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vadersgrl · 4 months ago

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a snake in my eden

summary: in anakin’s mind, he was living the perfect life. until padmé came along and everything started to fall apart, including his marriage.

content warning: cheating, p in v sex, slow burning sex (kinda like really slow), age difference (anakin is 35 and padme is 23), mean girl padmé, married anakin, anidala endgame.

wc: 5.1k

chapter two.

The previous meeting for Padmé’s presentation had gone very well. Now, she walked almost skipping through the company’s hallways, with a slight smile on her face that did no justice to the whirlwind of emotions bubbling inside her.

As her first initial task, Amee had assigned Padmé to a team handling a small refugee assistance project. Her job was to manage the finances allocated to them. It was a very simple task, which she quickly completed. It only consisted of recording in a spreadsheet all the financial support the NGO would be receiving to help in that area.

But it wasn’t the prospect of a simple task that delighted Padmé. The real reason was that any matter involving the NGO’s finances had to go through Anakin’s hands, who reviewed all the paperwork before giving final approval to Amee.

This meant that, although it wasn’t a rule, employees handling such reports usually had a private meeting with Anakin. He would evaluate the work done and decide whether it was good enough to be forwarded to Amee. Knowing this, it was obvious Padmé wouldn’t miss the opportunity to be alone in a room with him for a good few minutes. Even if it was just to talk about numbers, she was determined to take advantage of any chance to be with him, no matter how boring the subject might be.

Padmé stepped into the elevator and quickly descended to the large cafeteria, where many employees were taking a coffee break. Deciding to eat something before meeting Anakin, she headed to the counter, grabbed her snack, and sat at a secluded table. With a small sweet roll in hand and a paper cup full of coffee, she enjoyed the moment while observing those around her, preferring not to approach anyone for now.

Padmé finished eating quickly and, as soon as she threw the cup into the trash, checked the time on her wristwatch. The moment to see Anakin had finally arrived.

Before heading up to the meeting room, Padmé took a quick detour to the restroom. She fixed her hair, retouched her lipstick, and pulled up her dress a little, smiling at the angelic reflection she saw in the mirror. With confidence, she gracefully walked toward her future.

II.

The clock on the wall read almost ten in the morning when Anakin arrived at the meeting room, carrying a heavy folder full of documents. His expression was calm, but his mind was focused on ending the conversation as quickly as possible. Amee had insisted that Padmé would be an essential addition to the team and had already delegated small tasks to her. This wasn’t necessarily a problem, just an inconvenience, as the department Padmé was going to work in was directly linked to Anakin. He managed all financial matters for Amee, which forced him to work directly with Padmé for long hours.

When he entered, he found her already seated, elegantly leaning over a pile of papers. The black dress she wore contrasted with the soft light streaming through the large windows, and the neckline held Anakin’s gaze against his will. Her loose hair framed her angelic face, and she seemed completely absorbed in what she was reading, a perfect image of professionalism and innocence. Anakin couldn’t stop his eyes from trailing down the length of her crossed, pale legs, lingering on the firm thighs hidden by the dress. He felt ashamed when the thought of what kind of lingerie she might be wearing under such tight fabric crossed his mind.

“Good morning, Mr. Skywalker,” Padmé said softly, lifting her gaze and smiling slightly. Her voice was calm, sweet, and Anakin felt a slight discomfort take hold of his body. It was strange how she seemed so at ease around him, while he felt a tension in the air so strong and thick it could be cut with a knife.

“Good morning, Padmé. Is everything ready? Shall we begin?” he asked, watching her nod in agreement.

They spent the next hour discussing the details of the spreadsheet Padmé had prepared. It was a short and simple document, but she always seemed to have many questions, which stretched the meeting longer than Anakin thought necessary.

The entire time, he tried to focus, but her movements were… unsettling. Anakin found himself averting his gaze countless times from her body. The thought of bending her over that table and taking every part of her for himself crossed his mind and fled so quickly that he questioned whether he had truly thought it or not.

Padmé seemed oblivious to Anakin’s internal struggles. She crossed her legs with the ease of someone unaware of the impact of her gestures, maintaining a calm and innocent expression on her face as the fabric of her dress subtly rose, exposing her delicate thighs.

He quickly looked away, trying to stop himself from continuing with any improper thoughts, but his mind insisted on betraying him.

Working with Padmé was a challenge to Anakin’s sanity. With every smile, every time she tilted her head to listen closely, more obscene thoughts crossed his mind, and the guilt only grew. To him, Padmé was pure as an angel, so young and innocent. He knew he shouldn’t see her any other way.

Anakin thought he was doing a good job of being discreet, but Padmé always caught his eyes when he lifted them to her face, just after shifting his focus from her legs. In those moments when their gazes met, for a brief instant, he saw a glimpse of something more: a spark of desire that seemed to shine within her. This led him to believe she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. And Anakin began to question whether he was imagining the occasional glances that seemed to last longer than necessary, or the way she adjusted her dress, running the tips of her fingers along her thighs before pulling the fabric down to cover the exposed skin. It was as if she wasn’t even aware of what she was doing, but the movements were so calculated they couldn’t be merely accidental.

Even so, Anakin quickly pushed those thoughts away, feeling disgusted with himself for even considering that Padmé — sweet and gentle Padmé, who had done nothing but treat him with respect — might be trying to seduce him.

No, that little girl with such big, innocent eyes could never be capable of something so vile.

III.

