CHAPTER 4 DEVLIN FRUSTRATED WITH INABILITY TO LURE AND HOOK MABEL

     Twenty minutes after the first call for prayer the next morning, Devlin went in search of the sheikh. There was a mosque nearby so it did not take long for the male Muslims in the villa to have their prayer. As he suspected, the sheikh was already in his office.unlike most of the sheikh’s counterparts, he always likes to work early. The sooner you start, the faster you accomplish something is what he told Devlin one time when he was curious enough to ask. Before he could stop himself, Devlin blurted out

     “Where’s your PA?”

     “She does not come in till 8 am. Even if we work here most of the time, I make sure she comes to work not too early unless necessary. Why do you ask?” The sheikh raised his brow at Devlin.

     “Nothing, it is only that ever since we arrived, she seems to be your shadow. I rarely see you without her hovering by.” Devlin hedged.

     “Shadow hmm, I guess you are right but not really. She is quite efficient, besides my signature, should there be something that needs to be done, she can execute it with my blessing. Do you remember when we first met in New York? You asked me what I would prefer in an employee and I told you that I need employees who can work independently and most of our employees are like that. Mabel and her cousin are very independent-minded ladies that I believe were a product of open-minded parents. I have yet to meet Mabel’s mother and her siblings but we will be meeting with her aunt, our business partner in the Philippines. Perhaps you have heard of them, Mrs. Claudia Gonzales and her son are our business partners in the Philippines. I think it is the RGGC. I am not sure if they changed the name since Mr. Gonzales passed away.”

     “Ahh, which business did you invest in? I have heard of them when I visited the city, quite successful but down to earth family is what I heard.”

     “We are co-owners of their Siren of the North, a cruise ship which we’ll be visiting soon. Maybe you can come too?”

     “Sure I would love it too when my schedule allows, that is.”

     ”Devlin, why are you here this early?”

     “Well, do you remember, I was about to go to the city proper in a week’s time? Looks like I may have to postpone moving. Do you remember, I told you about my half-brother? My assistant warned me that he may be coming to the middle east to wreak havoc on my life. I do not know why, I never crossed his path in New York. My assistant said he has his eye on Farinah’s Fashion House.”

     “But why?We have just started reviving it? Do not worry about it, it probably is just a rumor but I appreciate you telling me this. At least whether it is true or not, we can still set up security. Now, why don’t you sit down and have some coffee, it’s nearly 8, Mabel will be here soon.”

     The mere mention of Mabel caused a hitch in Devlin’s heart. Darn, he must be going mad. Talking of the angel, Mabel strode in looking refreshed and composed compared to him who can’t tear his gaze off her magnificent form. She’s wearing a flowing dress that clung to her curves. For some reason though, he has yet to see her in a dress with an open neckline or sleeveless at most. Maybe it has something to do with the UAE being an Arab country, but she wore a mini skirt the day before. Being covered however added to Mabel’s allure. 

     “Good morning Sir Abdullah, Mr. Devlin. Have you had coffee yet, gentlemen?”

     “Yes we did, Mabel, Just go ahead and have some for you. Do not worry about the document, I found it last night and I have already sent it. By the way, are you and your cousin set for the trip to Dubai tomorrow?

     “Yes Sir, when will we depart?”

     “My wife said, we’ll be leaving tonight so we will be all set up for the fashion show tomorrow.”

     “I look forward to the Dubai trip, Sir. It has been a while since I went there.”

     “Any particular reason?” Devlin couldn’t help but butt in.

     “Well, we had been really busy and everytime we planned to go, something always came up, but it didn't matter. We’ll make the most of it .”

     “Mabel, I would leave you to your work but you may stop at lunchtime so you can prepare for our trip. There’s nothing much for now though as everything has already been prepared.Okay, if you have nothing more to say Devlin, I will leave you guys here. Mabel, please tell Ami I am taking the Sheikha with me for last minute shopping before our trip. See you both later today.”

     “Enjoy your shopping.”

     Mabel waited for Devlin to leave but he was comfortably typing away on his laptop. When she surreptitiously glanced at him, he was quite engrossed in what he was doing. Well, she thought, if he is comfortable seated there, why couldn’t she. As he was opposite her desk and she was busy reading her emails,she didn’t notice that he was staring at her in earnest. Getting comfortable, she crossed her legs forgetting that anyone seated opposite her would see her actions. Her dress may be flowing but it has a slit on the side and once she crossed her legs, it opened showing off her long limbs. Devlin couldn’t take his eyes off her smooth thigh that was revealed and heat started to accumulate in his loins. He struggled to return his attention to his work. He kept glancing at those wondrous limbs. Suddenly, Mabel uncrossed her legs and they were covered again.

