ASYA/KaBhi OS: Exposed (CONTINUES ON PAGE 2) - Page 2

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PART TWO

1.12 a.m

My phone flashed not that I was asleep. It has been on silent all night. I have been ignoring everyone. That kiss has been driving me insane. I have not heard from him since last week. Another week went by and I hated that I was aching for him. One message. I want you. I stared at it hoping it meant something. Hoping it didn't mean anything. I didn't reply. My article wasn't getting anywhere either. I grabbed my phone and looked at the missed calls. I sat up finding missed calls from Sophie, one of the leaders of the volunteer programme I was on. I work alongside a few teens in foster care twice a week. Panicked, I call her back. My stomach fell with dread. Something was wrong.

"Sophie!" I shouted into my phone, Chico's sleep broke. He cuddled further into my leg; my free hand ran over him.

"Hannah" Sophie said and my heart stilled. I didn't say a word and waited. "She was found dead in an alleyway, gunshot to the head." She hiccupped, she was crying. My heart cracked in two, my lips trembled. "She was raped. Jackson found her." And I ended the call. Something deep within me roared, and I cried. I cried for the beautiful girl that she was. Alone. Finally found the will to live. She was finding her feet. She was carving a future. A future that she would no longer have. She was violated. She was killed. I wiped the tears with the back of my hand and jumped out of bed.

I stared at the flashing lights. Sophie wrapped a blanket around me as I watched them take her body away. I was numb. I couldn't feel. I didn't wanna feel. This shit hurt. Attachments hurt.

"Have they caught the SOB that did this? Do they know who it was?" I asked. Jackson was her boyfriend, he must be devastated. New love, two broken souls found each other in the depth of darkness.

"They will. They will." Sophie squeezed my shoulder and went inside the building. I looked up at the foster home, the children huddled together. Some wary, some upset. Some numb. I walked away from the building with a heavy heart and hailed a taxi.

"Where to lady?" The driver asked me.

"Uptown." I replied without thinking. I needed to forget. I needed to get rid of Hannah's pale face. Taken too soon.

The doorman watched me wearily, I knew I didn't look great. If I were him, I wouldn't have let me inside. My face free of makeup, my eyes bloodshot. I was in pyjama bottoms, a white hoodie and an older blanket thrown over my shoulder. I was opposite to the likes of people who roamed this building, this part of town.

"My name is Zoya. I uh I wanted to see Mr Cahn. Asad Cahn" I told the receptionist - I didn't need to clarify, everyone knew of him no matter by which name we referred to him. She gave me the once over and got onto the phone whispering something I didn't bother listening to. It was late. I shouldn't be here. He might be occupied by someone else. My body didn't heed any notice to my inner dilemma.

"The elevator to your left madam." She directed. Private elevator to the penthouse. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be here. I chanted that until it opened and a black door greeted me. I took slow steps towards the door; I lifted my fisted hand to knock when the door flew open. There he stood. A pair of black sweats hung on his hips and a black top fitted against his skin. A tribal tattoo trailed up his arm. His smile faded and he grabbed my shoulders scanning my whole body, concern etching on his face.

"What's wrong?" My lips trembled hearing his concern.

"My... she died." I told him.

"Oh baby" He cocooned me in his arms, his large arms shielding me from the world of hurt. I buried my face into his chest. I soaked in his warmth greedily.

"I used to volunteer. I She was so innocent. They killed her" I hiccupped, "they raped her" His arms tightened around me.

"I'm so sorry" He soothed. I don't know how long he held me. I tilted my head up to look at him, my eyes, probably looking like a racoon. But I didn't care. The storm inside me was taking over. The pain unbearable. I wasn't related to the girl. But the violence surrounding her death, the rape... it felt too close to home. I protected my innocence, but the poor girl couldn't. That hurt. So many deaths. I felt his fingers gently wipe away my tears, a tender look in his eyes. I didn't know what I was doing here, but this felt so right. His arms felt right. I felt protected. Safe. I felt safe. And no longer alone.

"You wanted me..." I searched his eyes.

"I want you."

"Then take me. Make me forget." My voice cracked. He pulled me into his arms and held me.

"I may be a bad person Zoya, but I am man enough to not take advantage of you in this condition." He buried his nose into my hair and inhaled.

"I'm giving myself to you. You aren't taking advantage of me." Man I sounded so desperate. But my body needed his. My heart needs this. I've had men leaving me after using me. It was all sex. He could leave me. But I didn't care. I'd have him this once. He didn't have to care about me no matter how I much needed someone to.

"I'm going to wine and dine you sweetheart" He whispered into my ears. My whole body deflated. I was all goo. He held me up, his body vibrated. He was laughing. The ass. He knew I liked what he said.

"Since when do you wine and dine? Sex for you isn't worth all of that hassle" I breathed in and then out. I slowly moved out of his hold but he didn't let me get far.

"Since you." He kissed my forehead. "You don't know what you're worth" He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the bedroom. My heart accelerated. He stopped and faced me looking over the old blanket still wrapped around me. He threw it onto the floor and then eyed my hoodie. His fingers brushed over the edge before gripping it and lifting it over my head effortlessly. I didn't blink. He sucked in a breath at the sight of my black bra and pyjama bottoms. His eyes dilated with pure desire. I didn't understand his reaction. The man has Victoria's Secret Models on his arms all the time. He strode towards his closet pulling out a white shirt and then unbuttoning it while stalking back towards me, his eyes on me. He put the shirt on me and slowly closed each button, his knuckles brushing against my skin. "Get into bed." He commanded, his nose flared, his eyes grew darker taking in the sight of me in his shirt. He went into the bathroom and closed the door behind him forcefully. I'm guessing seeing me in his shirt snapped some of his control. I stared at his king size bed fit for royalty. He was royalty and I uh... I panicked. What was I doing here? And then Hannah's death came crashing to my memory. My eyes burned. I pulled my pyjama bottoms off and moved the duvet off the bed to crawl under. Asad came out ten minutes later wearing a pair of shorts, his chest bare for me to ogle. He didn't bat an eye easing into bed lifting me up to lay on his bare chest like we have done it a million times before. He wrapped me up in his arms before pulling the duvet over us. He turned the lamp off and we lay there in the dark in silence.

