The Seductress

Chapter 3

She wasnt wearing white today.

That black leather skirt and red top showcased her curves perfectly well.

Left my imagination wondering what was under.

That skirt is so damn tempting.

" Hey Nick, Good morning" she said sweetly. Almost too sweetly.

I love the way my name rolls out of her gorgeous lips.

I was just about to answer when  I remembered my strict rule: don't mix business with pleasure.

It's a rule a came up with since I started my company. I can't let my perverseness ruin my working etiquette. Everything has to PERFECT. 

People may think I'm ruthless and cruel but I don't tolerate mistakes. 

Mistakes are for the incompetent.

" .... good morning Nick" she repeated.

I shifted in my seat. Then I remember Harry's stern warning. "Don't even go there."

So I told her the rules like I would have spoken to any of my employees except Susan. Rude and Intimidating.

I saw how surprised she looked.

Maybe I should be a little nicer?

Me? Nick? Being nice to someone other than my family? Where is this even coming from? Dammit!

Rules are Rules. Harry's cousin or not.

So I just dismissed her. She still had the shocked look on her face. She looked cute though.

Did I just say that? Oh f**k.

I watched her leave my office noticing how good her ass looked in that skirt. I'd so tap that round...

Don't go there Nicholas. I reminded myself again.

I started typing furiously on my laptop to get my mind off her. I have a lot of deals to sign and projects to finalise so that took my mind off her for a while.

I wonder if she likes her office. I had it renovated for her. I picked up the office phone 

" Susan, make sure Ariane is comfortable okay?" 

" Of course sir." She said and I hung up.

I found myself drifting back to her. I have no idea why she keeps invading my thoughts. This isn't good.

I got a series of calls that occupied my mind and I was finally able to work. I checked the time and it was 5:26. I still had tons of work to do so I kept on working.

" ...um Mr.DeMorgane, I'll be leaving now" her sweet melodic voice interrupted.

I just nodded and continued doing my work. Something told me to talk to her but I kept my mouth shut and kept on working .

Something hit the floor. I looked up and the first thing I saw was the sexiest ass in my face. Damn. I groaned and drew in a sharp breath.

She walked out swaying her hips.Fuck! I bet she doesn't know but  I'm a total ass guy. 

The bigger the butt, the better.

And this ass is definitely big and I'm guessing it'd be soft too.

Shit!

A call interrupted. It better not be some damn investor right now. I muttered as I picked up the call 

" Hey Nicky!" Alyssa purred on the other line.

Just what I needed. A cool off. Thank the Heavens!

" Need a cool-off? I have just what you need " She asked as if reading my mind.

"Meet me at the usual place in 10 minutes. Clothing is optional. That sexy lingerie I like isn't" I said and hung up.

I quickly drove to Royal hotel . I got into the elevator and went straight to my penthouse. Alyssa was already there and as I got in she handed me a glass of whiskey.

" You kept me waiting  Mr. Nicholas" she said trailing her perfectly manicured nails on my chest. She was darn good. I grabbed her and kissed her hard pouring my frustration into the kiss.  She moaned and things got heated and I got the release I needed.

I turned on the tv and looked at her naked body sprawled on my chest . " I've missed you Alyssa"

No I haven't.

She laughed with that high pitched voice of hers "Really? How was your day?" She said

" It was stressful to say the least" I said leaning back on the bed.

" So I'm guessing you didn't find a replacement for Megan?" She presumed.

" Someone came in today, Harry's recommendation ." I briefly stated cause I didn't want to start talking about the brunette across my room,

" Oh and before I forget, I have a show in Vegas next week and I want you to be there. Just you and me with no distractions.  Will you come?" She started off and I didn't want to make a promise I won't keep so I started kissing her again to drift away from the topic. She immediately kissed me back and seconds later we were both consumed in each other again.

Arianna's POV

"Mr King, it's not easy!" I said to the other line of the phone.

I'm getting really irritated.

" I don't give a flying f**k! You're supposed to make him head over heels in love with you and from this point, there's no progress! What the hell are you for?" He yelled

" Its been three days!" I yelled back. " I can't get into his head and heart and make him love me! These things take time!" I added 

" Don't you f*****g raise your voice at me! I'll put you in jail faster than you can say b***h!" He yelled and I shut my mouth.

He can yell but I can't? Oh right. He has money and I don't! 

