I dragged my feet out of my room, grateful that today was Friday and over the weekend I’d get to sleep as much as I wanted. Pixie strolled behind me, playfully running in circles around me as I ever so slowly made the painfully long walk towards the kitchen for some much-needed coffee. Yes, I was choosing coffee over orange juice. I was THAT tired.
This week had been utterly exhausting as Liam had a business conference in San Francisco and we ended up going together. Aside from all the work done in preparation for interviews and listening to Liam speak on stage, which was really hot, we got to enjoy some more alone time and had a few great opportunities to get to know each other.
For the sake of hiding what kind of shifter we were, everyone was required to wear bracelets that neutralized all of our powers, making us essentially human. It felt weird but it was the safest security method when having huge conferences where the attendees were a mixture of shifters and humans. We already had enough tension between shifter races, so adding humans to the mix would only risk a huge disaster.
We'd arrived at my place really late, so I told Liam he should stay for the night. Alexander didn't look too pleased with me inviting Liam without notice but I could barely keep my eyes open and didn't even make it to my bedroom before Liam had to pick me up and carry my knocked out ass to bed.
Even though we'd shared a hotel room, thankfully getting the last available suite that only had one king-sized bed, we hadn’t been intimate. It had been hard as fuck and I could sense his own struggle but it was comforting to know he wanted me for who I was and not for my body. Plus, he was a really good cuddler which made up for the fact I had to wear a bra all night long.
I had woken up in the middle of the night to pee, so I didn't give a flying fuck at that point, stripping out of my clothes, throwing whatever shirt was long enough to cover my ass and crawling back to bed where Liam pulled me into his arms in his half asleep state. He seriously looks adorable when he sleeps too.
The smell of bacon, eggs, and toast hit my nose and was the motivation I needed to drag my feet a little faster to the kitchen.
I didn't have to open my eyes to feel the sudden wave of tension that hit me and made me want to turn around and go straight back to sleep. Ugh, why couldn't I sleep in? Damn work.
"Sia?" I heard Liam ask and I slowly opened my eyes. I was surprised to see him placing scrambled eggs on a plate that already had bacon and toast with butter on it. I shifted my gaze slightly to see the glass of orange juice and a normal cup of coffee.
My body moved on its own and I pulled the high stool out from under the kitchen island to sit on. Pixie hopped up on me and clung to my shirt which caught my attention. I used my left hand to lift him up and placed him on the counter where he ran over to the little bowl of food and water.
I sat down and took a long whiff of the mouth-watering food, wanting to dig in but unsure if it was for me. Instead, I put my chin on the marble counter and stared longingly at the delicious masterpiece with puppy eyes.
Liam laughed, the gentle sound making me lift my gaze. I took in his attractive appearance; he wore a black apron that covered his bare chiseled chest and his bed hair made him look really fuckable right now. Hmm, sex in the kitchen would be new...
"It's your plate, so go ahead. Take your time, we don't need to be at the office until noon today,” he reassured.
I squealed, picking up the coffee and taking a big gulp of it. "So sweet," I commented.
Liam looked like he was deep in thought for a moment. "I guess two sugars instead of three next time?" he questioned.
I grinned. "Yes, please. Two is more than enough."
"I'm surprised you’re drinking coffee first," Liam noted.
"I feel like a zombie," I mumbled, drinking more of the hot caffeinated beverage. Regardless of the sweetness, I appreciated the fact he'd made it for me along with breakfast.
Even during our trip, he made sure that right when I woke up, room service was at the door with a tray of food, ensuring they always had a big jug of freshly made orange juice waiting for me. I didn't know what power he possessed to know when my coma self would wake up from the land of sleep, but every day he'd been able to get it spot on.
"You'll make it through the day? You can stay home and rest if you need to,” he suggested. It wasn't like the time difference between NYC and San Francisco was a lot, only three hours, but it threw my sleep schedule off nonetheless.
"I'll be fine, as long as Lilith doesn't piss me off and Annie doesn't spill coffee today," I mumbled, lowering my coffee that was almost empty. I ruffled my messy hair. Hmm, where's Alexander?
"Are you wearing my shirt?" Liam asked.
"Huh?" I looked down to see I was indeed wearing his shirt that he'd brought to work out in, but never ended up getting the chance. I looked back up and saw he had a wide grin on his face, like he'd won some type of competition. "Oops? Uh...you can have it back if you want?" I offered, but I kinda wanted to keep it. Oh no, I’m already claiming his stuff. It's only going to go downhill from here.
"You can have it,” he replied with a wink before untying the apron Alexander and I used when we baked. Liam hung it back up on its hook and turned back around to face me, grabbing his plate of food and walking over to sit opposite of me.
