Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

- - -

​​

I was on the sofa, holding Serina's hands in mine and rubbing her knuckles with my thumbs frantically, confirming the existence of the energy that makes my nerves tingle whenever we touch.

Her face was lit up with a smile that reached her eyes and I chanted to myself that Serina is really here, in my office.

Serina bit her lower lip nervously and glanced at the closed door behind me. "I hope I didn't interrupt anything important."

I shook my head at the silly girl. How can anything be more important than her?

"Will you say something? Did a cat got your tongue?", Serina asked playfully, and I realized that since I chase away my two managers, I didn't speak.

"I'm still absorbing the fact that you are really here and I'm not imagining it. I thought about you in my office so many times, that I suspect this is my mind playing tricks on me."

I didn't mention the parts about Serina being on this sofa, with me on top of her.

Serina blinked and then the most dazzling smile graced her face, making me hold my breath. She is beyond beautiful.

She threw herself into my arms and buried her face in my neck, rubbing herself on the exposed skin above my shirt's collar like a kitten.

"I really missed you.", she said, and my soul came alive.

I pulled her to sit on my lap and held her tightly. "I missed you too…" I really did.

I breathed her in, and my body hummed in pleasure her presence brings me.

Part of me feared that she will disappear. "How long are you staying?"

"I'm here for an event that's set for tomorrow night. Until then, I'm yours and I don't have plans beyond that."

I understood that I can't go with her to that event, but I didn't want to ask about it and spoil this moment. Serina was in my arms, and she said that she will stay with me for more than twenty-four hours. I will take it, for now.

After nearly four weeks of separation, I didn't want to sound needy, but I was needier than a starving infant for his mother's bosom.

The mental image of a baby sucking on a breast made me remember Serina's nipple in my mouth and I cringed at my own horniness.

"Did you have lunch?", I asked while trying to distract myself from the growing pressure in my groin area.

Serina sitting on my lap was not helping but I had no intention to push her away.

"No. I came here straight from the airport."

"Alright. I will instruct Greg to find us a spot. You are fine with eating out, right?", I had to make sure.

"As long as we are together, anything is fine."

Serina's response was music to my ears. She said exactly what I was thinking. I would prefer it if it's just the two of us, clothes are optional, but I knew that she wants to take this slow, so eating in a restaurant is probably the safest choice.

"Great!" I exclaimed and reached for my pocket. "Uhm… I need to get my phone."

I could also use the phone that's on my desk, but I didn't want to get up because that would increase the distance between me and Serina, and she will see a tent above my crotch area. The suit pants are not tight enough.

"You mean, this?", Serina asked smugly, and I saw her holding my cell phone.

"You met Sergio?"

Serina nodded. "Thanks to Sergio, I'm in your office. The receptionist wouldn't let me in without an appointment."

I took a mental note to cut the receptionist's salary. Or maybe I should fire her. How dares she deny entry to Serina?

And there was one more thing… "When did you became friendly with Sergio?"

Serina bobbed her head. "I wouldn't call it friendly, but we had a chat and agreed that neither of us plans to harm you."

Her choice of words was strange, but I understood that Serina and Sergio came to some agreement.

It would be nice if they get along, but if they don't, I will get rid of Sergio.

Sergio is a grown man and so am I. His duties as my guardian ended the moment I came of age, and I have no idea why he is still sticking to me considering that we are not best friends material.

It's not that Sergio is a bad assistant, but because of our long history, he is looking at me like I'm a kid and not his employer, and that rubs me the wrong way.

Without letting Serina out of my lap, I sent a message to Greg to cancel all my meetings for the day and to find a nice private restaurant, reservation for two.

"While we wait, would you like a tour of our company?", I offered to Serina.

"Our?"

I took her hand in mine and kissed the back of her palm. "I started this company because of you. For you. It's yours."

Serina burst into giggles. "You must be joking. I have no idea about finances. I would ruin everything you built so far. Do you really want to make me responsible for hundreds of people losing their jobs?"

She leaned her head on my shoulder and spoke softly, "I would prefer that you keep this company and continue working hard. For us."

I enjoyed her words, 'for us'. It sounded right.

- - -

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

Duke was the most adorably-handsome shocked man when he saw me sitting in his office.

Sneaking behind Aldus's back in order to surprise Duke was worth it no matter how much my father will scold me later.

Once we confirmed that we are going out for lunch, Duke wrapped his arm around my shoulders, held me close, and led the way outside his office.

Did Duke adjust his hard-on when he stood up? It was just a moment, so maybe I imagined it.

We stopped next to Greg's desk.

I saw Greg on my way in, but Sergio warned Greg not to talk to me, so the poor fellow avoided eye contact at any cost.

"Greg, this is Seraphina Mezzanotte, my girlfriend.", Duke introduced me proudly and Greg looked at me while blinking rapidly.

I felt heat creeping into my cheeks. This was the first time someone called me his girlfriend like that, openly. And it was Duke! Oh, Gosh!

Duke glanced at me with a lopsided smile that made my heart race, and he gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze while instructing Greg, "I want you to treat Serina in the same way you treat me. If she comes here, she can go into my office anytime. Nothing is off-limits for her. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir.", Greg responded while nodding like a chicken pecking rice. It was a hilarious scene.

Duke grabbed one business card from Greg's desk and gave it to me. "Take this. Next time, if they give you trouble at the reception, call Greg and he will sort them out."

Duke tugged me toward the elevators. "Would you like me to rearrange the layout so that you have your office here, or would you rather share mine…?"

I enjoyed listening to Duke's plans to have me close. I had no intention of having a dedicated space in his company, but it warmed my heart, so I let him blabber.

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