"I'm not in  his heart Mr. King. I can't make him love me " I said calmer this time 

" Then get there! That's the whole point, get into his heart and shatter it dammit! I told you the hint so why isn't it working?"

" I can't wear white everyday!"

This is exhausting. 

"Get into his office and do something now." He said more quietly but more dangerously

"Mr King..." I started.

" Now!" He yelled and I quickly said okay and hung up 

He really scares me. What did I get myself into?

Tammy was right. I shouldn't have done something this stupid.

Tears clouded my eyes but I refused to let them fall.

I'm strong and I can do this.

For Tamara.

I continued doing my work till it was time to leave. I went to Nick's office with hesitation thinking of what I'd do to get his attention.

" I'm leaving Mr. DeMorgane." I said sweetly.

And he did his usual nod. Did he have to be so silent?

God! I turned to leave still thinking of what to do. I can't possibly show him my ass again.

Think Ari,Think!

"Wait." He called out and I turned to see him finally off his laptop screen. 

Finally! He's such a workaholic.. he needs to take a break sometimes.

" I'll need you to schedule a meeting at DeeMorgane's  tomorrow. I have to talk with an investor and I'll need you there. And before you leave, get the files on the top shelf labeled 'Zealand' .

" Alright Sir." I said dropping my notebook and my bag on his chair .

At least he's looking at me now. His brown eyes were staring at me the whole time as I tried to reach the top shelf.

I'm so short and these heels do nothing to help me! I grumbled quietly. I kept on trying to reach and I remembered how short my royal blue dress is and my undies must be showing by now!

Oh my God! This is so embarrassing!

You're supposed to seduce him remember? So it's a good thing...my inner self reminded and I felt a little less conscious.

I turned to see Nick standing right behind me looking at my butt. He noticed me staring and didn't even try to conceal the fact that he was looking at my ass.

Seduced him without even trying..Good for you Ari!

"Shutup" oops I think I said that out loud. I need to control this habit of mine

"Excuse me?" He said raising his eyebrows and looking confused and slightly angry.

" Uh uh..I'm, I'm....". How am I supposed to tell my boss that I was talking to my inner self and not to him without sounding creepy and weird?

" I-I'll just go get a chair so I could get the files." I said and walked out to my office and got a spare chair so I could stand and get the files.

He was still standing in the same position with his hands in his pockets when I came in . He looked so handsome and intimidating in that posture.

The files aren't gonna get themselves if you don't stop looking at your sexy boss.

Ugh I hate you! Thankfully I didn't say that out loud this time. 

I took off my heels and stood on the chair to get the files and after a little struggle I finally got all the Zealand files! There were like a ton of them and I couldn't hold them all without falling off.

I turned and saw Nick still standing with the same look on his face. I wonder if he'll help me with these.

I was about to get down but I almost slipped and fell and a ton of the files fell off my hands. Dammit! I have just a couple in my hands and my ankle hurts now.

Suddenly warm hands held my waist and steadied me and I looked up to see Nick staring straight into my eyes. He has such beautiful eyes. If I could I would stare at them all day. He picked me up smoothly and held me close to his chest as I dropped the rest of the files in my hands so I could hold him as I glided down his lean and muscular body. He was still staring at me.

"Uh um.. thank you Mr. DeMorgane." I said blushing profusely remembering the way my nerves got ignited when my body touched me. I guess he has that effect on me..

" Are you alright?" He asked quietly.

"Y-yes I'm fine." I said finally releasing his suit jacket and he stopped the slow circles he was making on my waist. I don't think he knows how fast my heart is beating cause of that.

I bent down and started picking up the files on the floor and I stacked them up neatly on his desk where he had already taken his seat again.

"T-that's it Mr.DeMorgane." I said still blushing.. " can I leave now?"

"Yes go ahead and don't forget the reservation." He said and I nodded my head not confident enough to look into his eyes again.

"A-Aren't you going to leave too? It's getting late" I stuttered . It is really getting late and he should head home now. I bet he has someone waiting for him. A girlfriend maybe or perhaps a wife?

You're doing it again. Stop being paranoid.

He looked up and for a brief second I thought he'd dismiss me like he always does and not answer but he didn't 

" I'll head home soon Ariane. I'll just finish this up." 

"O-okay." I said and took my stuff and left the building. Getting a cab right now will be so difficult. I stood by the sidewalk and wondered what time I'd get home.

