Dimitri sat awkwardly at the table. The empty surrounding chairs only added to the mood. He and Mr. Chase sat on opposite ends of the table while the ladies sat at opposite sides close to the man of the house. Four people at a huge dining table for twelve brought no family vibe to the plate.

"So have you settled in?" Mrs. Chase questioned.

"Well I am as settled as I can be considering that I have just gotten here and I am only staying for a few days."

"How is the food?" she asked.

"Good" Dimitri responded, staring at the piece of chicken he had only taken one bite of.

"Have your father spoken to you in detail about the deal?" Mr. Chase inputted.

"Yes he gave me a good briefing. It's an excellent offer."

"I know he would not have refused. I asked for you to stay here a few days so that I can show you some of our stores before we sign the contract. It's always nice to see first-hand what you are in for."

"Ahh that will be great. My father did say what a spectacle your organisation is."

"I was at the last fashion show. Very exciting. That young lady's designs! What was her name?"

"Valarie" Dimitri reminded. "It's not a difficult name to remember."

"Sorry, I have always been horrible with names. "

"Soon enough she will be a name that you will never forget. I thought it had already reached to that phase but I guess not. Anyway, what made you come up with the idea for this deal? What exactly spiked your interest in us?"

"I have been monitoring you guys for some time now. How my organization works is that we look for potential candidates, mainly in the fashion sector that are thriving but can explode in terms of profits if they are given the right exposure. After that last show with all the drama and the big reveal and those spectacular designs, your organization fell perfectly into my basket. I know your profits have already increased but I am the publicity master. I can increase it much more. On a side note, my wife and daughter adore your designs so I would order from you regardless."

"Ahh! I as well as my father is pleased. It's flattering that you took interest in us."

"We are pleased that you have accepted our offer. I won't keep you too long tonight. I have a day planned for tomorrow so you'll need to get some rest. I know that flight must have been exhausting."

"Yes, it was a bit of a rush and the turbulence on the plane was almost unbearable."

"Oh dear. Well we will definitely let you get an early rest tonight then" Mrs. Chase said considerately. "

They finished up dinner and John followed his wife into the kitchen after they said their good nights. Dimitri was left alone with the darling daughter at the table. These people had a way of running off and leaving their pet behind.

She sat with legs crossed, tapping her fingers rhythmically on the table. His head pulsed more intensely at the sound. Dimitri massaged his temple and frowned.

"Are you okay" Leanna asked.

"Uh yes. I'm fine. I am going to bed."

He stood up from his seat and turned towards the stairs.

"I'll walk you up" she suggested.

"There is no need. I can find my way" Dimitri refused.

"I am going to my room anyway so I'll kill two birds with one stone."

Dimitri gritted his teeth and rolled his eyes as she stood up from her chair. The clicking of her high heels close behind him only fuelling his annoyance. He took longer strides to increase the distance between them but it was as though her pace was in sync with his. Leanna trailed close behind like a fly lagging around food. She stopped at her door and waited for him to reach to his.

He looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"Well, I guess this is good night. If you need me, I'll be right here."

"I can assure you that I won't be needing you. Good night."

Dimitri entered his room and closed the door behind him before she could make another sound or move. She sighed and walked sullen into her room. Leanna dropped herself miserably on her bed. No guy had ever refused her like that before. Her shape, her hair, her face, her bust, guys drooled over her. Roles clearly had been switched and it only fired her up more for the challenge.

His fingers almost ripped the buttons of his shirt off. Dimitri was eager to strip down to his boxers and throw himself on the bed. The stillness of the room was eerie. He felt lonely and in utter need of warmth, sweetness, Valarie...

It had only been a few hours and he already missed her voice, her touch...

He had left with things unsettled between them and the feeling haunted him every second that passed. Dimitri picked up his phone and dialled in her number. The phone rang out twice without an answer. He sighed and punched at his pillow.

"Dammit Valarie" he scuffed.

He needed a distraction. Dimitri went to the shower and drenched himself in pinching hot water. Perhaps the heat will remind him of her skin and help him through the night. He leaned his head back and soaked in the water for a few minutes then returned to bed. As he forced his eyes shut in hope of tricking himself into falling asleep, the vibration of his phone on his bed made him jump.

Dimitri answered the phone and Valarie's voice sounded over the air.

"Hey did you try to call?"

"Yes I did earlier, twice."

"Oh sorry about that, I was in the shower."

"It's ok. Let me call you back so that you won't waste your credit."

