Page 7

Aurora

Sitting at my desk, I grip my pen tighter, my knuckles white as I try to work on the numbers. I skim through the financial reports bulked in front of me, the numbers blur, and my brain refuses to focus on a thing.

Breathe. Just breathe. I take a slow breath, pushing away the restlessness that coils in my stomach.

I hear the faint sound of footsteps outside my office, and my mind drifts because I know who's coming.

It's impossible for me to ignore the weight of the situation. This project is a multi-million-dollar investment that will elevate my boss and the company. It is a perfect escape.

Despite expecting whoever it is, the knock on the door startles me. I exhale a deep breath I don't realize I'm holding. "Come in," I say, hoping my voice won't betray me.

The wooden door swings open, and the air from outside smashes against my face before I can even lift my head.

"Lucien," my heartbeat slams in my ears.

His presence sucks the oxygen out of the room as his scent fills my lungs, nearly choking me.

My fingers tighten, but I try to keep my expression straight. He stood straight on the other side of the desk, his arms crossed and eyes locked on mine.

His charcoal suit is designed to be perfect in every way. His sharp jaw grazes against his skin, and his lips form an intentional smile.

I fucking hate how he looks like a walking temptation.

His voice drips with amusement. "Not even a hello from you?" He cocks his head.

I crack my neck and straighten my shoulders. "What are you doing here?" My tone is professional.

His smile spread further. "I'm here for business."

I sigh deeply, exhaling, hoping my pulse will slow. "You're not on my schedule. You should have told me you were coming."

I'm hanging on a thin thread, trying to maintain a level of professionalism. I have no intention of letting him waltz into my workplace, clothed in confidence and an unspoken intention to rattle me."Consider it a surprise." He takes a step closer, placing a sleek folder on my desk. His fingers brush against my hand. It was deliberate, and it lingered enough to cause my skin to prickle.

Gripping the edge of the desk, I jerk my hand away. "Lucien."

He leans in closer, lowering his voice. "Miss St. Claire," he slides a file on the desk toward me.

I clench my jaw as a shiver runs down my spine. He normally calls me Rora. I don't understand his angle. First, he appears at my lunch date to raise dust and say he's sorry, and now, he's here being entirely.....well, being entirely Lucien. I guess everything at the restaurant was for shock and probably show. The leopard can't change its spots.I snatch the folder off the table, my eyes not leaving his as I rip off the cover, exposing the bold letters which highlight the subject of their contract. My breath whooshes from my lungs.

Blackwood Enterprises. Lucien's company is now an official partner on my project.

Why didn't I verify the details of this meeting? I'd been distracted by my encounter with him weeks ago and trying to purge myself of his haunting presence by throwing myself into work. Every job was welcome.I lift my gaze, curling my fingers around the paper to hide the trembles. "You planned this."

His blue eyes darken, unreadable. "It's a strategic partnership. Nothing more."

Bullshit.

I push the document back towards him. "We don't want Blackwood involved."

Lucien's fingers tap against the table in a slow manner. "I think you do. This expansion requires resources only this company can provide. Unless you have another plan, which would rather delay everything?"

I run my fingers through my hair as a sharp pain grips my chest. I have worked too hard to get to this spot, and I won't let him mess with me, even if I have to swallow my pride.

"Fine. Do whatever you want."

A cunning smile crosses his lips. "Of course."

I don't have any idea where the sudden heat came from. The office is suffocating, and one thing I know for a fact is that Lucien makes sure of that.

He drags out a chair and slumps into it, adjusting his suit. "I brought over some updates for the project. We could go over them together now that you've accepted my terms."

Forcing a smile that feels more like a grimace in between gritted teeth, I nod. "Let's get to it."

I sit in my chair as we dive into the project details. My body was present, but my mind couldn't help but wander. Every time he passes me a document, his hand brushes against mine, sending a ripple of shock through my body. The bastard is very aware of what he is doing. I've known him long enough to understand that with him, nothing ever just happens. He plans things down to the very last full stop.

He puts the laptop on the desk and scrolls through a particular document. I try to focus on the words on the screen, but all they do is blur in front of my eyes.

Every time I turn or make a movement, he does the same. He is right beside me. His arm brushes over mine when we lean over to view the spreadsheets. His breath scorches my ear as he points out the data.

Lucien pulls closer than I expect. His presence takes over the space, and I can't help it as my heart races at every given opportunity.

"So," Lucien begins, leaning back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "What's the plan moving forward? We'll need some overtime to wrap this up."

I blink, startled. "Overtime?" I ask, my voice too sharp. "We can manage everything during normal hours. I can make sure of that."

Lucien smirks, his gaze more like he's having fun. "I'm sure you would make sure of that," his tone teasing, "but you would need someone by your side to get it done faster."I swallow hard, feeling my cheeks flush as I clench my fist. "I'm capable of handling this on my own."