I stopped midway through eating my toast to stare at his lovely eight-pack of hotness. Why does everyone have eight-packs? Aren't they like extremely hard to maintain or something? I was lucky to have the outline of my six-pack after eating.
Liam chuckled, shaking his head. "You look like a deer in headlights."
"I do not," I argued, blushing. Then I returned to my food.
"Meow meow meow." Pixie was done with his own food and began walking around our plates and stealing bites of our bacon. Liam reached up and began petting Pix who relaxed, laying down and letting Liam continue to spoil him.
"Oh. I should give you this," Liam commented. I gave him a confused look as I began drinking my orange juice. He got up and walked over to the window, which I thought was odd. He picked something up from behind the curtain. My eyes grew wide and I quickly swallowed my juice before setting the glass back on the counter.
"A CACTUS?! Liam, it's HUGE! Did you go to the fucking desert to get one?" I exclaimed, reaching my hands out for the green plant.
"Be careful," Liam warned and I brushed him off as I practically hugged the pink pot that held it.
"How did you get this here?" I demanded, beyond excited by the present.
"I asked my driver to bring it over. I ordered it from Dubai. That's the only place where I could find a magic plant,” he admitted.
I gawked at him. "IT HAS MAGIC?!"
He grinned and nodded, walking over to get a glass of water. He handed it to me, gesturing for me to pour it into the pot. I poured a small amount and Pix moved to sit next to my hand as we both watched the plant intently. I squealed when it began to move from side to side like a dancing Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy.
"It dances!!! OMG! I need to name it. Wait, is it a he or a she? Decisions," I hummed to myself.
"Meow." Pix poked the pink pot, and I stared at it for a moment, realizing he must have been suggesting it was a girl.
"A girl?" I asked Pix, who nodded his little head, tapping the pot again before nudging it with his cheek. I grinned. "Rin!" I spoke with determination.
"Why Rin?" Liam asked, looking pleasantly amused.
"Um...you'd laugh." I blushed with embarrassment, feeling silly about the name choice.
"Try me?"
"Um...well I really like Chibi Moon from Sailor Moon and her English name was Rini, but since my cactus is a grown plant and not a baby, Rin sounded more mature," I revealed.
"Ah, I think it's a nice name, so don't look so embarrassed,” he reassured me.
"You're just being nice," I mumbled but smiled at his acceptance.
"I'm serious." He matched my smile with one of his own. We returned to our breakfast while I eyed the plant like it was a trophy.
A phone began to ring and we both turned to see it was Liam's. "Ah, I was expecting a call. I'm gonna take it outside,” he announced.
I took another look at him."You sure you don't want your shirt back?" I teased with a wide grin.
He chuckled, picking up his phone. "If I did, I wouldn't be able to answer this phone call. You know, distractions and all,” he flirted back, his eyes scanned my body like I was a chocolate bar.
I noticed his gaze shift for a few seconds but I ignored him, realizing I was hungry. I began chomping my food, secretly stealing his remaining bacon.
"I'll be back and stop eating my bacon, Sia," Liam called out.
"It was Pix!" I defended.
Pix turned his head to me, blinking his eyes innocently. "Meow..." he whined.
I grinned. "Take the fall for me and you get more bacon," I proposed in a whisper.
“Meow!” he replied and I giggled, leaning in to rub my nose against his. I fed him some bacon and patted myself down, looking for my phone which I soon realized was back in my room, still on the charging dock. Ah, I have to make sure Annie didn't burn anything today.
I got off the stool and turned around, almost having a heart attack at seeing Alexander at the entrance way, quietly watching me with his hands behind his back.
"For Heaven’s sake, Alexander! You trying to give me heart problems?!" I grabbed my chest and sighed, needing a moment to recover from the scare.
"I don't get why you're so surprised,” he mumbled.
I frowned. "Um, you were just quietly standing there."
"I was here the whole time, Anastasia,” he pointed out.
I gave him a confused look. "No, you weren't. I didn't see you," I defended, trying to think back to when I walked from the hall to the kitchen.
"You walked straight to the island. I was sitting right there." He used his head to nod at our sofa and I frowned, feeling a wave of dread hit me for not realizing he was there.
"So...the whole time you were there? Why didn't you say something?" I felt horrible as I walked up to him in the doorway.
"You seemed busy." He shrugged, looking away.
"Alexander," I said sternly. I knew I shouldn't be upset, but I knew the look on his face. It was the expression of loneliness that tugged at my heart, the same look I'd seen on his face when we met. We understood each other for so many reasons, and I hated that we seemed to be so distant lately.
"You don't need to say anything. I get it,” he replied dejectedly.
"Get what, Alexander? Why are you jumping to conclusions instead of just asking me?" I didn't want to sound upset but I was.
"He's your mate, isn't he?" His question sounded like it was something he accepted as a given statement.
"I don't know. It's not like you can take a test to reveal who your mate is. Even if he was, what does that have to do with us?" I asked.
