Chapter 30: The Web Tightens

The tension between them had been building for days—weeks, really. Every moment they spent together in the face of danger, every quiet conversation they shared while plotting Merlyn's downfall, brought them closer. But beneath the surface of their professional alliance was something more primal, something that neither of them could deny.

Henry had always prided himself on his self-control. He had built his life around it. But with Helena, he found himself losing that control, piece by piece. Every glance, every touch, every heated conversation sent sparks flying between them, igniting a fire that Henry had trouble extinguishing.

It had been a long day—plans were in motion, and they were closer than ever to taking down Merlyn. But when Helena walked into his office, her presence had an immediate effect on him. She was dressed in black leather, her hair cascading down her back, and the moment she stepped inside, Henry knew there was no turning back.

Without a word, she closed the door behind her, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made his breath catch. She was dangerous, beautiful, and unpredictable. Just like him. But this time, there was something in her gaze—something that told him she wasn't just here for business.

"You look like you've been thinking too much," Helena said, her voice low and sultry, stepping closer. Her heels clicked softly against the floor, each step bringing her nearer to him.

Henry didn't bother with pleasantries. "You could say that." He rose from his chair, eyes never leaving hers. "But what are you doing here, Helena?"

Helena smiled, a dangerous glint in her eyes. She was standing inches from him now, her breath mixing with his as the air between them thickened. "I think you know why I'm here."

Before Henry could respond, she reached up, her fingers lightly brushing across his chest. It was enough to make his heart skip, his pulse racing. The touch was electric.

Helena stepped even closer, her lips grazing his ear as she whispered, "I'm here because I want you, Henry."

That was all it took.

Henry's hands shot out, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her roughly against him. The suddenness of the movement caught her off guard for only a second before she wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips crashing against his. He kissed her with a desperation he couldn't contain, his hands sliding down her body, gripping her tighter, as if to prove something to himself.

Her hands were everywhere, pulling at his shirt, wanting more of him, and Henry didn't hesitate. He yanked the fabric off in one fluid motion, his skin bare against hers. She pressed herself into him, her body molded to his, feeling the heat of his skin against hers. There was no space between them now, only the raw need that surged between them.

Helena's lips trailed down his neck, her teeth grazing his skin as she moaned softly. "You want me, too," she whispered between kisses.

Henry growled low in his throat, his hands finding her hips, lifting her effortlessly and slamming her back against the wall of his office. The impact made her gasp, but it was a gasp of surprise, not pain. Her legs wrapped around his waist, and the moment she did, he ground his hips into hers.

The heat between them flared as she leaned her head back, her chest heaving with the intensity of the kiss. He kissed her harder now, more demanding, as if he couldn't get enough. His hands roamed her body, claiming her, as though he had to possess every inch of her.

She met his intensity with her own, her hands digging into his back, pulling him even closer. She was breathless, and Henry's name escaped her lips in a breathy sigh.

"Helena..." He growled her name again, his voice low and rough with desire. He couldn't wait any longer. He needed her now, wanted her more than he had ever wanted anything. His hands slid under the hem of her blouse, pushing the fabric up to reveal the smooth expanse of her skin. His lips followed, trailing kisses down her neck, tasting the salt of her skin, the intoxicating scent of her perfume mingling with the heady smell of desire.

Helena's hands found the waistband of his pants, tugging at them urgently. "Don't tease me, Henry," she gasped.

With a smile that was almost too wicked to describe, Henry tore his lips from hers and looked her in the eyes, his gaze burning with intensity. "I'm not teasing, Helena," he said, his voice dark with the promise of what was to come.

He kissed her again, this time more feverishly, pulling at the fabric of her clothes, unraveling her with each movement. The world outside the office ceased to exist as they were consumed by the moment, by the need that had been building between them for so long.

Their bodies moved together with a rhythm that was both frantic and perfect. His hands were everywhere, on her body, on her skin, and he was pulling her closer, deeper, into him. She matched his every movement, her body responding to his with an urgency that matched his own.

The heat between them was suffocating, but neither of them wanted it to end. Helena's hands moved to his chest, pushing him back slightly, and she gazed at him with an intensity that mirrored his own.

"Are you sure?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Henry's lips curled into a smile, a grin that was dark and filled with the kind of hunger that only she could inspire. "I'm sure."

Then, with a low growl, he kissed her again, his hands moving to the hem of her skirt. He pushed her deeper into the wall as he took her lips once more, his body commanding hers, and all thoughts of anything else faded away.

This was just them. Just Helena and Henry. The world outside didn't matter anymore. There was no plan. No strategy. There was only the raw, unfiltered passion they shared in this stolen moment.

And when they finally came up for air, both of them breathless and undone, Henry's forehead rested against hers. His voice was low, his words full of desire.

"That's how I want you," he whispered. "Always."

Helena smiled, her lips swollen, her chest rising and falling with every breath. "You've got me, Henry. All of me."

And that was all that mattered.