I could hear his heartbeat beneath me. His warm breath over my ears soothed me. I was surrounded by this beautiful man. I have found comfort. His free hand trailed over the same spot on my thigh pulling my leg further over his legs to twine between them. I sighed breathing him in. I don't know what made me come to him. He surprises me every damn time. I didn't expect him to comfort me like this. This man is doing weird things to my insides. The last few weeks seem like a blur.

"I was eight when I found my mother dead on the living floor and saw my dad die." I started unsure why I was telling him anything. "I shouldn't have been awake but I needed my daddy. I came down looking for him. For them both." I whispered, he kissed the side of my head. "He threw his body in front of mine to save me. I don't know how I survived. They fought. They hurt one another. But my daddy died." He brushed his hand over my arm and I shivered remembering their lifeless body and their killer lying unconscious a few feet away. "I watched their pale faces, there was so much blood. Their killer. He was there. I wanted to pick up the knife and slice his throat." I croaked. "But I couldn't. I was a child then but I had these bad thoughts. Some part of me, understood, knew that they weren't going to wake up again and I wanted to punish him." He held me tightly not saying a word. "That was the day for the first time I felt alone. Staring at the empty walls of my emergency foster home. I had no one to claim me." A lone tear trailed down my face onto his chest. He felt it. But he held on. Like I needed him to.

"At thirteen, I realised my body was becoming different. I was growing up." He grew completely still. "At fourteen, I fought off the carer in my foster home from trying to touch me in all the wrong ways. For the first time." Asad's grip on my arm became brutal. I needed this pain. I welcomed it. "At fifteen, I lay in my 8^th foster home, beaten and bruised." He growled, his hand on my thigh flying to cradle the side of my face against him. "At seventeen, I escaped to university. My temporary solace." I sighed. "At nineteen, I moved into my own apartment. At twenty one, I got my degree. At twenty four, I met you." I closed my eyes. "I thought you should know a bit about me..."Since I know you through all those articles. Some may be true, some exaggerated. Just before my world went dark, I heard him whisper.

"At twenty seven years old, I learned how to breathe again after meeting you..."

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I groaned awake feeling something warm shining on my face. Panic set in the moment my eyes fell on the walls of the strange bedroom before inhaling his scent. Asad's scent my mind registered. I was in Asad's bedroom; I looked to my side to find the bed empty. The rumpled sheets evidence of a body, a large body being there. I got out of bed and walked into the bathroom, my insides warmed at the sight of a new toothbrush and towel waiting next to the sink. I freshened up and ran my fingers through my hair. Last night's events came rushing to me. I threw myself at him. I groaned internally. What must he think of me?

I snuck of out the room, my eyes scanning the entire floor before freezing on a toned back. He wore a pair of grey sweats. He was the opposite of the man in the black suit. Man his backside looked perfect. He turned hearing my gasp, his eyes trailed over my body appreciatively before a toe curling smile lit up his entire face. I almost sagged to the floor. He turned the stove off and sauntered towards me. Man his walk was also sexy.

"It looks better on you than me." He grinned kissing my forehead. Such a simple gesture from this... this man. Sweet man. I never thought he would have this side to him or ever be the girl to see it.

"I left my dog alone." I blurted out. See I'm so intelligent. He tilts his head and studies me momentarily making me fidget. My eyes dart everywhere but him. He holds my chin between his thumb and forefinger demanding my attention. The tender look in his eyes made my heart cry. That soft look on his face and I knew he stole my heart. My stupid stupid heart.

"Have breakfast. I will arrange Aaron to take you home to Chico." He smiled gently brushing his thumb over the side of my lips contemplating something. He leaned forward and brushed a ghost kiss on the corner of my lips before situating me on a chair. He brought the plate full of breakfast and placed it in front of me. Eggs, sausages, hash browns, beans, bacon. The plate was over pouring with food. I looked up at him in shock.

"I can't eat all of that" I exclaimed flabbergasted.

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." He simply said tucking into his plate.

"So are all the other meals." I retorted. At his look, "What? I love food but a girl can stomach so much." I shrugged digging in. Only managing to get through half of it, I pulled my legs onto the chair to rest my chin on my knees staring out into the distance. The view from up here was amazing. I sighed a breath of relief. I have never felt this much peace since the day my parents died.

"I'm glad you came to me last night." Asad's voice broke me out of my thoughts. I looked over at him. I couldn't decipher the look on his face. It looked like that's all he ever wanted. Me to need him. Come to him for comfort. "But I don't like you wandering the streets of Manhattan so late at night." He sounded disappointed.

"I uh"

"One call Zoya." I shivered, the same reaction every time he said my name. "I will come to you. I will come and get you. Always." He told me. Sounded like a vow.

"What if I want to come to you?" I asked bravely, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes flashed. He reached for me and pulled me sideways onto his lap. I placed my head on his chest, slowly becoming my favourite place in the world. His hand caressed the side of my face resting his chin on my head.

"Then come to me." He said. Just that. We both sat there in silence. I knew he was a busy man, he never stills. But I appreciated him and this moment. For me, he was still for me. That meant more than anything. I slowly rose out of his hold and wandered into his bedroom pulling my pyjama bottoms on. I threw the blanket over me and came out again. He was holding his phone against his ear, a hand reached out for me pulling me to him. Something changed for us both last night. But what, my unintelligent brain could not figure out. I didn't want to. I was scared. Of the path I set out on and finding myself somewhere else completely. I was scared because I wanted to be here.

"Aaron is waiting outside for you." He said softly. I nodded against him slowly letting go and walking towards the door. I opened the door and looked over my shoulder. He stood completely still on the spot I left him, his eyes focused solely on me.

