CHAPTER 3 AMERICAN GETS INTRIGUED WITH EMIRATI BUSINESSMAN PARTNER’S PA

     Devlin could have stayed in a hotel in the city proper if he wanted to but he preferred to stay in the villa. For one, both he and his partners could have a meeting anytime they want, second, he could keep an eye on his elusive prey who proves to be becoming more elusive by the day. Though she is present during their meetings, as soon as they are done, she just disappears. He couldn’t say she is being lazy because he always receives the minutes of the meetings on time. Since he also is looking to expand his business in the Middle East, he is almost always out and meeting with potential partners. However, luck must be on his side because Ami’s birthday came up and they went to Ferrari World to celebrate it. As usual Ami’s partner was Ali while Mabel was with Mansour, again. This time though, he tagged along. The elusive lady had no choice as he was invited by Ami and he grabbed the chance. When they reached the Amusement Park, Ami was ecstatic to ride the rollercoaster. When Mabel realized that Devlin was coming, she ran after her cousin but she missed them. She had to deal with his presence which amused him. She looked so delightful in her white shirt and jeans. She was wearing a pair of sneakers, he noticed that she has a preference for a certain brand. He stored that in his brain for future uses. When they were watching Ami and Ali, Mabel probably forgot who she was with because she suddenly grabbed Devlin’s hands and nearly hugged him before she momentarily realized who he was. Her head nearly reached his ear so that confirmed his suspicions regarding her height. Just what he preferred, a tall woman for him, a very shapely woman too. While Mabel was cheering for her cousin, Devlin couldn’t help but watch her. Shapely brows, small eyes, straight edged nose, lush lower and upper lips, dimples on both cheeks, heart shaped face and a fair and rosy complexion. She just takes his breath away. She looks like an Asian fairytale goddess masquerading as a human being. She doesn’t seem to be comfortable with her looks though as she always tries to disguise it by wearing caps,well both she and her cousin. Most women he knew with not so perfect features flaunt what beauty they have but these two women puzzle and intrigue him most especially this tall sweet-smelling woman next to him. He could see them watching something with his arms around her and kissing her. When she turned around meaning to hug him in her happiness for her cousin, Devlin inhaled her scent, jasmine with cinnamon, very intoxicating. He itched to hold her in his arms and kiss her senseless. 

     “Hmmm, I wonder how you would taste.” he whispered in her ear so only she could hear.

     Startled, Mabel looked up at him and glared. Although she glared at him, she couldn’t help but feel his nearness and inhale a special kind of aftershave. No matter how much she hates it, he excites her and makes her all tingly inside. This caused her downfall a couple of years ago and here she is again. Mabel hates herself more than she hates him. It is not his fault that he is American, tall and handsome but at least he’s not a blue-eyed blond. His eyes are green, she is sure of that, his hair reddish brown. His face is like a cross of Channing Tatum and Hugh Jackman if that was even possible, only a bit tough-looking. She recalled a hard muscular chest when she fell on him accidentally a year ago but gentle arms when he steadied her after. Mabel couldn't suppress the shudders running down her body so she masked it by pretending to shake with laughter when they were watching Ali. Recalling that she nearly hugged him, she scooted nearer to Mansour. Devlin noticed her subtle movement and he scowled. How the heck can he carry out his plan if she is always skirmish in his presence? After a few minutes, they went to the ride entrance to await Ali and Ami. The two were laughing as Ami was teasing her companion about the ride. They went to a steakhouse in Yas Mall as Mabel’s cousin apparently enjoyed steaks. Mabel was seated opposite Ami while Ali was seated next to Ami. Mansour, to Devlin’s annoyance, sat next to Mabel leaving him outside on a separate wooden chair. Devlin didn’t show his annoyance, he just continued chatting with Ami all the while annoying Ali who probably wanted to hoard the lady’s attention. 

     “Welcome to my world,” he whispered to Ali who gave him a murderous stare. Wanting to test if Mabel is as affected as he was, he flirted with one of the restaurant’s waitresses who was game enough to flirt back.From his peripheral vision, he saw that Mabel was clenching her fist. She probably thought no one saw her clenched fist under the table. Devlin grinned to himself, payback, he thought. They all enjoyed their food and then all of a sudden, Mabel excused herself and got out of her spot, accidentally brushing Devlin’s leg on her way out. He instantly felt the electric charge between their bodies. Mansour followed suit though before Devlin could react. The two chatted a bit and then they disappeared out of view after exiting the restaurant. While Ali was settling the bill, he was telling Ami of his travels, especially the latest one in the Philippines. Mabel and Mansour reappeared holding a gigantic bag. When they all stood up and prepared to leave, Mansour dumped the bag on Ami who nearly dropped it if he wasn’t quick enough to help her. Ami squealed her delight upon seeing a huge stuffed Ferrari car. Ali complained.

