Her Rival, His Secret Desire

Mia’s point of view.

I stood before the mirror, clad only in a thong and nipple covers. A deep groan escaped my lips as I yearned for the cozy comfort of my bed, wrapped in blankets and lost in a movie. But duty called, and my team had unanimously chosen the club for our evening rendezvous. Working with a group of vibrant and youthful individuals had its drawbacks, and this was certainly one of them.

Reluctantly, I decided not to bail on them. This was just another night at the club, right? Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary night would set in motion a series of events that would forever alter the course of my life.

I had spent the last four days in Baltimore with my co-workers and our boss for a workshop and bonding trip we had planned before the pandemic hit. Our CEO, Prem Singh, was clearly enjoying himself. He founded Gavi's Tech five years ago, and since we went viral three years ago, our business had been thriving. I joined as an intern around the same time and was offered a full-time job by Prem due to my potential.

Gavi's Tech was almost perfect, and its success meant better perks for us employees, like this luxurious hotel room where we each had our own space. I really appreciated that.

However, there was one flaw in Gavi's Tech, and that was Grayson Solace. He was a project manager I despised with all my heart. From my first day as an intern, Grayson made sure to make my life difficult. Our mutual hatred was well-known, and others tried to avoid pairing us together—everyone except Prem. Despite the tension, he believed we made a strong team and refused my requests to transfer to another group.

It was currently Thursday night, marking the countdown to our departure tomorrow. This evening held a special freedom—Prem was absent, allowing each project manager to decide the team's activity. Naturally, Grayson, being as clueless as ever, left the decision-making to others, resulting in the predictable choice of the club. Booze, music, and vibrant lights—it was the perfect recipe to keep the youthful spirits soaring.

Seated on the floor, I focused on applying my makeup, opting for a simple look that could be effortlessly removed later when we returned to the hotel room. With determination, I tamed my curls into a sleek high ponytail, securing the shorter strands that usually framed my face with gem-studded bobby pins.

Though I had expressed my lack of enthusiasm for clubbing with my co-workers, it didn't mean I would show up dressed poorly. I was determined to make a statement, ensuring that my appearance matched the occasion, even if my heart wasn't fully in it. Dress to impress, they say, right? Only, I'm not sure who I am planning to impress.

I unzipped my suitcase, rummaging through the pile of clothes and scattering the contents in the process of searching for a dress. Folding everything neatly and utilizing the hotel room's closet would have been the reasonable thing to do, but I never seemed to follow that path.

Instead, I erratically pulled everything out until I found what I was looking for, then hastily shoved everything back into the suitcase. I retrieved the lilac satin dress I had set my sights on. It was one of those late-night online purchases where I didn't even know when I'd wear it, and finally, the chance had come.

With a quick adjustment to the straps, I ensured the dress fell just a bit longer, avoiding the "barely there" look. Its flawless fit hugged my body, a dress I had longed to wear, and now, at last, the opportunity had arrived. Adorning myself with jewelry, I deemed my reflection in the mirror to be stunning enough. Slipping into my black pumps—one of two shoe options I had packed alongside my sneakers—I grabbed my purse and made my way out the door.

Just as the door closed behind me, a text notification buzzed, and I silently hoped it wasn't a cancellation for tonight's plans. I didn't get all dolled up for no reason. I glanced down at my screen, only to discover it was a message from Erick, my ex.

We had already gone through two breakups. The first occurred after a year and a half together, as we drifted apart and mutually decided to end things. After a five-month hiatus, we foolishly attempted to rekindle our romance, only for him to betray my trust by cheating. That was the final straw, leading me to accept that he wasn't meant for me. Despite my longing for him to be "the one," the truth was clear. It had been two months since our breakup, and he had incessantly texted and pleaded for another chance.

Erick: I think it's time we talk about us.

Mia: There is no "us," Erick. Please move on.

Erick: I can't. I miss you so much. Even Pris misses you.

