0 4

s u r p r i s e

I'm late!

"I'm late! I'm late! I'm late! I'm late!" I mentally chant repeatedly and rush past the guard at the entrance of my office building who gives me a curt nod with his lips twitching; making me realize I was still blurting my thoughts out loud.

Damn.

Taking a right turn, I stride towards the direction of the elevator and place my hands over my knees, panting out like a dog once I reach inside the metal box safely.

Whew! That was close.

The elevator closes shut before me and my thoughts go back to the dawn of this morning; remembering the feeling of waking up all disoriented, grouchy and sleepy because I couldn't get a certain blond haired, green eyed, sinfully sexy man out of my head all night long.

Was he really not gonna give up on me?

What did that even mean?

And... I'm thinking about him again.

All I remember was jumping into the shower and having breakfast with Prince, who tried -tried- to cheer me up from my querulous mood by wiggling his tail all around me. Too bad it didn't work.

Throwing a soft peach coloured shirt dress over my body that ended just above my knees and paired it with a big black leather belt under my bust; along with my favourite pair of black ankle strap pumps over a matching dark thigh-length netted stockings; I quickly did my makeup - applying a tad bit of mascara and some lip gloss, leaving my hair open and wavy and sprinted some perfume and I was done.

My thoughts gets interrupted when the elevator opens up to my floor with a loud ding and I walk towards my office; quickly greeting the receptionist and opening the door to the space that Asher and I shared; whilst yelling out in a sing-song voice, "Honey, I'm hom-"

I clamp my mouth shut and stiffen immediately at the sight of Asher's small frame passionately making out with a tall dark-haired guy who was almost twice his size.

My lips immediately curves into a wolfish grin.

Well, hel-lo there!

I giggle mischievously when they immediately break away from their concupiscent embrace with creases of irritation etching over the skin of their forehead; directed at me for blatantly interrupting their intense smooching session.

"Aw shucks, Asher! Why didn't you tell me that Mr. McHottie Pants was gonna be here today?" I stick out my bottom lip into a pout and narrow my eyes at my boss.

Mr. McHottie Pants aka Gavin Carmichael raises his eyebrows at the nickname and turns to stare at his boyfriend with dubious eyes.

Shoot! I wasn't supposed to say that out loud!

I shoot Asher a sheepish smile when he narrows his eyes at me; before I turn to stare at Gavin and sigh dreamily.

Gavin was a kind of man all the women in the world dreamt about; sexy, handsome, romantic, possessive - you name it. And being a sole owner of an acclaimed construction company - his body was ripped in all of the right places.

But he was gay... so very gay. And totally in love with Asher.

Why is it that all good men either are gay or committed or both?

'Well, there is one guy who isn't!' My subconscious murmurs slyly, winking at me inconspicuously.

Oh hush, you!

Anyway, Gavin first laid eyes on little, sweet Asher over a year ago; in the elevator when the former man was hired to construct additional rooms for the floor above ours.

And just like in the movies; love at first sight - instant Cupid!

Since we didn't know his name after the first time we met him, we secretly referred to him as Mr. McHottie Pants, because... well... you know.

Dressed in a simple white shirt that molded against his muscular body; paired with dark low-riding jeans, his dark hair messy and tousled; the man in question turns to Asher and whispers awkwardly, "Did she just call me Mr. McHottie Pants?"

Asher glares at me in response before turning to Gavin and scratching the back of his neck shyly and whispering through his swollen lips, "Um... yeah. That's what we call you when you're not around."

"Huh!" Gavin straightens up and thinks over the nickname before grinning cockily at Asher and snickering, "Well, there is a lot of hotness in my pants!"

On cue, Asher turns red and blushes hard, burying his face into Gavin's chest in embarrassment.

I look up Gavin and scrunch up my nose, "Get a room!"

Gavin grins down at blushing Asher and whispers huskily, "Maybe we should get a room."

I roll my eyes and shake my head, smiling at the two of them.

Asher fidgets with the ends of his flannels and whispers shyly, "Um, babe, I need to wor-" He gets cut off when Gavin tightens his hold on the back of his neck and kisses him. Hard.

Day-um!

Pulling away from the kiss, Gavin raises his eyebrow at his boyfriend and smirks, "You were saying?"

