"So there you are!"  Two strong arms came around her as she stood by the glass wall, gazing up at the sky  "Hey…" Ayla didn't have to turn around to know who it was. First, there was only one person beside her in the penthouse. Second, she could always recognize his touch. It felt like she belonged in his embrace; it felt like she was home finally.  "I was looking all over for you. Claude leaned forward and brought his chin to rest on her shoulder.  "I am sorry for making you worry." She turned her face to the side and placed a kiss on the side of his head.  "I am not taking that sorry, but I will gladly accept another kiss. Though somewhere else." He wiggled his eyebrows, making her laugh at the innuendo.  "And there's the smile I fell in love with." He snuggled his face deeper into the side of her neck, taking a whiff of

"Because it looks like I interrupted something important."  Her frown was the only thing which Claude could see but the helplessness which filled her eyes was enough of a giveaway for him. She was feeling guilty for interrupting their meeting. Well, it was more of a tour now. The actual meeting had already been wrapped up a while ago. It was what had Claude believing that her interruption was not going to have any repercussions. Even if there were any, he didn't care.  "It's fine. Don't worry." Claude rubbed his hand up and down her back to calm her down. Turning his attention to the group, he began. "Apologies for the interruption everyone, but let me introduce you all to my girlfriend." He was smart enough to not announce her name to the team. Though he wondered where Ayla was going with the secrecy.  "I am sure she must have a name." It was Mr. D'Souza who spoke up. There was a small smile playing acros

[Three weeks later…]  With a jump in her step, Ayla made her way to her favourite store. Things were going great with Claude finally. Everything in her life seemed to be on track. Well, almost everything.  Though Claude and her were spending more and more time together with each passing day as if they were in a relationship. They kind of were, but the man never asked her to be his girlfriend despite the fact that's how he had been introducing her to everyone who saw them together.  There was one other thing which was bugging her at the back of her mind. Because of peer pressure about them dating—if it could be called that—the two of them inadvertently started using black masks whenever they were in public. Neither of the two wanted to let others throw in their unwanted opinions about their relationship. Though somewhere deep inside her heart, she wanted the whole world to know that Claud

"Take your hands off her!"  Ayla's eyes flickered to the owner of the voice and a long sigh of relief left her trembling lips. "Claude…"  In between the chaos, Claude could only see her lips moving before her eyes rolled up and she fainted.  "Ayla!" He didn't waste another second and rushed to her, not paying any attention to the culprit. He would have plenty of time for him later. At the moment, the only thing which mattered to her was the wellbeing of his girl.  With hurried steps, Claude walked to where she was and started to untie the ropes which were holding her in place.  "How the hell are you here? Where are my men?" Gavin kept babbling but even then, Claude paid him no attention. He was so busy sheeting with rage that he didn't bother paying attention to anything else. Not the men, who were dressed in black from head to

[The following chapter includes mention of R-18 content. Kindly read at your own discretion.]    "You don't think that it makes me unworthy of you?" She managed to mutter out as she held Claude's gaze.    "You must have hit your brain if that's what's going through your brain." Claude scoffed as he leaned down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. This time she didn't push him away but responded with the same passion. It wasn't until both of them ran out of their breaths did they pull back.    "Do you understand now how much you mean to me?" Claude flicked her forehead as if he was reprimanding a small child.    "I do… you mean no less to me." She smiled for the first time today and it was enough for Claude to know that everything was going to be just fine. All she needed was a little time and his love.    "I love you." Claude mumbled