Pris was the adorable golden retriever who deserved better than him. I missed Pris too, but not enough to deal with Erick. Rolling my eyes, I put my phone away as more notifications flooded in, this time with photos of Pris. Just two months ago, Erick was spreading lies about me to our friends, and now he was using pictures of Pris to win me back. Pathetic.

"What took you so long?" Grayson asked, uncrossing his arms and approaching me. Our hotel rooms were conveniently located across from each other. It was almost as if fate was intentionally testing us to see who would kill whom first.

"I believe I'm on time," I replied, checking the time on my phone. We were all planning to take a few cabs together since no one wanted to be the designated driver. After Erick's messages, I was relieved I didn't have that responsibility. Tonight, I planned on getting wasted.

"Let's get going, Emilia," Grayson said, heading towards the elevator. Emilia, ugh, I hated when he used my full name. Everyone called me Mia, as I preferred, but not Grayson Solace. He seemed to do anything and everything to push my buttons.

I decided to remain silent and headed downstairs to find the others, who were already waiting for their cabs. After spending the past four days together for the workshop and team bonding, everyone was eager to make the most of our night at the club. The moment we got to the club everyone scattered around. Some were dancing, while others chatted and enjoyed their drinks in the booths. Post-pandemic, my co-workers embraced every outing with enthusiasm.

I made my way to the bar and took a seat on a stool, unknowingly next to Grayson. Fortunately, we avoided acknowledging each other. However, I couldn't help but notice his frequent glances in my direction as I continued to drink. I was on my sixth drink, while he was still on his third. Perhaps I was staring back just as much.

"Wow, easy there, tiger. Save some for me," Grayson leaned closer, his tone playful.

"I need it more than you right now, Solace," I muttered, taking another sip. By now, the drink no longer burned my throat. It was becoming enjoyable, and tonight might be the night I discovered my limit.

"Mhm, never thought you'd be the type to drown your sorrows in drinks," Grayson hummed, leaning on the counter and looking at me intently.

"We all have problems, but we don't always resort to drinking," I shrugged, absentmindedly tracing my finger around the rim of the glass. Normally I'd pick ice cream and a movie but I wasn't in my room so this was the second-best option.

"What pushed you to drink away your problems then?" Grayson asked with genuine curiosity, taking a sip of his bourbon.

"Just some ex-drama," I rolled my eyes at the thought of Erick. I despised how much time and energy I had wasted on him, allowing him to make me look foolish.

"Erick?" Grayson questioned. Erick's presence had caused quite a stir at the office even after the breakup. Many of my coworkers were familiar with him since he had caused a scene and was now banned from setting foot there. It was embarrassing, but it also led to positive changes in our work environment, as a similar incident occurred with Priya. We were not mocked; instead, efforts were made to create a safer workplace. Thankfully.

“Mhm,” I confirmed and took another sip of the drink.

"What happened?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. I couldn't believe I was sharing such personal details with Grayson. It must have been the alcohol loosening my tongue, but deep down, I knew this might come back to haunt me in the future. Still, I couldn't stop myself from talking. I had kept this to myself for far too long.

"It's just ridiculous that he expects me to take him back after he fucking cheated," I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I watched Grayson's frown deepen. He didn't know that part of the story. When Erick showed up at the office, he made comments about me working too much and not loving him enough, saying I treated him poorly. I hadn't paid much attention, as I was too busy defending myself to Prem and getting Erick banned from our workplace.

"He cheated on you?" Grayson's eyes widened in disbelief.

Only Priya and Dima knew the whole story. Despite being coworkers, I considered them my close friends. Unfortunately, we were on different teams. Dima's group had gone to a fancy restaurant, while Priya's team chose a different club.

"Go ahead and laugh Solace. I know you want to," I said, breaking eye contact and focusing on his nearly empty glass of bourbon.

"I would never laugh about something like that. Do you really think so poorly of me?" Grayson frowned, running his fingers through his curls.

"I just thought you might find it amusing," I confessed. He had always laughed at the misfortunes in my life, and for a brief moment, I could have sworn I saw a faint smirk on Grayson's face.