"If you truly believe in the campaign you supported" For me I added mentally, "You're powerful Asad. You have influence. Use it to do something good. I know that you're a businessman. You're also a good human being. Stop this violence. I don't know how but please." I begged in a low voice. Desperate for something. He reached me in a flash taking me into his protective embrace.

"I promise. I promise sweetheart." I looked up at him and his lips crashed against mine. His tongue brushed against my lips asking for permission and I parted them. His tongue pushed past them and entwined with mine in a sensual dance. He kissed me oh so passionately before pulling back and ghosting kisses at both corners of my lips. "Go" he whispers into my ears. I reach up and cup his face in my hands and my heart tears in two seeing the vulnerable little boy staring down at me in awe. I tiptoe and plant another soft kiss on his jaw and walk away from him.

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"Delivery for the bitch on aisle two." Leo sneers into my ears planting a huge bouquet of flowers on my desk. I swore under my breath at the sheer size of it taking over most of my tiny desk. I glanced up at him. "He's whipped." He sits down on a chair next to me.

"Whipped over something he's not had?" I raised my brow in his direction and he grins. I reach for the card in between the beautiful assortment.

"Oooh! You got him good." He winks. I shake my head. I don't know what's happening anymore. The invisible line has been blurred. All there is Asad. Asad Julius Cahn. And I want every part of him. I peer down at the card cautiously.

Something to brighten your day.

Dinner at eight.

Stay beautiful!

AJC.

I slowly took a deep breath, in and out.

"Lucky bitch. Why do you get a hot guy and a date" My friend says dramatically in a mock frown.

"Because I don't want it?" I reply. He snorts. The tramp.

"Don't lie. You are hot for him. I didn't miss the intense look at the club. He doesn't date. What have you done to him?" He pries.

"I haven't done anything" I say defensively.

"What does he want?"

"I don't know" I shrug. "to wine and dine me?" I whisper maybe.

"Enjoy it babe. Let me know if you need help with your outfit." He kisses my cheek.

"Thank you hon. Yes I do." I nod placing the card inside my bag.

"Ooh what do we have here" Simone catwalks to my desk and leans against it smelling my flowers. Bitch.

"Flowers darling. They are flowers." Leo tells her gently. "When a man knows you are genuine, he sends flowers." He eyes her fake body. Her boobs are humongous and fake. I am very happy with mine thank you very much. I'm a healthy D cup though I don't see the need to advertise it. I give Simone the once over, the tightest of skirts and the shirt tucked into it is bursting. Cringe. Reminds me of my moment when I changed my picture on the social site. Thank God, I deleted it. Her platinum blonde hair remains straight as steel.

"I gotta give it to you Zoya. You're a good actress. I didn't think you had it in you or you could do it. But you got him good. I can't wait to read the expose." My blood turned ice at her words. Leo stilled and looked at me with concern seeing my face turn pale. Simone walked away but with her she took a part of me.

"Take me home Leo. Please." I pleaded. He nodded and lifted me from my chair.

I marched from one side of the room to another gulping the rest of the wine in my glass in one go.

"I don't know what I am doing. I have got nothing on Asad. Nothing. I gave him everything though. What am I doing Leo?" I held my head. Chico paced behind me. Even looking at him hurt.

"Oh my." Leo sat back in shock. I stilled.

"What?" I asked in fear.

"You're in love with him." He simply said. Because there was no question about it. I obviously protested.

"No, of course not. I am going to write an expose. I can't fall in love with him. That's stupid." I closed my eyes and imagined holding his face in my hands. "Shit shit shit." I dropped to the floor. Chico jumped onto my lap. "I love him. I am one of the millions of girls that have fallen in love with him." Leo tutted.

"In love hon, not lust. The millions are in lust with him, they want his money and his body."

"And I want his secrets." I shouted. "That doesn't make me any better than them."

"I know you girl. There is something deep, something precious about him that you have noticed. That he has shown you and you gave him your heart otherwise you wouldn't. You're guarded with emotions. He is the biggest manwh**e, biggest player there is. But I think for the first time, he is making a play only for you."

"What do you mean?" I whisper.

"He doesn't wine and dine sweetheart. You threw yourself at him and he comforted you instead. There is so much you're not telling me but he is soft with you. He has the whole world panting for him, you notice things. Like how his parties are different. His social media is different now. I can feel it in my bones. You know when I feel it in my bones, it means something." He gave me a serious look. That's why he is my best friend amongst Georgia who got married to a hunk and left us for New York. "Eww darling don't do that." I rubbed my nose.

"I'm crying. Give me a break."

"Your eyes look swollen like you have been bitten by a bee swollen. You got a hot date. Man do I have to tell you everything?" Leo huffed and puffed.

Much to Leo's dismay, hours later, I sat on my sofa sipping on wine dressed in a pair of black tights and a thin soft blush pink dress resting just above my knees. I paired it with a pair of black ballerina flats. I was simple. No heels, no fancy dress. My makeup even more simple with mascara, blush and lip gloss. My hair was loose in soft waves. I stared at my television but my mind was elsewhere entirely. I heard the buzzer go off; I placed my wine glass on the table and let him in. Minutes later I heard the knock on my door. I gently opened the door and there he stood, the man I couldn't stop thinking about. He was still dressed in his office attire, the black coat resting over his forearm, his white sleeves folded, his hair slightly out of place like he has run his fingers through it numerous times. I watched him silently take me in before lifting his hand and caressing my cheeks with the back of his fingers. My eyes fluttered close, my teeth sunk into my bottom lip before releasing it feeling his thumb brush over it to soothe the punishing marks left on them. He gently pulled me close to him, his nose went into my hair and he inhaled deeply.

