Hi beauts! Finally managed to write something. Characters have no relation to the show. Second part following in an hour. XOXO
ASYA / KaBhi OS: Exposed
PART ONE
"Your assignment: Asad Julius Carter Reed Cahn." My boss threw a stack of magazines in front of me startling my tiny little heart. Geez. Once the ringing in my ears ended, I glanced down at some of the most famous magazines out there. Green eyes, deep green eyes stared back at me and my stomach twisted. Asad Julius Cahn.
"Playboys." My boss beamed her evil smile.
"Playboys?" I echoed. I swear I thought I was going to be fired. You see I work for a little company called Sparks. Emphasis on little here. But I started here five years ago as a part time and once I graduated, I took a full time role here. We weren't doing well. Not at all. I have been giving dating advice and fashion tips to the people of Manhattan, occasionally did some reporting on how we fail as a humanity (most gets canned- I know, life is unfair). What's so bad you say? Well here comes the punch. My dating life does not exist. Nada. Zilch. I have no experience and yet I continue to give those little tips to those desperate ladies going on first dates; how to behave, what to wear etc. Well I do have experience... It's just the last two years have been dry. No man has wined or dined me. One date ends in an invitation to my bed and then they run off when morning comes. That's all I have. Okay, going off topic here, well my boss, devil in heels, called me to her office this morning. I obviously thought she was going to fire me hence my heart was pounding. I glanced at the picture below me; the man staring back at me has perfectly structured face, beautiful lips and eyes greener than the bottom of a beer bottle. His smile all mischief. He knows he's dangerous, he knows every woman wants in his pants. But (here's me overanalysing shit) there's something very closed off and somehow icy in his eyes. Those green icy eyes. They had nothing to do with me feeling hot and bothered right now.
"The worst of them all." Her red lips twisted.
"I've heard of him." I mumbled to her, suddenly nervous. I have a feeling I'm going to be getting into trouble even if I am not right now. "I wouldn't be alive right now in Manhattan if I hadn't!"
Ruthless, they say.
Complete manwh**e, they say.
And so ambitious, he puts everyone to shame. Oh yeah, he won't rest until he owns the world.
"Simone thinks that you're young and too inexperienced to be taking on such a risqu project, Zoya. But you're single and she is not."
I looked on. Hungry for a challenge and yet scared for my life. I got bills to pay and rent due at the end of the month. This is my chance.
"I enjoy writing you know that. You know I want to write bigger stories." I crave it. "What did you have in mind?"
"An expose." She grinned at me. I swallowed. "One where we get juicy little details about his life, not this bullshit, not the act he puts on for these magazines. I'm thinking things like how he manages to stay calm and control all the damn time, what's his deal with his father, what kind of role these women have on his life, use and discard? And finally, why he does things in threes - anything and everything that he does not show us" Her evil eyes gleamed. "Let's be honest Zoe, you must try to get close to get the meat. Lie, little white lies won't hurt anyone. Ease into his world. He isn't an easy man to access which is why no one is able to figure this out." I feel faint. She certainly knows how to make my heart pound. She wanted me to go undercover and lie to one of the most powerful man in Manhattan, hell in all of America and beyond. Me, zero dollars to my name. Ease into his world? Hell, there's no white lie for this kinda game.
Lies, I have told before. I mean come on I am human. I squirmed. I like to the stay on the right path, I enjoy my sleep thank you very much. But this is an opportunity that I have been waiting for since graduating. I wanted to explore my career options. I didn't want to be boxed in a small corner and left there for the rest of my life. I had to do this no matter how wrong it sounded. Maybe I could convince myself that the womanizer deserves to be bared to the world. Hell that sounded horrible. Me, invade his privacy?
"If Cahn wants to make a play for you, then be prepared hotstuff." What, what? "You need to play back a little. Can you do that?"
"I believe so." I lied. My first white lie in this little game. I was shitting bricks.
"Do you think you can do this or..." She glances outside. Devil I tell you.
"I'm hungry for this. I'll do it." I gotta pay rent if Cahn doesn't destroy me by the end of this.
"Just remember, Saint could crush this magazine." Thanks, no pressure doll. "He cannot see it coming. By the time he does, he will see his face on the newsstand."
"He won't catch me." Oh hey vey, here comes spy Carter, I mentally eye rolled.
"I want intimate details Zoya... go write your story" She leaned back in her chair with satisfaction. I stood up and stared at her for a good few minutes before walking backwards out of the door. "Oh hey Zoya, Cahn isn't accessible to the press. But there have been exceptions and I know the perfect exception. Check out his new venture, FreeSpace. Use it as an approach. He might not like the press but he is a businessman and will use it to his advantage. A hot one at that." She fanned herself.
"Thanks for the chance Dev- Lynn. I really appreciate it, I will get started." I rushed out of the room and fell into my cubicle. I planted my head on the desk. Okay Carter, focus. Don't mess this up. You're going to do great.
Lock your emotions and put your game face on.
I did some quick research on the computer and bravely placed a called to the office explaining what I wanted to do. The sweet voiced representative assured me they would get into touch. "Thank you, I'm available whenever he is. My boss is excited to run a piece on his latest venture." And his secrets. I closed everything down and headed home. It was a waiting game now.