"But despite everything, you didn't deserve to be cheated on. You're too smart and beautiful for him," Grayson admitted, and his words caught me off guard. Was it the alcohol talking? Or was he just pretending to get closer to me? It must’ve been the alcohol that had us both saying things we didn’t mean and would regret the next morning. Or maybe he was just putting up an act to learn more about me, he didn’t even know my birthday until he saw us celebrating the office birthday cake during lunch.

"I was blamed for it because I gave him the opportunity to cheat," I rolled my eyes. It was even worse when I briefly believed his accusations. I was glad I came to my senses. Popping a cherry from my drink into my mouth, I could feel Grayson's gaze on it before it disappeared.

He coughed and said, "He's a jerk."

"You know what's worse? I tried so hard to make it work and fought for our relationship when he couldn't even satisfy me. It was all for nothing. Absolutely nothing!" I groaned, taking another sip of my cocktail, and contemplating whether to order another one.

"He didn't satisfy you sexually?" Grayson tried to understand.

"No, silly. I don't think he knows that women can cum too," I explained, rolling my eyes. I noticed his eyes widen, followed by an amused expression on his face.

"He never made you... cum?" Grayson asked, trying to hold back a laugh, his curiosity getting the best of him.

"Grayson-" I started to complain, realizing this wasn't the right topic for conversation.

"Come on, answer this and I'll answer any question you have," he smirked, his dimples appearing under the club's blue lights. "Wait, let me rephrase: When was the last time someone made you feel that way?" he asked, leaving me stunned.

The alcohol may have clouded my memory, but I couldn't think of anyone at the moment. The first person I was intimate with was my ex-boyfriend, but it only happened once before he had to move abroad. Erick, my second partner, well... the thought of how many times I had to either fake it or take matters into my own hands made me cringe.

My silence spoke volumes, and Grayson seemed surprised at first, but then quickly regained his composure and teased, "Aw, you poor thing."

“Oh hush Grayson, you’re all the same. You just care about coming first then you roll off and call it a night,” I shook my head, motioning for the bartender to come over and order a soda water instead of another alcoholic drink.

“Not everyone Emilia, every woman who had the honor of sleeping with me came at least once before I did,” Grayson winked at me, ordering another round for himself.

“You and what dick?” I scoffed.

“I don’t even have to use my cock to make you cum, sweetheart,” Grayson leaned closer, his hand gently stroking the side of my face before booping my nose and pulling back.

“Riiiight, as if you’d go down on someone,” I scoffed. He seemed to like those types who found it to be beneath them, Erick was the same way. The signs were all there, I had no idea how I ignored them.

“There’s nothing better than watching a woman become undone whilst getting suffocated by her thighs. Call it a guilty pleasure of mine,” He shrugged with a sly smile on his lips. We stared at each other for a moment, his emerald-challenging eyes dropped down to my lips. For a moment I got lost in thoughts but I came back to my senses.

“We’re drunk… We should probably-” I stammered, trying to be rational, even though lust and desire fought against my better judgment.

“Go? Yeah, we should,” Grayson jumped up. When Grayson said that I assumed he meant we’d both go our separate ways yet somehow we both found our way to the bathroom.

Grayson shut the door and locked it then turned back to me. It was a high-end club so the bathroom wasn’t that terrible looking but right now I was focused on the man across me. I felt his rough hands caressing the sides of my thigh as he leaned down and picked me up, placing me on the counter. His hands on my bare skin spread heat over my skin and as he came closer I inhaled his intoxicating scent.

I placed my hands on the sides of his face and leaned over to kiss him, his lips moving against mine perfectly. Grayson pulled away from my lips and started kissing my neck, sucking and nipping at my soft, sensitive skin. This was so wrong but so damn good.

I unconsciously spread my legs wider as his hand now dipped under the dress. “Tell me what you want, Mia,” He whispered into my ear, his husked tone might just make my ovaries explode.

