows I'm getting to her.

Good.

Because if she thinks she can walk out of here, pretend this was just a mistake, pretend it didn't mean anything, then she's delusional.

I drag my fingers down her stomach, teasing, feather-light, watching as her breath hitches slightly.

"You're so tense, Ellie," I murmur, letting my nails scrape lightly over her skin. "You should really learn to relax."

She exhales sharply, her hands gripping the edge of the desk so tightly that her knuckles turn white. "You love this, don't you?"

I grin. "What, us? Or just you like this?"

She glares, but it's weak. The kind of glare she gives when she's already losing the battle.

I smirk, trailing my fingers up her arm again, slow, lazy. "You know, if you came in here for a quick fuck, all you had to do was ask."

Ellie groans, dropping her forehead against my shoulder. "If I wanted a quick fuck, Baldwin, I would have went to Bella."

I hum, running my fingers lightly over the back of her neck. What she just said doesn't bother me. Not in the slightest.

She pulls back, her blue eyes burning into mine. "I have Bella, Juliet."

I arch a brow. "Do you?"

Ellie freezes.

I watch as her throat bobs, guilt flickers behind her eyes, not towards us, but herself. "Don't." she warns, her voice lower now.

I tilt my head. "I'm just asking a simple question. You keep saying you have a girlfriend. You keep reminding me. But you don't act like someone who's taken, Ellie." I drag my nails lightly down her back, watching the way her breath stutters. "So, tell me. What are you?"

She doesn't answer. She can't answer.

I smirk, lifting my chin. "That's what I thought."

Ellie exhales, her body still too close, too pressed against mine. Her eyes flicker to my lips, her fingers flexing against the desk like she wants to reach for me again.

I arch a brow. "Thinking about breaking the rules again?"

Ellie swallows hard, her voice rough. "I should go."

I hum, tapping a finger lightly against her collarbone. "You should."

But she doesn't move.

She stays right where she is, still hovering over me, still caught between whatever battle is waging in her head.

I let the silence stretch between us, thick, heavy, unyielding.

Then, slowly, I lean in, my lips brushing against the shell of her ear. "You're going to do this again," I whisper.

Ellie stiffens.

I smirk, dragging my lips down the side of her neck, just barely ghosting over her pulse. "You're going to tell yourself this was a mistake," I murmur. "You're going to pretend like it meant nothing. But then, you're going to come back."

Ellie's breath is unsteady, her jaw tight.

I press my lips to the corner of her jaw, soft, teasing. "And when you do?" I tilt my head, pressing my lips closer to her ear. "I'll be waiting."

Ellie curses under her breath, jerking back like she just snapped out of whatever haze I pulled her into. She steps away, grabbing her discarded shirt, yanking it over her head without looking at me.

I smirk, slowly sitting up, adjusting my own clothes with ease, my movements smooth, unhurried.

Ellie exhales sharply, running a hand through her hair as she finally looks at me again. Her blue eyes are still dark, still dangerous.

"This meant nothing to me." she says, but her voice is weak.

I smile. "Sure."

She glares. "I mean it."

I tilt my head. "If you say so."

Ellie clenches her jaw, exhaling harshly before stepping toward the door.

But right before she leaves, she hesitates.

Pauses. Like she's waiting for something. Like she knows she'll be back.

I smirk, leaning back against my desk. "See you around, Crawford."

Ellie doesn't look at me when she finally walks out. But she doesn't slam the door, either.