“A proposal?”
Now it was Vlora who was shocked. Without exaggerating the situation, a proposal would always be the sweetest dream of any woman in general. The man of her dreams comes and invites her to take the path of marriage. Unfortunately, not a proposal of this kind!
Vlora tried to remain calm and composed. She took a breath and shivered slightly as she realized the masculine scent of Andreas enveloping her senses.
“I don't see any valid reason why you would intend to propose to me. Likewise, I don't see any reason why I should accept your proposal,” Vlora said in a flat tone. “I don't see any reason why I should accept your proposal.”
Andreas grimaced in frustration once again. “Oh, come on. Don't be so formal with me, Vlo. I'm not your boss. How can I propose to you if you consider me as someone like Lucas? Let me say it again. I'm not your boss, okay?”
“It's true that you're not, but you are a friend and business partner of Mr. Hernandez. That means you hold a similar position to his.”
“Damn it!”
Whether consciously or not, Andreas cursed out that word in frustration. It seemed that he lost control a bit when Vlora actually equated him with her friend, Lucas Hernandez—the boss and CEO of the IT-based company.
Meanwhile, Vlora glanced at the numbers scrolling on the elevator display. The situation was pushing her impatience.
Why is this elevator slower than usual?
“Fine.”
Andreas' voice sounded again. Vlora's attention returned to him just as he asked a question.
“Do you need a reason?”
Vlora narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
“I'll give you a reason,” Andreas said, nodding firmly. “I want to marry you because you are the only woman I desire.”
Now, Vlora's eyes widened. Her mouth opened, but Andreas' index finger acted faster. It landed on the red-painted lips to silence any argument that Vlora could utter.
Oh, my goodness!
Andreas cursed again. This time, he truly realized the foolishness of his actions.
Regardless of Vlora's seemingly aloof nature and her always maintaining a professional attitude towards Andreas, she was still a woman. Her work outfit, a combination of long basic pants and a feminine suit, made her look confident. The impression of intelligence and calmness she exuded made Andreas realize something—Vlora was a unique woman.
Attractiveness through beauty and coquettishness? That was commonplace. But attracting through intelligence and composure?
Andreas grinned. His eyes roamed Vlora's face, and it was not difficult to draw a conclusion.
This is a real woman!
A faint crease appeared on Vlora's smooth forehead. A reflexive reaction emerged due to the surprise brought on by Andreas' words.
“What?”
Vlora would not allow herself to be intimidated. Neither Andreas' masculinity nor the confident aura emanating from his body could stop her from taking action. Slowly, but surely, she moved his finger away from her lips.
“I'm sure you can find someone else instead of compromising your dignity for a woman, right? Especially considering that you are a respected and educated man.”
Wow! That hit the mark!
Vlora's response sounded so calm, yet it struck precisely where it was intended. She believed it would be enough to push Andreas back. However, who could predict what was going on in the man's mind?
See? This is what I want. Arguing and exchanging words. A woman who doesn't want to lose. A woman who remains confident even in difficult situations.
The crease on Vlora's forehead deepened. She noticed the unexpected turn of events. It started with the reappearance of the crooked grin and was followed by the raising of one of Andreas' hands.
Before she could anticipate it, Andreas moved quickly and grabbed Vlora's waist. He pulled her close, their bodies pressing against each other.
“Sir!”
Vlora raised both hands. She intended to push Andreas away, but instead, another pull targeted her nape. Any possible protests from Vlora were instantly silenced. They all disappeared in one kiss.
Her eyes widened. Vlora tried to push Andreas with all her might, but no gap was created.
Andreas moved. Pushing. Pressing.
Vlora found herself cornered and helpless. She was trapped between the cold elevator wall and Andreas' warm chest.
Andreas' hand firmly held the back of Vlora's neck, keeping her in place. He would not waste the only opportunity he had to silence all of Vlora's words.
Andreas' lips moved. It started with a gentle motion, as if softly massaging Vlora's lips.
Slowly. Gradually. Andreas added a touch that disturbed Vlora's breath. Followed by nibbles that successfully made Vlora even more disoriented.
A smug smile of victory appeared on Andreas' lips. It was exactly as he had anticipated. It looked forceful, but it also concealed a certain tenderness.
Vlora's lips responded, provoking Andreas even more. His primitive side was awakened, rising in the heat of the moment.
Andreas nibbled. Again and again. He interspersed the kisses with pecks at the corners of Vlora's lips, and then extended his tongue.
