Playing With Fire

Ash's POVThe moment Zane walked out of my office, I leaned back against the door, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. This... thing between us is spiraling, and fast. It's thrilling and terrifying all at once.Zane's more than just some passing attraction. He's under my skin, living rent-free in my thoughts, and no matter how hard I try to focus on work, it always comes back to him. Those snarky comments, the way his eyes light up when he's mad—hell, even his presence is a distraction. It's messing with my head in a way no one else ever has.And yet, I can't afford distractions. My business is my life, and the risks... they're enormous. One misstep, one wrong move, and it all comes crashing down. But what I feel for Zane—it's not something I can just shove aside.I run a hand through my hair, pacing the room. A relationship, or whatever this thing between us is becoming, isn't just dangerous—it's reckless. But every time I'm near him, every time I hear his voice, the careful control I've worked so hard to build slips.I don't know if I'm ready for what happens if we go further. But I do know one thing—I'm not letting him go. Not now.My phone buzzes on the desk, dragging me out of my thoughts. I pick it up, seeing a name that pulls me back to reality in the harshest way possible: Harper.Damn it.I hesitate before answering, knowing this conversation is going to be messy. Harper and I go way back, but whatever we had is long dead. Still, her involvement in the business keeps her around—and keeps the complications in my life growing."Harper," I say as I answer, my voice guarded. "What's up?""Ash." Her voice is smooth, too smooth. "I've been hearing some interesting things lately. Care to share what's going on with your new secretary?"My stomach drops. How the hell does she know anything about Zane and me? We've barely crossed the line, and already, someone's sniffing around?"What are you talking about?" I ask, keeping my voice level."Come on, Ash. You know I hear things. I always do. You should be careful... people might get the wrong idea." Her words are laced with implication, and I can practically hear the smirk on her lips.I grit my teeth. Harper's always been one to play games, especially when it involves things she can use to her advantage. But Zane? That's a line she doesn't get to cross."You're overstepping, Harper," I warn, my voice turning cold. "What I do or don't do with my employees is none of your concern.""Oh, but I think it is." She chuckles, and the sound grates on my nerves. "You know as well as I do that a scandal could destroy you. Do you really want to risk that?"My fist tightens around the phone. Harper's never been subtle, and this is no different. She's threatening me—warning me that if I don't play things carefully, she'll use it against me. She's always been like this, circling like a vulture when she smells vulnerability.But she's right about one thing—a scandal could ruin everything. And if word about Zane and me gets out before we're even certain what we're doing... it's going to get messy, fast."Thanks for the concern," I say, my voice clipped. "But I'll handle my own business.""Of course you will." Her voice is smug. "Just don't say I didn't warn you. It'd be a shame to see you lose everything because of some... distraction."She hangs up before I can respond, leaving me standing there, seething. Harper's a problem. She always has been. And if she's sniffing around this early, I need to be careful. Very careful.I sit down at my desk, staring at my phone, the weight of everything pressing down on me. I'm playing with fire, and the more I get involved with Zane, the higher the stakes become.But the thought of walking away? It's not an option. Not anymore.Zane's POVI've always hated this. The waiting. The uncertainty.After Ash pulled me into his office and kissed me again, I thought maybe things were starting to fall into place. But the second I walked out, I was hit with the realization that nothing's settled. We're still in limbo, walking a tightrope with no safety net.The office feels suffocating today. I catch glimpses of Ash through the glass walls of his office, but every time I look, he's on the phone or deep in some meeting. We haven't spoken since our last conversation, and it's driving me insane.Does he regret what happened again? Did something change?I scroll aimlessly through my emails, trying to focus on anything other than the gnawing tension in my chest. My phone vibrates on the desk, breaking the silence, and I grab it, hoping it's Ash.But it's not. It's from my friend, Levi.Levi: Hey, wanna grab drinks tonight?I glance at Ash's office, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. Maybe I do need to get out for a bit. Clear my head. Pretend, just for a few hours, that my life isn't spiraling into some twisted soap opera.Me: Yeah, I'm down. Usual spot?Levi: Yep. See you at 8.I shove my phone back into my pocket, deciding that a few hours of distraction might be exactly what I need. Something to shake off this weird energy and get me out of my head.As the clock ticks closer to the end of the day, I try to push the thoughts of Ash and Harper and all the messy complications out of my mind. But deep down, I know that no matter how hard I try, I can't ignore what's happening between Ash and me.I'm playing with fire, and part of me knows I'm going to get burned. But right now, I don't care.