Hidden desires

**Angel**

As Locke explained the details of the partnership, my mind kept drifting back to Dimitri. I couldn't understand why I felt such a pull toward him, especially after everything we had been through. The tension between us was palpable, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to separate my feelings from my duties.

Locke's voice brought me back to the present. "Angel, are you okay?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, I'm just trying to process everything. It's a lot to take in."

Locke's eyes softened. "I understand. This is a big decision, and I don't want you to feel pressured. Take your time to think it over."

I appreciated his patience and understanding, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being pulled in two different directions. "Thank you, Locke. I'll definitely think about it."

As I left his office, my phone buzzed with a message from Dimitri. "We need to talk. Meet me at the mansion."

My heart raced as I read the message. I knew this conversation was inevitable, but I wasn't sure I was ready for it. I took a deep breath and headed towards Dimitri's mansion, hoping to find some clarity.

When I arrived, Dimitri was waiting for me in his study. The moment I stepped inside, I felt the tension in the air. He closed the door behind me and turned to face me, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Angel, we can't keep doing this," he said, his voice low and controlled.

I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to maintain my composure. "Doing what, Dimitri?"

He took a step closer, his gaze never leaving mine. "Pretending that there's nothing between us. This... whatever this is, it's consuming us both."

I could feel the heat radiating from his body as he moved even closer. "Dimitri, we have a complicated past. You know that."

"Yes, and that's exactly why we need to address it," he said, his voice softening. "I can't stand the thought of you being with Locke."

"Locke is just a business partner," I protested, but my words sounded weak even to me.

Dimitri's hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin. "You can't lie to me, Angel. I know you better than anyone."

The truth in his words hit me hard. I couldn't deny the connection between us, no matter how much I tried. My resolve crumbled as his lips found mine in a desperate, hungry kiss. I responded with equal fervor, my hands tangling in his hair as I pulled him closer.

We stumbled towards the desk, knocking over papers and objects in our path. Dimitri's hands roamed over my body, igniting a fire within me that I hadn't felt in years. I let out a soft moan as he lifted me onto the desk, his lips trailing down my neck.

"Angel," he whispered against my skin, his breath hot and ragged. "I need you."

I couldn't speak, my body responding to his touch in ways I couldn't control. Our clothes quickly became a barrier, and we hastily shed them, desperate to feel each other without any hindrance.

As our bodies connected, the world around us disappeared. All that mattered was the way we moved together, the way we fit so perfectly. The passion between us was raw and unrestrained, a culmination of years of longing and unresolved feelings.

When it was over, we lay entwined on the desk, our breathing heavy and our bodies slick with sweat. Dimitri brushed a strand of hair from my face, his eyes searching mine for answers.

"What does this mean for us, Angel?" he asked, his voice filled with vulnerability.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I don't know, Dimitri. This complicates everything."

He nodded, understanding the weight of my words. "But we can't keep pretending, can we?"

I shook my head, tears welling up in my eyes. "No, we can't. But we need to figure out what we really want, not just for us, but for our children too."

Dimitri pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "We'll figure it out together."

As I left the mansion, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The encounter with Dimitri had stirred up feelings I thought I had buried long ago. I knew I needed to talk to Locke, to explain everything and find a way forward.

The next day, I met Locke at a small café near the office. He greeted me with a warm smile, but I could see the concern in his eyes.

"Angel, you seem troubled. Is everything okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I took a deep breath, deciding to be honest with him. "Locke, there's something I need to tell you. Dimitri and I... we have a complicated history, and it's been affecting me more than I realized."

Locke listened attentively, his expression thoughtful. "I appreciate your honesty, Angel. I know this isn't easy for you."

"I just don't want to hurt anyone," I said, my voice trembling. "I value our partnership, and I don't want my personal issues to interfere."

Locke reached across the table, taking my hand in his. "Angel, I understand. And whatever you decide, I'll support you. But you need to follow your heart and do what's best for you and your children."

His words brought me a sense of peace, and I realized how lucky I was to have someone like Locke in my life. "Thank you, Locke. That means a lot to me."

As we continued our conversation, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to find a balance between my past and my future.