Asher looks up and blinks at him in confusion with a dazed, dreamy look in his eyes and whispers, "Uh... I don't... I don't remember."

I mentally let out a low whistle at the thought of Gavin getting him so hot that he forgot his own words.

I shrug to myself and walk up to Gavin just as he pulls away from Asher, grinning down at his flushed face.

Outstretching my arms wide open, I stare up at Gavin and shoot him a big, goofy grin and yell out childishly, "Gavie! Huggie!"

Gavin chuckles softly and wraps his arms around my waist and hugs me hard; lifting me up from my feet and swaying me from side to side in a big brotherly hug.

As he places me back down on my feet, I look up at him with my wide, innocent eyes and whisper, "Have I told you that you give the best bear hugs in the whole world?"

He chuckles softly and replies, "Yes, you've said that one or two," he narrows his eyes and continues, "million times."

I huff and place my hands over my hips and grumble defensively, "Well, you do give the best bear hugs!"

He ruffles my hair and whispers lovingly, "I know, kiddo."

Gavin was born in a really affectionate family. Being an only child, he always dreamed of having a sibling which was impossible due to his mother's medical condition. And they weren't so big on adoption either.

Hence, when he started dating Asher, the moment Gavin saw me, he said and I quote, 'Finally! A baby sister!' And then he hugged me. In a brotherly bear hug.

It didn't help that his hug was one of the best hug I've ever had.

Hence, we hugged every time we met or I forced him to hug me, knowing he can't deny my cheeky requests.

But I think he likes having a little sister like me around to annoy him.

"What's new with you, brat?" Gavin asks softly, throwing his arm over my shoulders and pulling me into a side hug.

"Nothing." I mumble quickly at the same time Asher yells out, pointing his finger at me, "She met a guy!"

Asher looks at me and wiggles his eyebrows mischievously making me groan out loud.

Damn, that Rachel can't keep her mouth shut!

That's what happens when you spill out your guts about a certain sexy guy haunting your thoughts to her.

What is it with women and their need to gossip?

Gavin turns to me, his expression hard; reverting into his over-protective brother mode, "Do I need to beat him up?"

I shake my head slowly and stare up at him.

He sighs softly and whispers lovingly, "You got this, right? You'll tell me everything when you're ready?"

I nod gratefully, smiling softly at him.

"Okay, baby girl, I'll be right here when you need me." He leans forward and kisses my forehead.

I smile back and kiss his stubbled cheek. "Thanks, Gavie."

Asher looks back and forth between us and yells out, "That's it? When I hide something from you, you go all alpha male-y and manhandle me until I spill out my guts."

Gavin smirks at him and says cockily, "I know for a fact that you love me manhandling you."

Asher rolls his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest, pretending to be irritated but the flush of the cheek gives him away.

Gavin reaches his out and pinches his cheek, looking at him with a soft expression.

I sigh softly, staring at them with a small smile on my face, can't help but be a little jealous over it.

I'm interrupted from my thoughts when my office phone rings.

I quickly wobble over to the phone and pick up, saying my usual, "Asher Reed's office. Nikolina Stark speaking. How can I help you?"

I barely pay attention to voice on the other hand, my whole mind distracted; looking at Gavin and Asher's playful banter.

They look so cute together.

I quickly finish the conversation over the phone and look up at Gavin and Asher to see them heading towards me as a soft smile plays over Asher's lips.

Asher leans over my desk and clears out his throat, "We have to use the washroom. We won't be back for the next half an hour."

A mutual look flickers through both of their faces and I cringe inwardly.

"Use the washroom? That's what you kids call it these days. Damn, the kids are getting dumber." I snort indelicately and roll my eyes. "Whatever! Go on and... use the washroom!" I wave them away with my hands.

"See ya later, kiddo." Gavin ruffles my hair. Again. And kisses my forehead.

"Bye Gavin." I smile up at him.

I look at Asher and grin, "Bye Ash-hole. Have a nice time using the washroom."

Gavin chuckles softly while Asher just rolls his eyes, poking his tongue out at me and walks towards the door.

Oh no he didn't just do that!

I yell out after him, "And use protection, Asser Reed!"

Asher huffs and looks back at me and yells out, "It's Asher! A-S-H-E-R! For God sake, Nina! Stop calling me that."

I look up at Gavin and raise my eyebrow slyly, "Do I have to stop calling him that?"