     “Why didn’t you tell me? She did not even squeal her happiness when I accompanied her to the rollercoaster ride.”

     They all teased Ali. Ami was so happy even when they were suddenly ordered to go home. Devlin opted to stay behind saying he needed to do some shopping. He found out from Ami that Mabel celebrates her birthday on the 10th of October which is coming up. He was also able to get an idea of what Mabel likes, a certain perfume brand, perfume scent and books. When he parted from the group, he went in search of the gifts he wanted to give Mabel. He found the perfume, a particular book. Since he is fascinated with Mabel’s neck, he went to a popular jewelry store and bought her a necklace. He noticed that Mabel was fond of white gold and was confirmed by her cousin, so he bought her a necklace with a pair of earrings. The necklace pendant was a whitegold heart with a purple opal stone in the center. The earrings were a match to the pendant. He just bought them on a whim. He wanted to buy a necklace with a heavy pendant that would fall between those beautiful mounds he could see outlined by the cross fitting shirt she wore but maybe in the very near future. Thinking about those, he wondered what they looked like,how they felt and tasted. Imagining things sent a reaction from down south and he cursed. After accomplishing what he thought as shopping, he took a cab and asked to be brought to the villa in Al Reef. 

     He still has questions but he did not want to look so interested or else he’ll blow his plan. When he arrived in the villa though, there was a message from Larry. Seeing it wasn’t urgent or so he thought, he concocted a plan as to how to lure Mabel. Being a businessman, he was used to dealing with problems head on. He will just have to approach Mabel and find out in his most businessman manner why she was wary of him. The rumor he heard in the Philippines is still ringing in his ears and he wants to find out the truth. The only way to find out is to talk to the woman, he thought. With this plan in mind, he went in search of Mabel. 

     Although this day was given as a gift for her and Ami, Mabel was still working. He found her in Sheikh Abdullah’s office typing something on her computer. The Sheikh was not there as he had to accompany his wife somewhere, taking the opportunity to spend more time with her. Running their businesses took most of their time together. Looks like whatever was asked of them was done because Ami seemed to be locked in her own room. He knocked softly until she heard him. He saw her stiffen but she asked politely

     “Yes, Mr. Devlin, how may I help you?”

     “May I come in, though?’ On Mabel’s nod, Devlin went in. “Are you busy? Do you need to finish something?”

     “No, Mr. Devlin, this is not an urgent document, so, how may i be of service to you?” 

     Hearing the words of service brought an erotic image in his mind and he had to control his body. “Talk Devlin,” he uttered somewhat loudly. Mabel looked at him with a questioning stare.

     “Sorry, talking to myself. “ 

     Not wanting to be rude, Mabel waited patiently. With only the two of them in the office, she was a bit nervous but she tried hard not to show it. She just wants him to say his piece so she can work. Devlin moved his chair nearer and Mabel blinked her eyes not believing what he was doing. While all her instincts warned her to move, she stayed where she was. Besides, where would she go? When she tried to turned her head away, a large hand suddenly gripped her chin and gently moved her head to face him. Mabel gulped. Devlin felt her nervous swallow and he wanted to follow that swallow with his tongue on her neck. He made do with gently stroking her neck with his thumb. Her neck was so smooth and soft and not fighting the urge, he dipped his head and inhaled deeply. Mabel was shaking with nerves and looked at his bent head helplessly. She did not know where to place her shaking hands. Devlin took pity on her and caught them caressing each knuckle with erotic sensuality. Mabel tried to tug them free but he won’t let go.

     “Mr. Devlin, “ she gasped. “Please let go of my hands.” 

     “Why Mabel and please call me Varrick. I thought I told you that in the Philippines. “

     “Mr. Devlin, Sir, you’re making me nervous.” She tugged one last time but Devlin held on and then raised both hands to his lips. He took his time kissing them and even licked them. Mabel was horrified to feel an answering tingle from somewhere down her anatomy. She was barely holding on and she was hating herself by the second. What is it with this man that makes her insides go crazy. Not even Carter brought this reaction from her. She felt her lips drying and so she swept her tongue on her lips. Seeing that tongue elicited a soft groan from Devlin. He reluctantly let go of her hands but he did not apologize.

     "Am I making you uncomfortable, Mabel? I just wanted to ask why you avoid me at every possible opportunity. Have I offended you? Is it because of that unfortunate but lucky event for me last year? I won’t apologize for that because seriously, I enjoyed our encounter.” he grinned wickedly.