"Hey it's fine. We can use mine."

"I told you a million times that you talk too much."

Dimitri ended the call and called back.

"Dammit I told you it was okay" Valarie answered the phone.

"Drop it Val. I was just calling to check in on you."

"To check in on me? I'm not a baby you know."

"I know, you are not A baby, you are MY baby."

Valarie snorted. "Well then you are a terrible parent since you abandoned me today. You didn't even check to ensure if I had milk in the fridge" she joked.

"Haha your mother equipped you with two natural milk makers. There was no need for artificial milk from the store."

"'What? Natural milk makers? The hell is that?"

"These lovely boobs you have. They are special machines."

"Oh my God Dimitri!" Valarie could have died laughing.

"Okay, okay I'm done. I just wanted to make you smile haha."

"You and this mouth of yours."

"My mouth? What do you want to do with my mouth?"

Valarie paused. "Make it stop talking trash."

"And how do you plan on doing that?"

She smiled and laughed mischievously. "Kiss it."

"Only kiss?"

"And bite it..."

"Hmmm" Dimitri nurtured the thought.

"I like that. I will hush you up the same way."

"I don't need hushing. "

"You lie. You want my kiss."

"No! After you played stingy today and ran off with a petty kiss, I don't want any more from you."

"Ahh! I thought that you wouldn't want to kiss me since..."

"Since?"

"Since I didn't make it up to you after my outburst earlier."

"Well now you have double the making up to do when you get back. One for running off without making it up to me and the other for depriving me of kisses because you didn't make it up to me."

"It's a done deal. I promise as soon as I get back you would wish that I had continued to be an ass about the situation and not make it up to you."

"Haha we'll see. How was your flight?"

"It was horrible. Thunderstorms and planes doesn't quite fit well."

"Awww. And how is it at the Chase's residence?"

"I don't particularly like it. I miss home, I miss you."

"Hmm, well you better speed up those three days so that you can get back here soon."

A knock was heard on the door. Dimitri sighed.

"Hold on, I think someone is at the door."

He left the phone on his bed and went to answer the door. His body tensed as he saw Leanna standing there. She was in a silky pink and black night gown that fell above her knees.

"What do you want Leanna?" he questioned.

"I was just checking to see if you were okay."

"I told you that I don't need a checking on. Is this all you disturbed me for?"

"No" she lifted up a bottle of champagne. "I usually take a drink before I go to bed and I can't open the damn bottle."

He rolled his eyes and sighed. His hand reached out for the bottle and he popped the cork with two firm twists.

"Ohhh you are strong!" Leanna exclaimed.

"If that will be all, I am going back to bed."

"Thanks and good night" she smiled.

Dimitri shook his head and closed the door in her face. He walked back to the bed and picked the phone back up.

"I'm back" he informed.

"Who's Leanna?" Valarie questioned.

"Ahh you heard? She is Mr. Chases daughter. An annoying brat she is. She came for me to open a bottle of wine for her."

"Hmm I see..." Valarie spoke at a slow pace.

He noticed her tone. "Hey it's nothing! She is just- "

"It's okay. You don't have to explain. I trust you. Anyway I'm getting kind of sleepy now so I think I am going to bed. Good night and I hope everything goes well with the deal."

Dimitri sighed. "Okay thanks and sleep well. I am going to bed as well."

Valarie hung up the phone and he sunk into bed with her heavy on his mind. He couldn't wait to get out of this place and return home.

**

Mr. Chase carded a full tour of his main headquarters for Dimitri. The men explored the stores while discussing the contract in full. Basically it was a win-win case. They both would benefit tremendously from it. His father would be proud to know that he negotiated and sweetened the deal for them to increase their profits even further.

After a long day of business, Mr. Chase left with his wife for dinner. He had invited Dimitri to tag along with him but he declined and settled for an evening at the pool at their house. Leanna had been out all day and he was happy to be away from her and to himself.

It was as though the water had cast a spell on him. He swam around for almost two hours with no intension of leaving. When his muscles had begun to tighten, he lied supine on a float board with his eyes closed and let the small ripples of the water to push him gently around the pool. Suddenly, in the midst of the relaxing silence, a splash of water sent a violent crashing sound through the air.

Dimitri was startled. He fell off the float board and plunged into the water. His eyes flung open and he brought himself to the surface of the water. Leanna submerged from under the water with a bubbly squeal.

"What the f*ck!" Dimitri exclaimed.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you" she apologised.