"Whadya think?" He replies immediately, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.

I giggle softly and fist-bump him.

Asher turns to Gavin and glowers at him, "You are the worst boyfriend ever!"

Gavin raises his eyebrows, looking at him amused. "That's not what you said last night."

Oh dear God, I'm gonna be sick.

What's worse that imagining someone you consider a brother having sex?

Someone you consider a brother having sex with another someone you consider a brother.

Gavin strolls towards him and places his hand over Asher's nape and crushes their lips together.

I stretch myself against the back of my chair and smile happily.

Couples and their daily drama.

Pulling away, Gavin looks down at his boyfriend and grins, "What were you saying?"

Asher just looks up at him confused and mumbles, "Uh... I... Uh... Damn it!"

Gavin chuckles knowingly and leads him out of the door with his hand possessively resting against the small of Asher's back.

I stretch against the back of my seat and whisper to myself, "I love my job."

Not wasting any more time, I start working on the files over my desk, going through all the contracts and making a pile of the ones that can be profitable for us.

Half an hour later, I place the last file on top of the pile and I stroll to the other side of the office and make myself a cup of coffee.

Returning back, I stop in my tracks when I notice the chaotic condition of the bulky bookshelf behind Asher's desk.

Le sigh.

Placing the cup of coffee on top of his desk, I quickly walk towards the bookshelf and start cleaning and rearranging it.

Halfway through, I hear a phone ring and Sexy & I Know It by LMFAO plays out from the speaker, resounding throughout the entire room.

That Ash-hole forgot his stupid phone.

I roll my eyes and ignore the ringing, shaking my head and unconsciously moving my hips to the beat. That's when I hear the faint sound of the door creaking open and shutting behind me.

Finally! He's back.

I shrug to myself and place another book beside the former one.

When the phone still keeps on ringing, I sigh to myself and call out, "Asher. Phone."

I huff in frustrated and glare at the bookshelf.

Did Gavin succeed in turning Asher's ears turn all gooey too?

When the phone still rings, mocking me with its incessant beat; I turn around and huff out, "For God sake, Asher! Pick up you damn pho-" I immediately clamp my mouth shut and inhale sharply when I notice it wasn't Asher in the room with me.

It was Lucien.

Lucien dressed in black fitted button-down shirt and jeans along with a big black watch resting over his wrist; his hair tousled and messy, his green eyes twinkling with mischievous glimmer; a smirk curved over his lips at the knowledge that he took me by surprise.

"Hey, sweetness." He whispers softly, cocking his head to the side.

I blink up at him and feel my cheeks flush prettily.

Damn! He hasn't even done anything and I'm still blushing.

"Wh-what are you doing her-" I start but get interrupted when Asher's phone rings. Again.

'Oh, what an appropriate song!' My subconscious snickers, wiggling her eyebrows.

Damn you, coincidence!

I look down at the phone to see Gavin's photo blinking through the screen.

I turn to Lucien and mumble, "Um... Have a seat. I have to take this." I gesture towards my desk on the other side of the room, mere twenty feet away from where I was standing.

He gives me a chin lift and strolls over to the other side.

Damn, even Lucien walking is sexy.

I shake my head and pick up the phone perching my butt against the edge of Asher's desk.

"Hello?"

"Nina? Shit, kiddo! Are you okay?" Gavin yells out in a rushed, urgent voice.

"Um. Yeah. I'm fine. Why?" I ask back in confusion.

I look over at Lucien to see him staring at my stockings-clad legs with darkened eyes.

My breath hitches at his expression filled with lust and hunger and I try to concentrate on the phone conversation.

"Then why didn't you pick up the phone. Did you know how worried I was? All I could think of was a shady businessman came to your office, wooed you by his charms and when you finally let your guard down, he removed his mask and turned into an alien and beamed you up in his spaceship. I mean - holy crap, Nina! You could've have been abducted by aliens, don't you know that?" Gavin yells out and finally pants at the end.

"Stop watching too many alien movies. What the hell would the aliens want from me?" I roll my eyes and snicker inwardly.

"Um... they wouldn't want anything from you. They know that you're my sister. So obviously, they'll take you hostage so that I'll come after you and they could finally trap and brainwash me." Gavin says in a duh tone.