“I- I don’t know,” I whispered, placing one hand on the back of his neck, slowly sliding up to his hair. I couldn’t resist, my fingers waved through his dark curls and they were just as soft as I predicted.

“I can use my fingers, tongue, cock, the choice is all yours, sweetheart,” Grayson replied, his hand made its way to my pussy and stroked me through the flimsy thong I wore. “Or maybe you’re a greedy slut who wants it all, I can give you it, all of it, Mia,” Grayson’s crude words only turned me on more. I should be against it but his words only made me want him more.

“What are you waiting for?” I looked over at him. He chuckled and god damn that deep chuckle sent shivers down my spine, is it even possible to get turned on by the sound of a laugh?

“For you to properly ask me,” Grayson pushed his middle finger between my covered slit, a moan electing from me. “Go ahead Emilia, ask me to make you cum,” he leaned over to whisper in my ear.

“Grayson,” I called, wanting to say more but I couldn’t, not after he pushed my panties aside and dipped his finger in. Was I really about to beg this man to make me cum? Would it be worth it?

“You’re fucking dripping, you want this, shortcake,” he rubbed lazily not enough to make me cum but just enough to keep me intrigued as he teased me.

“That’s what your empty promises do to me,” I provoked. Grayson smirked and something about that smirk just meant trouble.

“You should know better than to provoke me,” he continued to smile and tugged at the string of my pantie, waiting for me to lift myself and immediately remove the thong. I didn’t get to see where it went because the moment he pulled it off he started to kiss me again.

Grayson tugged me closer to him, his hand snaking down my breast, waist all the way down to my pussy where he cupped me and made me hum into the kiss. I felt his fingers teasingly moving over my slit and just as he reached my entrance there was a loud banging on the door, startling the both of us.

I quickly pushed Grayson away and hurriedly adjusted myself. I searched for my underwear, but couldn't find it amidst everything it was lost. The banging on the door grew louder and more urgent. Grayson shrugged and unlocked the door, and I followed him out, feeling a sense of disappointment and regret. The taxi ride back to the hotel was filled with silence, tension, and the weight of our impulsive actions. As soon as we arrived, we went to our separate rooms. I blamed it all on the alcohol and hoped that Grayson and I would both forget about this incident by the next morning.

Mia’s point of view..

This morning, I was grateful for three things: aspirins, lemon water, and the fact that it was the last day of the team bonding event. I couldn't wait to go back home and return to our regular office routine, where I only saw Grayson twice a week and if I'm unlucky: thrice. I got out of bed and sat on the edge, dealing with a pounding headache. Our final activity took place during breakfast at a cafe near our hotel. I popped two aspirins and requested room service for a glass of water with freshly squeezed lemon, no sugar. They asked me twice to confirm, and I reluctantly did. Finally, I received my lemon water, hoping it would alleviate my hangover. It always did.

After taking a refreshing shower, I prepared myself for the breakfast gathering. With all the makeup washed away, my face felt wonderfully clean. I chose a green sundress as my outfit for the day, feeling comfortable and ready to face the world. I quickly put on some socks, grabbed my bag, slipped on my sneakers, and hurried out the door. I could hear Grayson calling my name, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze after everything that transpired last night. I desperately wished I could erase it all from my mind, but every detail remained vividly etched in my memory, even down to the taste of his lips.

I arrived right on time with Grayson right behind me only to find out Grayson, Prem and I were the only ones who arrived on time. I don’t think anyone went back to their hotel room sober last night.

The avoiding ended right here when Grayson held the door open for me. “Why didn’t you wait for me?” Grayson narrowed his eyes to me.

“I didn’t hear anything,” I lied, avoiding looking into his eyes and staring at the flower pot. The plant was so ugly, it was starting to hurt my eyes but I’d rather not look Grayson in the eyes, treating him like Medusa.

"I called you like seven times. You ignored me and almost got hit by that motorcycle when you crossed the road," he recalled, causing me to wince. I had been in such a hurry to distance myself from him that I had neglected to check for oncoming traffic.

