"Maybe, if you can't get someone out of your head they were never meant to leave. Perhaps, they were meant to help change you into the person you have been waiting to become." ― Shannon L. Alder

I woke up with the loud buzzer. I grunted harshly as I opened my eyes and was welcomed with Vicky's serene sleeping face, looking so angelic in her sleep. I smiled as I gently tugged my hand away from her waist and use it to carry her head gently, as I pulled my other hand off her head. She stirred and turned to the other side, causing me to free my hand and I gently crawled out of the bed. Just as my feet touch the carpeted floor, the buzzer rang again and I muttered curses under my breath as I pulled myself up and stalked towards the bedroom door and into our suite door, without bothering to wear a shirt, just my boxer on.

Yanking it open, my secretaries' face welcomes me. My scowl deepens. She steps back a little when her eyes met mine, looking like she wanted to run and hide. Her eyes glued to my face, her cheeks a shade of red. "G-good m-morning, s-sir," she stutters awkwardly not knowing what to do.

Can't she be resourceful for once? How hard is it to ask a spare key from the reception desk? Where are these smart secretaries these days?

I swallowed the thoughts back and rather kept my mouth shut as I cocked my head towards inside, signaling her to go in as I opened the door wide. She scuttles inside towards the living room just before the bedroom, holding several big paper bags.

"How is the PP's hotel going?" I asked just to get her nerves relax. She looks quite frightened at my presence, avoiding to look at me.

She stood straight as soon as she placed the bags on the glass coffee table and the rest on the couch.

Upon hearing it, her face lit up a bit and she seems to relax. "They have started the massive concrete skeleton already, working on the foundation as we speak."

My eyebrows shot up upon hearing it. It's been a month and they haven't finished with the foundation? "They are still working on the foundation, you said?" I asked. I've talked to some of my board of directors about the ongoing other projects but never talk to Loris and Ben yet about the development of the hotel in England.

"Xandrous?" my head whipped to the bedroom door and snapped back to her, with her eyes trained on the door as well.

"GO!" I snapped and she hurriedly scuttles to the door before I could say another word.

Just as she closes the door behind her, the other door opens and Vicky sauntered towards me, frowning. "I heard you talking with someone?" she said her eyes sparkles as she eyes me up and down, then her eyes darting to the paper bags scattered on the coffee table and couch, approaching it.

She stops beside the table and leaned in to inspect the bag. My eyes automatically landed to her behind as my shirt lifted up a little showing half of her ass cheeks, realizing she's only wearing my shirt and nothing underneath and my body suddenly feels excited.

"Just my secretary," I said as I inspect her flawless ass laid in front of me.

Fucking damnation! I love the view!

Just as I was enjoying it, she suddenly bolted upright staring at me with a scowl. My eyes met hers instinctively. "IN YOUR BOXER SHORT?" she shrieked.

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Yeah ..." I trailed off. Her eyes narrowing squarely at me.

"You face your secretary with just your BOXERS ON?" her voice increasing.

"Well, I don't want her to keep pressing the buzzer if I let her wait while I was getting dress," I reasoned out, my face scrunched up.

Her face brightened a little, but her eyes still sharp. "Well, at least you should have worn some shirt," her lips curled in distaste. She stood straight and crosses her hands on her chest as she squared her shoulder, chest puffing out. Her eyes lock my eyes. "Did you two do it?" she asked in an accused tone. I shook my head in disbelief, then I narrowed our gap. Her eyebrow shot up. "Did you?" she pressed accusingly, not backing down.

"Never!" I said as I curled my hand around her waist. She jerks her head back as I was about to kiss her. Our eyes met. Her eyes still looking at me with accusation. "I swear, I never did!" I said sternly. Her eyes soften and then gave me a push. I release her letting out a frustrated grunt.

"Are you jealous?" I asked as I followed her, marching back to our room.

"Yes, I am!" she snapped.