I roll my eyes and say sarcastically, "Gee Gavin, that does make sense."

"I know, right?" He chirps cheerfully. "Anyway, next time, pick up the damn phone, brat!"

I huff and reply sarcastically, "Hey, genius! Here's a thought! How bout next time you call me on my own cell?"

No answer.

"I should have done that, shouldn't I?" I hear him breath out. I could almost see his cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

I giggle softly. "Yeah... you should have done that, bruh. Instead of thinking about how in the hell were you gonna save me from the aliens." I roll my eyes, smiling to myself.

I hear smile in his voice when he replies, "You know me too well, brat."

"Well, duh!" I reply rolling my eyes but couldn't stop a soft smile from curving over my lips.

"So, why'd you call?" I look back at Lucien to see him still staring at me.

Suddenly, a evil plan enters my mind.

I smirk inwardly and turn around abruptly, intentionally brushing my hands against the pen at the edge of the table making it drop down onto the floor.

I quickly bend over, picking up the pen and linger in that position for moments more than necessary.

I glance behind me to see Lucien staring at my butt with his forest green eyes darkened, his jaw clenched and his body rigid. I could almost see his breath hitching.

His hands clutches the arms of his chair until his knuckles turns white as if he's trying to control himself from doing something.

I quickly stand up and innocently place the pen back up on the desk, all the while thinking:

Holy Crap, I just awoke the beast!

Trying to calm myself down, I perch myself back up on the edge of the desk.

I sneak a small glance at Lucien to see him narrowing his eyes at the flush of my cheeks, a smirk playing on his lips.

Oh dear God, he knows!

"Kiddo?" I hear Gavin murmur.

"Yea... Yeah?" I stutter, finally looking away from Lucien.

"I was telling that I'm taking Ash to a restaurant, so we won't be back for about an hour or so. He says not to answer any of his calls on his phone until he returns."

I fight the urge to roll my eyes, "Aye aye, Captain!"

"'Kay, talk to you later?"

"Yeah. Bye, Gavie." I whisper and hang up the phone.

I sigh and place the phone back on his desk and turn towards Lucien.

He stares back at me and swiftly stretches his back against the chair.

I sigh and start walking toward him, taking one calculated step at a time, rounding the desk and finally settle on the chair behind it, facing him.

"Hey." I whisper hesitantly.

His eyes softens and he whispers back, "Hey."

"What are you doing here?" I ask softly, tucking my hair behind my ear.

He leans forward placing his elbows over the desk and pushes a white envelope in front of me, "I have something for you."

I look at him confused and pick up the given envelope. It had a stamp of CoopCorp over it at the top right corner and it was addressed to me.

Just as I was about to open it, his large hand reaches out and encircles my wrist, stopping my movements.

I immediately let out a soft gasp, feeling the heat of his hand over my skin and I shiver slightly. I look up at him to see his eyes trained on me while his expression mirrored mine. Hunka hunka.

He shakes his head as if clearing his mind from his thoughts and murmurs huskily, "Not now."

I narrow my eyes at him skeptically.

What game is he playing?

I look at him suspiciously and lift the envelope up to my ear and shake it, to see if it makes any noise.

It doesn't.

Ugh, you're not gonna walk away that easy, you stupid envelope!

I narrow my eyes at the envelope and raise it forward in the direction of the window, trying to see what's inside the envelope by passing it through the sunlight entering the room.

Not being able to see anything, my shoulder slumps down and I fall back into my chair.

Hearing Lucien chuckle, I look up to see him smiling, looking at me in amusement. "Curious?"

I roll my eyes and pout, "You're mean!"

In an instant, he stands up, walks over to my side and turns my chair towards him, bending down in front of me while both of his hands rests firmly over the arms of my chair, trapping me effectively while I could do was stare at him with wide eyes in anticipation.

He raises one of his hands, swiftly and places it over my cheek while his large thumb darts out to caress my lower lip, making my breath hitch and straighten my lip from the pout.

Brushing his finger over my lip again, he rumbles huskily, looking at me with his green eyes full of hunger, "Don't pout. It makes me wanna do crazy fuckin' things to you."

"Luc." I half moan and half breath out against his thumb over my lip.

My tongue unconsciously darts out to lick my lips as a soft moan escapes me when it softly flicks against the tip of his thumb; the taste of his skin suddenly filling my mouth while he closes his eyes shut and inhales sharply; growling lowly at the back of his throat.

