Page 46

ANYA

I lie down on the bed, my purse on the ground. I close my eyes and breathe deeply to catch my breath. The cab broke down fifteen minutes away from my apartment, and I had to walk all the way back. Now, that is pretty normal for everyone else, but I am a homebody, a couch potato, and I absolutely hate walking, especially in heels, even if it is just block heels. If I think too much, I don’t think I will ever get out of this dress.

The room is silent. The only faint sound is that of the fan. I peel off the dress, the fabric sliding down my body like a whisper. Once it’s off, I toss it onto the chair and reach for my pajamas, but I pause to tie my hair up in a messy ponytail. With each twist of the elastic, I feel a bit of the day’s frustration fade.

Finally, I grab Daniel’s hoodie from the back of the chair. It’s oversized and cozy, the familiar scent of him wrapping around me like a warm embrace. I pull it over my head and feel a rush of comfort. But even as I sink into the softness, my mind races back to earlier. His words echo in my head.

‘I want you to do it.’

I was so in shock when he suggested it; I felt my world was spiraling. I could not believe him. I don’t know whether it was the suddenness of the decision or if it was the decision itself, but I was upset when I could finally wrap my head around everything. I know his intentions must have been good—I believe in him—but the problem is that he didn’t even realize that he should have discussed it with me. He cannot expect me to agree with whatever he decides. This is a huge thing, and his decision involves me, so I want him to know that he can’t decide for me ever, at least not without me. My thoughts matter, too, right?

But was I too harsh? Was walking away the right thing to do? I sit on the chair, hugging my knees. I sigh. That wasn’t a mature thing to do. I should have come here with him and talked things out. He is right. I do tend to run away from issues. It’s my first reaction.

He took over his father’s business—for me. For me. And yet, somehow, he never thought it was necessary to actually talk to me about it. The audacity of it all makes my blood boil.

My chest heaves with frustration as I grip the fabric of my pajama. “Did he think I’d be...grateful?” I mutter under my breath. “That I’d just smile and accept this without a word?” I scoff.

The soft knock on the door breaks me away from my thoughts. I lift my head and look at the door.

“Anya?” Daniel asks. From the other side, his voice is low and tentative, and it sends a wave of warmth through me, despite the turmoil I’m feeling. I stand up from the chair and take a few steps towards the door, pausing briefly to collect myself. I open the door slowly, peering out at Daniel. He stands on the other side, a hint of concern in his eyes. He scans my form briefly, and I feel a flutter in my stomach at the sight of him.

“Can I come in?” he asks. It feels so weird coming out of his mouth. He never has to ask that and he knows it. It seems he thinks I am angry at him. I don’t say anything and step back to make room for him to enter.

He enters the room, closing the door behind him. He looks tense, like he doesn’t know where to put his hands. Silence envelops the room. I sit on my bed, observing him. He rubs his nape and finally walks to me, sitting beside me. His thumb grazes over my hand cautiously. My heart skips a beat.

“I am sorry,” he says, after a while. I take a moment to absorb him—his side profile is striking. The strong line of his jaw is accentuated and I notice the way his brown hair falls just above his brow, slightly tousled as if he’s been running his hands through it in frustration.

He chuckles, but there’s a pain in his eyes. “Dad said I was being selfish.” He closes his eyes, inhaling deeply. “He said I was dumping my responsibility on you.” He smiles weakly. His gaze meets mine. “You probably think that way, too.” My eyes widen. “But the thought never crossed my mind, Anya,” he says. He leans down on his knees and looks up at me.

“I know,” I whisper, cupping his face. I kiss his forehead.

“You told me you wanted someone to give you an opportunity to learn how to run a business. I know you wanted that someone to be your father; you wanted your father to give you a chance, to believe in you.” He holds my hand and squeezes it. His eyebrows furrow. “I swear, Anya, I just wanted you to know that I do.” There’s a vulnerability in his gaze that makes my heart ache.

He kisses the back of my hand. “I think you are the most talented, dedicated person I have ever seen.” I almost say, look who’s talking , but I hold back. “I think if you choose to run this business, Firecracker, you will make it soar.” He smiles at me softly. “I want you to know that you’re worth the chance. You’re worth this shot, baby.” A lump forms in my throat.

“But, Anya,” His eyes sparkles. “I do not want you to think, even for a moment, that you will have to do this because my career is on line. It is not. I have a plan B, Anya.” I trace my thumb over the back of his hand, feeling the strength of his conviction. But just as I am about to respond, he stops me. He strokes my face and forces me to meet his intense gaze. His eyes search mine, and I hold my breath. “You were my plan A. You will always be my plan A.” He chuckles, and so do I, unshed tears stinging my eyes.

“God, you’re too cheesy. It gives me chills.” I laugh softly.

