A/N:- Above Raymond Sawyer...

 A/N: I just want to tell everyone that I am a avid reader of Mills and Boons....the writing style is different from the contemporary one, the paragraphs are going to be long....its a style. Characters are introduced in a  random priority order. Plz dont comment saying the chapters are long and characters don't seem relevant.  I AM the writer and I know how I WANT to write my story.  Thanks, enjoy!

||Chapter II: I like it- ow! ||

|Dunhill Mansion.|

Walking down the stairs, Abigail wiped her sweaty hands on the chiffon dress. At this moment, she sheepishly confessed to being nervous about coming face to face with her to-be-husband. She was not only going to meet Raymond but also her in-laws. And what if she did something wrong? If they call off the wedding? Her family was dependent on her. One wrong move and everything would be down the drain. She wanted to cry out of nervousness. Fear licked her body completely paralyzing her.

"Don't worry! You are going to be perfect and Raymond will have a hard time keeping his hands to himself and I'll have to punch him if he behaves out of line. Hey! Tell me if he does, I'll-" Raymond's pervert behaviour was her least of her worries.

In her dreams, her faceless knight in shining armor was always gentle with her and always did right by her. But now she was forced to put a face to the Knight in shining armour and she wasn't sure how he truly be? Would he smile, would he laugh, would his touch drive her crazy with desire, just like all the mills and boons, she had managed to read?

"I'm so f.ucking nervous Callum!" Abigail interrupted Callum. Did you know, even after being a part of the upper class for twenty-four years Abigail still had a potty mouth?

"Hey, no swearing! And me too..."

"Why?" Callum's warning was blatantly ignored.

"Just don't mess up or mother will have my head."

"Selfish jerk!" Abigail remarked.

"Abigail!" a fair warning was issued.

"Oh, suddup! I'm nervous." But before Callum could reply a new, soothing and caring voice cut the mutual discussion of the siblings.

"Look what we have here! Ah, I'm Vivian and it's nice finally to meet you Abigail. My mother never stopped talking about your beauty so much so I doubted about your existence! But to tell you the truth, her words and your photo did no justice to your beauty. I think I'm jealous of you! My brother is going to have a hard time keeping his hands to himself. Oh, it's going to be so much fun!" A pregnant Vivian stopped to catch a breath. And captured Abigail in a strong hug; or as tightly as Vivian's swollen tummy would allow. And grinned brightly pulling back, Abigail feared her face would split if she smiled anymore. Vivian was wearing a camisole style evening gown with a shawl completing the marvellous attire. Boy, did she look gorgeous even after having a very big tummy.

"Jeez relax honey, you are gonna scar' the poo' soul!" An Irish man came and stood next to Vivian, and apologetically smiled at Abigail.

"Oh, 'ow rud' of meh. I'm Shane Horan, a.k.a husband of tiz' crazy woman." Vivian smacked her husband playfully.

Abigail and Callum just stood dumbfounded. Callum because of Vivian's beauty and Abigail because she really didn't know what to do, run like a mad woman or greet her future sister-in-law. She was considering the first option when Callum spoke.

"H-hello, I'm Callum Abigail's elder brother."

"Of course, you are. Hey, handsome." Vivian replied, receiving a playful glare from her husband.

Abigail chuckled as Callum cringed at the sight of Mr. Horan. His dreams with Vivian went down the drain and he made a face.

"Hello I'm Abigail; it's nice to meet you." Abigail decided to interrupt with her well-practiced line.

"Of course dear, same here. Let's go out meet the others. Oh, I can't wait to see my brothers face when he sees you." Vivian chirped. The woman couldn't possibly talk faster than a bullet train.

All her nervousness flew right out the window. Abigail expected a snobby Vivian instead of a bubbly one. Now she felt at more ease. Like she could breathe now without a care. Now she wondered if rest were also like Vivian and Shane, sweet and caring...

Life would be a piece of cake.

They all walked out into the living room where others assembled peacefully talking. Upon arriving, she discovered, her father talking to Mr. Sawyer; her mother talking to Lady Sawyer and Prince Raymond sat in a corner fiddling with his phone.

