Zack had this unpleasant taste lounging in his mouth at the discomfort of hopping on the bus for the second time. Amongst the tawdry fabricated moss green seats sat others evidently observing the outside world with no interest whatsoever into the grubby, filthy environment they sat in. Zack couldn't understand how eased they were to be not at all troubled. Was this normal? Was it normal not to be affected by the clear evident stains on the seats probably wet upon by the stranger who couldn't keep it in or the odour of one who hadn't washed in days? Zack had to bypass the negative thoughts heading to take seat at the front, far as possible from the lady who feasted upon her fingernails; next it would be an appetite for flesh.

He was to journey back to the sheer comfort of his penthouse to pick up remaining items before returning back to his new-founded roommate. Ideally he had hoped for Kyle or rather his bodyguard, Wickes to drop some stuff of his to the apartment however he could recall his last conversation being under lines of granting Wickes permission for holiday leave. Zack could only curse under his breath for that. So now he had to ride solo and actually get off his arse. Probably a better option to go with to minimise suspicion from Miss Claire Winter if she were to spot a man exiting a Jaguar Sports car carrying a luggage; game over for certain.

Zack breathed a sigh of relief when he came outside his building at the exact time of 5:30. Problem was he had no clue of what bus was next to catch considering he'd never caught the bus before. There was the option of calling a taxi but his change wasn't really ideal in mind in that he was carrying fifty pound notes in cash. Bringing his hand towards the template of his forehead Zack gave out a gruff sigh before taking out his phone to dial the unfortunate who would take his sorry ass home.

There was four agonising seconds until the receiver picked up. "Hello." They said.

Zack refrained from rolling his eyes as he muttered, his tone gravelly. "I need you to pick me up."

As he expected there was a release of laughter on the other line, "Haha! Give up already?"

"Kyle." He spat, trying best not draw attention towards the crowd of people walking by. "Just stop being a d.ick already."

Kyle paused for a second. "Unfortunately for you, I've decided against picking your ass up. So...looks like you're gonna have to make your own way back home."

Zack sighed. "Look, I took the f**king bus. Okay? So pick me up, you f**king ass!"

"No. I'll just enjoy the comfort of your home, okay? You don't mind that do you? Of course I may have invited a few guests but no biggie." Kyle replied, easily playing on Zack's final nerves.

"No biggie?!? Wait the f**k till-

Zack growled with anger at Kyle's sudden action of ending the call that it alerted others around him to briskly move away.

Claire couldn't deny the amount of times her eyes had drifted back and forth to the front door waiting for the second he'd return. Zack had left at four to pick up few belongings he'd left temporary at the hotel he had been living at. It was indeed strange to see someone drop up and leave heading for the area close to work without buying accommodation first. But what was she to know.

She couldn't keep her mind off of him; it was driving her nuts. Why should she be so scared in her own home? Well last she checked, this man wasn't just incredibly gorgeous but drop-dead sexy beyond any actors in the past she had fancied the pants off.

Claire was in the midst of fantasying very naughty things about Mr hot stuff when the action of her phone calling out to her broke her track of thought. Picking it up she was relieved to hear Darren's ebullient tone on the other line.

"Claire! Oh my goodness, you've got to tell me he took it. Right? Right?" He said without once stopping for air.

"Yes."

-"Shut up!"

"I'm not kidding...he took it right there." Claire clarified.

-"Could I move in with you?"

Claire smirked, shaking her head to herself. "Darren. You had plenty of chances...Looks like you're stuck with lover boy next door. Sorry." She chirped at the end deliberately.

"Whatever. Me and lover boy will do just fine then. I'm just shocked the man took it." Darren confessed, drawing in a huge breath towards the end.

-"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing!" Darren objected. "Claire I complimented your arse the other day. I'm sure he's got the hots for you already."

Claire sighed. "I'm totally gonna end the call right now."

-"W-Wait! Woman, you can't just leave me with just that! When's this guy moving in?"

"Erm. Right now or rather in an hour or so." Claire said, briefly glancing towards the clock on the wall.

"Sh*t. You already got him whipped?" Darren coughed.

"Darren!" She snapped. "I hardly know the guy and if you're coming around frequently like I'm gathering you will start to more now, then I don't want him hearing you speaking about me as if I'm some sort of horny b**tard!"

Darren could supress the laughter fleeing his lips. "Apologises. You know I love you."