Padmé stifled a sigh as she lifted her eyes from the paper she was pretending to read and looked at Anakin. He was sitting stiffly beside her, eyebrows furrowed, furiously typing something on his phone. Since the start of the meeting, Anakin had refused to look at her for more than a few seconds.

At first, Padmé found it amusing to watch such a big, powerful man turn into a shy figure in her presence. However, as time went on and Anakin seemed to prefer giving attention to anything other than interacting with her, irritation began to surface. There would be no progress if he continued to refuse to let her get closer.

“Mr. Skywalker, I couldn’t quite understand this part here,” Padmé said, rolling her chair until her knees touched Anakin’s. Holding a sheet of paper and putting on the most confused expression she could muster, she continued, “Could you help me?”

Anakin lifted his eyes from the phone, leaving the device unlocked on the table. The screen showed an open conversation with Amee. Padmé had to summon all the self-control she had not to let her confused expression shift into one of disgust. A bitter feeling invaded her as she imagined Anakin exchanging messages with Amee while he was there with her.

She leaned forward slightly, smiling internally as she noticed the look of desire that passed through Anakin’s eyes when he spent too much time staring at her neckline.

“Of course, Miss Naberrie,” he replied nervously, pulling back slightly until their legs were no longer touching. Then, he began patiently explaining the question Padmé had already resolved on her own several minutes ago.

Although Anakin was reluctant to let her get closer, Padmé still felt that everything was going according to plan. She knew that a man like him wouldn’t be easy to win over. A simple game of seduction, where he fell quickly, wouldn’t be any fun. She liked the challenge, the fight for what she wanted.

Every gesture, every movement she made was calculated to drive him crazy. And she knew she was succeeding, that she was getting closer to him, slowly, without raising suspicion. But deep down, Padmé was human and couldn’t avoid the frustration she felt when she realized that, despite his evident desire, Anakin resisted. He saw her as something unattainable, a forbidden desire, and that reluctance only encouraged her to keep going.

With a mischievous smile, Padmé uncrossed her legs and let the pen she was holding drop to the floor. When Anakin bent down to pick it up, she pretended to get up at the same time, feeling his nose brush lightly against the skin of her thighs. Quickly, she crossed her legs again and adopted an expression of false embarrassment when their eyes met.

“I-I’m so sorry, Mr. Skywalker,” Padmé stammered, her voice laden with innocence. “I didn’t mean to…”

Anakin was red, and the hand he extended to return the pen to her was trembling. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it again, suddenly rising from his chair.

“I believe we’ve resolved everything that needed to be addressed, and that I’ve answered all your questions,” he said, nervously adjusting his suit. His restless hands smoothed the fabric as he spoke, “I’m afraid our meeting ends here for today. Have a great day, Miss Naberrie.”

Padmé watched as Anakin hurried out of the room. She couldn’t suppress the anger that took over her face, coloring her cheeks red. He was proving more difficult to break than she had imagined. Perhaps it was time to recalculate her approach.

IV.

Padmé quickened her pace as she spotted Amee turning the corner toward the company cafeteria.

The woman walked elegantly in low heels, her blonde hair tied in a flawless bun, and heavy makeup on her face. Despite her beauty, the lines on her mature face and the melancholic expression she carried were impossible to hide.

It was the melancholy of loneliness. And although Padmé was someone with a large social circle, she sometimes recognized that same look in her own reflection. For a brief moment, she felt a pang of sympathy for the older woman, but she quickly shook her head, pushing the thought away. She quickly reminded herself of the reason she was there and allowed the bitter feeling of envy to replace the pity—the envy that consumed her whenever she thought about the woman who slept in Anakin’s arms every night.

Forcing a friendly smile, Padmé placed her hand on Amee’s shoulder as she caught up to her. The woman stopped immediately, turning back with a confused expression that quickly gave way to surprise upon recognizing her.

“Padmé, my dear, hi!” Amee gave a big smile. “You and Anakin have already finished the meeting?”

“Yes, Mrs…” Padmé closed her eyes quickly, pretending to be embarrassed, and forced a shy smile. “Yes, Amee.”

Padmé loved doing that. She had noticed Amee’s insecurity about her age and appearance, evidenced by the heavy makeup and overly modest clothes. That’s why she always called her “ma’am” before correcting herself, feigning innocence and naivety but subtly undermining the other woman’s confidence.

“Are you going to eat?” Padmé asked, adding a slight pout to her lips. “I was heading to the cafeteria and thought we could eat together, since I don’t know many people here yet.”

Amee hesitated for a moment but soon gave a small smile and replied:

“Of course, my dear! Why not? Let’s go.”

The two walked side by side to the cafeteria and, after sitting at a more secluded table, began talking while eating.

“So, what do you think of your first day at work?” Amee asked, breaking the silence.

“It’s wonderful! So much more than I imagined.” Padmé gestured enthusiastically. “It feels like this is the place I was always meant to be. But, of course, I think I owe much of that to you. You’re an incredible boss, Amee, and I’m so grateful that you believed in me and gave me this opportunity.”

“I’m glad to hear that. From the moment we talked at dinner, I knew you’d be perfect for this job.” Amee gave a modest smile. “And thank you for the compliment, but you owe me nothing. I just recognize talent when I see it, and without a doubt, you radiate talent, Padmé.”

Padmé lowered her head, as if shy, while smiling gratefully. Then the two returned to eating in a comfortable silence.

