Deadly charming like a viper

Ashley

“What if I tell you I will make sure you become the next chairman of Cooper Groups!” 

Those words were enough to make me halt on my pace. He knew exactly what I desired more than anything in my life.

“I am confident in my skill to get what I want, Mr. Heinsberg. Thank you for the offer.” There is nothing stupid than feeding milk to a snake and hoping it would not bite you. Zachary was nothing different from a viper. Charming, venomous, and dangerous. 

Zachary had the charm to attract its prey, injecting his venomous fang in his victim's body and killing it. Unlike snakes, who kill to feed and fend. Zachary does get his way. There is no such thing the great Zachary can't have. If he wants he wants there is no…there is no if. 

Someone should have hit teenage me for falling in love with him out of all the people on earth. What did I fall for even? He has nothing friendly to his character. Was I dumb? 

As I turned once again to leave, a hand grabbed and before I could even react, a familiar warmth and citrus smell enveloped me. The familiar scent of citrus and birch brought me back in time. 

***

Ashley's POV 

“Zake, look it's the new perfume shop everyone was talking about. Let's check it out.” I pointed at the small store, with a violet wall located right at the intersection. 

“Don't you hate strong smells because they give you a headache?” Zake looked at me, his eyes concerned about my idea. 

Butterflies almost burst out of my stomach hearing him worry. There were too many things I hated, even my family found me picky and annoying but seeing him notice and remember every little detail made me melt to my knees. Oh God! If you exist please make sure this man is my husband and father of my kids!

“Yeah, but this is different. This is not a strong smell like those packaged deo. The owner created a few special scents all from natural stuff. Let's go, no…please.” I pleaded well aware he never refuses my pleas even if it's as absurd as jumping off a cliff, I know he would do it. 

“Ok, if it's too much. Tell me immediately, Leah. So we can leave the store immediately.” After much hesitation, Zake gave in, as we walked into the store. I feel transported to another world. The small store had this floral scent around the air, the shelves on the wall decorated with dried flowers and herbs. The shop assistant greeted us with a warm smile, showing us the place and every type of perfume they had. 

It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Some smells were stronger than others, but out of all the smells stood out. The fragrance was sweeter than I expected. The citrusy smell mixed with some subtle earth and spicy hint undertone to it. It was sweet but if you smell further, the earthy spicy tones become distinct just like someone. 

“I will take this.” I took a quick glance at Zake who was busy staring at me. After this long, I have somehow gotten used to having his eyes over me at all times. The shop assistant went to pack the perfume, handing me the bill. 

Zake almost grabbed the bill trying to pay, but I was fast. I handed my card to the assistant before he could refute it. “Shush! I am paying. You can pay it back by doing my homework.” I glared. 

The shop assistant saw our conversation, and she must have thought I bullied the poor guy and forced him to do my work. But that was the case. Zake never agrees to me paying unless I ask him to pay back through some chore. I hurriedly grabbed the perfume and my card before dragging Zake out of the store. That was embarrassing. 

“Leah? You okay? Was the perfume too much?” Zake didn't seem to notice the awkward stares from the assistant. Classic Zake was always oblivious to people around me and if I just twitch my nose he notices. 

“No. Ahem! Here!” I handed the perfume bag to him. “I want you to wear this every day from now on…so that everyone knows that You're Mine.” 

***

“If that was the case, you would have become the manager by now. I am not saying you are not competent enough Leah but your father will never accept a female heir.” Zachary’s words brought me back to the present. Those pale grey eyes were staring into me, stirring the hidden feelings once again. 

Those dark auburn hair cascaded to his forehead. His arched eyebrows challenged my feelings. The icy pale eyes are like the siren of cold seas. The high-ridged nose or the clean-shaven face. Everything screamed perfection. The navy blue suit embraced his body. Only three words are needed to describe him. Tall. Lean. Muscular. I know why the young me fell for him. He was the most beautiful viper out there, trapping you by the elusive beauty as its venom slowly kills you. 

“None of your concern, Mr. Heinsberg. Let go of me.” I finally got back my voice and tried to push him away. Sweet lies were better than bitter truth and that was a thing, every word Zachary said was true and it was too bitter for me to swallow. 

He remained quiet, his eyes fixated on me and it was after a few seconds he finally let go of me. “If it concerns my dearest wife it concerns me. I know my Leah, she didn't let go of opportunity especially when it comes to her career. Don't tell you to change and accept your faith that women can't be a ruler.” I know every word of Zachary was just to provoke me to agree and young me would have taken the bait. However, adulting shows the real picture of life, the reality that keeping calm and composed is the only way to do things. 

“Might be. People change after all. I am fine being a team manager if that's what I am competent for. And I would prefer if you stop calling me by anything other than Ashley or Miss Cooper. This was a pleasant meeting, I hope you don't take the rejection to heart.” I gave a polite smile as the playful smirk from Zachary’s face was wiped off instantly. I didn't take another second and left the room.