BUSINESS, PLEASURE OR BOTH?
1057 Words
Tessa’s point of view.
“Tessa,” Lucian began, his voice low and gravelly. “I think we both know this was not a decision taken in a hurry? This ain’t some rash decision. We have thought about the implications of this and we have considered the potential outcomes. But if there is one thing I have learned in my years as a CEO, that would be that nothing is certain, nothing is one hundred percent guaranteed.”
My eyes never left his, and millions of thoughts ran in my mind.
“So, are you saying we should just take this relationship one day at a time ?” I asked, my voice quiet and measured. “That we should not think too far ahead?”
Lucian nodded, his expression unreadable. “I am saying we need to be realists. This marriage may have been sparked by our companies troubles and our need to solve them but that does not mean we can not make the best of it. We are in this together, for however long that may be.”
I drew in a deep breath, my shoulder falling in resignation as his words sank in.
My gaze hardened, a steely resolve taking hold of me. “If we are in this together,then we need to start acting like it. That means no more secrets, no more lies, no more games, well we can keep the war of words. But we need to trust each other if this marriage is going to have any chance of working.”
Lucian nodded, his jaw tight. “You are right. But trust is not something that comes easily for either of us. We have been rivals and at each other’s neck for too long.”
My eyes narrowed, my voice dropping to a whisper. “Then let us start with honesty. Why did you really suggest this marriage? Was it just for the sake of saving our companies or was there something more?”
Lucian held my gaze. “I will be honest Tessa, yes I did suggest this marriage for the sake of our companies but there is more. When I say you at the gala , that charity event that night. I felt something I have not felt in a long time. A spark, would I say connection. And I thought if we are going to save our companies, why not do it with someone who challenges me, someone who tells me things the way they are.”
My cheeks flushed and my heart skipped a beat. “You...you felt... you felt a spark? You are not the type of man to make decision based on emotions, Wright.”
Lucian’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Oh but I can assure you Tessa, I am not that different from you. I am driven by my ambition, yes but that does not mean I am immune to my desires, of any kind.”
I held his gaze, my instincts warning me to walk away, or I would regret it soon.
“Desire can be a very dangerous thing g,” I said. “Are you sure that your desires are not clouding your judgement?”
Lucian leaned forward, his fingers tracing along the curve of my jaw. “I am very sure Tessa. And I have a feeling you are not as immune to desire as you would like to think.” His thumb traced the line of my lower lip, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “In fact I would be willing to bet that under that exterior, there is a woman who craves something more than just a business alliance.”
Mu breath caught in my throat, my skin tingling at the touch of his hands. I wanted to kiss this man so bad, but I would not give myself so soon.
“You have to be careful, he is very handsome yes, he is sexy, yes, he is rich, yes, has the body of a daddy? Yes. But you should not give in to your desires and do things with him, it will only make things worse and complicated. Remember is you go down this path, there is no escape or turning back. You are choosing to dine with the devil, do you have a long spoon?” The voice in my head warned.
“Careful, Wright,” I murmured. “You are venturing into a dangerous territory.”
Lucian ‘s lips curved up into a grin, I could have sworn I saw lust in his eyes. “Dangerous terroritory huh? I think we left the safe territory a long time ago, don’t you.?”
My heart raced as I found myself leaning into his touch, my instincts screaming at me to stop.
“Maybe we did,” I admitted, my voice low and sultry. “But that does not give us an excuse to be reckless, Wright.”
Lucian’s hand cupped my cheek, his fingers tangling in my hair.
“Maybe not. But maybe,” Lucian continued, his voice a low purr. “We should allow ourselves to see what this desire holds, to see where it leads us. After all , we are in this for an unknown period of time aren’t we?”
My gaze dropped to his lips, my throat suddenly dry. “Yes,” I whispered, “ but we still have to be careful... not all the time though.”
Lucian’s thumb brushed against my lower lip, trying its outline with slowness, enough to drive me crazy and throw caution to the wind.
I grabbed his collar and pressed my lips on , taking my time to slowly taste him.
As our lips met, I felt something race through my body, the part of me that I have never felt before suddenly became hot, as the heat spread through my body. The kiss was firm yet tender and my hands tangled in his hair as I pulled him closer, our bodies melding into one.
It was a kiss fueled by my desire, passion and wanting, with something more dangerous hidden behind it.
When we finally broke apart, I was breathless, and my gaze was on anything but Lucian.
“This,” I murmured. “Will be a lot more complicated and harder than I thought.”
- Writer