"I missed your scent." He hummed before planting a soft chaste kiss on my lips, "and your taste." He took my hand and entwined them with his. "Chico, let's go buddy." He nodded towards the lift pulling me behind him. I closed the door in a rush. Chico wagged his tail in excitement and Asad scooped him into his arms. Chico barked happily.

"Where do you want to go?" He helped me into the back of the car and settled in beside me. Aaron drove off.

"I thought you would have decided." I murmur too entranced by him.

"I have hundreds of restaurants at my beck and call. I want to know where you want to go." He settled our hands on his thigh. I was relieved that he didn't want to hide me from the public. And annoyed that I wanted to be in the public with him at the same time. Oh man.

"Your penthouse." I replied.

"You want to test my culinary skills?" He asked playfully.

"Or mine." I shrugged.

"My date. I cook." He kissed the side of my head.

I watched him from the stool he planted me on once we got inside the penthouse with a glass of wine in my hand. He had dressed into a pair of jeans and black sweater - his favourite colour. Watching such a powerful man in a domesticated role made me drool (dreaming of playing happy family with this guy). I couldn't be any more attracted to him than I was right now. Not that I wasn't a goner already. He moved effortlessly around the kitchen not allowing me to help him. A smile stayed on my face watching him, admiring him, wanting him. The looks he sent me every time he caught me looking was heated and it set my insides on fire.

Chico was roaming around somewhere in the penthouse. I was surprised Aaron had brought some toys upstairs for him to play with. I fell a little more in love with the man who thought of all this.

"For such a busy man, who never stays still, you sure do have awesome culinary skills." I told him tasting the edge of the wooden spoon he placed in front of me. He kissed my lips and went back to cooking laughing. I loved that sound- it was music to my ears. He was always so serious.

"I do have a maid who cooks and cleans this place. But when there isn't a maid, and my stomach needed food, I had to cook for myself. There was point in my life when I was either at work or the gym. It would have been a waste to rely on takeaway. I cooked my own meals. YouTube helps."

"And famous chefs at your disposal" I added helpfully.

"And that too" He chuckled. "I had the funds." He shrugged casually. He turned around and leaned against the worktop. "Can you cook?"

"I think so." I stood on my feet and walked around towards him. He pulled me flush against his body. I melted into him.

"You think so?"

"Uh huh. Leo has only ever tasted my food. He would either spit it out or eat it like I placed a gun to his head. Georgia, my other friend. She loved my baking. I make damn good cakes." I kissed his chin. He smiled down at me.

"Georgia?"

"Georgia York. Lives in New York" I pouted. I missed my friend.

"That name sounds familiar."

"Married to the sexy entrepreneur and owner of every hotel chain you can think of, Joseph York." I sighed into his chest.

"Sexy?" He asked trying to keep his voice normal. Oh my, he sounded... jealous?

"The man is hot Asad. I'm sure you will agree." I caressed his chest. "The way he looks at her like he will devour her."

"What do you think of me?" He kissed my neck and I angled it to the side to give him more room to explore.

"You make me breathless." I whispered softly.

"How do I look at you?" He asked me nibbling on my ears.

"I don't know." He stopped and looked at me.

"I'm going to show you." He kissed my lips and went to plate our food.

I stared at the crackling fire and exhaled softly - I felt so warm and free. I gazed across at Asad who was on his phone talking intensely. He didn't want to take the phone call but I insisted. He lives for his work and I needed some time to gather my thoughts. Chico lay at my feet satisfied with dinner as I am. Asad told me about his mother, his loving and caring mother. The only person in his life to show him love and care for him selflessly. When she was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was seventeen was when she started pulling away from him. Losing her three years later was hard for him, even harder when his father kept him away from his mother's funeral. His father hated him. Hated him because his wife couldn't give him another child after complications with having Asad. Hated him because his wife's true affections lay with her son. His wife's fortune was all for her son. No doubt his father was also amongst the richest in the city. His mother came from an affluent family too. His father was money and power hungry. He wanted children but he didn't have any love to give to them. When he had meningitis at five, his father forced his mother away to another city admitting him to hospital. My poor baby was alone fighting for his life.

I rose to my feet slowly, Asad turned towards me in that moment. He murmured into his phone and threw it onto the couch. He then stalked towards me, his eyes black with desire. I jumped into his arms, my lips searched for his. He took my lips possessively plunging his tongue deep into my mouth and wrapping it around my tongue. I hooked my parted legs around his waist and his hands rested on my bottom holding me firmly against him. I moaned deep into his mouth and he swallowed it with a groan. He strode towards his bedroom and kicked it shut while kissing my mouth senseless. He gently placed me on the bed without breaking the kiss placing his body over mine angling his head to get better access. He lifted his head and stared down at me tenderly brushing the hair off my face. He placed another kiss on my lips and lifted off my body. He pulled his top off and threw it on the floor and then his jeans. He stood before me in his boxers. He crawled on top of me again ripping my tights, his nose flaring, his eyes heated taking in my tanned legs.

"Dress. Off." He gritted out painfully. I sat upright and he helped remove my dress. I lay back down finding him align his body on top of mine. He placed his head in the curve of my neck and inhaled my scent like a caveman. He trailed kisses all over my body, over my bra, on my stomach, down and down all the way to my toes before kissing his way up. "I want you" He whispered taking my lips again, his hands roaming all over my body before cupping my face resting his nose against mine. "Baby."

"Then take me." I whispered kissing his jaw.

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"Chico!" I shrieked finding him jumping onto the bed. Asad's face was firmly planted in between my breasts, his body draped over mine. He chuckled lifting his head and placing a kiss against my chest before turning to cuddle my dog.

"Good morning buddy!" Asad's husky voice warmed my body. Talking about my body, it was sated after the intense night we have both had.

"We both need to head home." I said reaching the bedsheet to cover my naked chest. Asad turned his face towards me.

"I didn't make myself clear did I?" I looked at him confused, "You're both spending the weekend here" He told me flatly.

"What?" I sat shot upright, "I don't have clothes... I uh don't have..." I trailed off finding him stare at me in a way that killed any protest.

