14. Colton

His suit loosenedand his tie discarded, Colton stared at his reflection in the expansive mirror, the dim lighting casting shadows across his chiseled features. He took in the darkness that lurked in his eyes, the arousal that still lingered from being with Delcy during their date.

He couldn"t stop replaying the evening in his mind, remembering how stunning she had looked. The short dress she wore accentuated every curve, hinting at the perfect body underneath while still leaving some things to the imagination. Her legs seemed endless in those sleek stilettos. And her omega scent... it had awakened a primal need in him.

When they kissed, it was thrilling, hungry, and passionate. He had felt delirious, drunk on her taste and touch. It was a high no drug or drink could ever replicate. In that moment, with her body pressed against his, soft and willing, Colton had wanted nothing more than to give in to his alpha urges completely. To take her, claim her, and make her irrevocably his.

But she had begged to stop, panting, her eyes glazed with a mix of desire and trepidation. It had taken every ounce of Colton"s willpower and self-control to pull away, to rein in the alpha monster inside that wanted to take without a care for consequences.

Now alone in his bathroom, desire still simmered through his veins. He couldn"t stop thinking about Delcy, imagining all the ways he wanted to have her. In his mind, she was there with him, shy yet willing as he slowly peeled off her dress, revealing inch after inch of soft, smooth skin. He pictured laying her down on his bed, exploring her body thoroughly with his hands and mouth until she was gasping and writhing beneath him. He would kiss every part of her, worship her, make her feel like the goddess she was.

Colton imagined finally joining their bodies, her wet heat engulfing him as he took them both to euphoric heights. He could almost hear the little moans and cries she would make, see the bliss on her face. Feel the primal satisfaction of staking his claim on her.

A low growl rumbled in Colton"s chest, and he clenched his fists on the marble countertop. He had to stop himself, rein these thoughts back in. As tempting as they were, he couldn"t see Delcy that way, as merely an object to sate his lust. She deserved better than that. Deserved to be cherished, cared for. And he wanted to be the one to give that to her.

With a deep breath, Colton turned away from his reflection. He stripped and stepped into the walk-in shower, turning the water cold. The shock of it helped clear his head, calm his raging hormones. He thought instead of the way Delcy had smiled at him so shyly and sweetly when he first arrived to pick her up. The way her hand felt tucked into his arm as they walked into the restaurant. How she had tucked her hair behind her ear when she got flustered.

These innocent moments meant so much more to him than any fleeting sexual gratification ever could. With Delcy, Colton felt he had a real shot at something true, something lasting. A partner who could be his equal in every way. Someone he could share his whole self with, darkness and light, without judgment.

For the first time in a long while, Colton felt hopeful about his future. Delcy had reawakened parts of himself he thought were long dead—the ability to care selflessly, to want something real and meaningful. The alpha monster inside was still there, still prowling restlessly, unsatisfied. But Delcy"s light made Colton believe he could keep it caged. That he was more than his baser urges and instincts. That he was worthy of redemption and capable of change.

After the shower, Colton stepped out onto the plush bath mat, his skin still damp from the cold water. The cool air sent a shiver down his spine as he dried himself off, wrapping the towel around his waist. He knew he needed to sleep, to rest, but his mind was abuzz with thoughts of Delcy.

Despite his best efforts to push her out of his mind, her image kept flashing before him, her soft laughter echoing in his ears, the sweet scent of her skin wafting through his nostrils. He was beginning to understand it was futile to resist her, that she had a hold on him that was growing stronger with each passing moment.

He moved silently through the dimly lit penthouse, the soft glow of the nightlight casting eerie shadows on the walls. The silence was deafening. It was a stark contrast to the noise and chaos of his boardroom, yet he found it comforting, a reminder of the peace he craved.

As he slipped beneath the covers, Colton thought of her again. He couldn"t shake the image of Delcy from his thoughts, the way she looked at him with those doe-like eyes, the way her body moved with a grace and elegance that was both captivating and intoxicating.

