His Secret

19. Matías

CHAPTER NINETEEN

MATíAS

When I woke up the morning after our work trip, I almost regretted telling Adrian what I did—about my little fantasy. But at the same time, he asked, and I wanted to tell him. I can’t regret something I wanted to do, right?

But it’s not going to get me anything. It didn’t bring me comfort or make me feel any better about the situation we’re in. He’s still married. It doesn’t matter what I want to do to him or with him. It doesn’t matter that I want him bent over so I can spank him and flog him—punishing him for the past while simultaneously quenching the thirst I have.

I ignored him for the next couple of days, as best as I could, anyway, while remaining a professional at work. The truth of the matter is…it’s becoming harder to act like I’m not affected by his presence. I’m still upset about how he broke my heart, but he’s here now. He’s back in my life, and really, that’s all I ever wanted. I just want him to be single.

His marriage means nothing to me. It’s bullshit. It’s a facade and a lie, and he and I both know it. Why he’s with her, I don’t know, but it’s not because he believes she’s his soulmate. It’s not possible .

My phone rings as I stare out of my office window, watching Adrian talk with one of his team members.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Cruz, I’m just checking in regarding the upcoming conference.”

It’s the VP of our department—Mr. Wright.

“Yes, sir. We’ve made our travel arrangements already. Tom Nelson is stepping into my role while I’m gone, so we won’t get behind.”

“Perfect. Please make sure our new project manager is aware he’ll be attending. A few new analysts will join as well. In total, we’ll have thirteen people from our office attending.”

“Oh, okay. Yes, sir.”

“Talk later.”

The call ends and I huff out a breath. Why is the universe testing my strength?

I walk over to my door and open it up. “Mr. Kennedy? Can I speak to you for a minute?”

Adrian looks up and then says a few words to the guy he’s talking to before heading over.

I’m at my desk when he walks in, so he closes the door and lingers in front of it, putting his hands in his pockets.

“What’s up?”

I rub the section of skin between my eyebrows. “We have a conference next week. We’ve known about it for a while, but Mr. Wright just called and said to ensure you know you’ll be attending.”

“Okay,” he says a little slowly. “Where?”

“Las Vegas.”

“Oh. Okay,” he replies.

“I can send you an email with the dates and hotel information, however, this close to the conference, I worry they won’t have rooms available on site. ”

“Well, I guess we’ll see.”

A moment passes between us where we’re silent, just looking at each other. I nod and pretend to focus on my computer.

“I’ll wait for your email,” he says, opening the door.

Then he’s gone.

An hour later, his response pops into my inbox.

Mr. Cruz,

You were right. The hotel the conference is being held in is completely booked. As are the nearest two. I will likely be a few hotels down the strip. Do you have an itinerary so I can plan to get there on time?

Adrian Kennedy

I hit reply and attach the itinerary, ready to send it with only that, but I hesitate. The devil on my shoulder whispers in my ear, and there’s no angel on the other side to counter the thoughts.

It’s reckless, wrong, and a terrible idea.

He’s married. I’m his boss. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

I begin typing.

Mr. Kennedy ,

I might have an idea. If you’d like to meet me in my office, we can discuss.

Mr. Cruz

Director of Project Management

I hit send and wait. I don’t know if he’s read it already and is hesitating or downright refusing to come in here, or if he’s simply busy and not had time to read it.

Ten minutes. Fifteen minutes. Thirty minutes later, and I know he’s had to have seen it. I look at the clock and realize it’s almost time to go home for the weekend.

Maybe it’s for the best.

As I grab my things and turn off my computer, there’s a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

I stand at the side of my desk, my keys in one hand and briefcase in the other.

“You asked me to come speak with you,” Adrian says, eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of concern.

Now that time has passed, I’m backing down on my idea. I probably shouldn’t bring it up. I can just make up something else.

The door clicks behind Adrian, and he leans against it, his eyes traveling the length of my body.

I inhale through my nose, my mind lost in filthy thoughts and sinful desires.

“I booked a suite. There’s two bedrooms.”

His head lifts marginally, eyes widening only a little bit. “Oh.”

“It’s pretty spacious. ”

He stands up straight, hands coming out of his pockets so he can cross his arms over his chest.

“Okay.”

“There are early speeches, and if you want breakfast, you’ll need to be up even earlier. It’s easier to stay on location.”

“Right,” he says, not giving me any indication about what he’s thinking.

“And like I said, we’d have our own rooms. Separated by a living room.”

“Right,” he says again. “Okay. Yeah. Can I let you know?”

I nod. “Sure.”

I start walking toward him and he moves away from the door, eyes on me.

“Matías?”

I stop, angling my head over my shoulder. We’re so close. Inches separate his face from mine.

“Yes?”

“It’s not a good idea, is it?”

My tongue wets my bottom lip as I stare at him. “Probably not.”

He nods once and I leave.