"Honey, I'm home." I shouted entering my small apartment. I could hear the heavy footsteps of my baby Shih Tzu as he hurried towards his momma and jumped into my arms. "How's my baby doing?" I kissed his face over and over again. Hey, don't judge me. He's my companion. The only family I have in this world. "Guess what baby? Momma has got an expose" I informed him putting him on the floor, he tilted his head and looked at me weird. "Asad Julius Cahn" I walked towards my bedroom lifting my shirt over my head and then working on removing my pants. The dog whined. I turned around to look at him. He hadn't moved. "What?" I placed my hand on my hips. My dog was judging me. He just had this look I was familiar with. He gives me that look once a day. "We gotta eat buddy." His tongue came out at the mention of eating. "I won't get caught. I promise." I bit my lip. The dog sauntered over towards me and rubbed himself along my naked leg. "Me and you going to do this." I sighed throwing my pyjama top on and walked into the kitchen and rummaging the fridge for food. Once I grabbed my left over Chow Mein, I lazily padded towards my laptop and placed it over a pillow on my lap with Chico (my dog) nuzzling into my left boob. I spoilt him too much that's why thinks it is okay to touch me anywhere. I turned my laptop on and started getting to work.
"Hmmm" This dude was popular. People were tweeting him every second on every social site he was on. I went on to like all of his pages. I hovered over my page. Don't do it. Don't do it. Yeah those kinda chants don't work. I changed my profile picture to a picture where I had a tight skirt and a shirt that highlighted how big my boobs actually were. I didn't look fake - I looked like a hot secretary. It was from a year ago. And I am officially a floozy. I never thought I would stoop that low for attention. My assets are not something I like to display. This better end well. After giving myself a small pep talk, I thought to send a personal message to Cahn. Not one of my best moments.
Mr Cahn, this is Zoya Carter with Sparks. I'd love it if you granted me the opportunity for a personal interview in regard to your rising new venture, FreeSpace. I've put in the request through your office as well. I'm available anytime...
Oh god. I sounded so desperate. Damn Lynn. Damn my hunger for more.
I added all my details before shooting off the email. I fell back into the sofa and sighed.
"Fingers and everything crossed Chico." I kissed his nose.
Asad Julius Carter Reed Cahn. Twenty seven years old. His family is old money in Manhattan; he got a headline the day he was born. At the age of five, he had meningitis; the world held their breath while he was in hospital to see if he would survive. At seven, he earned a black belt in karate and on the weekends he flew with his socialite mother from state to another in his father's jets. At thirteen, he kissed most girls in school. At eighteen, he was the perfect bas***d and rich to boot. At 20, he'd lost his mother but was too busy skiing in the Alpines to reach the funeral on time. At 21, he and his two sexy best friends became the most notorious trust fund babies of our generation. He is a collector of companies, cars and apparently women. An only child, after inheriting his mother's millions and displaying uncanny flair for business during the following years, he became not only a billionaire but an absolute symbol of power.
@AsadCahn eat shit and die. You f**ked my girlfriend.
@AsadCahn Let's plan another holiday. Long overdue. @SusieJoe is dying to see you again.
@AsadCahn drinks next weekend?
@AsadCahn Remember me? I gave you my details last weekend. Call me.
The guy had millions of followers and too many tweets to read through. Haters or admirers, he had them in dozens. He held everyone's attention.
"Good luck to me."
Pulling on my battered converses, I rolled the bottom of my denim dungarees and fixed my white tank. I left my hair loose and ran for the door with my bag. Half an hour later, I arrived at the park along with what looks to be several dozen people - finally gather in anticipation of slapping our paint covered hands onto a mural sized canvas.
"We've all gathered here today because we all have suffered through this. It is hard to..." The organizer started.
I was eight years old when I lost my parents to a violent robbery gone wrong. I was thrown into the foster care after that. I had no other family to come claim me. One foster home to another and I lost count. I lost hope of ever belonging. Ever feeling secure and protected. Those years in foster care, the violence and abuse that I saw and suffered has brought me here. To stand united, to provide support for those that feel alone, suffering alone. And fighting violence. Losing your parents to violence is something a child should never suffer from. Seeing them die in front of your eyes, something like that stays with you.
"We are putting our hands on this huge mural as a symbol to stop the violence on the streets, in our communities. In our city. Protect our children. Support families who have suffered." I dove both my hands into the paint just when my phone started buzzing on my left butt cheek. On the count of three, I placed my hand on the mural. I hurried to the fountain to wash my hands off. I took my phone out after I was done and my heart literally raced.
MESSAGE
Asad Cahn -
Ms Carter, this is Daniel. Mr Sain's press co-ordinator. We have a ten minute opening today at 12 p.m.
I looked at the time. 11.20 a.m. Shit shit shit. I looked down at my paint covered overalls and mentally cursed my idiot self. I looked at my reflection and saw a bit of paint on the tip of my nose. I groaned to the universe: next time when you make my dream come true, can you please make sure I am dressed for the occasion?
"Clothes don't make the girl. I make the girl." I groaned. Only I could give myself such a shit pep talk. I pulled my hair into a pony tail and ran out of the park.
I nervously got out of the taxi and headed into the building, swallowing hard. The pristine lobby greeted me. I felt like a clown coming to entertain kids as I neared the reception. Oh f**k me. Everybody is staring at me.
"Zoya Carter for Asad Cahn." I thrust my chin and proudly stated. You got this girl! She eyes me quietly, inspects my ID card and frowns a little. Yes love. I'm standing here in paint covered clothes.
"Top floor!" She handed me the badge eyeing me down to my converses. I'm not a short girl at 5'7 but the way she was looking at me made me feel small. I am shrinking, smaller and smaller. Yes universe. Humiliation done.
I head to the elevator with all the pride I could muster. The elevator zips up to the top floor and I take the time to look at my appearance in the mirrors.
This is the woman the renowned Asad Cahn is going to see? I face palmed myself then looked at my reflection to make sure I didn't get more paint on me.
I step into his quiet lair. A woman comes around her desk and gestures me to the section on the left. Thanking her under my breath, I took a seat watching all five of his assistants - all sharp and attractive take calls. An elevator opens and a glimpse of a tall striking man hits me with a jolt of pure feminine awareness as he steps out of the lift with a trail of businessmen following behind him. He takes a folder from one of the men while typing away on his phone issuing some sort of command which disperses his followers in a bullet speed. He charges forward, shoulders mile wide, jet black hair, crisp designer suit, snowy white shirt and a stride to eat up the universe. He passes me with a simmering force of a hurricane and disappears into the glass cave leaving me dizzy and frantically absorbing my last sight of the dark hair, broad back and the hottest male ass I have ever seen.
