Her Impossible Mate

7- Control Yourself

...Raine...

Kevin and I bounce through the apartment door in a fit of giggles. We'd stepped out to get some bubbles to celebrate completing Cami's packing. He bought me flowers to say sorry for stealing her away, which I found sweet. Truthfully, I haven't spent much time with him until this week. I can see now why Cami is so besotted with him.

He admitted a few days ago he had always felt intimidated around me, and well, who can blame him? But we have since become fast friends, much to Cami's delight. This week has eased any worries I had around the speed of their decision to take this step. 

"What are you two giggling at?" Cami's mass of dark curls pops up from the sofa. She obviously needed a lie down after our big day of packing and moving.

"I was just telling him about that time you had stomach flu and were stuck on the subway-" I cut myself off with a snort of laughter, and Kevin tries not to laugh along with me.

"Hey! Unwanted bowel movements are never funny!" Cami's face flushes, undoubtedly from a mixture of embarrassment and anger. But she's quick to let it slide as she joins us in the laughter. 

As the laughter subsides, I take a look around our apartment. My apartment. Cami's stuff is all packed away, with only a few boxes by the door remaining. All of the large furniture is still in place, but still, the apartment feels a little empty. There's a little less life in it and a lot less Camille. I sigh at the thought. This is it. She's leaving today.

Cami comes over and gives me a squeezing hug. Even Kevin places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. We stay there in silence for a minute or so, just enjoying the embrace before Cami pulls back.

"C'mon. We agreed no tears." I smile solemnly, though my eyes still threaten to stream. Cami's eyes are filled to the brim too.

The sudden pop of the champagne bottle pulls us from the moment. We both look over to Kevin, who is pouring three glasses. I wipe away the tears that aren't allowed to fall before he passes us both a drink.

"A toast." He raises his glass, and we both follow. "To new friends, new adventures, and the bliss of true love." Cami giggles at him while he beams at her. Ew. Too much lovey dovey stuff for me.

Kevin is quick to finish his drink then grabs the last of the boxes to take to his. Cami stays behind as we have planned a farewell girls night. Cami and I take the rest of the bottle to my room, as her room is now an empty shell.

"So, how's the job hunting going?" Cami sits at my vanity table, body and hair wrapped in a towel while applying her seven step skincare routine.

"Ugh, apparently you need a degree to pour coffee these days." Over the last week, I had been looking for a job to replace dancing at the club. While it wasn't my dream job, it did help me bring in enough money to live more than comfortably. It turns out there aren't many opportunities for a runaway with no education.

"And what about his offer?" I shoot her a glare from my place on the bed. I told Cami everything about my encounter with Zander. When he offered me the job, I had flat out laughed in his face. I didn't know him, and I had no clue what he meant by 'working for his company', though I could imagine what he wanted from me. It was all very ominous.

"I looked him up, y'know. He's very handsome and very wealthy. I'm almost jealous." She taunts me from the other side of the room, though I continue to ignore the topic of conversation. Even if my chest tightens at her words.

Truth be told, I looked him up too: Alexander James Heroux, CEO of Crescent Corp. I knew I'd seen his face before, on magazine covers and salacious tabloids. The quick search told me everything that I needed to; he is everything I never wanted. Words like 'ruthless' and 'heartless' along with 'womanizer' and 'playboy' had me slamming my laptop closed with the desire to never look him up again. But still, I can't stop thinking about him.

Cami is still eyeing me up, so I give her the attention she desperately wants. I fold my arms in a huff, but she only responds with a coy smile.

"I told you, we don't talk about him." She sighs defeatedly but concedes. We continue getting ready for our night without mentioning him again. Though that doesn't stop him from consuming my mind, and my gut tells me that destiny is already working her wicked magic.

I smooth out my little black dress while taking in my appearance in the mirror. It's been a while since I dressed up for a night out. I have my hair in soft waves slicked away from my face with dramatic brown smokey eye make-up to compliment my green eyes, and my contour sharp enough to kill. I finish it with a nude gloss and pair the ensemble with some comfy but cute black boots.

Cami finishes getting ready, adding a bold red lip to match her red dress. She beams over at me, clearly ready to get the party started.

On the ride into the city centre, Cami tells me Kevin got us on the list for an exclusive club opening. It sounds much fancier than our usual club crawl nights out, and I can't wait. This is just the distraction I need.

We pull up to the fanciest club I've seen. My stomach flutters with excitement as Cami holds my hand and tugs me to the front of the queue. She gives her name and is immediately allowed in. I've never experienced such privilege. Looking around, I can tell that although I might love it, my bank balance might not.

"How did Kevin get us in here?" I shout it in her ear so she can hear me. She only offers me a wink and a smirk before taking my hand in hers again and walks us to the bar.

"Two vodka martinis! And make 'em extra dirty!" She shouts at the bartender over the blaring music and loud conversations. I stand by her side, scanning the room and taking in the dramatic surroundings. People are chatting and laughing, and the dance floor is filled with warm bodies rubbing up and down each other. I smile to myself. I think this is the perfect way to channel my feelings. I just have to find the right person.

