DANE
It was a few days since Dahlia’s office incident. I had stayed back at the office to get some work done after two conference meetings. It was pretty late.
I had been out of the office yesterday as I had flown out to another city for a business trip. I really hated work piling up, so here I was pulling extra hours so the precious princess wasn’t burdened. When did I stop calling her spoilt? I wasn’t actually sure.
I couldn't get that day out of my head, who was sending her those notes? I felt a little bad for her. She was facing the world alone and still managed to do it whilst acting like she owned the world - but it was affecting her no matter how tough she pretended to be.
I sighed. Why was I even thinking about her? I was here for answers, in this position. I frowned, remembering what had happened at the business meeting out of town. I had snagged the contract right from under her ex’s nose, but what had irked me was the way he had acted as if
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DAHLIA After I had met up with Zara I had then spent the afternoon with Aria, as well as beginning to think of ways I could find out about Amal. Something was definitely wrong with her pregnancy. I mean for years she had not been pregnant, why now? It was now late in the evening; I had just put Aria to bed and was seated with Rodrigo in the living room as he showed me what changes he had made to the security. I had to admit the man worked fast. "There’s a reason you wanted to view these, isn't there Ms Dahlia?" He asked, not looking up from the screen. "Perhaps." "Not going to share?" "There’s nothing really. It’s personal." I replied. I couldn't tell him or anyone. Who knows if that person was listening in or not? Their threat to Aria was still clear in my mind. "Hmm if you say so, but don’t worry if any pervert tries to sneak in. We’ll nab him." "I’m sure you will. What makes you think it
DANE My entire arm, neck and hip were hurting but I was not going to admit it. It didn’t take away the fact that someone did try to frame me. It was irritating that the cops showed up just when I had Dahlia all flustered. I have got to admit, seeing her breathless at that door really hit me. She didn’t need to come and it was clear from the car keys and phone in her hand, she had come alone. She didn’t even bring her bag and the woman was never without one. Despite the fact it was raining, she hadn't even grabbed a jacket, her silk blouse speckled with raindrops. Something about her entire appearance made my breath catch in my throat and I wasn’t fool enough to deny that I was falling hard. Falling for a woman I’d never thought I’d fall for. I raised an eyebrow at the cops who were now looking at me seriously. It was pretty coincidental that they assumed I was driving dangerously, unless of course they had a tip-off. "Please do continue, I’d also like
DAHLIA "Fine. I can get work done at the same time." I looked at him, he had agreed… My heart skipped a beat and I nodded. Although I was thinking, didn’t he ever stop working? Well, once he was at the mansion, I was going to make sure he didn’t overdo it. "Great." "But I do need to stop at my place to get my stuff." He said curtly. "And on the condition that I’m paying towards expenses such as food, plus the hospital bill." I frowned
DANE Aria’s words took me by surprise, but shockingly, I didn’t seem to mind them. She was a sweet child and surprisingly, we bonded well. Although I have never been one to mix with children, Aria was easy to talk to, not to mention she was rather entertaining. I saw Dahlia tense, her face paling slightly before she busied herself with heating the beans. "Ari darling, don’t be silly." She scolded lightly. I knew Aria’s words had affected her and I wanted to know what was going through her mind. There was more between us, but I still didn’t have the answer to exactly what. I found myself watching her do the little every day things. The way she pouted when annoyed or unhappy - It was a cute change to her usual haughty, confident self. The way she smiled when it came to Aria, the concern in her eyes when she looked at my injuries and the way she talked to and treated her staff. I was beginning to lose solid reasons to stay away from her. I had loved once
DAHLIA I gasped at his words. The pain and regret he felt was clear in those gorgeous hazel eyes of his. I felt a wave of sadness wash over me for Elizabeth. "Did they ever catch the culprits?" I asked. He shook his head. "She refused to go to the police. They wanted to send the video to her parents and demand a ransom but she told them to send it to me instead. She didn’t want her parents to see that. Her mother is a heart patient, and any stress can be fatal." I frowned. That was understandable, but she could have told the police and kept it confidential. I felt sorry for Elizabeth, however, I couldn't shake the feeling that something didn’t add up. The guilt that consumed Dane was clear. "It wasn’t your fault." I said firmly. "It was, I left her there-" “It wasn’t your fault Dane, you did not leave her there knowing that would happen. You didn’t commit that horrific act against her, they did.” I said firmly.
DANE Elizabeth returned to the living room with wine and two glasses. "After eating all that, do you still have space?" I asked. Dahlia had cooked several dishes and I had to admit she was good in the kitchen. "It’s my birthday." She said, pouring two glasses "I’ve eaten enough." I said and she scoffed. "It’s just a glass, you ate everything else." "The food was good." I remarked. She smiled. "I have to agree. You love my lasagne, right? I’ll make some next time. " "Hmm, it’s edible." "Oh come on Dane! It isn't so bad." She protested, slapping my leg. "So, what did you want to discuss?" I asked, I knew there was something else on her mind. Her smile vanished as she looked at the ground. "Mom and Dad want me to settle down. They keep pushing me to meet someone. I'm terrified. Dane, can you help me?" "What do you want to do? I told you that you need to tell the
DAHLIA Sparks. Strong tingling sparks rushed through me when his lips met mine. I gasped as pleasure consumed me. It was the first time we kissed when we weren’t drunk, or in my case, angry. It was consensual and I wanted this. I wrapped my arms around his neck and tugged him closer, trying to remember not to press against his arm. It was everything I could wish for and more. My entire body felt like it had been lit by a tingling sparkler and my core throbbed as his lips caressed mine. A soft moan fell from my lips. He tasted of fine wine mixed with fresh mint. I wanted more, needed more. He deepened the kiss as if understanding what I needed, his lips dominating mine. I didn’t care when I moaned sensually. He was doing things to me, and he had only kissed me. I boldly ran my tongue along his lips, I wanted to taste him. He parted his lips and I slipped my tongue in. Exploring every inch. I felt him groan quietly as he sucked on my tongue. I s
DAHLIA "I'm in here!" I called out, panic filling me when I was plunged into darkness. Don’t panic Dahlia. I didn’t bring my phone, I was in here all alone. "Hey!" My voice seemed to fall flat as I made my way through the shelves. Breathe, Dahlia. I reached the door after a while, feeling for the handle. I tried it and pulled hard on it. "Anyone out there?!" I screamed. Why did someone just turn off the light? Obviously, someone was in here if the light was on! "Who’s there?!" I shouted, trying not to let panic consume me. "Hello?!" I banged on the door, ignoring the pain that burned my fists. "Someone! Anybody! Hello?!" Who would hear me? I was in a tiny, windowless room at the back of a huge room. It was almost time for everyone to leave work, no-one would know I was here. Fear and panic began clawing at me and I tried to avoid focusing on it. "Hello?!" My voice broke from all the shouting but I had to carry on. I cou