Marked By The Alpha CEO

My heart bangs like crazy as I float to floor forty-two. The slick doors gleam like glass, showing me-my dark hair's good, dress ironed, but hands shake. Tonight's the party, and Ethan Hart needs me for the big talk.

Most would cheer at this chance. I should cheer. But all that's found is nerves.

I've been here two years, seeing Ethan Hart four hundred thirty-two times. I counted from month one. He grabs stares without trying. He's tall, dark hair, green eyes that seem to watch all. Rooms hush when he walks in. Words matter when he speaks. Strangely, he looks glum. Like he has a big weight on him.

And he's not seen me, ever.

Well, not until yesterday, at least.

I leave the lift and head to my spot. The office hums with folks rushing, fixing, making sure all is set for night. Mia, my pal, sits close by. She's in a red dress that shouts movie star vibes.

"You're here now!" she cries, leaping to hug me fast. "I've waited all day for you. Did you read my texts? I said let's do nails before the party. See mine!" She shows her hands, nails shining gold.

I grin at her, while my belly twists a bit. "Those seem fine," I mention softly. "I just stayed busy with designs for Ethan."

Mia looked annoyed. "Lila, work, work. When's playtime?" Quietly, she gets closer. "Plus, dreamy guy tonight. Maybe he sees you finally."

"Mia," I murmur, cheeks heating up a bit. "He won't see me. I'm just a designer, that's it. He's the big CEO."

"So what?" Mia replies. "You're sharp and pretty and good. Why wouldn't he see you?"

I'm stuck, so I just got back to work. Though, my heart jumps thinking about seeing him once more.

Around lunch, my boss needs me in his space. Derek's his name, nice but a bit bland. He says Ethan wants my help with tonight's talk. I agree, nodding, but my hands get damp all of sudden. Derek wants me in Ethan's room way up high.

The lift takes ages getting up there now. Arriving, things feel very changed. Walls are smooth, lights dimmed a lot, and big views showing the city below. I stroll the hall, trying to chill myself. The glass shows me, a girl who is very scared.

The door to his room is wide open. He sits still, eyes glued to the screen. A dark suit, paired with a crisp white shirt but no tie. His sleeves are pushed up just enough. A tattoo hides there, a secret sign I had not seen before now.

A gentle tap. "Hello, Mr. Hart," I greeted him. "Derek thought you'd want my help with that slide show."

He lifts his face, and our eyes lock for a heartbeat. A strange flicker crosses his face. Eyes widen, as if I'm a ghost he's seeing for the first time. A lonely soul in existence.

The look vanishes fast. His face turns back to stone, all hard lines.

"Come on in," he says now. His voice is low, no warmth. "Time is short, so we must work."

I move inside, taking the seat right across from his big desk. He calls up the slides and tells me what to do. He talks fast, I scribble everything. His words are sharp, careful picks. No smiles. He barely glances at me. Each time I look up fast, he looks away quickly.

After one hour, my unease starts to slip away just a hair. I tell him what I want for the design, and he really listens closely. He asks neat questions. He nods slowly at my words. Maybe, just for now, I feel he thinks I'm smart.

Then a funny thing begins to happen here.

We both stared at the bright screen, standing so very close now. His arm almost touched my arm. Then fast, Ethan leaped up. He stood with speed, the chair rolling away back. His breath was harsh, like a race had just been run.

"I guess that's enough," he said, but his voice had changed now. It felt sharp, like hidden anger. "You should go now."

I felt lost. "Want to see colors now? I've got three cool-"

"I said just leave," he said once more. He didn't look at me then. He stared out the window, at the town below us.

I grabbed my things fast. My heart felt weak, so small in my chest. I thought he liked my thoughts. Now I felt foolish though. He wants me gone for sure.

At the door, I paused. I hoped to say something, but what? I stood there briefly, feeling pain hit me hard.

"Lila," he said softly. His voice was hushed, like only to himself.

I turned around slowly. "What do you need?"

He still stared out now. His hands were gripped, like tight angry balls. "Don't come back here. Work on the slides down there. Just send emails here."

My eyes felt so hot, like tears might appear. I nodded even though he couldn't see me, and walked to the elevator.

I don't know the hurt of him not wanting me near. I don't know why I marked the times I've seen him too. I don't know why I feel so sad when he says go now.

I just know that I must be wrong somehow.

The lift's mouth opens, so I go in now. I hug the wall of chilly steel, then sigh out loud. Tonight, at the big bash, I must stand by his side to share our plans with big wigs. I need to smile and play like all is well.

As the box falls to my level, my hand finds my gut. A small bird flaps there; I've tried not to feel it for weeks.

This thing could flip our world upside down.

I shut my eyes, thinking: please, keep my hush-hush safe from his ears.