APRICITY (18+) ||•PAUSED•||

Chapter One.

ALOISA's POV:

I'm sitting there trying to control my anger. I'm looking at a nervous hazel-eyed, ash blonde-haired, 6 ft tall, and muscular man who is standing before me.

Okay Lo breathe in, breathe out. Repeat it again breathe in, breathe out. That's it. Good.

Carlos my personal assistant sweating the shit out, preparing himself to face my wrath. If this wasn't the situation I would laugh my ass off just by watching his face.

"Now Mr. Quinn tell me that the presentation is completed. The meeting is Tomorrow at 10:00 am" I ask as I rub my temples. I look at him.

"Ma'am it's almost done. I-I just n-need a few hours t-to complete it" He stutters nervously.

"I gave you a week to finish it but nooo you like to postpone it until the very last moment. Now tell me why can't I fire your ass right this moment? Give me one good reason" I ask him as I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms across my chest.

Carlos Quinn is good at his job. He's loyal and trustworthy. He respects me even when I behave like a pain-in-the-ass arrogant bitchy-boss. He never once spoke disrespectfully behind my back. He always got my back. I trust him with mine and my company's secrets. He is a good friend to me. We stay professional during office hours and best of friends when we need emotional support or advice.

"M-ma'am I've never let you down. I'm loyal to you and the company. So ma'am, trust me I'll complete it before lunch break" he states confidently.

I sigh. "Ok Mr. Quinn, I'm putting my trust so don't screw it up. You may go" I say as I open the file infront of me.

"Yes ma'am" he says. He walks out of my office, and the door closes with a soft click behind him.

I'm swarmed in my work when a knock on my door interrupts me.
"Come in" I say still going through the file. I hear footsteps and a familiar scent of cedarwood & cardamom invades my senses. The footsteps were getting nearer and nearer.

"What do want Gabriel?" I asked without looking up once. He chuckled huskily "How do you know it's me? What gave me away doll?" he rubbed my arms soothingly.

"Can't give away my trade secrets now can I?" I closed the file and leaned back in my chair looking at him.

His dirty blonde hair looked messy as if he had run his fingers through it for million times. His gunmetal blue eyes glinted in mischief. His lush soft lips pulled in a beautiful smile showing his pearly whites.

"You didn't answer-" I was interrupted by a knock on my door. "Come in" I said.
Carlos entered "Ma'am the presentation is done and I emailed it to you". "Good, Thank you Mr. Quinn" I said politely. He gave a firm nod in reply "Ma'am" , "Mr. Whitner" he acknowledged Gabriel with a nod and exited the room by closing the door with a soft click on his way out.

"I brought us lunch doll" he held up the brown bag. I took it "Thank you Gabriel" and walked to the coffee table with Gabriel following me and sat on the couch.

I opened the brown bag, and took out the three boxes as he placed iced tea and hazelnut iced latte. He sat beside me leaving enough place not to crowd or get into my personal space. That's why I like him, he respects me enough to give me my space until and unless I ask otherwise. We open the cartons passing the forks & spoons in peace working like a team.

I unzipped my ankle boots and sat back on the couch with my legs criss-crossed. I pulled out the 'slide under the sofa table' to put my food on it and started digging in.

"So how is your day?" he asked as he was munching on the French fries.
"Oh it's going good so far. How about yours? " I asked as I took a sip of my hazelnut iced latte.
"Same old same old" he said.

Gabriel Whitner owns a law firm 'Themis' inherited from his father. He is the best in his field. He is 31, still single. He is a good man, hardworking, dedicated, and down to earth. He doesn't only have high-profile clients but also helps those who can't afford a lawyer. He is all about justice. I like that in him.
What I don't understand is why he doesn't have a girlfriend. He is a sweet, honest guy and most women fall at his feet but he either fucks them or does not even acknowledge them.
We met each other at a charity event a month ago. He tried to lure me into his bed with his charm but he failed miserably. We flirted back and forth then I straight forward told him my rules and regulations and he accepted immediately. Since then we've been fuck-buddies or Dalliances or friends-with-benefits or whatever you want to call it.

We ate our lunch in peace enjoying each other's company.
I can see him looking at me through my peripheral vision. I looked at him as I raised my eyebrow and he chuckled huskily pulling his lower lip between his teeth.

We have an understanding. I don't do relationships and so does he. If I need my fix I'll call my acquaintances.
Yes, you heard right "acquaintances" as in plural.
I don't fuck one person because if I do that they'll think they are special to me. I don't involve my emotions or my heart in these dalliances. If I feel that they are going to catch feelings towards me I cut them off gently. I don't belong to anyone but Me. I always follow my rules and inform them clearly before I indulge with them.

His eyes rake all over my body with heat and lust. I can feel his body heat radiating towards me. He brings his hand to the side of my face and caresses my cheek. I lean into his touch, and he hums with satisfaction. He traces the outline of my lower lip with his thumb as he licks his lips, and my body heats up. I looked into his eyes as he pulled me into a hungry kiss.