Heavy music regarded them at the hottest club in the city. Gena was a regular—so many smiles were thrown their way. A Few shots of tequila were what forced Gena onto the dance floor that was already on fire.Maybe this was going to keep her mind off things for a while, Claire thought as she took a seat at the bar. Smiling, she focused her attention on the bartender, who finally granted his utmost attention to her."Have you made up your mind? Because I'm not giving you a cherry soda with how steamy you look," the curly-haired guy behind the counter said."What makes you think that I want cherry soda, huh?" Claire asked smilingly. "And even if I did, what's the problem with that?" She already had a simple cocktail but she needed more."Everything is wrong with that. It goes against the Friday night rule," he shouted back."Oh, really now? Friday night rule?" Claire stared intently at him, and he was easily dragged into the sphere of her terrific eyes. “He blushed. Are you sure you have

Ryan silenced her with a kiss, stoutly taking control of her psyche. She grumbled, holding his shoulders for support as he squeezed her back tightly, paying no attention to anything else; they were in the parking lot and probably someone could've passed by.His lips, as always, were demanding of her mouth, twirling and swirling his tongue with hers, deeply, restlessly, both fighting for dominance. How she missed him! Claire couldn't deny this fact, and she felt conned when he pulled back, leaving her wanton."That's what I thought either," Ryan said, panting the same way she did. "But it all changed when I saw the picture of you, and that . . . that Panther. I hate it when you're with him, or any other man, while dressed like this. Fuck, can't you see how distracting you are, Claire?" He trailed his impetuous eyes down her chest, peeking through her swollen breasts barely covered by the dress cups.Claire scowled at that. Her dress was just a party dress and some chicks in the club ha

After dinner and shower they retired to bed. It was past midnight and evidently exhaustion was part of both of them.Ryan flicked the lights off. "You looked sexy in that red dress," he said while laying down."So I've heard," Claire bragged, "from two guys, excluding you." She grinned at him. Ryan glowered at her through the luminous mood outside. "Oh yeah? And you must be very happy, huh?" Sarcasm splattered on his displeased face."Of course, I am! Who wouldn't be?" Claire smiled, provoking him.Ryan sighed heavily. "I'll let it slide this time." He drew back onto the pillow. "But don't you ever dress like that when I'm not with you, get it?"There was a crazy part of Claire that loved his controlling nature. She had no idea why but it stirred her up in some strange ways, and even more from the fact that she would object to him whenever he played bossy."Says who? I can wear whatever I want . . . and whenever," she argued. "Okay, pray that I don't catch you," Ryan muttered. "Becaus

A short silence reigned as Bruno followed her direction. She was lost in this new information."But you know what?" Bruno uttered, urging her to look at him."Everyone knows that Doris feels more than just friendship for Ryan. It's just that Ryan has clearly shut himself up when it comes to her and she never stood a chance with him since way before.""Oh?" Claire felt some kind of relief and rage at the same time."Sometimes I feel sorry for her, and if she learns about this, I'm sure she'll be very heartbroken." Bruno's concern was for everyone close to him, it seemed.Claire admired his noble heart.Thinking of Doris, she uttered, "That is, if she hasn't learned that yet.""You think she knows?" Bruno asked, curious."I don't know, Bruno, and I'm not even sure if it's important anymore," Claire replied, no longer entertained with the subject.That jerk had been lying to her. She couldn't stop feeling mad about this."Why?" Bruno asked without imposing."Nothing, I'm just saying," Cl

On Monday, at work, Claire was inside Nathan's office after the morning briefing. The designs were proceeding accordingly, except for a few details made during their recent meeting."So, you think we should adjust a bit?" Nathan asked once they settled down, a big computer screen displayed with the specific illustrations."Not the whole thing. I was just thinking of using the false ceiling over here, and some LED lights with similar ambiance, but on this one . . . let’s keep it as it is." Claire was tentative, seemingly engrossed into her element."That sounds great, Levy!" Nathan said, and thoughtfully he studied everything they were discussing about.At last they were done with work matters."So how was your weekend?" Nathan asked when Claire got up to gather her notes."Just so and so; nothing major," Claire replied vaguely. "I'm sorry for leaving in such a frenzy at the club.""No, don't mind. I knew you were in safe hands," Nathan teased, grinning up at her."He seems like the je