Andreas' tongue caressed both of Vlora's lips. Instincts were triggered, and Vlora shivered. Her hands, which were initially raised to push him away, now unconsciously gripped Andreas' suit.
Andreas concluded his warm tongue caress. He stopped right at the entrance between Vlora's lips and took his position. Then, he slipped in, entering that gap.
Vlora closed her eyes tightly. Again and again. She did not anticipate what Andreas would do. Apparently, the man was not only skilled in playing with words but also with his tongue.
Andreas' tongue entered. She felt the warmth inside and immediately felt it touching her own tongue. Like a guest gladly introducing themselves to the host, Andreas engaged in this intimate contact flawlessly.
Sweet. Wet. Boiling warmth. It all made Andreas unable to control himself.
Andreas sucked. Vlora's supple tongue became his target. He ravished it and ended with a small bite.
But it did not stop there. Because of Andreas' pull on her waist, Vlora felt something odd. Something hard and obstructive.
Vlora opened her eyes. Awareness returned just as Andreas released his tongue.
The kiss unraveled. The intimate pecks ended. Unfortunately, they were followed by wet traces on Vlora's neck.
Her sanity was threatened. Vlora's breath became even more labored. Her grip tightened, and she gathered her strength to put an end to it all.
“Stop,” Vlora whispered hoarsely and haltingly. She closed her eyes tightly, drawing in whatever strength she had left. It almost proved that she could barely control herself. “Andreas.”
Andreas' kisses halted right at the curve of Vlora's neck. He froze and slowly opened his eyes, breathing unevenly. When he pulled back, he found Vlora desperate in his embrace.
Her thick eyebrows closed. Her slender cheeks blushed. Her lips were swollen.
A triumphant grin appeared on Andreas' face. As Vlora opened her eyes, he asked with a victorious tone.
“So, I can make you say my name this way, right?”
Vlora froze, unable to move.
“By kissing you?”
*
Vlora's face turned red. Andreas' sharp words brought an indescribable sense of shame. She wanted to curse and swear, but how could she inadvertently mention Andreas' name? To make matters worse, was she swayed by that kiss?A crooked grin still lingered on Andreas' handsome face. His eyes sparkled with an intensified charm. It seemed he took pride in the fog he successfully created in Vlora's eyes.Andreas shifted his focus. Now it was directed at Vlora's glossy and slightly swollen lips.There was no need to ask. Surely, that was the result of his actions.A sense of joy spread through Andreas' mind, contrasting with what Vlora was feeling.Ding!Vlora and Andreas both looked towards the source of the sound. Specifically, the slowly opening elevator doors. One signal elicited two different responses from the pair of human beings.Vlora took a deep breath, while Andreas smirked.Unfortunately, the smirk did not last long. A moment later, Vlora pushed Andreas and quickly ran out.Andr
Andreas opened the door to an apartment unit he had occupied for almost six months. It was a luxurious dwelling, but sadly, it was not one of his many personal assets.It belonged to Lucas, his friend who gladly provided a place for him to hide from his own family's eyes.Andreas walked in with a casual stride. He took off his jacket and tossed it carelessly onto a passing sofa.A minimalist bar filled with various bottles of alcoholic beverages was Andreas' destination. He chose a bottle of brandy to accompany him through the night.Crystal glasses were available, with three ice cubes inside. The brandy joined them, and Andreas took a seat on a round chair.For a moment, Andreas swirled the glass. He let the coldness blend with the distinct taste of brandy. Only then did he take a sip, savoring the richness of the sensation.Not just a gulp, but a brief taste. It was like a first greeting for his tongue. Then Andreas truly took a deep sip.A throaty sigh reverberated through Andreas'
The air caught in Vlora's chest. It seemed that welcoming Lucas was the first trial she encountered that morning.The elevator doors opened. Vlora put on a polite demeanor and prepared herself. Lucas stepped out, and the presence of someone accompanying him wiped the smile off Vlora's face instantly.Vlora quickly regained her composure. She took Lucas' briefcase and greeted them, “Good morning, sir.”Lucas replied with a short nod. He walked next to Andreas, indirectly giving Vlora a moment to catch her breath before they continued.It really was not a pleasant start to the morning for Vlora. How could fate test her patience so early?Because it was Andreas. His attitude and actions, whether intended or not, were sure to wear down her patience. Vlora was sure of it.Vlora opened the door and invited her in. While she went to Lucas' desk to put the briefcase away, her boss and Andreas decided to take a seat on the sofa.“Do you mind if I ask your secretary to make us some coffee?”And