     “Shit!” 

     “Were you saying something, Mr. Devlin?”

     “Mabel, how many times do I have to say, call me Varrick when we are alone?”

     “We are in my employer’s office so I think it is but proper for me to address you as Mr. Devlin or Sir.”

     Beyond annoyed, Devlin strode towards her and stood her up, tipping her face towards his before claiming her mouth hungrily. Mabel thought of pushing him and slapping him but her arms did something extraordinary, it went around his neck and pulled him closer. Needing no further coaxing, Devlin angled his head for a better position and kissed her hungrily eliciting a soft moan from her. She must have realized what she did though because she suddenly pushed away from him and stayed him with her hands all the while feeling heat rise to her face. 

     “Excuse me,” she muttered and walked out of the office head held high. 

     “Damn!” Devlin was frustrated because nothing seems to be working with the woman. One moment she was responsive and the next, she turned frosty. A part of his anatomy is already straining against his pants begging to be let go. He’s running out of tricks and worse, he won’t be going with them tonight. He wanted to keep swearing but nothing could be done. She escaped his clutches again, damn the woman. He needed to cool his head, both heads actually, one up here and one down there. She is the only woman who kept him aroused most of the time,yet no amount of self-help can lessen what he was feeling. True, she never looks at him with disdain or indifference anymore but she still manages to escape him. He wasn’t used to pursuing women, women always pursued him. He left the sheikh’s office and was about to go to his own suite when he heard voices in one of the empty halls on the ground floor. Curious, he went to investigate and saw the young man he met during the sheikha’s birthday along with 5 more. Mabel was holding one of her tutorial lessons. Devlin did not miss the adoring faces of the younger men, one especially who kept tugging at Mabel’s hand. Mabel was smiling at the man, much to Devlin’s annoyance. He wanted all her smiles and attention although he couldn’t fault the younger man. Unaware that she had an audience, Mabel continued with her lessons handing out what looked like worksheets. 

     Wanting to help her and at the same time to be with her, Devlin approached her, making her startle. 

     “Need help?”

     “Not really but since you are a native English speaker, I guess you could be our guest tutor. Gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. Varrick Devlin, owner of Sean Devlin Enterprises and Al Fahezi’s business partner. “

     He noticed some of the men’s scowls except the young man he chatted with who waved him over happily.

     “Mr. Devlin, nice to see you again, Sir. Thank you for helping out our Ms. Mabel.”

     Mabel blushed but Devlin pretended to not notice it. He went around checking on what the worksheets contained and having familiarized himself with those, he helped in earnest. He was seated with one of the less chatty males when Mabel approached them. She gave him one of her smiles and then moved to another table.

     “We have 10 minutes more gentlemen and then I have to let you go so I can prepare for my self-defense class. Care to join later, Mr. Devlin?” She grinned with obvious malice in her eyes. Never backing down from a challenge, he replied.

     “I would love to. “

     Mabel did not expect him to accept and she suddenly felt apprehensive but she shrugged her shoulders which Devlin noticed. Having finished with the worksheet, he left the table of the young man and stood next to her whispering in her ear.

     “You need some challenge, eh? I will give you one and do your worst.” After that he licked  her earlobe. Mabel was shocked by the sensation it caused and her body shivered. Devlin smiled, she is affected alright. 

     Before the ten minutes was up, everybody was leaving and soon some of the household staff started to arrive. Mabel was very comfortable with them and she even flirted with some of the gentlemen including Fidelo, the Spanish chef, a new member of the household just like her cousin. Devlin was barely able to contain his growl when he saw the Spaniard coming up to Mabel and playfully dragged a fingertip up her arm. Mabel swatted it and glared at him though. Undeterred, Fidelo kept teasing her until she clapped her hands and declared.

     “If you just want to watch, please go sit on the benches, if you want to participate, please sit on the floor.” Only a handful sat on the floor including Devlin who earned a raised eyebrow from Mabel. Not beyond herself showing off, she asked him to stand up. “By the way, Mr. Devlin was kind enough to volunteer as our practice material.” Everyone laughed.

