Daven wrapped his hands around my hips, making me gasp softly, leaning closer, my hands fixed at the back of his neck.
He deepened the kiss, his hard body crushed against mine. We were so glued to each other that the liquor was not the only thing I could smell, but his cologne too.
A very strong scent of sandalwood.
My eyes widened at the recognition of his scent,
I paused, then mustered all the strength in me and pushed him.
The scent was too familiar, too strong, too unique to forget.
Realization hit me.
It is Daven.
I couldn't remember his face clearly, but something I will never forget is his scent.
His strong mesmerizing scent.
I took two steps backwards while still staring at him wide eyed with my mouth hanging open.
"No, It can't be," I whispered.
"What the fuck Daven!" He cursed inwardly, as if just realizing the mess he had made.
Without sparing me another glance, he rushed downstairs, leaving me alone on the dark roof.
I was still frozen in the spot that he had left me.
My mind spiraling with so many questions.
It was not the fact that I had just made out with my husband's brother that bothered me at the moment. Instead, I was focused on the fact that I have met this guy before.
About two years ago, we were both drunk, laughing, and sharing jokes.
But that was not all, we shared a room, a bed, and a passionate night.
Daven Willingham was the man I had a one night stand with.
Now I know where all the familiarity was coming from. No wonder each time I stare at him, I feel like I know him somewhere.
"Oh Gosh!" I took a deep breath and ran my hands through my hair.
This could be trouble for me.
I looked around, not sure of what to do.
What if Daven remembers me? He could become a very big threat in my mission.
Not to mention that he was already eavesdropping on me earlier.
What if he tries to ruin my marriage with Eric? That would be a disaster.
There is no way I would get close enough to end this family if I'm not among them.
The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I got.
Standing up here thinking would not help me. Daven might be on his way to tell all that he knows.
I dashed towards the stairs and made my way back to the hall.
My eyes traveled from one corner to another.
I reassured myself with the fact that Daven is really tall, finding him shouldn't be too hard.
"Hey, I've been looking all over for you," Eric said from behind me.
I turned around nervously, sweat beads forming on my forehead.
"Where have you been?" He asked.
"I was out for some fresh air."
"Oh, well, I think it's time we leave now." He said pulling me to his side.
I quietly followed him out of the hall and to the car.
The drive was silent. I did not want to look him in the eyes.
Our marriage doesn't mean anything to me, but the fact that I just kissed his brother was haunting me.
Eric and I were the last to come home from the party. When we entered, my mood was lightened up by how gloomy the house was.
I wish I could tell them that this was just the beginning and more was coming.
Soon, all their wealth and power would be history.
I had only remembered the presence of Eric next to me when he took a different direction.
"Where are you going?" I asked him.
"My study. I need to do some research." He said.
"Oh, okay."
"Go to sleep my love. I'll join you later." He waved.
I gave him a quick nod, then pressed forward.
When I noticed that Eric was far gone, I turned on my heels, and crept through the halls, towards Daven's room.
There's no way I'll sleep peacefully with all that has just happened.
I knocked on his door lightly, while looking left and right, hoping no one would spot me.
I knocked again, this time a bit louder.
The door sprang open, and Daven was standing there with nothing but a towel around his waist.
His olive green eyes looked tired, and somewhat bored. He didn't look surprised that I was here as if he was expecting me.
"uhmm," I cleared my throat. "I want to speak with you." I said.
He reeled back a bit, showing me to come in.
Again, I looked left and right to make sure no one was looking, then I stepped into the bedroom.
My breath was taken away by the interiors.
I have never seen a man's room look so aesthetically pleasing.
It's not the usual gray or black like Eric's room and that of half of the men in town.
The walls were painted white.
with white furniture and a bit of maroon.
Unique paintings arranged on the walls.
Paintings I've never seen before.
Every corner of the room was neat and every piece of furniture or adornment fit in perfectly.
"You came for an inspection?" Daven raised a brow.
"No!" I said, my eyes falling on his damp hair.
He must have just taken a shower, trickles of water dripped from his hair to his face.
I stared at the drop that fell directly on his lips, Bringing back memories of what we did on the rooftop.
"Focus!" I warned myself. This is my husband's brother.
"Daven," I called.
He bit his lip instantly, as if he was fighting something.
"What is it Adriana?" He frowned.
"Why are you here?" He yelled.
His anger was so unjustified. I came here because he lost control and kissed his younger brother's wife.
"What happened on the rooftop…" I said, veiling my annoyance.
"Look, It was a mistake. I'm supposed to stay away from alcohol, but I didn't." He maintained eye contact as he spoke.
"I wasn't in my senses. I know it was wrong." He made his way to his bed, and sat down.
"Very wrong," I muttered.
"It won't happen again. I promise." He said.
I let out a deep sigh. "So now what?"
"No one has to know, Adriana."
I folded my arms across my chest.
"Is that all?" I asked. There's still a lot that I want to know from him.
Like if he remembers that we had a one night stand.
"I think that's all. Unless there's something else you have to say." Daven said.
I looked straight into his eyes, just to make sure he was not lying.
But who was I kidding? He probably sleeps with unfamiliar women every Friday night.
Ours was two years ago, there's no way he would remember.
"In the corridors," I pointed out, recalling that he was eavesdropping on my call with Kent.
"What about the corridors?" He looked at me with a dirty smirk spread across his lips.
"I was on a call. And it seemed you wanted to speak to me."
"Oh, yeah, I recall." He said, the smirk still there. "I was going for the room where the meeting was being held. That's all."
I did not know if I should buy his excuse or not. Either way, I had no option.
"If that's all, you can kindly leave now." He said, standing to his feet.
Taking two steps closer, he whispered,
"Let's not make another mistake." His breath fanned my face as he spoke.
Another rush of uneasiness crept in my stomach.
I dashed towards the door and did not look back until I was in my room.
Eric wasn't there, lucky for me.
....
The next day came and as usual, we all had to eat in the same hall.
Daven was seated in his usual seat which faced mine.
And for the first time since I stepped foot into this house, I didn't have enough appetite to eat.
Even though we had addressed the issue last night, seeing him stresses my brain a lot.
Plus there's this look he has been giving me all morning.
Maybe I was tripping, but it felt as if he was doing it on purpose.
"Dad, Mom," The over pampered, over loved, Selena said, drawing everyone's attention.
"What is it princess?" Bianca and Anthony asked.
"Grandma, Daven, Eric, Uncle Francis, Aunt Rose, Amber, Adriana,"
I rolled my eyes at her drama.
Did she have to call everyone on the table? Was it necessary?
I could see her cousin Amber roll her eyes in disgust too. I was glad I was not the only one hating it.
"Taylor is back!" She squealed.
"And I invited him for dinner tonight."
Selena was giggling and stomping her feet, while I was stuck with one question.
"Who's Taylor?"