9. Jaxon

The moment Jaxonstepped into his penthouse, the familiar scent of his home surrounded him, a comforting embrace after dinner with the family at Colton"s place. Johnson greeted him with a subtle nod, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly in a warm smile.

"Welcome back, Mr. Sterling," the ever-reliable butler said, his voice a soothing balm to Jaxon"s ears. "Dinner was successful, I presume?"

"Yes," Jaxon replied, a hint of weariness creeping into his voice.

Mrs. Hughes appeared at the entrance of the living room. "Your bath is ready, Mr. Sterling," she said.

"Ah, perfect," Jaxon said, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "I could use a soak."

He made his way toward the master suite, the anticipation of soaking in the warm, fragrant water growing with each step.

Upon entering the spacious bathroom, Jaxon"s eyes immediately fell upon the large claw-foot bathtub that had been filled to the brim with steaming water. The aroma of lavender and jasmine filled the air, a calming scent that Jaxon knew would help him unwind.

He began to undress, his fingers deftly unbuttoning his crisp white shirt. As he slipped out of his clothes, he couldn"t help but think about Delcy.

He imagined her standing in the bathroom, her delicate hands reaching out to help him undress. The image was so vivid, so real, that Jaxon could almost feel her touch against his skin.

He stepped into the bathtub, the warm water enfolding his body like a lover"s embrace. Jaxon closed his eyes and leaned back, allowing the heat to seep into his muscles, easing away the tension that had built up throughout the day.

In his mind"s eye, he pictured Delcy joining him. Her slender arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers playing with the damp strands of his hair. Her soft, full lips pressed against his own, her tongue darting out to tease the seam of his mouth.

Jaxon"s hands began to roam over his own body, his fingers tracing the contours of his chest and abdomen. He imagined it was Delcy"s hands caressing him, her touch both gentle and firm, arousing a desire within him that threatened to consume him whole.

His thoughts turned to the night they had met at the coffee shop. Her sweet, intoxicating scent still lingered in his memory, a siren"s call that he couldn"t resist.

In his fantasy, Delcy was now straddling him in the bathtub, her body pressed flush against his own. Her hands moved down his chest, her fingers tracing the lines of his abs before finally reaching the part of him that ached for her touch the most.

Jaxon"s breath hitched in his throat as he imagined Delcy"s delicate hand wrapping around his hard length. Her touch was soft yet firm, her grip just tight enough to elicit a groan of pleasure from deep within his chest. He could almost feel the warmth of her body against his own, the softness of her skin brushing against his as she moved against him.

Her hips rocked back and forth, the friction causing a delicious tension to build within him. Jaxon"s hand moved down to mimic the motion of Delcy"s hips in his fantasy. He could feel the heat of his own arousal, the sensation of her body against his own fueling the fire of desire that burned within him.

In his mind, Delcy leaned forward, her lips finding his own in a passionate kiss. Their tongues danced, intertwining, their breath mingling as they lost themselves in the heat of the moment.

Jaxon"s hand moved faster, his hips bucking up to meet each stroke of his own hand. He could feel the tension within him reaching its peak, the pleasure threatening to overwhelm him completely. With a final thrust of his hips, Jaxon felt the wave of release crash over him like a tidal wave. He let out a low groan, his body shuddering with the force of his climax.

As the last remnants of his orgasm washed over him, Jaxon slowly opened his eyes. The image of Delcy"s face still lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of the woman who had captured his heart and his desire in equal measure.

With a contented sigh, he sank back down into the bathtub, allowing the warm water to wash away the last vestiges of his fantasy.

* * *

Morning light creptthrough the curtains, gently nudging Jaxon from the depths of sleep. He stretched languidly, muscles unwinding in the soft glow of dawn. His night had been free of turmoil, dreams a mere wisp of consciousness. As he rose from the sheets, a sense of renewal washed over him. He donned his workout gear with a quiet hum, anticipation for the day"s routine stirring in his chest.

The gym was his sanctuary, a place where sweat and steel forged clarity of mind. The familiar clank and whirr of equipment greeted him as he entered. Scanning the room, he spotted Colton at the far end, his twin"s movements lackluster, betraying an unrest that mirrored his disheveled appearance.

Approaching with the ease of shared history, Jaxon clasped a hand on Colton"s shoulder. His brother"s skin was clammy despite the coolness of the room.

"Rough night?" he asked, keeping his tone light yet threaded with concern.

Colton paused mid-lift, setting the weights down with a muted thud.

"You could say that," he replied, avoiding Jaxon"s gaze as he swiped a towel across his brow.

Jaxon noted the shadows that clung to Colton"s eyes. He had seen this look before. It was as familiar as their own reflections—a remnant of tormented sleep.

"Want to talk about it?" Jaxon probed gently.

Colton shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

"What"s there to say? Just echoes of the past haunting me."