     “Mr. Devlin, please Sir, if you have nothing important to tell me, please leave me in peace. I do not understand why you seem to be pursuing me. We are leagues apart, you can have your pick of women. Why are you wasting your time on me?” 

     “I wish it was as easy as that because honestly, I also can’t understand myself. I am drawn to you for whatever reason, You do not dress provocatively but the mere sight of you cause me discomfort.”

     “Well, if that is the case, why don’t you just go on with your life?”

     “You misunderstand, not the bad kind of discomfort. But nevermind, just tell me and call me Varrick or Devlin. Drop the Mr. Tell me why you are so wary of me?”

     “Mr., err Devlin, I wish we could just let it be. Maybe in time I will feel comfortable around you but at the moment, I just wish you could leave me alone for a bit. It’s not you I hate, but don’t ask please. You have done nothing bad to me,on the contrary, you have been doing your best being nice and I do not like it. As you are my employers’ partner and in essence, my boss too, I do not want to be rude. To be fair with you as you have been honest I hope with the way I make you feel, I would like you to know that you discomfit me. Whenever you are around I feel these fluttery things in my stomach and they disrupt my senses. Can you just please give me some breathing space?’

     “On one condition.”

     “What is that?”

     “Call me Varrick when we are alone, not Mr. Devlin, not Devlin, not Dev, but Varrick. I want my name on your lips.”

     “Okay, Mr. Umm, Varrick.” Mabel speaking his name gave him pleasure. 

     “Alright my precious Mabel, I will leave you now but I hope you won’t run away again when we see each other. It makes me feel like I have a terrible affliction. “ When Mabel nodded again, he made a pretense of standing up. As he did so, he noticed Mabel drawing a deep breath and when she thought he was standing, he swooped down, captured her face and kissed her hard and fast. When she gasped he took the opportunity to slip his tongue in her mouth and tasted her. Mabel was caught off guard and so she involuntarily curved her arm around his shoulder. Devlin knew he's got her so despite his body’s refusal to let go, he released her mouth. Mabel looked dazed and her eyes looked hazy with desire. Devlin turned around and did a discreet pumping in the air. “I will see you around, sweet Mabel.” Devlin left the room rejoicing, one step ahead, he thought.

     Mabel shook herself, what just happened? She couldn’t believe he kissed her and she nearly responded. That kiss was magnificent and awoke a longing so deep that she knew she was in trouble again. 

     “Ohh, my heart, stop!” she scolded herself. Men like him aren’t for the likes of her. Although she knew he probably had affairs with many women and probably still has, when he decided to settle down,he would look for someone without a tainted past. She felt dirty and incompetent. She was not even able to save that precious life she was given. Just like that, Mabel left the office and went straight to her room. Remembering the life she lost made her cry. She stayed in her room, not even Ami could make her go out. Her eyes were puffy from crying so much that she decided to just message the Sheikh telling him that the document he needed was already in the flash disk in his office. After washing and brushing, she undressed and went to sleep. 

     The next morning Mabel awoke with a little headache but as soon as she took some paracetamol, she was feeling better. She had to prepare because she will be travelling with the Sheikh and his partner whose image caused a blush to Mabel’s face. Luckily, she was feeling better when she went down to meet down in her employer’s office. She just missed her cousin and the Sheikha who also went to Dubai for a business meeting. The Sheikh and Devlin have a meeting with some government officials regarding a charity event for small-income expat earners. Being compassionate people, the Sheikh immediately warmed to the idea. Once Devlin heard about it, he too was more than happy to be part of it. Mabel was surprised to see this side of the American. Her experience with a particular American wasn’t very pleasant. She was quiet all the way to the city center. Devlin was driving the car as the Sheikh was busy on the phone as always Mabel thought with a grin. Devlin saw her grin when he happened to look up at the rearview mirror. He noticed though that she seemed to have puffy eyes despite her attempt at concealing them with makeup. He noticed it because she rarely uses heavy makeup based on his observation. He wondered what caused the puffiness, could she have been crying? He doesn’t have time to dwell on that as they have arrived. As soon as they alighted from the car, Mabel was all business and elegance. She was wearing heels so she nearly was his height, she was also wearing a black suit that consisted of a lilac blouse, her skirt was probably an inch above the knees and she wasn’t wearing any stockings as far as he could see. His mouth watered at the expanse of skin she is showing. He will find a way to sit beside her on their way back, he thought wickedly. Naughty images were playing in his head and everything involved him and Mabel making out in the passenger seat. 