Then it hits me all at once.
That was Asad Cahn.
The hurricane was our powerful billionaire.
I felt something heavy in my stomach looking down at my sneakers. They are still sneakers. Fairy Godmother where are you?
The assistant rushes into his office. I lean forward to hear what she was saying.
"Oh Mr Cahn, your 12 o clock is here. You have ten minutes. And oh, this reporter is dressed a little bit unconventionally. From Sparks. A low circulation magazine. Daniel thought it was important to use whatever outlets we could to push the new Facebook." My skin pebbled when I hear a low excruciatingly deep male voice murmur.
"... Zoya Carter." The receptionist walks out quite flustered and I dread being the next to face him. "He is pressed for time. Your ten minutes starts now." The receptionist smiled. I mumbled a thank you jumping to my feet and pushing the glass door open. I instantly stare out of the open view of Manhattan but I cannot absorb it for long because I see him - quiet storm like intensity in Armani walking toward me.
"Miss Carter." He extends his hands and when I slide my fingers into his firm grip that I notice that I cannot breathe. Nodding and pasting on a stupid smile, I pry my fingers out of his grip. I'm sweating profusely watching him in mounting awe as sits back in his chair leaning back watching me like a predator, with a deceptively calm pose however I can feel the energy humming off his very being.
"Mr Cahn" I mumble. Didn't I tell you I was classy? Yeah. That's me. I feel so goddamn out of place amid such polish luxury. I am not fat by any means. Man I know I have a good body but I feel so self-conscious as his deep eyes penetrate through to my soul.
I just stare at him stupidly. He's staring at me too, quietly, I can tell he is confused. I shall guarantee you my Chico that he has never seen a woman in coveralls and sneakers. He glances at his watch.
"Clock is ticking Miss Carter so you might as well shoot." He signals to chair across his desk. His voice. Oh his voice hits parts of me I didn't know existed. It's that good. Shit I'm still standing.
"Thank you for seeing me Mr Cahn."
"Cahn is fine." He leans back in his chair.
I awkwardly sit on a chair trying to make sure I don't get any paint on it. This is a disaster. My life is over. I meet a hot guy to interview and this happens. Universe is playing with me. I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ears.
"My main interest is..." I catch his eyes on my ears; I drop my hand to my phone in my lap where I made notes, "your new social media platform, the first really to compete with Facebook..." I can't help but feel he is distracted by my clothes. I can feel his eyes on me, checking me out... okay maybe disgusted by the clothes. And I'm squirming. I feel hot. Embarrassed. It has paint on it for goodness sake.
He shifts his hand over his face, is he smiling or laughing at me? Oh God, his chest is moving. I stiffen in my seat and force my way through my notes. I got paint on my chest, I just know it. I am starting to remember where else I dropped it.
"As you know, investors have not only been wondering whether it will remain privately held..." my voice is shaky but that's not what made me trail off. I watch him stand with wide eyes and walk to the far end of his office, his walk oh so confidant. He walks back to me with what seems to be a white men's dress shirt.
"Here put this on."
"Oh no." Holy shit, his shirt?
His eyes peer down at me with extreme curiosity.
"I insist." He says with a faint smile.
"Truly" I protest shaking my head.
"You will be more comfortable." He gestures down to my rags and I go hot. His eyes are twinkling.
I take it off him with shaky hands plucking each button with the precision of a child. I throw it on buttoning it instantly as he strides behind his desk, that predatory look in his eyes as he watches my every move.
I feel so consumed by him, his scent on me, around me.
"Okay" I cough. Nothing is okay.
"You wear it better than me." He smirks, his eyes twinkling mercilessly.
"You're teasing me Mr Cahn" I say breathlessly. Shit hold it together Carter. "Now that you have managed to dress me appropriately..." My eyes go wide. Shut up me. Shut up. His cell phone rings and he ignores it smiling at my comment.
"Would you like to answer?"
"No go ahead. This is your time." The corner of his lips curls seductively. Ignore those lips Zoe.
The phone rings again and he narrows his eyes.
"Please go ahead." I insist.
"Excuse me" He murmurs finally and takes the call turning his chair to stare out the window. I watch him and admire his side profile. I feel like a stalker right now. He finishes his call and turns around. "You may continue Miss Carter."
"I amuse you" I blurt. My brain does this when I am nervous.
"Intrigue me yes." He raises an eyebrow. "Do you paint?"
"I was at the neighbourhood park this morning when I got the message. We all get together to fight against abuse, support foster kids, stand against violence, gang fights, drug selling etc." His eyes flash at my response. I think I put more meaning into those words than this whole interview. I was meant to be asking him questions, not tell him about me. Sigh. What a fail.
"Are you now?"
I go to respond but his receptionist enters.
"Mr Cahn, Russia calling." I force myself to stand knowing this was the end of whatever this was. "Car is waiting."
"It was interesting Zoya." I shivered. His voice sounded like a caress.
"Thank you..." I whisper sensing a horrible loss as the hurricane that he is walks out of his cave as flawlessly as he entered leaving behind a quaking mess that is me. His scent surrounds me, only reminder that he was here, alive, oh so alive. I claw his shirt as I walk towards the elevator, every eye on me. I freeze coming to a realization.
His shirt. He has branded me.
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"I know what you mean Chico, but I was such a mess." I tell my dog caressing his fur. Obviously he isn't listening to me. "I didn't get anywhere. People kill for the type of opportunity I got." My dog fed up of my whining got off my lap and headed towards my bedroom. I sigh back into my sofa caressing the white shirt, yes don't judge me it's comfortable, and I wonder whether I would get another chance. One more chance. I sent another personal message to Daniel asking for another meeting. I'm really asking for it. I refreshed my mail a hundred times already. I decided to stalk his social site.
