They Belong To Me (Original Story)

How to Steal a Heart

She made sure to get up an hour early so she didn't risk running into Adam. The conflicted beauty needed more time to gather her thoughts.

I got off thinking about having sex with my future brothers-in-law.   

She thought gazing at her magnificent diamond ring. The engagement ring had a sparkle to it in the light, yet the sparkle it brought to her eyes was prettier still.

"Aria here is the next meeting's agenda, I just emailed it to the department," Aria's assistant Shaiva walked in, breaking her from her contemplation.

"Thank you," she replied with an even smile. The rest of the morning she went through the motions. Smiling when she needed to, speaking when spoken to, and of course, her main duties, which she could successfully perform in her sleep. It was not until lunch that things took an unexpected turn.

"There is a delivery for you," The main lobby receptionist called to inform her.

Before Aria could say a word, there was a dial tone.

Aria was perplexed and did not notice the coldness of the caller. Her assistant arranged all orders and her assistant was the best. The front desk usually notifies the assistant if there is a package waiting in the lobby. Aria opens her office door and notices Shaiva has her earbuds in, bopping her head to the music while enjoying a salad. She immediately decides to allow her assistant to enjoy her lunch and heads down to the lobby herself.

Aria stepped into the grand lobby of Viklund Pharmaceuticals and received a cold glare from the receptionist who had just called her. When Aria started last year, the previous receptionist was having her 30-year retirement party. The new hire was Kasie Olin, Miss Sweden 2010. Aria immediately noticed the coldness thrown at her by the younger woman, she was never greeted by the otherwise cheerful receptionist as she walked into the building, so Aria being the kind-natured person would greet her first only to get an icy glare and a mumbled hello.

"Hello Kasie, I'm here for my delivery," Aria said, looking around for a box or a package.

"There," Kasie nodded to the left where a grand bouquet was displayed.

Aria was surprised but managed not to let it show, "Thank you," she replied and walked over to the far end of the counter. The flowers were stunning, a dancing rainbow as if light and melody had found a new way to blossom together.

Aria picked up the large red vase of flowers and smiled, ignoring the woman's indignant glare. The glare was of pure jealousy. She giggles out loud and puts a little extra sway in her hips as she strides to the elevators.

She's like all the rest of these women around here who are perplexed that me, a black woman got one of the men they wanted. He's an Alpha, so he needs someone who can match him on all levels. They think that their whiteness is automatic and that my blackness must be checked. Well, go ahead and try to check me!

On her way back to her office several people stop and stare, they know where those amazing flowers came from. As she passes Shaiva her assistant, cubical, the young woman gives Aria a huge smile before taking another heaping mouthful of salad.

Aria smiles back and closes her office door. After finding a spot by the window to place the flowers, she opens the golden envelope.

My love,

I want nothing more than for you to be happy. Please accept this gesture in the nature it was given.

Love always, Adam

Aria was unable to contain her smile. Her man knew just how to win her over. She decided to forgive him for his moment of madness and as long as he promised never to bring up the matter again, they would move forward as if it never happened. She thought about calling him and saying what was currently on her mind. 

Nah, I'd rather say it in person, so we can kiss and make up. 

She dug in her Prada bag and retrieved her cellular...Wow, no call from Addy or Rora. That is really odd. Should I even say anything to them now? Even though nothing happened, the intent was there...This could all backfire and they could be mad at me and not the guys.

She decided to keep it a secret as long as Andrew and Austin, also agreed to never behave that way again.

The rest of the day picked up and she was happily distracted with work. At home, she was greeted with the smell of her favorite vegetable soup and garlic and cheese bread.

"How was work today my love?" Adam greeted her with a glass of wine.

"It was very productive as always, she smiled, accepting her cool glass of Merlot, "The flowers are beautiful, thank you."

She sat down at the dining room table cut herself a slice of bread and bit into it.

"Am I forgiven for upsetting you?" Adam asked, sipping his wine and taking a bite of bread.

Aria nodded, "Yes, as long as you promise to never do that again, and I'm going to tell your brothers the same.

Adam nodded, dipped the ladle into the pot, and served Aria a heaping portion of hot vegetable soup. They both ate in blissful silence, exchanging flirtatious glances as they ate and sipped.

After dinner, the couple cleared the table and cleaned the kitchen, which was not much work due to the meal being pre-made. Adam poured Aria and himself another glass of wine.

"Let me run you a bath, or would you like a massage first..."

Aria smiled, "I said you are forgiven, so you don't have to kiss up," Aria giggled and took another sip of wine. The red wine always made her tipsy after only one glass. Her giggle always filled Adam's heart with joy and desire.

"I want you to relax and let me please you," Adam said walking towards the master bedroom. Aria followed closely behind.

"I can do that," Aria went over to her sink and began removing her makeup. Adam went into the towel closet and retrieved a towel, the lavender essential oil diluted in carrier oil, dried lavender petals, and the pillar candles.

He turned on the water, making sure it was just the right temperature, he was fully aware that Aria, loved her water on the hotter side. He dashed a few drops of lavender oil and Epsom salt into the water and sprinkled the dried lavender petals into the bubbling water. The finishing touch is the vanilla-scented candles, strategically placed about the luxurious master bathroom.

Aria put her long dark raven mane into a high messy bun and stripped down. Adam immediately became distracted by the sight of her and she was certainly a sight to behold, dark sultry eyes, pouty lips, women would pay a fortune to own, and petite, yet shapely curves commanded his attention.

"Your bath awaits," Adam extends his hand, Aria accepts and is guided into the tub. As Aria submerged into the water, she let out an audible moan, her eyes closed of their own volition, "My love," Adam's body responded to the sight and sound, and he hummed his pleasure.

By the flickering yellow of the room, soaking in that heated water, feeling it hug every inch of skin so gently, breathing in the aroma of the bubble bath... it was her heaven... her mini-vacation... a place to breathe deeply and let her inner peace return. She sat back, relaxed, and simply enjoyed.

Adam smiled and left the room. Aria could hear him in the bedroom programming Alexa to play Sade, he knows what listening to her music does to the both of them. The water eventually cooled and Aria stepped out, wrapping herself in the plush white towel Adam had set by the tub.

The candlelight brings a natural hallowed glow to walls and permits the eyes to both see and rest, the perfect bridge between the world of the awake and the world of dreams. And that is what Aria thought she was in when she stepped out of the bathroom and into her bedroom.

She must be dreaming...