     “Varrick, really!” he thought aloud. Thankfully, both the sheikh and his PA were out of earshot. He was walking behind Mabel and he couldn't stop himself from admiring the swaying ass and hips. When he looked around him, he noticed he’s not the only one admiring the view. Another expat has his eyes glued on the woman’s behind and Devin had the uncanny urge of divesting the man of his ogling eyes. He stealthily went closer to Mabel and tried shielding her beautiful figure from anyone else but him. Though Mabel felt his nearness, she didn’t find anything wrong. She only gasped when she felt him slowly inhaling her scent. She wanted to scold him but she was trying to listen to her employer. When they reached the elevator, only the three of them got in. Mabel was aware of more people behind them earlier but she did not care. She was uncomfortable with too many people pressing around her so she was relieved when she only had to share the elevator with her bosses. She viewed Devlin as her boss to make it easier to avoid him is what she believed.

     When they reached the conference hall, there were already people waiting for them. Mabel approached another Filipina who also looked like a PA to another Emirati although they seem to be more familiar with each other. Devlin couldn’t fail to compare the two women, though the other was also elegant and beautiful, there was a worldliness in the way she carried herself, unlike Mabel who seemed to still have an air of innocence. She was less wary of him now and he was also delighted to note that she blushed whenever she catches him looking at her. She is really a delight to behold. In one of his companionable chats with Mansour, he learned that she is quite a martial artist. Aside from tutoring some of the staff, she also holds self-defense training for everyone interested. Maybe he’ll watch one time and contribute a thing or two. It would be cool to see a competent woman, he thought.

     The conference started and the PAs took their seat. Since Mabel is the sheikh’s PA, she sat next to him while Devlin was on her other side. How he wished he could feel her legs brushing against his. To test his theory, he testily nudged her leg. Mabel did not seem to notice. Not wanting to distract her, he just contented himself by letting his right trousered leg connect with her left leg. He has to collect himself, if he wouldn’t behave, he might embarrass them all so discreetly moved his chair a bit farther from Mabel’s seat. What Devlin did not know was Mabel was very much aware of him especially when he touched her leg with a nudge. She felt the heat from his skin and ignited a fame of longing in her. When he moved away though, she felt an emptiness. She couldn’t understand what she was feeling, she wanted him to want her but she was hesitant to let him charm her which she was finding to be very difficult everytime as she is charmed indeed. 

     Sensing Mabel’s regard, Devlin turned his head and looked at her. He smiled at her which caused Mabel’s heart to go aflutter. Mabel returned his smile and brought her attention back to the discussion at hand. Her smile felt like a punch to Devlin’s guts. It was the first time she smiled at him and it was a heady feeling. That will be his next mission, to make her smile at him more or maybe even make her laugh. He heard her laugh in the Philippines and it was the most wonderful thing he has ever heard. 

     Finally, the conference was over and all those present signed an MOU. Devlin’s plan of sitting with Mabel was crushed though because they had to pick up Farinah from university. Though frustrated, Devlin couldn’t complain. For the time being he is staying in the Al Fahezi villa. Just another week before he would move to the city proper. Maybe being away from Mabel would set his brain clock back to normal. Farinah was too happy to see them and chatted away happily with Mabel. Upon their arrival at the villa, the sheikha and Ami were already there and dinner was being prepared. Resigning to the fact that he won’t be able to talk with Mabel, Devlin joined dinner and everyone just talked about mundane things. When he looked at the Sheikh and Sheikha though, he was almost envious of the loving way they talked with each other. Everyone knows that theirs was an arranged marriage but the moment they set eyes on each other, it was like love at first sight. After dinner everyone retired to bed. 

     Mabel made her way to her bedroom. She was tired but she was happy. That conference will finally give some help to other expats earning less than most. She was also awed by Devlin’s generous offer. He already wrote a cheque and although the funds won’t be released until the project is underway, it was still a big move on his part. He was charming and endearing himself to Mabel by the day and she was having a hard time stopping it. 

     In his suite, Devlin was trying to decide if he would push through with leaving the villa. If he does, he won’t be able to see the woman who’s got him in knots with just the simplest of smiles. If he stays, he would see her everyday but he won’t be able to touch her. That was torture considering the kiss he stole from her. 

     “Mabel, what have you done to me?! You puzzle me and you torture me. Just thinking of her today made him instantly hard. He stood up, went into his bathroom and took care of his problem but it wasn’t enough. He decided then and there that he’ll leave in the morning. No sense in torturing himself. He came here for business, he tried to convince himself but he knew the truth. 

     “Darn it! He swore before he went to bed. A few hours later he awoke sweating. He dreamt about her again. Since there was no use sleeping, he  checked his emails and his decision to stay in town needs to be postponed.