Gwen and Leo were done with their lunch and they sat and spoke for a long time.
" By the way , Gwen , you still work for me , you know. Louis and Marylynne have come by a couple of times asking for you."
" No need to lie anymore. I'll be coming back home tomorrow. "
Leo couldn't control the smile that shone over his face.
" Great ! " He held her hand. " You'll be right in time for the party. We're shifting to a bigger working area and we're going to celebrate it in grand style."
" I'm happy for you." Gwen put her other hand over his.
" None of this would be possible without you. If you hadn't encouraged me to go for photography instead of painting , I'd probably be some unpopular artist living in my dad's basement. "
They laughed.
" Have you ever thought about opening up your own designing firm? Gwen , you're really talented."
He was right. She had thought about it and made plans. She'd saved up just enough to start something. She was just waiting for the right time to tell Bain that she was done.
" Dad has been talking about having you handle Uncle Denis' businesses. "
Alec lowered his mask to breath well. The swelling had stopped and he just looked a little red.
" I'm not handling anything anymore. He should get that through his thick skull. "
Ruth knew Alec was turning a new leaf and he didn't like it when this was brought up but Richard was taking care of too much on his own.
" Richard can't handle all of this on his own. I know you're happy with your new life but - "
" But nothing. Alec made his choice...Richard should make his. " Derek knew this topic was sensitive to Alec and he would always take care of his friend.
Alec glanced at Derek. Oh , how he loved this idiot brother of his.
" Sorry , Derek , but I don't think you should interfere in our family matters! "
" He is family , Ruth. " Alec's voice was cold and angry. " I'm sorry , but I can't help Richard. If he wished , he would be free like you and me. "
" But if you're really feeling sorry , why don't you give up your career as a model and take over the business? "
Ruth swallowed. She'd fought tooth and nail to get a chance to chase her dreams. She'd even begged Richard and Alec to talk to their dad on her behalf. She'd never give it up , even if it cost her life.
Her silence was as good as an answer. " I thought so. " Alec picked up his coat and glanced at Gwen before he left them.
Derek and Ruth sat in silence. Ruth was starting to feel awkward so she brought up a topic.
"Ever since I got back , you haven't come to see me even once. Why? "
Derek loosened his neck tie and looked her in the eyes. His eyes always made her heart stop.
" We've never given this thing between us a name. Are we just friends with benefits or can we be something more?" He placed his hand on hers and she felt a lump in her throat.
" Just give me some time. " She held his hand back.
" That's what I've been doing for the past three years Ruth. How much more time do you need?"
He searched her eyes for even the slightest ounce of love. He'd had feelings for her since they were kids and with time , they only grew. He didn't mind only being there whenever she needed someone to hold or get close to , as long as she needed him.
Ruth felt the room get smaller . It was better when they sat in silence. She cursed herself for bringing this up.
" It's okay. " Derek saw the turmoil she was in." You don't need to answer me now. When the time is right , you will. "
Gwen thanked Leo for the wonderful time and she insisted on dropping herself off. She wanted to pass by Alec's office and give him a surprise. She bought him a bouquet of flowers and knocked on his door.
Alec waited for the door to open but the person on the other end just kept knocking. He was tired and he'd had a long day. He just wanted peace was that too much to ask ?! He opened the door and a huge bouquet of flowers was thrown in his face.
" Surprise ! " Gwen hugged him. He hugged her back and sucked in her scent. She smelt like home and everything beautiful. He wanted this . Coming home from a fucked up day to her hugs and kisses.
" I love you. " He spoke in her hair.
" If this is what I get to hear just for getting you flowers , then I should get you some everyday." She laughed as she tried to squeeze out of his hug but he put the flowers aside and pulled her back. He swept her off her feet and she grabbed his shoulders for support.
" Ahh! Alec...put me down! I'm afraid! " She shrieked.
" Oh , big bad gang member's afraid of this ? " He spun around with her screaming frantically.
" Please put me down! I'll throw up! " She pleaded. " I'm screaming so much...What will your employees think?"
He slowly brought her down and kissed her. " I don't care what they think. I can bring my girlfriend in here and make her scream her lungs out for all I care. " As he said this , he laced kisses from her neck to her chest and Gwen held on to him to keep herself from falling. Her legs were giving way.
" Alec...stop..." She was losing herself when his hands found the zipper to her jumpsuit. She was forgetting why she came in the first place. Soon she found her back against the door and her hands pinned above her head. He was having his way and she was gladly following. In an instant , his shirt was open revealing his perfectly toned chest. Her sanity was leaving her and it was leaving quick.
" Wait... I'm not here for this. " She kept her eyes away from his tempting flesh.
" Well it's too late to back out. " He kissed her yearningly and she moaned. Oh God...she was getting wet! She used all her strength to break free.
" Stop! " She put her arm between them. " I came to take you out on a date. "
Alec raised his brow and he smirked.
" A date? "
" Yes , a date. Just you and me."