"What are you doing here?" Dimitri questioned.

"What does it look like I am doing? I'm taking a swim in my pool" she said.

Dimitri paused. The fact that it was her house registered. He didn't have control over where she is allowed and when. Except for the room that was granted to him, there was literally nowhere else that he could forbid her from. He immediately swam to the edge of the pool and climbed out.

"Where are you going?" she questioned.

"I've had enough pool time for now. I'll leave you to it and go to bed."

"Hey you don't have to go. I don't mind if you stay. I like the company."

"Call one of your friends over then" Dimitri said, wrapping his towel around his waist.

He walked off, not paying mind to anything her chatter box was saying. Leanna looked on in awe as he ditched her yet another time. She was starting to become annoyed and her brain only clicked to sort up way to draw in his attention. The truth is, she hadn't even come there to swim at all. Her intensions were centred elsewhere. Leanna jumped out of the pool and followed behind Dimitri. The water dripped wickedly down her body and her black bikini stuck to her skin like it was her own. She practically ran behind him until she was only nose width from him.

Her hands wrapped around his waist and she pressed her face against his back. Dimitri immediately pulled her hands from around him and spun around.

"What the hell is your problem?" he questioned angrily.

"Oh come on. You know you want me too" she said, pulling on one side of her top piece to loosen in."

"No I don't. Now leave me alone."

He turned around swiftly to walk off and she grabbed onto his arm. He shrugged her off.

"Get the f*ck away from me you slut!"

"Dammit why do you keep refusing me? I just want to take care of you."

"I can take care of myself. Now leave me alone before I-"

"What's going on here?" Mr. Chase asked as he walked through the door. He and his wife had returned from dinner just in the middle of their brawl.

Dimitri had his hands fisted at his sides.

"Nothing" he said between clenched teeth and turned to walk up to his room.

"Leanna what's going on? Her father questioned.

"Oh nothing dad. He's just playing a little hard to get."

Mr. Chase looked on until Dimitri disappeared. He then turned to Leanna and spoke in a lowered breath.

"Well you better start working harder because tomorrow is his last day here. Otherwise you and your mother can kiss all of this goodbye."

He walked off leaving the two women in the lobby. Her mother placed her hands on her shoulders and lowered her eyes on her.

"What happened?"

"He keeps refusing me. I would think he was gay if I didn't know any better."

"What have you tried?"

"Well how many things can I try if he keeps walking off or running off or shutting the door in my face. I really don't know how to get to him."

"Hmm give him a break for tonight. Tomorrow we will make sure he not only pays attention to you but pay a little visit inside you as well."

"Mom! What the hell!"

"What? That's the only how it's going to happen. Anyway, try to get some rest tonight. We have work to do tomorrow. You do your part and I will do mine. Your father has already done his."

She kissed her daughter and they went separately to their rooms.

For a man who would let himself fall easily to a woman's ways, he sure was putting up a fight. The thought of Valarie was permanent in his mind and there was no way that he would let another woman snake her way into his mind. Or at least that was his intention...

The exhaustion from swimming had given him a good night's sleep. Dimitri joined the Chases downstairs for breakfast. The air was awkward as last night's event was not forgotten. He was almost a mute, talking as minimally and answering as abruptly as he could. Clearly Mr. Chase made all efforts to keep the momentum going, talking unceasingly. The ladies settled for the less verbal approach.

Leanna could not take her eyes off of Dimitri. Her brain kept clicking, working up some majestic plan to lure him into her lair. She particularly noticed his efforts to avoid eye contact. If her little plan was going to work, she would need to find a way to decrease the tension between them.

She started on her quest to win him over after breakfast. While her parents went out on business to finalize some paper work, she slipped back into her attack on the devil, this time playing a less forceful attack.

Dimitri's eyes shifted up to see her walking towards him. The whiskey burned as it slid down his throat and his blood boiled in her presence. He geared himself up for what was coming next.

"Hi" Leanna greeted as she sat on the chair opposite to him.

Dimitri rested his glass down on the table and leaned back. She sighed and her eyes morphed into something that looked what? Innocent?

"I'm really sorry about last night...and the night before. I know I have been-. I don't know where all my manners went. I can assure you that it was the alcohol working and not me. I know it's really irresponsible of me to drink even when I know that I have a light head and I can't handle it but I'm just a social butterfly and I can't resist the thrill it gives me. Anyway, again I'm really sorry. I probably made you really uncomfortable and I'm pretty sure that you hate me now- "

"'Look, I don't hate you. It's just that I-. Just lay off the vulgarity and your stupid schemes. Stop asking me if I want you because I don't and stop trying to make me want you because I won't. It only makes you look stupid and get me annoyed."