     “Careful Mr. Devlin, otherwise you might not be able to walk for some time.” snickered Fidelo. 

     “Shut up Spaniard! Why don’t you join us?” 

     “Sorry Mr. Devlin, you took his part for today so you will have to bear with us. “ The practice demo she showed them was when a man tackles you from behind. Although Devlin was well-versed in martial arts himself, he decided to humor Mabel just so long as he could hold her. 

     Wrapping his arm around her tightly so that he could feel her softness, he whispered, “Is this tight enough sweetheart?” The timbre of his voice washed Mabel in sensuality that she felt her legs going jelly under her, she felt the delicious hardness of Devlin’s chest. “This is a crazy idea,” she whispered back, trying to wriggle free of his embrace. “Ah, ah, remember, you have to show them how to get out of a man’s embrace, when you wriggle your bottom, it means you want the man to fuck you,” he whispered emphasizing on the crude word. Mabel gasped. 

     “Okay, friends, watch,” she said and then slackened her posture against Deviin, allowing her to drop slightly out of his embrace, gripping his torso and flipped him over. Devlin looked up at her form above him smiling down at him. Embarrassed, he stood up but graciously said, “That was a heck of a job. Well done Mabel and I have to watch myself around you from now on.” he laughed with all of them. He waited for everyone to disperse and when there was only the two of them in the hall, he strode towards her caging her against the wall with his arms on both sides of her face. 

     “You won this time. Mabel, but be warned. I do not take losing lightly. Watch your back sweetheart.” Mabel’s heart was beating so fast at their position and as she peeked up at him, she was horrified to see his face so close to hers. Before she could react, her mouth was claimed and she was pushed against the wall, she felt a hard bulge against her belly and she squirmed causing Devlin to grip her hips and hold her steady. As punishment, he ground his pelvis against hers. “You’re very delicious Mabel, I will have you no matter what, mark my words my precious!” he left her quivering with desire. 

     “Damn you Devlin!” Mabel swore before exiting the hall and went to her room. She used her pent-up energy in packing and unpacking and then packing again. When she was finished, she sat down angrily on her bed. Her defenses are slowly being eroded by Devlin’s kisses and if she doesn’t take care, history will repeat itself. That memory was like a douse of cold water and she shuddered.

     “Not again, Mabel, not again. Your desire caused your downfall so be very wary. Men are all the same, they want your body and then when they get bored, they will dispose of you. “ She breathed in and out and when she calmed down, she double checked her suitcase. When someone knocked on her door, she was calmer.

     “Who is it?”

     “Me, cuz, please open your door.”

     “Come in, it is unlocked.” The door opened with Ami struggling to hold two shopping bags. 

     “Lazy bones, why didn’t you open it for me?” Ami complained then dropping the bags on Mabel’s bed.

     “What are those?” Mabel mouthed

     “Our employers bought us these. They said we’ll use it on the show.”

     The cousins took turns trying on the clothes they were given, satisfied with them, Ami left Mabel to rest before they joined their employers on their trip.

     Mansour will be accompanying Devlin in the morning as he doesn’t really have to do anything besides watching the show. Ali is driving his sister so they left as well. 

     Left to his own devices, Devlin concentrated on the contracts Larry sent him. One contract had him doing a double take and so he phoned Larry.

     “Larry, explain why we are having a contract with Alina’s boutique? I never approved the partnership. “

     “Devlin, calm down. It is Carter’s now. He thought it was just a formality since we already are in partnership with him.”

     “Hell, no! Whatever thing connected to that shrew is a no. Let Carter contact me if he wants to talk but I won’t sign this contract. What happened to the owner anyway?” “

     “Rumor has it that they parted ways because apparently Alina is in league with Tire.Looked like your former lady love seduced her way into Tire’s bed. “

      “Spare me the particulars and she was not my lady love, probably yours as I know you have enjoyed screwing her while she was busy fucking me. Well, let Tire deal with her then so long as they stay away from my businesses. What’s the update on the news you told me about a few weeks ago?”

     “Only that they have been renovating an old building downtown and are still in the process of making the building serviceable. Should I hear more, I will update you. By the way, I never screwed her, I have my bloody fiance. She tried but she only succeeded once and that was it. I swear it. I would never disrespect my fiancee that way. “

     “Oh wow, just when did you have a fiancee? Congratulations old man!”

     “For us lowly humans, we have our own lives to live unlike some of you high and mighty people who just have women pass through their hands like water.”