@AsadCahn can't wait to see you tonight at VYLE!!!!
@MasonGAIL Party at VYLE! @AsadCahn will also be there. Leave your panties at home ladies. Let's party @JamieNelson.
Mason Gail was the trust fund friend of Asad's along with Jamie Nelson. The three always stuck together, taking over the world, partying hard, f**king harder. I grabbed my phone and send a text to my friend Leo.
Me: Where is Vyle?
Leo: You mean only the hottest club in all of Manhattan?
I rolled my eyes, just because he's gay he thinks it's okay to be dramatic.
Leo: Your hottie will be there.
Me: My hottie?
Leo: Asad Cahn baby! Your little project.
Me: Really?
I feigned ignorance.
Leo: Shut up wh**e. You know he's going. And I know a certain someone that can get you in. One condition.
Me: what?
Leo: Take me with you to grind against that hotness.
My friend was a dirty gay. He thinks it's okay to say stuff like this. I mean I think it but come on.
Me: I don't have anything to wear.
Leo: I'm coming over in ten minutes. XOXO
What am I doing? Really? That man is making me do things. Stupid things. I want to see him again. Not because of this goddman project. Being that close to him, staring into those icy greens. My body craves his nearness. See what I mean? I'm a s**t. I'm going to dress up to impress him, to catch his eye, for him to reveal his secrets. What I'm supposed to be a seductress now? I have officially lost the plot.
I wanna sin. I wanna see him one more time. I need more intel. There is no reason why I cannot have fun while doing my job.
"This is going to be fun" Leo whispers into my ears guiding my hips around the busy club. This wasn't like your normal club. It catered for the higher class. I was here dressed in the shortest black dress I own hugging my every curve. To make up for the mess that I was the last time I met him. Leo was glued to my back as we headed for the bartender.
"Strawberry Daquiri!" I smiled shyly scanning the club.
"Beer" Leo ordered over my shoulder. I know that we looked like a couple with him plastered to my back. He was my girlfriend so it didn't really bother me and sometimes warded off unwanted advances. Right now, my ass needed all the protection it could get. As soon as my drink came my way, I took a long sip. My friend's hip was swaying to the music as he moved us farther into the club. He snatched us a cosy booth and took a casual sip of his beer - his eyes preying the floor. I smirked. He was always on the hunt for his next one night stand. He had commitment issues. No judging. The last time he caught feelings, the dude broke my happy go friend. Leo flashed me a seductive smile. I squinted at him across the booth wondering what he was up to. He jumped up and stalked around to grab my hand pulling me onto the dance floor. He spun me around; my hands went flying, my hair flipped to one side and my ass said hi to everyone in the room.
"Oh my God, who are you hot for right now" I squealed. He roughly grabbed my hips and pulled my back against his chest like we were lovers.
"The question is who is not hot for you right now babe" He whispers into my ears. "You're the hottest thing here right now." Aww, see this is why he is my best friend. He sways us to the music, when I say sway, I mean he grinded to the music. I felt hot but I felt good. I let go of my inhibitions, the alcohol kicking in. I raise my hands in the air, grating my hips against his sensually, my body all fluid as we moved to the beat of the music. I close my eyes and let go completely. I laugh as my friend spins me holding my hips tightly, pushing his chest against mine, his eyes over my shoulder. I felt another hand go around my waist and I tense.
"Go babe" Leo winks grabbing another guy and started grinding against him. I shrug and let go again - this time it takes me longer to get into the groove, but groove I do. I knew he would take care of me no matter where he was. I was passed from one guy to another, moving in circles around the throng of people on the floor. My eyes closed and I enjoyed every moment. Feeling my skin tingle, I opened my eyes to meet a pair of green smouldering eyes burning my body. There sat Asad Cahn along with his two friends watching the show I was putting on the floor. Girls, in the tiniest clothes flanked them from every side. My whole body froze, the guy behind me tried to get my hips to move but I was paralysed. My eyes scanned his wide shoulder dressed in a fitted black jumper and blue denim jeans. He had his hands fisted ignoring the girls trying to feed him grapes. His friends continue to grope the girls around them while staring at me. I move my panicked gaze around the floor, swallowing hard. I push away from the floor and go to grab my drink. I grabbed the glass and throw it back in one go. My hands brush over my throat, my heart beating frantically. I couldn't shake off the intense look he was giving me.
"Zoya." Leo comes behind me, I turn around with a startle. "You've got his attention babe. I'm going to get another drink, you good?" His eyes sparkle. His hair was perfectly mussed, his lips slightly swollen. My friend got it on on the floor. I nod. He steps out of the way and my eyes instantly fall on Asad. He was still staring at me. He lifts his chin slightly, beckoning me forward. I strode forward, his eyes flashed before going dark watching me go back onto the dance floor. From the corner of my eyes, I saw his blond friend jump up. I start to sway my hips trying to get back into the state I was before. I lift my hands but before I could do anything, a large hand spread across my stomach and yanked me back against a hard chest. My breath left me in a whoosh. My head felt heavy, the alcohol mixing with my system. I shiver feeling his warm breath against my neck and ear. His scent amongst sweaty bodies was intoxicating and oh so familiar.
"Zoya" He whispers softly into my ears and my body tingles - releasing all the tension. I try to move away from his grip but it only tightens. I turned towards him, his hand adjusting slightly. We were chest to chest. I stared at his throat before lifting my eyes to meet his. My lips parted but no words came out. My eyes soaked in his features. He looked so good this close.
"How?" I ask breathlessly.
"You're hard to miss" He eyes my body.
