Masked Desires

Karina's POV

"Oh shit.” I looked at my phone as I picked it up from my nightstand.

The time read 7:40am

I missed all 4 of my alarms Well that’s fucking great. I sighed to myself in disappointment. I had slept in again for the 3rd time in the past two weeks and I just knew I was going to get an earful from Margie, my supervisor. If I was late once more, then I would definitely get written up for it.

I groaned as I stood up, massaging the temple of my head, trying to soothe the headache I felt building up. Normally I would’ve been up by 6:45am to begin my normal morning routine which consisted of waking Damian up, preparing breakfast + lunch, shower, light makeup and then watering the plants before leaving to work. However, since I stayed up late last night I knew I’d only have 10 minutes to get myself ready and then bolt out the door.

I stood in front of my closet, grabbing the first pair of pants I saw and then reaching for a blouse. I ended up in black slacks and a red blouse that showed a little amount of cleavage but that wasn’t too revealing. I brushed my long black hair and decided to let it down and fall behind my back.

I grabbed my purse and keys and exited my room and made my way down the hallway, towards the front door. Before reaching the front door, I knocked loudly on Damian’s door. “Wake up or you’re gonna be late for class!” Damian was my little brother, who was in college to become an architect. He was in his junior year, and yet he still couldn’t wake himself up in the morning. Sometimes I wondered if my brother would ever be capable of waking up early, he has always had a hard time waking up ever since was little.

A faint smile graced my lips as I remembered our earlier years growing up in Aunt Jackie’s house, she was always huffing and puffing when it came to Damian. And if there was anything Aunt Jackie hated was tardiness. The early bird catches the worm. It was that woman’s favorite saying. Bringing myself back to reality I focused my attention on the current task at hand.

“Damian! This is my last warning, get up or you’re gonna be late like how I am right now.” I banged again. This boy was wearing my patience thin I swear. I looked down at my Apple watch . 8:05am it read. Well fuck I thought to myself. I had a predicament on my hands, either continue to knocking on Damian’s door until he wakes up or just leave and let him face the consequences, either way I was going into work late. I took one last glance at Damian’s door, hitting it once more and continued my way down the hallway towards the front door. He’s a big boy, he can handle himself. I reassured myself.

Hey Margie, I’m so sorry I am running late! Will be there in a few!

I sent a text to Margie, my supervisor, hoping she’d be kind enough to excuse me for the third time. Wishful thinking? Perhaps.

Bing!

I looked down at my Apple Watch and saw Margie’s name appear as an indication she replied back to my text.

This is the 3rd time in the past two weeks since you have been late Karina, I do not tolerate this type of behavior. Please get here as fast as you can, we will discuss this once you come in.

I gulped as I felt a wave of anxiety hit me. I really messed up this time.

“God, Buddha, Allah—whoever, if you’re hearing me, I will quit reading spicy books and become a nun.” I said aloud pleading the sky above as I got into my car.

I chuckled to myself nervously. Who was I kidding? If God was there he would’ve sent a fire burning chariot at precisely 6:45am to awake me from my slumber.

I breathed yet again another heavy sigh. What’s the use? I can’t keep asking the heavens to save me from the consequences of my own actions. I needed to get my head on straight and go to bed earlier.

I blame my nonexistent love life, as I’ve gone to erotic books to fulfill my needs. Porn was too graphic, and just looked plain fake and corny. At least with erotic books, I can use my imagination to its fullest and still rub one out.

I shook my head and settled in the driver’s seat. Time to face the music, I guess. I placed the key in the ignition, and began my drive to the office hoping I got there no later than I already was.

I ran up the stairs to get inside the large story building, the entire front of it covered in reflective glass and a large sliding door that led to the front lobby. On the top of the building was a sign that blended into the dark maroon exterior of the building, in bold white letters was written Lane Inc. I worked for the corporate office of a successful grocery store chain, founded by Gerald Lane, a kind man who opened his own market back in the 80s and since then it has been a successful growing business, with more than 500 stores across the country.

It was already a household name in the surrounding states in our area with more stores opening every year. I liked my job and l like the company I work for. Rubbing my forehead, I groaned at the silent headache that had developed. I stayed up the night before reading some spicy books, as to fill my nightly needs. Ugh why do I keep making dumb decisions.

I walked in and headed straight for the elevator. It was open. Thank God, a feeling of relief flooded through me. There were a couple of people standing there, none of whom I recognized as we belonged to different floors. I have to hurry before the doors close! I started to run towards the elevator determined to make it.