"I'll get these." The familiar voice comes from beside me as a strong arm reaches over my head. I turn to see who the man is, and my face is met with the broad chest of Jamie Fletcher, my old boss. Sh*t.

"M-Mr Fletcher?" He passes me a martini and pushes Cami's along the bar to her. 

"Jamie, please." He smiles down at me. It's strange to see him out of context, but damn does he look good. "It's the least I can do, Raine." I chew at my lip at the sound of my name rolling off his tongue. 

"It's ok. You don't have too-" I start, but Jamie raises his eyebrow in his formidable way, and I sigh, knowing I won't win. "Thank you." I say with a genuine smile. Turning back to check on Cami, I notice she’s already disappeared. I see her bright dress lurching around on the dance floor and see the light reflecting off Kevin's glasses frames. So much for 'girl's night'.

Returning my attention to Jamie, I give him an awkward smile before sipping on my drink.

"Listen, Raine. I wanted to get in touch all week, so I'm glad you're here." He seems awkward, so unlike the boss I know. I eagerly wait as he tries to find his words.

"I think I was a bit harsh last week. I was in a mood and took it out on you." He sighs deeply, and I furrow my brow at him. I was never annoyed at him for firing me. He was probably too generous giving me that last chance anyway.

"You don't have to explain, Jamie. You gave me another chance. I f*cked it up. You did what you had to." And that was the truth.

"But I was talking with Shel... She said something about a crazy ex?" I just stand there awkwardly. I guess that's the story I have to go with now. I just nod, not sure how to talk about something completely untrue. He picks up on my reluctance to discuss it and sighs heavily again.

"Well, I guess I just want to say your job is still there if you want it. The club isn't the same without you." He smiles again, and it brightens up his face. While I could appreciate his attractiveness at work when he was his typical broody self, this Jamie is quite sweet.

"Less drama?" I try to lighten the mood, and he chuckles. Maybe he is the distraction I need?

We laugh and drink at the bar, discussing things that are not work related and definitely out with our usual professional boundaries. The alcohol is helping us both to loosen up as I subtly move closer. His hand now rests on my lower back, slowly slipping into definite unprofessional territory. And I like it.

"Do you dance?" I bat my eyelashes up at him suggestively. He raises his eyebrows and nods. A smile spreads across my face as I grab his hand and pull him to the dance floor. 

We start facing each other, dancing our separate moves. I move slightly closer, my hands reach out to brush down Jamie's toned chest. He appears to approve and follows my lead and his hands find my hips, moving tantalisingly close to the full curve of my ass. His eyes are dark with lust, and honestly, I feel it too. It's been so long since I've had this type of attention with a man who wasn't paying for my time. I'm craving this release. 

He smirks deviously and quickly spins me, my back now pressed against his chest. One of his arms wraps around my waist, his hand roaming over my stomach, while the other grips and guides the sway of my hips. My head rolls back onto his shoulder as I let out a low purr of pleasure. 

Losing myself in the music and the freeing feeling of being in Jamie's arms, I sway and grind into him as my arms raise and tangle in the air. Jamie pulls me even tighter to his body, and I giggle at his need. Just as I feel at ease for the first time this week, my stomach knots, my chest humming in that now oh so familiar way. And I know density is being her usual bitchy self.

My eyes find him instantly in the annoying way they always do. He's striding assertively towards us, not a friendly intention in him. Our eyes connect, and I feel fear in his presence for the first time. Not for me; I already know he would never harm me. But Jamie would not be so lucky. 

I stop dancing as Zander is nearly upon us. Jamie's hands fall away, and I hear him speaking, although his words don't even register. I feel him tense behind me as he finally notices the threat.

"Hello, Raine." Zander's smooth baritone voice tugs at my heart. His eyes devour me from head to toe before he redirects his gaze to Jamie, scanning him disapprovingly.

The fear has left, replaced with irritation. I was finally enjoying myself, and here he is inserting himself into my business. Jamie moves to stand in front of me defensively, but I tug gently at his arm to stop him. He turns his head, his eyebrows twisted in confusion.

I pull him down gently so he can hear me above the music.

"This is the guy." He looks to Zander then back to me, his confusion deepening. I wonder if he knows Zander’s face from his high profile lifestyle.

"The crazy ex?" Zander growls lowly at Jamie's words. Luckily it's of a volume only I can hear. I flick my eyes to Zander as a warning, but he only rolls his in return. I return my gaze to Jamie, feeling bad he's in the middle of this.

"It's complicated." We sigh together, both disappointed our evening is ending this way. "I have to, uh, sort some stuff." I don't have the right words for the beat down I want to give Zander. Jamie nods, but his face is still dropped in disappointment. 