"Yeah well you're on the top of my kill list, so beware." Claire muttered, unable to stop the smile moving on towards her lips.

Kyle's face lit up with amusement as he watched Zack enter through the front door wearing a frown with tears of rain gently running down the sides of his face. The first words to leave his mouth spat vengeance.

"Well, isn't it nice to see you too!" Kyle smirked, clapping his hands together. "How's the weather out there?"

Zack played along incensed beyond limit. "Oh, it was just great! Thanks for asking! It was pissing cats and dogs! But you know me, I love a good splash. Puddle and all. Even the taxi driver is getting a good splurge tonight! Treat his wife!"

-"Really?"

"No, you dumb f**k!" Zack spat shoving him in the shoulder as he walked past heading into the living room that instead of maintaining its clean, tidy attire was worn out by the group of people including his own brother thrusting a bottle of beer into the air.

-"Hey bro!"

Zack turned on his heel hulling his shoulders to the ceiling. "What! What's this?" His eyes daggered at Kyle who stood, arms crossed smiling like a Cheshire cat.

"Umm. What?" He replied, raising his eyebrows up innocently.

-"Kyle said you were out of town for the while. I know the story and my lips are sealed. But hey a small party wouldn't hurt we thought." Jared, his brother said before turning his attention towards the blonde female hugged up against him.

"Ha! No it's fine! So while you are at it, why don't you go f**k in my bedsheets too?" Zack said, dishing his daggering eyes towards Jared who sheepishly smiled. "You f**king didn't?" Zack grumbled, shaking his head hoping his brother would deny the truth.

-"Woah! Woah! Angry man whose gonna sh*t his pants, calm! Come lets go talk." Kyle broke in, gesturing his hands towards the kitchen. Zack hesitated at first before following him over towards the centre counter which instead of displaying its pristine, marble surface took showcase of food.

"Look, I'll drop you off. Okay?" Kyle said. "Wouldn't you want smashing things, would we?"

"F**k off, Kyle." He sighed. "And I'd rather get the bus...infact I will. I'm not losing this bet, I know what you're trying to do! So f**k it. Excuse me. I've got to go pack." He spat once more, pushing him aside.

"Whatever you say." Kyle said before calling out after him. "You might want to be careful of your bathroom sink, one of the girls Becky was sick in it earlier!"

And here Zack was again, squashed up against the window by the scruffy-looking guy who'd taken seat next to him despite the availability of free seats in the entire bus. Protectively he held his duffel bag on his lap, his hood up from his black hoodie achieving nothing at all to shield the frown across his face. He hated buses. Hated them. Why was he doing this again? Because he couldn't lose a stupid bet putting him in harm's way of losing his baby car or actually having to spend a second with Kyle's cousin, Trevor. Why couldn't it have been Jenna? He'd gladly give up then.

Zack heaved the duffel bag along across his shoulder along with pulling his suitcase as he headed towards the front door of the apartment, number forty. He only had to knock once when she opened the door dressed only in pyjama shorts and a baby pink camisole. Zack wouldn't lie but the appearance of her naked collarbone trekked deep into his thoughts. And her legs? Man...

-"Hi." She lightly smiled opening the door further as Zack slowly walked in.

"Evening. Apologises. Trouble at hom-...I mean the hotel." He said, cursing at himself for his near slip up. "And if I smell like piss, I swear it's not me." He added, curious himself why he added that detail but did not regret it when he watched her face light up in amusement. She had a very beautiful smile. Shit he thought, he needed to stop that immediate thought. Never was he one to compliment a woman nor allow thoughts like that to betray him.

"Shower?" He coughed, refraining his eyes from taking interest to her smile again.

"Same place as before. Down the end of the corridor by the bedrooms. Want me to help?" She said, instantly her cheeks inflamed at the last statement that left her lips and the immediate grin that framed his own. "Sh*t. I meant your luggage! Just your luggage! Sh*t. Not that way either!"

"It's okay. I get that a lot." He smirked, lifting the duffel bag over his shoulder once again as he whistled a tune deliberately as he headed forth towards the corridor.

Claire could have facepalmed. What was she doing? Claire shook her head heading towards the kitchen where for the last thirty minutes she'd been cooking up spaghetti, something easy and hopefully favourable to his account. The smell hit her as she leaned over to inhale the scent; slightly tangy and a kick of spice. Claire heard the shower turn on and sighed to herself in relief. How tempting it would be to just walk right in and stare at the masterpiece on two legs. Now she really needn't to stop with those awful but premier thoughts rocketing in her mind.

