"Where are you taking me? "
"You'll see "
As soon as the doors to the floor open, her jaws drop. She gazes in astonishment at her surroundings.
"A pool table, flat-screen TV, fancy leather couches, a full bar. Um... this looks like the president's suite "
"The president wishes! Nahm this is Elect's headquarters.
"Why do you need a headquarters? "
"None of your business, Lea. Come on. let's get you clean "
"Why, because I'm a whore? "
"No, because you smell like egg and sugar water "
"I do? "
"Can't you smell it? "
She bares herself and takes a deep sniff. "Oh, God! That's awful "
"I told you. It's shower time "he nods at the bathroom door, a few feet away. She slowly limps her way over.
"Let me help you, please. Otherwise, it'll take us all day to get you clean "she nods. He smiles, reaches over, and lifts her into his arms. A second later, he pushes open the bathroom door and gently sets her down.
"Whoa! This is amazing "she makes a note of the large bathtub, the marble floors, the golden mirror frame.
"Plenty of time to admire the bathroom later. Get out of your clothes "
"What? "
"You heard me. Take your clothes off "
She slowly removes her wet shirt. Hadyan freezes, his eyes trailing after her. He reaches forward to touch her, his hand grazing her bare shoulders. He swallows. "Do you need help? "
She shakes her head, dropping her wet pants to the floor. "Do you….Do you want me to leave, Lea?"
I don't want him to leave, but I can't admit that.
"Um, yeah. I guess. Sorry "
"No, don't be sorry "his eyes trail across her bare skin, landing on her bra-encased cleavage
Thank God I wore my push-up bra today.
"Don't be sorry. I'll wait outside while you get clean "he leaves the bathroom, closing the door gently behind him. She turns on the hot water in the tub, waiting until it's filled to the brim and hot steam rises in the clouds. She settles herself into the water with a relaxed sigh. After she finishes scrubbing the grime from her skin, she steps out of the tub.
Dammit, I forgot to ask Hadyan for fresh clothes.
She searches under the sink and through the closet, but all she finds is a pink towel.
I guess I'll... he's already seen me half-naked. She wraps the towel around his body and starts to step out of the bathroom. But the second she opens the door, she trips and falls into Hadyan's shirtless and muscled arms.
"Becoming a habit with us, isn't it, Lea? "
Lea just stare at him, forgetting how to speak. His eyes are drawn to her chest.
"Do you need something? "
"I need. Um, I need something to wear "
"Ah, yes. Of course. Here ya go " he grabs two outfits from the couch and hands them to her.
"I prefer the first one, just FYI " he winks and closes the door.
She squeezes into the outfit, blushing at her appearance in the mirror.
God, if this thing was any tighter, it would be suffocating me. But it does make my curves pop.
She takes a deep breath and steps into the Elect Headquarters room. The second Hadyan sees her, his eyes go wide.
"Holy shit "
"Is that a good holy shit or a bad holy shit "
"It's amazing holy shit. You look like a million dollars "
"Um. Thanks. For everything. If I can just borrow a coat, I guess I'll start heading back "
"You're not going anywhere until classes are dismissed. We have two hours to burn, so make yourself at home "
"What? How am I supposed to do that? "
"You thirsty? "
"Uh, yes please "
He smiles. A second later, he grabs a beer and hands it to her. She smiles gratefully.
"Cheers to a hot bath. Now that we've taken care of thirst, what about the hungry? "
As if on cue, her stomach growls loudly.
"That's what I thought. What are you in the mood for? "
"Uh. Whatever you have "
"Well, then. You're in luck, farm girl "
A second later, he removes something from the cabinet and places it in front of her. It's an almost-fresh Beef Burger and fries. Once again, she chokes back tears. But this time, it's for a very different reason.
"Hadyan, hod wide you. how did you know? "
"All you do is talk about cows, Lea. Wasn't a tough guess " he lifts some of the food and brings it to your lips. His fingers linger on her lips, slowly grazing them.
My stomach is making funny sensations, but I can't tell if it's the food or Hadyan.