“It’s totally up to you to decide whether you want this or not. I am sorry I didn’t realize this earlier. I am sorry I behaved like a typical man.” He rolls his eyes, and I laugh softly. “That’s not what you deserve, baby. I will work harder to become what you truly deserve.” His eyes soften. “No matter what your decision is, Anya—” He smiles gently at me.“---I want it to not affect us, okay? Even if you choose to go ahead and things don’t go as planned, or it becomes too much, I will not care.” He gets up and wraps his hands around my frame, kissing the top of my head. My eyes flutter closed and I inhale his scent. “All I care about is you being happy. All I care about is you, Firecracker.”

“That’s not right.” I sniffle. “You should care about yourself, too.”

He chuckles softly. “If you are happy, I will automatically be happy.” He pats my head and raises my head using his thumb. “This isn’t how I wanted to do this.” He chuckles. “I wanted to go all out, do a grand gesture probably, but—” He leans down and presses his lips against mine.“---I love you, Firecracker,” he mutters against my lips. “Trigger warning: cheesy line on its way.” He laughs. “A man could hold the weight of the world, but he could never carry the love I have for you.”

“Trigger warning accepted.” I giggle, my face flushing. “That was smooth. And cheesy, but mostly smooth.” I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. My heart races as his lips brush against mine, slow and tentative, as if he is savoring the moment. There’s no rush. I can feel the intensity of his emotions in every touch.

He takes his time, his hands gently caressing my face, sliding down to my neck and shoulders, making me shiver. His lips move from mine, trailing feather-light kisses along my jaw, leaving a path of fire in their wake. I can feel the rapid beating of his heart against my chest, mirroring the rhythm of my own. As his kisses move to my neck, my head tilts back, my fingers tangling in his hair, holding him closer.

“Let me take this off,” he says. I raise my arms immediately. I need to feel his skin burning in me. I need him touching me, inside me. I need him everywhere. He removes his hoodie from me and swiftly takes off his shirt as well. His hands slide down my arms, fingers grazing lightly over my skin. He reaches out and unclasps my bra.

“I am so in love with you, Anya. It makes my heart ache,” he says. I clench my thighs at his words. He bends and sucks my nipple between his teeth, causing a sharp hiss to escape me. I run my hands down his exposed torso to his jeans, fumbling with the button, as he continues nibbling on my breasts.

He takes off his jeans in urgency and pulls down my pajamas in one go, leaving me bare. I wrap my fingers around his bulging dick. One of his hands takes hold of my wrists and holds them above me. I love this.

He leans down, kissing me lightly, before his tongue slips between my lips. I can taste the donuts we ate earlier. I think donuts are going to be my favorite dessert now. No, scratch that: he’s my favorite dessert.

He leans down, sitting on his knees between my legs. My eyes widen. “Daniel.” I gasp. My eyes flutter closed, and my head falls back as he glides his tongue against my clit. I squirm beneath his touch, digging my fingernails into his shoulders. “I need you, captain,” I whine. “Condom in the bathroom cabinet. Hurry please,” I beg.

He returns with the rubber rolled over his dick and climbs on the bed. He hovers over me, our eyes meeting as his tip grazes against my soaked pussy. “I love you, Firecracker.” He smiles and thrusts into me. I yelp at the suddenness, and he groans. “You’re everything to me.” He kisses my collarbone as he slides in and out of me. My hands wander down to his perfect ass; I squeeze it, and he smirks against my collarbone. “You naughty girl.” He bites me, and I moan.

He pumps into me slowly, filling me and I moan in approval. He grunts as he picks up speed. “I love you, baby,” he whispers in my ear. I bite his earlobe. “I never want to stop making love to you, Firecracker.” He increases the rhythm, and moments later, I pulsate around his cock. “Oh God, the way you squeeze me….” He growls, and his head falls back as we find our release together.

Daniel collapses on top of me. I close my eyes and nuzzle against his neck. His dick still inside me, I wrap my arms around him and kiss his ear softly. “I love you too, captain,” I whisper. He attempts to get up, but I pull him against me. “No.” My fingers scratch his back softly, and he sighs. “I love you with all my heart.”

He raises his head, his eyes soft. “I love you.” He pecks my nose.

I chuckle and say, “I will say something cheesy.” He grins and bites his bottom lip. “If I was an octopus—” He frowns.“---all three of my hearts would beat for you.” I press my lips together to control the laugh bubbling inside me. He wets his lips, a small smile playing on his lips. I swat his arm playfully. “Don’t laugh. It was way better than what you said.” I chuckle .

He bursts out laughing. Daniel’s laughter is infectious, and I can’t help but giggle along with him. “You can laugh all you want, but I have learned from the best.” I smirk.

“Oh yeah?” His eyes twinkle as he turns us around.

“Absolutely,” I say in a sultry tone. He smirks and grabs my ass tightly. I can feel his dick hardening again inside me. Hell yeah.

I roll my hips, and he grunts. “You’ll be the death of me.”

“Shh.” I put a finger on his mouth. “Now let me ride you like a good boy, okay?” I say against his lips, my nipples hardening at the contact of his toned chest.

“Yes, ma’am,” he grunts. I smile smugly. I’m going to make him feel every inch of me.

∞∞∞