Change will not come if we
wait for some other person
or some other time.
We're the ones we've
been waiting for.
We are the change
that we seek.
-
Barack Obama

_______________

"Do you have a concussion? Did you hit your head somewhere? Or did you loose your memory?" Ryan asks grabbing me by my shoulders and staring at my face. His eyes digging holes into my face.

"No, no and no," I replied, a bright grin playing on my face. I step backward, letting his hands fall off my shoulders. "I'm fine and cent percent perfect," I say moving my hands up and down in an attempt to show him my physical health.

I can even run a marathon. Maybe I should try for Olympics next year. I may even end up winning a gold medal.

Is that supposed to be a joke?

I'm serious!

Jesus!

"Then why don't you move your ass downstairs so that you're husband won't end up cheating on you," he growls, his hands pulling his hair in frustration. He's standing in my bedroom wearing a blue and white suit, looking handsome as always but the childish look on his face doesn't vanish.

I narrow my eyes at him and takes a step forward so that there is only inches between us. I stabbed a finger at him. "Ryan Jade Carter! Don't you dare take that tone with me, boy!"

"Boy?"

"Err... Boy or man. It doesn't matter. Don't you dare take that tone on me. If you'd dare then wait for your little secret to-"

"No, I get it," he mutters and sits down on the bed.

Good boy! He's really a sweet little boy. Ain't he?

Shut up!

"Let's go," I say, turning around and marching towards the door.

"Wait," I stop when I hear Ryan's voice. "Where're you going?"

"To meet my husband and his so called mistress."

"You... you mean to say that you're going downstairs to meet them?" Ryan asked, standing up from the bed.

I rolled my eyes. "No, I'm going to Switzerland. Yes of course I meant that I'm going downstairs to attend the party. What else do you think I'm talking about?"

"Well, that's... That's good. But what're you planning to do? Are you really going to wear this dress to the party?" He gulps, his eyes scanning me up and down. "Daniel won't be happy. Are you sure?" Why does he always have some question to ask? Does he have any business of selling questions?

"Let's first get over with the introduction, shall we?" I grinned brightly and started walking towards the stairs.

I stare at Thomas who wore a brown suit, standing beside Daniel, smiling wide. For being in his late forties, he was still a looker. Demented and out-of-his-freaking mind, but handsome nonetheless.

I take a step down the stairs only to stop when I find a hand with long fingers -blue colored nails placed on Daniel's arm.

Yah! Our villain!

The dress is tastefully alluring -blue, full-length, off shoulder, velvet dress with a long slit on the left leg showing her long legs. She's unmistakably womanly - warm peach hued skin, an elegant neck, delicate arms, a swell of cleavage, a tight waist, and toned legs. Her hair is thick, a pure and perfect redhead with few strands brushing her neck. A thin neck chain decorated her neck, a bracelet hanging low on her wrist and a blue clutch on her other hand.

She's stunning. A perfect model, her beauty is not something that can be ignored, her hair is something that helps her stand out. Ryan was right, she's not easy to forget. As I said before, she's beautiful but not innocent. Her blue eyes shouts it clearly.

Time for some introductions.

I climb down the stairs, my eyes watching them carefully. Daniel doesn't looks like he's enjoying her presence but it isn't dislike either. His face shows frustration, his body completely and utterly tensed. He looks like a teenager scared of being caught doing something mischievous. He needs to come out of that frustration, he should be able to show her that she means nothing to him.

Once I reach the last step, I take a deep breath as I moves towards Daniel. His body stills, his expression turns into relief and his gaze turns towards me as if he already sensed my presence.

His blue eyes meet mine. A smile graces his handsome face, his hands are stuffed in his pockets. Oh hell. Will I ever be able to ignore that smile of his?

Maybe in the next decade.

Daniel's eyes widens, the look on his face when he sees me is entirely too satisfying and something I'll remember for a very long time. His eyes peruse my body slowly as his hand drags over his face. Suddenly, his face turns hard and all the tension returns back to him but this time I knew it wasn't because of his ex-girlfriend.

When I reach in front of Daniel, his hand immediately moves towards my arm and he whispers, "You have got to be kidding me."

"What?" I ask innocently, batting my eyelashes as I smile at him.