Jaxon understood all too well. They both carried scars—ghosts that liked to dance in their minds when least welcome. Yet while Jaxon wore his pain on his sleeve, Colton kept his locked away like precious stones too heavy to bear.

"Let"s get moving, then," Jaxon suggested with an encouraging clap on Colton"s back. "Nothing like a good workout to chase away demons."

They moved through their routine in sync, brothers bound by blood and unspoken empathy. As they transitioned from one exercise to another, Jaxon watched Colton push through each set with a determination that bordered on defiance—a silent war against unseen foes.

The rhythm of exertion brought a semblance of normalcy back into Colton"s demeanor. Gradually, his movements regained their usual precision and strength, whatever haunted him receded beneath the surface once more.

Jaxon wanted to help more, to reach out and pull Colton from the murky depths that sometimes ensnared him. But some battles were internal, fought in solitary silence even among the closest of kin.

They finished their session with grueling cardio, side by side on treadmills that faced out toward the cityscape below, the world sprawling before them in the morning light.

Colton"s breaths came steady now, controlled and rhythmic. He glanced over at Jaxon, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between them.

"Thanks," he said simply as they slowed their pace.

"For what?" Jaxon asked.

"For being here," Colton said. "For... understanding."

Jaxon gave him a half smile. "Always."

Their workout complete, they retreated to Colton"s penthouse where steam rose in lazy swirls from mugs of coffee—black for Jaxon, just how he liked it after training hard. After breakfast, Jaxon returned to his penthouse, the serenity of the morning still clinging to his skin like the remnants of a dream. The gym session had done its job—muscles thrummed with exertion, his mind a little clearer, a little more focused.

After a shower, he dressed with meticulous care, choosing a suit that was understated yet exuded confidence. At work, the buzz of activity greeted him like an old friend. Phones rang with incessant urgency, keyboards clacked in a relentless rhythm, and voices melded into a symphony of commerce. Jaxon navigated this familiar terrain with ease, his presence commanding yet approachable.

As he strode through the office space, heads turned in subtle acknowledgment. Some gazes lingered longer than others, a mix of admiration and curiosity painting their features. Jaxon had grown accustomed to such attention. After all, he and Colton were not just leaders but embodiments of success in their gilded world.

But today, whispers fluttered through the air like leaves caught in an autumn breeze. They spoke of an omega, a coffee delivery woman whose simple act had somehow breached the fortress walls that surrounded Sterling Enterprises" most enigmatic figures.

They shared stories in hushed tones, recounting how Colton—the iron boss who treated indifference as armor—had emerged from his office to greet her personally. Such an occurrence was unheard of. Colton extended such courtesies to no one, not elite clients nor influential business partners.

Jaxon caught snippets of their conversations as he passed by cubicles and office doors left ajar. There was an air of disbelief to their tales, a sense that perhaps their stoic leaders were human after all.

"Did you see how he looked at her?" one voice murmured.

"Never seen him leave his office for anyone," another added with a hint of awe.

And though these rumors swirled around him like smoke from a fire he"d inadvertently kindled, Jaxon remained oblivious. The chatter was nothing more than background noise, a distant hum that failed to capture his attention.

For Jaxon had no care for idle gossip or fleeting rumors. His thoughts were consumed by Delcy herself—the curve of her smile, the depth of her eyes. She was an enigma wrapped in simplicity, an omega who had somehow found her way into his considerations without trying.

In the tranquility of his office, Jaxon immersed himself in the world of figures and contracts. His focus was unyielding, every document scrutinized with the keen eye that had helped elevate Sterling Enterprises to its zenith. Mike navigated the space with the ease of someone who knew the ebb and flow of Jaxon"s workday.

"We have the video conference with the Tokyo office at two, and then there"s the meeting with the architects for the new downtown project," Mike said, going through the schedule with practiced precision.

Jaxon nodded, his gaze not leaving the papers spread before him.

"Make sure to push back anything nonessential to next week," he said without looking up. "I need breathing room for... other matters."

Mike paused for a moment, adjusting his glasses.

"Understood," he replied before handing Jaxon another file. "And this is the final draft of the Henderson merger. They"re waiting on your sign-off."

Taking the file, Jaxon finally lifted his eyes to meet Mike"s.

"Thanks," he said, a slight furrow creasing his brow as he considered the document.

Time slipped by in a silent dance of productivity until Jaxon"s mind wandered from business to a more personal agenda—his and Colton"s upcoming date with Delcy. The thought of her sparked a familiar warmth within him, and he found himself seeking advice from an unlikely source.

"Mike," he said, his tone casual as he leaned back in his chair. "You wouldn"t happen to know a good restaurant? Somewhere elegant but not overbearing?"

Mike"s eyebrows lifted in mild surprise before settling into a thoughtful expression.

"Are you looking for something that speaks volumes without shouting?"

"Exactly," Jaxon affirmed. "I want it to be special but not intimidating."

After a moment"s consideration, Mike offered a few names.