"Damn, sorry," I muttered, eager for this awkward moment to pass.

"It's too early for this," Prem whined, shielding his eyes with his sunglasses.

"You chose the time," Grayson reminded him, taking a seat across from me.

"That was before we all got drunk last night," Prem confessed, the words slipping out without pretense. While he never claimed to be a saint, he often tried to set a good example for everyone.

"Mr. Prem Singh, did you get drunk, boss?" I teased, and his whiskey-colored eyes narrowed in my direction.

"We won't discuss that. I'll go see if they have a ginger or lemon shot for me," Prem excused himself, seizing the opportunity to leave my side.

“Listen, about last night,” Grayson continued and I could feel my heart beating faster.

“Last night? I remember getting too drunk, did I say something?” I lied effortlessly, watching as he frowned for a moment then went back to displaying no emotions.

“No. I was just gonna say we shouldn’t ever drink that much again,” Grayson shrugged, his words relieving me. Had he forgotten? Were my prayers finally being answered?

“I vote to never drink this much again,” Grayson groaned, lying over on the table and closing his eyes.

“I think I spent half my check these five days on liquor alone,” I mumbled and rubbed my eyes. Shit, it was so bright in this cafe. They should consider getting curtains.

“Shouldn’t be that much, you are just a junior after all,” Grayson didn’t miss his chance to throw shade at me. He never did.

I held my tongue, opting to ignore his comment. He was well aware that I had been promoted from a junior to a senior developer. I quietly took my seat and observed as everyone slowly gathered around the table, most of them nursing hangovers but unwilling to miss this final breakfast meeting.

To make matters worse, it turned out to be more than just a regular breakfast. A quiz was involved, mostly about the company and our colleagues. The quiz quickly became intense between Grayson and me, with us barely giving others a chance to respond. To be fair, I think they were too hungover to even care.

Throughout the week, Prem had been organizing small challenges and keeping scores, promising a prize at the end. While I didn't particularly care about the supposed extra week off that Prem had hinted at as the prize, I was determined to beat Grayson.

"I don't know whether to be amazed or creeped out by how much these two know about their colleagues and the company," Prem remarked, glancing at Grayson and me. He even threw in a tricky question about his own middle name, which I answered correctly only because I had Googled him before my internship interview.

“I’m not so sure either, boss,” Umar admitted. He never expected Grayson to remember that he had a pet bunny neither did I. These questions were out of hand, but we still managed to answer them.

“In my defense, I just have such a magnificent memory,” Grayson defended himself, placing down the bottle of water he just finished.

“What’s your excuse, Mia?” Prem asked teasingly.

“Good memory too,” I mumbled. It was a lie, I was only this good because I was fueled with the thought of Grayson winning and that disgusted me. Especially when he guessed the first three questions correctly within seconds. It ignited something in me, the urge to just win and shut him up.

“Well, the results are in,” Prem was busy tapping on the tablet and frowned as he looked at the screen for a moment. He sighed and looked up at us, only Grayson and I were interested, all the others were deep in their conversation.

“This round was won by the one and only Mia,” Prem pointed to me, a huge smile on his face whilst Grayson just yawned. “The grand total, however, Grayson one by just one point, congratulation winner,” Prem’s pointer finger moved Grayson. When I looked over at him he smirked and crossed his arms.

“What was the prize again?” Priya asked.

“I haven’t announced it before because it was uncertain but everything is final now,” Prem tapped on the screen of his tablet, probably trying to find his slideshow. He loved slideshows.

“Well don’t keep us waiting,” Grayson looked down at the tablet and then back up at Prem.

“It’s probably a week off,” Umar assumed and I thought so too. Prem already spent a nice amount on our trip to Baltimore. Another extra week free from work would be nice.

“Firstly there will be two winners enjoying this prize, both Mia and Grayson. Secondly, it’s three weeks off and to make it even better you earned a paid vacation to Thalassa islands,” Prem announced, everyone’s jaw dropped at the mention of the prize.