"It has everything to do with us. I've barely seen you this whole week. It's only a matter of time till you get whisked away by Mr. Eight Pack Billionaire and travel the world together," he whispered.
I almost choked on my saliva as I gawked at him. "Alexander, I'm not going to ditch you and go travel the world together with Liam, AND you have an eight pack too!" I pointed to his abs, which seemed to have slightly less definition than before.
"I'm at seven,” he pointed out. I frowned, narrowing my eyes to try and find the little eighth section of his abs.
"It's there...it's just hiding now that you brought it up," I defended shyly. He sighed, his head hanging low.
"Dammit, Sia, I miss you,” he whispered and my heart broke at his admission. I slipped my hands around his neck, hugging him as tightly as I could. His arms wrapped around me, holding me so tightly that it made me realize he must have been really worried, thinking that I was disappearing.
"Alexander, I miss you too. Don't sound so sad," I whispered.
"But you'll leave me." The heartbreak in his voice made it sound as if I'd actually already discarded him and he had nowhere else to go.
"Why would I leave you, Alexander? I've known you for so long. You've seen things and know things about me no one else does. I would never ditch you. Doesn't matter what the future holds. I'll never desert you," I vowed, meaning every single word.
"Even if Liam sweeps you off your feet and takes you away?" he asked.
I pulled back to stare into his eyes. "No one is sweeping me off anywhere. I can walk on my own and the last time I checked, I hadn't given anyone approval to take me away, anyway," I defended.
That made him chuckle. "I guess that's true."
I bit my lip, unsure if I should do this. When I made up my mind, I went on my tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the lips. He was stiff at first but slowly closed his eyes and relaxed.
The movement of our lips was slow. I didn’t feel like we were in a rush, taking time to enjoy the moment. I pulled back and opened my eyes and saw his small smile. "Sorry,” he apologized.
I smiled, shaking my head side to side."No harm done," I reassured him. "Just know that no matter what happens between us, whether we remain as friends or we decide that we want to take this to the next step, I'll never abandon you. I can confidently promise that."
He slowly nodded, lowering his arms, but kept his left hand hidden behind his back. I tilted my head. "What's in your hand?"
"You don't need it,” he whispered.
"I wanna see." I tried to move around him but his tall ass blocked me.
"No."
"Pretty please? I wanna see," I whined.
"But...it's useless,” he insisted.
"Nothing is useless in this world. Did you see anyone call Magikarp useless in Pokémon? Well..they did, but then BAM! He became fucking Gyarados and can water blast the shit out of other Pokémon," I elaborated.
"Are you seriously using Pokémon, the video game, as an example to lecture me?" He sounded astonished.
"It worked. Now show." I put my hands on my hips and his eyes lingered on my chest for a few seconds. Then he cleared his throat, glancing away as he slowly moved his left hand from behind his back.
I blinked, taking it in, before I squealed. I reached out to take the tiny cactus in a shape of a rose. "Alexander! A ROSE CACTUS! Is this real?" I asked, reaching out to poke the super prickly thorns. He stopped my hand before I got too close.
"Yes, it's real. You don't need to test it out." He sighed.
I practically bounced on my feet in excitement, "Thank you, Alexander!" I gave him another hug, making sure the cactus didn't poke him while I squeezed him.
I pulled out of his embrace and noticed his stunned expression. "But...you already have a bigger one,” he pointed out.
"So?" I asked. "Just because I have a big one, doesn't mean I don't need another one. I'll call her Saturn and she can be friends with Rin! It works perfectly."
"You're so easy to please,” he mumbled.
I grinned at him. "Proud of it,"
He smiled. “I'm gonna go shower. Finish your breakfast." He kissed me on the cheek before he turned and walked away.
"Thanks, Alexander," I whispered.
He paused in the doorway. "You're welcome, Sia,” he replied quietly; I had to strain my ears to hear it.
I sighed, hoping my words and actions would be enough to rid him of any doubt he had. I glanced down at the lovely rose cactus. The rose part was a mixture of light pink and magenta.
"I should water it and see if it dances," I mumbled to myself.
"It does," Liam's voice announced. I turned my head to see him sipping his coffee while he was petting Pix, who looked completely satisfied as he wagged his tail back and forth.
"Liam?! When? I swear, how do you guys hide your presence like that?" I complained as I walked back to the island where we had sat previously. "How long have you been there?"
"Since Mr. Seven Pack Jealous Best Friend said we'd travel the world and leave him behind," Liam revealed, sipping more of his coffee. He continued. "If he wanted to come, he could just say so."
I sighed, placing Saturn next to Rin, then sat on my stool. "He's not good at asking, but he’s not jealous!" I defended.