     “Oh please, spare me your hypocrisy Larry. Do not say you haven’t enjoyed the debaucheries I introduced you to. Between the two of us, you were the one who enjoyed two women at once. Anyway, just update me as I have an early start tomorrow. We have a fashion show to run in Dubai so enjoy your affianced life old dog.”

     Devlin showered first before he settled down to sleep, he always slept in the nude. Halfway through his sleep though, he dreamt of the woman again. She was wearing rags and huddled in a corner, when she saw him, she shuddered and seemed to shrink into herself. Devlin approached her gingerly but she started screaming and blood was oozing from her. There was blood everywhere and then he saw Muckie with a knife in his hands slowly carving out pieces from the woman, Devlin screamed. He awoke drenched in sweat. After that he knew it was pointless drifting off to sleep. These nightmares only happened when there was trouble on the horizon and he didn't like it. Then he realized Mabel travelled last night. Did something happen to them, to her? He sat up quickly and texted Ali frantically before he recalled his surroundings. He breathed in and out finally calming down. His text was sent anyway and he received a question mark in return. Idiot, he called himself. Maybe he is being paranoid,

     At exactly 7 am, Mansour drove him to Dubai. Devlin is still unfamiliar with the highway to Dubai and not only that,once you get lost in the city you’ll end up in another emirate so he did not mind. They arrived at Peregrine Hotel where the Fashion Show was about to start. Being the partner, he sat with the Sheikh and Sheikha up front. He only saw Ami and when she noticed him twisting this way and that like he was looking for someone, she whispered,

     “Don’t worry, you’ll see my cousin in a little while.” she smiled prettily with a wink. Ali grabbed her and pulled her next to him while scowling at Devlin. Devlin smirked at him. Pretty possessive but he knew Ali did not declare his feelings to the pocket-sized Venus. Farinah Fashion House is showcasing gowns first for Arab women followed by casual wear. Next came the Formal Work Wear that Ami and Mabel had been involved in. Devlin did not really care for the clothes being paraded, but the workwear got his attention. The models walked down the catwalk in what looked like denim but so subtle that you won’t even notice until you look closely. After the work wear was finished, came the night gowns and that was when Devlin saw Mabel. She was modeling for one of the night clothes. She was wearing a silk scarlet night gown that hugged her curves. It was designed as a long-sleeved demure gown but for Devlin it was way too provocative. He was nearly drooling when he saw how Mabel was strutting down the catwalk. It did not help that some of the male audience were also looking at this particular number with interest, he noticed that they were also appreciative of the model. His mind was screaming MINE and he clenched his fist. He tried to appear unaffected but only a person who knew him better would notice the slight twitches in his face. How did he not know that she would be modelling, Ami glanced at him and grinned. These cousins are really troublesome. Devlin wanted to get up,grab Mabel and spirit her away from here. His imagination could only supply what his eyes can’t see but honestly,aside from the skin on her legs and thigh, he wanted to see the rest of her. Finally the show came to an end with their designer up front escorted by Mabel and Farinah. When they bowed, Devlin nearly came out of his chair as he saw how the gown opened to show a glimpse of Mabel’s endowments. If people noticed he did not know because all too soon, they were leaving the catwalk. He stayed seated but he couldn’t wait to waylay his partner’s PA so he could just do what he wanted to do ever since that lap episode. He did not have the chance to make good on his plans though because the Al Fahezi’s ushered their important audience to a sumptuous buffet in the banquet hall nearby. They all waited for the models and the designer though. When they appeared, Devlin sighed his relief as Mabel was wearing a black suit consisting of a white inset blouse, blazer and slacks much to his frustration. When everyone went to pile their plates with food, he went to sit next to Mabel and pretending to be an accident he caressed her slacks-clad thigh. Mabel jerked when she felt his touch. 

     “Oops, sorry, my bad” Devlin said but leaned over and whispered, “Sorry, not sorry. You were magnificent up there earlier, well done. Care to join me in my suite later?” Mabel was shocked and some of it may have shown on her face because the sheikh suddenly appeared next to Devlin and asked

     “Is my partner bothering you, Mabel? I can remove him out of your sight if you want.”

