- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 1
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 2
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 3
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 4
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 5
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 6 1 min read
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 7
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 8
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 9
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 10
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 11
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 12
- Beneath her Notice – Chapter 13
- Beneath her Notice – Epilogue
written by Anonymous author
original source of the story was Submitted by a visitor
Chapter Six: Material Pressure
The acquisition meeting revealed how serious Mara had become.
Two stilettos held Adrian simultaneously: Elena’s in his palm, Mara’s upon an extended finger. Their voices remained analytical while the pressure beneath the desk rose in precise increments.
Adrian’s breath shortened. Moisture gathered beneath his lashes.
Mara felt his involuntary movement through her heel and looked at Elena.
“Is there a problem?” Elena asked.
“With the structure?”
“With your recommendation.”
“No. I remain confident.”
Mara pressed more deliberately.
A tear escaped Adrian’s eye.
His free hand moved toward the stop signal, paused, and returned to the carpet.
Neither woman smiled, but the atmosphere changed.
Mara wanted to be the one who discovered his limit. Elena recognized that desire immediately. It was becoming more than curiosity; Mara carried the contest home in her imagination.
When the meeting ended, Mara remained standing upon him while discussing Zurich and an unwanted bouquet.
Only after she left did Elena roll back her chair.
“She wants to make you stop,” Elena said.
“I know.”
“Will you let her?”
Adrian opened his marked hand beneath Elena’s heel.
“She’ll have to earn it.”