One thing about Lucien is that he doesn't back down. He leans forward again, resting his arm on the edge of the desk. I see how his fingers twitch like he wants to reach out to me…to touch me. It makes me feel like I'm under a magnifying mirror while he tries to get every little detail of me.

"You know something," he continues, his voice lower now, more sensual, "I read through the clause of the contract, and it says somewhere that your boss hopes to penetrate the Asian economy. It's tough competition, but it's doable."

"I have no idea what he's driving at, but I raise a brow, urging him to continue. "I have a meeting coming up somewhere in Hong Kong. I was thinking we use that as an opportunity to see what we're working with," his gaze sweeps around my office, "away from the confines and distractions here—somewhere we can get first-level hands-on experience."What the fuck is he saying? Lucien is literally my distraction in this office.

Whatever he says hangs in the air as I don't respond to it, and I fight the urge to say anything.

A business trip with Lucien? Alone? I would rather manage being here with him than go on that business trip."Lucien, that is not necessary," I decline, my tone firm. "We can handle everything here, and we will."

Lucien cocks his head slightly, his lips curling into a smile as he crosses his arms across his chest. "If you say so. But sometimes moving away from your workplace helps clear the mind, doesn't it? And it would give us more inspiration on what we're working on," he pauses, scratching the middle of his head. "If you're worried about the fees, it's an all-expense paid trip sponsored by the company."

He is right, and that's what bothers me most. Even though I don't want to admit it, there is a part of me that is looking forward to the idea of being alone with him again, just like before.But I still didn't want to let that happen, not after everything.

I grab the papers just to make it look like I have something to do, as I stand up quickly. "I will get the rest of the details sorted out for you," I look down at the desk, hoping my tone will end this meeting. "I will send the final results to your office."

Lucien takes off his suit jacket, rolls his sleeves up, and leans forward against the table. "Why not we finish it now?"

His gaze meets mine, pinning me down and settling on my lips before snapping back to my eyes.

I stand up, turn off the laptop, and carry it in my arms. "Office hours are over."

He stands and pushes off the desk to the side, closing the space between us. "Tell me, Aurora. Do you really want to leave?"

I don't move, even though I want to. My body fails me. I'm frozen in place as his fingers graze my wrist. I have no idea if it's a reminder that he still knows too well how to mend me.

I swallow, my throat clamping. "Lucien," I grimace.

His lips curve in a devious smirk. "Yes, sweetheart?"

My pulse hammers in my ears as I rip my hand away immediately. "You don't get to call me that."

"You used to like it." His jaw ticks.

"I used to like a lot of things." I take a step back. "But not anymore."

A muscle in his cheek twitches. He doesn't look away. He watches me like he's trying to fit the pieces of me back together, but I won't let him.

I grab my bag, slipping the laptop inside. "We're done here."

I take a step, but Lucien adjusts, blocking the door.

"On the trip, there is a conference." His voice is soft, but there is nothing soft about the way his eyes pin me down in place. "We need to go. Together. I don't care if you like it or not."

I stiffen, cursing in my thoughts. "Go with someone else from your company."

He smirks, shaking his head. "We are the only ones who can handle this deal. It's just us, Aurora. Like old times."

Memories crash into me when he mentioned old times. Events replay in my mind: the late-night meetings, whispered plans, and his promises that we would build something stronger together. The way he kissed me like I was all that existed in his world.

Even with all of that, he broke me.

I take a step back. "I don't want the old times."

Lucien takes a few steps close to me, tipping my chin up with two fingers as he takes a deep breath, causing mine to hitch.

He brushes his thumb against my jaw, his touch soft and gentle. "You're scared."

I shove his hand off my jaw. "Of you?" I let out a sharp and bitter laugh. "Not in your wildest dreams." I lie through my teeth, hiding the strands of worry of knotting my intestines with a subtle swallow.Running into him in a public restaurant is one thing. Having to work on a project with him is another, but going on business trips with him? That's a completely different level on its own. That's a bit too personal for me, and knowing Lucien, next will be him barging into my house. I can't have that, not when I have to keep him away from Ronan.

A quick scene of him running into Ronan flashes through my mind. Will he know he's his son? Will he feel an instant bond to him, or will the striking resemblance give him away before anything else? The knot in my stomach tightens into a nausea-forming strand, and I immediately dismiss the thought with a shake of my head, returning my focus to the painfully handsome, smirking devil in front of me.

"Then prove it by going on that business trip with me."

I try to hesitate, but damn him, I can't. He knows exactly how to use my pride to fumble me. Also, if I give in now, maybe I can curtail his excess and keep our relationship confined to the four walls of the office. I can control how things progress from here, and there'll be no reason for him to seek me out.

I clench my teeth, rage filling my eyes. "Fine. Strictly business."

His smirk widens, victorious. "Of course."

Big liar.

Without another word, I nudge him out of my way and slam the door closed behind me.

—————

The next day drags on, and every time I glance up from my computer, I find my mind wondering where Lucien is and if he is going to show up today, as he mentioned in the text.