     “No sir, I am alright. Nothing to worry about.” As soon as the sheikh nodded to them and turned his back though, she threw Devlin dagger looks. When everybody was busy out of their seats, she pulled him to a corner out of earshot and out of sight and blurted

     “What is your problem, Sir?! Why is it so difficult for you to understand to keep away from me?” She just realized she pulled him away from the safety of the crowd when she felt her back against a wall as he slowly caged her in. Devlin took that opportunity to gave her an assessing look from the tips of her toes peeking under her sandals to her beautiful face. He slowly caressed her face and let his fingers glide down her throat towards the edge of her blouse and slowly dipped his finger inside. Mabel gripped his hand and tried to push him away but Devlin restrained her wrist in a gentle hold slowly raising her fingers to his mouth and sucking them one by one. Mabel couldn’t even raise her knee because he locked every part of her body with his letting her feel how hard she made him. Mabel squirmed and gasped when she felt his arousal getting harder.

     “Care to join me in my bed upstairs now, Mabel sweetheart? I will pleasure you in ways you wouldn’t dream possible. “

     “Let go, you beast. How dare you accost me like this? I am not your mistress or your lover or whatever you call your women. I am your partner’s PA and you must please treat me with respect. I don’t know what made you think I am a loose woman when I always made it a point to be out of your way.”

     “That is the problem, Mabel. You always avoid me and I do not know why.” Before she could say some more, Devlin kissed her into silence. Mabel did her best to remain stiff although her insides were rioting and melting but she was determined not to be swayed by the man’s charms. Devlin pinched her chin enabling his tongue to glide inside her mouth. He explored her mouth and relished the sweetness within. Mabel squirmed some more and when she was able to get her knee some space, gave him something to remember her by. Devlin let go of her suddenly because of the unexpectedness of her action. As soon as she was free of him, she walked away from the hidden alcove and went to join Mansour and Ali making sure she was seated between the brothers. 

     “You okay, cuz? You look like you have just been from a battle instead of a fashion show.”

     “I am okay although I do feel like I battled a beast. Is the food any good?”

     “Yep, yum, yum.yummy in my tum,tum, tummy. By the way, have you seen Devlin?”

     “The devil or I meant Devlin? Maybe he went to his hell hole for all I care.” Mabel stood and went to get some food. 

     The trio at the table chuckled. 

     “What’s up with Mabel? She looked distracted. “

     “She is always distracted ever since your father’s partner was around. Do you think he is hitting on her?”

     “Come on Ami, I don’t think Devlin would do that.”

     “How do you know Mansour? You have been busy playing I think.”

     “Me, playing? I am a working man, Ami. You are just blinded by Ali because he has been crowding you of late.”

     “Watch it, Mansour! I will forget that you’re older than I am if you insult her some more.” Mansour smirked at Ali and Ami before they noticed Mabel coming back. She was almost by their table when she saw Devlin approaching as well, she did an about face and walked towards the opposite table. Devlin followed her though. It was too late for Mabel and it would be very obvious she was avoiding him if she moved again so she stayed put but tried to get as far away as possible.

     Devlin was having a bad day. First, Mabel kneed him and then tried to avoid him and now,she won’t even look at him though they were seated in one table. Just as he thought that was the last straw, the sheikh and sheikha came over and monopolized the conversation. Devlin wasn’t happy with his partners at the moment. He endured all of it and vowed to do something to get Mabel alone with him. If he can’t bed her soon, he has to find a way to relieve himself of his problem down south. Maybe he’ll try some of the bars in the nearby hotels, maybe he’ll meet someone who would be more accommodating than this formidable woman. How can Mabel refuse his charms, he tries to be subtle but everytime they get in each other’s space, sparks fly and he couldn’t control himself from kissing her or touching her. 

     The sheikh noticed that only he and his wife were talking so he nudged him.

     “Care to share what’s on your head, American?”

     “I apologize, I am just thinking about the contract my assistant sent me, that’s all.” Mabel threw him a doubtful look and smirked.

     “As I was saying, that was a fantastic show Mabel and I think you should be a regular in our upcoming fashion shows. Even our designer said so. We are also thinking of including Ami for petite-sized clothes but she wouldn’t budge. “

     “Only a mule can make Ami glide on a catwalk. God knows I tried very hard to encourage her but she won’t just do it. “

     Devlin ignored their conversation and just proceeded to eat what he got from the buffet. When he was done, he excused himself and went to the men’s room. He sent Larry a message asking for some advice regarding wooing women. He finally accepted that his usual way of pursuing women won’t work on Mabel. When he got back to the banquet hall, everybody was leaving so he went to his own suite and planned his next moves.

“