Tamed

Chapter 19.

MARIANNA

The first thing that alerts my system to a different environment the moment I feel it awaken is the nice perfume that wafts through my nostrils. Now, unlike most men, Lucas is a neatness freak and that is one thing I have always adored in him.

Yesterday was scary as hell and a solution has to be found ASAP. Stretching before I finally open my eyes, the first thing I notice is sleeves on my hands. It just signifies one thing; he gave me a change of clothes. I know nothing else happened because if there's one thing I can vouch for when it comes to him, it's the fact that he doesn't take sexual advantage of people. Well, he doesn't have to. For a man who has woman ready to worship them, it's a no-brainer the amount of feminine attention he gets.

Ah! My gender.

Look who is talking. My inner thought attacks me.

Then my eyes move to the digital clock. Shit! shit! shit! It's way past work commencement and I haven't even sent the work leave memo to the staff.

Hurriedly, I stand up, searching for my phone. No signs. So, I leave the room and quickly head downstairs.

The second wave hits my nostrils. Coffee and pot roast. Weird combo but it dances through my respiratory organ, making me excited. I skip down and hop on my feet like a giddy little child and move all the way to the kitchen.

"Hi." He immediately turns, as if sensing my presence.

"Hey." The right corner of my lip twitches up a little.

"Do you have my phone, please?"

"Yes." He says, not sparing me another glance as his attention is once more focused on what he's cooking.

"Please serve yourself some coffee while I finish up with this." He says.

"Alright. But my phone." I insist.

"You're not having it today."

"And you're telling me that because you have a right to or what?" My tone is already going to a high-pitched one. This man knows just the right buttons to poke to get a reaction from me.

"Lucas, I need my phone, please. I need to send out the memos."

"Already did that. Lucy called. It was easier to get her to get through your assistant. Already did the financials. I  told Lucy about the attack but not in details. You're welcome." He turns off the gas stove and turns to me, smiling and does a mock salute. Instinctively, I walk towards him and wrap my arms around him.

"Thank you." I say in a low voice. He just nods at me, locking our gazes.

Someone's clearing of throat is what distracts us from our trance.

"Marianna? I can't believe my eyes. Holy!"

"Mom." Lucas hisses, rolls his eyes and groans at the same time.

"What? You both were cute to watch." She shrugs, gracing her face with a wide grin.

"Hi, Stella. " I greet her.

"There was nothing cute to see. We were just talking." Here he goes. One step forward, two steps backward. This was the reality check I needed to keep my emotions in place. Besides, I already have a fiancee. Speaking of which, I haven't called him yet to at least offer an explanation.

"Lucas." I call out.

"Yeah?" He answers, plating the food.

"Did Marvin call?" I could swear I saw his hand stop for a split second and then he continues like nothing happened.