"There are shirts in there. Help yourself." He ignored me taking the dog out of my room. All I could do was stare, Chico was entranced with the man licking his face. I guess he found the male figure he needed in his life. I swear my dog was smiling and thanking me with his eyes. I burst with laughter shaking my head throwing my head back on the pillow. Asad glanced over his shoulder and smiled.

I stirred the sauce for my chicken picatta humming to myself. I tied my hair up into a messy bun on top of my head; I had worn a pair of Asad's shorts rolled up at least three times and one of his famous white shirts. I was singing along to Ed Sheeran's thinking out loud with Chico helping me out with the lyrics. It was one of our sacred routines when I cook. Asad was in another room working on his laptop making international business calls. Basically getting the moon. I don't know what we have, I'm too scared to label it. Whatever I was to him. I was damn proud of him. I was proud of what he has done for himself.

"Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars

Place your head on my beating heart

I'm thinking out loud

Maybe we found love right where we are..." I sang with Chico barking aloud with me. I twirled using the wooden as my mic. Quickly checking on the chicken singing the rest of the lyrics, I joined Chico waiting eagerly for me. I coughed to clear my throat.

"So baby now

Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars

Oh darling, place your head on my beating heart

I'm thinking out loud

That maybe we found love right where we are" I froze midway through my singing, shouting, whatever you want to call it to find Asad leaning against the wall, arms crossed, smirking. My cheeks heated instantly, I lowered my hands and coughed pushing my loose hair behind my ears.

"The food is almost ready." I beamed. He pushed off the wall and the room instantly filled with a wonderful sound. His laughter was a roar, I should have been embarrassed, maybe insulted that he was laughing at me but all I could do is gape with an open mouth. He came towards me and held my face in between his masculine hands.

"You are so beautiful" He tells me before kissing my nose. "And food smells amazing." He smiles. And I go all goo.

"Okay." I whisper.

"The duet sounded good." He teases. Chico barks thanks. I bite my lip stopping the smile from taking over my face. "Hey buddy you gotta give me some tips." He lifted Chico into his arms. I leaned back and watched them both interact. It suddenly hit me. He has never had a pet. Someone to shower all his love on. With his father creating distance between him and his mother, he didn't really have anyone else to love. He looked a little kid on Christmas and the dog was his wish come true. My heart burst with love. I discreetly wiped away my tears.

"Why don't you two go and set up the table. I'll be right there." I told him. He nodded eagerly and walked out with Chico barking insane things at him like they were having a conversation. My little dog was growing up way too fast. I smiled - Asad wanted to spend his weekend with both of us. And that meant so much.

"What are you reading?" I peered under his arm at the book. We were both comfortable on the sofa in front of the fire. He loved the fireplace. He loved to read. The man continues to surprise me.

"Read it and find out." He chuckled. I sighed not finding a good book in his library that I could get into. I got up ten times in the last hour trying to search for something to read. I searched again - this time settling on Jane Austen's Persuasion. I shifted on the long couch to set my feet on his lap. He takes one foot in his hand and holds his book with the other, reading for another half hour.

Before long, he's leaning over to peer at my book. "Where are you?" he asks, his voice gruff from not speaking for a while he skims the page. "Ahhh."

I slap his shoulder with the book. "Don't spoil it for me. What do you mean, ahhh? How do they get back together? Do they even meet again, tell me?"

He chuckles low, then pries my book away, sets it aside, and he kisses me slow and easy.

I sigh into his mouth. His body over mine, consuming me.

This was my most favourite place on earth. Under this guy.

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Asad and I spent the last three weeks together, working hard throughout the week and every free moment at either his penthouse or my flat. We haven't named our relationship, I didn't even know if it was a "relationship." And every day, Lynn called me for an update. I told her I was working on it. Leo has been pushing me to tell Asad. But I couldn't hurt him. I couldn't tell him that I met him because I was told to do an expose project on him. After our first meeting, it was more than that. But he would feel betrayed. Honesty and trust was everything for Asad. I was falling more and more in love with him every day, every moment he spent worshipping my body and sending me constant texts throughout the day reminding me he was thinking of me.

Chico barked from beside me. I looked up to hear a knock on the door. I slowly rose from the couch and peeped through the hole. Asad stood restless on the other side.

"Hey." I greeted with a smile. He instantly held me, placing his head in the curve of my neck and inhaling my scent. I ran my fingers through his hair making him groan in pleasure. "What's up?"

"I have five minutes before I fly to New York for a meeting. I just wanted to see you." He took my lips in a brutal kiss, taking me and branding me. He showered my face with kisses and all I could do was hold on. His breathing was fast and unsteady. He took my face in his hands. I loved it. It made me feel precious. That's it. I needed to tell him. He shook his head halting my words.

"I need to talk to you."

"Me first baby. Me first. I am going to ask you when I get back. I knew you weren't ready before but now I can't wait... maybe no one can be ready for me." He smirks, but there's a gleam of sheer purpose and determination in his gaze. My mouth is parted, the caress of his thumb across my lips makes me realise how fast I am breathing. Yet I still stare helplessly, aching. "No half measures, I might be difficult. I'm ambitious, I ride my people hard and I'll ride my girlfriend harder- what with everything I want from her"but I'll give her back everything she gives me tenfold."

"Asad..." I whisper.

"Be my girlfriend, Zoya Officially. Exclusive and monogamous." He leans his forehead against mine. He walks backward slowly; my heart bleeds with every step taking him further away from me. His eyes are not green ice, they are green lava. He shakes his head knowing I desperately want to reach for him. "I'll be back for you baby. I'll be back for my answer." The lifts take him away from me. I sag against my door.

Airborne and missing you baby. I miss your scent.

I stare at his message.

I miss your touch.

The phone vibrates in my hand. I swipe the screen and lift it to my ears.

"I miss your sound." He tells me. His voice low, husky.