"Honey... I'm hom-" Asher's voice resounds around us as he enters the room.

I turn around abruptly to see him standing still against the door, staring back and forth between Lucien and I, whilst blinking repeatedly as if in a daze.

Lucien turns to me and recaptures my eyes with the look of dark, sensual promise while he reaches his hand down making my eyes promptly follow the movement as he adjusts the large bulge in his pants; still staring into my eyes as I gulp audibly and let out a shaky breath and rub my thighs unconsciously, trying to soothe the ache that had suddenly formed in my nether regions and whimper lowly; just as Lucien smirks, catching my reaction and winks at me; moving away from the safety of the large desk that restricted Asher from watching what had passed between us for the past minute.

Lucien walks up to Asher and holds out his hand courteously and grunts out, "Lucien Cooper. Nice to meet you."

Asher trails his eyes all over Lucien just as recognition flashes through eyes at the mention of his name as he shakes his hand, "Asher Reed."

Asher looks at me knowingly and grins at Lucien, nodding happily, "So, you're the Lucien."

I'm gonna kill him!

Lucien turns around in surprise with a wicked glint passing through his eyes as he smirks at me and replies, "Yes. Yes, I am."

Now he knows I talk about him with my friends. Damn you, Ash-hole!

Asher grins at me mischievously and I know I'm gonna be totally screwed by the next words that is going to leave his mouth. And indeed... I'm right.

"It's weird to call you Lucien. Especially since Nina and I mostly refer to you as Mr Sex On A Stick." Asher snickers, grinning at me victoriously; probably patting himself on the back mentally for being able to get back at me for spilling out the whole secret about us calling Gavin 'Mr McHottie Pants' behind his back. 

Holy fucking shit!

All I could think of right now is how I'm gonna kill Asher in a most excruciating way possible.

Lucien turns to look at me, his eyes still flickering with amusement, smirk still intact over his lips, "Reeally?"

I groan out loud.

This day couldn't get any worse.

Attempting to distract them from the conversation about to take place, I quickly turn towards Asher and ask, "What are you doing here? I thought Gavin was taking you out to the restaurant?" I give him confused look.

Asher rolls his eyes and mutters, "Yes, he's still taking me there. That stupid fool thinks I can probably live without having my cell in my hands for about an hour."

He sighs out loud in frustration, "I mean, doesn't he know me at all?! And don't even get me started on arguing with him. It's like he doesn't even listen to anything I say! At the end of the conversation, he just kisses me and asks what was I saying."

He shakes his head in annoyance and continue, "And I'm like, 'I don't... uh... I don't remember'. Damn you and your delicious kisses that makes me forget everything! Gahh!"

I listen to him, smiling at his ongoing rant.

I glance at Lucien to see him staring at me, his expression warm and a soft smile playing on his lips.

Le sigh. So sexy!

I roll my eyes and shake my head when Asher continues, grumbling to himself, "Why the hell do I put up with him?"

"Because you love him." I remind him softly.

Asher blinks twice, a goofy smile curving in his lips, "Yeah... he's kinda cool."

He quickly clears his throat and looks up at us, "Well, anyway... I better go. He's waiting for me downstairs. He probably would've send a million messages to my cell by now."

He walks to his desk and picks up the cell when it beeps with another incoming text.

He reads it and burst out laughing making me knit my eyebrows in confusion. Asher shakes his head, smiling softly and hands me the phone and I read out loud.

Gavie: Call me, dammit! Where the hell are you?! Holy crap! Did aliens abduct you too?! Don't you worry, my love... The G-Man is coming for you!

I giggle softly and jump a little when the cell beeps again. I look down at the screen and read it.

Gavie: Oh God! Please don't read the above message! See what I become when you're not around?! Come back here right now, fancy face! Or there will be some consequence. Remember the time I tied you to the bed and explored ever inch of your body with my tongue making you writhe and shiver beneath me? I-

"Aaahh!" I scream out loud, staring at the phone with wide eyes and abruptly drop the cell from my hands.

What the fudge did I just read?

"Fuck!" Lucien grunts out and reaches out his hand and catches the phone before it drops to the floor. Score!