"What the fuck are you wearing?"

"Dress," I mutter, smiling at him as I turn towards Thomas. I pretend not to notice his gaze but it's a demanding task, because I can feel his heated gaze igniting every inch of my skin. I can't exactly blame him for getting angry because I'm sure he didn't expect this. He didn't see me wearing an evening dress other than on our wedding day but my wedding dress is very different from what I choose to wear today.

I choose a burgundy color, full length exquisite mermaid one shoulder long sleeve sequin dress with a long slit on my right leg. The fabric clings to every piece of my body. I paired the dress with matching heels and a bracelet on my sleeveless left hand. My hair is styled into a beautiful bun, making me look more classy. I normally choose to let my hair down but today I knew that isn't the right choice. I don't want my long hair covering my exposed skin so hair out of the way.

"Alli-" Daniel starts but stops when Thomas' turns his gaze towards me.

"Young lady, why were you late?" Thomas asks, his eyes moving over me. A smile lights up on his face as if he knew what I'm up to.

"Oh Thomas, I had some urgent work. Anyway, I'm here," I say, moving closer to Daniel. His hand immediately moves towards my waist pulling me closer to him. I relax as I lean against him. I lift my eyes slowly to find none other than Annabella staring at me. Her hands were out of Daniel's arms. Her eyes scans me in a very uncomfortable manner but I choose to ignore me.

"Daniel, who's this?" Annabelle's smooth voice asks Daniel. You don't know me? Is that how you want to play this?

"This," Daniel said, planting a sweet kiss on my forehead, "is Allison, my sweet wife."

Annabelle's face went white as ghost, then red. Her eyes staring at Daniel and then slowly it landed on me. I smirked devilishly.

Yes, it's me. His sweet little wife! Sweet Ally!

"A-Are you joking?" Her voice low and filled with amusement. Though she knew we're married, she probably didn't expect Daniel to put it in front of her in such a way.

"Why will he joke? This is his wife, Mrs. Allison Avery," Leila says, stepping towards us, Ryan and Hope behind her. Leila choose an yellow V-neck dress which cling to her body and ended at her mid-thigh. That dress might be already doing things to Ryan seeing his expressionless face. I turn towards Annabelle, smiling wide Annabelle's eyes didn't move away from me, it was still gazing at me and I can understand the calculation running in her mind. Probably thinking of ways to get rid of me. Calculate and plan all you want, baby.

"Well... Congratulations. It's nice to meet you Allison," she says holding out a hand for me to shake.

I reached out and shakes her hand with a tight grip. Our first meeting shouldn't be unforgettable. "Ahhh!" A voice escapes from Annabelle's throat, her face scrunching up. I smirk, so my handshake wasn't that bad. Abruptly, I let go off her hand and she pulls it back, cradling it against her chest. Being a lawyer, I was used to tight grip since that definitely makes an impression in my business. "Well... It's nice to meet you too..." I trail before mentioning her name even though I know very well what it is.

"Annabelle," she said in a low voice.

"Anaconda? Wow! An interesting name," I say, trying my best to hide my grin.

"It's Annabelle." Her voice was loud and clear this time, it also had some bitterness.

But of course I didn't flinch. I gave my best friendly smile. "Of course. My mistake..." She nods lightly. "...but I think I do prefer Anaconda, it suits you better," I say with a wink. Her face turns red. Is she blushing?

I turn my gaze towards my husband with a smile and gulps slightly when I see the look on his face. His hand leaves my waist, moves towards my arm. He excuses himself before pulling me away from the crowd to the corner of the room.

"What the fuck, Allison?"

"What?" I ask, whispering to make sure we don't gain attention.

"What the hell are you wearing?"

I take my outfit and says, "It's a dress."

"I'm aware, but why are you wearing it?"

"Angel helped me pick it up. She knows the best for me when it comes to dresses."

"Angel," he mutters. "Is she trying to kill me?"

My eyes lights up and I lean in even closer. "Are you getting turned on?" I ask, grinning wide.

"Allison," he growls. "Why did you tie your hair?"

"Because letting my hair down isn't a good idea. My back is not open much so if I let my hair down, it's going cover up the skin."

"Jesus," he mutters, looking more angry. "Everyone has their eyes on you and it's fucking killing me."