The days passed, and Padmé slowly embedded herself into Amee’s routine. Being pleasant, smiling, and appearing helpful came easily, and soon she became a comforting shoulder for the lonely and needy woman. Amee, always so busy with her responsibilities, began to see Padmé as a confidante.

Having coffee together in the cafeteria became a habit. Sometimes, they even had lunch at a restaurant near the company, and on a day off, Padmé accompanied Amee on a walk through the park. As the months went by, their relationship quickly grew stronger. Convinced that Padmé was trustworthy, Amee began to relax and share more and more of her routine with her.

“I’ll confess something,” Amee said one afternoon as they drank coffee on the terrace of the NGO building. “At first, I felt a bit jealous of you.”

“Of me?” Padmé replied with a soft laugh, as if the idea were absurd. “Why?”

“Anakin… He… well, our marriage isn’t at its best, you know? I think we’ve hit the infamous ten-year crisis.” She gave a small laugh, trying to appear carefree, but Padmé noticed the truth behind her light tone. “I thought he might be, I don’t know, interested in you in some way.”

Padmé furrowed her brow, feigning surprise. “Oh, Amee, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Your husband is… He’s an exceptional man, but he has never given me that kind of impression. I admire you two as a couple so much, truly. You’re an inspiration to me. It would never even cross my mind to approach your husband in that way.”

The lie slid so easily from Padmé’s lips that, for a moment, she almost believed her own words.

Amee smiled, seeming satisfied. “I know that now. You’re different, Padmé. But I think I needed to hear that from you to feel at ease. I consider you a great friend, and I’m so happy to have you around.”

“I’m happy about that too,” Padmé responded with a sweet smile. But inwardly, her smile was malicious, knowing she was getting closer and closer to achieving her goal.

Although she was closer to Amee than anyone else had ever been, Padmé still hadn’t made significant progress in getting closer to Anakin. He seemed to avoid her like the plague, giving her no more than a few discreet glances when he thought she wasn’t looking.

She tried everything. She delivered incorrect reports, hoping to be called into his office for a scolding, but the papers came back to her corrected, as if nothing had happened. She tried to strike up conversations when she found him at the coffee machine, but before she could even think of flirting, Anakin would down the hot liquid in one go and walk away as if she were carrying a contagious disease. No matter what Padmé did, he always found a way to escape her grasp and block any attempts at interaction.

But the perfect opportunity came a few weeks later. Padmé was desperate for his attention; she needed, at the very least, a sliver of Anakin’s focus, or she would surely perish.

In desperate situations, desperate measures must be taken. That’s why she didn’t blame herself when she spent an entire day planning an “accident” at her apartment, which, with luck, would bring her directly to Anakin. All it took was leaving a few scented candles burning under the curtain before leaving for work, and boom! A small fire started, rendering the place uninhabitable for weeks.

When she got home and saw the situation, Padmé called her “best friend,” her voice dripping with feigned despair, enough to touch Amee’s kind heart. Amee insisted on helping her:

“You’re not going to stay alone in a hotel at a time when you’re so fragile, Padmé. Come stay at my house until everything is resolved. I’m sure Anakin won’t mind, and we have plenty of guest rooms,” Amee said. Padmé pretended to hesitate for a while before accepting.

Now, installed in the Skywalker penthouse, Padmé felt closer than ever to achieving what she wanted. She made herself helpful, assisting with household tasks, though maids came every day to take care of the house. In NGO meetings, she was always prepared, knowing exactly what to say and when to say it. Meanwhile, she continued to subtly provoke Anakin.

He, however, seemed far from pleased with his wife’s decision to house Padmé but voiced no objections when Amee informed him she would stay until her apartment was renovated.

Six days had passed since her arrival. When she didn’t see Anakin, the days were tedious and empty, nothing special happening to mark her routine.

That night, leaving her room, Padmé descended the stairs toward the living room, looking around and finding the rooms empty. Amee always retired early, and Padmé didn’t know how Anakin had been before her arrival. But now, he spent his days locked in the office.

Walking to the kitchen, she thought about grabbing something to eat before heading back to her room to wither away in bed, thinking about Anakin. But this time, the universe seemed to be on her side.

Sitting on one of the high chairs at the counter, with a laptop open in front of him and a focused expression as he typed quickly, was Anakin. In all his glory, he was shirtless, wearing only a pair of sweatpants.

Padmé stopped in the doorway and allowed herself to take in the casual sight of him, imagining the day when such a scene would be a regular occurrence. Anakin working from home, her admiring him, the two of them together and in love.

Sighing dreamily, she approached, letting the thin strap of her nightgown slip off her shoulder. She checked if the fabric was sheer enough to reveal the shape of her nipples and stifled an irritated huff upon realizing it wasn’t.

“Still working, Mr. Skywalker?”

Anakin startled, his eyes widening upon recognizing her presence.

“Yes… I couldn’t finish everything at the office, so I brought some home to finalize.” He made a move to get up, but Padmé stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

“Does my presence bother you, sir?” Padmé struggled to put a sorrowful expression on her face. “Every time I arrive, you leave… If I’m bothering you, please tell me. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable in your own home. I can go to a hotel with no problem. In fact, I was going to a hotel, but Amee was so convincing in saying it wouldn’t be a problem for me to stay here…” She lowered her head. “I wouldn’t have accepted her kindness if I knew you weren’t okay with it.”

Padmé began to pull her hand from his shoulder, but before her touch could leave his skin, Anakin moved closer, keeping his hand there before gently holding her chin between his thumb and index finger, lifting her face. He glanced over Padmé’s slender body, licking his lips as he noticed the strap of her dress falling, and ran his hand down her arm to her shoulder, where he placed the strap back in place.