The only reason he tried to look past it all and 'make peace' was because of his father and his integrity rules. He was the biggest family man he knew and when it came to business, he was not only partner with the man in charge but with the entire family. How would it look to see that he was at war with the daughter of the man that had given them the sweetest deal they had been offered yet? Maybe if he just be blunt about the situation and how much he hated the way she acted, she might stop and they would probably be on better terms.

"Ahh I understand totally. I don't blame you. I was being a pushy brat. it's kind of hard to fight the alcohol when you look like Hades' soul with Zeus's face."

Dimitri smirked and took another sip of his whiskey. Old traits never get old, he still enjoyed the undying attention he would draw from any woman. He suppressed his outer satisfaction but he lifted weights with one finger inside.

"So does that mean we can forget about everything that happened earlier and move on? Because it's really embarrassing being in this situation."

He hesitated at first then nodded. Besides, this was his last day there so when else would he be 'friends' with the entire family?

Leanna exhaled a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank God. My father would not have me disrespect our guests like that and not make amends. He has really high expectations of me you know?"

He chuckled "Oh yes. Trust me, I know and understand totally. My father is also like that."

"It's annoying isn't it?"

"'Yes definitely. It can make you end up in places you don't want to be."

She paused. "Oh I'm sorry that you have been forced to come here. I've probably made this your worse trip ever."

"Ahh hey I didn't mean it like that. I just- "He ran his hand through his hair.

"You had other things to take care of back home?"

"Yes. Exactly that."

"Business?"

Dimitri paused and brushed his thumb finger over his bottom lip. "Um, I guess you can say so."

A smile played across her face. "Don't worry, you don't have to tell me. My mother made lemonade for you since today is so hot. Would you like me to get you some?"

"No thanks" he said.

"She squeezed the lemons herself...There were more than ten of them..."

He sighed. Her guilt tripping didn't really work, but he let it work. All his mind was on was what his father would have done so he accepted the glass of juice he was in no mood for at all.

Leanna left for the kitchen for the refreshments and he used the alone time to make a few calls. First to Valarie and then to his father. There was still some obvious tension between him and his 'woman' as he proclaimed her to be. They both were clearly eagerly awaiting his return to patch things up between them. His father expressed the fact that he was proud of how he had been handling the task. Good word from Mr. Chase about his negotiation kicked him up on a silver platter in his father's eyes. He wrapped up the call as Leanna appeared in the distance.

She returned with a hefty glass of lemonade and a few snacks.

"Here you go" she handed Dimitri the glass with a warm smile on her face.

His brows flinched confusingly for a split second as he observed her. It was strange seeing her in this mood since after persona she embodied for the past few days. No skimpy clothing, no major flirting...

Perhaps her father had really spoken to her about it last night after catching them in the heated moment. He looked at the glass of juice as he brought it to his lips. If he took the sip approach, there was no way he would continue on drinking and it would only make Leanna feel like her mother's effort was in vain.

Dimitri took a deep breath and gulped the juice down to half the glass. Leanna watched intently as he drank. Her face frowned when he stopped as the glass became half empty.

"I see you drink how you look when you are angry. Like a monster. Drink, drink, drink! She coached. You got to beat this sun's harsh effects and stay hydrated. I don't want your father to believe that we ill-treated you while you were here."

Dimitri shook his head and gulped most of the remaining half down. Leanna smiled from ear to ear as the drink disappeared.

"Good boy" she joked.

"It was good, thanks" Dimitri said to offer politeness.

She sat opposite to him once more and crossed her legs. They drifted back off into petty casual conversation.

A white haze seeped slowly across Dimitri's eyes and blurred his vision. His senses became more electrified, heightened. He could hear a pin drop and feel the breeze blow at every strand of hair on his body. Leanna looked distorted, her face morphing into shapes he couldn't decipher.

"Are you okay?" she asked, noticing his change in demeanour and white out face.

Dimitri's head began throbbing and he placed his palm over his forehead and groaned.

"I don't know. I don't feel too good" he informed.

"Ahh what's wrong?" Leanna asked.

"Everything is spinning. My head-. "

"F*ck!" he cried out.

"Oh my God!" Leanna jumped up from her chair and ran over to him.

"Do you need me to take you to the hospital?"

