Chapter 2

Electra’s heels click against the marble floor as she walks into the event hall. The smell of expensive champagne hit her nostrils. Men and women clad in expensive formal clothes formed small groups around and their lively chatter filled the hall. From her observation, she can already tell that this is a corporate event, confirming what Anders had told her.

She stands by the entrance, craning her neck, scanning through the crowd for Anders.

She immediately begins to regret refusing his offer to pick her up when he had called to ask. She wouldn't have been standing here, having so many eyes scope her up and down. But she didn’t want to sit in a car with him after how he had kissed her the other night.

She pulls the hem of her black dress down.

“Damn! That's one hell of a hot chick.” Orion whistles. His eyes gleam with admiration and a flirtatious glint. “Who is she?”

Anders looks to his friend and partner in the law firm. Following Orion's gaze, Anders’ eyes land on the striking woman by the door.

It takes him a moment to recognize who she is. He knocks back the content of his glass and hands the empty glass to his startled friend.

“That's my girlfriend.” He says, leaving Orion gapping at him.

His eyes trail the length of the woman as he approaches. Silver stilettos hide her feet. He travels up through her long nicely shaped legs until they disappear underneath the black glittering dress. He stands in front of her.

“Sorry, I got here a little late-” she stops, noting how intense his gaze is on her.

She shifts. “Something wrong?”

“This is not the dress I sent.” His tone is hard.

“I didn't like the one you sent.” Defiance laced her every word.

His eyes narrow. “You're testing me, pumpkin.”

Electra hiss. “Stop. Calling. Me. That!” She grits.

Amusement glints in his eyes. So far, he enjoys seeing her riled.

He accesses her. The dress accentuates the flare of her hips, the slim curve of her waist and the thrust of her breast. Perfect.

Anders’ eyes stop at her face. Electra had drawn her hair back into a neat ponytail. A few curly strands left to dangle over the sides of her face. The slightest bit of make-up worn. She looks beautiful.

“You’re wearing a dress.” He says almost unbelievably, his eyes raking the length of her.

She huffs out a silent breath. “I really should have worn those slacks.” She says, pursing her lips regretfully.

His eyes rest on her full lips set in rebellion. Painfully, he recalled how soft they felt when he kissed her the other night. A kiss he somehow hasn't stopped thinking about.

He could never have imagined that Electra had all these curves hidden behind those hideous slacks and coveralls he's seen her on.

She feels his gaze burn her lips.

The kiss.

She hasn't stopped thinking about it either. Anders had taken her by surprise with the kiss. A kiss she was finding difficult to erase from her memory.

Her lips tingled under his gaze. She bites a corner hoping to still the sudden current zapping through her. But it's useless.

Instead, her mind trails to the memory of the kiss. His lips against hers, hard yet soft and in control. She wanted him to kiss her again. She cussed herself for even daring to think that.

Her cheeks colour at the train of her thoughts. She swallows.

The moment too intense, Electra takes it up on herself to diffuse the growing tension.

“Why are you gawking at me?”

Anders clears his throat. “Nothing. You look-”

Her expression becomes masked.

“Feminine? Bimbo-ish?” She interrupts him, expecting to get insulted by him again.

“-Different.” Anders finishes.

Electra's pump flatters. She was preparing to give him a piece of her mind if he said something in that line. She relaxes.

“That's new.”

They stand in awkward silence. For once, they aren't hurling words at each other.

“Do I get the pleasure of knowing who this electrifying beauty is?” Orion is standing by Anders. His eyes not once leaving Electra.

Electra is grateful for the interruption by the strange man.

Gesturing between them, Anders introduces. “This is Electra. Electra, Orion, my partner-”

“And best friend.” Orion finishes for Anders.

Anders glared at him. Orion ignores him, moving past him to stand closer to Electra.

“You, my dear, are stunning.” He takes her hand and plants a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. His hold lingers, lazily caressing Electra's hand, a charming smile splaying his lips.

Something tightens in Anders' chest. “Orion.” He calls in warning.

Orion rolls his eyes and lets go of the soft yet strong feminine hand. He places a hand over his mouth, pretending to whisper but loud enough for Anders to hear.

“He's a freak. And pretty annoying too.”

Anders frown deepens. Electra smiles.

“It's good to meet you, Orion.” She says.

“The pleasure is all mine, pretty.” Orion says flirtatiously.

“Orion, that's enough.” Anders says. His voice holds the same warning tone.

Orion looks at Anders then at Electra. “I can't believe you agreed to be his pretend girlfriend.” He says, shaking his head.

Electra's brows grew together. She looks at Anders. “He knows?”

“He tells me everything. Well, most things.” Orion answers for Anders. “I must thank you for agreeing to do this even though he’s quite a difficult man. He's trying to fulfill Granny's wish. And granny is trying to fulfill the promise she made to his parents.” Orion smiles softly.

“Granny is everything to Anders.” Orion continues. He wants to make her happy all through her last days. She has cancer -”

“Orion.” Anders growls.

Electra glances at Anders. His expression is masked, but she senses his fear. The fear of losing a loved one. She's been there. Her gaze lingers on him. He's not so rock hard after all.

Orion stops. Realizing he has run his mouth ahead of himself, he tries to lighten the mood. He holds his hand over his mouth again in mock whisper.

“Told you he's annoying.”

Grasping Orion's intention, Electra grins and plays along. “I already figured that one out.”

“Ah!” Orion turns to Anders. “She isn't just pretty. She's a smart one too.” He beams with smiles.

Electra laughed. “You're a charmer, aren't you?”

Orion flashes his brows and smirks. “And aren't you just so sweet?”

Electra laughs a little harder, concluding in her heart that she liked Orion's personality. “I see what you're doing.”

Orion turns to Anders. His gaze wide, big and filled with excitement. “I like her!”

He turns to Electra. “And I'm certain granny will like you too.”

Electra looks between both men. “She's here?”

“Oh yeah. She has never missed any of Anders' corporate events. She wants to spend every time she can with him.” Orion supplies.

Electra peels her eyes to Anders. His jaw clenches as he returns her gaze.

Someone calls Orion. He looks in the direction of the call. “I'll be back, I've got to handle this.” He says and leaves.

But Andres and Electra are too absorbed in themselves that they don't hear him.

“Electra?” Someone calls with uncertainty and perplexity.

Electra jolts and stills. She knows that voice. She remembers it too well.

Anders lifts his head first, following the call. His eyes land on Karl, an associate in his firm.

Anders doesn't like Karl. He's an ass kisser following him around seeking to get a promotion from grovelling at his feet.

Karl walks up to them. “Sir.” He greets Anders. “Electra.” He calls with conviction.

“You know him?” Anders asks, passing glances between them.

Karl’s gaze doesn't leave Electra as he responds. “She’s my girlfriend.”