“It’s not that, Padmé…” He sighed deeply. “Your presence here would never be a bother, I promise. The problem is that I…” Anakin quickly fell silent, closing his eyes and letting out a sigh from his lips. “I just… Well, it’s nothing, forget it. Just know that you would never be a bother to me. Please, don’t think those things about yourself.”

His gaze dropped to her lips, and for a moment, Padmé felt her world stop. She tilted her head toward him and closed her eyes, waiting for a contact that never came. Anakin released her chin and ran his fingers over her cheeks before pulling away abruptly. He quickly gathered his things from the counter, not giving her a final look, and ran up the stairs, slamming the bedroom door with a thud that Padmé could hear from downstairs.

She closed her eyes, the ghost of his touch still warm on her skin, and a single tear slowly rolled down her cheek as the hatred burned inside her. Anakin would be hers, and she was tired of waiting to have him.

VI.

That night, while Anakin was reading some reports in the living room, Padmé passed by him with a towel in hand, on her way to the bath. She had her own bathroom in the room Amee had provided for her, but she preferred to use the one at the end of the hallway, which gave her the chance to put on a little show for Anakin whenever he was in the living room.

As always, she wore a short, thin dress, with her hair falling in loose waves down her back, swaying back and forth as she walked.

“Good night, Mr. Skywalker,” she said with a gentle smile.

Anakin just nodded, trying to focus on what he was reading, but his eyes followed Padmé for a brief moment. He looked and thought about how her ass managed to look so round in that little dress, his hands itching to grab the flesh and squeeze it until his fingerprints were permanently tattooed on Padmé’s soft skin. He pushed aside the uncomfortable sensation taking over his head, taking a deep breath to calm himself and ease the hardness that was beginning to show in his pants, blaming himself for letting his mind wander and blaming Padmé for being the cause of it before forcing himself to stop such thoughts. Padmé was naive and innocent. She hadn’t done anything wrong. Nothing. And she wasn’t to blame for his perversions.

But moments later, when Amee had already gone to bed and he was heading back to his room, Padmé crossed his path again in the hallway. The dress she had worn earlier was gone, replaced by another one, very similar, sliding over her thighs and accentuating the curves of her small body, clinging to her like a second skin. When he raised his eyes and hers met his, Anakin felt that, deep down, something had broken, and he suspected it was his self-control.

He tried to pull away, but Padmé was too close, smelled too good, looked too beautiful. Anakin had to clench his hands at his sides in a tight grip, or the urge to run his fingers over her milky-soft skin would get the better of him.

Padmé took a step forward, reducing the distance between them until only a few centimeters separated them. The air was thick, seeming to weigh tons, heavy with tension, while Anakin remained still, torn between reason and the desire growing more and more inside him, roaring like a chained dragon desperate to break free and take what was being offered.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes half-closed in an expression so needy that the hardness Anakin had struggled so much to ease in his pants earlier came back with a vengeance, making his underwear tight as an electric current seemed to flow through his veins, replacing his blood. The soft scent of her skin hit Anakin like a blow, throwing him off balance for a few moments before he focused on her again, now seeing her big, bright eyes wide open, holding his gaze with a vulnerability so seductive it triggered the most primal instincts of Anakin’s masculinity, disarming any resistance he still tried to muster.

“Anakin…” Her voice came out in a whisper so soft that Anakin wouldn’t have heard it if they weren’t so close, the sweet sound slipping into his ears like a melody, almost like a plea.

Anakin didn’t respond, but his breathing grew heavier, almost audible in the stillness of the hallway. He knew he should walk away, break the moment and run to the room he shared with his wife, but something within him refused to move.

Then Padmé raised her hand and placed it on his chest, his heart beating right beneath her small palm. Her fingers, light and almost hesitant, were warm enough to make his entire body react. That was the last barrier to break. Anakin could no longer resist, not with her touch so gentle on his chest. Before any rational thought could pass through his mind and stop him from continuing what he was planning, Anakin lowered his face toward hers, and their lips finally met.

The kiss began hesitantly, as if they were both testing the limits of what was allowed, knowing they were crossing a dangerous line. But it quickly became intense, their mouths moving in a synchronicity that felt as if they had known each other for centuries. Padmé’s lips had a softness Anakin had never experienced before, moving with a mix of sweetness and firmness that momentarily erased any self-control he had been trying to maintain.

He brought his hands to her face, his fingers running over her soft skin in a caress as gentle as a feather, holding her as though he wanted to etch the moment into his memory forever. Padmé responded with equal intensity, pressing her small body against Anakin’s larger frame, feeling herself disappear into his strong arms, the growing heat between them contrasting with the coldness of the night.

Her fingers slowly climbed up his chest until they reached his nape, gripping every inch they could find. The desire to take a piece of Anakin for herself consumed her; she wanted to be bound to him forever, wanted them to be one. She pulled him closer, tightening her grip in his hair, pressing him against her until their bodies were fused together.

Anakin ran his hands down the length of her spine, grabbing her ass in such a strong grip that Padmé felt her skin spill through his fingers and smiled in satisfaction. For Padmé, kissing Anakin was like scratching an itch she had had for a long time, like finally feeding alcohol to the embers glowing faintly within her, now burning into hot flames thanks to his touch.

