"You mean, Adonis owns Golden Steel Corporation?" My eyes grew enormous as I stared at my head of finance.

I could not believe that Adonis got hold of one of my companies' shares of stocks through a merger.

"Yes, Miss Pallis."

"Didn't you make a background check?" My hands clenched together in anger.

"We did. We considered it right away, because it was a pending negotiation between the Stavrakos and your grandfather. Besides, you signed the contract, madam."

"Because I trusted you all!" I stood up pacing back and forth at the front of my desk. It was my mistake. I should have asked before signing the contract.

"We have nothing to worry, Miss Pallis. We still own most of the shares."

I stopped, shaking my head, "that's not my point, Steve. I want Adonis Stavrakos, out of my business, and out of my life!"

"I apologize, madam. But I'm afraid we can't rescind the contract anymore. It's already signed by both parties," Steve responded, "our only recourse is to ask Mr. Stavrakos to allow us to buy back the stocks."

"Which is impossible," I responded.

I entered my office whistling. My bodyguard, Hugo noticed my lively mood and asked.

"Seems like you had a wonderful sleep last night, sir."

"Indeed. The best after a long time," I admitted.

"Ah- no more heartaches. I'm happy for you."

"I'm not over it yet, but I'm keeping a positive thought things will be better soon," I responded, and fixed my tie. "I'm wearing my best suit today. How do you find it? Do I look good?"

"Hmm..." he studied my appearance, then went on, "you look perfect in it, sir."

"How about my hair?"

"All neat."

"Good," I nodded and settled behind my desk.

One hour later, I was in the conference room, presiding a board meeting when the double doors suddenly burst opened.

All of me suddenly came back to life.

Finally, the moment that I had been waiting. There she was, standing so beautiful, like a fresh air. As radiant as a beaming sun.

I could feel the sudden heat at the pit of my stomach. The combination of anticipation, excitement nervousness and joy. Every emotions a human being could ever feel, seeing the love of his life.

We held eyes. Mine so tender, while hers resembled of a bull, ready to attack.

"Leave us alone," Adonis instructed to the group of people sitting around the rectangular table, without taking his eyes off me.

In a flash, everyone left. Then I heard the door snapped closed. Locked.

Both of us standing at each end of the rectangular table. Holding each other's eyes.

My chest was heaving with intense anger, as I continued to stare at him.

He broke the silence.

"Elena. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Liar! You expected this," I burst at him, "you're a heartless, conniving, arrogant, controlling, manipulative bastard!" I grabbed a stapler and threw it at him, hitting his arm.

"Ouch," he yelped in pain. Then a book, a folder, whatever I could find, flew at him.

Before I could grab a laptop, he ran towards me, standing too close, but not touching.

Eyes locked at each other. Both chests heaving. Breaths mingling.

"YOU.PLANNED.THIS. You knew I would come," I reacted with gritted teeth.

"You left me with no choice. I was desperate."

"How dare you! You got hold of my company's share," I glared at him.

He smiled, his face came closer.

"You want it back? I'll give it to you for free," his eyes lingered on my lips, then back at my eyes, "as long as you give me another chance."

I grinned nastily, "No thanks!"

"Then, you're not getting it back, darling. You're now stuck with me."

"You're a bastard! That won't happen ever again," I turned to go, and grabbed the doorjamb, but locked.

"Running away, Elena?"

"Open the door!"

"Nope," he argued firmly, "now I got you, you're not getting away from me easily. We need to talk."

"HA! You're three months late, mister. What's the use of talking when we're over. We're already divorced, remember?"

"Elena, please. Let me explain..."

I snickered sarcastically, "why would I listen to you now? You never gave me a chance to explain."

"I know, and I'm so sorry," he raked his hair in frustration, "I got clouded with jealousy, I made a rush decision and lived to regret it."

"Sorry? It's so easy for you to say sorry, after you kicked me out of your house, and a divorce that came abruptly in five days!"

All the things that happened in the past, all I felt, all my frustrations suddenly came back in. I went on lashing at him, "how could you! You made me feel so small... so cheap. You discarded me like an old toy."

"I never ever treated you like a toy. I did not intend to make you feel so cheap and small. I respected you-"

I cut him off, "RESPECT? You have a strange way of showing it!" I turned to the door again, rattling the doorknob, "get me out of here, you bastard! I don't want to hear any of your nonsense!"

"Elena please understand. After a terrible experience, I was struggling to trust a woman. I got scared of falling in love again."

I refused to look at him in the eye. I was afraid that all my defenses would shatter on the ground.

He went on, "when I was in Paris, I realized how much you mean to me, that I was ready to love and trust again. I wanted to surprise you, but I ended up being the one surprised upon seeing you and Firth together. I went crazy with jealousy."

"I NEVER cheated on you," I faced him and leaned my back against the wall.

"I know, but I was so stupid to realize that," he let out an exasperated sigh, "your mom told me everything. Including all the lies that your grandfather said."

"I had no choice but to obey his wishes."

"Of course. I understand you better now, and where you came from," he studied my face, then proceeded, "It's difficult for me too, the truth made me feel so terrible. I should be the one protecting you, and helping you carry all your troubles."

He leaned so close to me, his arm was against the wall at the side of my head, and his face just a mere inch away from mine.

"Let me make up to you. Please, give me another chance. I love you so much, Elena. I need you back in my life."

My anger escalated. Hearing him confessed now.

I pushed him away, putting an immense distance between us.

"You don't know, how I longed for you to say those three magic words. I've been waiting," I shook my head, pressing my lips tight, "but now, I don't want to hear it anymore. Every word of tenderness, love and devotion coming from your lips–is just like an irritating noise," I lifted my chin, "goodbye, Adonis. WE'RE OVER."

"NO!" his lips pressed together in frustration, and tears welled in his eyes, "please, no."

It surprised me when he grabbed my arm, and pulled me in his arms, hugging me tightly.

I gasped at the sudden contract of his body against mine. The electric feeling was evidently there, sending delicious sensations all over my body.

He smelled so good and felt so warm. I wanted to hug him back to feel more of him until together we dissolved as one.

Oh God, how I missed him. I wanted to feel his kisses, his tongue inside my mouth, his hands caressing every inch of my body, and his hard manhood inside me. Every night I tossed and turned, longing for him.

And now, being in his arms again, feels like I'm home.

Anger immediately overwhelmed me. Hating my body for being such a traitor.

Stop it, Elena! You're getting too soft. Don't fall into that trap again. You don't need Adonis in your life. Too much pain had happened, you had enough. Control yourself and be tough.

"Let me go," I countered firmly, but his hold tightened. I could feel his lips on my head.

"No, Elena. This will kill me. I love you so much, and I know it sounds crazy, but I can't live without you anymore."

Hot tears coming from his eyes rolled down on my temple.

"We're done, Adonis."

He loosened his grip, his hands holding my arms.

"Please, I love you so much, Elena. I know you still have feelings for me."

"You're wrong," I backed away from him, "I stopped loving you, when you divorced me. Goodbye, Adonis."

_____

Hey Dreamers! Hope you enjoyed the update.

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I'm so excited to share this awesome news to my lovely readers from India. You can now listen to the audiobooks of Books 1 and 2&3, story of Zion Petrakis and Claire Olsen. Now available in Audible India.

- I edited Spark Between Us. If you haven't read it yet, go check it now. I'm sure you will love it.

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