Lucien drops his other hand around my shoulder and pulls me into him making rest my forehead against his massive chest and slowly relax when I feel his familiar scent and warmth surrounding me. I hesitantly lift my hands and wrap them around his waist and sigh dreamily when I feel him kiss the top of my hair in response.

"You okay?" Lucien grunts in concern.

I shake my head and point to the cell in his other hand and choke out, "New text. Gonna chunder."

"Chunder?" He whispers back in confusion.

I bob my head against his chest and explain, "Puking. Vomit. Whatever you Americans call it."

I feel his chest rumble and vibrate against my skin when he chuckles in response. He immediately reads the text and then throws the cell to Asher who catches it in time.

"So, now you're imaginin' your two brother like figures in that position; that's makin' you uncomfortable?" He whispers softly, placing his lips against the crown of my head and gently swaying me in his arms.

I scrunch up my nose at the mental image of Asher and Gavin canoodling and nod in response.

I feel him grin against my hair and lower himself so his lips rested against the shell of my ear while he growls out, tightening his arms around me, "So, why don't you stop imaginin' them and start imaginin' us, picturin' about the time in the future when one day, I'm gonna fuckin' tie you down and kiss, nibble and lick every inch of your delectable, luscious body from the top of your head to your tiny little toes; making you moan my name again and again and again. And when you think that you've had enough, when you just can't take it anymore, I'm gonna fuckin' repeat everything all over again until you beg me to put you out of your misery and for me to fuck you so hard that all of your neighbours will finally know who you fuckin' belong to. Can you picture that, sweetheart?" He bites my earlobe and tugs it gently, flicking his tongue over the skin and making a growling sound at the back of his throat.

Holy fuck.

I feel my hand curl over the fabric of his suit tighter as I feel my knees buckle against him at the mental image and I let out a soft moan and tip my head to stare up at him, biting my lip while he stares back at him with his diluted green eyes glimmering with raw, unadulterated hunger.

"Um, Nee? You okay there?" Asher calls out, reminding us that he was still in the room. A fact that I had forgotten due to certain someone haunting my thoughts. Again.

I stare up into the flashing green eyes, unable to break myself out of the sexual fog and whisper, "I'm fine, Ash."

"Really? 'Cause you're blushing like a fire brigade. In fact, I'm pretty sure if you turn any redder, you're gonna burst into flames. Just sayin'."

I gasp out loud and turn around precipitously and cross my arms over my chest in annoyance and grumble, "Shuddup!"

Asher just rolls his eyes and chuckle, "See ya, love birds." Narrowing his eyes at us, he wiggles his index finger at us, mockingly, "Don't do things I wouldn't do."

He. Is. So. Dead.

Before I could respond, he quickly exits, slamming the door shut behind him.

Hoo boy.

"I guess we're alone now." I chuckle awkwardly, trying to keep my voice calm but failing terribly as I scratch the back of my neck.

Lucien grins down at me with a predatory glint in his eyes and stalks towards me, rasping out huskily, "Mmh... I guess, we better make use of this empty room wisely, don't you think?"

I squeak out loud and start backing up, feeling heat suffuse my cheeks; mentally repeating his naughty words over and over again.

"Um... what about the envelope?" I whisper softly, attempting to distract him from prowling towards me like a predator stalking his prey.

"Fuck the envelope."

And... it doesn't work.

Poor me.

I do a little jump when my back abruptly bumps into the cold wall behind me. Lucien takes my distraction as an opportunity to blanket his large body over me; sandwiching me between the wall and his sinfully sexy, ripped, warm body with his large hands placed firmly over my hips.

'Why does talking to Lucien always ends up with us in this position?' My subconscious wonders out loud.

I stare back at him with alarmed eyes, seeing his own forest green eyes flash with an animalistic glint. Just as he leans closer, I immediately clench my eyes shut and turn my head to the side, rearing my face back.

I hear him chuckle lowly before leaning closer and exhaling through his lips into my ear making his warm breath gently caress my flesh as my skin breaks into goosebumps and a shiver runs down my spine.

"Open your eyes, sweetheart." He murmurs huskily, nuzzling his nose against my ear lazily.

I shake my head and whisper, "Don't wanna."

I feel him staring down at me, "Why not?"

"Because as long as I keep my eyes close, I can pretend none of this is happening right now." I whisper and wave my hands, gesturing our closeness.