She felt Anakin pull away to breathe, but she didn’t give him the chance to think about anything other than her before joining their mouths again in an intense kiss, feeling her body pressed against the wall and covered by his imposing presence. Then Anakin slid his hands behind her knees and lifted her into the air, with Padmé wrapping her legs around his waist and grinding against the growing hardness she felt beneath her. She moaned into his lips as he responded to her movements with slight thrusts, driving her to rub against him even more, a trembling sigh escaping her as she felt the wetness pooling between her legs and her entrance clenching around nothing, desperate to envelop him in her warm heat.

Padmé released Anakin’s neck and found one of his hands, which was supporting her thighs, guiding it to her breast. She closed both their palms over her soft mound and felt him squeeze firmly, his rough thumb drawing circles around her nipple. Separating their mouths for a moment to throw her head back in a high, needy moan, Padmé seemed to break the fog clouding Anakin’s perception, causing him to release her body with almost inhuman speed, leaving her trembling as she tried to steady herself on weak legs.

Both were panting, Anakin’s eyes fixed on hers as if searching her face for an explanation for what had just happened.

Padmé smiled faintly, a smile that seemed to blend innocence with something deeper, more enigmatic, something Anakin wasn’t sure he wanted to uncover. “I… don’t know what to say,” she murmured, her voice carrying a false confusion that clashed with the victorious feeling she savored like the sweetest fruit within her.

Anakin stepped back, distancing himself from her as if the very idea of contact between them might burn his skin. He ran a hand through his hair, nervous, his eyes unfocused as he tried to reorganize his thoughts. “This… this shouldn’t have happened. What have I done?”

Anakin looked at Padmé one last time, shaking his head before walking quickly to the bedroom he shared with Amee, shutting the door with a loud bang, not caring if he woke his wife.

Padmé watched him walk away with a smile so wide it seemed it might tear her face in two. She ran her hand through her hair, her neck, her lips, her breasts, and finally reached between her legs, closing her eyes as she tilted her head back with a laugh that escaped like a dreamy sigh, imagining his touch instead of hers and believing it was his hands that had roamed her body just seconds before.

Looking at the closed door, Padmé laughed as she had never laughed in her entire life, her body doubling over with the force of the laughter that brought tears to her eyes.

At last, she felt that a part of her that had always been missing had finally found its way to fill her. She walked to her room, bouncing lightly on her feet, a happiness overflowing from her chest, creating a stark contrast with the room at the end of the hallway, where, as he laid his head on the pillow beside his wife, Anakin felt his heart racing and regret coursing through his body.

But the worst part of it all was that Anakin’s regret wasn’t for the great mistake he had made, but for the certainty that he had awakened a flame within himself that he would never be able to extinguish.

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vadersgrl · 4 months ago

Text

a snake in my eden

summary: in anakin’s mind, he was living the perfect life. until padmé came along and everything started to fall apart, including his marriage.

content warning: cheating, p in v sex, slow burning sex (kinda like really slow), age difference (anakin is 35 and padme is 23), mean girl padmé, married anakin, anidala endgame.

wc: 4.1k

chapter one.

Anakin had a lot to be thankful for in his life.

He had a good job, lived in a penthouse in New York, had a large house in the countryside where he could always go when he felt exhausted or pressured by city life, and during vacations, he could travel anywhere in the world that money could take him. He also had a beautiful companion, with whom he could share the pleasures of everyday life and live in perfect harmony amid their routine.

But still, sometimes, when it was late at night and all the company employees had already gone home, Anakin liked to go up to the rooftop and confess his biggest secrets to the stars. Thoughts about how exhausted he was with the monotony of everyday life, with his failed and one-sided marriage, where he hadn’t felt like a husband in years, thoughts that even his best friends couldn’t know, and which vanished into the wind as soon as he returned home, carried away with the smoke of the cigarette he smoked behind his wife’s back.

Ah, the wife…

Amee was a great woman, don’t get him wrong. The problem was him. Always him.

Always him who longed for more than he could have.

He had been like this since he was a child when he longed for a better life for his mother and himself, as a teenager, when he longed for the death of the bastard he called father, the boogeyman under his bed, as an adult, when he longed for the best college and the best job, and now, as a grown man and professionally fulfilled, with his face on the cover of the Times magazine as one of the biggest businessmen of the last decade, Anakin longed for a woman who was probably a good ten years younger than him and who was not his wife.

His heart raced uncontrollably, and the arm where Amee had her hand resting trembled. With every moment spent in the presence of the stunning woman in front of him, Anakin felt a barrier in his high control crumble with the need to touch her, to simply extend his hand and run his fingers through the dark hair that cascaded like a waterfall down her back, engulfing her small figure amid the silky curls.

He took a glass of champagne when the waiter passed by him with a tray full of them, tipping the rich-tasting liquid to his lips and swallowing in one gulp, before turning his attention back to the little chatterbox who was giving a monologue to him and Amee.

They had been approached by her just a few minutes earlier; Anakin still didn’t even know her name, but he knew she was beautiful. Beautiful like an angel. With her rosy lips and pale skin contrasting with her dark hair, her delicate face, and cheeks that looked so soft that Anakin found himself clenching his free hand into a fist, the desire to touch her skin overwhelming him.

The woman continued gesturing cheerfully about her ideas and outlandish proposals, so creative they could only come from a young mind still bathed in dreams.

Amee was excited by her, her eyes sparkling with a charm that Anakin knew all too well. It was the look she had when she found a new apprentice, always some young person with out-of-the-box ideas that caught her attention and would soon be directed to work directly with her. But, unlike other times, when Anakin couldn’t even care less about who his wife would take on as her new protégé, with this one, Anakin wanted to know everything.