"Oh good. You found someone. I'm taking this fine piece of specimen home. I will see you on Monday." Leo kisses my temples and stalks off with his new lover. I crane my neck back and panic asking him to stop silently because I am at a loss for words. Asad's eyes narrows at my friend before looking at me, looking at the spot where I was kissed. He lifts his free hand and caresses the right side of my face. I squirm in his hold.
"I uh I."
"Come" He commanded turning around, his hand on my back pushing me towards his friends. The blond friend whistled eyeing my dress before removing a card.
"DIBS" Asad growled, yes he growled. I looked up at him nervously not understanding what the hell is going on.
"She's hot!" The other friend commented.
"What the hell is that?" I questioned looking at the card.
"All the hot girls get it. They are rated by these sexy beasts. If you get the card, you get to access the after party" Her eyes gleamed as she pushed her breasts into Mason's chest. Jamie coughed looking behind me. I guess after party was code for something else altogether.
"Cocky much?" I raised my brow, "Were you going to invite me to this... after party?" Asad's hand tightened on my waist.
"My driver is going to drop you off home. Go." He nodded at another man.
"What? My night isn't over yet." I hit his hand away.
He steps into my space, his nostrils flaring. He was angry in that all silent way.
"I said it's over. Go." He commands.
"You don't get to"
"Miss Carter, come on." His driver insists. I look over at him. I felt like a toy. I was humiliated. Who did he think he was? He doesn't get to decide anything.
"It's not your scene." Asad said casually. My eyebrows shot off my forehead. Grinding my teeth, my jaws clenched painfully, I pointed at his chest.
"Asad man, let her come" Jamie prodded.
"I said dibs!" Asad's fisted his hands and stepped towards his friends.
"This is pathetic" I decided walking off.
"Make sure she gets home Aaron." I heard the asshole say. I looked over my shoulder finding girls literally climbing off him already. I fisted my hands furiously and stomped out of the club.
I was acting like a child.
I was jealous.
I wanted to touch him. I was supposed to be exposing him.
f**k me.
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I pulled the pillow over my head Monday morning as my alarm went off. I groaned as soon as it shut off going back to sleep. And then my dog started barking. I hate that dog sometimes. I hate myself for hating my fur buddy. I moved the pillow off my head and jumped out.
"What is it demon dog?" I glared at it. I swear he rolled his eyes at my dramatics. See the love. He barked once and then wagged his tail out of the room. I followed him out of the room and that is when I heard the buzzer. I sighed walking towards the speaker.
"Yes?"
"Hi Miss Carter. This is Aaron. Mr Cahn has sent a car for you." What what?
"What do you mean he sent a car for me?" Me acting stupid me. This is too much for a Monday morning. My Friday night still fresh in my head.
"Mr Cahn has arranged a car for you to meet him. I'm waiting outside right now." Was all he said. He had instructed his driver well. I looked down at my pj's and grumbled.
"I just woke up Aaron."
"Take your time. I will wait in the car."
"But. Hello?" He was gone. I rushed into the shower with Chico watching me amused. I washed my hair in record time and stepped out of the shower. I threw on a yellow sundress that was classy yet not too much. I quickly blow dried my hair, applied mascara and lip-gloss. Grabbing my clutch I went into the kitchen and put some food out for Chico. "Be good baby" I blew a kiss and walked out of the door.
Aaron stood with the door open to the car; I slipped inside with ease smiling at him. His returning smile was warm towards me.
"Where am I going?"
"To Mr Cahn" Aaaron replied playfully.
"Ha ha. Seriously. Do you always drive women around for him." I inquired.
"Just Mr Cahn." He replied, his expression sober.
"I'm the first." I asked.
"Yes." One worded answers. I breathed out. Loyal. "James drives his business associates." Oh.
"Business associates code for something?"
"No." He tried not to smile.
We continued the rest of the journey in silence until we stopped at the docks. I stared out of the window at the yacht in awe.
"Yacht?" I echoed my thoughts. The door opened and there stood the guy of my dreams. He was in a pair of black shorts and a grey shirt. A grey open shirt showcasing his defined abs. f**k me. I swallowed looking up into his twinkling eyes; he caught me ogling his body.
"Miss Carter." He took my hand.
"Mr Cahn." I nodded in greeting, my teeth sinking into my bottom lip. His gaze moved to my lips as he pulled me out of the car. I stood breathless trying to take in the sight before me, ignoring him.
"I'd like to apologise for Friday night." Asad guided me onto the yacht.
"Apologize for what? Acting like a five year old shouting dibs and then humiliating me." I retorted. Boom go me. I got attitude apparently. He smirked.
"You weren't made for that scene." He repeated. I tried to move my hand from his grip but his hold was too strong. I followed his gaze towards the lower deck where his friends were laying around, girls all over them.
"You don't know me." I whispered softly.
"That's right." He looked down at me. His green eyes weren't icy. There was something else there. Something warm. I was seeing things. "I thought I'd make up for my behaviour on Friday. My friends and I are spending the day on this yacht. Join us."
"I don't really have a choice do I?" I mock. He was commanding me yet again. He could have asked me nicely. Replied to my message through Daniel. I needed a professional interview, not spend time while bikini clad women spread themselves over him.
"Hi Zoya!" Mason waves at me. Jamie nods in my direction sipping his beer.
"Hi, um guys." I was nervous.
"Take a seat." Asad sat on the chaise opposite me.
"Nice to see you again hotstuff." Jamie winks. Two girls came out of the pool, I watch from the corner of my eyes as they cosy up to Asad feeding him grapes. I squirmed.
"You too" I smiled taking the beer from Mason. I took a hesitant sip.
"You brought home a naked girl?" One of Mason's floozies asks him.
"Her clothes were painted on. It was hot. Quite the art." Mason shrugged devilishly. My lips quirk.