"Ah, you'll survive." I pat his cheek, winking at him.

"Go and change," he orders, his expression dead serious.

I chuckle. "If I change now then it's going to take another hour for me to get myself ready so I'm not planning to change. This is fun."

"It's not," he snaps, shaking his head. I place my hand on his chest. His biceps are bulging, threatening to tear through the material. His pecs test the sturdiness of the buttons, and he looks super sexy in his suit. "You look really hot." I want him to know I just don't bust his balls, but I can appreciate everything about him

"Don't say that right now," he whines, my smile widening.

I lean closer to my him. "How about a deal? You can pull me out of this dress once we're back in our room."

"You're a wench, you hear me? An evil fucking wench."

"Oh, is that how you really feel about me? Does that mean I should find someone else to remove this dress? Such a shame."

His eyes widens, he pulls me towards him. His lips near my ear. "Don't you dare," he warns, his lips nibbling my ear.

"Daniel," I whisper, feeling chills all over me. "I have some work," I say, pulling away from him. "Wait for me," I whisper, smiling at him before walking away but I could feel his blue eyes digging holes behind my head.

I smile when I find Leila, Ryan and Hope talking to each other. "Is everything okay?" I ask when I reach near them.

"We're trying to track Annabelle's details but nothing so far. Marcus is trying but he's quite busy with what's going on in the firm," Hope says, looking beautiful in her emerald, floor length green glitter dress.

"Call Alex and assign him Anaconda's case. Let Marco stay out of this, he already has his hands full." Hope nods her head, typing furiously in her iPad.

"I've given the list of board members to Hope," Ryan informs, his eyes fixed on my face. "What now?"

"Keep an eye on Thomas. We don't want him finding out everything." Leila nods her head in approval.

"Shit," Ryan curses, looking over my shoulder. I follow his gaze only to find Daniel and Anaconda walking out of the party area. "I told you! Annabelle knows to trick Daniel and he always falls for it."

"What are you going to do?" Leila asks, looking tensed.

"Let's give them time for a quickie," I reply, grinning wide.

"What?" All three asks in unison, with wide eyes.

Are young serious, woman?

"Lower your voice," I whisper, glaring at them.

"Are you letting him cheat on you?" Leila questions, raising her brows.

"If he intends to cheat on me then there's nothing I can do to stop him," I say, smiling at them. "Let's give him five minutes and if he doesn't do it in that five minutes then we can move forward with the actual plan."

Are you sure? You can never forgive him if he cheats on you. That's a hard limit for you.

It is and Daniel knows that very well. He promised me that he wouldn't do it and I trust him.

He already broke his word by walking away with that witch.

He might have but I still trust him to not break my last hope.

What if he does?

Then he doesn't need my help anymore.

I turn gaze towards my cousin in-law. "Ryan?"

He turns towards me with a glare and in wonder what I'm planning to do with him next. "Yes?"

"Get rid of that little attitude of yours and call some young bachelors to dance with me, will you?" I gave him a smile. "After all, you wouldn't want me to spend my evening just standing here watching your cousin and his Anaconda?"

"Oh Dani, I missed you much," Anaconda whispers, her voice seductive.

I bite my tongue off. Immediately I cover my mouth with my hand trying my best not to shout. Dani?!

I never heard anyone referring to him with such names. But of course they do have a different level of relation.

"What do you want to talk about? I have to return back to the party."

"Daniel... I love you."

I heard a strange sound and surprisingly it was from me. But why the heck would I make sound. I don't care if someone loves him, why will I care?

"No, you do not."

"I do."

My ear pressed against the door. I listen carefully but I don't hear anything but few noises. I close my one eye and peeps through the key hole, my knees pressed against the floor. Sitting on a floor with a tight dress on isn't a good thing idea but I have no option.

I gasped when I saw them.

She was dangerously close to him and he clearly didn't mind it. Darn with him! Why can't he maintain some distance?

Slowly, she reached out to touch Daniel's face. "Daniel," she murmured in a low voice that actually had a bit of seductive tone in it. Judging from my husband's reaction, he definitely heard it before. "I need you, Daniel," the little Anaconda whispered.

"I can't and I won't. I'm married," he says stepping backward. Well, my husband has some sense after all.