Every inch of me has been charged with erratic nerves since my phone vibrated with a message from him informing me he'd be at the office today to discuss the details of our trip. I almost found myself reluctant to come to work today, but I refuse to be the coward in this situation.

Then again, this is the right time to back down from this because the deeper I get to work with him on this project, the harder it will be for me to escape.

My head jerks up at the sound of a knock on the door. It's Lucien. He doesn't wait for my approval before coming in. He just strides in like it's his office. All he does is push my buttons without saying a word. I try to act normal by keeping the distance between us, but as long as we work together, it will be in my wildest dreams.

"So," Lucien sits across from me, adjusting his navy blue suit, "have you thought of something yet?"

"I have no idea since I didn't bring this up. Whatever you decide on is a good idea," I say, trying to act all nonchalant. "I'm busy right now. We can finalize everything on the trip."

A crooked smile widens on Lucien's face, and I know there's something strange about his approval. A knot suddenly forms in my stomach.

"Good," he taps his fingers on the table. "I'll get everything arranged, and the flight leaves tomorrow morning."

I nod, avoiding the urge to stare at him as I focus on my computer.

Immediately when I get home that night, I pack for the trip while trying to focus on the job at hand. I calm myself down by telling myself it's just business we are going for, and I will not tolerate any crossed boundaries.

I can handle this, and I will keep my distance from Lucien. But deep down, I know that Lucien will always be watching me. There is never a time when he isn't. And something tells me that I won't be able to escape him this time.

—————

It's either that this plane is small or that Lucien is too big. It has to be one of them. I'm so uncomfortable that I keep shifting as Lucien settles his entire weight beside me.

His thighs keep brushing mine even though we are in a first-class-level seat that is big enough to make a person comfortable without inconveniencing the other.

I have no idea how the heat from Lucien's body seeps from his body and gets into mine. He's just overly too close to me.

I want to tell him to stay in proper position, but I wasn't ready for an argument. So, I try to focus on my laptop, but Lucien stretches his arm and drops it at the back of my seat, on my shoulder.

He knows exactly what he's doing.

"Aurora, you've got to relax," he murmurs. "You're overthinking things."

I tilted my head, glaring at him. "I wonder why."

Lucien chuckles. "Because you know exactly what you are walking into. You just don't have a choice."

I snap my laptop shut. I hate that he's doing this to me. "You never can tell if you're also walking into your grave."

His eyes dart to my lips, swallowing hard. "I don't mind."

I hate him. I hate that he looks at me like that. I hate that my body remembers how it once felt being with him, the heat of his body on mine and his breath against my skin.

And lastly, I hate that, deep down inside me, the part between my legs still wants to be touched and eaten.

"Unlike you, I don't find the idea of a grave intriguing, so I'd appreciate it if you sit properly and quit talking to me.""You haven't tried it with me," his voice is barely a whisper, and I would've missed his response if he wasn't encroaching on my personal space."I raise a questioning brow at him. "Sorry?" He offers me a lopsided smile. "The grave, I was saying you'll have a great time if I'm there with you."

I stare at him like he just sprouted a second head while he maintains that stupid smile on his face.

"First, you practically forced me into a work trip, and now you want to kill me?"

"What I'm saying is, I'm confident I'll have a good time anywhere so long as you're with me." His voice grows impossibly lower, and my breath follows. "I just need you to give me the chance to show you."

His eyes are filled with unspoken promises, and I can make out a flicker of hope lurking behind them. He seizes the moment to draw closer to me, and the air in our suite is suddenly too heavy to draw into my lungs.My skin tingles with anticipation as his eyes trail from my eyes to my neck before resting on the pendant resting on my neck. I feel the piece of metal heat up beneath his burning gaze, and I fight the urge to tear it from my neck and toss it to the side.Lucien doesn't make any more moves, but his eyes might as well be hands caressing every bit of me and leaving a wanton flame wherever they touch. He hadn't even touched me, yet I felt ravaged.I quickly turn away, breaking the spell and turning my attention to the world around me. Promises. The same ones he couldn't uphold five years ago. The same ones I held on to and tailored my life around to be tossed to the side like a rag doll. The same ones that left a gaping hole in my chest. I am not the young, naive girl I was, and despite a foolish part of me wanting to dive into his arms and let him whisper sweet nothings to me, I know better.

The after-effect is worse than a hangover of the tenth degree and takes an even longer time to get rid of or, in my case, manage. I glue my attention to the clouds floating by while the side of my face burns with awareness of Lucien's unwavering gaze. I don't offer him a word of reply, nor do I turn to confront him.Eventually, I feel the heat slip away, and the pressure lifts off my shoulders. What I did not expect is the slight pang of disappointment that came from not being the object of his sole focus. Lucien doesn't give up easily. Maybe he finally got the message, or maybe he remembered he had the entirety of the trip to get his point across. Whatever it is, I guess I'll have to rely on time to find out. The realization leaves me with a deeper feeling of unease.