A smile broke out on my lips as I followed her like an excited puppy. "I'm hungry!" she suddenly made a halt as she swirled to face and I almost knocked her over if not of my fast reflex, instead we both tumble down, my back landed on the carpeted floor, her on top of me.

She let out loud giggles and it's hard not to be infected, ignoring the sharp pain in my back. She stops giggling when she saw me winced as I shifted my body with her on top of me. She bolted upright and worries etched all over her beautiful face. "Are you alright?" she asked as she hovers over me.

"I think I hurt my back," I said.

"I'm sorry," she quickly crouched down to help me sit.

I smiled as I accepted her hand and sat all the while feeling my back. Seems like the pain disappears. When I stood up, I felt the pain in my lower back, but it wasn't as sharp as it was the first time I felt it. It was bearable. "I think I'm fine," I said. The worries painted her face slowly dispersed, replacing by a smile.

She curled her hands around my waist. "Where do you want to eat?" I asked pulling her closer to me.

"Maybe at the Cheater's Grill Bar," she said shortly with a smile "oh, not there!" she quickly contradicted, her face looks sullen and fell into silence.

"Can't make up your mind?" I taunted but she didn't respond and was looking through my eyes, not blinking. "Hey," calling her attentions and her lashes flutters.

"Huh?" she looks into my eyes and I stared hard at her, trying to read her mind. "What are you thinking?" I pressed on.

"Nothing!" she shook her head, giving me a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"You look mortified,"

"I just remembered something in the restaurant and I don't want to go back there," she spewed out, before her eyes widening at the realization of her words. My face almost hit the ground when I realized what she meant.

That day when she followed me to the washroom and offered me herself. I had to hold on to my desires to take her and it hurts like hell to watch her back disappear after that searing kiss. That short make out kept me awake all night, causing me to take a cold shower periodically. Just like the night I first took her. It was the best sex I've ever had and nothing beat it after that.

Nicolai would be laughing at me if he found out I was celibate for a year, hoping to bed Vicky again, but it didn't happen. She avoided me like a plague after that. Her silence killed me. I shook the sad memories off, and I didn't realize my hold tightens around her, pulling her closer until air is nonexistent.

"I'm sorry, if only you knew I wanted to yank you back inside with me, to hold you again, kiss you and take you over and over," I said as I kissed her shoulder. "We can try it again?" I whispered in her ear and then nuzzled my nose under the crook of her neck.

"You're so kinky!" she giggled and tried to pry herself off my possessive hold.

"You started it. You came barging in and attack me!" I taunted mischievously, while my peaceful friend suddenly became attention seeker, deciding to poke her for attention.

"Xandrous?" she purred huskily and I grunted as I nip her neck.

"Come on," she whines. "No more hickeys!" she hissed as she tried to push my face off her neck all the while giggling.

I grinned and then started kissing every part of her face, her neck and she was giggling all the more, all the while squirming her way out of my hold.

"Stop it!" she panted, trying to hold back her loud giggles and I laughed at her attempt. I scooped her while she's still squirming and narrowed the bed, laying her down and straddled her quickly before she could get away. Grabbing her hands that she places on my chest attempting to push me off her, and brought her hands up above her head, pinning it firmly yet gently. Her eyes were glistening, sparkling with happiness as she eyed me with curiosity.

I smirked mischievously. "What do you think you are doing to me?" she panted. I kissed the tears away that escape her eyes from giggling too much.

"I need my breakfast," I grinned, leering down to her belly, the hem shifted up while she was squirming. My whole body tense up as I rake her flawless flat belly down to her v-shape, then to the lips of her shaved split. I lifted my lower body, propping my knees on the bed and used the other to part her legs and kneeled in between it before she could squeeze them shut. My eyes met hers, peering through my lashes as I dip my head and kissed her flat belly.

She stops squirming and gasped more like a moan. Nipping and licking her flawless skin, I grinned in satisfaction as I saw two marks left on her fair skin.