"Ray, look! Isn't she beautiful?" Vivian spoke loudly as if proudly showing her new doll. Everyone's attention was now captured by Abigail. Except Raymond's.

And Abigail blushed and refused to meet eyes with 'Ray'. Vivian received a hard glare from her mother who stood up and walked up to Abigail.

"I apologize on behalf of Vivian, and her unnecessarily excited behaviour. She tends to get too....excited." Lady Beatrice Sawyer smiled apologetically. It wasn't genuine, though, and Abigail wondered why.

"Sorry mother." Vivian quietly mumbled and sat down next to her husband, who kindly rubbed her back. A kind gesture to rid Vivian's guilt. Abigail wishful jealousy ripped through her. Oh, what she would give to have a like theirs.

"But I'll have to agree with Vivian, aren't you pretty?" Beatrice smiled. Beatrice's voice and tone intention were very sharp and crisp. Beatrice lead Abigail next to Raymond. But Raymond never looked up at his to-be-bride; even when she softly sat next him.

Lady Beatrice Sawyer appeared to be a no-nonsense as well as a strict woman. And her son followed right after her.

"Hello pretty lady, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Ray's father, Adam Sawyer." Abigail's thoughts were drowned by an old raspy voice, aged by wisdom and experience.

"Its a pleasure to meet you too, Sir!" Adam smiled at her, a smile that made the crinkles near his eyes and mouth very prominent.

"'Sir...?'It sounds too formal, please call me Adam."

"As you wish... sir, no I mean...Adam!" Her cheeks turned the colour off her hair.

Abigail did a slight head courtesy. Everyone was helped with a glass of red wine and the previous conversations resumed . Callum was indulged in a deep conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Horan and the parents were talking amongst themselves. Abigail had nowhere to join so she sat awkwardly next to immobile and indifferent Raymond.

They were two strangers meeting for the first time, yet they would be bound together by a marriage.

Abigail stared at Raymond's side profile from the corner of her eyes. Her dry mouth overcame a wave of stifling shyness. He sat quietly, tall and distant. He wore a simple grey Armani suit, his dark brown hair was a big chunk of messy curls. Small stubble dotted his sharp jaw and his hands were clasped together cupping the wine glass, thumbs running over the rim. He had cultivated this nonchalant look. His lips in a straight line, almost a stern line. Only his clenched jaw gave away the tension. As if, he could be somewhere else rather than be in her presence. he looked miserable.

Right, Mr. Raymond Sawyer, I'm also not interested in you. It's nice seeing that you are as miserable as me. Abigail thought.

"Quit staring!" The Prince hissed, bring Abigail back to earth.

"Urm...right. Sorry." Abigail gulped and tried smiling. And looked in front. She was relieved seeing the prince was not someone in his late thirties, but must be in his late twenties or very early thirties. It was hard to tell.

"So you rudely skipped my welcoming ceremony and fell gravely ill? And now you look just fine. What kind of magic wand do you have?" Raymond coolly remarked still not looking up at his bride-to-be. He simply refused. He had heard his wife-to-be with her siren-like feature could ensnarl any man.

'Yeah, I was just trying to delay meeting the monster who robbed me of my rights, can you blame me? I'd rather jump in the water off a cliff to save a crazy woman than meet you!' Abigail almost said that out loud, but knew better.

"Yeah about that I'm sorry. I was nervous. I didn't want to worry you." She replied. Amused, the Prince scoffed.

"I think it was your family more worried, not me. They are the people most nervous, we might just call it off." His passive tone irked Abigail. The Prince finally looked up at Abigail and his heart did a weird thing. It just skipped a beat. He was left tongue-tied at her beauty.

"I'm sorry again." Irritated by his cold attitude, but she couldn't help but feel an ominous aura roll off him in tons; so instead of snapping like she intended she just mumbled. Why was she scared no one knew. His presence was enough to instill fear in her; he had done nothing to her, yet.

Here Raymond's heart beat fastened. And he couldn't reason his sudden urge to see her face. If her side profile was able to get him out of control then what all could her whole face do, and her body....

