She tried to press her thighs together but couldn't because they were being held apart by him. She bit her tongue as he gazed down at her teasingly, enjoying the anticipation he knew she must be feeling. When she couldn't take it anymore, he rubbed his fingers against her knickers, feeling the wetness at the centre.

She wanted to disappear from embarrassment, knowing that there wasn't anything she could hide from him. He stroked her core while looking up at her to meet her passionate eyes with his own lustful gaze.

Holding the sides of her panties, he pulled them down in one swift move and held her thighs using both of his hands. His tongue was on her folds before she could process it, sending a sudden wave of pleasure up her spine.

"Desmond…" She moaned out his name as her toes curled and her eyes shut tightly. He flicked his tongue up and down her core as his finger teased her, rendering her powerless.

She stroked his hair as he moved up to kiss her neck, using his elbows to support himself. When he reached at his sides to take off his boxer briefs, she knew what was about to happen and didn't dare look into his eyes.

He paused to observe that her hands were clenched into fists. "You're still scared."

She looked up at him and immediately averted her gaze, shaking her head. "It's alright."

Although that was what she said, he knew better to believe her when he could feel it. It was still alright a heartbeat ago but now it wasn't, he would be lying if he claimed that he wasn't confused.

He didn't want to make her uncomfortable so he slid off her.

She sat up, trying to fight the urge to cover her chest but had to give in in the end. "I'm sorry."

She waited for him to click his tongue and leave the room or worse, kick her out. However, he helped her put her dress back on and straightened it up while trying not to make her any more uncomfortable.

"Honey, did something happen?" He asked in the gentlest tone. He didn't want to sound intrusive, but it would be much better if he knew what was on her mind.

She took a deep breath and shook her head. "Not exactly."

He didn't say a word, but she knew that she couldn't hide it forever. They were already in a relationship now, and it was unfair to keep hiding such things.

"I mean, something almost happened when I was younger. It was scary, that's all. I'm still getting over it." She braved it, but couldn't bring herself to go through the entire thing.

He didn't dare to ask for details either, because he could make a guess and it wasn't something easy to talk about. It must have been much scarier than it sounded, or it wouldn't randomly cross her mind. He gathered her in his arms." Let's get over it together. Don't feel obliged to be in a rush."

"But you are…" She pointed at his bulge. Wouldn't that be too uncomfortable?

"It's alright."

"Thank you for being understanding." She rested in his arms, relieved that he didn't feel grossed out nor was he impatient.

"You don't need to thank me. I don't want you to be uncomfortable." He softly kissed her forehead.

"Hey, I didn't tell you so you start treating me like a delicate doll." She jokingly complained. He sounded like he was about to start asking for permission to hold her hand or kiss her.

He chuckled, since he was indeed wondering how he should treat her in future. "How about this? You set the pace. You can stop whenever you feel uncomfortable and when you are more comfortable, you can proceed." He suggested.

"Sounds great." She smiled and pulled away to prepare to leave.

"Why don't you stay the night?" He wrapped his arm around her waist to stop her from leaving his embrace, earning a frown.

"We have to go to work tomorrow. How will everyone react when they see us entering the office building together?" She scolded him, wondering just who was the boss between the two of them. She had to do most of the thinking, while he proceeded to do whatever he wanted as though they were the only ones in the entire world.

He smirked, not comprehending what she was so scared of. "They already saw us kissing passionately in the elevator. This won't be anything new."

"Well, you win." She groaned. How dare he win an argument? Where was the justice in that?

_

The next morning.

The duo met Mr. Bryce to finalize their deal and sign the contract.

The man looked more jovial this time, unlike his moody self the first time and the awkwardness the second time. After exchanging emails with Zaria a few times, he was looking forward to collaborating with Preston and Fort Group. He had even brought his wife along.

"The two of you look exceptionally happy." The beautiful brunette woman, Mrs. Bryce, commented.

"Yes we are." Desmond could barely keep his mouth shut about their relationship and Zaria had to secretly jab him with a smile.

"The company won something we have been trying to get for a long time." She came up with a credible excuse on the spot, making a mental note to pinch him later.

"Congratulations!" Mrs. Bryce smiled jovially.

"With an assistant like her, it would be a surprise if you lost deals." Mr. Bryce commented, complimenting Zaria. He had interacted with her a few times and he had to admit that if she ever resigned from Preston and Fort Group, he would do his best to employ her in his company.

Desmond knew that the Bryce couple was eyeing his assistant—which wasn't anything novel since even Natalie had tried to scout her. His face was laced with a content smile. "You are right. She is so good at her job that I scold myself for not finding her earlier. But then again, good things don't come by so easily, do they?"

Zaria frowned slightly at the side. Why did his words sound like they had a double meaning? Seeing the look that the men exchanged, she was right.

Mr. Bryce glanced at his wife who was intrigued by Zaria. "You are right, they don't. Which is why we should treat them right."

"I couldn't agree more." Desmond pulled Zaria to his side to hold her hand. She forced a smile to stop herself from giving him a good jab in his chest. As soon as the Bryce couple left, she used all her strength to land her elbow in his stomach.

"Is that your way of expressing your love?" He winced.

"What was that all about?" She pushed him to the wall to interrogate him. How dare he hold her hand in the presence of other people?

He burst into laughter at her annoyed expression that was extremely cute. "My love, I can explain. They already know that we are in love. They are so deeply in love themselves, how can they not recognize another couple?"

"Then we should perhaps…"

"No!" He interrupted her before she could come up with an insane suggestion. "I'll be more careful." He promised.

She chuckled after having successfully bullied him. How satisfying. He deserved it for bullying her in the past.

_

That evening, she hummed and sang a romantic tune as she cooked dinner.

"In my heart in my head it's all clear now

Hold my hand you've got nothing' to fear now

I was lost and you've rescued me somehow

I'm alive I'm in love you complete me

And I've never been here before

Now I see

What love means…" She sang with her eyes closed, holding a spatula at her chest and pretending it was a microphone.

"You are so happy." Theodore felt the romantic mood as soon as he entered the kitchen, and he couldn't help smiling as he watched his love-struck daughter.

"Yes. I have a boyfriend now." She announced with a cheer.

"You do?" He was taken aback by the news even though he had guessed it as soon as he heard the song she was singing.

She nodded and continued to cook. "Please don't ask to meet him yet. We aren't ready to announce our relationship—at least not yet." She added, knowing how impatient parents could often get.

"Zaria…" He looked at her skeptically, making her laugh.

"Not that we have anything to hide!" She quickly defended herself, giggling. "Don't worry, I'm neither doing anything wrong or that I will regret. Don't give me that look. You will grow old if you don't smile more!"

He could only laugh. "Good luck my dear. Just don't stay quiet if he does anything to hurt you."

"I won't, I won't!" She agreed with an excited nod, even though he was certain that she had not heard a single word. She was too excited.

__

Song recommendation: Unbelievable—Craig David