Darkest Devotion

Chapter 5

Zaide's POV

I wake up with a start, my heart racing, the beating pulsing down to what feels like an uncomfortable erection. My eyes travel down to see that I indeed have a full on in bed. A groan passes through my lips, my head dropping back at the unfortunate circumstance.

I can't believe that was a dream.

The meeting yesterday did happen as planned and I did have a hard time with Elara in the fucking outfit, but there was no flirting on my part, no angry removal of employment from Elara, no angry confession from me, no teasing against the door of my office. Nothing. 

I run a tired hand over my face. 

I can't escape her even in my sleep and it's starting to piss me off. I can't have her for multiple reasons, each one more reasonable than the last, yet my body still yearns for her. My brain still thinks of her. My heart stills trips right at her feet, ready to do anything she asks me to.

Swinging my legs over the side of my bed, I stand, my feet carrying me over to my walk in closet. The state of my living arrangements is not something I usually boast over, but they're not the most modest living arrangements. I live alone but have a large penthouse in the tallest housing building in the city. The windows are top to bottom, my room the size of most people's entire apartment and everything else just gets bigger from there. 

I've worked hard to get to where I am, no thanks to my father. My mother has always been there for me, she is the reason I am who I am today. I offered for her to live in my place with me since it's far too big for one person, but all she ever said was, "No, mijo, this place should be for you and your future partner. I will be just fine, mi vida."

Obviously I still didn't feel good about that so I bought her a place close by since she's not a big fan of heights and I want to make sure that she's safe and within reach. 

I've always taken care of my mom and made sure that she was safe, especially after we both went through some stuff in the past. Ever since then, I've made sure that no one could ever hurt her again. 

I put on the last article of clothing for work today, making sure to tighten the tie before grabbing my suitcase and heading out of the door.

On the way to work I always pick up a coffee and a croissant breakfast sandwich at my favorite coffee shop. I have quite a bit of money but still choose to be fairly frugal with it, especially in cases like this so it's actually a quite affordable place for most people. However since they do such a good job here, I make sure that I treat them well.

I walk in to see the regular workers causing a smile to slip over my lips. I feel comfortable with these guys since none of them hit on me. They do their job and keep things professional, just the way I like it. 

I see a familiar head of blonde hair call me up to the front. I told them to have my orders ready at a specific time on work days and in return would pay in advance for the whole week including a large tip for every worker. 

I walk past the line and pick up my meal and drink, thanking Jamie for his hard work before saying I would see them again tomorrow. 

As I start to walk away I almost run into a new busser. She squeals in surprise which causes my eyebrows to shoot up from shock.

"I greatly apologize, I didn't see you there." The apology comes out of me faster than I can register the words. I bend down to meet her at eye level, concern painted all over my features. "Are you alright?"

She blushes before getting composure of her frazzled state. Then, she does the one thing I loath. She throws herself at me, placing her hand on my bicep. "Of course handsome, thank you so much for caring."