First ( 18+ only)

Almost Is Never Enough

'And we can deny it as much as we want , but in time our feelings will show.'- Almost Is Never Enough ( Ariana Grande ft. Nathan Sykes).

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I walked down the stairs and for probably the billionth time , there was no one watching me. I loved defying my father's dress code at his parties. He always had the business-y dress code. I had rebelliously worn a navy sweatshirt with maroon lines across it and my favourite black skinny jeans with my black converse. I had my huge glasses on as well . My father preferred that I wear contacts but I loved my glasses and contacts were evil. Period. 

I got to the bottom of the staircase and saw a waiter pass by who was serving drinks. I stopped him.

''Hey . Do you have any cola?

''Yes , ma'am. I think we do at the bar.''

''Thanks , Winston.''

I smiled and walked towards the bar. I knew the names of all the working staff here because they were my only friends growing up . I had attended a posh school that had the crème de la crème of society attending for my age. I enjoyed my education but hated the kids there. I graduated at 16 because of my advanced grades and joined Harvard .  I enjoyed my time there. I pursued a degree in business  administration and economics.I was so relieved to graduate a week earlier. I presumed this party was for that celebration but also to celebrate the opening of my father's company starting another branch called 'Status Magazine'. 

I reached the bar after whizzing past drunk old men and their 'trophy wives '. I gestured to Hamish , our bartender .

''Hey , Hamish. Can I have a cola?''

''Sure , Arya.''

He quickly handed me a class of cold Coke. The best . I guzzled it down and felt the cold liquid glide down my throat. I ventured towards the balcony and saw the party going in full swing outside too. A temporary dance floor had been set up on our lawn and I saw some prominent businessmen getting freaky on the floor. 

''Still spying , baby doll?''

That deep voice sent shivers down my voice. I turned around and sure enough it was him. 

Duke. 

My father's best friend and business partner. He was one of the father's youngest friends at thirty-nine. He was turning forty next week. He had been my babysitter since I was in diapers. He was arguably , the most handsome man I had ever met in my twenty years of existence on this earth. He had mocha- caramel skin , hypnotising chocolate brown eyes , an extremely tall and muscular physique and he was and is also my first and only crush. 

''No.''

''You know I don't believe you.''

''You'l have to believe me this time , Duke , it's not like you have anything better to say.''

''I do.''

''Well?''

''They're stupid.''

I chuckled.

He came closer till he was in front of me. His face came closer to my ear and I shivered when I felt his warm breath on my neck.

''What're you really doing here , baby doll?''

''N-nothing.''

He smirked and I took that as my cue to leave. I sped past him and hurried to my room. I was about to close my door when a muscular arm blocked the door and pushed it open. I gave up. 

''What do you want Duke?''

He smiled and closed the door , making sure it was locked.

''You know for a bright girl , you're quite slow at reading signals.''

''I don't understand.''

Liar. You do understand. He wants to screw you.

''I think you do.''

Fuck. He knows me better than I do.

''I want you , Arya.''

I swallowed whatever spit I had in my mouth. 

He advanced towards me like a damn cheetah and stared at me hungrily. He removed his coat and threw it on my bed. He then glared at me and removed my sweater by ripping it in half .

''Hey! That was my favourite sweater!''

''I'll buy you many more , baby.''

I stared at the ripped remains of my sweatshirt and got it off of me. 

He had removed his shirt by then , leaving his beautiful , muscular chest bare for me to see. I shyly stepped forward and traced my arm all over his sinewy muscles. He groaned.

''Fuck. Stop it baby doll. I can't hold it any longer.''

He stepped closer and cupped my face between his large hands. He then connected our mouths to the biggest firecracker I'd ever experienced. Sparks , no firecrackers were everywhere. In my mind , of course. His chapped lips coaxed mine open and he probed his tongue in. I was as it is new to this so I clearly lost the seduction game. I responded after a few seconds. He was roping me in too fast. I pulled away.

''Wait , Duke , you're my dad's best friend.''

''Yes.''

''So , this is wrong.''

''No , it's not.''

''Get away from me. I've heard of your reputation. You bed girls for fun. Leave me alone. Go find some hussy to fuck. I want someone for the long-term , not someone to fuck.''

''Really , sweetheart? I agree to that. But , I'm going to have you , baby. What's next week?''

''Your birthday. 40th,''I blurted. 

''I'll have you on that night.''

''Mark my words.''

With that , he collected all his clothes and dressed and left giving me one last glance. 

I knew when Duke said meant something , he did it. This felt so wrong. I mean he's 40 next week for God sakes!

I had to keep these feelings and deny them as much as I could . I  mean , he friggin' stole my first kiss. 

More like you allowed him to probe around.

 Ugggghhh!! I'll have to control myself otherwise we'll both be in trouble. I'm going to stay away from him.

We'll see how long that lasts!