A loud ringing of her phone jolted her erratic senses, her legs work instinctively, kicking me, startling me before I could stop myself from flying out of the bed into the floor with a thud. I didn't expect that energy coming from her legs.

She suddenly crawled to the edge and peered at me. "Are you alright?" her voice sounds apologetic and I chuckled. Shaking my head, I stood up and brushes my bum instinctively before perching on the edge of the bed, beside her.

What's with the falling scene this morning?

She quickly connected the call. "Hello?" she reluctantly answered. She paused for a bit before answering.

"Sorry dad, I went to see my friends," she lied, her cheeks blushing as she stares at me, putting her finger over her lips to silence me. I playfully bit her finger and she widens her eyes at me teasingly.

And then I realized she didn't tell her dad she's with me. My eyebrow cocked up. Why would she need to lie?

"Ah, er ..." she fumbled.

"Okay, I'm sorry," sounding apologetic as she chewed on her bottom lip. My eyes glued on her lip and I felt the desire to do just that. "Yes, I'm with him. I'm sorry, dad, for lying," she said sheepishly.

"I'll be home for dinner tonight. I promise," then she paused again, listening to the other line, her eyes never left mine.

"I love you, dad. See you later," then she hung up. She let out a loud sighed.

"I love you," I said to cheer her up and her face brightens. Her hand cupped my face and then kissed me chastely.

"Thank you!" she responded after the kiss and my smile withered.

Thank you?

"Let's get ready," she enthusiastically hops off the bed and headed towards the ensuite bathroom. I followed her with a scowl glued on my face.

Thank you, like really?

I shook it off my head and tried to ignored it when I saw how happy she is, humming while discarding my shirt off her and drop it on the tiled floor as she headed towards the shower and step into the wide rain shower. Several rainshowers' head on three walls.

I excitedly discarded my boxer and followed her inside the shower. My friend already pointing outward, excited for his quest.

..............

Xandrous were so silent as he drives to the downtown. As much as I want him to talk, but I can't think of something to indulge him. I just entertained myself watching the view from outside the window, the tall buildings passing my eyes as the car goes smoothly with the traffic. Not long, he pulled into a very familiar parking space.

I look at him in surprised. I thought he agreed with me we won't eat here?

I stared at him in disapproval. "Cheater's Grill?" sounding disappointed.

He grinned slyly. "I need to rectify something," he said as he slid off the driver seat and rounded the car. He opens the door for me, and I acquiescently got out. I heard the door close as I fixed the neck of the dress his secretary picks for me. The neck is really bothering me, feeling like I'm strangled. It was actually long dress almost touching the ground, with a long sleeve and Xandrous finds it sexy, but to be honest, it looks frumpy. I didn't say anything and I had no better choice among the dress she picks for me. I'm sure it was all Xandrous' idea.

I scowled at him as I ran my eyes at his sexy pose. He was wearing a gray stripe sweater that showcases his broad ripped chest, paired with blue jeans, saddle brown shoes matching his brown belt. He's sinfully gorgeous specimen.

"I'm all yours," my eyes darted instantly to his taunting eyes as he grinned down at me. I smiled with satisfaction, grinning happily.

"Thank you!" was all I said since my brain seemed to freeze at the happiness overwhelmed me.

"Let's go," I smiled as I look down where we are heading and he led me silently to the door. We were ushered to a table in the middle of the room. There seems to be a lot of people inside, eating and some were waiting, while the others were still deciding, I believed.

"Any beverages to start with?" the waiter asked, by the name of Mary. Her smiles are too infectious and I'm glad she's not like the other hooker here, that's how they call them instead of a waiter. There's a glint of admiration in her amber eyes, but not like the host who ushered us in, who openly ogled at him, almost eating him whole with her eyes and so were the others as they passed by our table, scanning him openly, but he doesn't seem to notice.

"Nail Ale," Xandrous' replied to Mary who seems to be in her late twenties. Xandrous leaned against his chair comfortably as he stared at me, as I was so mesmerized by his actions.