-"Hey. Do you know how to turn the hot water up?" His voice broke into the room causing her to nearly drop the tablespoon into the pan. Claire turned on her heel instantly regretting that swift movement of hers, notably taking appeal to the mad-mean set of six pack he was rocking. She could just imagine hot beads of sweat crawling down his skin, crawling towards his happy trail that ran seamlessly on forever exposing itself with the towel riding low on his hips. Claire closed her mouth quickly nodding unable to manage a word or two.

"Good. You mind?" He smiled, jerking his thumb behind him.

"Sure." Claire replied, cursing for the notable squeak in her voice.

"Mmmm. Something smells delicious." He commented, wafting his hands in the air towards his nose. "Mighty fine cook you are." Smiling soon after. Claire was way too engrossed in his arms, evidently strong from the looks of them that she couldn't help but daydream of them making way around her.

He coughed alerting her attention soon down back to reality. "Sorry!" She blurted, quickly moving forth towards the bathroom feeling his presence following right after her. Waiting for him to catch up, she pointed towards the interface. "Just turn this." She muttered, taking note to the little space he allowed between them; she could feel the front of his chest pressing against her side.

-"Oh, I didn't realise that."

"Yeah...well I better...get back to the food." Claire replied, then soon pressing her lips together.

"Of course." He replied then without further notice began to tug on his towel.

-"Woah! Woah! I'm still here!" Claire gasped, covering her hands over her eyes. "I repeat I'm still in here!"

-"I know."

Claire had to then remove her hands from her eyes at his presumptuous comment. She met his amused face and yet to her dismay, the towel still was wrapped around his waist. Wait, no, don't think that she thought as she placed her hands comfortably on her hips.

"Well I-I care." She objected, stuttering a little at the discomfort of his glaze travelling across her face.

Zack bit back the urge to rekindle another bold move and instead bowed slightly. "Apologises. Won't happen again." Then flashed her a smile as she abruptly broke stance not knowing then what to do with her hands. Clever Zack he thought.

"It will...be done in ten minutes. Excuse me." She said, then walked out the door but not without taking another final glance towards him.

Claire continued to the kitchen pressing both hands on the table as she took in a deep breath. That did just happen, correct? The man was not far from exposing himself to her, right? Was he going to be one of those who are arrogant, self-centred jerks? If so, why? Why did she have to be punished by a man with incredible, sexy looks and in a short space of time had nearly became acquainted with his package downstairs? Not that she could have complained she thought.

"Get a grip! You horny motherf**ker!" She growled to herself before pushing away the flop of tangled hair that had fought to cover her entire face. "Sh*t!" She breathed alerted by the distinct bubble of water running wild out onto the sides of the pan.

Claire sat opposite him displeased by how conscious she became on her eating; it was her effort just to not drop food down her top or shovel in the entire plate down. That being said, Claire was a very messy eater, particularly on her own although she didn't subject it out either when Abbey lived in the apartment. Of course Abbey would comment on her piggish nature complaining how it was a awful display to see but that didn't deter her off. Now it was different. She was sitting opposite someone beyond attractive perhaps even beyond the word attractive itself. So Claire had to discourage her eating habits and take delicate, minuscule bites despite the growling in her stomach. Bad choice to go with spaghetti as well from trying not to slurp the pasta into her mouth. He however could have been shovelling it down fast, have some excess sauce hugging around his lips and she would still have found him sexy.

-"So...tell me. What's there to know about Claire Winter?" He said, breaking the awkward silence on her behalf. Claire looked up, her brows raised slightly as her mouth closed entrance to the approaching fork mated with a chunk of meatball.

"There's not much to know." Claire replied. "Cliche I know." She added, turning her fork playfully into the pasta.

Zack chuckled. "Sure is. Well should I start then?" He took her brief nod as a yes before jumping straight into it. "Hi my name is Zack Chase and I'm a recovering coffee addict." Grinning without a doubt as he twirled his own fork in the pasta.

Claire couldn't help but snicker. "Okay that was a good one." Her head falling down as she tried to take more interest in the food than his complexion.

"So. I'll ask again. Tell me something about you. After all we are roommates." He smiled, his eyebrow raised suggestively.