He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh, allowing himself to indulge in the fantasy that had been playing out in his mind all evening.

He imagined her lying next to him, her body warm and inviting. He pictured the two of them entangled in the sheets, limbs intertwined, skin slick with sweat. The mere thought of it sent a wave of desire coursing through him.

In his imagination, they were in a lush garden filled with blooms, the air heavy with the scent of jasmine and roses. A luxurious bed was set up in the middle of the garden, draped in silk sheets and adorned with pillows. Delcy lay across it, her sheer dress clinging to her body, revealing more than it concealed, her slender curves and the swell of her breasts visible through the thin fabric, her eyes dark and mysterious and her lips full and inviting.

As Colton approached her, he could see the desire in her eyes, her chest rising and falling with each shallow breath she took. He joined her on the bed, their bodies intimately close, his fingers tracing a path down her body as he marveled at her curves, her softness, her warmth. In his head, Delcy shivered at his touch, her body responding instinctively to his, which only served to drive Colton's lust for her all the more.

She moaned softly as he trailed sweet little kisses up her body, his lips brushing against her collarbone, her neck, her jawline. He cupped her face in his hands, their eyes locked before his lips captured hers for a kiss. It was gentle, his lips lingering on hers, savoring the sweetness of her taste.

In reality, Colton felt his cock growing stiff, straining against the silk pajama bottoms. He groaned as he moved one hand and took hold of his shaft—thick, hard, and hot—a result of the image of Delcy in his head.

In his fantasy, the passion within Colton consumed him, and he kissed Delcy deeper, his lips pressing against hers with a fierce intensity. Their tongues danced together, each one exploring the other with a hunger that left them both breathless.

When he pulled away, Colton slid the straps of her dress off her shoulders, exposing her breasts to his hungry gaze. He eagerly cupped them in his hands, feeling their weight and softness while teasing her nipples with his thumbs, his eyes intense on hers as they hardened under his touch. Delcy arched her back, pressing herself against him as she moaned. He pulled her in tightly, wanting to be even closer.

He trailed kisses down her neck, his teeth grazing her skin as he made his way to her breasts. Then he took one nipple into his mouth, sucking and teasing it as she writhed beneath him, her body trembling under his touches.

He slid his hand down, his fingers tracing the curve of her waist before moving lower until he found the hem of her dress. He lifted it, revealing her slender bare legs to his eyes, and he fervently ran his hand up her thigh, feeling the softness of her skin.

Groaning, Delcy spread her legs, inviting him to touch her, which Colton zealously did. She was already wet, her arousal slick against her skin.

Colton couldn"t resist the temptation and slid his hand between her legs, feeling the heat and wetness that awaited him. He teased her with his fingers, rubbing her clit in slow circles as she moaned and writhed beneath him. He could feel her body tensing, her muscles clenching as she approached the edge.

He inserted a finger inside her, feeling her tightness. He moved his finger in and out, slowly at first, then faster as she begged for more. He added another finger, stretching her as he continued to tease her clit with his thumb.

She came with a cry, her body shaking as waves of pleasure washed over her. When she finally came down from her high, she looked up at him with a dazed expression, her eyes glazed with desire.

He shifted, now kissing her stomach, her hips, her thighs—his lips leaving a trail of fire in their wake. When his face was between her legs, she spread her limbs wider, allowing him to feast on her.

Colton's breath hitched as his eyes locked on her wet pussy, and in reality, his thick, hard cock was throbbing with need in response. He stroked himself faster, the vigorous rub reflecting his excitement as he imagined himself leaning down, his tongue darting out to taste her, his lips kissing her gently. He imagined her crying out at the feel of his hot tongue against her pussy, her body shaking in pleasure.

Once he had thoroughly ravished her down there, he removed his clothes, his eyes never leaving hers. He imagined Delcy's eyes widening in wonder at the sight of him naked, her gaze lingering on his hardness that was throbbing for her.