"And now, I have a bone to pick with you. But first, come sit "
He leads her over to the couch. Both of his and her take a seat. He has a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"We made a wager, remember? And even you have to admit I won, meaning "
"Meaning I have to vacuum your bedroom "
"A deal's a deal, right? "
"Fine, give me the vacuum " she roll her eyes, as Hadyan brings her the vacuum on his carpet for a few moments until Hadyan stops her.
"I didn't mean for you to clean for me. It was kind of a joke. You know that, right? "
"Yeah, everything is a joke for you "
"Not everything, Lea " he traces his fingers over yours, creating a trail of goosebumps.
"I should never have left you without my protection. The bet was a stupid idea "
He leans over, brushing her hair out of her eyes, his gaze fixed on her lips. The air is electric.
I think he's going to kiss me …
He seems to stare at her lips for several whole minutes, neither of her moving. Slowly, centimetre by centimetre, he leans forward. After a few long moments, his lips touch hers. A soft moan escapes his lips. She reciprocates, applying pressure to her kiss. He takes this as a green light, his kiss growing more aggressive.
I feel like I'm on fire. But a good fire. God, yes, Hadyan…
His right hand slowly crawls up her shirt, cupping her breast. " Lea, I.. "
"Shh. Don't talk " she leans into the kiss, urging him on. His moan turns into a pained groan, his fingers about to dip beneath her bra. Suddenly, he jerks back.
"Lea, I'm sorry. That was. I overstepped; I didn't mean "
Before she can respond, Kevin and Amira enter the room. " Boots! " Lea and Hadyan jerk apart. Kevin frowns at her, but Amira grins knowingly.
"What were you two doing? " Amira was curious
"Um… nothing "
"Sure looks like nothing "
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Amira. Hadyan just offered me food and fresh clothes "
"Hadyan can order a hit on people, but carrying an extra pair of clothes? Not a chance " just crack Kevin
"Order a hit? You guys sound like the mafia "
Everyone laughs along nervously. Amira changes the subject quickly. " Boots, you'll need new clothes
"Yeah, I was planning on going shopping tomorrow "
"You're not going alone. I'm coming with you "
"Hadyan, I can handle myself "
"No one said you couldn't. but after what happened today, I'm not letting you out of my sight "
"He's right, Boots. Those assholes won't touch you if Hadyan's around" reply Amira
"So. I'll see you tomorrow, then? Around 1 pm? "
"Um. Sure. I guess "
"Great. Consider it a date "
Did he just say.. date?
She has about to spend the whole day shopping with Hadyan.
After what happened yesterday, and our kiss, I don't know whether to be nervous or excited.
"Earth to Boots " Amira is waving her hand in front of her face.
"What? "
"I was asking if you're excited about your shopping day with Hadyan "
"Um… yeah, I'm excited. I think I'm finally getting through Hadyan's icy shell "
"I think you are, too. What are you going to wear? "
"Hmmm, I was thinking. I've worn this so many times before, but it makes me feel comfortable "
"Comfort is important. Ready to go? "
"Yeah, just let me get some cash " Lea searched through her suitcase for the wad of cash from her Grandpa. Her fingers hit something hard and cold.
I think that's the box I put Grandpa's and Grandma's stuff in. She lifts the box from her suitcase and searches through its contents.
Oh, it's Grandma's picture frame and her necklace that she left me. She always said it was a family heirloom. Maybe I should wear it. She read the tiny writing engraved on the necklace.
"Alfero " Amira freezes
"What did you just say? "
Why does she look so freaked out?
"Alfredo. You know, the pasta sauce? " she nods, but she still looks suspicious.
"Okay then. So, I should, uh, go. Hadyan's probably waiting " she runs out of her dorm room before Amira can say anything else.
That was weird.
***
Lea meets Hadyan outside of the school gates, where several sleek Black Escalades wait for her.
Hadyan says, " nice outfit " Kiran stare at the vehicles in shock.
"Um… is this our security detail? "