"I miss you." I simply tell him. My voice cracks. The distance is killing me. I need him like air. To breathe. "I can't breathe without you."

"Oh baby." He soothes.

"I have so much to tell you. So damn much." I curl into a ball, sniffing into the phone. My eyes are red and swollen from crying already. I was desperate to tell him the truth yet scared how he will react.

"I wish I was there with you right now. I've got you now baby. Everything will be good." He tells me.

"Promise?" I ask of him.

"I promise baby." He laughs.

"I love your laugh" I whisper. He laughs again.
"I love you Asad." I confess, I hear the sharp intake of his breath and then complete silence. "I love you" I tell him again cutting off the call.

I fire off a text to Lynn.

I can't do the article. I'm sorry. I just can't.

I send another to Leo and Georgia.

I need you both.

And I let the darkness take me.

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A loud bang wakes me up. I rush out of bed and open the door to find a frantic Leo.

"Oh hon! Are you okay?" He gathers me in his arms. "It will be okay. The backstabbing bitch, I swear I am going to pull her hair out and blow up her fake boobs!" He swears.

I pull back and stare at him in shock.

"What are you talking about?" I ask confused. Leo freezes.

"You don't know?" He asks gently like I will break. I shake my head. "What was the text about?"

"I told him I loved him last night. I just needed you guys for comfort. He has gone to New York and I miss him. My heart feels heavy. Like I will never see him again." I frown. Leo's face goes pale. He takes me to the sofa and makes me sit down. He fixes me a cup of coffee and quietly fixes Chico's food. He exhales deeply before settling on his knees in front of me.

"Hon" He starts, "The bitch Simone quit the other day. And she released a story this morning." I stilled, hell I think I stopped breathing. He took his phone out and slowly turned it towards me.

DECEIVED: Asad Cahn's New Girlfriend Really Undercover Press!

And then my tears came out.

If you've been waiting for the dish on one of the most unexpected "relationships" to arise with one of our bachelors, prepare to have your mind blown even further when I let it all out of the bag. At least, Asad Cahn's girlfriend's bag...

I shook my head in disbelief. He would have read this by now. My throat felt tight. Oh my god. What have I done?

"I can't... Leo. I never did. I told Lynn I wouldn't. I love him." Tears fell from my eyes. Chico snuggled into my side. My world was falling apart.

My phone goes off next to me. Lynn calling.

"You saw?" She asks me. "We'll ride this out if it kills us. Get to work and sort this out." She growls and hangs up.

I change in record time and run out of my building for A3, his office. He said he would try to return by morning. He should be there. I needed to talk to him.

"Can I meet Asad Cahn?" I ask reaching the top floor receptionist. She stares daggers at me. I was desperate for just one meeting.

"I'm sorry but we can't have you here," the receptionist says. "He's busy, just arrived from out of town." I see anger in her eyes. My attention flicks to the large man, bodyguard waiting to escort me out.

I shake my head with tears rolling down my eyes. I leave the building to find Leo waiting for me with open arms. I choke on a sob.

"He doesn't want to see me. I wanted to explain." He takes me home without a word. "He's putting a wall up again, he doesn't want to see me" I cry.

"You said his staff were loyal to a fault. They would be protective of him." Leo comforts me.

"I can't lose him" I tell him. Knowing this was all my fault. I betrayed him in the worst way. I wanted to explain. He could kick me out after that.

I dialled his number and it went to voicemail.

"Please Asad... hear me out. Just once. I will get out of your life. Just let me explain." I break off. I gather myself into a ball on the sofa, my heart breaking. I spend the rest of the day slipping in and out of conscious, the rest of the week following the same way. I left the same message for Asad every day. Leo spent every night at mine. I haven't been eating or sleeping. I didn't have the strength to look at a mirror. Lynn has been pleading for me to get to work.

"THAT'S IT! GET YOUR BONY ASS OUT OF BED NOW!!!!" Leo growled pulling me up and depositing me into the bathroom. "Freshen up now and I will take you to work. You are going to write your piece and put it out there. He isn't going to call you back sweets. And you desperately want him to listen to you. Use Sparks to do that for you." He motivates me. I shower slowly scrubbing myself clean, my body pale and disgustingly skinny. I dress myself in black sweats and a blue hoodie.

"What?" I give Leo a dirty look at his disapproving glare. I was a bitch I know.

"Come on. Let's go Chico." He takes us both to Spark and makes me sit in front of my computer. Lynn stares at me from her office giving me the evil look. I didn't give two f**ks. I am going to write this piece and quit.

He was so honest with me. He stood there talking about truth and loyalty while I sat there moved by everything we talked about, absolutely knowing that I was falling in love, helpless to stop it.

I grab my notes from my bag and cry a little.

I close my eyes and breathe in. And then I type and type. I pour my heart and soul into it. I then hand it over to Lynn and leave. She told me to take another week off. But I knew in my heart that I won't be returning.

I closed myself off to the world when it was published. Leo said that Georgia left messages and Joesph wanted to talk to me. I didn't want to talk.

Lynn called me a few days later.

"This article wasn't what I wanted." She growled.

"Well that's what you got." I retorted. I got bare attitude.

"It's crazy out there" She sighs.

"I haven't been online so I wouldn't know." I need to shut up.

"Let me tell you hon, falling in love sucks. But that guy, you got him good." I wince. "Your boyfriend has pulled Simone's article." I gasp. "It cannot be reposted without legal consequences now. Asad Cahn canned any printed editions of her post and it was removed from the blog."

"What?" I rear in shock.

"He owns the rights to her article. He doesn't want it out there. It cannot be published anymore without his go ahead." She explains.

"What about ours?" I swallow.

"I think he really likes you." She tells me and my insides burn me. "He's been doing a lot of dangerous physical activities with his manwh**e buddies... Like he has a death wish or something." I close my eyes and fist my hands tightly.

"I quit." My voice is loud and clear.