"Argh! No. I just-. I just need to Lie down" he managed.

"Come on, I will take you to your room. It's probably the heat. You should rest it off."

Dimitri stood unsteadily to his feet. He struggled to maintain balance and walked in a crooked line up to his room. Leanna helped him onto the bed and tucked him in. He could barely decipher what she was saying.

"Lie...rest...good...mom...relax..." her words were all over the place.

He tried to focus his vision but it was no use. Light turned slowly to darkness, sounds went silent. Dimitri drifted away from consciousness until his world went blank. The last thing he saw was Leanna's lips quirking up into a smile.

Two hours later, her mother returned. She ran eagerly downstairs to meet her.

"Is it done?" he mother asked as soon as she saw her.

"No, not quite."

"What do you mean not quite? How long does it take to- "?

"'It's not that" she cut her off.

"So what is it then?"

"'For some reason he is not responding to me, if you know what I mean. I can't seem to get that thing up. If it's not up and awake, then nothing is going to come out."

"Ahh, I get it. Sometimes that happens. I have back up, don't worry. In the meantime, go check to see if he is awake yet or not."

The ladies parted ways. Leanna entered his room after knocking twice. Dimitri shifted slightly in his bed. He wiped his hand over his face and ran his hand throw his hear. He was awake but not fully. The throbbing of his head was too much to keep him down. He groaned as the lancing pain stung him round after round.

"Hey" Leanna approached with her sweet voice on play.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

Dimitri groaned. "What happened?"

"I believe that you had a mild heat stroke. It happened to me before so I could relate to your symptoms. You passed out shortly after you came up to your room. I figured that nasty headache would be there when you got up so I told my mom to get you some pain killers to help you sleep off the rest. We already informed your father that you are not feeling well so he agreed to get your flight changed to a few hours later so that you can recover before you fly back."

Dimitri was still confused as but he just accepted any explanation he got at the time. Her mother walked in, a warm smile on her face.

"Aww dear. I am so sorry to see you like this. The heat really messes with you around here. Here, take this" she said, handing him a glass of water and two pills.

Dimitri shook his head in refusal.

"Son, that pain will eat you alive. It's just some pain killers I got from our family physician. It will help. If you don't get better, you would just have to stay here another day with us. We will be pleased to have you but your father informed me that you were adamant about staying here longer than you've agreed to stay."

He sighed and gestured with his chin for her to rest it down on the table next to his bed. Dimitri struggled to release words but managed a few.

"Cold towel" he said. "I need one. I will take it after cold towel."

"Ahh as you wish."

The women left the room to gather what he had asked for.

"You will take the towels back up to him and ensure that he takes his pills."

"No, I don't want to risk going back in there just yet. Earlier he was in and out of sleep and I don't know what he saw or heard. Or how much of any of it. What if my presence jerk some memories back? I am not going to risk it."

"Very well then. Mr. Pepper will deliver it to him."

"Are you sure that we can trust him?"

"Oh yes. I am very sure indeed. I do not think he will want to mess with your father. Besides, his debt to us is inevitable."

Mrs. Chase instructed Mr. pepper on what to do and they left him to pay Dimitri a visit. He entered the room, his wise eyes narrowing at the site. To see the young man in such a state was almost unbearable. His mind turned all gears at the same time and forced him to choose his role. He walked over to Dimitri and rested a cold towel on his head.

Dimitri moaned at the instant relief it brought to him. He forced himself to sit up and picked up the glass of water from the table to take a sip. His hands reached over for the two pills and held it to his lips.

Mr. Pepper stood immovably and stared at him. As a strong believer in traditional medicine, he left him with one word of 'innocent' advice.

"I won't take that if I were you."

"Why not?" Dimitri questioned.

"All these drugs on the market.... They have side effects. They are not good for you...."

"Any side effect would prove better than this pain so f*ck the side effects."

Before Mr. Pepper could utter another word, the pills disappeared into Dimitri's mouth and slid down his throat. Mr. Pepper sighed.

"As you wish..."

He turned and left Dimitri in the silence of the room. A few minutes later, his headache began subsiding but it was not the only thing to disappear. Soon his vision would fade until there was nothing but darkness.

In the darkness, the demons come out to play. The mouse searches in silence, the tigress stalks the prey. Thieves take what's theirs even if it does not belong to them. Ghouls feed on the dead, even when the dead isn't dead at all. The farmer shall reap the bearings of his seeds even when he had no business planting them at all...