Nik's POV

What was I even thinking coming into her room yesterday? See her once more before going to bed? kiss her goodnight? or was I expecting something more?

Fine I'll be truthful, I was expecting something to happen last night . Like damn it, it has been so long since I did it. Initially, I could pride myself on being sexually active but now I was probably turning into a monk - all because of one woman.

Sometimes I would sit and let my thoughts wander and then keep wondering what makes Maya so special? why I felt so drawn to her? what makes her so different from the others? why do I like her more than the others?

Is it the way she smiles? or the way she pouts her lips and the legendary vein standing out on her forehead whenever she's angry? or the way she falls into ridiculous situations while I'll be the one to rescue her always ?

But one thing was for sure, with her around there was never a dull moment. It's like she's my own personal sunshine; a sun made specially for me and no one was going to take her away from me. Not now, not ever.

I took a glance at my wristwatch, picked up a magazine and sat down on the chaise lounge

instead of pacing up and down the room without purpose.

My mind was awhirl with thoughts even though I was flipping through the pages of the magazine featuring fashion shows and models clad in bikinis barely covering some essential parts.

Perhaps because I was hypersensitive, my ears perked up the moment I heard a creaking sound. I glanced up immediately the door to the fitting room slowly opened .

Tossing the magazine to the side, I stood up the moment Maya came into view and my breath stopped without even realizing it.

It seems the world froze for a while as I stared at the goddess standing a few meters away from me - she looked unbelievably beautiful in it and I was right to pick that outfit.

Maya was wearing a red strapless satin sweep gown that had a high slit at the side exposing a bit of toned thigh. The dress emphasized her lean waist and though it was not pouring at her feet but it would've be if she wasn't wearing a matching stiletto heel.

Her hair was picked and pulled to one side before braiding, giving it a voluminous look while leaving a few tendrils hanging at the other side of her face.

The makeup done on her face was flawless especially with that lustful colour on her lips that made my below tighten and my pulse to quicken.

It seems I stared for too long cause Maya was beginning to shift on her feet uncomfortably while scratching the back of her head, eyes staring everywhere but me.

I didn't even realize when a smile tilted my lips and I covered the distance between us with just two steps, reaching out an arm to pull her closer.

"You look incredibly beautiful " I said to her and she blushed in reply.

Maya has always being pretty but now she was dressed up and all, her features were amplified, not to mention she looked hot and elegant in that dress.

But suddenly I felt a pang of jealousy hit me, If I could find her pretty and considering the fact I have an eye for beauty , then the men at the party would definitely ogle her on sight.

Was it too late to change her out of this dress? I once saw a baggy styled dress on the garment rank, that would suit her right?

But I knew I was sounding ridiculous, the women at the gala wouldn't dress any less than Maya did, moreover it was a formal occasion, she has to look her best ; the men can stare as much as they want, they could only watch but not touch her anyway.

I ran my hands down the curves of her body and felt her shiver as I spoke softly into her ears " I think I've changed my mind, we should go to bed and forget all about this party "

Maya rolled her eyes and shook her head with a smile having figured out the hidden meaning behind my words.

She reached out and adjusted my bow tie saying " There is no way that's happening especially when you're dressed this sexy, I want to show you off to the world "

I knew she was intentionally flirting back but my heart couldn't help but skip a beat - that was one of the most sexy things she has ever said to me.

My grip on my her body tightened and I pulled her hips flush against mine - against my arousal - and looked down into her eyes saying,"This is what you do to me Tigress"

I watched her gulp nervously and I knew she felt it, knew it, my voice was deep and husky with desire and tonight I was going to cause a very big commotion at the party - she doesn't have to know yet.

Maya pulled away quite clumsily, did my blunt confession stun her that much?

"We have to leave remember? " she breathed and I smiled, she was trying to escape again.

" Fine then, let's go " I said and tried to hold her hand but she pulled away causing my brow to raise questioningly .

But to my surprise, she hooked her arm through mine and said excitedly " Let's go "

And so we left the departmental store which belonged to me anyway and walked outside to the limousine driven by Judy. I opened the car door for her and slide inside after her.

I watched her take in the interior of the limousine and when I thought she was about to gush on how beautiful it looked, she asked instead

" Why is Isabella not here yet ? "

My expression changed at once. Oh that, what a buzz kill.

"Where is Isabella? You said she was going to catch up with us , why is she not here yet? " She peppered me with questions when she didn't get a response from me.

Finally I answered, speaking with a drawl

"Don't worry about Isabella, she's fine. Just currently under house arrest "