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" he lowered his voice and spoke in her ears. On cue chills violated her body. She first raised her eyes and looked straight, then slowly turned to look at him. Her heart was slamming against her ribs.

His heart stopped beating for a whole minute. Her eyes caught his attention first and then her fire red hair. She was wearing a cream coloured chiffon evening gown and had a deep cut neck and her ample chest stung his little friend down there. His eyes roamed up her body. Slender neck, soft round chin, pouty plum lips, button nose and finally his favorite part- her green eyes all caught his due attention. To curb the urge to touch her, he licked his lips. She sat oblivious to her effect on him.

"Excuse me." Said the Prince abruptly standing up and offered his hand to Abigail. Everyone turned to look at him. "May I have a private word with Ms. Dunhill." It was meant to be a question but sounded like an order to Abigail.

Everyone gave a knowing smile and a small nod, containing their happiness. Truth to be told, Adel was on the ninth cloud. Abigail looked up to meet her mother's eyes as if begging her mother to say no. But much to her dismay her mother gave a slight nod in permission and a strong glare issuing a warning to Abigail 'Not to act out of line.' Abigail couldn't sit next Raymond even in everyone's presence let alone be with him alone. She'd rather sleep on a nail bed than be anywhere near him. She slowly stood up accepting his hand and walked out of the room.

The moment her hand landed in his, a steady buzz of energy engulfed her, like small fuzzy glowing dots. She almost moaned with the warmth it provided. The steady tinkle hummed in her as if inducing a trance. It felt so nice, so warm so secure. Whatever he was doing it guaranteed safety and security to her and she subconsciously recognized it. She slightly swayed as he tightened the grip and tugged her into a hallway. Light green glowing dots danced around her vision, invitingly. She followed him just like rats mesmerized by the pied piper.

Raymond had a hard time keeping his composure. The buzz he felt it was his first time. He never felt this type of irresistible connection after meeting a stranger. It wasn't often where he felt any connection, let alone this strong. The only person who he had felt this buzz with was Mai. The way Abigail's fragile hand felt in his masculine hand drove him crazy with unwonted inappropriate images. He held her hand in a vice like grip. He didn't know why he was seething. But he was furious! Probably it was this unaccustomed surge of wanton emotions which rendered him out of control. She was going to be the victim. He jerked his hand away and the wanton surge slowly ebbed. Walking away from the living room he stopped in front of her. His back was facing her. He removed a small wooden jewelry box, from his coat pocket. The box revealed a chain rather a marvelous one. It had antique silver swirling and framing a circular sapphire pendant. And he held it for her; looking over his shoulder.

"What are you waiting for?" he asked. "Take it." he coaxed her.

She slowly came to her senses as his touch disappeared. She shook her head in confusion, trying to wrap her hand around the sudden crazy bust of energy. Did she just imagine it all?

But Abigail was slightly touched by the gesture. It was a beautiful gift. Maybe he wasn't a monster. Timidly she moved to touch the pretty pendant.

"Oh, you didn't have to.... This is so pretty. I like it- ow!" just as she was to touch the trinket when he snapped the box close, mere centimeters away from her fingers. She pulled her hand well in time.

"Few rules first baby;" Raymond turned; now facing a bewildered Abigail who her held her hand close to her chest, nursing it. "You can't disappear or act out before the wedding. If you feel you are not mentally strong enough to handle your role then leave. There are other willing to fill your role. This is your last chance to call it off." Raymond seethed. All he wanted was to turn and ravish her teasing lips in her own hallway. And the savage he was!

"What the heck! You are completely self-absorbed. And the way he talks, so emotionally detached! Here I thought he'll be my knight in shining armour." Abigail oozed of sarcasm.

"Decide now." Raymond roared, ignoring her blunt remark.

"Our parents must be waiting. Let's go." What could Abigail do? After all, she had a bankrupted company to save....

To be ignored was Raymond's worst pet peeve. Before he could understand what he was doing, he bent his knees coming to her level and had her shoulders pinned against a wall, blurring her lips with his. Creating a lust filled the atmosphere. His hand which pinned her shoulder slowly started sliding down to her wrist; one of his hands captured her hands painfully behind her back; arching her back. The other held her face in place. He had half expected for her to call it off; at least few choice of words, but none.