"Open those gorgeous blue eyes for me, sweetness." He whispers softly, gently caressing his knuckles down my jawline.

Unable to control myself, my eyes flutter open and I let out a soft gasp when I see him staring back down at me with his eyes all warm and fuzzy.

"Did you know your eyes turn violet when you're turned on?" He whispers in observation, cocking his head to the side.

I do a slow blink. "It does?"

He nods in response. "Mmh." He leans in closer and places a lingering kiss over my cheek, "You have no idea what seein' those big violet eyes does to me." His tongue darts out to gently lick the skin of my cheek; before he swiftly pulls away and winks down at me.

I let out a shaky breath and sigh dreamily, staring up at him in a daze.

A charming Italian with a silver tongue.

"So..." He grins down at me with his eyes glimmering with amusement, "Mr Sex On A Stick, huh?"

Before I could react, he immediately leans closer and gently bites my earlobe making me gasp out loud and press myself deeper into his large, warm body.

"I didn't call you that, Nina did." I breathe out breathlessly as my eyes rolls shut when I feel the distinct bulge in his pants digging into the softness of my lower belly.

He pulls away promptly making me whimper in dissappointment while his lips curves into a sexy, elusive smirk at my response.

What did I say?

"You're Nina, sweetness." He whispers smugly, grinning down at me.

I blink twice and blush profusely at the realisation and mentally kick my bum at my idiocrasy. "I... I meant Rachel."

Ruh roh. Did he just make me forget my own name?

Lucien places his hand against the wall, just inches beside my head and leans his face closer to lazily nuzzle my nose with his; slowly exhaling against my lips making my own lips unconsciously part against his breath.

That's when my subconscious jumps up in excitement and shrieks out, "Is he gonna kiss us? Holy crap, he's gonna kiss us! Dear God, I need a mint! Where's my motherfucking mint?!"

"Not now, sweetness." Lucien grunts gruffly as if reading my mind whilst staring at me intently.

I blink twice and feel my shoulder slump in disappointment and I feel a painful pang in my heart at his response.

He gently smiles at my reaction, "Not now, sweetness. But soon." He adds, tracing his thumb over the outline of my lower lip, "I'm not gonna kiss you until you beg me for it. And when that happens, I will kiss you so hard and it'll be so fuckin' good that it'll not only make you forget your own name but everyone and everything else until I'm the only one you could think of."

"Luc-" I start to protest but stop when he places his finger over my lips, silencing me.

I stare up at him while he shoots me a intent look, "I know you're not ready yet. But you will be. Soon. Until then I'm gonna do everythin' in my power to make you realise if you haven't already. You belong to me, sweetheart. There's no runnin' away from that."

Lifting my chin with his finger, he stares in my eyes with an emotion I've yet to comprehend while he commands, "About the envelope - don't fuckin' open it until I say so. I truly hope you won't do something otherwise."

His eyes softens as he stares down at me for a beat before leaning forward and pulling me into a tight hug; blanketing his large body around me while he smacks a kiss on top of my head, "It was a pleasure seein' you today, baby."

I let out a soft sigh and melt into his embrace, "Goodbye, Luc." I whisper hoarsely, trying to control my emotions that always seem to go awry whenever he's around.

"Never say goodbye, sweetheart." He grunts back in response.

Lucien pulls away and walks towards the door before abruptly turning around and shooting me a wide smile - all carefree, boyish and young, "See you around, beautiful!" He winks at me before turning around and walking out of the door.

I letting out a sigh, suddenly sensing the feel of exhaustion overwhelming me as I drop my bottom onto my chair and stare at the door, wondering what the hell had just happened.

Unknowingly, my hands reaches out for the envelope, lifting it up from my desk and placing it down on my lap while my fingers gently traces my name at the front and I frown to myself.

Ugh. I hate not knowing things.

Why did he give me this thing when he doesn't want me to open it?

Is this some sort of a weird trust exercise? Hmph.

And they say women are hard to understand...

But looking down at the envelope, I realise one thing - for the first time in my life, maybe not knowing something doesn't seem like it is the end of the world.

Especially when it means that he's gonna have to see me again to tell me when to open the envelope.

And weirdly enough... I look forward to it.

And considering the state of my panties, guess not all surprise visits are bad...

***