He tilted his head to the side and held back a smile as he watched the woman pause and tuck her hair behind her ear, as a rosy color spread across her cheeks.

“I’m sorry for talking so much, Mrs. Skywalker, but I was so excited to meet you,” she said, her tone softer than before.

Hearing her refer to Amee as Mrs. Skywalker made a bitter feeling run through Anakin’s body, one he couldn’t contain. It was the right thing; Amee was his wife, she had his last name, and out of respect, she should be called as such. But something deep inside Anakin wished that last name belonged only to him so that the shame wouldn’t crawl through his body when he dove deeper into the hidden reasons why he didn’t want his wife’s bond on his name.

“Oh, no, my dear, there’s no problem with expressing yourself so… warmly,” Amee smiled. “I’m amazed and inspired by all the ideas you have. And also, I don’t want you to call me Mrs. Skywalker, just call me Amee.”

Anakin breathed a sigh of relief.

“Of course, Mrs—Amee.” She gave a smile. “Well, I believe I’ve said enough, now I’ll leave you and your husband to enjoy your dinner.”

As she made a move to walk away, Anakin uncoupled his arm from Amee’s grasp and stepped forward toward the retreating woman, holding her hand to stop her from continuing her steps.

“I’ve been quite interested in your ideas. If Amee doesn’t want to hire you and you ever need sponsors, don’t hesitate to contact me,” he said. He pulled a card with his office number from his pocket and handed it to her. “I’m Anakin Skywalker, by the way, a pleasure.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Skywalker. I’m Padmé Naberrie,” she extended her hand to shake his. “And I greatly appreciate your offer, I promise I’ll remember it.”

With her small hand swallowed by his larger one and the radiant smile she sent his way, Anakin felt his body heat up and a shiver run beneath his skin, while his mind could only think: I’m so fucked.

II.

Padmé pulled away from the older couple, replacing her innocent smile with a sly one. She could feel Anakin’s gaze burning into her back, so she added an extra sway to her hips, hoping to capture even more of the man’s attention.

She walked gracefully through the hall where Amee’s annual dinner was being held to raise funds for her NGO, Voices of Hope, which worked to support and provide assistance to those affected by conflicts caused by wars.

Padmé had always been sensitive to political crises and the suffering of vulnerable populations. Being a part of Amee’s NGO wouldn’t be a sacrifice for her, that much was obvious. But the real reason Padmé wanted to be involved in Amee’s business was because of her husband. Padmé didn’t like thinking of herself as a homewrecker or villain, no. She was just a determined woman who knew how to go after what she wanted.

She entered the bathroom, crossing the large room toward the mirror as soon as she closed the door behind her, barely able to contain the wide smile that overtook her rosy lips before she reached the sink. She leaned on the cold marble, staring at her reflection and savoring the warmth that coursed through her veins as she remembered the man outside.

Padmé raised her right hand, the one that had just moments ago been in Anakin’s firm grip, and gently stroked her face. Then, she smelled the palm while closing her eyes and imagined his scent there, his touch passing through her.

Contrary to what Anakin must have believed, that had not been their first encounter, and his introduction to her wasn’t necessary, as Padmé knew not only his name but everything about Anakin that she could find online. She had seen him before, years ago when numerous businesspeople were invited to give lectures for the law course, where Anakin made an extensive presentation on legal challenges in the field of robotics.

Padmé didn’t care about that at all. Technology was never her thing; she had always been a humanities girl, with her strongest skills being social and political. That’s why she chose law as her course, believing she could help and defend many people and causes. But it was the end of the semester, and she needed a few extracurricular hours that she hadn’t been able to get in the previous semester. So, against her own will, she went to that lecture, barely managing to keep her mouth shut when she saw the tall man standing on the stage.

“I want his babies.”

That was what went through her mind as soon as she entered the auditorium. Looking back now, Padmé couldn’t help but laugh a little at that thought.

Anakin had been glorious that day, in a perfectly tailored dark blue suit that accentuated his athletic body, highlighting his eyes, while his posture was firm, contrasting with the warm aura he exuded as he enthusiastically explained his presentation to the class.

That day, Padmé felt she developed a slight obsession. Sitting at the back of the room, with his words flowing like honey into her ears, she decided she wanted that man. And for the next two years, until she graduated, she planned every little step she would take to make him hers.

She could still remember the bitter feeling that took over her chest the night of Anakin’s lecture, when she searched for more about him and saw, the first photo on his Wikipedia biography, an image of him with his arm around the waist of a woman the small description below called Amee Skywalker, his wife.

But Padmé didn’t let that get in her way. At least not when, by clicking on the woman’s name, she discovered that Amee was a famous lawyer and director of a large social assistance NGO.

From that day on, Padmé focused on building her resume, knowing that the best way to have Anakin for herself was through his wife, who would have to accept her into that NGO. She needed to be a part of it and get close enough to Amee to get close to Anakin. And, if Amee’s smile and enchanted look toward her meant anything, Padmé already believed her plan was working.

III.

The dinner had ended hours ago, and now Anakin lay resting in his large bed, arms propped behind his head and his thoughts clouded as he waited for his wife to finish her nighttime skincare routine and take her place beside him.

He took a deep breath when he heard the sound of the faucet stopping, just before Amee appeared in the luxurious suite. She smiled at him before cuddling up to his chest, still dressed.

“What did you think of the dinner tonight, honey?”

