The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 281: Jealousy

Chapter 281: Jealousy

"I’ve never seen him smile like that before..." The receptionist’s protest reached his ears, likely shared with another employee who had just walked in. He couldn’t help but chuckle as he stepped into the elevator.

From enduring the complexities of his ex-girlfriend to navigating the unexpected hurdles throw by his own brother, their relationship had weathered storms that would have torn many apart. Yet, rather than weakening their bond, these challenges had only tightened what they had together. Still, a lingering thought tugged at him.

He could not help thinking just how much he’d let himself be concerned with matters concerning Stella. She had grown into his skin, like a comfortable familiarity he hadn’t anticipated. In the beginning, their arrangement had been just that—an arrangement, a means to an end. But now, as he traced back their journey, he realized that somewhere along the way, lines had blurred.

The thought of its potential end never held much weight, for neither of them had broached the subject. Yet, as days turned to weeks, and weeks into months, the prospect of her slipping through his fingers began to gnaw at him. One would detach at that point, given the nature of their agreement. but as much as that was the required thing to do, Matteo found himself unwilling to sever the growing connection.

And so, rather than letting go, he found himself getting jealous, and even acting on it. What prompted these actions? Perhaps it was a primal instinct, a possessive desire to keep her for himself, an urge to shield her from the gaze of others, to safeguard the intimate synchrony of their movements—the symphony of her moans as he delved into her depths, the fervent melding of their lips, and his intoxication in her potent passion.

Jealousy... who wouldn’t get jealous having such a woman open to the whims of others?! Who, in his shoes, wouldn’t experience it? After all, Stella was an enigma, a tempest of allure and fire. He justified his possessive inclinations with a barrage of ’rational’ explanations as he stepped into the confines of his office.

The room held echoes of a bittersweet memory, one where Stella had fled at the sight of him entangled with Lorena, their closeness spiking a misunderstanding. The image of her retreating form, wounded and betrayed, reverberated in his thoughts.

That particular episode had left a lingering bitterness, a taste of regret he still savored. He remembered the countless times he’d called her, only to be met with silence. Those days, he had continued in his work, albeit with lost focus, and nearly lost a crucial deal due to his lack of concentration and the erratic pulse of his emotions.

A great feeling of loss had overwhelmed him, a sensation more intense than he had anticipated. It was during that moment that he truly grasped the gravity of what losing her would entail.

He chuckled as memories of that day came flooding his mind. It was a simple truth—sharing one’s thoughts, fears, and hopes was the cornerstone of any relationship.

Communication.

With a casual stride, he crossed the room and settled into his seat, the cool leather offering a momentary distraction from his thoughts as it singed through his clothes. Today, he had opted for a classic black dress shirt that contrasted sharply with the snug navy-blue jeans.

While everything went well, his mind was consumed by the desire to spend more quality time with Stella, to nurture the fragile bond they had cultivated. And just as he began to immerse himself in contemplation, his phone’s persistent chime broke the tranquility—another message from his ex.

The day had barely started, yet her calls and texts were endless. Ignoring her had been his strategy, hoping that she would get the message and eventually relent. He hesitated to block her, wary of the message it might send. But as her persistence continued, the idea grew more appealing.

Just as he was about to reach for his phone, a new number flashed on the screen, accompanied by an incoming call.

It’s most definitely her. He concluded, a faint frown touching his features as the persistent ringing of his phone refused to be ignored. Leaning back in his seat, he contemplated whether to dismiss it as another one of her attempts or consider the unlikely possibility that it was someone else—perhaps a new client seeking his attention.

With a mix of curiosity and reluctance, he finally reached for his phone and accepted the call. "Hello," his voice was an understated murmur.

"Matteo, please, don’t hang up. Let’s talk—"

His response was swift, and his tone unforgiving. "Don’t under any circumstances, call me again." Without waiting for a response, he ended the call. His phone found its way back to the desk, his fingers drumming a frustrated rhythm.

As if on cue, a gentle knock echoed through the room. An exasperated growl escaped him, irritation mounting. What began as a promising day was now taking an unexpected turn into stress territory. With a sigh, he pressed his palm against his forehead. Yet, a resigned acceptance colored his voice as he gave his approval for entry.

Unwelcome as it was, Stella stood at the entrance, wearing a beguiling smile with an aura that succeeded in shifting the narrative of his morning once again.

"I’ve come to report for work, Mr. Quinn," her voice carried a measured allure, a hint of seduction veiled beneath professionalism. Matteo’s response was a slow, appreciative smile, the kind that sent a flush of pink dancing across her cheeks.

"Come in, Ms. Rossi," his voice held a subtle undercurrent of intimacy, inviting her closer. And she did, stepping fully into the room. Her attire, a knee-length turtleneck dress with long sleeves, paired with beige suede stilettos and a matching knee-length kimono, spoke of the diligent personal assistant she was. Yet, Matteo’s thoughts wandered far from her professionalism. What he yearned for was to strip away those layers of clothing, to reveal the seductive allure that lay beneath.