"We missed you at the afterparty" Jamie says to me.
"I bet." I look at Asad getting fed grapes. "What did you do? I can't imagine what happens at one of your after parties" I questioned Mason. Do I really wanna know?
"We skinny dipped" Mason smirks playfully. "Jamie was a goner."
And Asad?
"Asad and I had a good time." One of the girls from beside him answered. I felt my cheeks burn. Don't look at him I told myself.
"We gave him quite the show" The other answered. Bile rose in my throat. This is the information I needed. Doesn't mean I was happy to hear it.
"Fun" I fake smiled at them before casually getting up. "I'm going to have a look around." I waited for no one's reply heading for the upper deck. I closed my eyes leaning against the edge in the shadows taking deep breaths. This guy was affecting me more than I wanted. I haven't even known him long. What was happening to me? I can't do this. I stretched forward and allowed the breeze to caress my hair. What was I doing on this Yacht? Was he pursuing me? Did he want me to feed him grapes? Forget what I wanted from him, what does he want from me? I was going to be played and I didn't give a damn. He sent a car and I came running. I am becoming a floozy. Am I this desperate? I can't fall for him. I can't. He is a manwh**e, a womanizer. He will break my heart. He will destroy me. I opened my eyes and turned around. I was startled finding him leaning back on the sunbed on his phone. Hearing me gasp he looked up.
"Taking over the world I see." I nodded towards his phone. I didn't realise when he got here. I must have been staring into the distance for the best part of an hour. He sat up. "Sorry I didn't mean to bother you, I'll just go."
"Stay." One word. One command and I halted. He patted the seat next to him. I went to him willingly. I tried not to stare at his chest, his face or his abs. I grabbed the plate of fruit left by the service crew. I placed a grape in my mouth, his eyes on me.
"That's not how you eat it." He spoke in a husky voice.
"I'm not part of your harem." I threw a grape at him laughing.
"You look good like this." He said. I stilled. He slanted his phone; he took a picture of me with my eyes closed and the breeze blowing my hair. I looked raw, vulnerable.
"Delete that please" I reached for his phone. He moved it out of the way.
"Making demands are we?" He teased. "Let's talk FreeSpace. You ask me a question and I ask you one." He was giving me the chance to interview him again. Last time was a disaster. I appreciated it.
"Right okay. You go first" I smiled.
"Why did you return my shirt? Were you angry that I asked my driver to take you home and not me." I stilled. I looked away from him.
"I never expected you to take me home Mr Cahn."
"Asad."
"Asad."
"Then why?"
"Why what?"
"Am I repulsive?" He asked, I looked over at him. Confused. He couldn't understand my behaviour.
"I don't accept gift from men or strangers." I whisper softly before slowly gazing up at him, he had this intense look on his face. Bewilderment? Confusion? "Is this about your male ego being hurt? I being one girl, in a sea of millions." The side of my lips hooked up in what should have been a grin. But my insides weren't smiling. He stretched back against the lounger folding his arms up under his head, his muscles stretched, the sun shone brightly on his tanned skin making his abs glisten. I tried to force my eyes away.
"I didn't expect Aaron to bring that shirt back." He lifted his hand and trailed his fingers lightly over my cheek, I stilled. "I don't like my gifts being returned even if it was one of my shirts." He stated as a matter of fact, his eyes darkened. He played with loose strands of my hair caressing it between his thumb and forefinger. I wanted him to caress my skin, my body the way he was attending to my hair. What is wrong with you Zoe I chastised my inner self.
Talk Freespace. Come on. "A question everyone wants the answer to. Is she out there?" Damn me. I really want to torture myself. His fingers stilled. "Among the millions, with you being who you are. The tabloids have reported your many exploits. Is she..." I licked my lips, his eyes shot towards them making my body tingle, "or is she not out there?" I didn't make sense.
"Does everyone really want to know that?" He asked with a smirk.
"You have a lot of lady fans out there" I shrugged.
"Who all want to enjoy what I have to offer. They wouldn't want me to tied down to one woman." He resumed playing with my hair.
"What do you want Asad." I whispered.
"The f**king world." He answered looking over the waters. "The company I keep is special Zoya." I raised my eyebrow thinking of the floozies. "The women are only here for small moments, they mean nothing - they just pass the time." Pass off steam. "My friends" He looked at me. "mean something to me. They are people I want to see again and again. They are worth everything."
"Your father..." I trailed off. He wanted to see me again? I couldn't understand him. Was he saying something to me?
"I don't have a father." He laughed bitterly. "I had a mother. I missed her funeral you know. Every paper f**king reported that. I missed it because the bas***d kept me away." He seemed surprised that he shared that information. His mother passed away seven years ago. "I am surrounded by people all the time because of my meningitis. Cold, alone in a hospital. I was five years old. I shouldn't remember it but I do. You would know the feeling of being alone Zoya." He stared at me meaningfully, sympathy flashing in his eyes? Compassion? Empathy? I closed my eyes turning away from him. Of course he would know about my past, about me. Asad Julius Cahn wasn't just a name. He had the power to find every skeleton in your closet.
"Alone and violated." I mock whispered. I looked back at him over my shoulder, "There's a type of loneliness where you could be surrounded by thousands of people and still feel alone. I think we both understand."
"The campaign is your past isn't it?" He said softly. His hand clamped over my shoulder in a death grip, "What happened to you Zoya?" He urged.
"I think you know everything about me Asad." I bit my lip to stop it trembling.
"YO Zoya, let's jump into the sea." Mason shouted waggling his eyebrows adding "Let's skinny dip"
"I am not dressed for a swim" I laughed.
"That's the whole point hotstuff. You don't need to be dressed for that" Jamie threw back. Asad groaned behind me.
"Some other time." I winked at them.
