Chapter 2

(Sydney, Australia.)

ARLAN POV:

The party air was heavy and stifling with hollow laughter and shallow formalities and little expression of any real amusement, at least from my end.

The conversations about trivial business talks intrigued me only a little. I've already had a stressful day at the company and I'm certain that I do not need anymore of it. My cheeks are starting to hurt from the forced smiling I had to do whenever I got noticed by someone that I may or may not be acquainted with.

I took a gulp of the cold glass of champagne, my third glass already, to keep my throat warm ahead of the conversations I might have soon. I checked my phone like I have been doing for the past thirty minutes, and pretended to be busy on it whenever anyone tried to approach me as I wasn't ready for another conversation.

"The balcony!" I remembered, an open escape from the stifling atmosphere. I glanced around the room over my shoulders making sure no one would try to rope me again into an insipid conversation.

I made my way up the stairs keeping my face straight and eyes up, careful not to make eye contact as I weaved through. The last thing I want is to get pulled back into another mind mumbling conversation about someone's new job or role, vacation plans or some trivial complaints about the weather and the occasional chuckle, mostly from the ladies, that quickly frizzles out into an awkward silence.

It would've been much easier to leave but I had to see Penelope otherwise she'd throw a fit at my office and that's not a scene I'm looking forward to on a Monday morning.

I finally made it to the balcony, the cool air mixed with the sweet smell of Bourbon roses that decorated the iron railing, its deep crimson petals contrasting against the pale stone and bronze iron was sharp and refreshing compared to the air inside.

There were only a few people out here like me. believe, who needed a temporary escape from the confines and brief reprieve from the dullness inside.

I needed another drink- this time as company to fully appreciate the view of the city skyline stretched out in the distance before me. I turned around and leaned in against the support the railing offered and signaled with my hand to the waiter who stood a good distance from me, looking my direction with his tray almost empty save for a single glass of wine as if he was waiting for my command. With a curt nod, he made his way over.

"Ladies first, don't you agree?" A smooth, sultry, feminine voice said from beside me at the same time a slender hand stretched out and took the wine before I could.

I turned instantly to my left side, curious to know who this unfamiliar voice was. My eyes met with hers. A perfect shade of glossy brown round big eyes, her sharp pointed nose must have been immaculately shaped by God himself.

Her dark, long and shiny hair cascading in soft waves over the delicate curve of her shoulders. Her heart shaped lips, painted with a maroon coloured lipstick, curved in a playful mischievous smile like that of a spoiled little girl used to getting whatever she wanted.

My eyes proceeded further down. She had on a well fitted mustard yellow sheath dress that accentuated her narrow waist before flowing seamlessly into a straight skirt that fell right about her knees. The neckline dipped just low enough to highlight the beautiful curves of her collarbone and neck.

"Thank you." She says, winking at me before walking away in an elegant graceful allure.

Finally, something interesting. I went after her before she could disappear into the crowds.

SARAYA'S POV:

I made my way towards the entrance, drawing appreciative attention and glances to my beauty and style. The party was just as I expected - soothing with soft music, friendly conversations and enough wine to drown in the worries of the family drama that greeted me in less than forty two hours since my arrival.

It was all I could think about. I am my father's illegitimate daughter after all, suddenly showing up will cause an uproar. That, I am well aware of.

The party served to me as a dawn before the dark, a brief break to all the bullshit happening in my life all at once with no mercy. A moment of pause before my next chaotic chapter.

I took the glass of wine from the tray and flashed a flirtatious smile at him. He wanted his wine and I wanted him. From the moment I saw him from afar. My insides did a double flip.

He looks wickedly handsome in his grey suit and pants, his blond hair brushed to the back highlighting his strong jawline and piercing blue sapphire eyes that could command my soul if he wanted me.

Seeing him alone, I had to seize my chance and unleash my feminine charms but not too much. I wouldn't want to appear like the other girls throwing themselves at him earlier in low demeanour - desperate for him to look at them more than once.

I had made sure to stand close enough so he could get a sniff of my scent and arouse his senses. Said my words in a soft careful cadence and mischief that seemed to be effective and walked away leaving him dazed.

I knew my actions would leave him fascinated and curious, it didn't surprise me when he caught up with me and held me gently by the wrist.

"Excuse me Miss."

His voice was exactly as I expected a man of his build and perceived status to be- deep, rasp, smooth, brazen and well articulated in his aussie accent. And his touch, warm and respectful.

I turned around in careful grace, keeping my expression as surprised as one could be; my eyebrows raised and eyes widened a little.

"Yes?" I raised my voice a bit to add an effect to the expression on my face.

"Hello Miss," He paused to catch his breath, "My name is Arlan. Arlan Reef. And you are?" His lips then curved into a smile that made my pussy water. His eyes steady on mine with a glint of interest bouncing in each,and my hand still in his.

"Saraya Hilton. Came for your wine?" I teased as I took a sip and but my lower lips.

He raised my hand up to meet his face, slowly lowered his head and kissed the back of my hand with soft ease.

"Miss Hilton, you're new here. Aren't you?"

"What makes you think so? Do you know all the people present here or should I say women to distinguish between who is new from who is not at a glance?" I slid my hand through his, barely brushing his palm and letting only the tips of our fingers touch before entirely removing my hand from his hold. My eyes still intently fixed on his. He flicked an eyebrow.