"And you, ma'am?" the waiter asked, whisking my lost self back to her presence.

My eyes snapped up to her and smiled. "Strabellini, please," I responded quickly. They were known for this cocktail drink and I love it.

My eyes caught something as he passes by. Xandrous' was exchanging words with the waiter as I followed the guy who as almost as tall as Xandrous and almost the same size either. If I didn't know Xandrous' well, I would think he had a twin.

My eyes followed his back as he headed at the very back where I'm sure the washrooms are.

"Baby," my eyes snapped back to Xandrous and met his curious eyes. The waiter was gone and Xandrous was leaning forward, his hands are propped on either side of the table. "What are you looking at?" he asked.

I forced a smile. I'm sure, he's going to flip when I told him I was eyeing a guy who was as hot as he is. "Nothing. I just thought I saw someone I know," I said hesitantly. His smiling eyes suddenly morph darker, not in a good way.

"A guy?" he asked. His voice sounded strained.

"No, no!" I shook my head quickly. He stared at me hard. God, he's impossible.

"No!" I lied, sounding firm.

I met his intense gaze and he backs down eventually. His eyes softened. "Did you decided what to eat?" he asked, dropping the topic. The tension that was starting to fill the air vanishes.

"I'll just have the steak sandwich since it's already lunch," I said and he nodded.

The waiter arrived with our drinks and set it down in front of us. She took our order enthusiastically and then left us promptly as she moved to the other table to collect the dirty dishes, and strutted away.

I leisurely sip on my drink as I watched Xandrous bringing his glass to his mouth and made a sip. His Adams apple bobbing up and down and I suddenly made another sip on my drink as I felt my throat ran dry watching him swallowing.

I never thought an Adams apple bobbing would look sexy as hell.

"Vi, baby, don't stare at me like that," his heavy voice drags my eyes back to his. His eyes a little hooded as he stares hard at my face.

"W-what?" I feigned innocence and he swallowed hard, setting his glass down and leaned forward.

"You are inviting me to do something sinful, baby," he drawled heavily, his rich deep voice pronounced.

I swallowed thickly, my body reacts instantly with his words. The way his sexy lips moved, his eyes a little dilating as he stares at my lips.

"Xandrous, not here!" I hissed when I saw some couples at the next table watching us with a bright smile on their faces. I felt the blush creeping over my cheeks and decided to settle there. I felt his lips on mine and my eyes snapped back to his face and his mischievous grin widens.

"Of course, not in the middle of the room with the audience," he whispered before leaning back against his chair, wearing that sly grin on his face.

I felt more eyes glued on us and I felt the urge to escape for a bit. "I just need to go to the washroom," I said as I stood up, pushing the chair gently backward. Xandrous eyed me curiously. "I'll be right back," I said and he nodded.

I quickly ventured through the aisles heading to the back where the washrooms are and just as I turn right where the girl's washroom is, I bumped into a hard chest. A strong pair of hands caught me before I knocked over to the hard floor. When I look up, I saw the guy and I quickly straightened up and step back a few steps, my eyes couldn't believe he just looks like Xandrous.

"Hi," he smiled and his smile, it was Xandrous' smile. Am I hallucinating? Am I seeing Xandrous' everywhere? I saw him waving his hand in my face. My cheeks suddenly heated up.

"I'm sorry," I said as soon as I found my voice.

He smiled and it almost killed me right there. Xandrous' smile is sexier to me, and his dimple added to his charming looks though this guy is hot as well.

"No, I'm sorry. I should have watch my way next time," he apologized and then extended his hand. "I'm Taryn Asker," he smiled sweetly.

(I don't know if he looks like Carmine Signorelli to you, but he looks like him to me here. He's Patrick Felbinger, as Taryn Asker.)

"Victoria Pallos," I smiled as I took his outstretched hand.

..................

What would be Taryn's role in their life? Can someone guess?