"Suit yourself" They shouted jumping into the water. I got up removing Asad's hand from my shoulder and watched them. I shook my head at the girls squealing, Jamie and Mason groping their asses.
"You were right. This isn't my scene." I looked over my shoulder at Asad who was watching me. I turned around and hit the railings watching him stalk towards me. He stopped once his chest hit mine, I looked up at him, his face was blazing with... lust? Need? My breathing stopped. Something was choking me. Oh dear Lord, what is this man doing to me. I was meant to be a super spy, in and out. Job done. This man has taken me in and he will chew me up. I aint ever getting out. He lowered his head, I closed my eyes. I felt his nose on my cheek. And then he inhaled. He f**king inhaled my scent like some caveman.
"Breathe" He commanded and it all came out in a whoosh. He kissed my ears and I shivered. He lifted his lips and trailed them down from the side of temples, down my cheeks, to my jaw. I felt goose bumps all over my skin. I pressed my shaky hands to his naked chest before pushing him back. He didn't move much. Giant man. His head tilted back. He was grinning, satisfied with himself.
"I I can't." I protested. His hand went to my waist pushing himself closer to me.
"This is going to happen." He told me. I was panting. My body was desperate for him.
"I can't be one of your floozies. I I just can't." I moved away from him towards the stairs.
"Then don't be." Was all he said. I stilled momentarily catching my breath and somehow went down the stairs and off the yacht where Aaron was waiting for me. He opened the door and I slipped inside. I groaned into my hands.
I wanted him. I wanted to be a sinner along with him. My body was starting crave his.
I wanted to know his secrets. I wanted the lonely child inside of him. I wanted the manwh**e that he was. Was one night with him the answer to my questions?
No.
One night would never be enough.
He will consume me.
He will destroy me.
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I stared at the blank screen. Lynn wanted an update on my article. Update you say?
Efficient
Loyal workers.
Successful.
Intense Dark Eyes.
I had random words written on my phone.
Lonely. Frienship.
FreeSpace.
My mind is replaying his soft kisses over and over again. This is going to happen. He was so sure. My body was so sure. Lynn told me to play back. But I wasn't playing. My body was seriously craving his. This shit was all voodoo. I haven't even known him long and I was crazy over him. It only took one look. His eyes were mesmerizing. They seared through to my soul.
My phone pinged next to me. I picked it up and looked at it.
Asad -
5.15 pm. Be ready.
AJC
My heart rocketed out of my body. I requested Daniel for another interview the other week. Asad got back to me personally. It has been a week since our last encounter.
Being the girl that I am, I rushed into the shower to get ready to see him. I have lost all sense. Was he pursuing me? Was this an interview?
I put on a fitted pair of skinny denim jeans and a white jumper. I pasted on a light pink lipstick and a bit of mascara tying my hair up in a messy bun leaving loose curls framing my face. I sighed staring at my reflection. Chico was watching me.
"What am I doing?" I picked him up and walked out of the bedroom. I heard the roar of a loud engine outside my building, I rushed over to the windows and there on the other side of the road was a Bugatti parked up. The door opened and out came the man that makes my body hot. My cheeks heated and Chico barked. I closed my eyes hearing the buzzer. I let him in and waited for him to knock on my door. Chico licked my face as we both stared at the door in silence. I opened the door hearing the knock and there he stood filling up the doorframe. I watched his eyes heat taking in my appearance. I have no idea what he saw.
"Hi." He greeted - his deep voice rocked me to my core. Chico barked. Asad grinned watching Chico jump from my arms.
"Chico" I scolded. I watched in awe as he stretched and rubbed himself along Asad's leg. Traitor dog. Asad picked up the little dog and brushed his knuckles over his head as he leaned against the doorframe. Because he's my dog, he liked it.
"What are you doing here?" I blurted. Man this guy is bad for my health. He raised his brow staring at me with those sparkling green eyes knowing I'm all bullshit.
"Did you get my text?" He smirked. That bas***d. The hot bas***d.
"What text?" I feigned innocence. He chuckled in that silent way, where his body was moving but you couldn't tell whether he was. You get me? His eyes lazily traced my outfit before meeting my eyes. "I was going to go for a walk with my dog. Fat dog" Chico growled. I glared at it. "How can I help you?" I crossed my arms across my chest protectively.
"I have something that you would want to see for your story." Asad stared at the dog who looked up at him in awe. Figures. I wasn't enough for the dog.
"What?"
"FreeSpace." He replied. I faltered.
"You're joking" I almost jumped in happiness. I reined it in a bit. Can't show him all my craziness at once now.
"Let's go." He nodded towards the lift.
I squinted my eyes at him trying to be intimidating or trying to figure him out. I had a freakin' billionaire at my door. Three weeks ago he didn't know I existed. This is kinda unreal. This stuff does not happen to me.
"What?" He eyed me back. His was a bit more effective than me. I swallowed.
"I'm meant to be chasing you for an interview. You're making this too easy for me. You are meant to be inaccessible." I said honestly. He grinned and my heart felt like goo. My eyes went to his lips, so perfect, so full.
"I am inaccessible to the Press. I hate Press. I choose how I want to promote FreeSpace. You have a way with words Zoya." My breath stilled. He hated press... but he didn't hate me? Oh my.
"You read my work?"
"You're talented. You're a breath of fresh air." Something told me he doesn't give out praise so easily. His eyes gleamed then like he knew something I didn't. My picture. I'm so glad I deleted it.
"But..."
"Something is still lacking. You're craving more than the stories you write. Let me give you that." His serious expression showed me how much he meant it. He was right. I didn't want to give dating advice. There is so much more out there. I wanted to give my Campaign a voice. I wanted to highlight the problems with our society. I wanted to make the world a better place. But... let me give you that. It was like he was holding the world at my feet. And I was working on exposing him.
"But I am press." Was all I managed to say.