"You call her your wife?"

Immediately, I was wide awake! I raised my head slightly to see them clearly. Why can't they make the key hole a bit bigger so that I don't have to undergo such unnecessary problems.

Because normal people doesn't use keyhole as binoculars.

"Allison, right? She's not good for you. I'm much better than her," she says moving closer to him, pressing her breasts to his chest.

What?

"I agree she's beautiful."

Of course I am. No one has any doubt in that. I'm beautiful and intelligent, ain't I?

Shut up!

"But she's not better than me. She's just a naive girl."

Me, naive? I bite my lip and press my hands to my chest in order to control my laughter.

Naive!!

"What we have is much more than your marriage with her. She looks like she knows nothing about you."

My mouth dropped open. Seriously?

I'm gonna give you a piece of my mind soon.

I turn my gaze towards my husband to find his lips curve upward. Damn him! How dare he?

It's time you learn about some basic manners.

Anaconda moves closer to him and wraps her arms around his neck, pressing her whole body against him, a groan escapes from him. "I'm wet for you, Daniel."

I knew it girl, you're always bloody horny.

"I missed being in your arms. I missed you giving me mind blowing orgasms-"

Oh really? But when I asked him for one, he denied. Me, Ally. He denied little Ally.

Are you complaining?

No, of course not. Why will I?

"I want all of it. I'm gonna make it worth everything. I want you Daniel," she whispers biting his earlobe. Daniel curses inherently and pulls her closer to him. His hands on her waist.

His hands on her!

She plants a wet kiss on his earlobe. She leans in, their lips ready to meet.

"I'm not going to cheat on my wife," Daniel snaps, his voice sharp as he turns his face away from her. Annabelle ignores that as her hands moves down his abs, dangerously near his pants.

"You don't call this cheating, Daniel. We love each other. I know you do. I still remember the way you always look at me, the way you always steal glances at me. You always wanted me in your arms when we're alone. You love it when I wear blue dress and I choose this one for you."

Damn it! So that's how she does it. Messing with his mind.

"I want to end up in your arms tonight. Just us." She places a kiss on his cheek, her one hand moving towards his hair and the other drawing lines on his stomach.

"I want Allison in my arms. She's what I want," he whispers, trying to not give in. I see his desperation and I feel an ache in my chest. There's something going on other than the sexual tension. Why is she trying to mess up with his head and why is Daniel falling for it?

"No baby, it's me you want. You're just confusing her with me," she whispers, tightening her grip on his hair.

"I want Allison," he repeats again and I expect Anaconda to loose her cool but she doesn't. She stays calm as if she's used to his denial. "I want to rip that dress off her," he mutters under his breathe, a smile touching his lips. He steps away from her. I smile wide when I see the time on my phone. It's past twenty-five minutes and he held it in.

He almost gave in.

"Oh baby," she whispers, moving closer, rubbing herself against him causing him to groan louder. She leans in, places a kiss on the corner of his mouth. She grabs his hand, placing it on her waist as she works on the buttons of his shirt. His grip on her tightens when she starts moaning louder. "I'm dripping, baby. It's for you," she says, leaning to capture his lips.

"Stop it, Anna. Just leave me alone," Daniel snaps.

"I love you, Dani." She ignores his disapproval when he tries to move away from her as she aims for his lips.

And then it happened!

I stood up, gripped the knob on the door, turned it and swung the door open. I stared at them, there stood my husband, with a beautiful woman in his arms. Their lips just inches apart. Her lips almost touched his lips.

"Anaconda, why don't you take your hands off my husband?" They froze. The meeting of their lips had been delayed due to my wonderful arrival.

They turn their head towards me. Anaconda looks like she might kill me but I ignore her as I turn my head towards my husband who looks taken back. His eyes closes for a brief second before stepping away from her.

"Allison!"

I give him a bright smile. "Good evening, hubby. How nice of you to notice me?"

His blue filled with remorse as if he had already cheated on me. I want to wrap my arms around him and comfort him. A part of me is happy that he didn't fall for her trap till the last moment but the other part is enjoying his discomfort and wants to punish him more for letting another woman touch him. "Comfortable in there, right?" I ask, walking towards him.