"Get in." A voice suddenly said and I looked up to see Nick in his BMW and his window down so he could talk to me

"Oh no Mr. DeMorgane, it's fine my Uber will soon be here." I lied .

"Get in Ariane." He said more sternly this time. I was about to put up a fight again when I remembered rule #3: do not defy him

Alright then . I guess it wouldn't hurt...So I got into the front seat and put on my seatbelt.

"Thank you. Here's the address." I said showing him the address on my phone. He took it and stared at my phone like he'd never something like that. It's not an iPhone and all but it's still a smartphone.

He typed the address on the GPS and we drove in silence. The silence wasn't awkward or anything but I just wanted to start a conversation.

"Do you like your office?" He asked calmly.

" Yes I do. And I don't think I got a chance to thank you for the MacBook and the iPad."

"I guess you didn't." He said surprised by my statement .

"Well thank you. You didn't have to but thanks anyway." I said smiling

" You're welcome Ariane." He said looking at me and smiling slightly 

He has a gorgeous smile.

I didn't notice we had stopped and he was still staring at me .

" Thanks for the ride..." 

" You're welcome. Get some rest Ariane. Goodnight."

" Goodnight and thanks again." I said and got out of the car. 

He drove off immediately and I got into the comfort of my home.

" Who was that?" Tammy immediately fired as soon as I got in.

" Well hello to you too . I had a great day, thanks for asking" I said smiling sarcastically.

"Please just tell me Arianna. You're really scaring me. Tell me everything please, we promised to never keep secrets from each other right?" She said tearing up. She was in her wheelchair by the window.

" I just had a new job Tammy, that's it and it pays really well. Don't think too much about it. Believe me." I lied again wiping her tears and holding mine.

"And was that your boss in that expensive BMW?"

" That's.. wait a second, when did you get so versed with cars?" I asked smiling hoping I could change the topic.

"Hah! What do you think? Remember that car game we used to play when we were kids and I always won?" She said laughing slightly..

"But you cheated!"

"Non non, you did! And I still won sore loser!"

"You did not just say that.." I said and it went on and on till we both fell asleep.

I woke up when Tammy was still sleeping. I took a shower and quickly dressed up.

I made Tammy breakfast and left her note on the fridge.

I got to work at 7:56 and Suzie was surprised I was that early. I was surprised too!

" You're doing great sweetie! I think you'll last longer than any of his assistants."

"How long is that?"

"1 week."

" Oh my God! " I shrieked. Is he some kind of maniac or freak that can't keep an assistant?

I realized I said that out loud cause Susan laughed 

"No, not that. He's just short tempered and none of them could tolerate that. And they sometimes just keep flirting with him so.."

"Can't blame them.." I muttered to myself hoping she didn't hear.

" I'll get to work now. Don't want to be seen slacking right Suzie?" 

" No you don't . Go ahead Arianna." She dismissed and I started my work.

Nick didn't give me much attention except when he asked about my ankle as I got into his office this morning and it occupied my mind a lot..

He's so thoughtful! He remembered I hurt my ankle when I forgot myself. It didn't hurt any more though. Maybe 'cause I put ice on it before sleeping last night.

He was really kind last night. And handsome.

There's progress at least. He dropped me home and smiled at me. I smiled to myself. I could do my happy dance!

A call interrupted my thoughts. I picked up the office phone and his voice was heard on the other line .

" Be ready for the meeting in 10"

" O-okay sir." I said and he hung up . His voice still brought shivers down my spine. So masculine, so sexy.

Damn.

I got the things necessary for the meeting and put them in my bag.

15 minutes later, DeeMorgane's Restaurant.

" The investors should be here in a few minutes." Nick said as soon as we settled down.

"What will you have to drink ?" He further asked.

" Um just a glass of water will be fine . Thank you." I said and noticed how shocked he looked when I said Thank you.

He signaled for the waiter to come and he gave him our orders.

"Let me have the wine list and a glass of water for the lady" he said sternly while the waiter stared at me. He smiled at me and winked.

Really? I'm probably older than you! He looked about 18.

" Leave." Nick ordered. " And find another job while your at it" He said looking at him. 

The waiter scurried away in horror taking off his badge and apron.

Did he just fire him? ' Cause he winked at me? Does he even have the right to do that?

" What was that about? Do you just fire random waiters in restaurants you go to?" I asked honestly bewildered.