"I know sweets. It was good knowing you. Goodbye!" And the phone clicks off.

"Asad!" I rock back and forth. I jump off my bed and grab Chico's leash.

"We are going for a walk." I shout to Chico who comes running. We stroll towards the park ignoring everything around us. I find his face staring back at me from the news stall. The picture Lynn used for him on Spark's magazine stands out amongst all the other ones. I buy it without a second thought and sit down on the bench loosening Chico's leash. He runs circles around the bench. I caress his face on the cover. Asad. My Asad. We began as fast as we ended. No trace left of our togetherness apart from betrayal. I turn the page to my article.

EXPOSING ASAD JULUIS CAHN.

By Z. Carter

I'm going to tell you a story. A story that managed to pull me apart completely. A story that has made me cry, laugh, scream, smile, and then cry again. A story I keep telling to myself over and over and over until I have memorized every smile, every word, every thought. It brought me back to life. It taught me to breathe.

The story begins with this very article. It was a regular morning at Sparks. A morning that would bring me a big opportunity: to write an expos on Asad Julius Carter Reed Cahn. Billionaire playboy, beloved womanizer, a source of many speculations. This article was meant to give a hungry reporter like me a voice. A chance to broaden my career. I jumped at the opportunity, fearful no doubt, but I put my soul into it. I managed to get an interview with him to discuss FreeSpace - rising to popularity. This city has been obsessed with his persona for years. I found myself lucky to be in this position, for this chance.

I was so focused on revealing Asad Cahn I let my guard down, unaware that every time he opened up, he was actually revealing me to me. Things I had never wanted were suddenly all I wanted. I was determined to find out more about this man. This mystery. Why was he so closed off? Why was nothing ever enough for him? I soon discovered he was not a man of many words, but rather a man of the right words. A man of action. I told myself that every inch of information I hunted was for this article, but the knowledge I craved was actually about myself. I exposed myself to him, he got past all my walls faster than anyone has ever done. I let him in and in turn, he let me in. The man I discovered shattered my heart and pieced me back together. He taught me to breathe. I was so consumed by him. I wanted to know his every secret. I wanted live him.

But most unexpectedly of all, Asad began to pursue me. Genuinely. Wholeheartedly. And relentlessly. I could not believe that he would be truly interested in me. I had never been pursued like this. I had never felt so connected to something"someone.

I never expected my story to change, but it did. Stories tend to do that; you go out searching for something and come back with something different. I wasn't looking to fall in love, I wasn't looking to lose my mind and common sense over the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen, I wasn't looking to drive myself crazy with lust. But I ended up finding a little piece of my soul, a little piece that isn't really that small at all: it's over six feet tall, with shoulders about a yard wide, hands more than twice the size of mine, green eyes, dark hair, and it is smart, ambitious, kind, generous, powerful, sexy, and has consumed me completely.

I regret lying, both to myself and to him; I regret not having the experience to recognize what I was feeling the moment I felt it. I regret not savouring each second I had with him more, because I value those seconds more than anything.

However, I don't regret this story. His story. My story. Our story.

I love him, selflessly to the point of obsession.

He consumed me.

I'd do this all over again for another moment with him. To be with him. I'd leap blindly into the air if there a 0.01 percent chance that he would still be there to catch me.

I burst into tears again. The thunder roared in the background and the rain poured down heavily. It soaked me and my tears.

"I am so sorry." Chico barked at me to get up. "I know baby. I know." He missed him too. I put the leash back on him and walked back towards my apartment in a daze.

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"Take care sweetheart." Georgia blew me a kiss into the camera. I smiled. Joseph wrapped his arms around her.

"Take care love. If you need anything, let us know." His British accent was still hard to get over. I nodded and thanked them both. The room filled with silence once I closed my laptop.

My phone rang with an unknown number.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Miss Carter, this is Suzanne." Huh, Suzanne I racked my brain. And then it hit me. One of Asad's assistant.

"Yes?" I swallowed.

"Mr Cahn wants to meet you. He has a twenty minute slot allocated for you. Please be ready for 5.20 p.m. His driver will pick you up on his way. He is really pressed for time. He has a busy schedule."

"Yes. I will be ready." I reply.

"He er... He requested Chico to assist you. Thank you for your time." And she hung up. I stared at my phone for a good ten minutes. I breathed into my hands.

I paced my living room floor once I was dressed in a pair of blue denim jeans and black sweater. I tied my hair up into a ponytail. Makeup free. I closed my eyes hearing the buzzer. I straightened my back and readied myself for a battle. I took the stairs down to the ground floor with Chico tightly against my chest. I stopped finding Aaron holding the door open for me, a small smile on his face. He greeted me and helped me inside. I was surprised not to find Asad in here. I thought I would meet him in between meetings in his car. I didn't ask any questions as Aaron drove off.

He stopped a good twenty minutes later. I steadied my breathing, my heart was beating erratically. I was scared. I couldn't see the hatred in his eyes. The betrayal is so much more real now. I have unknowingly betrayed the only man I have loved. Leo was right, I should have told him the truth. It took our second meeting for me to realise I felt something for him. That something turned deep on our third meeting. And I fell hard.

Aaron opened the door for me and I came face to face with the Yacht. My tongue went over my dry lips, the cool air doing nothing to extinguish the fire inside me. A movement from the top of the Yacht catches my eye and there he stands, tall, dark and handsome, very much the intimidating man the world fears. He is so still, hands in his pocket, his stance wide.

I walk up onto the Yacht slowly with Chico. My hands shake as I hold the barrier leading up to the top of the deck where we sat and talked the first time we were here together. My steps falter finding his eyes on me, his face a blank mask. No emotions. Chico runs to him and circles him. Asad slowly bends down and lifts him into his arms. Chico licks his face, my teeth sink onto my bottom lip to stop them from trembling. However the tears in my eyes, I cannot stop. They flow so effortlessly. Chico barks and Asad smiles sadly before letting him go.