Anakin took a moment to pull himself out of his thoughts before responding.

“Fantastic, just like every year.” He lifted his hand and gave her head a gentle pat before getting out of bed and walking toward the bathroom.

“And the girl? Padmé. What did you think of her? I’m thinking of bringing her to work with me at the NGO. I thought she was so smart.”

Anakin froze in the middle of bringing the toothbrush to his mouth, feeling like every thought that passed through his head in that moment could be heard by Amee.

He paused for a while, carefully choosing his next words.

“She’s an impressive girl. I think it would do you good to work with her.”

“You seem to have liked her ideas quite a lot since you offered to sponsor them if I didn’t hire her.”

Anakin sensed the hidden implication in her tone. This was a recurring topic between them: Amee’s jealousy whenever some woman seemed to capture too much of Anakin’s attention.

She hadn’t been like this. In fact, in the early years of their relationship, it was Anakin who felt jealous, always thinking so little of himself and letting his insecurities take over. He couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment when Amee began to change, maybe it was the same moment when the love between them cooled, and Anakin started to become distant.

“I thought her proposals were very good, and I think they could move forward with the right encouragement.”

He tried to keep his tone steady, hoping to prevent Amee from developing any insecurity about Padmé that might affect her decision to employ the girl.

“I agree. But you won’t need to be involved in this, because I’ve already decided I’m going to accept her into my team.”

Anakin nodded, turning off the lamp beside the bed and lying down to sleep.

Sleep was already taking over him when he felt Amee’s hands running over his chest. He grabbed her wrist in a firm grip before she could slip her palm under his shirt.

“Not tonight, Amee. I’m tired.”

“But, honey, we haven’t done anything in weeks… I miss you.”

Anakin sighed before opening his eyes.

“I know, Amee. But I’ve told you, I’m tired. I want to sleep, and tomorrow I will wake up early.”

“Okay… Goodnight, honey.”

“Night.”

With her eyes closed, Amee’s thoughts were filled with Anakin, unaware that his mind was entirely occupied by another woman.

IV.

Padmé was radiant that morning.

With her hair neatly styled and light makeup on her face, she checked her appearance in the mirror, giving a little spin to check her body in the tight black dress she had chosen to wear.

She smiled at the reflection she saw. The angelic beauty on her face was ethereal, and the curves of her body made her an impossible sight to ignore. Every detail on her seemed meticulously sculpted to enchant and seduce. Her eyes shone with a mix of determination and malice, reflecting the confidence she carried in her ability to always get what she wanted in all her twenty-three years of life.

Padmé adjusted her hair once more, dissatisfied with the way it looked, letting the strands fall loosely over her shoulders. Every tiny detail in her appearance carried a calculated symbolism. She knew the power she had, and using it was almost an instinct as if her own body was a weapon in a game where victory meant having Anakin Skywalker in her hands.

She sighed, running her fingers over her lower lip, imagining what it would be like to feel his touch, the warmth of his hands, and the weight of his gaze on her. With one last glance at the mirror, she lifted her chin, confident. It didn’t matter how much time or effort it took, she knew that, in the end, he would be hers.

The phone on the vanity rang loudly, pulling Padmé out of her thoughts and bringing her back to the real world. She walked over to the furniture and picked up the phone, seeing the notification on the screen of the alarm she had set the night before. Smiling, Padmé grabbed her purse and placed it on her shoulder, taking one last check of her appearance in the mirror before leaving the house.

It would be a great day, she was sure of it. Two days ago, she had attended Amee Skywalker’s gala dinner — Padmé held back a roll of her eyes when thinking about the woman using Anakin’s last name — and the next day, she woke up to a call from the woman, who showered her with compliments and said how much she wanted Padmé on her team, inviting her to her office for a presentation. Padmé almost let out a happy squeal on the phone thinking that she had made it, but she remained composed, taking a deep breath before confirming that she would go.

And now there she was, at the entrance of the large building owned by Anakin. Although Amee had no direct connection to Anakin’s work, she still had an office in his building, which was primarily used to resolve financial matters for the NGO she managed, and now Padmé would be part of it, since the main sponsor of all the projects was none other than Anakin. Padmé observed the imposing facade of the building, the mirrored windows reflecting the New York sky as she adjusted the strap of her purse on her shoulder. Every step to get there had been carefully planned, and now, facing the final obstacle that separated her from her the goal, she felt her heart race slightly.

She entered the luxurious lobby, decorated with polished marble and golden details that exuded sophistication and wealth. Padmé maintained a firm posture, the sound of her heels echoing on the floor as she walked confidently to the reception. This wasn’t just another job; it was the perfect opportunity to finally be close to him.

“Good morning, Miss Naberrie.” said the receptionist, with a professional smile as soon as Padmé introduced herself while checking her name on the guest list. “Mrs. Skywalker is expecting you on the 23rd floor.”

“Thank you.” Padmé replied, returning the smile, though inside she was restless.

She entered the elevator, and as the numbers on the panel ascended, her mind worked quickly, mentally reviewing everything she had researched and learned about the NGO and the Skywalkers. She needed to appear perfect, flawless, and indispensable. When the elevator doors opened, she gave one last adjustment to her hair before stepping out to face Amee, knowing that each moment would take her closer to Anakin.

And there she was, greeted with a warm smile from Amee, who seemed radiant to see her. The contrast between Amee’s gentleness and the turmoil Padmé felt inside was almost ironic. But Padmé was a born actress. With a kind expression and a subtle sparkle in her eyes, she greeted the woman.