Colton positioned himself over her, and with his erection pressing against her entrance, he kissed her again, his tongue plunging deep into her mouth as he drove into her in one smooth move. He imagined she'd be tight, hot, and wet, her inside lovingly embracing him in all its silkiness.

In reality, Colton groaned in pleasure while in his fantasy he bottomed out, his and Delcy's bodies joined together in the most intimate way possible.

He started to move, his hips thrusting in and out of her, and Delcy wrapped her legs around his waist, her heels digging into his back as she urged him on. Their bodies moved as one, their rhythm frantic and desperate. Colton could feel his release building, his cock stiff and hot in his hand.

In his imagination, Colton reached his hand down, his fingers finding her clit. He rubbed it gently, his thumb pressing down on the sensitive bundle of nerves. Delcy cried out in response, her body tensing as she came again, her orgasm milking his cock as he thrust inside her one last time.

Colton groaned as he came in reality at the same time his seed spilled inside Delcy in his fantasy, their bodies shuddering in ecstasy.

Once he came down from his high, Colton stared up at the ceiling in the darkness, feeling a sense of contentment, at least for a little while. As he drifted off to sleep, his last thought was of Delcy.

* * *

Good morning. I hope you have a wonderful day, too. Colton stared at the words on the phone screen, a digital echo of Delcy's reply to him. He traced the curve of each letter with his eyes, seeking warmth in the cold light of his phone.

The clock ticked away, stealing seconds from him as he juggled conference calls, proposals, and reports. Sterling Enterprises buzzed around him like a hive in full swing. He could almost feel the collective pulse of the office—a rhythm interspersed by keystrokes and the clinking of coffee cups against desks.

In those fleeting moments between tasks, Colton"s thumb hovered over the keypad. He yearned to craft another message, something witty or sweet, anything to continue their dialogue. But he hesitated, withdrawing his hand as if scorched by the very thought. The memory of their kiss lingered, its intensity a vivid blaze that still warmed his cheeks. They had only just started exploring this connection, caution was his ally against the risk of smothering it.

The door swung open, and Jaxon breezed in with a grin that could outshine the fluorescents overhead.

"Afternoon, brother. I took the liberty of ordering some coffee from Brewed Dreams," he said, leaning against Colton"s desk with an expectant look. "I figure we could use a little pick-me-up."

Colton couldn"t suppress a smile at the mention of their favorite coffee spot.

"Looking forward to it," he said, allowing himself to feel a flicker of excitement at the prospect of seeing Delcy again.

The afternoon dragged on with an anticipation that was almost tangible. Each chime from the elevator doors made Colton lift his head in reflexive hope. When finally there came a knock on his office door signaling the arrival of their order, he straightened up with an eagerness that surprised him.

But instead of Delcy"s familiar figure, a young man stood there holding a tray laden with coffee cups.

"Delivery for Sterling Enterprises," he said cheerily. "Name"s Jake."

The disappointment was immediate and sharp, an unexpected guest at Colton"s emotional feast. Jaxon echoed his sentiments with a furrowed brow and a shrug.

"Where"s Delcy?" he asked before Colton could voice his own concern.

Jake shifted on his feet. "She, uh, had some other… commitments today," he said with an apologetic tilt to his mouth.

As Jake set down their order and left, Colton grappled with the sense of loss over her absence. The coffee sat on his desk untouched for several moments as he replayed their last encounter—her lips on his in a silent car under the cover of night.

He sipped at the brew eventually. It was good but tasted less sweet without Delcy"s presence there to accompany it. His mind spun stories without permission. Had he misread her enjoyment of their kiss? The warmth in her goodbye? Yet her text didn"t read like someone who wanted distance.

Jaxon seemed to read Colton"s mood and clapped him on the shoulder with an encouraging squeeze.

"Don"t overthink it," the brother said, lifting his own cup in a half toast. "She replied to our messages. That's got to mean something."

Colton nodded slowly; logic warred with emotion within him. Jaxon was right, one missed coffee delivery wasn"t grounds for doubt about her feelings or their potential future together.