“Late again?” I heard Norma the security guard call out in an amused tone as I ran past the security station.

Norma was a middle aged woman who worked as security for the company, and guarded the lobby. She had dark hair and a strikingly dark caramel complexion that complimented her gorgeous brown eyes. She was kind and we made small talk here and there.

I smiled back “Don’t you know it.” The doors started closing. I picked up my pace. Just as I was a few steps away from the elevator, the doors began to close slowly. I panicked and hoped someone in the elevator noticed me, and pressed the door open button as they were all talking amongst themselves.

I flailed my arms over my head “Wait!” The door closed and the elevator ascended to the top floor of the building. What a load of assholes. Well now I was really going to get an earful. 8:45am. I glanced at my Apple Watch.

The drive to work was normally 15 minutes, however there seemed to be an unnecessary amount of traffic for whatever reason that had extended my drive here. I raked my fingers through my hair, irritated, I pressed the elevator button waiting for the next one to appear. I looked at the elevator number panel, it was currently on the 2nd floor boarding passengers.

I had parked on the street this morning, instead of the parking garage as looking for a spot at this point would take additional time. I worked on the 3rd floor, and was the office administrator for the company. It was a lot of hard work, but I enjoyed the work load as it gave me personal satisfaction. Was I a workaholic? Occasionally. But not all the time. The elevator was finally moving upwards towards where I was, well it’s about damn time. The elevator finally reached my floor, announcing its arrival with a loud ding.

The doors slowly opened, revealing a tall, muscular man in a dark navy blue suit with a crisp red tie. He stood at a dangerous height, possibly 6’4 or taller from my estimate. He had dark hair that fell at the nape of his neck and was styled neatly and slicked back, complimenting his beard. He was so gorgeous that I couldn’t help but gawk at him before entering the elevator. It was then I noticed his eyes, they were strikingly hazel, hidden beneath his lashes. My eyes met his, and I felt frozen in place, I felt as if his eyes were boring into me, as if observing me.

“Going up?” He asked, breaking the awkward silence. His voice was smooth and velvety—like it could cut my panties in half if he were just to command it. Oh my god where is this coming from? I don’t even know who this man is. But here he was standing in front me, in all his glory like a Greek God. I blushed, registering his words, realizing I was basically eye fucking him.

I looked away from his gaze as I hurriedly made my way into the elevator. “Y-yes, Thanks.” I stuttered awkwardly deciding to shift my gaze elsewhere within the elevator space. I stood in the opposite corner of him, a little nervous to be near him. “What floor?” He asked again. His smooth voice caused a stir in me. God that voice. I shook my head and mentally slapped myself. Get it together bitch. “3rd floor please.” I replied back and I saw him press the 3rd floor button. He had large hands, as expected. A mental image of his hands around my frail neck entertained my brain for a brief minute. I felt a blush creep up my neck. Jesus, I need help.

The doors closed and we ascended upwards. I glanced at him, wanting to take one last look at him. A pair of hazel eyes met mine. It was then i realize that he was staring directly at me. His eyes had an amused look, his plump lips in a straight line. I felt like I could melt at the spot. Could he see my blush? Could he tell I was attracted to him? I glanced away, not knowing what to do as I felt his eyes gaze up and down my body.

A warmness started to pool within me. Jesus I need to get it together, why did he have this effect on me? I don’t even know this man. I cleared my throat and straightened myself and faced myself in front, facing the elevator doors. The elevator was painstakingly slow, and it drove me nuts. Between my anxiety and the slowly growing arousal I had within me, nothing would have pleased me more than to get out of this confined space, back into my car to head home to hide beneath my sheets.

Shifting in place I caught a whiff of his cologne, it slowly wafted off of him. It was a fresh smell, like a mixture of pine and fresh laundry . It pleased my senses, engulfing my nostrils with his manly scent. Whew, this is crazy. It’s like a scene out of my book, Slave To The Heart. I thought to myself and tried to distract myself from the Greek god that stood a few feet away from me. We finally reached the 3rd floor, and I got off as quick as I could determined to not glance at him. I swear I could feel his gaze on me as I walked away. Shaking my head, maybe I’m just delusional and was just hoping for something that isn’t there. I chuckled to myself, “You just met him and you already want to fuck him? Be ever so fucking for real.” I slapped my palm across my cheeks, I needed this. I can’t let my body fall victim to any man who spoke to me, let a lone a Greek God. Especially with a voice like that. I continued walking towards my destination, trying to shake off the feelings of desire within me.

Life isn’t an erotic novel, stuff like that doesn’t happen in real life.