"Not to me you're not. Let me give you a private tour of FreeSpace. For your article. I'm guessing that is the only promotion my newest creation will ever need." I steered my eyes away from him. "Chico can join us."
"What, are you serious? No, he can stay at home." I said quickly. The dog was going to destroy anything new. Chico whined giving me the death eye. See what I mean.
"He's not very happy with you at the moment." Asad smiled.
"He never is. Would you like to come in? for er a drink?" I asked. He shook his head.
"We'd never leave." He turned around and headed for the lifts with my dog in his arms cradling it like a baby. The intimidating man no more. My lips parted and any retort died on my lips. Was he still pursuing me. Did I even need that? I seem to be putty in his hands. I keep telling myself I am different, I am not made for this. Which makes me think: who am I? Am I betraying a man for a job, for money? Is this who I am? Is this what I went out to accomplish in this world? I needed security. I needed money. That is true. I had bills to pay. I crawled myself out of the system to make sure I never felt that helpless again. But invading his privacy for my story? Yes he is a manwh**e. He is a player. He is a ruthless businessman. But he was human. Cold and alone. You would understand that kind of loneliness. I understood it more than he knew. Thrown in front of a church like the start of a bad movie. They took me into the system kicking and screaming. Seeing strangers looking at you, wanting to feed off your fear. Every person for themselves. I needed someone to protect me. I didn't know how to fight either physically nor mentally. Growing up, adjusting to my body and hiding my body. I tilted my head towards the full length mirror. Oh how I fought to hide this body. How I fought to block all memory of those horrendous nights fighting for my innocence.
"Get a grip Zoya." I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs. My steps halted finding him leaning against the car, arms crossed - his eyes on me. He held out his hand and I took it. He pulled me flush against him and placed a ghost of a kiss at the corner of my lips before helping me inside the car. I watched him stalk around the car with determination and get inside. I held onto my seat as he zoomed onto the streets. I was petrified at the speed he was driving.
"You are going to kill us."
"There is no point of owning such a car if you can't drive it like you stole it." He looked at me from the corner of his eyes with a devilish smirk. He effortlessly navigated around the road, every movement of the clutch smooth. His hulking figure filled up his seat and the car. I felt so small and vulnerable sat in his car. I looked out of the window, the city lights flashed before my eyes. He drove into the underground car park and got out of the car helping me out of my side. I flashed him a hesitant smile, he gave me that look that asked what was wrong- he didn't understand me. Neither do I Mr Hulk, neither do I. Chico barked.
"I think we should leave him in here. He will chew all the furniture." I said. He ignored me and got him out of the car and held the little guy to his chest.
"He's going to be lonely. He is going with me." He walked towards the private elevator, me following behind him.
"Where did you get him?" He asked me.
"Eight months back. I found him wrapped up with a newspaper in an alleyway at the side of my building near the trash." I frowned remembering the little puppy, on its last breath starving. It reminded me of myself. After the death of my parents. Abandoned. No family. My fingers went over his head finding comfort touching the little fur ball. My fingers tangled with Asad's and he held two of my fingers in his making me look up to meet his eyes.
"He's lucky to have found you." He said softly.
"I'm lucky to have found him. My companion. He owns my heart." His eyes flashed something warm. I smile tentatively trying not to cry. I am a wimp. Chico sniffed and licked my hands knowing I needed comfort. "I love you baby." I whispered placing a soft kiss on his nose. The elevators opened and I flew out of it not being able to look at the man. But I couldn't run far, the sight in front of me had me paralyzed. In the distant, I could hear Asad letting Chico go and then stand behind me. I could feel his heat behind me. My eyes remained on the mural in front of me as my body leaned back against his tall frame. I could spot my hand print on it from the park few weeks back. He brought the entire 20 metre mural. My breath hitched. "How?"
"It was a worthy cause." He whispered into my ears, his hands resting on my waist supporting me up.
"The money is going to help so many youngsters. It will fund their new beginnings. They could take this money and and..." My voice broke. I knew he would have paid a shit ton of money. He wouldn't be the man he was if he didn't. If he didn't believe in it. I turned around and pulled the lapels of his jacket. Staring up at him, "Thank you. Thank you for your generosity Asad." Placing a soft kiss to his jaw I went to move away however his hand reached up to the back of my head and pressed it against him savouring my lips on his skin. He moved his head and placed a kiss at the corner of my lips. Our chests pressed against one another, our breaths mixing together. Our eyes locked to each other and the world fell away.
He took my hands and linked it around the nape of his neck. He finally bends and takes my lips. My whole body burned as his tongue pushed my lips apart. I burst up in flames and he pulled me closer with a rumbling noise as his tongue delves in and strokes my mine dominating, tasting, kissing, taking. He brakes apart kissing the both corner of my lips and then he watches me with lustful eyes and he drives right back in and I push upwards onto his mouth, latching onto him like a lifeline. He dips his tongue hot and wet into my mouth then secures the back of my head in one curved hand and parts his lips to take me deeper, harder. Rush of sensations knife through me and when he angles his head to get another thorough taste of me, I part my lips wider so that he continues to do what he is doing, continuing rubbing his tongue along mine and feeding me with his delicious taste. I moaned hungrily breathing his breath, the sound of his hands sliding down the length of my body, over my clothing is decadent and delicious. We slant our heads and kiss a little then a little more. Then his lips soften and retreat...
"I want you." He breathed softly. Everything came crashing down. I backed out of his embrace.
"This can't happen." I shook my head.
"It's happening." He stated firmly.
"I I am not... I uh Chico." I turned and ran for the elevator. My dog was at my feet instantly and we got inside the lift. Turning around shakily, I watched him stand there with his hands in his pocket, hair mussed. He had a determined look on his face.
I hate that I like that look on him.
I hate him for wanting me.
I hate myself for wanting him back.
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