Vlora resumed her work after serving coffee to Lucas and Andreas. She was immersed in a sea of data and words, completely focused. So serious that she almost did not notice Andreas leaving Lucas' office and approaching her desk.Andreas pulled out a chair and sat down. He observed how serious Vlora was, taking him a couple of seconds to realize that a pair of eyes were staring at him.“Sir,” Vlora said.A ticklish feeling fluttered in Andreas' stomach as he caught the surprise in Vlora's eyes. It brought a certain sensation that was enticing to him.“It seems my hunch was right,” Andreas said, exhaling. He nodded with a teasing expression. “You only call my name when I kiss you, don't you?”Vlora froze. Her beautiful face turned red. Reluctantly, she tried to suppress the flicker in her chest that threatened to explode in the near future.“I apologize, Sir. I just thought it was inappropriate for us to discuss such matters here. As you can see, we're in the office.”Andreas fixed his
The evening had approached when Vlora unconsciously looked at the back of her hand that received a kiss from Andreas earlier that morning. She was momentarily stunned, her face hardened and heated. Then she took a tissue and wiped it off.Useless, indeed. There were no traces left by Andreas. But Vlora felt the need to do it anyway.Lucas's office door opened, and Vlora immediately stood up from her seat.“I'm going home. Tomorrow, let's meet directly at Granduta.”Vlora nodded once. “Alright, Sir.”Without saying anything else, Lucas left. He walked leisurely, taking out his phone from his pants pocket. Just before he entered the elevator, his voice echoed faintly.“Ve, I just got out.”After the elevator door closed, Vlora sat back down. She finished some work, occasionally glancing at the clock on the computer monitor. It was clear, without needing to ask, that she was waiting for Andreas, with a thought crossing her mind.Maybe this is truly the best decision.The descending eleva
It was not a fancy restaurant that Andreas had in mind. Vlora's assumptions were slightly off when Andreas actually took her to a renowned mall.Located on Oregon 99, Prime Avenue Mall was their destination. It was a solid and classy building known for its variety of original imported brands.“Did you know that dinner is usually at seven?” Andreas asked casually as he unbuckled his seat belt. “Right now, it's only half past six.”Vlora unbuckled her belt as well. “So?”“So, I've booked two tickets. First, we'll watch the movie and then we'll eat,” Andreas continued, giving her a teasing look. “What do you think? A good idea, isn't it?”Watching wasn't a good idea. They would be sitting side by side in dim light for quite some time. During that time, Andreas might test Vlora's patience to the limit.Oh, Lord. It would be very exhausting.Unfortunately, there was nothing Vlora could do about it. The tickets were already booked and they had arrived.So, Vlora did not say anything. Instea
"So, everything's taken care of, right?"Dinner was just finished. Andreas had just closed his fork and knife next to his plate. However, it seemed that Vlora's statement did not refer to the end of the meal.Andreas lifted his face when Vlora cleared her throat with a few sips of water. Then he took a tissue to wipe away the faint moisture that remained on her red lips."Our date is over, and I can already tell that we shouldn't get married," Vlora continued without hesitation. She looked at Andreas with a calm gaze. "I decline your proposal of marriage. We're not compatible."Andreas took a deep breath and finished his drink. Then he looked at Vlora."It's not time to draw conclusions yet, Vlora, my dear."The term of endearment made Vlora fall silent. Maybe she was feeling insecure or preparing herself for the possible consequences. It could be both.After putting his empty plate aside, Andreas settled into a more comfortable position. A mischievous smile appeared on his face, alon
For a category of men like Andreas—for Vlora, he was a man who tended to be rough and mischievous—the choice of Westlife as their companion on the ride home was quite surprising for Vlora. It contradicted Andreas' outward appearance.Andreas glanced over, his often-teasing gaze sharp enough to catch even the slightest difference in Vlora's expression.“Why?” Andreas opened the conversation. “Don't you like the song? If not, you can change it. What song would you like to hear? Taylor Swift?”Vlora shook her head. “I like Taylor Swift's songs, but it doesn't mean I dislike Westlife. I was just surprised by the fact that you're playing Westlife.”Andreas burst into laughter. He genuinely laughed heartily at Vlora's honesty.“So, you thought I'd play what, Metallica?”Vlora did not answer. Of course, she had not guessed Metallica. But at least not Westlife.“Actually, I wanted to play Metallica, but I was afraid our dinner would come back up through our mouths.”Forty minutes passed. Andr