Then again he knew she was just desperate to save her family and become daughter-in-law of Sawyers. To become the half owner of Merck. Nothing else, she wanted nothing to do with Raymond, just plain Raymond. Like everyone, she wanted the name- Sawyer and the ensuing power. It was sad, how a successful thirty year old man pathetically begged for some affection-any kind.

Closing his eyes he applied more pressure on her lips and slowly bit it. His aggression, now, on full show. Pulling her closer, he could feel her soft chest pressed against his firm one. And in that heat-filled moment, he wouldn't mind burning for an eternity. A moan left his lips when she moved her lips. All his senses were lost and defenseless he stood kissing her back. Forcing his eager tongue to invade her mouth, he deepened the kiss. His lil' buddy now throbbed. Now he was at her mercy. She struggled to release her hands from his vice like grip, but to no avail. It pissed him off that after years of nothing but numbness came a redheaded and drove him nuts with the intangible lust, and want.

His musky cologne held her ransom as he devoured her to heart's desire. One last tug on her lower lip and he stopped. Breathing heavily he looked at her flushed face. All her hormones romped her body. Her heart beat so fast that it could jump out any moment and run all around the house like crazy. Amidst the lusty atmosphere, the buzz had faded to a soft hum almost a purr of contentment. Enchanting buzz danced around him.

Pulling away he stared at her parted glossed and swollen lips making it hard to resist. Eyes screwed shut, flushed face all added to her glowing beauty. He traced her lower lip with the thumb pad and wiped the bloody wound. Her eyes shot open as it stung, on cue reality struck her. Her viridian eyes darted between his stony blue ones. Asking too many questions which he couldn't answer either. He ungraciously pulled back from her. Moving away and fixed his suit. Burdened by his own irrational behaviour confusion masked by anger he spoke.

"Deal sealed! Now no backing," he growled. "And the next time; no let me rephrase that, from this very instant you'll wear that around your neck and if I don't see it, there'll be some grave consequences, Abigail, remember that." With everything said and done he chucked the box at her feet and started walking away from a disoriented Abigail.

Abigail looked at the retreating figure of the hardnosed monster...

'My lips he just.... Just like that.... That cruel Man!' Abigail muttered touching her swollen lips. With a sudden start, she discovered, she had reciprocated the kiss. Abigail went red with embarrassment.

"What? Move 'Our parents must be waiting.' " Raymond said mocking and breaking her mental unstable state.

"You perverted outer spaced Mammoth! How.dare.you!" Abigail literally charged at Raymond.

"Perverted outer spaced Mammoth?" Raymond chuckled at Abigail's choice of words. "C'mon babe you can do better. Do I need to spell it for you?"

"What's going on?" Callum's innocent voice broke her haze.

"Nothing!" Abigail and Raymond snapped at the same time.

"It doesn't look like 'Nothing' to me. And Bambi why do you look flushed?" Callum spoke as he reached Abigail and flattened her hair. Completely oblivious to the prior moments. Abigail just shook her head and dismissed the question. She bent down and picked up the box detaining a stunning trinket. She only hoped it wasn't broken.

"Mother is waiting for both of you." Callum said a bit uncomfortable. "Let's go." Embarrassed Abigail, literally, speed walked out the hallway, leaving a confused brother and amused Raymond.

"Yes 'Bambi' why do you look flushed?" the nerve that bastard to ridicule her in front of her own brother!

\~*~*~*~*~*~*~/

At the dinner table, Abigail was introduced yet to another family member of Sawyers. Simon Sawyer. A.K.A Youngest ball of sunshine! Duly note the sarcasm. For when the eighteen-year-old was introduced to Abigail he refused to even offer her a single glance. He looked right through her. He had a golden hair and blue eyes like his father, except they were stony like his elder brother and mother. So much for wanting a happy night. Mere seconds later Prince Raymond and Callum joined the table. On one side sat the Dunhill's and on the other sat Sawyers. Soon the clinking sound of forks and knives swung the air. Callum sat next to Abigail and Prince Raymond sat in front of her. She knew the sitting position was her parent's conspiracy, and for that she hated them.