"There"s L"Amour Toujours. It has a fantastic view of the city skyline, but it can be a bit much." He paused briefly before continuing. "Then there"s Saffron and Sage. It's cozy and has a rustic charm that might be too casual for what you"re looking for."

Jaxon listened attentively but shook his head slightly at each suggestion.

"And there"s Auburn Retreat," Mike added, watching Jaxon closely. "It strikes that balance you mentioned, luxurious enough with exquisite cuisine, yet it maintains an atmosphere that's warm and welcoming."

"Auburn Retreat," Jaxon repeated softly, rolling the name on his tongue as if tasting it for compatibility with Delcy's essence.

"Yes," Mike confirmed. "It"s well loved by many for its ambiance, a favorite among young women because it feels both opulent and intimate."

Jaxon mulled over the recommendation. It resonated with him, the image of Delcy sitting across from him and Colton in such an environment sparked anticipation.

"Thank you, Mike," he said with genuine gratitude coloring his voice.

"Would you like me to secure a reservation?" Mike asked tentatively.

"No need," Jaxon said with a small smile playing on his lips. "I"ll handle it myself."

No need?Mike"s face mirrored his bewilderment, eyes wide behind the glass of his spectacles.

"Are you sure?" His voice was tinged with disbelief. "I mean, I"m more than happy to—"

Jaxon cut him off with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"I"ve got it." He was already reaching for his phone, thumb poised over the screen.

Mike lingered a moment longer, still grappling with the break in protocol. Jaxon Sterling booking a table himself? It was unheard of. Whether for high-stakes dinners with investors or intimate evenings with potential flings, the task always fell to Mike. But this was different.

With a small nod, Mike excused himself to resume his task, but not without casting a glance back at his boss. The image of Jaxon engrossed in securing a date, personal touch and all, etched itself into Mike"s memory.

It was then Colton entered, Emma and three junior staff in tow with armfuls of files that bore the weight of decisions yet to be made. Jaxon swiveled in his chair to greet Colton, Delcy"s chosen pen—a simple object that seemed so ordinary yet held significance—twirling between his fingers.

"Found a spot for our date," he said as Colton pulled up a chair and Emma and the junior staff set down the files.

Colton raised an eyebrow, interest piqued. "Where?"

"Auburn Retreat," Jaxon said with an ease that belied the undercurrent of excitement coursing through him.

"Great," Colton said with approval before diving into the business at hand. "We need to review these contracts before Friday."

Jaxon nodded but added, "I"ll send Delcy a message this afternoon."

At hearing the name Delcy, Emma and Mike exchanged looks from across the room—a silent conversation held in glances. The junior staff stared at each other, shock and surprise mingled on their faces as they absorbed the implications.

As soon as the junior staff returned to their workstation, the office started buzzing with an energy unlike any other day. Whispers passed from desk to desk like ripples in a pond, each one expanding and distorting as it traveled through the ranks.

"Did you hear? The bosses are going on a date with a woman named Delcy."

"Isn"t Delcy that coffee delivery woman from Brewed Dreams?"

"She"s an omega, right?"

"Wow! I can"t believe they"re dating her!"

"Yeah, she"s like a nobody."

"Where are they taking her?"

"I heard it"s Auburn Retreat."

"Isn"t that like a super luxurious restaurant that you have to book months in advance?"

"You only need to say the name Sterling and you"d get a reservation anywhere in the city any time of the day. Their name is that powerful."

By afternoon, those whispers had swelled into an uncontainable murmur that permeated every corner of Sterling Enterprises. It wasn"t just idle gossip anymore; it was as if the entire female staff had been jolted awake by an electric shock.

In break rooms and bathrooms alike, reactions varied from wide-eyed wonder to heartbroken sobs. The untouchable Sterling brothers were no longer abstract figures of desire—they were men who could be charmed by someone like them—a coffee delivery woman named Delcy.

The notion sent tremors through the company"s social landscape. Some envied Delcy for catching such illustrious attention while others mourned their own shattered fantasies.

In cubicles hidden from view, tears were shed in private, a mix of jealousy and resignation staining cheeks as reality sunk in. For some, it was more than just longing for their bosses. It was a reflection of their own unfulfilled yearnings for romance and recognition.

Meanwhile, Jaxon sat at his desk, unaware or perhaps indifferent to the emotional upheaval he and Colton had inadvertently caused. His mind wasn"t on reports or financial forecasts—it danced around thoughts of Delcy, her smile that seemed both vulnerable and knowing, her scent that lingered like a promise in his senses.

He glanced at Colton who was engrossed in reviewing documents, a furrow forming between his brows as he parsed legal jargon and profit margins.

Mike cleared his throat gently before asking if there was anything else they needed before he left them to their work.

"No, thank you, Mike," Jaxon said without looking up from Delcy"s chosen pen still twirling between his fingers.

As Mike and Emma exited, they paused outside the door, a silent witness to history unfolding within those walls where two alphas might just have found something beyond wealth or power, something delicately human woven into their tapestry of dominance and control.