Seducing Mr. Perfect

Chapter Five

"You wanted to see me?" He said immediately she walked into his office. He didn't look up from the file in his hand.

The polite smile she summoned slowly dissipated.

"Shouldn't you offer me a seat?"

"Please sit, I hope this won't take longer than necessary."

"Are you just naturally rude or your parents skip the manners tutorial?"

"One was too busy beating the hell out of me and the other didn't see the need to stand up for me, but you don't see me complaining."

Isabel stiffened, she hadn't meant to open a can of worms.

"I'm sorry… I"

"Why are you here Isabel, I'm a very busy man."

"My father isn't too pleased about the merger. He's been calling me non stop to set a new deal."

"And…'

"I haven't picked his call"

"So why are you here?"

"To work. I've been home for a few days and I can't bear the silence. You agreed that I would head my father's company."

"I'm a man of my word Isabel. However there's nothing to manage for now. Like I said, your dad managed to drain the company to the last of its blood."

"So what I'm I supposed to be doing?"

"You can work from here for now. Use the office beside mine and strategize, send me a few suggestions to restructure and if it's worth investing in. I will."

Rafael's eyes narrowed a little as he took in her appearance. She was wearing a nude power suit with killer heels and her hair was packed in a high ponytail. His fingers itched to pull out the tie and let her hair caress his hand.

Her choice of cloth was passing a statement. She seemed to be desperately trying to portray a message that she was in control. He wondered if the message was for him or for her parents.

"You'll need to meet formally with the board personally. So get across to them and schedule up a meeting as soon as you can. It should be scheduled after I return from my trip."

"You're traveling?"

"Yes! I have something urgent to do in the US. I'll be gone for about a day or two."

"Okay… I'll keep you posted." She made to stand up

"There's an update regarding the wedding." Her stomach did a painful somersault.

"Could we have a private ceremony? I don't really have anybody aside from my abuela and Carlos coming."

A slight frown creased her forehead.

"That's fine. I'm not much of a people's person either."

"We also need to sort out a few legal paperwork regarding our union. We can settle that now if you are free?"

Ensuring he ties all loose ends before traveling she perceived.

"Fine."

"Is there something else you'd like to say?"

She managed a small smile because the heap of verbal castigation welling inside of her would not help either of them.

"No for now."

She made for the door, only to realize that he was already there holding the door open for her.

"I guess there's a gentleman hidden somewhere deep."

She said in an attempt to ignore how close he was to her. The musky tang of his sandalwood and mint cologne didn't help her nerves. He exudes sheer sensuality without making any effort.

"Can you send me Lawyer's office? I'll meet you there." She indicated as they stepped into the lift to transport them to the parking lot.

"We can go together in my car. It's easier."

"I could just follow you. It would be easier for me to go home after."

"I'll drop you off." The lift doors opened as Rafael shut her a look.

"Is there a reason why you just can't seem to agree with me on any issue."

"I hate being told what to do. You're not my Father." She stepped into the concrete pathway and started walking.

"My car's this way" He pointed in the opposite direction.

She knew arguing was futile so she turned and followed him.

The air sizzled with a tension she couldn't define. She wanted to shut up and not say anything but Everytime she tried, there was a voice telling her to stand up for herself. Something she hoped would happen with her parents. He was not her Father, or her mother. Transferring her aggression would make them remain at a spot.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine… I'll get used to it" He drew his response. A ting of humor embedded in it.

"I'd like to see you try. You don't seem like someone who accepts being argued with."

"I don't concede often but the last few days have taught me that I could accept a slot of things."

They reached the Cadillac Escalade and he unlocked the security with his fingerprint on the remote control key.

"I'll drop you at home after the signing"

"I could just take a taxi. You don't have to go out of your way."

"Get in the car Isabel." His voice held a silky quality that she couldn't argue with.

She slid into the passenger seat and strapped her seat belt.

When he moved in behind the wheel, she asked.

"Don't men like you usually have drivers or bodyguards looming over you."

"Men like me?" The engine revved into life as he ignited it.

"You know, rich, arrogant and handsome. I have to flaunt my wealth kind."

He chuckled.

" I've never had a driver or bodyguards. Some men like me like driving."

They arrived at the lawyers in 30 minutes due inner-city traffic. He found a parking bay and easily found a slot.

Isabel caught Rafael's studied gaze in the lift's mirrors.

"What? Does my presence repulse you?" She challenged

"You intrigue me Isabel. I hope one day you realize just how much power you wield." His silky drawl was serious and without a ting of humor. As the lift drew to a smooth halt, she exited immediately to avoid him noticing her face turning red.

She preceded him to the reception area and in the next few minutes. They signed all the legal documentation as outlined in Marcus's will and based on the terms of the contract between him and her father.

She read the last clause in the prenup. He had included that her father's company would go to her after the divorce.

She felt the nerves in her stomach tie into a knot. She looked at him as he signed the documents and wondered if the hard and arrogant persona he was portrayed was his way of pushing people away so he didn't get hurt. Her heart churned with compassion. Did his Father really damage him? That much?

Would she be able to walk out of this marriage with her heart in perfect shape? Because each step she took brought her closer to a man she could trust and love. It was unwrapping a box of candies.

She listened to the lawyer clarify and reassure them.

"Carlos would act as Rafael's witness to your marriage. Do you have anyone in mind?" The lawyer asked her.

"Yes Maria Amparo." She was the only person she could ever ask.

They exited the lawyers office and made their way down to the basement where he had parked the car.

They both barely said a word as he drove her home.

"Call me if you need anything. You have my number."

Isabel met his gaze as he parked the car in her apartmant's parking area.

"So I guess we'll see after your trip right?"

"Yes. I'll be back on Tuesday or Wednesday. We can meet your parents and my abuela on Thursday to finalize any other details."

They stared at each other for a long while and tension cackled between them.

He leant forward before she moved away and caught her mouth in a slow kiss.

He withdrew from her and took a deep breath.

She was tempted to strike his cheeks but she released herself from her seat belt and stormed out of the car.

She didn't know whether she was humiliated by the fact that he was not aware of her lack of experience or angry that he stole her first kiss away from her.