“Padmé! I’m so happy to see you.” Amee opened her arms in a welcoming gesture, a wide smile lighting up her face. “I’ve been looking forward to talking more about your ideas.”

“Good morning, Amee.” Padmé returned the smile, matching the friendly tone. “It’s an honor to be here. I can’t wait to contribute to the NGO.”

“I’m sure it will be incredible.” Amee gestured for Padmé to follow her as they walked down the elegant hallway. “You know, you impressed me at the dinner. It’s not every day that we find someone with so much passion and creativity.”

“I’m so glad to hear that.” Padmé kept a humble tone, though inside she was savoring the compliment. “Voices of Hope is an organization I’ve admired for years. Having the chance to work with you is a privilege.”

Amee stopped in front of a large glass door that led to a meeting room.

“This is where we discuss the most important projects. I thought I’d start by introducing you to the rest of the team, but first, I wanted to know: is there something special you’d like to propose right away?”

Padmé took a deep breath, adjusting her tone to sound confident, but still careful not to come off as overly confident.

“Actually, yes. I have some ideas on how to expand the NGO’s reach to more isolated communities, especially those facing constant conflict. I think, with the right support, we can make a much bigger impact.”

Amee nodded, her eyes gleaming with interest.

“That’s exactly the kind of vision we need. I want to hear all the details, but…” Amee paused and smiled in a nearly conspiratorial way. “How was the dinner for you? I saw you and my husband had a conversation for a moment.”

Padmé held her breath for a moment before responding, carefully choosing her words and feeling that, although implied, this was some sort of test.

“He was very kind to me.” She smiled, tilting her head slightly. “He seemed like a very wise man, passionate about what he does.”

Amee laughed softly.

“Anakin is dedicated to his work. Sometimes even too much.” She sighed but quickly smiled again. “Anyway, it’s great to know that he saw in you the same potential that I see.”

Padmé returned the smile, but inside, she silently celebrated. Every word from Amee only reinforced that she was on the right path to achieving what she desired.

Anakin was sitting at the head of the long solid wood table in the meeting room, his eyes fixed on the tablet in front of him. He made automatic notes while reviewing the numbers from the last quarter, but his mind was distant, his thoughts trapped by a presence that had not yet entered the room.

He knew Padmé would be there. Amee had warned him that the newly hired young woman would be officially introduced to the team that morning. Since the dinner, her face had been etched in his memory with uncomfortable clarity, along with the sound of her voice and the soft touch of her hand.

The sound of the door opening made him lift his gaze, disguising his attention. Amee entered first, with her radiant smile, but it was the figure right behind her that completely captured his attention.

Padmé walked with natural elegance, the sound of her shoes echoing softly in the room. Her tight black dress, with a triangular neckline, accentuated her silhouette. The thin straps delicately fell over her shoulders, while the length of the dress stopped just above her knees. Her hair was loose, falling in soft waves over her shoulders and back, giving a lightness that contrasted with the tension she felt inside.

Anakin swallowed dryly, feeling the tension in his shoulders increase as her eyes met his, even if just for a brief second. There was something in Padmé that completely enchanted him, an energy he couldn’t explain, but which drew him in like an irresistible force.

“Good morning, everyone.” Amee began, with a light but authoritative tone. “Today I want to introduce the newest member of our team. This is Padmé Naberrie. She will be an essential part of our work to expand the reach of Voices of Hope.”

Padmé took a step forward, smiling warmly but professionally.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I’m very excited to collaborate with all of you, and I hope to learn a lot in this process.”

The room erupted into cordial whispers, and some of the older team members offered welcoming words. Anakin remained silent, his eyes locked on how Padmé moved with natural ease as she greeted the others.

She seemed to have a unique magnetism, able to capture the attention of everyone around her without even trying. And that irritated him. Not because she didn’t deserve it, but because he couldn’t help feeling like prey in her presence. It was a sensation he wasn’t accustomed to experiencing, especially in an environment where he usually was the figure of greatest authority.

When the greetings ended, Padmé sat in one of the chairs next to Amee, almost directly in Anakin’s line of sight. He diverted his gaze, trying to refocus on the numbers on his tablet, but her soft laughter, which came in response to something Amee had said, cut his concentration like a sharp knife.

“Alright, now that the introductions are done, let’s start the meeting.” Amee said, taking control of the room. “Padmé, if you’d like, you can start by sharing some of your ideas with the group.”

Anakin glanced sideways when Padmé stood up, adjusting the dress that had ridden up her thighs with a delicate movement before heading toward the group. Her voice was soft and engaging as she presented her proposals, the passion evident in every word.

As she spoke, Anakin couldn’t help but analyze her. Not just the way she presented her ideas, but every small detail that went unnoticed by the others. The way her eyes sparkled when she explained something that excited her, the soft but confident tone of her voice, and the graceful gestures of her hands.

She was smart. Very smart. More than he had realized at dinner. And that only made her even more dangerous to him, because now Anakin saw her not just as a young, beautiful woman with good intentions, but as a force to be reckoned with.

When Padmé finished, the room was filled with murmurs of approval, followed by applause. She smiled, thanking them with a slight nod before sitting down again.

Anakin, however, did not applaud. He remained silent, his thoughts immersed in internal chaos. He knew he should ignore her, keep his distance, and treat her like any other employee.

But deep down, feeling the desire for her to lick his skin and mess with his senses, he also knew it was already too late for that.

next chapter.

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