"You behave buddy." He warns him. Chico barks and wags his tail before sprinting into the room on the side. I step forward; scared he might fall off the Yacht. "My crew are on alert." He tells me, but the disappointed look in his eyes kills me. I fight to breathe. I need to explain. Explain I will myself. And then go.

"I'm..." I pause seeing the bruise on his jaw. His hand scrapes the spot before dropping it to his side and waiting for me to speak. But I'm numb. I cannot speak. He looks impatient to hear me talk.

"Why?" He asks me, his voice calm but he looks like he's barely holding in his fury.

"I'm sorry." I lower my head. "I never meant to hurt you."

"No you played me." He retorts. I wince. I went to expose the player but I ended up playing him. I am a bad person. "You wanted to expose me. You thought I was the biggest manwh**e. But you didn't know me at all, Zoya. You thought I deserved for you to play me? You saw me like everyone did and all that time I was standing there being real with you."

"When she told me about you..." I stammer, "It felt wrong. But I was tired of writing dating advice and giving fashion tips. I was tired of getting nothing real, nothing that was worth reading. When I met you, you threw my world upside down on the first meeting. I was a mess. I am a mess. I wanted to expose you, but I exposed myself to you. I wanted to know your secrets, but not for the story but for myself. I told myself you were a player. I told myself you were ruthless. You didn't deserve this. You didn't deserve any of this. I couldn't convince myself that you were anything but genuine. Our second meeting, I was angry and hot for you. I wanted to expose you then too after my shaky first meeting with you but I felt something weird between us. Our third meeting, I told myself I wasn't made for your scene. And truth was I wasn't. I didn't know who I was. The article meant nothing to me. I didn't want to do it anymore. I felt dirty. You talked about loneliness. You connected with me in a way no one could. I couldn't un-connect us. I swear I tried. I was going to walk away. But you held onto me, you held my insides in such a punishing grip. You ripped me raw. And I fell for you. I wanted to tell you but I didn't want to hurt you."

"You were never going to tell me."

"I was going to when you asked me to be yours." I choked out.

"You hurt me." He tells me.

"I'm so sorry Asad. I'm not sorry for falling in love with you but I am sorry for hurting you. I'm not sorry spending those moments with you, I am sorry for not telling you sooner. I'm not sorry for touching you, I am sorry for betraying your trust. I will always be sorry. I never meant for all of this to happen. I can't explain in words what you have come to mean to me. But I can say that I will regret not having you for another moment. I will go away from your life I promise. You will never have to see my face, my betrayal. Thank you for making me feel whole again, even for a few moments. I will forever be grateful - for making me feel cherished. I will treasure those moments. You made me feel safe and for that, I owe you so much." I meet his green eyes trying to memorise how they look in real. I scan his every feature committing it to my memory. "I quit Sparks. Don't ruin it because of me. I am going far away from this city. I hope you can forgive me. Please take care." I say on a sob furiously wiping my eyes with the back of my hands. Chico leans into me whimpering. "Let's go baby."

"Chico stays." His booming face commands me.

"Please, I can't live without him." I whimper pleadingly clutching him tightly against my chest.

"He means something to me. I have a say in where he stays." He says coming closer to me. I shake my head stepping away from him.

"Please." I beg of him. Chico looks between us in distress. My little baby was confused. "Anything but him. I will have nothing if you take him from me. I will break completely. And this time I won't be able to get back up." My whole body shook. He grabbed my hand and pulled me against him wrapping us both in his arms. I cowered against his chest. My world tilted. His hand held the back of my head in a punishing grip and I closed my eyes welcoming the pain he was giving me. Chico wiggled free from my arms. I could hear his tiny feet spinning circles around us on the deck.

"Asad" I cried feeling his nose against the side of my head, breathing me in. He tightened his hold around me. I had lost weight in the last two weeks, his grip was crushing me.

"Do you belong to me Zoya? Do I own your heart the way you have claimed mine? Do I have your loyalty and trust baby? Do I?" He growls into my ear.

"My heart and soul belongs to you. It always has." I grip his shirt in my fists.

"I want to hate you." He confesses loosening his hold. "But I can't let you go no matter how much I want to. I want to catch you baby, the one and only person. Will you take the leap for me?" I pull back and peer up at him. The raw emotion on his face splits me in two. He holds my face carefully brushing my hair away. His hands shake. "I love you. With every bit of me. I need you to love me back. My need for you brings me to my knees. Nothing else matters. You matter. Only you. I need you and Chico. Because I cannot breathe without you. I want kids with you. I want to use all the names my mother has given to me to all my kids. I want everything with you." He falls to his knees. "I don't want to be alone again. My life is darkness without you. I need your light. Marry me baby. Be my wife. Be mine. In every sense. And I will bring the world to your feet." He bows his head.

"I don't want the world." I hear myself say. "All I want is you. All I ever needed was you. To love me and cherish me." I drop in front of him. He snakes his hand around the nape of my neck and drops his forehead against mine.

"Be mine baby."

"I am already yours." I tell him. And I am. Every bit his.

Wow

wow...its just out of the world
awesome ,amazing...mind blowing,no words to say
when i finished the reading... i fell in love with this story
wants to read more nd more...why it hav to ends?? :(.
this is one of the most beautiful , hot, passionate and intense , sweet and refreshing story i ever read...LUVD IT TO THE CORE,.
each and every single bit of the story is ,... just fantabulous.
amazingly written,,... i cant stop myself to read again
Luv, confessions , pain...beautifully written . the expressions are like , can see really through them
honestly., i just cant forget this story ever. its so gud ,so damn gud.
its really hard to tell my fav parts bz if i hav to, then i have to write the whole story by the name of mentioning it.
ASYA parts...gosh, i luv them nd miss them more nw.
so ASYA is ok nw...is this is the ending of the story.
i mean, will u cont again...

I dont have words to tell u how much I loved it

H😲😲😲