All this while The Prince had ignored her.

I thought he was only cold and manner-less but now I know he's also rude. Because of you Mr. Raymond Sawyer, I've lost a very important opportunity. Just because I'm smiling right now doesn't mean I'm okay with your perverted outer spaced Mammoth like behaviour. MY precious lips ruined by your germs....... Die you jerk! Die! What do I do now?

My anaconda don't, my anaconda don't. My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns, hun. Boy toy named Troy used to live in Detroit. Big dope dealer money, he was gettin' some coins....

Oh my God please no!

Abigail's embarrassing ringtone rang and she had a mini heart attack. And she never wanted to die in embarrassment, like now! Quickly fumbling with her phone she denied the call. And prayed to every God she knew to save her. But she knew, even Christ couldn't help her. Gulping in fear she dared looking up, only to regret soon. There was pin-drop silence in the room. And her heart wanted to leap out of her mouth.

"Abigail!" Mr. Dunhill shouted.

"Oh my god... I...I'm sorry..." she stammered unable to form a coherent statement. Everyone looked like they had seen a ghost. Except one, whose laughter abruptly rung in the house-Simon Sawyer. He was clutching his stomach and tears rolled down his cheeks.

"You like Nicki Minaj?!" He choked out between his hauls of laughter. Simon's first words since they had met. Abigail didn't know if he was laughing at her poor choice of music or he was genuinely amused. Either way, she felt insulted and mortified.

"You like pop? I thought you'd only like classical since you're a piano major." he said after he was done laughing. Wiping his tears he again said, "God I love Nicki!" Now he just chuckled here and there. But before she could control, words flew out her mouth.

"Of course! I think she should be crowned as the new Queen-bit-" Callum was quick to spring into action and stopped Abigail mid-way, held her hand under the table; before she did any more damage.

"Queen Bitch! I agree. Plus she is so fit. I want to leave England and go to the US; the birds there are totally bang-able!" Simon said shocking Abigail to the core with his choice words. But she grinned knowing she wasn't alone with a potty mouth when she'll live with Sawyers.

"Language Mr. Simon Sawyer!" Lady Sawyer sternly said.

"My sincere apologies mother, but I hope we become good friends in the coming time, Ms. Dunhill. And I sincerely apologize for my former rude behaviour." Simon chucked yet again shocking Abigail with his highly polished English. He busied him with eating. Abigail was too stunned to reply. An awkward silence hung heavy in the air. She didn't dare look at any one, afraid of their reaction. Especially Raymond.

"Now that Raymond is free for some time, shouldn't we start with the wedding process?" Lord Sawyer said trying to change the subject. But one thing struck Abigail-their behaviour. It was as if they were in a desperate need of this marriage and not the Dunhills. But she wasn't complaining after all she had a bankrupt company to save....

"My friends already have grandchildren and the new generation of the heirs! I'd also like to hold my grandchild in my arms soon." he laughed filling Abigail's gut with despair.

Abigail looked up at Raymond, but to no avail. For he sat emotionless regarding the situation. Was he happy? Did he want a family or he was gutted like her? Literally any emotions, Abigail was desperate to know. But nothing. He sat there eating his food whereas Abigail wanted to throw up.

"It's not a problem for us." Her father replied too soon, much to her dismay.

"B-But didn't he just come from a foreign trip, I'm sure he must be tired." Callum said trying to calm Abigail sky-rocketing nerves. He felt pity for her.

"What does he have to worry about? We can plan the entire wedding!" Said Vivian excited by the whole conversation.

"Plus Mrs. Dunhill and I can meet separately and decide the details!" piped in Lady Sawyer, much to Abigail's apprehension. She wanted to buy some time. Callum tensed at his futile attempt to discourage further wedding discussion, this wasn't the way he wanted the conversation to go.

The rest of the night went uneventfully. But the former events were enough to keep everyone preoccupied. For a few it was a good distraction and for a few it wasn't; needless the mentions.

And this is how Raymond's and Abigail's paths were woven mercilessly without a fair warning of the hell that awaits their future.

|*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~|