" Yes. And I own this restaurant, I can do whatever I want. Did you not see the name when you were getting in?" He said nonchalantly.

That's when awareness dawned on me! That's why the name is so similar! And we're in a secluded area of the restaurant. And all the employees greeted him! 

Dumb Ari! I should have noticed.

A different waiter, a girl this time brought my drink and the wine list he asked for. He picked the chardonnay and she was blatantly flirting with him. He didn't even hide the fact that he was staring at her boobs that she put right in his face!

I should become a waitress and maybe he'd notice me more and this seduction plan would be easier!

Yeah no.

I can't believe I'm jealous. He wouldn't even look at me! 

And don't forget the wink when she was leaving. Ughhhh!

Control Ari, control.

I could tell he hated waiting by the way he would curse whenever he looked at his watch.

We made small talk during the 39 minutes the business men delayed. 

Hmm. I guess his perfect -in- timing nature is contagious.

I checked my phone to see a message from Tammy worried about me again. I'm grown up for Heaven's sake. I quickly sent her a reply and looked up to see Nick clenching his fists.

Bipolar much? He was smiling seconds ago..

They were so clenched his knuckles were turning white.

" What's going on? Are you okay?" I said putting my hand over his clenched ones on the table.

I felt that bolt of electricity through my nerves again. I felt it every time we were in contact. He looked up at me and back in the direction he was looking at before. I turned to see him staring at a blonde man in a suit.He winked at me and I almost threw up. He looked like he was about to stand up and beat the hell out of the guy.

Where they enemies or something?

" What's wrong ?" I asked unclenching his fists which were hard btw.

" Nothing , it's fine." He said gruffly.

"Do you guys know each other?" I asked but he was unable to answer when the investors interrupted. 

"We're sorry for the delay Mr. DeMorgane. We were caught up in traffic. Apparently there was an acc..."

" Have a seat Mr Williams. We're already behind schedule and I don't have all evening" he cut him off. I quickly removed my hand from his and got the files necessary for the meeting.

The waiters got us food and that's when I realized how hungry I was. I wonder how much this meal costs, I thought to myself.

" Do we have a deal Mr.Williams?" Nick concluded after bargaining with him for a while.

" Deal. I'll have my assistant send you the documents as soon as possible. Have a good day." He said standing up and bidding him good bye. Nick just nodded as usual and the two men shook hands.

I took the files and put them in my bag and stood up to leave.

I'm honestly so tired and I'd really like a bubble bath and hot chocolate right now.

" I'll take you home." A voice suddenly said.I looked up to see Nick standing up as well.

" Um that's okay. I'll just take a cab, thanks anyway." I said sheepishly.

That's going to be two nights in a row if he takes me home!

" You fail to understand me. I wasn't asking you, I was informing you. I'm taking you home and that's it." He said signaling me to go ahead.

" Mr. DeMorgane..." I trailed off

" It's final. Let's go." He said leading me out of the restaurant with his hand on the small of my back. 

That feeling again. That electric feeling whenever he touched me.

I tried to ignore it as I got into the car . I was about saying my address to the driver but Nick beat me to it.

I smiled a little. It made me happy he could remember. Maybe he's just that smart.

We drove in silence until we came to a stop at my house. I looked at the house I've lived in since I was born. It was my parent's house before they died and they left it to my sister and me. I can remember my Christmas here. It was happy, we were happy. But as soon as they died , we didn't have enough money to keep paying for it. The bank currently has it on mortgage. And we couldn't lose the house we grew up in. It's so important to us. 

I snapped out of my reverie and looked at him.

I took out a 50$ bill and handed it to him.

" Thank you for the dinner. And for bringing me home again. You really didn't have to."

He stared at my hand offering the money for a long time . Like it was a surreal thing to do.

" I don't need your money. Keep it. It's just dinner Ariane."He said quietly .

" That obviously costs a lot. So here you go." I said still holding my hand out .

" It's nothing . I make that kind of money in a split second everyday. No big deal. Keep it."

"You're very stubborn." He looked taken aback by that and I just kept on staring at him.

Where's the confidence from ? 

"Anyways..." I trailed off and put the money in his hands and closed them squeezing slightly.

"Good night and thanks for the lift again!" I said rushing out of the car.

I got into the house before he drove off. Tammy was already sleeping so I just showered , made myself hot chocolate and slept into dreamland .