A commotion arose outside his office, and Colton shifted his attention as the employees" chatter grew louder. He glanced at Jaxon, whose eyes flickered with a shared curiosity. They rarely heard such a stir within the walls of Sterling Enterprises, where professionalism usually reigned supreme.

They saw Lou breezing down the hallway flanked by admirers. As usual, she commanded attention without uttering a word, her stride exuding a confidence that belied her omega status—a fact only the Sterlings were privy to. Colton watched Lou gracefully nod and wave to the enraptured staff.

"Looks like we"ve got company," Jaxon said, a grin spreading across his face.

Colton couldn"t help but marvel at Lou"s effortless grace. Her secret was safe in this sanctuary they called an office, her strength in navigating their world undeniable. As she approached them, he was reminded of the day they"d first laid eyes on her, a memory that lingered in sharp detail.

The sun had been high that afternoon when Grandfather Matt ushered them into the study with an air of solemnity. At fourteen, Colton and Jaxon understood the gravity of such summons.

"You boys have a sister," Matt had announced without preamble.

Colton remembered how his heart had stalled, his gaze flicking to Jaxon"s before settling on the small figure beside their grandfather. She was seven, her eyes wide and curious as they swept over her new brothers. Half-Chinese heritage painted her features with delicate strokes—a unique blend of their father"s strong lines and Fiona Wu"s gentle contours.

"Her name is Lou," Matt continued, a hint of warmth breaking through his usually stoic demeanor.

They hadn"t needed any encouragement, affection for Lou had come as naturally as breathing. They recognized a kindred spirit in her, the same Sterling blood ran through their veins.

Lou"s voice snapped Colton back to the present.

"Afternoon, brothers."

Colton studied his sister as she walked in through the door, noting the bounce in her step despite the towering stilettos that adorned her feet. Her smile was wide and genuine, touching her eyes in a way that made them sparkle.

Lou"s gaze flickered between Colton and Jaxon as she leaned against the side of his desk, a playful smile curving her lips.

"You both look like you just lost your favorite toy. Bad day at the office, or is the empire crumbling?"

Jaxon shot her a mock glare. "Empires don"t crumble, Lou. They just have off days."

Jaxon didn"t elaborate on the real source of their moods—the absence of a certain coffee shop barista who still occupied his thoughts more than he cared to admit.

"Still on the hunt for fresh talent," Lou declared. "The stores could use a few new names on their racks."

Colton thought of Delcy, her sketches filled with raw emotion that could turn fabric into whispers of art. Her talent was unrefined but brimming with potential, and he yearned to connect her with Lou, to open the doors of opportunity and give Delcy"s artistry a chance to blossom.

He imagined her designs adorning Sterling"s mannequins, turning heads and sparking conversations. Yet he held his tongue, knowing she wasn"t ready for such exposure—her confidence still budding, fragile like early spring blossoms. She deserved the chance to hone her craft on her own terms before diving into the ruthless world of fashion.

Lou nudged him from his thoughts with an elbow to his side.

"Earth to Colton. You planning to share with the class?"

"Just thinking about work," Colton said, his voice steady despite the storm of possibilities raging in his mind.

Lou turned to Jaxon. "And how are you doing, Jax?" she asked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Any progress in wooing that mysterious omega that is Delcy? When do I get to meet this girl who"s captured my brothers" attention?"

Jaxon chuckled, easing into the banter as if it were their favorite song.

"All in due time, little sister. These things can"t be rushed. She"s still... marinating."

His nonchalant tone belied the truth, that he was just as enamored with Delcy as Colton was.

Lou made a show of checking her watch. "Well, at this rate, I"ll be collecting social security by the time I get to meet her."

Jaxon chuckled, unfazed by Lou"s teasing. "Patience. I promise she"s worth the wait."

Their lighthearted banter continued as Lou hooked her arms through theirs and steered the brothers out of the office, just as the work hour ended.

"Come on, let"s go get dinner," she said. "I"m craving steak."