Episode 16

Ethan's POV

Tired after an exhausting morning, I gathered my things hoping to escape for a moment during my lunch break, although surely, as always, I would have ended up eating a salad, had it not been for Stone's firm voice stopping me in my tracks before I could leave.

"Ethan." His tone was imperative, leaving no room for objections. "Would you mind joining me for lunch?"

Surprise hit me like a bucket of cold water. I couldn't believe Stone was inviting me to lunch. The idea left me bewildered for a moment, and the image of the wet dream I had had about him flashed through my mind, and I could feel the heat rise to my face. I didn't know how to look him in the face after that. I did my best to avoid him so as not to remember it, but now I couldn't escape. I took a breath and calmed myself, pushing those thoughts away. Stone was just my boss, and it was probably just a lunch to talk about work.

I nodded, smiling kindly at him so as not to be disrespectful, and followed him out of the office.

We walked in an uncomfortable silence until we reached a restaurant that was clearly out of my budget, which puzzled me. I didn't understand why Stone had chosen such an exclusive place for lunch, but I told myself that maybe these were normal things for rich people. Still, I didn't understand what urgent matter Stone could have that couldn't be discussed at the office.

As we sat down at a table, Stone finally decided to break the silence.

"How has your day been so far, Ethan?" he asked in a casual tone unusual for him. It seemed that he was becoming more and more comfortable calling me by my first name.

"It's been quite busy, as always, but I imagine not more so than yours, Mr. Stone," I replied cautiously and cordially.

Stone nodded and remained silent for a few seconds, staring at the horizon as if lost in thought.

"And how have you been feeling lately? Have you adjusted well to the pace of work?"

Suddenly anxiety gripped me, and a knot formed in my stomach. Had he realized that I was now an omega? With that question in my head, I tried to maintain my composure as I answered.

"Ah... it's been a challenge, but I'm learning."

"Ethan, I want you to know that your hard work and dedication to the company and to me are appreciated," Stone said, nodding seriously.

His words took me by surprise, and I struggled to contain a sigh of relief. Perhaps my concern was unfounded after all. Maybe Stone just wanted to express his appreciation for my work performance, as he knew that my hiring had been somewhat rushed, but the doubt persisted, and I couldn't help but feel tense at the possibility that he had discovered my secret.

During lunch, Stone seemed to want to say many things, but he remained reserved about it. He was indirect, vague, and ambiguous when he spoke, which confused me and made me wonder what exactly he wanted to achieve with this conversation. Maybe he just didn't know what to talk about.

I tried to follow the thread of the conversation as best I could, but it was like trying to catch smoke between my fingers, because every time I thought I was close to figuring out what Stone wanted to say, he would change the subject or leave me with more questions than answers.