"Erm...I work at Benson's Corporations." She shrugged.

-"Snap!"

-"Wait. You're starting there?"

Zack nodded. "Yes. Looks like we've got more in common than we thought." Claire could detect the hint of sarcasm through his raised tone and couldn't help to smile in return.

-"So, boyfriend?"

"Excuse me?" Claire choked.

"That guy I saw earlier on." Zack said, jerking his chin up slightly.

"What! No!" Claire blurted. "Friend."

-"Oh really?"

Claire nodded. "Yes."

-"Sure?"

-"Yes, I'm pretty sure."

-"Very sure or in denial?"

"Yes!" Claire snapped, still smiling nonetheless. "You're exasperating."

Zack smiled at that. "I am. Aren't you going to ask about my love life? I could go into the details if that's what you want."

Claire's eyes opened further in astonishment. "Forward aren't we? And no thanks, I've just eaten."

-"Fine I won't."

"Good." Claire said.

"Good." He replied, his expression firm.

-"Good then."

"Good then." He reiterated.

Claire rolled her eyes lightly unable to refrain from the gradual smile forming. In a matter of seconds, the beautiful man before her was back to eating without another word. She did the same taking this time a mouthful as she looked elsewhere.

The next time she made eye contact was at least not meeting his own. Instead her eyes took journey to his mouth where she insanely became intoxicated by the movement of his lips; sensual as they could be. Even the slight crack of entrance intruded her thoughts thinking to the movement of his tongue across her hot skin. Her heart became erratic, her thighs pressed together thinking only of what such a mouth could do. She was imprisoned with thoughts of him.

-"You're staring." He said with a perplexed look.

"I know I am." She replied, feeling hot all-over.

"You thinking of what I would f**king do that sweet body of yours?" He simply said, his expression yet revealing nothing and remained to only raise his eyebrow.

Claire nodded. "F**k yes." Watching without doubt at the flicker of his tongue gliding across the bottom of his lip; arousing to the sight.

"I bet. You lust as do I. You imagine our bodies entangled in hot love. Feel my hands all-over you. You bite your lip suggestively now, only inside your heart flutters out of control." He goes on to say.

Claire whimpers allowing flees of gasps to leave her mouth. The erratic behaviour of her heart proved how desperately she desired him.

-"I need to f**k you."

Claire stands up with swift movement, the chair moving back at the incredible force hitting it. He follows. Until no-one else could breath a word, he pushes the food off the table disregarding the smash of plates onto the floor as he sweeps over the small space crashing his lips against hers. Claire responds with the same eagerness running her hands through his hair allowing his hands tearing at her body. He pushes her onto the table instantly their bodies connecting together. The touch of his hands across her hot skin. The flaming flee of gasps leaving her lips as she restlessly tosses about. His lips craving her skin, the nibble onto her ear lobe and the pressure of his fingertips onto her hips.

"F**k me." He breathes, stripping away the flimsy material covering her top half. Claire bears no words only arching her neck back at the sudden contact of his lips once again prowling down her skin.

Unfortunately that was a reconstruction. Instead what really happened was Claire had took away the plates feeling his restless eyes trail behind before hearing his brief goodnight, then they both went separate ways into their opposing bedrooms. No hot sex. Nope. Just Claire's imagination.

Zack sighed as he collapsed onto the bed. Barely eleven and he was actually going to bed. Why hadn't his charms worked onto her? The recollection of their last conversation moments ago was very disappointing.

-"Night."

"Bed already?" Zack mused. "I'm sure...your body is physically telling you otherwise." He added, sneering at the highlight of red on her face.

"I have...w-work." Was all of her answer.

"Of course. But..." He stopped to pause, his eyes lighting up. "You ever need a bedtime story, I'm only across the road."

Claire snorted, battering her eyelashes catching onto his tricks. "Oh, don't you worry. I'll be nice and tucked up thinking hot dreams of Prince Charming."

Zack's eyes opened in astonishment only he tried to disguise this with a grin soon after. "Of course." Dangerous thoughts of her drummed in his mind.

Claire gave a final glance towards the attractive man stood in joggers, his hands dug deep in his pockets and the faint trace of a smile not leaving his lips before heading into her bedroom where she released a deep breath.

THANK YOU FOR READING! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER! IF YOU DID PLEASE VOTE, COMMENT AND SHARE!

VAMPIREFANGSRULES
XXX