"Text me if you need anything." I nod, thankful he's going quietly. He shoots a last look at Zander. "Be careful." I see Zander's nostrils flare, but he stands his ground. Against my better judgement, I lean forward and give Jamie a kiss on the cheek. Another rumble rolls from Zander's chest, his knuckles turning noticeably white as he balls his hands. Jamie gives me a weak smile then walks away. I watch him go, sad it has to end this way.

I turn my attention back to Zander, my anger matching his. 

"Well?" I snarl at him, but he doesn't respond. Instead, he just gestures with his hand for me to walk from the dance floor. I huff but walk where he motions. He's quick to fall in stride, his hand firmly pressed to my lower back to guide me. 

He navigates us to an empty booth away from the rush of people. I pause, deliberating if I could just walk away from him, but I already know he would follow me. He is persistent. 

I defeatedly slip into the booth, and he follows, quick to close any gap between us. I shuffle back away from him with a sly smirk, determined to piss him off. He doesn't react and instead leans back and clasps his hands casually at his groin. 

"Destiny seems determined to bring us together." His voice is smooth and calm, my heart skipping in response. "So, are you done running, Raine?" I scoff at him, and he just smirks.

"Is it destiny, or are you just stalking me now?" He chuckles at the suggestion, maintaining his casual demeanour. He looks annoyingly attractive in this roughened look; the un-business-like attire suits him. The open collar of his shirt revealing the edge of a tattoo, the chains, the rings, and that tousled hair has my mouth watering. He catches me taking him in and smirks. 

Control yourself.

"Well, I'm not the one doing drive-bys of your apartment." He tenses, and his face drops. Got him. I thought I had felt him close by earlier today. His reaction confirms my suspicions.

"You are something else, Raine. Two guys in one day. Nice date?" This time it's my turn to laugh. He saw me with Kevin. As lovely as he is, Kevin’s really not my type. No, apparently, my type is asshole.

"You were jealous of Kevin?" I keep chuckling, just to annoy him more. "That's my roommate's boyfriend. Well, ex-roommate." I correct myself remembering today was the last for Cami and I's roommate status.

Zander scans over me, eyes narrowing as he thinks. I raise my eyebrows, waiting for whatever shitty comment he has for me next.

"No job. No roommate. And you still won't take me up on my offer of a job?" I roll my eyes as he folds his arms in frustration.

"Oh yes. What was the job again? To fetch you coffee and be at your beck and call for when you want to bend me over your desk and f*ck me?" His jaw tenses as I fold my arms to match him. He cracks a small smile.

"Is that the job you want?" His tone is playful, his eyebrow quirked, and his mouth raised to one side in a smirk.

I roll my eyes and push at his shoulder. It also feels playful, causing the tension to ease ever so slightly. He sighs and leans forward, his eyes searching mine. His shift in demeanour is significant, as though he’s not the same arrogant d**k he’s always been. He breathes deeply, his eyes looking a little sad.

"Raine, I don't know how this all feels to you but, the reason I offered you a job was not to f*ck you. It was to make sure you were taken care of, that you were safe and protected." My phone pings from my purse, but I ignore it, too focused on the shift of Zander's attitude. My body relaxes slightly, even the deep frown of my brow softening.

"Yes, I want you to be mine, Raine. But what's more important is that you are safe and happy." His words seem so genuine, and my jaw slackens in surprise. He's being honest and even a little vulnerable with me. I guess I should return the gesture. I take a deep breath.

"My reluctance is not all about you." Again my phone pings and threatens to interrupt me, but I stay focused on Zander. "This bond... it should be impossible for me. I'm-" Another ping, another sigh. "I'm scared." I look away at the embarrassing admission. He scoots closer, taking my hand in his. His thumb rubs soothingly at the soft skin on the back of my hand. The roughness of his thumb tickles.

"I’ll be honest, Raine. I don't know how to do this." My eyes flick up at his admission. His vulnerability makes me feel more comfortable.

"I like this better than the commands." I tease him, which causes him to let out a low chuckle. My phone pings repeatedly, and I groan, realising I can no longer ignore it. I pull my hand from his and check my phone. It's exploded with missed calls and texts from Kevin.

Kevin: SOS

Missed Call from Kevin

Kevin: Where are you? 

Kevin: Cam's having a meltdown!

Missed Call from Kevin

Kevin: RAINE!

Kevin: False alarm, we’re going for food.

"Oh!” Any emergency there had been was now over, but the break from the tender moment between Zander and I had allowed reality to come crashing down. I had to get away from him, away from this damn bond. I stand abruptly.

“I have to go.” My voice is rushed as I back away from the booth.

"Raine, please…" Zander's voice is strained, and although my heart pulls to him, I feel the overwhelming urge to run.

"I'm sorry. I can't do this!" I rush away, overwhelmed at the realisation that I had opened up to him, even if only slightly. My stomach twists at the thought of giving in to the bond. I feel nauseous, panic threatening to take over. 

I hear Zander calling my name, but I keep moving, desperate to carve out some space between us. I weave my way through the crowds of people until I reach the exit.

My head tells me to keep running from him and never look back, but my heart has only one word to say about Alexander James Heroux:

Mine.