Liam raised an eyebrow at me, as he got off his stool to grab my plate of food. He took it over and placed it in the microwave, removing the toast first and putting it back into the toaster.
"He's totally jealous. Also, does that mean you won't go around the world with me?" he asked innocently. I couldn't help but smile at his question, realizing he was actually worried about me not wanting to travel with him.
"I'll go anywhere with you if you want. You just have to agree that Alexander can come if he wants," I suggested.
"Sure, I don't care,” Liam replied. The microwave beeped, indicating it was done warming my food. The toaster popped out my once cold toast; the smell of it hit my nose, reminding me that I was still hungry. I hopped off my stool and walked over to him as he placed my toast back on my warm plate of food.
"You're so laid back with life, yet at work, you’re like an evil boss with a stick up his ass." I giggled at him and he rolled his eyes in response.
"I have to be that way. Honestly, if it wasn't due to certain circumstances, I'd run things differently,” he admitted.
"Differently?" I questioned. He smirked, setting my plate next to his, then he slipped his arms around my waist, pulling me close.
"Ya. I totally wouldn't have Lilith or Annie if it were up to me. All I would need is you, and I guess my driver would be useful,” he admitted and I laughed.
"You're lucky your driver didn't hear that tone of yours. Ohh, get rid of them but keep me," I whispered, leaning into him.
He slowly nodded, his red eyes darkening with desire. "Yes, but at least I could have my way with you in that office with no interruptions,” he confessed before his lips claimed mine. I kissed him passionately, feeling calm as the remaining bits of tension from my earlier discussion with Alexander left me.
"That sounds delightful," I whispered against his lips.
He grinned, giving me another kiss before lifting his hand. He gestured for me to sit next to him. I did while he took his seat, reaching out to bring my orange juice to my left side.
"Do you have plans this weekend?" he asked as I was midway through my warmed up breakfast.
"Nope. Probably just sleep," I replied.
"You think you'd be up for a business trip?" he questioned.
"Business trip?" I repeated.
Liam nodded. "The phone call I just got was from a colleague who needs me to go over some things this weekend at his resort for a future business deal. I couldn't refuse since he's helped me a few times in the past. If...you aren't busy...would you like to come?" he asked, his cheeks growing red as he asked the last question.
I beamed at the idea, wondering where this resort was. Even if it was just for work, it sounded better than being at the office. Also, seeing as it was going to be warm this weekend, I would probably get to spend time at the beach. Well, if they had one there. I didn't really care honestly. A kiddy pool would do. I just wanted some time in a pool since I hadn't had the luxury to enjoy the one in our apartment or use my swimming membership for that huge swimming pool for celebrities and well-known business individuals. It was a waste of money if I didn't go there more often, but I didn't want to cancel.
"I'd love to!" I cheered. "Please tell me there's a pool?"
"There’s an infinity one,” he reassured me and I grinned.
"Perfect!" I declared, stretching my arms out.
Liam smiled, looking pleased as his eyes trailed down my body. "You should wear that shirt more often." I opened my eyes and looked down at my shirt, realizing my nipples practically showed through the super thin white fabric. I blushed, lowering my arms as I tried to hide them.
"You like it?" I questioned, noticing the hint of lust evident in my lower tone.
He grinned, leaning in to whisper in my ear. "If it wasn't for the fact your boyfriend was here, this shirt of mine would be off your glorious body and you'd be enjoying something more pleasurable than just toast and scrambled eggs," he teased. His left hand reached up and gently squeezed my left breast, making me shiver as a soft moan left me.
"Tease," I whispered and he kissed me softly, teasing my breast with his finger that slowly rubbed my hard nipple in a circular manner. He quickly let go and pulled away, just as I heard the click of the washroom door down the hall as it was being unlocked.
I returned to my breakfast before Alexander walked out into the hall. He headed to his room and I sighed, thinking he caught us in our heated moment. Wow, I feel like a teenager hiding from my parents.
"Let's finish breakfast and head to work," Liam suggested, his playful grin hinting at something completely not work relationed. Maybe we'd have a little fun at work.
He noticed my gaze and grinned. "I feel like I should say no to whatever you're imagining, but it's probably hot and intense, and something I'd love to partake in. But if you don't finish your breakfast, we won't beat the traffic to get that luxury," Liam suggested.
I didn't delay, digging into my remaining food. He chuckled, reaching out to run his hands through my hair. I turned my head slightly to stare into his pleased expression.
"He'll come around. Give him some time,” he whispered. I slowly nodded and he rubbed my cheek with his thumb before he let go, returning to finishing his coffee which I knew must be cold by now.
He drank it anyway and it made me realize how genuinely amazing he was because I knew for a fact he hated when his coffee was cold. We didn't know the secrets we hid from one another, but half of me was okay with that.
The other half hoped to get to learn every detail about his past, even though some secrets could do more harm than good.