"Allison, I was jus-"

"I know hubby, enjoying with your dear friend," I say, cutting him off.

"Of course, he was enjoying my company rather than the boring company of his ridiculous wife," Anaconda says with a smirk, folding her arms against her chest.

Ridiculous? She called me that?

I think so.

I snap my eyes towards her and give her a sweet smile. "Is that so?" I ask, raising my brows. "Then why didn't you do what you wanted to do even after being alone with him for almost half an hour. Is it that difficult to get laid? Or is it because he doesn't want you?"

Her jaw tightens, her eyes throwing daggers at me. "He wants me," she grits out.

Does she have a hearing problem? He clearly shouted your name every time she tried to make a move. He doesn't want her.

"Hmm.. Then why don't you prove it? I'm not going to interrupt you. Take all the time you want with my husband," I say, stepping back and settling on the couch in the guest room. My eyes fixed on them.

You got to be kidding me!

I'm serious.

It's finalized. You're nuts.

Daniel's eyes widens, his hands turning into fist. His eyes meets mine but I don't show him anything he want to see. I don't give him a confirmation or any help to calm his nerves. I just sit there, my right leg over my left, the slit of my dress showing my long legs. My lips curving upward, showing a small smile.

Annabelle smirks at me before she turns towards Daniel who's staring at me in shock. She steps towards him and without his consent, she removes his coat off his. He doesn't move away, he looks as if he's frozen. His eyes focused on me, pain replaces his desperation when I don't respond.

Jesus, Ally. He's not a ball that you can play with. Stop that witch.

No!

Evil woman! Just stop this. Look at the way he's staring at you. Don't do this to that man.

She wraps her arms around his neck, placing a soft kiss on his jaw. Her hands slowly moves down his stomach, feeling him. She grabs his left hand and places it on her hip while she puts his right hand on her chest, near her heart. She leans in and whispers something in his ears but Daniel doesn't seem to focus. His eyes is fixed on me as if he's hoping that I will stop it. She moves his hand to her breast and nibbles his ear, whispering something. Her hand draws circles near his hips as she bites his earlobe.

Daniel's gaze shifts from my face to my hands which is placed on my thigh. His eyes focuses on my engagement ring which is sparkling as usual.

Without my permission my finger touches ring, rubbing the stone. Relief spreads through Daniel's face, his lips curving slightly hinting a small smile. Damn it! Why did I touch it? It was as if my finger decided to obey his command.

I immediately move my hands away, turning my gaze towards Annabelle who works on his shirt buttons, her body pressed against him.

"Stop," Daniel says, his gaze on my finger. Anaconda ignores him. "I said stop it," he shouts at the top of his voice causing Annabelle to flinch away from him.

Oh my God!

Looks like the beast is awake.

My heart beats rapidly against my chest, hearing his loud voice filled with venom. He steps away from her and for the first time since I entered this room, he turns his gaze towards Anaconda. "Do not touch me," he says, his voice cold. Jesus!

My stomach does a flip when I hear his sexy voice. He buttons up his shirt, his face filled with anger.

I turn towards Annabelle who looks like she lost her puppy. I rise to my feet, smiling wide. "Another eight minutes gone." Anaconda glares at me. "He looks angry. Want to try some angry sex? I can give you more time," I say, winking at her. Her face turns red, looking embarrassed and angry at the same time.

"I can't give any more time," Daniel, snaps, glaring at me.

"You can. You dared to walk out of the party with her so you have to give all your time to me," I snap, sounding a bit angry.

His eyes softens. He picks up his coat from the floor, holds my hand before walking out of the room without sparing Anaconda another glance. Once we're outside the room and out of his gaze, he cups my face, staring into my eyes.

"I wore your favorite lipstick. Don't you want to smear it?" I ask, licking my lips.

"Jesus," he mutters, leaning in to capture my lips but I stop him by stepping back. "Alli-" I cut him off by placing my lips onhis.

I raise my finger at him. "Don't you dare Allison me, Mister. I hope you remember our dance arrangement we agreed on yesterday," I say and something flashed across his face.

"You wouldn't dare," he says, glaring at me.

I grin at him. "Oh Daniel, you don't know what I'll dare to do," I speak up, before walking away from the him.

This is definitely a long evening!