Once Upon an Us

Chapter Three

Hot under the collar.. an intense emotional state

                                                      Just don't make eye contact with Elijah and you'll be fine, I mused inwardly upon entering the home of Perth socialite Kendra Hollingsworth.

As I stepped inside, Kendra's striking appearance immediately caught my eye. Her long, platinum blonde hair cascaded in loose waves down her back, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to scrutinise, not with malice but with a hint of mischief. She wore a sleek, emerald, green dress that hugged her slender figure, exuding an air of effortless elegance despite her notorious reputation. Her accessories were minimal yet striking—a delicate gold pendant necklace and matching earrings that caught the light as she moved. Kendra Hollingsworth exuded a magnetic charm that drew people in, yet there was an undeniable edge to her. Known for her outlandish behaviour and rebellious streak, she often found herself at the centre of attention, whether for her glamorous appearances or her notorious escapades. However, despite her wild reputation, Kendra possessed a sharp intellect and a quick wit, making her conversations both engaging and unpredictable.

However, beneath her polished exterior, Kendra harboured a deep sense of independence and a desire to carve out her own identity, separate from her father's shadow. Her confidence was palpable, and she carried herself with an air of effortless elegance, unafraid to speak her mind or challenge the status quo. Yet, there was also a vulnerability to her, a hint of loneliness that she masked with her flamboyant lifestyle and daring antics. Despite my initial misgivings and poor judgement of her, I found myself warming to her and genuinely looked forward to working with her. Elijah, not so much, mostly due to our past history. With my current situation, temptation might override my senses.

Too late now.

As Elijah stepped into view, his deep, sultry voice expressing his hellos, his eyes locked onto mine. For a moment, his glinting black irises dilated, and a flicker of recognition bloomed. His shapely mouth twitched into a subtle, knowing smile. Beneath his amused demeanour, there was an unmistakable hint of dominance, a reminder of the power he once held over me. His gaze was intense, almost magnetic, drawing me in and making my heart race. It was clear that seeing me again stirred something within him, a mix of curiosity and a rekindling of old, powerful emotions – before I grew serious, settled down with my business, and had a family.

With that in mind, I shook my wayward thoughts away and regained my composure. I was a professional, after all, and had to behave as such. I raised the smile reserved for greeting clients and my contractors, along with my outstretched hand. "Mr. Gallo, it's lovely to meet you finally. I've admired your work for some time now." That wasn't all I admired, but for the sake of not humiliating myself or others around me, I wasn't about to openly declare how we were previously acquainted. Beside me, and well aware of the undertones of my salutation, Kara's shaped brows rose above rolling eyes.

"Oh, lordy," she grumbled tightly, spinning away from Elijah's line of sight.

Thankfully, Elijah failed to hear my assistant's disapproving muttering, or if he had, his impassive expression hadn't altered. His gaze remained solely on me, likewise, his large hand, which firmly enveloped mine. He seemed hesitant to let go, as did I. His touch resembled his smoldering gaze; both seared through the façade I desperately tried to hide behind.

"You flatter me," Elijah finally uttered, playing along with my ruse. His sultry voice skimmed along my skin, imitating the feel of his lips during any one of our numerous risqué trysts. "And, likewise, I've followed your career for some time. I must say it's rather arousing, in the design sense, of course..."